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.
Big Upgrades for Small Spaces
Renovate your bathroom for style and function.
Home renovations happen for a variety of reasons — whether to reflect personal style preferences, replace worn out materials or adapt to a family’s evolving functional needs. Among the most popular upgrades homeowners tackle, bathroom renovations can be a smart and worthwhile investment.
Updating a bathroom, even a small one, requires careful planning to ensure both aesthetic appeal and long-term functionality. To maximize the value of your investment, focus on a design that is timeless and products that offer a blend of beauty, comfort and performance.
“As a designer and renovator, I know firsthand the impact fixtures can have on a home,” said Keith Bynum, home renovation expert, designer and HGTV star. “American Standard has been my go-to for renovation projects because their products are built to last, beautiful and timeless. The brand’s approach aligns with my own — creating stylish, convenient spaces with high-quality products that cater to real-life needs and improve the way we live.”
Discover these expert tips for selecting the perfect products for your bathroom upgrade from American Standard, a trusted leader in bathroom and kitchen plumbing fixtures that is celebrating 150 years of designing innovative products that are truly “built for life.”
Sinks
Your sink should not only enhance the visual appeal of your bathroom but also meet your practical, everyday needs. Striking the right balance between aesthetics and practicality is essential when choosing the perfect sink for your space. If you’ve never shopped for a sink before, you may not realize how many styles there are to choose from.
An undermount sink sits with its edge below the level of the countertop, creating a seamless surface that makes it easier to clean while hiding from view. A drop-in sink is placed into an opening with the rim creating a lip that forms a barrier between your sink and counter. A vessel sink resembles a standalone basin, often used as a decorative and contemporary alternative to traditional sinks in powder rooms. The sleek and clean design of a pedestal sink
makes it a perfect solution for smaller spaces, although additional storage may be needed.
Once you decide on the sink, you’ll also need to determine what furniture to pair with it. Some popular options to complete the look and enhance usability include a console, vanity top, floating vanity or washstand.
Toilets
When considering a toilet, performance is essential. It should meet your everyday needs, operate efficiently and provide additional features that make daily maintenance easier.
You’ll find most toilets on the market fall into one of three categories: one-piece, two-piece or smart. One-piece toilets have a seamless design, with the tank and bowl fused together for a look that is sleek and easier to clean. Two-piece toilets consist of a separate tank and bowl, making them a popular choice for easy installation and maintenance. Smart toilets offer advanced features like bidet functions, automatic flushing, self-cleaning capabilities and customizable settings designed to enhance user comfort, hygiene and convenience.
Another important consideration is your toilet’s shape and height. Elongated bowls provide added comfort while round bowls are a space-saving solution for smaller bathrooms. When it comes to height, standard toilets are suitable for most people, but higher toilets allow for easier standing and sitting accessibility.
An option like American Standard’s line of Champion toilets, engineered to never clog and powerful enough to flush a bucket of golf balls in a single flush, provide cleaner, more efficient flushes so nothing disrupts your daily routine. These DIY-friendly, low-flow toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush to conserve water. They also feature PowerWash rim technology, which scrubs the bowl with every flush, and unique EverClean Antimicrobial Surface protection to guard against mold, mildew and odor- and stain-causing bacteria.
Faucets
Bathroom faucets come in a variety of styles and configurations to suit any design preference. Durable finishes resist tarnishing and scratches, keeping your faucet looking new for years to come. Many models also feature ceramic disc valves for silkysmooth handle operation and water-saving technology to help conserve resources and lower water bills.
A variety of bathroom faucet configurations can meet your bathroom design needs. Designed for sinks with a single-hole or four-inch escutcheon, the monoblock faucet provides easy use with a single-handle design for controlling water volume and temperature. Sinks with three faucet holes spaced four inches apart pair well with a centerset design, providing a compact and space-efficient solution ideal for undermount bathroom sink installations.
Celebrating Father’s Day
Father’s Day celebrations began on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that a day honoring fathers became a national holiday. Since then, children have been trying to figure out how they can show their dads and other father figures in their lives just how much they are appreciated. Plenty of hugs and high fives are customary on Father’s Day, but gifts also get the spotlight on this holiday, which is held on the third Sunday in June each year.
Each year families ponder what to get the man who seemingly has everything. These Father’s Day gifts are certain to please Dad this year.
Gaming Gifts
The joy of gaming may not wane as Dad gets older. Once a gamer, always a gamer, and gifts that cater to Dad’s love of play can be winners. Pay attention to the release dates of games that Dad wants to play, and then make sure to grab them before they sell out.
Peripherals that can enhance gaming also can be ideal gifts. These include Bluetooth headphones
with microphone, controller charging stations, lightup keyboards, or a comfortable gaming chair.
Sports Tickets
Experiential gifts continue to win rave reviews, as people increasingly are finding that adding more “stuff” to their lives does not equate to happiness. Rather, gifts that focus on experiences instead of material things can produce lasting memories.
Father’s Day is a good time to grab tickets to an upcoming sports game, whether it’s a high-profile Major League Baseball game at the stadium, a local event or overseas affair.
June and July feature several sporting events.
June 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25. World class soccer at the Rose Bowl.
June 18-19, August 15-17 Dodgers play the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium.
Baseball park tours are offered at Petco Park and Dodger Stadium. Go behind the scenes and visit the locker and weight rooms or see both teams numerous trophies.
Father’s Day Around The World
Many countries around the world celebrate Father’s Day, but not all of them do so in June.
The most common date for Father’s Day celebrations is the third Sunday of June, when the U.S. and Canada celebrate the holiday. In 2025, that day will be June 15th. Many European countries with sizable Catholic populations — such as Spain, Italy and Portugal — celebrate Father’s Day on March 19th, which is known as St. Joseph’s Day on the Catholic liturgical calendar.
St. Joseph was the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ, so he is widely recognized as the patron saint of fathers.
In Scandinavian countries, Father’s Day is the second Sunday in November, which many believe to be an attempt to boost the economy during a month when retail businesses are not particularly busy. In Germany, Father’s Day is tied to Ascension Day, which comes on the fortieth day of Easter. Australia and New Zealand celebrate dads on the first Sunday of September, while Brazil celebrates Father’s Day on the second Sunday of August.
No matter when Father’s Day falls, the holiday marks a great time to show dads just how special and loved they are. (MC)
June through August Watch the Los Angeles Sparks at Cypto.com arena.
Sept. 27-28 Take in the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire at the Long Beach Arena.
Cookout Supplies
If Dad is the resident outdoor chef, adding to his assortment of cooking gear can be the perfect way to show love and affection on Father’s Day. While grills and smokers may get much of the attention, a tabletop pizza oven or outdoor griddle might be welcome additions as well.
Fishing Gear
The warm weather of the summer presents plenty of opportunities for anglers to reel in trophy catches. Fathers who love to fish can always use some additions to their tackle boxes, new reels and rods. Choose the correct items for the type of fish he typically goes for, as fishing for striped bass requires different gear that fishing for fluke.
The east arm of the upper lake at Castaic Lake is designated for fishing. (MC)
Southern California is a mecca of sporting events taking place this summer from baseball to soccer to monster trucks.
Naiks Come to Valencia By Fivepoint for the Great Outdoors
By Michael Picarella Signal Staff Writer
Kaushal Naik said he and his wife came to Valencia by FivePoint for the great outdoors.
Naik, 43, has lived in various places throughout Los Angeles County for over 20 years, including Long Beach, North Hollywood and Burbank. Naik’s wife, Anee, 39, has been in Southern California for about 12 years. The couple previously lived in Glendale, but they were looking to settle down somewhere calmer with more open space and cleaner air. When they drove by Valencia by FivePoint, they knew they had found something special.
“One of the first things we loved was that there were brand-new homes built on brand-new land,” Naik said. “You get a 360-degree view of mountains around. Nature is all around.”
But the views weren’t all they came to love and appreciate.
Whether they were living in Glendale, Burbank or North Hollywood, Naik said his wife would wake up every morning — for years — with “the sniffles.” And she’d sneeze five to 10 times. It was, Naik said, a morning ritual.
However, since moving to Valencia a little over two years ago, that “ritual” has ended.
“We moved here, and it just stopped,” Naik said. “There’s a big thing in terms of air quality, in terms of just the atmosphere and getting out of the smog.”
Both Naik and his wife come from the same small town in India — a place called Valsad in the state of Gujarat. It’s minutes from the beach, and Naik recalled spending much of his childhood walking and riding his bike to and from the beach. He also got used to running errands for his parents on foot or on his bike. In other words, he can’t get enough of walking and riding around.
He said he and his wife haven’t taken advantage of the electric bike subsidies that Valencia by FivePoint offers, but they’re thinking about it. For now, they just enjoy walking through the community.
The couple met through their fathers, who had become friends in India. In 2002, after Naik had been living in the United States, he’d gone back to India to visit his family and saw Anee for the first time.
The two got married, and they began a life together in America.
Both of them are in software development, working mostly from home.
But Naik said that even when he’s working, he’s enjoying nature. He can see the big Santa Clarita skies from the couple’s bedroom through the sliding glass doors that lead to their balcony. He even positioned his desk in the bedroom to face those doors for that very reason.
“Usually, people put their desks facing the wall,” he said. “I put it this way so that while I’m working, I can see the planes going by, the helicopters going by, the clouds. I love it.”
He especially likes being at his desk when it rains. He recalled that, when the couple moved into their home in September 2022, it rained quite a bit. It was an amazing time, he said. While admittedly not a painter, if he did put paint to canvas, he said he’d have some terrific landscapes to copy.
Naik referred to what he saw as an impressionist’s
dream.
“You go to one spot at five different times of the day, and you can come up with five different paintings,” he said. “Each would be completely different with their own feel, their own moods. And I remember when it snowed. We’d go out, take pictures. At one point, we were surrounded by snow, and that was the most beautiful sight I’ve seen.”
Naik added that he and his wife enjoy walking from their house to Commerce Center Drive for a bird’s-eye view of Six Flags Magic Mountain. The two will occasionally go to the park for a few hours of fun — they got season passes and will pay visits with their nephews.
“The proximity is so good,” Naik said. “We do a couple of rides, we come home for lunch, and then we go back again.”
Some time back, during one of the couple’s hikes to the Iron Horse Trailhead, Naik said they came across some white goosefoot, a fast-growing annual plant that’s particularly common where they come from in India.
From left: Anee and Kaushal Naik enjoy the outdoors in the backyard of their home in Valencia by FivePoint. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL PICARELLA / THE SIGNAL
“This is very similar to spinach in India,” he said. “If you’re familiar with Indian cuisine, they make something called saag — it’s a spinach dish. The white goosefoot has actually better nutritional values and better benefits than spinach … We got a small cutting, and we’re now trying to grow it in our side yard. That was an amazing discovery that’s native to India, but we found it here.”
The longer Naik and his wife have lived in their home, the more they keep discovering about Valencia by FivePoint.
The goosefoot discovery prompted Naik’s wife to get into gardening. She’s since filled the side yard of their home with herbs, flowers and fruit trees. She recently learned about the community’s resident-run gardening club and is now looking to join.
The club, according to Valencia by FivePoint literature, welcomes experienced gardeners and beginners. Those with a green thumb can participate in seasonal harvests for everything from heirloom tomatoes to Armenian cucumbers to edible flowers.
Naik’s wife said she looks forward to expanding her gardening. Their own garden has a healthy variety of plants. During a visit to their home, the couple showed off their tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, peppermint, sweet limes and lemons.
As for other Valencia by FivePoint discoveries, Naik and his wife have been taking advantage of the community’s year-round farmer’s market every Sunday. There they find seasonal fruits, vegetables, artisan breads, handcrafted pastries and locally raised
meats and eggs from California family farms.
“We like to squeeze our own orange juice,” Naik said. “So, we go to get oranges at the farmers market.”
The couple said they also take advantage of the community events — the movie nights in the summer, the pumpkin patch in the fall.
“Whatever they have over here,” Naik said, “we try to participate as much as possible.”
Ultimately, both said they feel they’ve found a place that’s conducive to the way they want to live.
They’ve made Valencia their home.
To quote the phrase, Naik is convinced it’s a “breath of fresh air.”
“There’s a lot of light and air, at least in our home and around us,” he said. “You step out and you’re just surrounded by sunlight and nature.”
“Community Inspired” is a new editorial series focusing on people who are strengthening our community and essential to the future of the Santa Clarita Valley. The monthly series — and accompanying podcast — is presented by Valencia by FivePoint.
Kaushal Naik shows off the garden at his home in Valencia. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL PICARELLA / THE SIGNAL
Explore Santa Clarita’s Great Outdoors
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
There’s no better time than now to get outside and take advantage of the incredible recreation opportunities waiting for you right here in Santa Clarita. With summer on the horizon, our parks, trails and open spaces are ready to help you stay active, recharge in nature and make memories with family and friends.
In just a couple of weeks, we will proudly celebrate the opening of Santa Clarita’s 39th park — Pioneer Oil Refinery Park in Newhall. Located on the historic grounds of California’s first successful commercial refinery, this new park blends recreation with history. Visitors can look forward to shaded picnic areas, walking paths, a new re-
stroom building and trails connecting to the Newhall Pass Open Space. Pioneer Oil Refinery Park will officially join our City’s growing park system on June 17, offering residents even more ways to enjoy the outdoors. Our parks system goes far beyond playgrounds and sports fields. Santa Clarita is home to 13,000 acres of preserved open spaces — natural areas set aside to protect wildlife, offering scenic views and outdoor recreation. Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, trail running or simply getting outside, you’ll find countless trails to explore throughout the community. Be sure to check out the City on the AllTrails app to access trail maps, difficulty ratings and even submit your own trail photos. Visit city.sc/ COSC-AllTrails or HikeSantaClarita.
com to learn more.
The City also offers free community hikes throughout the year, giving residents the chance to explore our trails together. These hikes feature more than just walking — you’ll get to paint murals, play games, learn line dancing or take part in other activities along the way. It’s a great opportunity to stay active and connect with your neighbors. For a full list of activities and locations, please visit SantaClarita.gov/ OutdoorRecreation.
Looking for a little more adventure? Be sure to visit the Santa Clarita Bike Park, located at the George A. Caravalho Sports Complex. Designed for riders of all ages and skill levels, the bike park features over 800 yards of pump and BMX tracks, as well as combination jumps including step-
ups, step-downs and tabletops. It’s a great place to practice your skills, challenge yourself and have fun.
If you’re looking for other ways to stay active, our parks offer everything from athletic fields and walking trails to shaded picnic areas and playgrounds. Whether you’re joining a pickup game of basketball, playing tennis, trying out pickleball or enjoying a family barbecue, there’s no shortage of options to fit every interest and age group. For a full list of parks and amenities, please visit SantaClarita. gov/Parks.
Take advantage of these great resources right in your own backyard. Get outside, stay active and enjoy the very best of Santa Clarita. For more information on the programs above, please visit SantaClarita.gov.
The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood
By Tony Rizzo
Jeremy Allen White, winner of two consecutive Emmys for “The Bear,” will take on Austin Butler (“Elvis”) in “Enemies.” The $25-million low-budget crime drama will shoot — where else? — in Chicago. The dynamic duo are squaring off as a detective and an infamous contract killer who collide in a deadly cat-and-mouse game.
White completed shooting for “The Mandalorian and Grogu” (opening on May 22, 2026) and is now wrapping up his portrayal of Bruce Springsteen in “Deliver Me from Nowhere.” (Springsteen has given his blessing and visited the set several times to watch shooting.) It opens later this year. In addition, White’s fourth season of “The Bear” drops on June 25.
Meanwhile, Butler’s completed “Eddington” with Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone (hitting theaters on July 18). He has also finished up Darren Aronofsky’s black-comedy crime film “Caught Stealing,” co-starring Matt Smith, Zoe Kravitz, Leiv Schreiber and Carol Kane. It completed shooting in late November 2024 and will be released on Aug. 29.
Stanley Tucci, who scored big with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams in “Julie & Julia” (2009), made cooking all over Italy fascinating to watch in CNN’s “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” (2021). Now he’s booked another go-round to pasta land, this time for National Geographic’s “Tucci in Italy” — a 10-part docuseries exploring different regions of Italy through his perspective on Italian cuisine and culture.
But first and foremost, he’s a film actor who recently starred in the eighttime Oscar-nominated film “Con-
clave.” The film won its only Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, written by Peter Straughan. His script was so accurate that cardinals who elected the current American Pope used it as their bible!
As a big fan of Valerie Harper’s “Rhoda” series (1974-78), I loved Julie Kavner, who played her sister, Brenda. I wondered where she’s been, and guess what? She’s been hiding in plain sight as Marge Simpson in “The Simpsons” from 1989 to the present day.
Kavner, now 74, will be on screen in writer/producer/director James L. Brooks’ (of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” fame) comedy drama “Ella McCay.” It also stars Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, Albert Brooks, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Curtis’ long-awaited sequel “Freakier Friday,” with Lindsay Lohan, is arriving on Aug. 8, and she also produced Apple TV+’s “The Lost Bus,” starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera. McConaughey’s crime thriller “The Rivals of Amziah King,” co-starring Kurt Russell and Cole Sprouse, is due later this year.
Jason Statham has scored with more than 50 action-packed hits like “The Beekeeper” in 2024 ($162.6 million grosses with a $40 million cost) and “A Working Man” in March ($99 million grosses with a $40 million cost). He’s next hitting screens in “Mutany,” out on Jan. 9, 2026, and then he’ll be back on screens in “The Beekeeper 2,” which will be less about tending bees and more about raising Cain!
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Three Cocktails Pair Perfectly With Your Favorite BBQ Dishes
By Delish Editors
Summer and barbecue go hand in hand: warm weather, the scent of food grilling, the sound of friends gathered around a patio table … just add a cocktail to the mix and you’re positioned for a perfect summer day. Ready to shake up a drink and enjoy a well-earned lounge day? Here are three balanced and tasty cocktails hand-crafted by Breckenridge Distillery Liquid Chef Billie Keithley and the summer foods you’ll want to pair them with.
Grillin’ & Chillin’ Pineapple Old Fashioned + Smoked Seafood
For The Grilled Pineapple Simple Syrup
1 c. demerara sugar
4 rings grilled pineapple, plus more for garnish For The Cocktail
2 ¼ oz. Breckenridge Bourbon
½ oz. Grilled Pineapple Simple Syrup
2 dashes lemon bitters Cherries, for garnish
Make The Pineapple Simple Syrup In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup water with the demerara sugar and 4 rings of grilled pineapple. Muddle the fruit and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 2 hours. Strain, bottle, and refrigerate.
Make The Cocktail Stir together all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a glass over a large ice cube and serve with a wedge of grilled pineapple and a cherry, alongside a serving of smoked salmon.
Sunshine Smash + Boneless Short Ribs
Breckenridge PX Cask Finish Whiskey’s complex, layered flavors of fig compote, orange marmalade, licorice, sweet oak and vanilla make it the ideal smooth, silky, sweet accompaniment for smoked boneless short ribs. The smoky-sweet combination will have you coming back for seconds… and thirds.
Breckenridge PX Cask Finish Whiskey
2 oz. Breckenridge PX Cask Finish Whiskey
3 blueberries, plus more for garnish
2 blackberries, plus more for garnish
1 sliced strawberry, plus more for garnish
½ oz. maple syrup
½ oz. fresh lemon juice
¼ oz. blackberry vinegar
Muddle the berries with the syrup, lemon juice, and vinegar in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add ice and the Breckenridge PX Sherry Cask Finish, then shake and strain twice over crushed ice. Garnish with berries and serve alongside smoked boneless short ribs.
Watermelon & Bubbles + Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Get your fill of watermelon this summer with this bright, watermelon-forward cocktail made with watermelon simple syrup and Breckenridge Vodka, which boasts notes of lemon cream and fragrant meadow flowers. The sweet but light cocktail pairs beautifully with the char of freshly grilled shellfish, so grill up some juicy shrimp skewers for the perfect summery side.
Breckenridge Vodka
For The Watermelon Simple Syrup
1 c. watermelon juice
4 oz. monk fruit sweetener
4 basil leaves
½ tsp. whole white peppercorns
For The Cocktail
1 oz. Breckenridge Vodka
1 oz. Watermelon Simple Syrup
½ oz. fresh lime juice
Club soda
1 slice watermelon, cut into shapes, for garnish
1 slice cantaloupe, cut into shapes, for garnish
Basil, for garnish
Make The Watermelon Simple Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the watermelon juice, monk fruit sweetener, basil leaves, and peppercorns. Muddle gently and stir until the sweetener is dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 2 hours. Strain, bottle, and refrigerate.
Make The Cocktail: Combine the Breckenridge Vodka with the Watermelon Simple Syrup and lemon juice in a glass. Fill the remainder of the glass with ice and top with club soda. Gently stir to incorporate, then garnish with basil and watermelon and cantaloupe shapes on a skewer and serve alongside grilled watermelon wedges. (Family Features)
Grillin’ & Chillin’ Pineapple Old Fashioned
Sunshine Smash + Boneless Short Ribs
Watermelon & Bubbles + Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Five Steps to Safeguard Your Five Senses
Whether we’re reading a favorite book, taking in the smell of freshcut grass or savoring an old family recipe, we use our senses every day to experience and understand the world around us. But while it’s clear that our senses are an important part of our lives, they’re often something we take for granted.
The difficult reality of sensory loss is no more apparent than on the demographic that experiences it most: seniors. Nearly 83% of older adults in the United States are living with at least one diminished sense, according to a new survey by Home Instead, Inc.
“As we age, it’s normal to experience some changes or decline in our five senses,” says Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead Senior Care. “Early detection and empathy can significantly increase the ability to manage symptoms and help create a supportive environment at home that allows you or your loved one to continue living a normal, fulfilling life.”
Whether you’re helping a loved one navigate these difficulties, or looking to minimize the effects of aging on your own senses, Hogan recommends the following tips:
Stay active Making time for physical activity, even a few times a week, can be greatly beneficial for your senses and overall health. Whether you’re taking part in online fitness classes, walking around
SMALL SPACES
Continued from page 4
If your sink holes are spaced 8-16 inches apart, a widespread design will coordinate well with undermount and vessel style sinks that feature a deck, offering both style and practicality. The vessel faucet is designed for above-counter or vessel sinks, delivering a sleek, contemporary aesthetic that enhances modern bathrooms.
the subdivision or practicing simple movements in your living room, it’s important to keep your body moving. Regular exercise has been shown to increase cognitive function, prevent common diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, strengthen bones — and even increase blood flow to important areas such as the eyes.
Create healthy eating habits A well-balanced diet does more than make us feel better — it provides us with the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain and enrich our senses. Whenever possible, plan nourishing and healthy meals that include proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables. The more colors on your plate the better. If you’re unable to visit the grocery store or feel stressed in the kitchen, consider making use of delivery services like Instacart and Uber Eats, or taking advantage of the free tips and
Bathtubs
Whether used for daily hygiene or as a relaxing retreat, the bathtub is a focal point of bathroom design. From classic alcove and elegant freestanding tubs to convenient walk-in options, each type caters to different needs and aesthetics. The secret is determining how you’ll use the tub so you can maximize the features and functionality while complementing your overall design. You can expect to find a range of features, including ADA compliance
recipes available at www.FoodForSeniors.com.
Turn down the volume If you don’t want to keep cranking up the volume as you get older, turn it down now. Consider taking a break from loud noises every 15 minutes and wearing ear plugs when necessary to minimize the risk of hearing damage.
Protect your eyes and vision According to the survey by Home Instead, Inc., vision is the most feared sense to lose. Unfortunately, it is also the most prevalent. Take advantage of the many low-cost items available to help preserve your eyesight. Make it a habit to regularly wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, or blue-light filtering glasses to help minimize the eye strain associated with increased screen time.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help You don’t need to endure sensory loss alone. Establish a network of doctors you trust and schedule routine check-ups. Regular visits, even online video appointments, can help a general practitioner or geriatrician stay on top of symptoms and pinpoint important changes in sensory loss. Consider seeing a specialized health care professional, such as an ear, nose and throat doctor or an occupational therapist, depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Visit www.AgingSenses.com for more information about sensory loss, or contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office. (NewsUSA)
for enhanced accessibility, deep soak capabilities for a luxurious bathing experience and slip-resistant surfaces for added safety.
The trim and faucets also play a crucial role in your tub’s overall look and performance. For families, one practical choice is the Aspirations Waterfall Tub Spout from American Standard, which is designed with rounded edges for kid-friendly safety while creating a soothing, spa-like cascade. It also conveniently doubles as a storage shelf or
leg rest for shaving. To explore product collections, find design inspiration and learn more about The American Standard 150th Down Payment Contest in honor of the 150th anniversary — where 10 deserving individuals have the chance to win $15,000 each to help them take the next step toward home ownership. The contest ends on June 30. For more information, visit americanstandard.dja.com/story. (Family Features)
HOME
Tips and Tricks on How to Best Load Your Dishwasher
One question has persisted in households everywhere: Is there a right way to load a dishwasher? The answer is yes. To ensure that your dishes come out clean when your washer is done doing its job, take a look at how you do yours.
The experts at KitchenAid brand share tips to help your dishes come out clean — and you may be surprised how easy your cleanup time can be.
Let Go of Rinsing
You may have been trained to pre-rinse dishes, but if you bought your dishwasher in the past 10 years, you may be able to give up this step. Pre-rinsing can be a waste of time and resources, as most modern dishwashers have built-in sensors that measure the soil level of each load. If dishes don’t have soil on them, your dishwasher may cut the cycle short, leaving dishes less than pristine. Simply scrape off excess food and debris before loading.
Make Sure Everything Is Dishwasher Safe
You don’t want to clutter your dishwasher with items that don’t belong, or worse yet, risk damaging anything that should be hand washed. Watch for items like:
Wooden utensils, bowls, cutting boards They’re porous and might warp.
Cast iron and non-stick pans Hot water and detergent can destroy their coatings.
Silver or enamel Heat and detergent can ruin these finishes.
Fine china Some dishwashers have cycles specifically designed for fine china, but since they can break or chip easily, you may want to wash with extra care by hand.
Load for Maximum Spray
Load items so they’re angled downward, toward the center of the rack. This method helps enable the maximum amount of spray jets to reach surfaces to clean them properly. Avoid close nesting or overlapping items, as that can block spray from reaching dishes.
Optimize Loading with a Third Rack
When you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, the KitchenAid® 360° Max Jets Third Rack Dishwasher will free up more space with its convenient third rack for items like silverware, measuring cups and spatulas. Especially for large households or if you enjoy frequent cooking and entertaining, this dishwasher is designed to make your life easier, with over 50 wash jets to provide total cleaning coverage for dishes in all three racks.
and cereal bowls inside and out. The largest third rack available, it also has a removable utensil tray for cooking tools and moisture-wicking tines for thorough drying.
Think Rack by Rack
Start at the top by loading smaller, lighter items like mugs, stemware and small plates and bowls in your second and/or third rack. Large utensils, spatulas and ladles should be laid flat on an upper rack, as putting them in the utensil holder could block the lower level spray arm. Smaller utensils can also be loaded on the upper rack — just make sure they’re placed so they won’t fall through open spaces in the rack.
Place soiled pans, bowls and casserole dishes on their sides, especially for older dishwashers that might only have a spray arm in the bottom that could be blocked by face-down dishes. Oversized items like cutting boards or pans are best laid down on their sides or placed around the perimeter so the spray arm isn’t impeded.
Finally, load the utensil holder with cutlery handles down, except for knives. They should be inserted blades down to protect fingers during emptying.
Pro tip Unload dishwasher in reverse order, starting with cutlery and the bottom rack — this avoids having any water that’s pooled in dishes in upper racks from splashing on items below while you’re unloading.
The 7.25 cubic foot MaxTub Largest Dishwasher Tub makes room for the 360° Max Jet Third Rack, which fits 10 extra glasses and mugs, freeing up space for larger items below, and the fold-down rows in the lower rack accommodate cookware of various shapes and sizes.
The 360° Max Jets Third Rack is the only third rack with 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs
Plastic containers should be loaded on an upper rack away from the heating element to prevent warping or melting. Only wash plastic items that are marked “dishwasher safe.”
The lower rack is designed for large items like dinner plates and dishwasher-safe cookware. Alternating large and small items helps spray arms reach all surfaces.
No more arguing about how to load the dishwasher, now that you know the best method for keeping your dishes clean. Learn more about the KitchenAid® 360° Max Jet 3rd Rack Dishwasher at KitchenAid.com. (BPT)
Foodscaping With Berries — No Orchard Required
By Sandy Lindsey F
oodscaping is growing in popularity across the United States, and with good reason. It incorporates low-maintenance plants that are both ornamental and practical. Berries are extremely popular since they don’t require the space of full-size fruit trees, usually only take two to three years to achieve decent harvests, and produce with minimal care for many years after reaching maturity.
Blueberries
Considered one of the world’s most powerful sources of antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries are typically grown in sunny locations in northern climates (zones three to seven). But there’s good news for growers in zones eight to 10 in the form of the specially bred, heat-tolerant varieties such as Rabbiteye, Southern Highbush, and Half-High. Blueberries work best planted in large groups rather than here and there in the garden. While they’re technically self-pollinators, better results are achieved with multiple plants. Caring for them en masse is also easier, as their shallow roots need to be watered regularly when there’s no rain. They also need protection from strong winds. They prefer highly acidic soil (pH 4.0 to pH 5.0), so invest in a pH meter. If needed, add sulfur three months before planting or add sphagnum peat moss, coffee grounds, or pine bark or needles when planting or at the beginning of their growing season. Or simply purchase an acidic fertilizer designed for berries.
Pinch off the flower buds in the first two years to encourage more vigorous growth and better harvests thereafter. Resist the temptation to prune in the first two years, except for crossed branches. Remember, the focus is on growth. Starting in year three, they should be pruned when dormant, as 1-year-old wood bears the best fruit.
Blackberries, Raspberries, and Cousins
Often referred to as “caneberries” or “brambles,” the ever-popular blackberries, raspberries, and black raspberries (aka blackcaps) are part of an extended family of more than 200 species that includes boysenberry, marionberry, loganberry, dewberry, chinaberry, cloudberry, salmonberry, thimbleberry,
wineberry, bingleberry, olallieberry, lucrecia berry, and phenomenal berry. There’s truly something for every garden situation, as they offer a wide variety of fruit shapes, sizes, colors, and fruiting seasons, as well as variations in thorniness and growth habits that range from tall and erect to sprawling groundcovers.
There’s also a wide variety of growing options, with raspberry cultivars being available for zones three to nine and heat-tolerant Bababerry, Dorman Red, and Baba Red for zone 10. In general, blackberries tend to prefer slightly warmer climes and do best in zones five to 10.
While brambles can tolerate a variety of soils, make sure there’s no standing water after a heavy rain—they hate “wet feet.” They prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0 to pH 6.5) in a location that gets at least six to eight hours of sun. There are two drastically different pruning schedules depending on whether the bramble is floricane-fruiting (summer-bearing) or primocane-fruiting (fall-bearing).
not pruned in the first year. In the following spring, remove weak canes, leaving those that are one-quarter of an inch in diameter and larger. The fruit will develop on these floricanes, which essentially means “older wood.” For larger fruit, tip the canes at a height at which they’re still self-supporting, normally less than five feet tall. For larger yields, do not tip the canes, but be sure to secure them to a strong trellis.
Fall-bearing (aka everbearing, autumn-bearing) varieties form on new cane that grows during summer. It’s important to prune back dead canes at the end of the season to ensure that new wood is produced each year.
Strawberries
A strawberry plant is an interesting plant, as it is simply formed of leaves, a compressed stem (often called its “crown”), and roots. Some crowns form branch crowns (aka “runners”) that form daughter plants that root when they touch soil (free plants!). Strawberries do not breed true from seed.
For summer-bearing plants, the new canes are See FOODSCAPING, page 16
These little red bundles of fruity delight come in three distinct types: June-bearing, which provide a large harvest in early summer; everbearing, which typically produce two smaller crops (late spring and early fall); and day neutral, which can provide a steady supply of fruit from late spring until the first frost.
All work well in the ground or as container plants and should produce reliably for three to five years. They can live longer, but after five years they tend to produce much less. Strawberries require six to eight hours of sun per day and an acidic soil in the 5.5 to 6.5 range of pH to produce juicy berries.
While there are strawberry varieties for zones three to nine, they are highly sensitive to local conditions. Check with neighborhood gardeners or a nearby garden center for what will do best in the area. Ideally, the varietal should be resistant to red stele and Verticillium wilt. Lastly, keep plants in the shade or a cool spot before planting,
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then soak the roots in water for 20 minutes before putting them in the ground. It’s critical to make sure the roots don’t dry out during transplanting. Bon appétit!
Strawberry plants start to produce less after five years. (yuris/Shutterstock)
Tasty Trees
Want even more berries? Go up! These trees provide shade, shelter for wildlife (consider adding a birdbath as well), and, of course, delicious delights. Marvelous Mulberries
Sweeter than blackberries, which they resemble, and one of the fastest-growing fruit-bearing trees, mulberries come in single-crop and everbearing types. Keep them away from sidewalks, as the fruit will stain, or opt for a white mulberry. Zones four to 10.
Elegant Elderberry
Both American elderberry and its slightly less cold-hardy cousin, European elderberry, thrive in consistently moist, fertile soil. They can grow up to 20 feet tall, depending on the variety. Trimming them regularly keeps them at shrub height. Zones
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three to 10.
Strawberry Surprise
Tasting like a milder version of a ripe strawberry with tart undertones and an earthy aspect, the strawberry tree is not related to the low-growing perennial strawberry at all. It can grow up to 25 feet tall, with picturesque, twisted branches. Zones seven to 10. (ET)
Inflation is Causing Consumers to Identify Priorities
If you’ve been watching your wallet, you’re not alone. As Americans continue to navigate inflation, 76% report cutting back on spending, up from 67% in 2024, according to the second annual Wells Fargo Money Study.
The majority of Americans also say they are making tough financial choices to navigate their lives, including delaying plans with hefty price tags, such as travel, homeownership, education, marriage and retirement.
“There is a clear social narrative surrounding the question: ‘do I, and will I, have enough?’ The fact that these questions are being asked is positive because we know the earlier people focus on their money behaviors, the more time they have to course correct to achieve their goals,” said Michael Liersch, head of Advice and Planning at Wells Fargo.
Higher Than Expected Prices
An overwhelming 90% of those surveyed responded they feel “sticker shock” in one or more areas of common spending, including eating out, attending a concert, buying a bottle of water or downloading a video game, and say actual costs are between 55% and 200% higher than what they expect.
“Spending is one of the most important factors to staying on track,” said Liersch. “I would encourage people to align their spending with what matters most to them.”
Nearly all Americans (94%) acknowledge that they want to do just that: align money choices with their values, and 86% want to be more intentional and thoughtful about spending.
According to Liersch, “These insights highlight that Americans are not just winging it. They are being extraordinarily introspective as they navigate their financial priorities.”
Judge Yourself, Not Others
Money can be an emotional topic, at times inciting envy, anxiety and secretiveness. While 87% of Americans say it makes no difference to them how much money another person has, 56% keep how much they have secret, and 32% of them say it’s because they are trying to avoid people judging them.
Americans also spend time thinking about how much money other people have — and wishing they could have more themselves. Forty-seven percent
responded they often feel envious of how much money other people have, 37% admit to obsessing about getting rich, 34% admire social media millionaires, and 23% admit to sometimes overspending just to keep up with people around them.
“Americans appear comfortable with other people being authentic about their financial situation, which is encouraging,” Liersch says. “So now it’s time to overcome self-judgment and reset the frame of reference from others to one’s own personal benchmark.”
Help Meeting Goals
Eighty-six percent of respondents say they have a clear picture of what they want their money to do for them. And the vast majority are optimistic about how to do it: 87% say now is a good time to save and 65% say now is a good time to invest. Yet 61% say they need a mental reset, and are being held back by such factors as difficulty changing habits, lack of financial knowledge and other financial responsibilities.
To overcome these challenges, Americans are seeking more financial advice year over year. Last year, 24% said they were seeking more advice from others; this year it’s 36%. Looking across generations, the desire for more advice is higher among
teens (54%), gen Z adults (61%) and millennials (46%).
At a time when many are feeling cash-strapped, learning new ways to think about and manage money can help you take control of your financial future. For the full report, visit sites.wf.com/wfmoneystudy-2025.
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• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & company.
Bank products and services are available through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (SPT)
PUZZLES
SOLUTIONS
Let’s Start with Facts
I sincerely hope that Andrew Taban and Rick Barker had an enlightening coffee date! In his June 3 opinion piece, Andrew laments the loss of so many Americans to fight for and preserve this nation. He questions if they knew they died for a “nation so fractured that we can barely agree on basic facts.” He then calls Moms for Liberty an “absurd spectacle” and considers drag queens normal and acceptable.
But in the next paragraph, he states that the leading cause of deaths for children is firearms. Period.
So let’s agree on some basic facts: According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the rate of deaths of children by firearms is 12.8 per million (2023), and according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the number of children (0-13) who died in auto accidents is 16.9 per million (2023).
This does not include deaths by cancer, drownings or the many other heartbreaking ways that our children may die.
I agree that many, if not most, firearm deaths are preventable. Also, many more children survive auto accidents than gunshot wounds.
But if our nation is going to become less polarized, let’s begin with facts before opinions.
Jim Scott Santa Clarita
Props to the Letter Writers
I would like to give a great big shout-out to Nancy Fairbanks, Rlynn Smith Thomas, Susan Miller and Chris Werthe for their outstanding letters on May30. Every one of them was to the point and made so much common sense! Thank you for your thoughtful writings. Keep it up!
Ron Perry Canyon Country
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
What Consciousness Tells Us
By David Hegg
The straightforward assertions of Thomas Nagel, a tenured university professor of philosophy and law at New York University, in his book “Mind & Cosmos,” have robustly shaken the world of philosophy. He has stated that merely physical processes cannot account for the existence of “consciousness” among humans. In his words, this means “the materialist neo-Darwinian conception of nature is almost certainly false.”
Of course, those who have proclaimed and defended Darwinian evolution with religious-like zeal find this both unthinkable and detestable. And they are spewing all their venom at Dr. Nagel, whose only crime is suggesting that King Evolution has no clothes.
For as many summers as I can remember, my wife and I have vacationed in Central Oregon at a little slice of Heaven called Sunriver. There, after a week or so, my shoulders actually relax, my mind stops worrying about obligations, appointments and deadlines I need to meet, and I am simply able to enjoy the beauty around me. And it isn’t because I am just sitting around! No, we bike, hike, and are more active than we are during our daily hurried lives back home. And yet, after a few days in Sunriver, I am emotionally and relationally more at peace than ever.
What fascinates me is that the ways we rest our physical bodies are different from how our consciousness — our minds — find rest. For example, a hike that taxes the body refreshes the mind and soul. This is one place where Nagel’s ideas make sense.
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Part of who we are is not physical and cannot be produced or maintained by merely physical processes. Call it the mind (as separate from the brain) or the soul or whatever, but it is clearly an essential part of who we are.
I would propose that the immaterial, spiritual element in mankind is our primary identity and that which elevates us above everything else that exists. Biblically, this is described as our being made as God’s image bearers, responsible to him to care for
his creation. But even atheists like Nagel are realizing that, whatever its origin, the spiritual element in us displays itself in our consciousness, and in the way we think and act rationally.
So, back to our time in Sunriver. Since my job is primarily cerebral rather than demanding physical labor, “rest” takes on a new meaning. While rest for the body usually means the cessation of activity, I find that rest for my mind and soul comes primarily from being allowed to think, converse, reflect and write on subjects that infuse meaning into my life. My conscious investment in ideas, taking the time to muse, formulate, and read and write, feeds my mind and soul, rejuvenating them like getting nine hours of sleep for four straight nights rejuvenates my body.
Nagel’s suggestion regarding the conscious part of humanity squares with my experience. Rest is found in different ways for the material and immaterial parts of me. I find that my primary identity is in my consciousness, in my sense of who I am, and I live this out through the amazingly complex set of physical components that make up my body.
My point in all this is to say that our ethics can never be allowed to degenerate into a set of values that only speak to the physical nature of mankind. We are more than a purposeless mass of neutrons, protons and electrons. We are human and conscious of being human, and who we are as conscious humans means that life is not meaningless and absurd. No, we have life for a reason, and finding that reason and the ethical foundation that undergirds it remains the great purpose of being alive in the first place.
Thomas Nagel is not a theist, but he is coming closer and closer to recognizing that God is the only answer to the great questions of life. And this may be the only place where some of us are already ahead of a fantastic philosopher. I hope you’re one of us.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
