Sunday
Rev Up the Fun on Father’s Day
By Michele E. Buttelman Sunday Signal Staff Writer
Father’s Day is just around the corner, this year Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 21.
It’s time to make plans to celebrate your dad and make his weekend unique and special. Show your dad what he means to you with thoughtful, fun events and activities. Does your dad like cars? If you have a father who
is car crazy, you have a wide selection of car-themed events available this Father’s Day.
The Vault
Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036
Info www.petersen.org
If your dad loves cars, he will love a special trip to The Vault at the iconic Petersen Automotive Museum.
The Vault features more than 300 of the rarest vehicles ever assembled, hidden beneath the museum.
Discover some of the most iconic and rare cars, motorcycles and trucks from around the world, spanning over 120 years of automotive history. Explore the story of the automobile, from early legends to modern supercars. View turn-of-the20th-century cars, head-of-state vehicles, American classics, the personal rides of Hollywood legends, award-winning hot rods, cars that pushed the boundaries of innovation and many other surprises. Tickets are $51 for adults, $25 for children age 4-11. Kids under age 4 are not permitted in The Vault.
The Wunderground
Porsche Santa Clarita
23645 Creekside Rd., Santa Clarita 91355
Info bit.ly/4dyAWw5
If you want to stay closer to home, the Wunderground in Santa Clarita, brings together a collection
of rare and special vehicles from across the United States to help tell the Porsche story.
Immerse yourself in Porsche history and learn how the Porsche family and their team of designers and engineers developed their iconic style from 1948 to today.
This underground display is open Mondays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. is free to view and features a changing display that often includes victorious racing vehicles and other notable vehicles important to the Porsche story.
You can also treat dad to a special shopping spree at the Porsche Design Boutique, the first exclusive Porsche Center in California to carry the entire Porsche Design Collection including fashion and sportswear, eye-wear, timepieces, bags and luggage, electronics and accessories.
The Boxenstopp Restaurant inside the dealership is closed Sundays, but offers German and American food Mondays-Saturdays.
Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance
Rodeo Drive from Wilshire Boulevard to S. Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Info bit.ly/3PMW7Bw
The 31st Annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance returns to Rodeo Drive on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, continuing its long-standing tradition as a celebration of automotive excellence in the heart of Beverly Hills.
Free and open to the public, the annual event
transforms one of the world’s most iconic streets into an open-air exhibition of rare, exotic, and vintage automobiles. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can enjoy an exceptional display of design, craftsmanship, and engineering while collectors, enthusiasts, and families gather for a day dedicated to automotive culture and elegance.
This year’s event will pay tribute to America’s 250th anniversary during the Rodeo Drive Committee’s 50th year.
It will showcase an eclectic lineup of rare hypercars, vintage classics, coachbuilt icons and historically significant vehicles from around the world, as well as highlight the centennial of historic Route 66 and its enduring influence on American car culture.
In addition to the vehicle displays, there are interactive exhibits, a variety of gourmet food trucks and family-friendly attractions.
2026 Channel Islands Harbor Father’s Day
Car Show
Harbor View Park
3750 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard. 93035
Info www.channelislandsfathersdaycarshow.com
If you’re looking for a top-notch Father’s Day car show at the beach, look no further than the Channel Islands Port. This event, which runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. is free for all spectators and features an eclectic mix of custom cars, hot rods, lowriders, motorcycles and classics.
There will also be food trucks, raffles, DJ music and lots of vendors to browse.
Classics By The Sea
Channel Islands Maritime Museum
3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard 93035
Info www.cimmvc.org/events-activities
In addition to the car show at Harbor View Park on Father’s Day, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum will also be hosting a Father’s Day Celebration event, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., which will feature classic cars and boats.
Visit the Maritime Museum for Classics By The Sea, featuring classic cars, woodies, arts & crafts, food vendors, iron works demonstrations, live music by the American Cats, along with maritime book, art and ship model sales.
Admission is free to the outdoor event and tickets to the museum are $xx for adults, children are free.
Father’s Day Car Show
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego 92109
Info bit.ly/4dHRdxv
This car show will run 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the North Lot at Belmont Park. It’s free to attend and features hundreds of cool cars, live music, awards and park rides.
After exploring the car show take a ride on the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster. Celebrating its 101st birthday the Giant Dipper Rollercoaster at Belmont Park in Mission Beach is a true icon of American amusement parks. It is one of the few remaining traditional wooden coasters in the country.
World of Racing
2245 East Colorado #101, Pasadena 91107
Info landing.worldofracing.com/race
Take your dad to a premier, state-of-the-art simulator racing center that provides an immersive, hyper-realistic motorsport experience. It allows visitors to drive a wide variety of vehicles, from karts and Miatas to GT3 cars and Formula 1 racers, on legendary, laser-scanned tracks without the high costs or physical risks of real racing. World of Racing features high-end simulators with professional motion systems so you can feel every turn, bump and pass.
The cost is $59 for one hour, or buy the Pro level where you can also feel the car slide for $69.
Visit the Wunderground at Porsche Santa Clarita where you can immerse yourself in Porsche history and learn how the Porsche family and their team of designers and engineers developed their iconic style from 1948 to today. PHOTO CREDIT WUNDERGROUND
World of Racing features high-end simulators with professional motion systems so you can feel every turn, bump and pass. PHOTO CREDIT WORLD OF RACING
Horse Therapy for Veterans and First Responders
By Laurel van der Linde Sunday Signal Contributing Writer
June is Veterans month, an entire month dedicated to honoring those who have committed themselves to the service of protecting all of us at home and abroad including those who respond immediately when we have faced our own individual crises. Their work is no easy task; it extracts a toll, mentally, emotionally and physically. But who is there for them when they must face their own internal mental and emotional challenges? Doctors? Hospitals? Medications? Yes, but these treatments are of limited duration, further restricted by the fact that the waiting list to obtain them can be two years or longer. This begs the question; who can be counted upon to understand, intervene and offer immediate and continued relief from the trauma their job inflicts upon them? The answer: a horse.
For centuries, horses have been an integral part of military combat. As recently as WW II, General George S. Patton’s Third Army included the Second Cavalry Group under the command of Colonel Charles Reed. Although they proved courageous mounts on traditional battle fields, these animals are now serving in a different war, an even more insidious confrontation, as the combat continues long after the physical fighting has stopped. Intelligent, empathetic, highly sensitive and intuitive horses now play an even more important role for our military — rehabilitating our veterans and first responders diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder., commonly known by the acronym, PTSD.
“They come to us after they have tried everything else,” states Nancy
Pitchford, founder of Blue Star Ranch in Santa Clarita. Blue Star Ranch is a member of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, an international organization focusing on the use of horses in psychotherapy for victims of trauma. As a member, Blue Star Ranch’s specific purpose designed to assist returning veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD so they can be successfully restored to civilian society. What is immediately significant in this program is that there is absolutely no riding involved. Rather, the horses are enlisted as counselors and all work is done form the ground.
It is not possible for any of us to fully comprehend what our veterans have experienced in active duty, not friends, not family, not the psychologists nor the psychiatrist. Trying to re-acclimate to civilian life is extraordinarily difficult. The anger, the bitterness and the
depression resulting from extended duty overseas have all taken their toll. Horses are very intuitive animals. They now employ this heightened sensitivity by assisting veterans and first responders in working through a series of well thought out, individually planned therapeutic activities. Through these exercises, the client is able to work through the problems plaguing his or her life and the horse assists by reflecting that patient’s emotional state. At each session, three experts work one-on-one with each veteran: the mental specialist, the equine specialist and, of course, the horse. The client sets up patterns or obstacles symbolic of their current mental and emotional state. They then negotiate the horse through these patterns or obstacles. No equipment such as halters or lead ropes is used. Most sessions last an hour but, “we don’t hold to an hour if we sense a breakthrough,”
says Pitchford, “We keep going.” The program works because “veterans tend to be stuck in certain patterns of coping,” states Stehanie Walsh, PhD and EAGALA psychologist. “Talk therapy … is not as powerful as the experience in the arena as far as getting the immediate feedback from the horses and it opens up avenues for them to find their own solutions to their own problems.” “Devin,” a Navy veteran, sums up her experiences. “People see things from the outside looking in. We’re stuck in the inside so we don’t see what it is. The horses actually reflect the source of trauma.” Sometimes, the treatment is as simple as just sitting with the horses and quietly letting the tears flow. The horse acts as support. Currently, the equine therapists of Blue Star Ranch consist of three horses, a mini horse and a mini donkey. The organization has recently moved to Jump for Joy, a larger facility in Santa Clarita to be able to treat more veterans. As to how many veterans and first responders Blue Star can treat — “We are only limited by our budget,” says Pitchford.
Despite its success in treating our veterans and supporting studies conducted by both the Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense as to the validity of Equine Therapy, Blue Star receives no financial aid from federal or state government entity. Instead it must function on fund raising activities, charitable grants and personal donations. As the entire month of June is Veterans Month, Steve and Mendy Cruse, owners of The Local Pub and Grill in Santa Clarita are stepping up donating 10% of your bill to Blue Star Ranch when you order from the charity menu. For additional information, visit bluestarranch.org.
Veteran Mike Gorsuch feeds nine-year-old mustang rescue, Kaylee during a Blue Star Ranch Open House. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO
Explore Some Unique Summer Fun Close to Home
By Michele E. Buttelman Sunday Signal Staff Writer
Gas prices are crazy, the grocery store takes a bigger and bigger slice of the income pie, everything, everywhere all at once seems to cost more than ever.
Yet, you still need to have fun, rest and relax and do something “different.” Why not stay close to home and explore the fun to be had in Southern California?
California Watermelon Festival
Saturday, June 6 to Sunday, June 7
Hansen Dam Recreation Area Soccer Fields
11480 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar 91342
Info watermelonfest.org/tickets
The California Watermelon Festival is a popular annual summer celebration held at the Hansen Dam Soccer Fields.
This family-friendly event features a variety of attractions including carnival rides, live music, arts and crafts, watermelon carving demonstrations, costume contests and a kids’ zone with entertainment options. Plus, festival goers can enjoy all-you-can-eat watermelon and unique watermelon dishes like deep fried watermelon, watermelon ceviche, watermelon fudge, grilled watermelon and watermelon crepes.
This year’s theme is “A Sweet Slice of California” and activities include:
• A full rodeo debut, bringing high-energy Western sport culture to Hansen Dam.
• Expanded Kids Zone with performances, crafts and activities.
• More watermelon-inspired food and drink creations including watermelon tacos, watermelon pupusas,
watermelon cannoli, watermelon cheesecake, watermelon corndogs, watermelon micheladas, watermelon waffles, watermelon sushi and watermelon funnel cake.
• Car show, graffiti art demos and interactive photo moments.
Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
Sunday, June 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Peppertree Park & Old Town Tustin
230 W. First St., Tustin 92780
Info bit.ly/49oftUd
This is the largest one-day chili cook-off in the country, according to the International Chili Society. The event is a full street fair with live music, food vendors, craft booths, beer gardens and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Entry is free, food and drinks are pay-as-yougo and chili tasting is $2 per 4 oz sample.
ed between the 5 and the 134 freeways.
At LAWineFest enjoy unlimited wine tastings with the purchase of a general admission ticket. The event features hundreds of different wines from dozens of wineries.
General Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass and unlimited tastings from participating wineries and craft breweries.
World Premiere of ‘DroneArt Show: Harry Potter’
Saturday, June 13
Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles 90012
Info bit.ly/3PZDY3u
The festival also includes additional attractions such as a classic car show featuring vintage, custom and lowrider vehicles displayed along the streets, as well as a separate salsa competition where entries are judged independently on flavor and balance.
LAWineFest 2026
Saturday, June 13, noon-6 p.m. to Sunday, June \
Los Angeles Equestrian Center 480 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank 91506
Info www.lawinefest.com
The 21st Annual LAWineFest, Southern California’s largest wine festival, is moving to the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank with beautiful tree shaded grounds. The center offers wide-open grounds, natural shade and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere for wine lovers. The nearby area also offers dining districts and parkland centrally locat-
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Los Angeles, grab your tickets now for the world premiere of DroneArt Show: Harry Potter, a one-night-only event celebrating the franchise’s 25th anniversary. There will be live pyrotechnics, stadium lights, and iconic moments like the flying Ford Anglia! Test your wizarding knowledge in our trivia and wear your best costume for a chance to spot yourself on the fan cam!
Special Surprises Play Harry Potter™ trivia to win special prizes—including Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood tickets! Plus, a limited number of guests will get to meet Bonnie Wright after the show.
Blending cutting-edge drone technology with the iconic score from the Harry Potter films, this immersive event will transform the night sky into a dazzling spectacle.
As 1,200 drones move in perfect synchronization overhead, moments from the series will come to life in a display of light, music and magic.
Enjoy an enchanting night at the World Premiere of ‘DroneArt Show: Harry Potter’ hosted by Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter™ films! COURTESY PHOTO
Family Friendly (and Easy) Potato Recipes
Bring a little moment of happiness to busy family mealtimes with The Little Potato Company’s line of easy-to-prepare Little Potatoes. They come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough that they don’t need to be cut, allowing for less time in the kitchen and more family time around the table as the days get longer. For an added convenience, their Microwave Ready Little Potato Kits come with delicious seasoning packs; simply pop into the microwave, sprinkle on the included seasoning and enjoy.
These Crispy Air Fryer Potato Nuggets pair perfectly with a variety of delicious dips. The air fryer cooks the potatoes in minutes, creating a crispy snack with minimal prep.
Or you can make a delicious side dish a cinch with pesto, which adds a bright, flavorful twist to a classic in these Basil Pesto Mashed Potatoes. They pair perfectly with everyday family meals using Little Potatoes that require no chopping or peeling thanks to their naturally thin skins, helping cut down on prep time while bringing fresh flavor to the dinner table.
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Nuggets and Dip
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 24 minutes
Servings 4
Potatoes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk
11/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
11/2 pounds Little Potatoes
Chimichurri
1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch parsley
3 limes, juice only
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1 cup canola oil
Heat air fryer to 390 F.
To make potatoes: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Whisk in milk until smooth.
Place panko in a separate shallow bowl.
Working in batches, coat potatoes in batter then toss in panko until fully coated.
Place potatoes in the air fryer and cook 24 minutes, flipping halfway.
To make chimichurri: In a blender, blend cilantro, parsley, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, chili flakes and canola oil until smooth.
Serve potato nuggets with chimichurri.
Basil Pesto Mashed Potatoes
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes
Servings 4
11/2 pounds Little Potatoes water
1 teaspoon salt, plus additional for seasoning, to taste, divided 21/2 cups fresh basil
4 cloves garlic
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
2/3 cup olive oil pepper, to taste
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
In a food processor, place basil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan. Add oil and pulse until mixed then season with salt and pepper, to taste.
In a small saucepot over low heat, heat milk and butter until butter is melted and milk is steaming. Once potatoes are cooked, strain and transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
Using a potato masher, smash potatoes with milk and butter mixture then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in pesto mixture. (Feature Impact)
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Nuggets and Dip and Basil Pesto Mashed Potatoes
The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood
By Tony Rizzo
Ben Affleck has co-written and directed the crime-thriller film “Animals,” in which he also stars with Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson. He produced the film with his longtime best friend Matt Damon. Damon was busy this past year making “The Odyssey,” which’ll finally hit theaters on July 17.
tive hatched the idea to show “Oz” in theaters at matinees, where it grossed $25.6 million.
In 1959, CBS began showing “Oz” as an annual event, which continued for 40 years, ending in 1998. It was ranked second in Variety’s 100 Greatest Movies of All Time list, and the Library of Congress has proclaimed it the mostviewed film in cinematic history. The Sphere has already mined $370 million out of their “Oz” goldmine.
Did they have guns in Oz?
“The Wizard of Oz” has sold almost 3 million tickets for an immersive 4D screening at the Sphere in Las Vegas, where tickets start at $100. The 1939 classic starring Judy Garland wasn’t a success when it first opened. It cost $2.8 million and only grossed $3 million during its initial release. Then, in 1949, a brilliant MGM execu-
Sunday-Thursday, May 31-June 4, 2026
The next time you watch “Oz,” focus in on the scene when they’re leaving the Wizard and going through the enchanted forest to the Wicked Witch’s castle. The Cowardly Lion runs away, and the Scarecrow and Tin Man bring him back. But look closely, and you’ll see that among the weapons they’re holding … the Scarecrow has a gun!
The very busy 31-year-old Margaret Qualley completed “The Dog Stars,” opposite Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Allison Janney and Guy Pearce (opens on Aug. 28). She also made out with Patrick Schwarzenegger for the romantic drama “Love of Your Life,” then went right into the Southern-Gothic supernatural-horror film “King Snake” with Drew Starkey (“Outer Banks”) and Michael Shannon. The latter is about a young couple who inherit an Arkansas farm and have to battle both “physical and metaphysical demons,” according to Variety.
Ryan Reynolds filmed Apple TV+’s “Mayday” with Kenneth Branagh (drops on Sept. 4), as well as “Avengers: Doomsday” (drops on Dec. 18). Then he shot “Animal Friends” with Jason Momoa, Audrey Plaza, Dan Levy and Vince Vaughn, which comes out on Jan. 22, 2027. Now he’s currently shooting the fantasy film “Eloise,” based on Kay Thompson’s famous books.
Ben Affleck (Upcoming in “Animals”) Depositphotos
Top Movies
25, 2026
1. Michael (PG-13) Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long
2. The Devil Wears Prada 2 (PG-13) Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway
3. Obsession (R) Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette
4. Mortal Kombat II (R) Adeline Rudolph, Karl Urban
T E R S E Sun: 10:10 AM Mon to Thu: 4:00 PM A crew of professional shoplifters takes aim at a cutthroat fash on maven It’s like community ser vice S TA R WA R S: T H E M A N DA LO R I A N A N D G RO G U C Sun: 10:00 1:10 4:15 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10
The ev l Empire has fallen, and Imper al warlords remain scattered throughout the galax y As the fledgling New Republic works to protec t ever ything the Rebell on fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendar y Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprent ce Grogu
T H E S H E E P D E T E C T I V E S B Sun: 10:10 1:10 4 00 7:00 Mon to Thu: 1:10 7 00
In this witty new breed of myster y, George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who reads detec tive novels to his beloved sheep ever y night, assum ng they can’t possibly understand But when a mysterious incident disrupts ife on the farm, the sheep rea ize they must become the detec t ves
T H E D E V I L W E A R S P R A DA 2 C Sun: 10:10 1:10 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:10
Twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emi y and Nigel - Mer yl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emi y Blunt and Stan ey Tucc return to the fash onable streets of New York C ty and the s eek offices of Runway Magazine
M I C H A E L C Sun: 10:00 1:00 4:00 7:00; Mon to Wed: 1:00 4:00 7:00; Thu: 1:00 4 00 The film tells the stor y of Michael Jackson s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discover y of h s ex traordinar y talent as the lead of the Jackson Five to the visionar y ar tist whose creative ambition
It was originally filmed by ABC in 2003 as “Eloise at the Plaza,” starring Julie Andrews, Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski, and it followed a mischievous little girl’s adventures at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Mrs. Ryan Reynolds, aka Blake Lively, had no time to make movies this year because of her long public feud with “It Ends with Us” actor/director Justin Baldoni. Now that they’ve mined all the publicity out of it, they’ve settled it out of court. Definitively, there’ll be no sequel, even though it only cost $25 million and made $351 million. I don’t know about them, but my mother taught me never to air my dirty laundry in public! © 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.
5. The Sheep Detectives (PG) Hugh Jackman, Brett Goldstein
6. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (PG) Brie Larson, Virginia Dare Jelenic
7. Project Hail Mary (PG-13) Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller
8. Top Gun (PG) Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards
9. In the Grey (R) Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal
10. Is God Is (R) Kara Young, Mallori Johnson
© 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.
A Healthier Home: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Hacks
Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to mean filling your cabinets with harsh chemicals or single-use cleaning products. In fact, some of the most effective solutions may already be in your pantry. By swapping a few everyday products for simple, eco-friendly solutions, you can clean effectively, save money and make your home a little greener. If you’re looking to reduce waste, cut back on toxins and simplify your cleaning routine, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon can deliver results while also being safer for your home - and the environment.
Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
Instead of buying multiple cleaners for different surfaces, try a DIY solution that works in many areas of the home. In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water and 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice — such as lemon, lavender or tea tree — then use it on countertops, sinks, glass and other surfaces to curb grease and grime. Avoid
using vinegar-based cleaners on natural stone like granite or marble, however, as its acidity can cause damage.
Let Baking Soda Do the Scrubbing
One of the most versatile eco-friendly cleaners around, baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that helps lift stains without scratching surfaces. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto sinks, bathtubs, cookware, stovetops or tile grout then scrub with a damp sponge or cloth for a sparkling clean finish.
Freshen Carpets Naturally
Carpets and rugs can trap odors, but a DIY deodorizer made of 1 cup baking soda and 10-15 drops of the essential oil of your choice can replace chemical sprays and keep floor surfaces smelling fresh. Just sprinkle across the carpet, let sit for 15-20 minutes then vacuum.
Use Lemon to Cut Grease and Stains
Lemon juice is a powerful natural cleaner due to its acidity and antibacterial properties. It can leave
behind a fresh scent when used to clean cutting boards, remove soap scum and water spots or deodorize garbage disposals. For stubborn grime, mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a paste that can tackle tough surface stains.
Naturally Deodorize Drains
If your kitchen sink smells unpleasant, skip the harsh chemical drain cleaners. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain then add 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let the mixture fizz a few minutes then flush with hot water to help loosen buildup while neutralizing odors.
Polish Stainless Steel with Pantry Staples
Remove grimy fingerprints and give stainless steel appliances a streak-free shine with a simple mixture of 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Find more DIY, eco-friendly cleaning tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com. (Feature Impact)
Grow Healthier Plants by Improving Your Soil
Almost every gardener knows the frustration: One corner of the garden bursts with life while another struggles to hang on. Flowers are slow to open, vegetables disappoint and the soil seems to drink up water and ask for more.
However, seasoned gardeners know the difference between a struggling garden and a thriving one almost always comes down to what’s beneath the surface.
Success Runs Soil Deep
The change in seasons can leave soil compacted and depleted, so spending some time giving it a boost can set the stage for strong, healthy plants. It may also be easier than many gardeners think to give soil the help it needs. Blending in amendments like biochar
improves soil health, helps retain water and locks in nutrients.
An easy-to-use yet powerful conditioner that helps balance soil pH, Wakefield BioChar boosts soil fertility and supports stronger, healthier plant growth. Once it’s mixed into soil, biochar becomes a powerhouse worker. It holds onto water like a sponge, slowly releasing and making the water accessible, so plants continually receive moisture and gardeners need to water less. It also makes nutrients more available to plants, resulting in healthier gardens and greener lawns.
An Easy-to-Use Boost
When planting in the garden or pots, biochar should make up approximately 10% of the soil mix. If you’re setting up a garden bed, mix it into the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches (1 cubic
foot is plenty for a 4-by-8-foot garden bed). For trees and shrubs, adding biochar directly to the roots helps them get off to a strong start and supports healthy growth.
It’s also a natural way to improve a lawn’s look and performance. To add biochar to your lawn to prepare for warm weather, spread it evenly across the grass, either by hand or with a broadcast spreader for larger areas. Aim for a thin, even layer to ensure all parts of your lawn benefit from its properties, improving long-term soil health. For newly planted lawns, mix 1 cubic foot of biochar into every 100 square feet of soil, making sure it penetrates 2-4 inches deep.
No matter where you use biochar, water regularly for the first week to activate its benefits. Watering helps biochar settle into the soil and start
working, as its porous structure holds moisture, helping keep gardens and lawns hydrated.
Sustainable from the Ground Up Not only does biochar deeply nourish your garden or lawn, it also helps create a more sustainable environment for years to come. It’s made by heating natural materials, such as organic wood waste, in a way that stores carbon rather than releasing it into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases.
The process — called pyrolysis — locks carbon into a stable form that doesn’t break down as quickly as mulch or compost and transforms into a light, porous material that stays active, season after season, to ensure nutrient-rich soil for years to come.
Learn more about planting healthy gardens at WakefieldBiochar.com/ grow. (Feature Impact)
Can cataracts be prevented?
Vision should be cherished at every stage in life. However, as one ages and vision changes become more profound, it is even more important to stay abreast of what can be done to care for the eyes in the hopes of preventing certain conditions, including cataracts.
Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lenses. The World Health Organization estimates that cataracts affect more than 94 million people globally. Cataracts also account for nearly 45% of all blindness cases. Even though cataracts are considered an unavoidable part of the aging process, some people wonder if they can be prevented. Reedsburg Area Medical Center says that, while one cannot entirely stop the biological aging of the lens, delayed onset and reduced severity of cataracts is possible through targeted lifestyle choices.
According to EyeHealth Northwest, by age 80, more than 90% of adults will either have a cataract or have already undergone surgery for them. Technically cataracts cannot be prevented, but these steps can help push cataract development further into later life.
Wear sunglasses with UV protection The consensus among experts is that prolonged exposure to ultraviolet B rays accelerates the breakdown of lens proteins. Consistent use of sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection
can greatly slow this protein degradation. Wraparound frames will block light from the periphery as well as the front.
Lower oxidative stress Preventing oxidative stress, a primary driver of lens opacification, can be achieved through diets rich in antioxidants, says Premier Eye Care of Eastern Idaho. Lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin C act as shields for the eye. Eye Physicians of Long Beach says the risk of age-related cataracts reduces by around 26% for every additional 10 mg of carotenoids added to a person’s diet.
Manage diabetes The National Institutes of Health says individuals with diabetes face a 63% higher likelihood of requiring cataract surgery compared to those without the condition. Managing high blood sugar will prevent sorbitol from depositing in the lenses and causing cloudiness earlier in life.
Quit smoking Smoking is a key factor in cataract development, says Optometrists.org. Smokers have a 1.66 times greater risk of developing cataracts than non-smokers because the toxins in tobacco smoke can deplete the body’s natural antioxidant stores. Although it may not be possible to turn off aging and prevent cataracts entirely, cataracts can be delayed and made less impactful through lifestyle changes. (MC)
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Credit Union
Escrow Company
Executive Suites and Office Rental
Limousine/Town Car
Mortuary
Moving Company
Music School
Party Rentals
Performing Arts School
Pet Groomer
Pet Hospital
FINANCE
Pet Trainer Photographer
Place to Volunteer
Preschool
Printing & Graphics Company
Private School
Real Estate Company
Religious School
School District
Security Services
Senior Care
Summer Camp
Tanning Salon
Tattoo Shop
Temp Agency
Tutoring Center
Web Design Company
Wedding Coordinator
Balloon Design Bicycle Store
Sales
Bridal Shop Car Wash
Children’s Clothing Store
A Beginner’s Guide to Home Loans
Buying a home is one of the largest purchases most people will make in their lives, and taking out a home loan is a common way to finance the purchase. This primer on home loans explains the mortgage basics, including what a mortgage is, typical types of loans, and the concept of shopping for a lender.
What is a Mortgage?
A mortgage is a loan used to purchase a home or other real estate. The term mortgage may also be used to indicate the amount of money you borrow, with interest, to purchase your house. The mortgage amount is usually the purchase price of the home minus your down payment.
Before taking out a mortgage, it’s important to understand the upfront and ongoing costs of homeownership, including closing costs, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. If you fall behind on your mortgage payments and can’t resolve the delinquency, your lender may begin foreclosure proceedings, which could result in losing your home.
Choosing a Loan Term
Consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you to repay your loan. Your loan term will affect your interest rate, monthly payment and the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan.
Long-term mortgages, such as the most common 30-year term, typically have
• Smaller monthly payments than short-term mortgages, making your mortgage more affordable month by month.
• Higher mortgage rates, meaning you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan.
Short-term mortgages, which typically come in the form of 10, 15 or 20 years, generally have:
• Lower interest rates than long-term mortgages, meaning you’ll pay less interest over the life of the loan.
• Higher monthly payments than long-term mortgages.
Deciding on a Loan Type
There are two basic types of mortgages: Fixed-rate mortgages lock in one interest rate for
Custom Framing
Day Spa
Dealership Service Department
Dry Cleaners
Floral Arrangements
Golf Equipment & Supply
Hotel
Jewelry Store
Luxury Car Dealership
Massage
Men’s Clothing Store
Motorcycle Dealership
Music Store
Nail Salon
New Car Dealership
Nursery
Off Road Dealership
Pawn Shop
Pet Store Pharmacy
Retail Wine Shop
RV Sales
Self Storage Facility
Shoe Store
Tire Store
Used Car Sales
Women’s Clothing Store
the life of the loan. This means your monthly mortgage payment will remain the same for the entire loan term.
Adjustable-rate mortgages have an interest rate that will change over the life of the loan, and rates typically start off lower than those of a fixed-rate mortgage. After an initial hold period, ranging from six months to 10 years, your interest rate will change based on market conditions.
Finding a Lender
Once you determine which mortgage best fits your financial situation and goals, it’s time to shop for a lender. Your lender is an important part of your homebuying team, and will help guide you through the rest of the mortgage process. Because mortgage rates change frequently, be sure to compare loans on the same day to accurately judge loan estimates. It’s also best to do your mortgage shopping swiftly, as multiple credit inquiries outside a 45-day period could lower your credit score. (SPT)
Pet Corner
One Tiny Chip, One Big Lifeline for Lost Pets
By Sam Mazotta Paws Corner
Dear Paw’s Corner I take my two pups, “Roscoe” and “Pekoe,” to a free clinic to save money on their annual shots. When I took them this time, the vet told me that I should microchip them in case they ever escape. I think it’s a money grab. What do you think?
— Margie M., Oviedo, Florida
Dear Margie A microchip is worth considering, even if it seems unlike-
ly that your pets will escape the house or yard. We can’t always predict what will happen in life. For example, what if you get into a car accident and your dogs escape through the open door? What if a neighbor leaves the back gate open?
Microchipping can greatly increase the chance that your dogs will be reunited with you should they escape. An American Veterinary Medical Association study found that lost microchipped dogs were identified
and returned 52.2% of the time, and microchipped cats 38.5% of the time, compared to 21.9% and 1.8%, respectively.
It’s also a safe, nearly painless procedure; the chip is inserted just under the skin, either on the left side of the neck or between the shoulder blades. Afterward, you must register the chip with a reputable database -instructions are usually included with the post-procedure pamphlets that the vet will give you. You can learn
more here: www.pumpkin.care/post/ microchipping-dogs-cats. Keep a collar on each of your dogs, with an ID tag and their vaccination tag on the D-ring, even if you decide not to microchip them. This provides fast identification without having to run a microchip scanner over the pet — something that is normally available only at shelters and vet offices. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com. ©2026 King Features Synd., Inc.
KEEP YOUR SERVICE ANIMAL Fair Housing & Animals
The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) makes it illegal for landlords to refuse to make necessary and reasonable accommodations, or changes, to their rules and policies for people with disabilities.
Allowing a disabled tenant to live with their companion or service animal is a common reasonable accommodation under the FHA. This includes waiving an existing “no-pet” policy for tenants with mental or physical disabilities who require an animal for medical purposes.
The Housing Rights Center is a non-profit organization established in 1968 to actively support and promote equal opportunity and freedom of residence to all persons without regard to their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, familial status, disability, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, age, source of income, or other characteristics protected by law.
• Deny you the right to live with your companion or service animal
• Charge you a pet deposit fee or other surcharge
• Not allow your companion or service animal to be with you in common areas
READER LETTERS
This Is No Police State
Opinion writers like Andrew Taban and Lois Eisenberg submit columns and letters like the ones this morning (April 14) lamenting the destruction of our “democracy” (how I have come to hate that word for its incessant misuse). They speak of the current administration as if it were leading us into some sort of police state. None of them know what a real police state is like because they’ve never lived in one. They’ve never known real suppression or oppression. They’ve never lived in countries like the one my family comes from, countries where openly writing the sort of stuff that they write will get a person arrested, jailed, and either sent to a re-education center or tortured and executed.
For the record, my family comes from Iran. Yeah, that place. Someone like Andrew Taban wouldn’t last a day in Iran, so count your blessings.
No, none of that has happened to them, nor will it ever happen to them, because they live here, and not someplace like there. And yet, they have the ungrateful audacity to actually compare the United States of America to places like that.
I am at a complete loss as to what they really want. What right, freedom, or privilege is it that they have demanded and not been granted? What right, freedom, or privilege are they in such dire fear of losing?
As far as I’m concerned they should all thank their lucky stars and kiss the ground they’re standing on for the fact that they are allowed to routinely complain and remain alive. And, for better or for worse, I don’t see that changing, not here at least, and you can bank on that, Lois.
Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita
Submit a Letter to the Editor E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.
ETHICALLY
SPEAKING
CommittedtoCommitment
By David Hegg
Over the summer, our preaching series at Grace Baptist will study the reality that we humans have been designed for friendship. And, one of the weeks I’ll be speaking on is friendship in marriage, a topic I’ve pursued and enjoyed for many years. We often hear husbands and wives declare, “I married my best friend.” But, sadly, it seems too many folks don’t really understand what friendship calls us to do and be.
I have watched the systematic dissolution of many married couples over my years in church ministry. All of them were good people, and often, there was no infidelity on either side. The reason they failed to keep their marriages together was not some cataclysmic event or circumstance. Rather, it was their failure to live up to the commitments they made to one another as they entered into the covenant of marriage. It boiled down to a gross misunderstanding of what commitment is and what it entails.
At its very core, commitment is a promise to persevere beyond the point of convenience, comfort and even common sense. Yes, that’s right. Commitment means staying the course even when it appears that all is lost. It is refusing to give up in the face of daunting circumstances simply because what is about to be lost is irreplaceable. Commitment means working through rather than walking out.
Think about the commitment of soldiers at war. Those we honor the most are the ones who remained radically committed to their comrades and the mission, even to the point of death. Commitment isn’t wishful thinking. It is a promise sealed with the life of the one who makes it, or at least it is supposed to be.
Someone has said that, when it comes to a breakfast of ham and eggs, the chicken made a contribution, but the pig made a commitment. So, with that in mind, here are three principles that define commitment in marriage: First, be committed to recognizing, admitting, apologizing for, and cleaning up after your own shortcomings. Too many times, we believe that all the damage done in marriage lies at the feet of someone else. But if marriage is valuable, true self-awareness, honesty and
humility are worth it.
Second, be committed to forgiving and forgetting your spouse’s shortcomings. Too often, we store up the mistakes of others for use as ammunition in the next marital skirmish. But this only erodes marital unity while demonstrating that we’re actually more driven by our pride than by our commitment to our marriage.
Lastly, be committed to persevering through tough times for the sake of your marriage’s mission. Every expert on marriage I have read agrees that homes where a husband and wife honor, respect and support one another provide the best environment for their own health, prosperity and success, as well as the health, character and social maturity of their children. As marriages erode, so do children, and as children are damaged, society devolves into less than America has always been.
These three principles can be summed up as humility, forgiveness and perseverance. Taken together, they have great benefit in every human endeavor, and not just marriage. They also grow out of a heart that recognizes the value of character, and that refuses to believe the myth that we are here only for our own good, and not that of the world around us.
In a day when personal accountability is fast becoming an evil, freedom-restricting concept, and integrity an impediment to fame and fortune, we need a re-commitment to what is right, good and true. The best things in life aren’t things or the money that buys them. Happiness isn’t circumstantial, but rather the by-product of virtue, and an ethical system not tied to the whims and winds of a self-centered culture.
Ultimately, it will be our commitments that determine our comforts and our satisfaction in this life. Commitment, not convenience, must be our guiding principle lest we join so many today who are making compromise too common a virtue. The race is never won by those who quit or turn aside. Let’s run the race to win, all the way to the end, committed to finishing well what we have started.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
