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It’s Road Trip Season: Explore Hidden Seaside Gems

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

We all have our favorite seaside towns and beaches. In the Santa Clarita Valley, we are fortunate that we can access the ocean by driving to Ventura, Malibu, Santa Monica and other popular SoCal ocean locations. However, now is the season to jump in the car, with the sunroof open, drinks in the cooler and a bag full of snacks and explore some unexpected and little-known seaside gems in Northern California.

Trinidad

Info www.exploretrinidadca.com/

Eighty miles below the Oregon border is the picture-perfect headlands hamlet of Trinidad, the oldest town on California’s northern coast. If you’ve never heard of Trinidad, you are not alone.

With a population of just 360 residents Trinidad is one of California’s best keep seaside secrets. It’s also the perfect location to start your exploration up and down the Redwood Coast. In Trinidad it’s all about the sea.

Trinidad Head, Trinidad State Beach, Lighthouse Road and Bay Street, Trinidad 95570 Info www.californiabeaches.com/beach/trinidadstate-beach

Trinidad Head is a rocky promontory surrounded by sea stacks sheltering Trinidad Harbor, adjacent to the town of Trinidad. It is designated as California Historical Landmark #146. On June 11, 1775, Bruno de Hezeta, commandant of an expedition up the northwest coast, marched with his men and two Franciscan fathers from the shore of the bay to the summit of Trinidad Head and claimed it for Spain.

This lush, rocky outcrop with an elevation of 358 feet has a summit hike with ocean views. This 1.7mile loop trail is considered an easy route. Hike to the top of Trinidad Head to watch for whales. Trinidad State Beach is also a well-known surfing spot.

Trinidad Head Lighthouse

www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=61

Trinidad Head Lighthouse is a small tow-

er perched on a 175-foot shelf above sea level. The lighthouse is still active, with a LED beacon mounted outside the lantern room. The 146-yearold lighthouse was transferred from the U. S. Coast Guard into public ownership and the Bureau of Land Management in 2014. The BLM is currently managing the facility cooperatively with the city of Trinidad, the Trinidad Rancheria, the Trinidad Museum Society and the Yurok Tribe. Pedestrians may walk up Lighthouse Road for about one-half mile and go through the open gate to the 1871 lighthouse on the southwest edge of Trinidad Head.

The Trinidad Head Memorial Lighthouse, located on Bay Street, near the wharf, at Trinidad State Beach is a replica of the Trinidad Lighthouse and was built in 1949 to house the historic artifacts of the original lighthouse still located on Trinidad Head.

Old Home Beach

Edwards Street, Trinidad 95570

Info californiabeaches.com/beach/old-homeindian-beach

Previously known as Indian Beach, this is the perfect beach for tide-pooling and watching the sun set over the Pacific.

To reach Old Home Beach from the bluff above head down a trail with stairs at the corner of Trinity and Edwards Streets. Or visit the second beach access point, down a trail at the end of Parker Street called the Parker Creek Trail. Park on grass at top of the hill and walk down Parker Street.

Trinidad Pier

1 Bay St., Trinidad 95570

Trinidad Pier sits on one of the most ruggedly beautiful stretches of California coastline. This is the ideal spot to soak up one of the most spectacular and visually stunning parts of the state.

Refurbished in 2012, Trinidad Pier juts into Trinidad Harbor, a popular crabbing spot.

Views from the pier include wave-sculpted sea stacks and tree-covered Pewetole Island, along with one of Northern California’s prettiest villages. Sue-meg State Park

4150 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad 95570 Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417

The park sits on a forested promontory beside the Pacific Ocean. The one-square-mile park also offers a beach with tidepools where you can see purple shore crabs, limpets, ochre stars and orange cup coral. You can also peer out at the ocean to spot seals, sea lions and migrating whales. Sue-meg has a visitor center, a native plant garden and a reconstructed Yurok plank-house village.

Westport

Westport-Union Landing State Beach

25000 Hillshore Drive, Westport 95488

Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=440

It’s a scenic 140-mile drive south of Trinidad on CA-1 to Westport-Union Landing State Beach. This three-mile-long largely deserted swath of sand backed by white-crested waves is the definition of unknown seaside gem.

The water is too rough and cold for swimming, but the beach is perfect for capturing photos of the raw shoreline and ancient offshore rocks, or taking long walks searching for washed-up treasures.

Point Arena

Bowling Ball Beach

Schooner Gulch State Beach, 28200 CA-1, Point Arena 95468

Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=446

From Westport it is an hour and a half drive to Point Arena. You’ll pass through the towns of Fort Bragg, Caspar and Mendocino.

My friend Elizabeth just moved to sleepy Point Arena, (population 470). She tells me that Bowling Ball Beach, 3.5 miles south of town, is worth the trip.

Check the tide tables before you go. During very low or minus tides, walk north from Schooner Gulch State Beach and follow the blufftop trail, or walk along the sand, less than a mile to see an intriguing assembly of round rocks, formed by millions of years of weathering. The oddly spherical “balls” were formed when the softer surrounding rock was eroded away under the onslaught of Pacific Ocean waves leaving the harder “bowling balls” behind. 

Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse

Bowling Ball Beach

Sue-meg State Park

PHOTOS COURTESY VISIT CALIFORNIA

Reducing Dark Circles, Lines and Eye Puffiness

Life is busy for everyone in different ways. Whether your days are filled with studying, parenting, climbing the career ladder or simply living your best life, days can get long and it can catch up to you. One of the sure signs of exhaustion and stress is when you wake up to find those dreaded dark circles, puffiness and fine lines around your eyes.

Why does this happen? Some people are more predisposed to these changes than others. To learn more about the cause of your dark circles, try the pinch test: Pinch the skin gently around the eyes and lift it off the surface; if the skin stays brown it’s likely a pigmentation issue, whereas if it looks better, it’s likely caused by dilated veins.

People with richer skin tones are predisposed to hyperpigmentation under the eyes as a genetic trait, explains Dr. Wendy Lee, an oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon. Environmental factors, like poor sleep and sun exposure, can also contribute to dark circles. As well, seasonal allergies or illnesses like colds can cause dilated veins which show beneath the thin eyelid skin.

“The skin around the eyes is unique because it is amongst the thinnest of all the skin on the body. In fact, it’s ten times thinner than many other skin areas,” said Lee. “That’s why it’s important to prioritize a routine that helps keep your delicate eye area refreshed and revitalized, no matter your personal reason for experiencing dark circles and puffiness.”

To help everyone look their best, NYC board certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner shares these tips for helping achieve bright, refreshed eyes:

Eye Cream

Eye creams are formulated for the delicate skin around the eyes and should be used daily. However, with so many on the market, it can be difficult to know which live up to the hype and won’t cause irritation.

With more than 20,000 5-star reviews and clinically proven results, you can feel confident using RETINOL CORREXION® Line Smoothing Eye Cream from Roc Skincare. Here’s the breakdown of how this specially formulated eye cream treats the top three eye concerns at once.

• Visibly reduces dark circles and depuffs eyes in 4 weeks

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines by 50% in 12 weeks

• Powered by pure retinol and an exclusive mineral complex

• Designed for dramatic results but gentle enough for daily use around the eyes

This hard-working cream is formulated with Pure RoC Retinol, America’s No. 1 most awarded retinol. Retinol works deep within the skin’s surface to reveal renewed, fresher looking skin. This unique eye cream is also formulated with vitamin

E and oxygen boosters to make it ultra-effective yet safe for daily use.

Using a good eye cream at least once a day is essential, but to maximize benefits it’s important to apply it the correct way. Zeichner suggests following these steps:

• After cleansing, squeeze a pea-size amount of eye cream onto your middle or ring finger - these fingers are weaker than your pointer finger, which can help to avoid harsh pressure on this delicate area

• Distribute cream by gently tapping small dots under your eyes, starting with the inner corner.

• Work product outward and upward by tapping, being cautious to never tug skin or rub too hard.

• Wait a few minutes for product to absorb.

Chill Out

By reducing stress and prioritizing 7-9 hours of sleep a night, you help your body rest and refresh. This has a big impact on how your eyes appear, not to mention how you feel overall. Plus, your skin makes new collagen when you sleep, so big bonus for looking your best - the more sleep, the more collagen!

You can also chill out more literally by using cool temperatures to soothe swelling and restrict blood

vessels. You can do this in a variety of ways, including using a cold compress, a wet washrag, the backside of chilled spoons or special beauty tools like cryo-facial wands. Apply for a few minutes and see the difference.

Health Check

To help reduce or eliminate dark circles, fine lines and puffiness around eyes, take time to look at your health habits. Getting enough sleep is only the beginning to help you look your best. Do you wear sunscreen every day? Drink plenty of water? Avoid smoking and being around others who are smoking?

What you eat also impacts puffiness and pesky dark circles. Eating too much sodium can cause water retention and puffiness, so watch your salt intake. Alternatively, foods packed with nutrients, like fresh produce, can have a positive impact. For example, tomatoes, apricots, melons, papayas and grapes are some foods high in lycopene, which can boost circulation.

“Effectively treating puffiness and dark circles doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Zeichner. “A few simple steps and mindful changes can help you look your best so you can be your best.” (BPT) 

A few simple techniques can help reduce the fine lines and puffiness around eyes.

History of Memorial Day and the Red Poppies

By Leon Worster Signal Contributing Writer

In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

“We cherish too, the Poppy red That grows on fields where valor led, It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies.”

She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need.

Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Michael. When she returned to France she made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children’s League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help.

Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans’ organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their “Buddy” Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored

Ms. Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.

National Moment of Remembrance

Memorial day history couldn’t be complete without the birth of the the “National Moment of Re-

membrance”, which was a resolution passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.” 

HowMemorial Day and Veterans Day Differ

Memorial Day and Veterans Day each honor the military, though the two holidays are not the same.

Memorial Day, which is celebrated annually on the last Monday in May, honors the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the American military.

Many communities host memorial ceremonies honoring their fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, ensuring such soldiers’ bravery and sacrifices are never forgotten.

While many people now view Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer, the weekend should not be celebrated without also pausing to reflect on and recognize the military personnel who lost their lives in defense of freedom and the Ameri-

can way of life.

Veterans Day is celebrated annually on November 11 and recognizes all men and women who have served in the military.

Veterans Day coincides with Remembrance Day, which is a celebrated by the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of 53 member states with connections to the British Empire. Though Veterans Day and Remembrance Day are each celebrated on November 11, the latter recognizes armed forces members who died in the line of duty, making it more similar to Memorial Day than Veterans Day.

It’s not uncommon for people to recognize fallen soldiers on Veterans Day, but many use the holiday to express their appreciation to existing veterans. 

Members of the Ronald Reagan Marine Corps League and the Simi Valley Vietnam Veterans of America line up during the Rifle Salute ceremony for the Memorial Day Tribute 2022 at Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary on Monday, May 30, 2022. PHOTO BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

Memorial Day Traces Back to the Civil War

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

The ceremonies centered around the mourningdraped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

Local Observances Claim to be First

Local springtime tributes to the Civil War dead already had been held in various places. One of the first occurred in Columbus, Mississippi, April 25, 1866, when a group of women visited a cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had fallen in battle at Shiloh. Nearby were the graves of Union soldiers, neglected because they were the enemy. Disturbed at the sight of the bare graves, the women placed some of their flowers on those graves, as well.

Today, cities in the North and the South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. Both Macon and Columbus, Georgia, claim the title, as well as Richmond, Virgina. The village of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, claims it began there two years earlier. A stone in a Carbondale, Illinois, cemetery carries the statement that the first Decoration Day ceremony took place there on April 29, 1866. Carbondale was the wartime home of Gen. Logan. Approximately 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, many of them in the South where most of the war dead were buried.

Official Birthplace Declared

In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, New York, the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events.

By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy

adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.

It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.

Decorating Graves

Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in 1868 “with the choicest flowers of springtime” urged, “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. … Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

The crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was approximately the same size as those that attend today’s observance, about 5,000 people. Then, as now, small American flags were placed on each grave — a tradition followed at many national cemeteries today. In recent years, the custom has grown in that many families decorate the graves of all departed loved ones.

The origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found in antiquity. The Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute to the

fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War more than 24 centuries ago that could be applied today to the 1.1 million Americans who have died in the nation’s wars. “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”

To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states, “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”

Courtesy U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. 

Decoration Day was established three years after the end of the Civil War. It was a time to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.

FROM THE CITY MANAGER Skate on Over to The Cube!

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

last throughout June. Be sure to also check out the other skating opportunities like private lessons, summer skating camps, freestyle and more.

As we officially enter the third year of operations at The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center –Powered by FivePoint Valencia, it’s wonderful to look at the positive impact the facility has had on our community.

Every day, we welcome hundreds of ice athletes and their families, giving them a safe place to better their skills, compete against friends and simply enjoy gliding across the ice.

Just last month, The Cube was the site of an official Los Angeles Kings watch party. Hundreds of residents joined Bailey and the LA Kings Ice Crew and cheered on the Kings together as they battled against the Edmonton Oilers.

Even though our home team didn’t win, the free event demonstrates the sense of community and belonging The Cube provides to our residents.

With summer just around the corner, residents and visitors can look forward to a variety of programs, activities and public sessions to keep them cool and out of the sun. If you’re just entering the skating arena and need to learn the basics, join The Cube’s incredible coaching staff in their LA Skating Academy. The program is endorsed by USA Hockey, US Speed Skating Special Olympics and US Figure Skating, and offers participants a perfect place to start.

With age-specific levels, classes are designed for beginners to ease into the joy of ice skating. Registration for the Learn to Skate classes is open and

Don’t forget about hockey –throughout the summer, we will be offering residents a variety of programs for adults and youth. Whether you want to join a team or practice during stick time, there is always a program for you. The Cube is also proud to partner with the Special Needs Athletes and Peers, better known as SNAP Sports. This program provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, like hockey, through practices and one-on-one coaching, these athletes develop essential physical and social skills, helping improve their everyday lives. Located at The Cube, the SNAP Flyers Hockey Club skates every Wednesday night.

And don’t forget, The Cube is also a great place to host your next event or birthday party. Offering a wide variety of packages, this location is designed to take your gathering to the next level with delicious food from The Grille at The Cube, skating packages and the Top Shelf - an enhanced beverage center opening soon!

Looking back at the growth and the steps we have taken as a community to create a place where not only ice athletes, but residents as well, can come together for a fun and active day. I am proud to see this amenity flourish and continue to provide our residents with a variety of activities year-round. If you would like to check out any of the ice programs or book an event, please visit TheCubeSantaClarita.com or call (661) 257-2823.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

“The best thing about sports is the sense of community and shared emotion it can create.”

— Bob Costas

5 Ways to Savor

Fresh-Grilled Summer Seafood

Keep the grill cooking all summer long with a family favorite, seafood, and satisfy taste buds with fresh flavors hot off the grates. While some people assume seafood is challenging to cook, it can actually be an easy meal for home chefs of all skill levels.

To ensure your cookout is an unrivaled success, start with seafood that brings superior taste to the table. From crustaceans to a wide selection of unique-tasting oysters and sea scallops, mussels and clams, Maine Seafood offers something for all seafood lovers.

With a coastline that stretches 3,478 miles along the cold, clean North Atlantic, the state is home to a diversity of both wild-caught and farmed species.

Get inspired by these Maine Seafood grilling tips, sure to elevate your at-home seafood experience with the state's superior taste and quality:

Littleneck Clams

Heat grill to medium-high heat then place littleneck clams directly on grill grates or in a single layer on a large baking pan. After 5-7 minutes on the grill, clams will begin to open. Without spilling juice, carefully place clams on a serving platter. Serve with melted butter or in pasta. Discard clams that don't open.

Oysters

Place oysters cupped sides down directly on grill heated to medium-high. Cover the grill and cook until oysters open and meat is opaque and cooked through, about 5 minutes for smaller oysters and 8-10 minutes for larger ones. Place on a serving platter, remove top shells and run a sharp knife along insides of bottom shells to detach oysters. Top with garlic butter and serve with lemon.

Salmon

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Pat salmon dry; brush with olive oil and top with seasonings. Place salmon skin side down on grill grates and cook 6-8 minutes, or until meat turns opaque. You can also try a grill-safe cedar plank to infuse added flavor.

Haddock

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Pat haddock - flaky white fish that's sweet and delicate - dry and brush with olive oil. Wrap fillets in aluminum foil with herbs and seasonings; completely seal with seam sides facing upward. Grill 8-10 minutes, or until meat turns opaque.

Lobster Tail

For a delicious twist this summer, enjoy these tender, tasty Grilled Lobster Tacos with vinegar slaw and cilantro lime crema.

For easy, delicious recipe inspiration and to order seafood straight to your door, visit SeafoodfromMaine.com. (Family Features)

Grilled Maine Lobster Tacos

Total time 25 minutes

Servings 8

Vinegar Slaw

2/3 cup apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon celery seeds

2/3 cup white sugar

1 cup water

1/2 small head green cabbage, shredded or cut thinly (approximately 8 cups)

Cilantro Lime Crema

1/2 cup sour creamfresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 teaspoons fresh lime juice

1 lime, zest only, minced

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic kosher salt, plus additional to taste, divided freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Lobster Tacos

Extra-virgin olive oil

4 large (4-6 ounces each) Maine Lobster tails, defrosted

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted salt, to taste pepper, to taste

8 small flour tortillas pico de gallo

1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

To make vinegar slaw In small saucepan

over medium heat, heat apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, sugar and water; stir until sugar dissolves. In large bowl, pour mixture over cabbage; cover and refrigerate.

To make cilantro lime crema In blender, blend sour cream, cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; refrigerate.

To make lobster tacos Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Using kitchen shears, cut lobster shells in half lengthwise. Place skewer through meat to prevent curling during cooking.

Brush lobster meat with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.

Grill lobster tails meat side down 5 minutes then flip.

Brush meat again with butter and cook 5 minutes, or until opaque throughout. Cook to 140 F internal temperature.

Remove meat from shells and cut into bitesized chunks or leave whole, if desired.

Place tortillas on grill 30-60 seconds per side, or until warmed and slightly brown.

Add drained slaw to tortillas. Top with lobster meat, pico de gallo and cilantro sauce. Serve with lime wedges. 

‘Working’ Explores Pursuing the American Dream

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Working: What We Do All Day’

(1/2 (out of four) A four-part Netflix series

Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman” plays on the soundtrack as we see a photo of a young Barack Obama pulling a book from a library shelf and we hear the former president in present day:

“Sometime in college, I came across this book called ‘Working’ by Studs Terkel, which was a chronicle of people from every walk of life and what it was like for them to work.”

lurking around the corner — the onset of artificial intelligence, more and more people working from home, the spiraling inequality between the upper-tier management and those on the bottom of the ladder — and poses the question: “What if we pick up Studs’ project for this new moment?”

May 28-June 1, 2023

Cut to footage of the legendary Terkel explaining how he wanted to get to the “quintessential truth” by talking to individuals from all walks of life, with all sorts of jobs. Obama talks about the sweeping changes to the workplace we’ve seen in recent times, or we see

That’s the fascinating, enlightening and sometimes sobering framework for the four-part Netflix documentary series “Working: What We Do All Day,” from Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, with Barack Obama serving as narrator and tour guide. Director Caroline Suh provides skillful visual articulation to the hopes and dreams — and setbacks — of everyone from hourly workers who juggle more than one job and still struggle mightily to make ends meet, to the CEOs and founders who live in a world of penthouse apartments and private jets. (We also meet a CEO who laughs when she’s asked if she makes $100,000 a year.

not nearly that much.)

Focusing on the fields of home care, tech and hospitality, each episode of “Working” takes us inside a particular level of employment within three companies, as we meet a diverse group of hardworking and dedicated and, yes, sometimes frustrated members of the workforce as they pursue the 21st-century version of the Great American Dream. For some, that means simply being able to pay the bills and take care of their family. For others, it might include finally being able to buy a new house. For a relatively few, it means the proverbial “having it all.”

In Episode 1, “Service Jobs,” we meet Elba, who has worked for more than 20 years as a housekeeper at the iconic Pierre Hotel on the Upper East Side; Randi, an aide starting a new job with Home Care Mississippi, and Carmen, a delivery driver in Pittsburgh who dreams of becoming a makeup artist.

“Sometimes if you say good morning [to the guests], they don’t respond,” says the upbeat and resilient Elba. “They dress better than me, but they are no better than me.”

Meanwhile, in Mississippi, Randi learns her duties will include cooking, cleaning the house, running errands, bathing and changing diapers for the senior clients — and the pay is $9 an hour. “I used to work in a chicken plant,” she tells us. “[Deboning] chicken thighs. It was horrifying. But you made $16 an hour.”

An epic adventure that will transpor t Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly ne ghborhood Spider-Man across the Multiverse to join forces w th Gwen Stac y and a new team of Spider-People to face off w th a v llain more power ful than anyth ng they have ever encountered a b o u t M y Fat h e r C 1:00 3:15 5:25 7:40

ABOUT MY FATHER centers around Sebastian, who is encouraged by h s fiancée to bring his mmigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo, to a weekend get-together w th her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family t h e L i t t L e M e r M a i d B 12:55 4:05 7:10

Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while v siting the sur face, falls for the dashing Prince Er c While mermaids are forb dden to interac t with humans, Ariel must follow her hear t

t h e M ac h i n e E 1:20 4:20 7:20

Set 23 years after the original stor y which insp red it, The Machine finds Ber t Kreischer facing fami ial crisis and the arrival of his estranged father (Mark Hamill) when the ghost of his booze -soaked past arr ves: a murderous mobster (Iva Bab c) hellbent on kidnapping Ber t back to the motherland to atone for his crimes

yo u h u r t M y F e e L i n g S E 12:55 3:10 5:25 7:40

From accla med filmmaker Nicole Holofcener comes a sharply obser ved comedy about a novelist whose longstanding marriage is suddenly upended when she overhears her husband give h s honest reac tion to her latest book

Fa S t X C 1:10 4:10 7:00

Fast X, the tenth film in the Fast & Furious Saga, launches the fina chapters of one of cinema’s most storied and popular globa franchises now in its third decade and still going strong with the same core cast and charac ters as when it began g ua r d i a n S o F t h e g a L aX y Vo L. 3 C 1:10 3:50 7:00

Peter Quill, stil reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along w th protec ting one of their own A mission that could qu te possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them

t

h e S u p e r M a r i o b ro S. M oV i e B

1:30 4:30 7:30

For the first t me, the icon c globa enter tainment brands I lum nat on and Nintendo join forces to create The Super Mario Bros Movie, a new, big-screen adventure starring one of pop culture s most prominent plumbers of the past four decades

We’re also introduced to Luke, a data manager at Aurora Innovation in Pittsburgh, which develops self-driving technology. In later episodes, we’ll meet a senior robotics engineer at the Pittsburgh company and then the CEO and co-founder, a hotshot who came over from Google. To say they experience the workplace from different angles is an understatement. At times “Working” plays like an extended episode of “Undercover Boss,” only no one is undercover.

When Luke sits around a break room table with his peers, they all talk of how great it felt to make that climb from jobs that paid hourly wages to something more stable. Says one co-worker: “If you are given an opportunity to do something more of what you want to do, that pays you a fair wage, your mind unlocks. I remem-

ber thinking, ‘OK, I can only get $25 worth of gas, or I can’t get groceries for the rest of the week.’ Now I can just get gas. Money doesn’t bring happiness, but it certainly provides the means to find it.”

In addition to the always interesting profiles, the series provides some brief but helpful looks back at the history of the workplace in America, and some nifty pop-culture touches, as when Obama notes so many popular TV shows in the 1970s featured relatable families “who weren’t poor, but weren’t rich either,” e.g., “Sanford & Son,” “All in the Family,” “Good Times,” whereas 1980s TV was often about people with obscene wealth: “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” and “Dallas.”

The series wisely limits Obama’s on-camera presence to some brief interviews with various subjects; any more than that, and it would have become a documentary about Barack Obama chatting up workers and executives in their homes and offices. Not that that wouldn’t make for good TV; it’s just that “Working: What We Do All Day,” like Terkel’s book, isn’t about the storyteller, it’s about the workers. From the Pierre Hotel housekeeper spending her days in an endless cycle of making up rooms, 30-40 minutes per room, to the CEO of the multinational conglomerate for which the Pierre is just one relatively small holding, they all have stories worth telling. 

Copyright 2022 Chicago Sun-Times

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB

How the Body Changes With Age

Aging is an inevitable component of life. Young children often cannot wait until they get older because of the freedoms that seemingly come with being more mature. On the flip side, adults often wish they were young again. Time waits for no person, and with aging comes many changes, many of which manifest physically.

The following are some components of healthy aging that go beyond graying hair and wrinkling skin.

Bones, Joints and Muscles

According to the Mayo Clinic, with age bones may become thinner and more fragile. Joints will lose their flexibility, while muscles lose mass and strength, endurance and flexibility.

These changes may be accompanied by a loss of stability that can result in balance issues or falls. It’s common for the body frame to shrink, and a person may lose a few inches from his or her height.

A doctor may suggest a bone-density test or supplementation with calcium and vitamin D to keep bones as strong as possible. Physical activity that includes strength training can help keep muscles strong and flexible.

Body Fat

As muscle mass diminishes, body fat can increase. The Merck Manual indicates that, by age 75, the percentage of body fat typically doubles compared with what it was during young adulthood. The distribution of fat also changes, which can adjust the shape of the torso.

Heart

Organs in the body also age, and cells begin to die off, making those organs work less efficiently. The heart is one such organ that changes with age. It pumps more than 2.5 million beats during one’s lifetime.

As a person gets older, blood vessels lose their elasticity, and the heart has to work harder to circulate blood

throughout the body, reports Johnson Memorial Health. Exercise can help keep the heart as strong as possible.

Urinary Tract and Kidneys

The kidneys become smaller as a person ages, which means they may not be able to filter urine as effectively. Urinary incontinence may occur due to hormonal changes or because of an enlarged prostate. Furthermore, the bladder may become less elastic, leading to an urge to urinate more frequently.

Memory and Thinking

Older adults experience changes to the brain as they age. Minor effects on memory or thinking skills are common and not usually cause for worry. Staying mentally active by reading, playing word games and engaging in hobbies can help.

Following a routine and making lists (as multi-tasking may become challenging) are some additional ways to address memory issues. These are just some of the changes that can come with aging. Generally speaking, exercising, using the brain and adhering to a balanced, healthy diet can help keep the body functioning well into one’s golden years.

• Women with hearing loss are more likely to be depressed.

• Higher levels of physical activity can lower your risk of hearing loss.

• Hearing loss is the third most common public health issue in the US.

“Best of” 2023 Ballot 22nd Annual

Dining & Entertainment

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Voter Information

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Santa Clarita Menu Guide

Numero Uno Pizza

Pierogi Spot

Newhall Refinery

Neighbarista

The restaurant is entirely family owned and operated and they’ve been doing it since 1993!!. The service is excellent and very friendly. The establishment carries fantastic pasta and Chicago style deep-dish pizza, not to mention the fresh made salads, sandwiches and appetizers.

26111 Bouquet Canyon Rd

Santa Clarita, 91350 (661) 259-3895

Pho Sure

One and only Polish food restaurant in Santa Clarita valley. Best comfort food in town. We specialize in serving house made pierogi, sausages, cabbage rolls, stews, schnitzels, and desserts on fire… Every meal includes Free daily soup and fresh salad. Give us a try, You won’t be disappointed!!!

26511 Golden Valley Rd

Santa Clarita , 91350

(661) 254-4850

Thai Dishes (Valencia)

Newhall’s first gastropub located in the heart of Old Town Newhall, has the valley’s finest selection of craft beer with twenty rotating craft beers in our custom draught system. A fine selection of wines and amazing handcrafted cocktails, and a taste for everyone from our specialty blend craft burgers to delicious chef created entrees.

24258 Main Street Newhall Ca. 91321 661-388-4477

Egg Plantation

Breakfast elevated in the Santa Clarita Valley. A welcoming atmosphere and excellent service paired with excellent food. Everything served is made inhouse and they offer a variety of unique dishes. You are likely to fall in love with their breakfasts and lunches.

23120 Lyons Ave #24 Newhall, CA 91321 (661) 288-2217

Everest Burgers

Pho Sure signature dish is our Authentic Vietnamese beef noodle soups; however, we do offer an array of rice, dry noodle dishes as well as Vietnamese curry, Banh Hoi and Pho Ap Chao. We welcome you to Pho Sure because we trust that you will like what you try, Pho Sure!

23876 Copperhill Dr Valencia, Ca 91354

(661) 257-3888

Eating is Believing!

We’re an authentic Thai Restaurant with many years of experience, cooking noodles, rice, seafood, curries using the freshest ingredients. We are located next to the 99 cents store on Valencia Blvd. Come try our yellow chicken curry and shrimp PAD SEE-EW. They’re Delicious!

23328 Valencia Blvd. Valencia, ca. 91355 (661) 253-3663

About Egg Plantation

WE ARE KNOWN FOR OUR WARM, ATTENTIVE HOSPITALITY, DELICOUS FRESH COOKED FOOD AND QUAINT CAFE CHARM.

We specialize in breakfast including 101 omelets. We offer specialty espresso beverages and a full bar serving the best Bloody Marys around using our in house recipe.

24415 Walnut St Newhall, CA. 91321 661-255-8222

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering. We have Breakfast burritos, avocado bacon cheese burgers, grilled chicken salads, carne asada fries, avocado and bacon sandwiches. We serve quality food and generous portions.

18645 Soledad Cyn Rd. Santa Clarita , 91351 (661) 252-3412

Fire Island Grill

Funburger

Pierogi Spot

COMING SOON

We are a quick casual restaurant serving an Island Fusion Flavor. We serve a variety of Rice Bowls, Salads, and Sandwiches. All our sauces and dressings are made in house. We offer in dining service, catering, to go orders, and delivery services.

19335 Plum Canyon Road Suite A

Santa Clarita 91350

Jersey Mike’s

Delicious food served with a smile. Funburger offers American fare with an elevated twist. Large screens and sound systems ensure sports viewing is comfortable. Wine and beer lovers rejoice with rotating selections of 40 beers on draft and regional wines served by glass or flight.

23460 Cinema Dr Unit J

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

(661) 753-3124

L’Italiano Restaurant

Taste the Authentic Delights of Poland at Pierogi Spot!

Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey to Poland right here in Santa Clarita, California, at the renowned Pierogi Spot. Nestled in the heart of our charming city, this hidden gem takes pride in serving up a delightful array of traditional Polish cuisine, with their specialty being the mouthwatering pierogi.

As soon as you step into Pierogi Spot, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The rustic decor and cozy seating create an ambiance that transports you straight to the heart of Eastern Europe. The friendly and attentive staff adds to the overall experience, ensuring that your dining adventure is both enjoyable and memorable.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the pierogi. Pierogi Spot boasts a wide variety of flavors and fillings, from classic potato and cheese to savory sauerkraut and mushroom. Each dumpling is meticulously handmade, using only the freshest ingredients and authentic recipes passed down through generations. The result is a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The pierogi are cooked to perfection, boasting a tender yet slightly chewy texture that is simply irresistible.

But Pierogi Spot doesn’t stop at pierogi alone. Their menu also features an enticing selection of Polish specialties, such as golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls), kielbasa (sausage), and bigos (hunter’s stew). These dishes, prepared with love and precision, showcase the rich and hearty flavors that define Polish cuisine.

At Jersey Mike’s, we offer a sub above — one that’s measured in more than inches or seconds ‘til served. We carefully consider every aspect of what we do — every slice, every sandwich, every store — we provide our customers with sustenance and substance too.

9 Locations in SCV, visit www. JerseyMikes.com for the one nearest you.

L’Italiano Restaurant — The Truffle Hunter — Located in the heart of Santa Clarita offers a welcoming environment and warm staff to serve you. You’ll find mouth-watering traditional Italian food prepared fresh to order, made with pride. Dine in for the full experience, ordering pickup or delivery online is available.

23460 Cinema Dr A Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (661) 476-5618

To complement your meal, Pierogi Spot offers a selection of Polish soda, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the cultural experience. The attentive staff is more than happy to recommend the perfect beverage pairing for your chosen dish, enhancing your dining experience even further.

Whether you’re a seasoned pierogi connoisseur or new to Polish cuisine, Pierogi Spot is a must-visit destination in Santa Clarita. With its authentic flavors, warm ambiance, and friendly service, this charming eatery has earned its reputation as a culinary haven for food enthusiasts.

So, why wait? Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at Pierogi Spot. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the tantalizing flavors of Poland. 

HOME

Adding Value to Your Home

Fluctuating interest rates and an ever-changing housing market have inspired many homeowners to reimagine their space, favoring renovation over relocation. Upgrades not only make a home more attractive — they also often bring innovative, low-maintenance solutions, making your most familiar surroundings feel beautiful and comfortable.

With an endless supply of home improvement shows and picturesque inspiration on social media, it can be tricky knowing where to start. That’s why we’ve come up with these simple ways to make your home design dreams come true — while adding lasting value to your property.

1. Look for beautiful, durable surfaces

We all know kitchens and bathrooms can make or break the first impression. These spaces are the heart of the home, where we gather, work and play every day. So, these rooms need surfaces that are beautiful and strong. Fresh, lasting countertops, flooring, backsplashes and even cabinet cladding are renovation musthaves.

For a transformation that’s timeless, consider Cosentino’s new Silestone Ethereal line. These marble-inspired colorways can elevate surfaces in any space, but they’re durable enough for everyday use.

2. Build your outdoor space to last

When it comes to the outdoors, you want materials that can withstand the elements — like Dekton. This carbon-neutral product has an ultra-durable surface made of raw materials including quartz, glass and porcelain. The low water absorbing surface is resistant to UV rays, scratches, stains and thermal shock, so it’s ideal for flooring, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and more.

3. Use lighting to make your space shine

Home lighting is a powerful, often-overlooked design element, which can help show off your other decorative finishes, like surfacing or furniture. Luckily, today’s options give homeowners myriad choices to make any room stand out, from fixtures to lightbulbs.

Well-placed recessed lighting is al-

ways a functional option, but many contemporary designers recommend creating focal points with bold, sculptural pendant lights. You can also try playing with materials that include natural textures, glass or mixed metals, especially in settings like a sunroom or reading nook. Whether you’re going for a traditional look or a mid-century modern feel, thoughtful lighting that accompanies your style is well worth the time and effort.

4. Find photo-worthy finishes

Don’t forget the finishing touch! While it may seem like a small upgrade, details like faucet or door knob finishes have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your home. Simply put, finishes elevate functional elements to stunning accents.

Don’t hide handles and faucets — instead, use matte black, brushed metal or even gold to complement or contrast those design features. And don’t be afraid to mix and match styles based on each room’s cabinetry, countertops or wall color. It’s the perfect way to add personal touches to each space.

No matter where you start, you can bring your home to the next level. From installing new surfacing for countertops or vanities to perfect fixtures, there are plenty of creative ways to enhance your home and create lasting value. By choosing high-quality, durable features, you’re not just building a more beautiful homeyou’re creating a more effortless and enjoyable lifestyle, now and for the future.

For more design inspiration that elevates your space, visit Cosentino.com. (BPT)

Tips for June Gardening

By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

June is the month to prepare your landscape for a long, hot summer. Like any project, the more efficient you are with preparation, the more successful the project will be. Here are some things you can do to make your garden successful this year — starting in June.

Start with a good garden clean up. Remove all left over brown material, cutting back to healthy plant material and raking out litter that could harbor insect pests or ignite if a cinder from a local wildfire should pass your way. Consider mulching empty areas with a light colored decomposed granite, compost, wood chips or gravel. Avoid dark colors when possible since they absorb heat and can become foot-scorchingly hot!

No non-living material is perfect; stone retains heat, compost is most efficient when moistened with our precious and expensive water, and wood chips are flammable. But you might find it artistic and practical to use different materials in different areas.

Other spaces may do well planted with attractive low water flowers or shrubs. (Most planting will be easiest when the weather cools in the autumn.)

Whatever you decide, using mulch is a good way to hold moisture in the soil and cool plant roots. It can be an attractive addition and a water-saving device for creating an artistic statement as well as making a landscape safer, more efficient, and easier to maintain when varied materials are thoughtfully designed into the garden.

Take another look at irrigation. Set irrigation systems for the most efficient watering. Make sure water is penetrating the soil and not washing away. Regularly check for leaks and breaks.

Adjust your controllers to deal with the longer, warmer and drier days. Set watering systems to irrigate early in the morning and look into an automatically adjusting system that will save you time and energy.

Put together soaker hoses and drip systems to keep your garden plants strong and healthy while reducing your water bills.

Most gardens will benefit from more than one type of irrigation system. Trees will like slow, deep watering, lawns need broad sprinklers, drought-tolerant gardens will do well with drip irrigation, and so on. A well-designed garden will make efficient use of space and materials. Good irrigation plans will build in the best ways to apply water to assure minimal waste and expense while delivering your plants the water they need.

Got compost? Dig it into the soil now. Our lean soil will appreciate any additional organic matter and their much-needed nutrients.

If you don’t have a compost heap this is a great time to start one as you clean up the blown leaves and winter die-off from the garden. Use compost over the surface of flower and vegetable beds alike. If you don’t have compost of your own, buy it in bags or try another mulch material like bark chips that will slowly break down but still offer up much-needed organic matter.

A top dressing of mulch will help keep moisture in the soil as we head into the long dry season. It will also insulate underground roots from baking sun.

Move from seeding and planting to maintaining and supporting. Plant seeds and starter plants of summer vegetables. Seeds of bush beans, carrots, radishes and beets can be planted every few weeks for quick, successive crops. Otherwise, keep all your other vegetables, fruits and flowers inspected for insect invasions, properly pruned and well-watered and fed. Make sure your soil has been turned and organic amendments are dug in. Don’t let newly planted additions or transplants dry out and give them some temporary shade for a day or two if hot sun is forecast.

Keep plants looking neat by supporting them with trellises, pruning, and tying. Extend flowering by deadheading — snipping off spent flowers to redirect energy from forming seeds to creating more blooms. And remove weeds as they sprout before the roots go deep and the job becomes harder.

Keep lawns cut and properly irrigated. If you don’t have a drought-tolerant, well established lawn area, it probably will not fare well in the summer without excessive watering and time consuming fussing. June is still a good time to replace your grass with a more water efficient variety or take out lawn areas that are not vital and replant them with an attractive water-wise garden. The city is once again offering rebates for lawn removal, so consider many of the many alternatives you could try that would look great, reduce water bills and maintenance as well as add more useful and productive space to your outdoor space.

Look for ideas in books, online, in magazines, visit local public gardens or call a local garden designer for customized, creative garden solutions to fit into your lifestyle.

Consider making the best of your garden space. Small spaces can benefit from container gardens and larger spaces can be beautiful and easily maintained with native gardens. For larger yards consider cooling water features and shade covers to make for a more comfortable outdoor summer. And don’t forget to add a cools spot for the kids and pets! Do it in June before July heat makes you hide indoors. 

FINANCE

What to Consider — How Much Home Can You Afford?

Figuring out how much home you can afford is one of the most important questions you’ll need to answer before you begin house hunting. But as home prices and interest rates have increased in the past few years, you may be wondering how your buying power has changed.

To get a rough estimate of what you can afford, most lenders suggest you spend no more than 28% of your monthly income — before taxes are taken out — on your mortgage payment, which includes principal, interest, taxes and insurance. In addition to having a firm grip on your income and expenses, it’s important to understand the role the following factors play in how much home you can afford:

Your Credit

Lenders look closely at your credit score when determining whether you qualify for a loan. Generally, the higher your credit score the more

options will be available to you, including better loan terms and a lower interest rate. Because of the large role credit plays in the homebuying process, make sure you understand how your credit score is compiled, how to get a copy of your credit report and how to build strong credit.

Current Mortgage Rates

It’s important to watch mortgage rates carefully, because when rates are lower you may be able to afford a larger mortgage. Although 26 million mortgage-ready potential homebuyers had the capacity to afford a $400,000 mortgage at a 3% interest rate, the total falls by 3 to 4 million with each percentage point gain, according to Freddie Mac research. In short, a small increase in rates can make a home that was once affordable, unaffordable.

Bear in mind that similar borrowers may receive notably different rates based on the lender, so you may want to shop around to increase your buy-

ing power. In fact, you can potentially save $600-$1,200 annually by applying for mortgages from multiple lenders, according to Freddie Mac.

Your Down Payment

Typically, homebuyers need to make a down payment of at least 3%, and generally between 5% and 20%, of their home’s purchase price to qualify for a mortgage. That means as home prices go up, so do down payment requirements. Talk to your lender about all the down payment options available and explore assistance programs.

Each year, many state, county and city governments provide financial assistance for people in their communities who are well-qualified and ready for homeownership. Requirements vary, but if you are eligible you could receive down payment assistance ranging from a few thousand dollars to larger amounts, depending on your needs, your qualifications and where the home is located. Your

lender or housing counselor should be able to point you in the right direction.

Fees, Other Closing Costs

Don’t forget that when you get a mortgage, you’ll need to pay closing costs, which likely include an appraisal fee, credit report fee, tax services fee and more. These costs will generally run between 2% and 5% of your purchase price.

To crunch the numbers, start by using Freddie Mac’s Homebuying Budget Calculator, then learn more about the homebuying process with Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart. Visit creditsmart. freddiemac.com to get started.

If you think you’re ready for homeownership, you’ll want to work closely with your lender to determine what you can comfortably afford. It’s their job to cover all bases so that your final number is within your means and aligns with your financial goals. (SPT) 

Foot and Ankle Safety Tips for the Summer Months

From the beach to the backyard, taking care of your feet and ankles in summer is essential.

“Nothing ruins summer fun faster than a problem with your feet. However, a few smart precautions can help keep you healthy and safe,” says Gretchen Lawrence, DPM, AACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and an associate member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

To help you understand some of the most common summer risks to feet and how to avoid them, ACFAS is sharing these insights:

Puncture wounds Millions of Americans go barefoot every summer, and thousands will sustain cuts and puncture wounds. To prevent injury and infection, wear shoes whenever possible and get vaccinated against tetanus. If you do get a puncture wound, see a foot and ankle surgeon within 24 hours and don’t swim until it’s healed. Bacteria in oceans and lakes can cause infection.

Pool problems Always wear flip flops or other footwear in locker rooms and on pool decks to prevent contact with bacteria and viruses that can cause athlete’s foot, plantar warts and other problems.

Sun damage and skin cancer Don’t overlook your feet during your sun protection routine. Feet get sunburned too, and melanoma on the foot or ankle is more likely to be misdiagnosed than on any other part of the body. A study published in “The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery” reported the overall survival rate for melanoma of the foot or ankle is just 52%, in sharp contrast to the 85% survival rate for melanomas on other areas of the body.

Apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of feet and limit sun exposure. Dr. Lawrence notes, “If you spot abnormal moles or pigmented skin, including under toenails, visit a foot and ankle surgeon. Early detection and treatment could save your life.”

Pains and sprains Summer sports can lead to arch pain, heel pain, ankle sprains and other injuries. Proper footwear with heel cushioning and arch support is essential, particular-

ly on uneven surfaces, such as sandy beaches or hiking trails. If injury occurs, use the RICE approach: rest, ice, compression and elevation to ease pain and swelling. Any injury that doesn’t resolve within a few days should be examined by a foot and ankle surgeon.

Mower risks Some 25,000 Americans sustain injuries from power mowers annually, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. Many of these injuries are preventable. Always cut the grass in protective shoes or work boots and keep children away during this chore. Never mow a wet lawn or pull the mower backward, and always mow across slopes, not up or down them. Travel concerns Sitting for long stretches can increase the risk of dangerous blood clots. “Whether road tripping or flying, regularly stretch

your legs and pump your feet to circulate blood. Wearing compression socks for longer travel is also a good idea,” says Dr. Lawrence.

Diabetes complications If you have diabetes, prolonged hot and humid

weather can lead to numerous foot woes. Any type of skin break has the potential to get infected if it isn’t noticed right away, and exposure can cause dry, cracking skin. Inspect your feet daily and wear closed shoes whenever possible.

Swelling is another hot-weather risk, potentially making shoes fit tighter which can cause blisters. Compression stockings may not sound appealing in hot temperatures, but they can reduce swelling and help prevent poor circulation. Finally, never go barefoot in summer. Impaired nerve sensation can make it hard to detect just how hot surfaces are. Just a few minutes walking barefoot on pavement to grab the newspaper can cause third-degree burns.

For more information and to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. (SPT)

By Dana Jackson

QWhat is singer Fergie’s real name, and wasn’t she in a sitcom when she was little?

— H.Y.

AFergie, the 48-year-old former lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas, was born Stacy Ann Ferguson and started acting doing voiceover work for animated series, such as “The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show.” She went on to act and sing in the syndicated Disney series “Kids Incorporated,” which aired from 1983 to 1992. This show was also the launching pad for the Hollywood careers of Jennifer Love Hewitt (“9-11”) and Mario Lopez (“Saved by the Bell”).

QIs it true that Clint Eastwood is directing another movie? How old is he now, and has he ever won an Oscar?

— S.J.

AClint Eastwood is still directing movies at 93 years old and has won four Academy Awards, but none for acting. He was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1993 for the western “Unforgiven,” but lost to Al Pacino for “Scent of a Woman.” However, he didn’t go home empty-handed, having won the Oscar for Best Picture as a producer and the Oscar for Best Director. In 2005, he would again become a two-time recipient of the Oscar for Best Director,

BookTrib’s Bites

for the film “Million Dollar Baby.”

Many thought his last directorial effort, “Cry Macho,” a film released in 2021, would be his final project before enjoying retirement in his 90s, but that was news to him. His next project is “Juror #2” starring Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”) and Toni Collette (“The Staircase”). The film is reportedly still in the pre-production stage.

Hopefully, the project will get off the ground soon. Gossip site RadarOnline published an article back in March that Eastwood hadn’t been seen in over a year, having missed attending the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament only miles from his Carmel, California, home, where his son, Scott, was a participant.

QWho is going to replace Tucker Carlson on Fox News? Is it true that CNN is going to become a conservative news network and hire him back?

— D.E.

ATucker Carlson has headlined shows on all three of the big cable news networks: CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. He was abruptly

fired from his show “Tucker Carlson Tonight” this past April on the same day CNN host Don Lemon was given his walking papers. Some have speculated that Carlson would be returning to CNN, where he co-hosted “Crossfire” from 2001 to 2005, but that doesn’t appear to be happening. Instead, Carlson announced that he’ll be hosting a new show on Twitter, the website owned by Elon Musk.

“Fox News Tonight” is the title given to Carlson’s old 8 p.m. ET time slot on Fox. It now features a set of rotating hosts until a permanent one is found. Brian Kilmeade (“Fox & Friends”) took over for Carlson the first week, followed by Lawrence Jones (“Lawrence Jones Cross Country”), former White-House-Press-Secretary-turned-commentator Kayleigh McEnany and Will Cain (“Fox & Friends Weekend”).

Send me your questions at New CelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Gripping Stories to Keep Readers Up At Night

Wildflowers Never Die

By Randall Howlett and Deb Turnbull DeVries

This book chronicles the first 30year history of the Cold War from a third-party narrative perspective but also follows the careers of five key CIA agents involved in various world hotspots during that time period.

First-hand accounts and true stories are included not only by the agents but also others, allowing the reader to fully experience those tumultuous decades — decades that began with the conclusion of the Chinese Civil War and ended with the fall of Vietnam. To a lesser extent, the authors recount their own experiences growing up as members of the Cold War generation.

No Stone Unturned

By Nadean Stone

Told with humor and suspense, this

is an inspiring, triumphant memoir of courage and perseverance against all odds, proving the miraculous and happy ending we can achieve when we never give up.

Between 1945 and 1973, about 350,000 unmarried Canadian mothers were persuaded, coerced or forced into giving their babies up for adoption. Many babies, like Nadean Stone, were illegally given away for a nominal donation to the church.

“No Stone Unturned” follows the author’s 44-year search for her birth

mother. With no records of her birth, she battles against the frustration of bureaucracy and the unbearable pain of many heartbreaks. Fearful events unfold that propel her on a captivating journey of seemingly insurmountable personal challenges, as she strives to make a whole life with a fractured sense of identity.

Innocence Denied: A Holocaust Childhood

By Johannes Krane

During what was known as the “Hunger Winter” of 1944-45, thou-

sands of Dutch citizens were literally starving to death under the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Tenyear-old Johannes Krane and his older brother Dick lived in a small town northwest of Amsterdam. Their parents were both deaf and mute. How would their family survive the cruelties of the Nazi occupiers and life in the streets?

There was no answer but to support their mother’s efforts to trade on the black market and steal from businesses and the authorities — perilous activities, punishable by death. This memoir chronicles the haunting experiences of a boy who survived to save his family through cunning and desperation, thus being robbed forever of a happy childhood — an innocence denied by the evils of war.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib. com. 

Fergie. © Depositphotos

SOLUTIONS

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Virtue, Liberty and Winning Democracy

By David Hegg

The past months have made it clear that, in America, politics is always in season. Unlike the pro sports we enjoy, there is no political offseason, no break from the boasts of some and the attacks of their opponents. We are a standing audience to the theatrical play of both promises and propaganda as the players across the stage attempt to win our appreciation and, eventually, our votes.

But it was not always the case that the scripts and speeches were crafted simply to impress, persuade, or as is too often the case today, to obfuscate the truth.

Once upon a time those running for office were required to present their philosophical first principles, arguing for a particular worldview while giving substantial proofs that what lay behind their decisions was a coherent set of core beliefs. Once, we voted for the person and not merely their promises, and we need to bring that back.

Recently, I’ve been away with time to read and have found my way to some of the leaders of a bygone era whose thinking and writing continue to be foundational for politicians today.

When President Joe Biden was in the Senate, he quoted Abraham Kuyper publicly, which I discovered as I began reading Kuyper’s works. Abraham Kuyper was the founder of the Free University of Amsterdam, and prime minister of the Netherlands (1901-05). But he is best known for his writings on national governance.

I can simplify Kuyper’s core principle and hope you find it as refreshing as I have. He boldly stated that the fundamental tenet of governance for any democratic republic was that virtue is the bulwark of liberty.

Simply put, when virtue, character and integrity are widely eroded in a society, you see the rise of criminality among the governed and a self-serving governmental response of oppressive overreach.

In the study of governance, history demonstrates a wide spectrum. On one end we have anarchy, where the citizenry is unrestrained, while on the other, despotism reigns and individual liberty is no more.

And, given what we know from history, that every society is forced to restrain the evil that men do at some level while allowing for individual liberty and freedom of conscience, the goal of governance must be to find a midpoint on the spectrum.

And that has been the great problem facing every society, and is staring us in the face today. It is my view that Kuyper had it right. Virtue is the bulwark of liberty.

I have often said in discussions about church lead-

ership that, if you have good people, any system can work. But if you have bad people, no system works. As my father used to say, “No matter how many you have, you can’t make a good omelet with bad eggs.”

And without virtue being passed along from generation to generation, and backed up by political decisions, policies and the rule of law, societal well-being suffers.

And that brings us back to virtue, to the fact that its what’s in the heart that counts. And that being true, we must ask for more from our politicians.

Dear Candidate, don’t tell me how bad things are first. Don’t try to persuade me by castigating your opponents, or trumpeting your so-called accomplishments. Instead, present your primary worldview and the foundational arguments that uphold it. Are you a theist or a materialistic naturalist? And why? Is there purpose in life and if so, what is it? What is your view of debt and borrowing? What is your view of personal liberty, freedom of conscience, the place of governmental power and the purpose of representative government? What makes you get up in the morning, and how will you measure success if elected?

Virtue matters whether we’re talking about the governed or the governing. If we are to escape anarchy on one end of the spectrum, we must be people who use our liberty correctly. We must have self-control and be able to resist the temptations of sinful behavior, sacrificing our selfish desires for the common good. In short, you and I must love our neighbor enough not to steal his stuff, slander her name, or harm their kids. If we think our views are the right ones, it ought to make us better people.

And those selected to govern must as well be virtuous. They carry the welfare of others on their shoulders and they sure shootin’ better have righteous motives, unassailable integrity, educated minds and the ability to fend off myriad temptations to use power for personal gain. Simply put, they should be “public servants,” personally driven to do what is best and right for those they represent, regardless of partisan affiliation.

But I know what you’re thinking. First, the electorate today doesn’t want to listen to long presentations

of a candidate’s worldview, complete with supporting arguments and data.

And, if that’s true, then we deserve the government we’ve been getting, and we should stop complaining. Better, we could get educated ourselves and demand more from those who want to govern us. If they will be deciding on issues of our lives and liberty, we certainly owe it to ourselves and our neighbors to ask the tough question and demand thoughtful, ungarbled answers.

Second, you’re thinking that men and women with the virtue and character described above no longer really want to enter the political realm because they strongly feel the game is rigged, the cost of campaigns astronomical, and most importantly, they greatly fear that substantive change is now beyond our reach. But while some of that is certainly true, it isn’t indicative of the American spirit that pursues liberty and our inalienable rights with great passion. We need some good people to run, win, work hard, and stay humble and virtuous.

In his vaunted Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln challenged his audience not to let the death of those brave soldiers whose graves surrounded him be in vain, for no purpose. Rather, he called his hearers to be part of a “new birth of freedom” so that “the government of the people, by the people, and for the people” would “not perish from the earth.”

Fortunately, the call today is not to die, but to live and do so in a way that, whether candidate or electorate, we can be people of virtue whose character and wisdom can have positive influence. We can’t do everything, but we can do something. And what we can do, we should do, and what we should do, we must do.

May God continue to bless America as Americans think and act virtuously.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

I have often said in discussions about church leadership that, if you have good people, any system can work. But if you have bad people, no system works. As my father used to say, “No matter how many you have, you can't make a good omelet with bad eggs.”