Helm Vision Group is pleased to introduce laser cataract surgery to the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding communities.
A blade-free procedure, laser cataract surgery is precise and predictable, resulting in an all new level of customized patient care. Our Swiss-engineered Ziemer FEMTO LDV ZS laser applies less energy, decreasing inflammation and enabling a faster healing time, which results in a more gentle experience. The finest care available for your eyes is here at Helm Vision Group. Schedule an appointment with us today to find out more about blade-free cataract surgery and the FEMTO LDV ZS laser system.
Storage Stunners for Every Room of Your Home
Trying to be better organized and looking to overcome your storage dilemma with more than a dull metal rack or a makeshift cubby? Take your cue from these design pros. Throughout the home, they’re creating functional and beautiful storage solutions. How? They’re doing it with all-natural cypress. And you can, too!
Cypress in the Kitchen
At the heart of it all, and integral to any practical kitchen layout, is the island — that all-encompassing oasis used for storing pots and pans, preparing meals, and working on homework. “In the kitchen, homeowners are looking for functional design with as much storage space as possible,” says Ellie Schroder from Maison de Reve Buildings, Abita Springs, Louisiana.
“If you have modern, painted cabinets, set off the island in a complementary color and a textured wood like pecky cypress, so that the island is like a piece of fine furniture that’s different from the rest of the kitchen.”
In the Bedroom
Closets and dressers are great for keeping clothes out of sight, but they don’t offer much storage for knickknacks, picture frames, and other personal items. Woodworker Julie Philippus from Mandeville, Louisiana, suggests building into the walls for rooms lacking storage. “Built-ins can be an inexpensive way to add extra storage and a custom look to bedrooms — or any rooms — that are short on space,” she says.
“To dress up basic shelving, I like adding pecky cypress backboards to create a oneof-a-kind look.”
For the (Home) Spa
Whether outfitting a guest bath — or splurging on your master — creating a luxurious, spa-like sanctuary involves more than fancy faucets and fixtures! Enhance your space with a custom vanity that provides aesthetic warmth, as well as plenty of storage.
“Vanities serve a utilitarian purpose,” says woodworker Jason Straw of Gainesville, Florida. “But a custom, modern vanity crafted from real wood is similar to art. When relaxing in the tub, you can sit back and enjoy its presence.”
And no worries about crafting cabinetry for wet zones. Straw believes cypress is the best choice. “It’s not only beautiful,” Straw says, “but the cypressene oil found in its heartwood naturally protects it from water damage and mildew.”
For the Finishing Touch
If you work from home or need to put in extra hours, a home office is a must-have — offering a quiet space to stay on task and organized. According to Jane Frederick of Frederick + Frederick Architects in Beaufort, South Carolina — and a past president of the American Institute of Architects — design and comfort are two primary considerations when it comes to picking out a high-quality desk.
“Touching a solid surface speaks to the quality of construction,” Frederick says. “And the finishes make a big difference. I once designed a desk made out of solid, river-recovered cypress, with a live-edge walnut top. In addition to being built to last, it’s stunningly beautiful.”
Whether building a dream home, renovating an existing one, or simply trying to be better organized, look to cypress for creating functional and beautiful storage stunners. Visit www.CypressInfo.org to see how. (NewsUSA)
Woodworker Julie Philippus suggests building into the walls for rooms lacking storage. PHOTO BY JULIE PHILIPPUS
Design and comfort are two primary considerations when it comes to picking out a high-quality desk PHOTO BY JULIE PHILIPPUS
Cypress in the Kitchen. PHOTO BY JULIE PHILIPPUS
Have you been here? Cool Places to Visit in California
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
The breathtaking diversity of California is on full display at these unusual and special locations. Plan your summer adventure by discovering a few of these unique “hidden gems.”
Unique Stays
Mendocino County offers some of the most unique accommodations in Northern California.
Mendocino Stone Ranch
43265 Fish Rock Road, Gualala 95445
Info www.stoneranchmendo.com
Stay in a yurt at a 50-acre outdoor stone art gallery at the Mendocino Stone Ranch and explore more than 30 stone art installations. The unique pieces have been created by stone masons from around the world and are linked by trails throughout 30 walkable acres of beautiful redwood forest.
The Stanford Inn by the Sea
44850 Comptche Ukiah Rd., Mendocino 95460 Info stanfordinn.com
The Stanford Inn Historic Farm and Eco-Resort offers a holistic experience that combines luxury, sustainability, wellness and natural beauty. It also offers the Ravens Restaurant, a pet-friendly environment and outdoor activities and adventures.
Bigfoot Sightings
Willow Creek China Flat Museum
38949 Highway 299, Willow Creek 95573
Info thebigfootmuseum.com
The Willow Creek China Flat Museum is home to the original 1967 sighting that was caught on film by Patterson-Grimlin. See casts of the impressive 16inch footprints and many original photos and artifacts. Located in the Bigfoot capital of the world, the museum is home to some of the most sought-after Bigfoot casts.
The museum offers its most recent find from the local Bigfoot Wilderness Research team that cast a bigfoot print the weekend of May 18, 2024 in the mountains near Orleans. They previously cast a trackway in the snow last year in the same general area.
Natural Wonders
California seems to have more than its fair share of natural wonders. There are many amazing places you’ve never seen.
Column of the Giants
Stanislaus National Forest, 19777 Greenley Rd., Sonora 95370
Info bit.ly/4jq6MLk
The Columns of the Giants is a geologic site that features hexagonal basalt rock formations created by lava from volcanoes more than a 100,000 years ago. There is an easy trail, only a quarter-mile long that takes you to the Column of the Giants in about 15 minutes. Interpretive signs give you information about this area.
Old Faithful Geyser of California
1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, 94515
Info www.calistogaspa.com/things-to-do/oldfaithful-geyser
California’s Old Faithful is located near the town of Calistoga. It’s not as powerful as Yellowstone’s, but it is faithful, erupting every 10 to 45 minutes depending on the time of year.
This part of what is now Napa Valley was a volcano that exploded in a massive eruption about 4.3 million years ago. The remains of the volcano continue to simmer gently beneath the valley today, creating geothermal features and hot springs.
Ride the Rails
Enjoy an historic railroad experience at one of several locations in California.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
56001 CA-41, Fish Camp 93623
Info ymsprr.com
Travel back in time with a historic exploration of the Yosemite area. The seasonal Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad takes you back in time to the days of gold panning and logging with gorgeous rides through the Sierra National Forest.
As the name suggests, towering sugar pines dominate the landscape at this heritage railway, but this is also Giant Sequoia country:
The Logger Steam Train travels along the old Madera Company railbed, resurrecting the roughand-tumble spirit of early California. Vintage Shay
The Willow Creek China Flat Museum is home to the original 1967 sighting that was caught on film by Patterson-Grimlin. Photo Courtesy Willow Creek China Flat Museum.
steam engines lead a line of passenger cars through the Sierra National Forest for a one-hour scenic ride that includes a short stop at Lewis Creek Canyon. Moonlight excursions on the Logger are popular, featuring a BBQ dinner and a campfire singalong or Western melodrama at Lewis Creek.
Roaring Camp Railroads
5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton 95018
Info roaringcamp.com
History comes alive at this re-created Old West camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where visitors can pan for gold, witness blacksmithing and banjo playing and a chance to climb aboard two heritage railways for up-close encounters with ancient redwoods.
Ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train as it chugs up switchbacks as it ascends one of the steepest railway grades in the West. Elevated trestles provide a canopy-level view of the coast redwoods. At the Bear Mountain summit, conductors lead a short stroll through a grove of giants before making the descent to the depot.
The Santa Cruz Beach Train follows the old “Picnic Line,” which brought turn-of-the-century pleasure seekers to the big trees and the beach. The tracks curve past the old-growth groves at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Disembark at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for funnel cakes and roller coasters before making the hour-long return.
Time-Saving Cooking Tips for Busy Families
When it comes to sit-down family meals, one thing is for certain: It feels like you never have enough time. With your hectic schedule — full days at school and work, afternoon sports practices for the kiddos and plans with friends on the weekends — preparing a home cooked meal everyone will love can be daunting.
However, that time together in the kitchen and at the table is valuable. It offers an opportunity to bond through shared meals and gives kids a chance to learn life skills, such as measuring ingredients, simple cooking methods and properly seasoning favorite dishes. Dining at home also promotes healthier eating habits like portion control.
By rethinking your approach to home cooking, you can bring back family meals for those special moments together. Call your loved ones together and plan for fresh, homemade recipes with these easy steps.
Plan the Menu in Advance
Thinking about the week (or two) ahead can help avoid last-minute decisions to hit the drive thru. Pick a day — many families opt for Sunday evenings — you can sit down together and schedule meals for the upcoming week. If you can, try and plan dishes
little ones can help with so the whole family can get involved.
Make sure everyone feels included by allowing each member of the family to pick a recipe for the week. Be flexible and keep in mind plans may change.
Try to plan at least one recipe you can make in 30 minutes or less so you can be prepared for the unexpected, and remember to take advantage of handsoff cooking methods like the slow cooker.
Use Ready-to-Cook Ingredients
With fresh, flavorful ingredients from The Little Potato Company, busy families have more options to choose from for meals the whole family will love. For easy and delicious oven-roasted or grilled potatoes, A Little Garlic & Parmesan Oven or Grill Ready Little Potatoes deliver a classic garlic and cheese flavor. Perfect for those seeking plant-based options, they’re an easy side to serve with your favorite main courses.
Grocery Shop Online
If the thought of hunting the store aisles for that one missing ingredient keeps you awake at night, online grocery shopping can save you the time and hassle. While meal planning for the week, jot down a list of each ingredient you’ll need for those recipes then add everything to your digital cart in min-
utes. Some stores and services even offer delivery so you can collect groceries right off your front porch. An added bonus: Shopping online means you can mindfully plan your shopping list with groceries you actually need.
Use Quick Cooking Methods
On those hectic evenings when you don’t even have time to let the oven preheat, look to the microwave for salvation. Combining the sweetness of honey with a little heat from chili, A Little Hot Honey Microwave Ready Little Potatoes provide a pop of flavor that’s ready in minutes. Simply heat the potatoes in the microwavable tray for 5 minutes, sprinkle on the hot honey seasoning pack and enjoy. Because they come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough they don’t need to be cut, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time around the table.
Ask for Help in the Kitchen
Even the simplest of recipes is bound to require a little work in the kitchen. Make cooking at home a family affair by asking loved ones to help set the table, put away leftovers and wash dishes so you can focus on conversation instead of cleanup.
Visit littlepotatoes.com to find a store near you and more quick, convenient family meal solutions. (Family Features)
By rethinking your approach to home cooking, you can bring back family meals for those special moments together. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Safe Summer Fun in the Sun
Summer is the season of sun-kissed memories — backyard barbecues, sandy beaches, bike rides and late-night stargazing. However, the warmer months bring unique safety challenges that can catch active families off guard if they’re not prepared.
From sunburns to scraped knees and dehydration to bug bites, summer’s surprises don’t have to slow you down. With a few simple precautions and the right tools on hand — like reliable first-aid essentials — you can make safety second nature and keep your focus where it belongs: on making the most of every sunny moment.
Here are a few smart, easy tips from the experts at CURAD to help your family stay protected from the sun, heat, water hazards and the inevitable bumps and bruises from outdoor play.
Shield Your Skin from Harmful Rays
The summer sun can be harsh, making it important to take steps to prevent sunburn, even if it’s partly cloudy or overcast. If you plan to be outside for more than 15 minutes, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outdoors. Remember to reapply to all exposed skin — including overlooked spots like your ears, neck and tops of feet — every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Wearing protective clothing, such as widebrimmed hats, sunglasses and light, long-sleeved shirts, can also help shield you from harmful UV rays. When possible, seek shade during peak sun hours, typically 10 a.m.-4 p.m., to minimize direct exposure.
Be Prepared for Summer Scrapes
Accidents can happen anytime, especially during active summer days. Having a well-stocked firstaid kit, including bandages, antiseptic wipes and ointments, can help you quickly address minor cuts, scrapes and blisters.
It’s important to have the right bandages on hand for every situation. Bandages made with breathable and lightweight fabric and a four-sided seal are perfect for those hot summer days. While bandages infused with natural ingredients like soothing aloe vera, vitamin E and baking soda offer a fresh ap-
proach to healing.
Proven to aid in faster healing, hydrocolloid bandages, like those infused with aloe vera from the CURAD Naturals line, offer waterproof protection that helps cushion and seal out dirt and germs for multiple days. By sealing in moisture, hydrocolloid bandages help promote the optimal healing environment.
Keep the Fluids Flowing in the Heat
During the summer months, the heat can quickly lead to dehydration, which can cause dizziness, headaches and even heat stroke. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to stay hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water (8 ounces each) each day, or more if you’re going to be spending an extended amount of time outdoors or engaging in physical activities like hiking, biking or playing sports.
Keeping a refillable water bottle with you can make it easier to stay hydrated on the go and replenish the water your body loses through sweat. In addition to water, consuming hydrating foods like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers and bell peppers can help maintain your fluid levels and regulate your body’s temperature. Also avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.
Keep
Pesky Insects at Bay
Summer evenings are perfect for outdoor activities, but they can also attract mosquitoes, ticks and
other pests. Protect yourself and your family by applying insect repellent on top of your sunscreen to all exposed skin and loose-fitting clothing. Reapply as needed, according to the instructions on the package.
Repellant fans, candles, torches and bracelets may be good alternatives to spray or roll-on insect repellants. Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially in wooded or grassy areas, can also help prevent bug bites. Remember to check for ticks after spending time outdoors and, if found, promptly remove them by using clean tweezers and pulling straight upward. Avoid twisting, squeezing or burning ticks, which can lead to the release of saliva or cause the head to break off.
Have Fun in the Water, Safely
Summer is the perfect time to hit the pool, beach or lake, but remember to prioritize safety while enjoying the water. Always swim in designated areas and never swim alone. If supervising children, ensure they are within an arm’s reach and wearing properly fitting flotation devices.
Avoid alcohol when swimming or super vising swimmers, as it can impair your judgment and reaction times, and be aware of your surroundings, including weather conditions and water currents. Enrolling kids in swimming lessons can also contribute to a safer experience in the water.
Visit Curad.com for more resources to help you safely enjoy your summer adventures. (Family Features)
In the City of Santa Clarita, summer means warm days, lively events and neighbors coming together. From events like Concerts in the Park and SENSES to hikes on our scenic trails, adults and children alike are out enjoying everything the season has to offer. But with school out and more kids walking, biking and playing outdoors, summer also calls for increased awareness and responsibility — especially behind the wheel. That’s why the City of Santa Clarita is reminding everyone to adopt a Heads Up! mindset when it comes to road and pedestrian safety. For drivers, being Heads Up! means putting away distractions before you even start the engine. Stowing your
phone minimizes the temptation to text, scroll or take calls. Obey speed limits, use turn signals and always pause and look both ways before turning — particularly at intersections and crosswalks. Make eye contact with pedestrians and give them the right of way. Children can be unpredictable — they may dart into the road without warning, especially in neighborhoods and near parks. One of the most common causes of driver-at-fault crashes is turning right without checking for pedestrians. This summer, check twice — and then check again.
Being a Heads Up! pedestrian means minimizing distractions, especially when crossing the street or passing through a driveway. Take off your headphones, make sure drivers see you before stepping into the
street and always look both ways before crossing. Kids walking or biking to summer camps, pools or a friend’s house should be equipped with good habits. Parents are encouraged to walk or bike the routes their children may take to identify crosswalks, safe zones and high-traffic areas before allowing them to travel alone. Children should always cross at marked intersections — never between parked cars or outside of crosswalks. When biking, kids should wear a helmet, follow traffic signals and ride on the right side of the road.
Speaking of biking, e-bikes are increasingly popular, especially among teens. Many parents may not be aware of the rules: Class I and Class II e-bikes require helmets for riders under 17, while Class III e-bikes can only be rid-
den by those 16 and older — and helmets are mandatory regardless of age. E-motorcycles — often confused with e-bikes — are illegal and are not allowed in the City of Santa Clarita. They require all of the same requirements as a regular vehicle, including a license, registration and insurance — not to mention a DOT-approved helmet. For more information on the difference between an e-bike and an e-motorcycle, visit BikeSantaClarita.com/Ebikes. By adopting a Heads Up! attitude, we can protect one another and ensure this summer season in Santa Clarita remains safe and fun for everyone — especially our kids. For more safety tips, visit SantaClarita.gov/HeadsUp. Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@SantaClarita. gov.
The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood
By Tony Rizzo
Alast word about Ruth Buzzi, who recently passed on May 1. I met Ruth in 1964 at “The Garry Moore Show,” in which she was Dom DeLuise’s assistant in a magic act. To his chagrin, she revealed how his tricks were done, which was hilarious. I ran into Ruth a lot during her “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” days and during my time as a Hollywood paparazzi. She was one of a kind!
Jacob Elordi shot to fame in the Netflix trilogy “The Kissing Booth” (2018-2021), which Elordi called ridiculous, stating, “I never wanted to make them.” Then he starred in “Deep Water” (2022) with Ben Affleck and “He Went That Way” with Zachary Quinto, but both films failed to impress.
However, “Saltburn” (2023), featuring a much-talked-about bathtub scene featuring Barry Keoghan, got lots of attention but not enough to make the film a hit. Even his turn as Elvis in “Priscilla” (2023) failed to ignite box offices.
Elordi’s next film “Oh, Canada” (2024), co-starring Richard Gere and Uma Thurman, also failed. In “On Swift Horses” (2024), even a samesex love affair failed him, too. But his portrayal of Nate Jacobs in HBO’s hit series “Euphoria,” opposite Zendaya, has built him a solid fan following, and he’s currently preparing for season three.
In a bold casting move, Guillermo del Toro has cast him as the monster in Netflix’s “Frankenstein,” due in November. In April, he finished playing Heathcliff to Margot Robbie’s Kathy in the remake of “Wuthering Heights,” opening in February 2026. Elordi
will follow this up by starring opposite Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin and Guy Pearce in Ridley Scott’s “The Dog Stars,” a postapocalyptic sci-fi film that will shoot in Italy.
Word from the Vatican is that many voting cardinals who gathered to elect a new Pope after Pope Francis’ passing on April 21, had been using the eighttime Oscar-nominated film “Conclave” as a research tool.
Oscar winner Nicolas Cage (“Leaving Las Vegas”), who has made 127 films including the classic “Moonstruck” (which led Cher to her Best Actress Oscar), will soon have 130 films to his credit. His next three credits will be the drama “The Prince” with J.K. Simmons, then the horror film “The Carpenter’s Son,” and David O. Russell’s sports drama “Madden.” (Cage assumed the title role when Hugh Jackman dropped out.)
When Cage filmed “The Surfer” in late 2023, he was tossed so hard by an angry ocean that they called his surfboard a “tombstone.” He admitted he took such a pounding by the waves that he could have died. And this past September, while filming in a Grecian cave, he was attacked by a swarm of killer bees.
Taking no chances, Cage recently completed voicing the titular character for “Spider-Noir,” which will be an animated series on MGM+. After being pounded by the sea and attacked by bees, playing an animated Spider-Man was a Cage-y move!
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Make Fresh Produce a Summertime Staple
Summer brings sunshine-filled days along with the season’s bounty of some of the most delicious, locally grown produce. Now is the time to enjoy those in-season fruits and vegetables when they are at the peak of freshness.
In fact, if the rich, creamy texture of avocados is one of your favorite additions to summer meals, there’s exciting news: it’s California avocado season and the state’s 3,000 avocado growers are expecting their largest harvest in five years with an estimated 375 million pounds of this locally grown favorite on its way to grocery stores and restaurants this season.
Peak availability is expected through summer, allowing those eager to track down fresh, delicious and local avocados the chance to enjoy recipes like Avocado Superfood Salad, which combines seven superfoods in a tasty, colorful salad: kale, spinach, walnuts, blueberries, sweet potato, tomatoes and creamy avocados.
“While California avocados are a seasonal treasure, this year’s robust harvest means more people will have the chance to enjoy them,” said Terry Splane, vice president of marketing at the California Avocado Commission. “From the subtle nutty flavor they bring to morning smoothies to adding a creamy decadence to fresh salads and serving as the star ingredient in quick and easy guacamoles, California avocados are a delicious addition to any
meal — so go grab them now while they are still in season.”
Find more recipes by visiting CaliforniaAvocado. com or by following along at Facebook.com/ CaliforniaAvocados and Instagram.com/ca_ avocados.
Avocado Superfood Salad
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 5 minutes
Servings 4
8 cups kale or baby spinach leaves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste, divided
1 cup walnuts
1 cup blueberries
1 cup diced, cooked sweet potato
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
2 large, ripe, fresh California Avocados, seeded, peeled and sliced horizontally vinaigrette dressing, for serving
Slice kale and spinach into fine shreds and place in mixing bowl. With clean hands, massage 1 tablespoon olive oil into shredded greens. Place on serving platter or individual plates and sprinkle with a little salt.
In medium skillet over medium heat, heat remaining oil. Add walnuts and stir to coat. Toast
2-5 minutes, stirring frequently, being careful not to burn walnuts. Remove from pan and let cool slightly.
Arrange blueberries, sweet potatoes, grape tomatoes and avocado slices on top of kale and spinach, leaving space for walnuts.
Add walnuts to salad and sprinkle with remaining salt. Serve with vinaigrette dressing.
Note: Walnuts may be toasted ahead of time or skipped if you prefer not to toast them.
Quick and Easy Guacamole
Total time 5 minutes
Servings 8
4 ripe, fresh California Avocados, peeled and seeded
1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, stemmed, seeded and minced sea salt, to taste
1 medium tomato, seeded and diced fresh tortilla chips or veggie dippers, for serving
Coarsely mash avocado with juice and pepper. Season with sea salt, to taste.
Fold in diced tomato and serve with fresh tortilla chips or veggie dippers. (Family Features)
HOME
Signs an AC Unit May Need to be Replaced
Summer is a season of relaxation. Warm air, longer hours of daylight and vacations from school and work make summer a laid back time of year.
Many people enjoy the warmer air of summer, but it’s important to have a cool place to retreat once temperatures become particularly warm. That means a well-cooled home with an air conditioning system operating at peak capacity.
A new HVAC system can last between 15 and 25 years. Homeowners whose systems are at least a decade and a half old can keep an eye out for the following signs that an HVAC may
need to be replaced.
Higher energy bills Energy costs can vary widely by location, but homeowners know that their energy bills have been on the rise for years.
FirstEnergy estimated that energy costs for New Jersey residents in 2025 could increase by more than 19 % by the middle of the year, a point in time when many Garden State residents begin using their air conditioning units every day.
That can make it hard to gauge if higher energy bills are a reflection of market price increases or a unit that needs replacement. But higher energy bills could indicate a unit is not working efficiently, which is a telltale sign of an HVAC that may need to be replaced.
Compare energy bills from a year ago to current bills, and then factor in the price increase. If energy consumption is on the rise compared to a year ago, that could indicate an HVAC unit is working less efficiently.
A humid home Humidity is a part of summer, but it’s typically felt outdoors, not inside. A home with a humid interior while the AC is running could indicate a problem with the HVAC unit. According to HVAC.com, a function-
ing HVAC unit utilizes an evaporator coil to pull excess water vapor from the air in a home and drain it away from the home.
If the air inside a home is humid, the unit might be having a mechanical issue that’s preventing this important task from being performed.
Frequent repairs A telltale sign a unit needs to be replaced is the need for frequent repairs. Homeowners who are now on a first-name basis with
their HVAC contractor may want to ask that professional if it’s time to replace the unit. Money being spent on frequent repairs may be better repurposed toward financing the purchase of a new unit that could last as long as a quarter century.
Poor air flow An HVAC unit operating at peak capacity will produce a steady flow of cool air through the vents throughout a home. Poor air flow through those vents means it will take longer than normal to cool a home, and homeowners can put their hands near the vents to see how well or how poorly air is flowing through them.
If air is flowing poorly, the unit will have to work harder to cool the home, which will contribute to higher energy bills.
A fully functional air conditioning system is vital in summer. Some telltale signs any homeowner can spot may indicate an existing HVAC unit needs to be replaced. (MC)
Crop Rotation: The Secret to a Healthier Garden
By Sandy Lindsey
Have you ever wondered why those tomatoes that did fabulously the first year were less productive in the second year and are downright struggling in the third season?
Planting the same plant in the same location for multiple seasons depletes the soil of the particular nutrients the plant in question needs to thrive. It also allows for a buildup of plant-specific insect pests and soil-borne pathogens that will increase each year.
Yes, all this can be somewhat mitigated with diligent use of fertilizers and pesticides, but why go to all that expense and effort when there’s a simpler solution that has worked for centuries?
The concept of crop rotation is simple: Each season, change the location of common vegetables in your garden.
This is ideally done on a three-year (good) or four-year (ideal) cycle, but if that’s not possible, just doing the best one can is still helpful.
Family Matters
Not planting tomatoes in the same location year after year may not be enough. It’s important to understand that plants are not individuals, but part of an herbaceous family.
For example, tomatoes are part of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family, which means that they cannot be followed by any of their relatives — sweet and hot peppers, eggplants, tomatillos, ground cherry, husk cherry, and potatoes — as they deplete the soil of the same nutrients and are susceptible to the same pests and diseases.
Rotate Right
The ideal backyard crop rotation system has a minimum of four raised garden beds (or a multiple of four). These can be easily rotated each year to keep the soil from being depleted.
An alternative is to plant in four distinctly separate areas of the backyard, or to section off a large single garden space into four distinct areas with pathways that separate the plant types and make it easier to maintain and harvest the garden.
A sample spring plan would be to plant early season potatoes in bed one, legumes in bed two, brassi-
The concept of crop rotation is simple: Each season, change the location of common vegetables in your garden.
The following year, everything would shift over one zone: Potatoes should now be planted in bed two, legumes in bed three, brassica in bed four, and root vegetables in bed one.
In year three, you would shift the planting over one more bed, and again in year four. In year five, the plant types should be back in the original beds.
These early-season crops could be followed by nightshades in bed one, legumes in bed two, cucurbits in bed three, and leaves or okra plants of your choice in bed four. Rotate yearly as above.
3-Year Plans
Four-year plans allow pests and pathogens more time to dissipate from the soil, but three-year plans are also an option.
Typical three-bed rotations may include Solanaceae/Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae/Alliaceae, and Brassicaceae, for example. Other gardeners opt for alternating root vegetables, leafy crops, and fruits such as tomatoes, squash, corn or beans. The process can be refined over time.
One way to replenish soil nutrients quite efficiently is to rotate high feeders (tomato, corn, squash) with low feeders (carrots, spinach, beets) and givers (legumes, which add nitrogen and other good things
to the soil).
It all comes down to what one has in the garden and following the golden rule of not planting the same plant in the same space in succeeding years.
Green Manure and More
More sophisticated crop rotation plans can include using cover crops (green manure) or even leaving the ground fallow.
Cover crops offer many advantages, from adding nutrients to the soil to simply keeping soil from drying out and being blown away in the offseason. They can simply be tilled under when you’re ready to plant crops again.
But be careful, as they may be in the same family as the plants being rotated. If they are, remember the rotation rule: No plant family should be planted more than once every three to four years.
Leaving an area fallow allows it to rest, but fallow ground is prone to erosion and weeds. Instead, consider covering the garden with a thick layer of mulch, landscape fabric, or even cardboard when not in use.
Speaking of Weeds
Seasoned gardeners know that diligent weeding is important, as weeds steal valuable moisture and
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Medical
Optometrist
Oral Surgeon
Orthodontist
Orthopedist
Outpatient
Voter Information
Auto Paint and Body Shop
Auto Repair
Auto Stereo
Awards / Trophies
Bail Bond Company
Bank
Barber Shop
Beauty Salon
Boutique Hotel
Charter School
Child Care Center
Cleaning Company (Commercial)
College
Commercial Real Estate Company
Computer Repair
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
Pet Trainer
HEALTHY GARDEN
Continued from page 13
nutrients from vegetable crops. Those green annoyances can also belong to some of the same plant families as the vegetable crops, acting as hosts for pests and helping harbor soil-borne disease while undoing the hard work of proper crop rotation. Get pulling!
Be Realistic
Crop rotation will help make plants healthier and harvests more abundant, but it is not a cure-all. Amend soil with compost between plantings and fertilize plants as directed, particularly heavy feeders such as tomatoes. Occasional pest remediation may be needed as well.
Don’t Forget Nitrogen
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 Shopping
Balloon Design
Bicycle Store
Boat Sales
Boutique
Bridal Shop
Car Wash
Children’s Clothing Store
Custom Framing
Through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in their root nodules, legumes begin adding valuable nitrogen into the soil as soon as they are planted. Even if beans aren’t high on the dinner menu, the plants that follow them will enjoy the “meal.”
Keep Things Friendly
Allelopathic plants produce chemicals that can suppress the growth of other plants in their vicinity. The next crop may be affected if it is planted before the chemicals dissipate. The exact effects depend on the species; for example, sunflowers inhibit the germination and growth of lettuce, while turnips can stunt seed germination for any succeeding plants. Do some research. (ET)
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
Launch Your Child’s Future: SCVi’s TK-12 Aerospace Pathway
Did you know that careers in aerospace have seen remarkable growth in Santa Clarita, with high-paying jobs in the local industry nearly doubling in the last five years? SCVi Charter School is directly preparing learners for these lucrative careers through an unparalleled TK-12 Aerospace Pathway, a unique career-connected learning pathway designed to ignite passion and build real-world skills from an early age.
Does your child dream of flight, space exploration, or engineering? Beginning in Transitional Kindergarten and building through 12th grade, students participate in interdisciplinary aerospace projects annually, fostering a deep understanding of the subject. From designing experiments launched to the International Space Station to piloting gliders, SCVi students experience STEAM at the highest level. They explore aircraft design, space travel technologies, and even develop essential programming skills for aerospace systems.
This extraordinary opportunity allows students to engage with the principles of aviation and aerospace through hands-on, project-based learning. Furthermore, students can earn CTE (career-technical education) certifications, which not only prepare them for high-demand careers but also help them truly stand out on college applications. SCVi also provides dedicated one-on-one college counseling, guiding students toward relevant higher education and college acceptances in STEAM fields.
Give your child a genuine head start in the thrilling world of aerospace, and experience private school learning at a public school price at SCVi! Enroll today at iLEADsantaclarita. org.
Creating a Retirement Budget and Sticking to it
After what feels like a lifetime in the workforce, retirement is a welcome change for many individuals. Upon retiring, people often engage in hobbies they may have previously relegated to the back burner. Travel opportunities increase in retirement, and retirees may live more relaxed and less stressful lives.
Stress stemming from a looming retirement can creep up for those people who have not taken the time to account for how their finances will change once they’re no longer working. Without a consistent salary or other income coming in, retirees may have to change their habits and spending accordingly. This is particularly true for those who did not sock away enough in retirement savings. The key to enjoying retirement is creating a retirement budget and sticking to it. Budgeting sets retirees up for more enjoyable golden years. The following are a few steps to creating a retirement budget.
Add up all of your income As retirement nears, it can be helpful to sit down with a financial professional and calculate all of the income streams that ultimately will be replacing your paycheck. These include Social Security benefits, tax-advantaged retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s, pensions, taxable investments and even part-time earnings. This will give you a picture of projected income, which can be divided by the number of years you expect to spend in retirement.
Figure out your mandatory expenses
Charles Schwab suggests considering the spending items that you will really need in retirement. These can include housing, utilities, clothing, medical insurance costs and transportation.
These needs may change through the years, so the budget can be reevaluated each year.
Calculate any discretionary expenses
Spending that falls in the “want” territory may include travel, hobbies, gifting family members like grandchildren, and any big purchases like a boat or vacation timeshare.
Consider expenses that may go up While certain expenses may go down, like commuting costs, grocery bills, and expenses related to children, bills for utilities, recreation, property taxes and more likely will increase through the years.
Compare projected income against projected expenses and see where the chips fall If you find that income streams fall short, you may have to adjust investments before your retirement or you may have to take a parttime job after retirement. Sometimes spouses may not be able to retire at the same time if one person’s salary will be needed to continue covering all expenses.
Don’t overlook health care Although you may be covered by Medicare and an insurance plan from a former employer, supplemental premiums and out-of-pocket costs may continue to rise during retirement. According to the 2024 Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, on average, a 65-yearold person may need $165,000 in after-tax savings to cover health care expenses.
Retirement comes with exciting prospects, and careful budgeting for the days when you aren’t working can make for a more enjoyable post-work life. (MC)
PUZZLES
SOLUTIONS
READER LETTERS
Ponder a Trillion
Have you ever thought about how much a trillion dollars is?
Keep in mind these figures. If you had $1 trillion, you would have to spend $36.5 billion every day, for 75 years to use it all — providing you were getting no interest.
Let’s examine the U.S. debt. As of this writing it is $36,479,980,000,000. That is trillion with a T. It grows by about $1,000 per second. (See www. usdebtclock.org.) That means every man, woman and child in the U.S. (335 million)would have to pay $108,895 in order to pay off our debt. (Plus whatever has been added since I wrote this.)
Now let’s look at the Biden Administration’s Student Debt Relief program. Before he left office he approved a total of $168,500,000,000 and yes, that is billions with a B. That is $502,900 for every man, woman and child in the U.S. Ready to pay your share? Get out your checkbook!
How about California? The population of California in 2023 was 38,970,000, the most populous state in the U.S. We have a total debt of $145,300,000,000.(Billion) That is $3,728.50 for every man, woman and child in California
So what is the point of all this? I just thought you should be aware so you can PAY ATTENTION to what and for whom you vote ! Ron Perry Canyon Country
Submit a Letter to the Editor Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Ethical One-Anothering
By David Hegg
Except for those striving to live “off the grid” in the backwoods, we all live in community with at least hundreds of other humans. And therein lies one of the most significant challenges we face in life: getting along with other people!
The field of ethics is concerned with our core values and convictions as they relate to behavior. Since this column purports to explore the messy fields of ethical living, here are some thoughts on four essential tools for getting along. This is what I call “ethical one-anothering.”
harmful exaggeration, or other verbal slings and arrows. It also means listening to what is being said and seeking first to understand, then to reply.
Of course, this presupposes we want to both live in proximity with other people and do so in a way that benefits us all. Getting along with those around us, even those with whom we differ, has always been fundamental to every ordered society. For most of us, it started in the home, became more necessary when we entered school, and continues to be a skill in personal and professional relationships. So, if you need a refresher course in getting along, here you go.
A good starting point in relating to others is having reasonable expectations. We all realize you can’t expect a 4-year-old to do a good job filing your tax return. In this case, we consciously match the maturity level with our expectation of success. But too often, that is not the case in other relationships.
I have found that unreasonable expectations often lead to disappointment. This is especially true if my expectations, reasonable or not, go unexpressed. Have you ever been frustrated when someone fails to meet your expectations, only to remember you never expressed them? Here’s the deal: Unexpressed expectations are seldom met, and unmet expectations are often the stuff of conflict.
The idea of proper expression flows into No. 2, mature communication. Ask anyone about their personal and professional relationships, and the wise one will tell you communication is super important. But I want to clarify it and demand that communication be mature. Yelling is communication, but seldom is it helpful. Gossip, innuendo, mocking, lying and other expressions can be classified as communication, but they sure won’t help strengthen the relationship.
By mature communication, I mean the ability to speak honestly without using emotionally charged terms, overstatement,
The third tool for maintaining good relationships is respectful restraint. This might be our best defensive weapon in the “ethical one-anothering” game. It just means having enough respect for your fellow men and women, not jumping to negative conclusions, not believing gossip and rumors, and not allowing anger and spite to rise in your heart until you have all the facts. Don’t be so quick to go negative, and don’t give audience to those around you who feed on chaos and the trials and failures of others. However, even when expectations are reasonable and known, communication operates at a beneficial level, and we show reasonable restraint, we can hurt one another. This brings us to the fourth essential: authentic forgiveness. You notice once again that I prefer to qualify the term here. Forgiveness has fallen on hard times. It is too often verbalized without being internalized. We say, “You’re forgiven,” but we carefully horde a significant amount of bitterness because we are mad.
Bitterness is the residue of wrongs suffered that we store up in order to feel good about acting badly. We assume we deserve to act out and stubbornly refuse any attempt to re-establish a relationship. We put people into boxes from which there is no escape, and we do it so often that we need a spreadsheet to remember who we can still call a friend.
Authentic forgiveness tears up the spreadsheet and alleviates the need to store up bitterness. It is also fueled by the fact that we all will need piles of forgiveness.
Can we all just get along? Probably not as long as we live in a broken world, with broken people like you and me. We are naturally predisposed to selfishness, anger, reprisal and isolation. But we are also predisposed to live in community, in relationships whose harmony increases the beauty of life itself.
So, it is worth the effort to be a “low maintenance friend,” a person who is faithful to listen, love, learn and forgive, to surround yourself with those who can live life with you, regardless of the bumps in the road. They are called friends; we all need as many good ones as possible.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
