Signal Sunday
Dog Friendly Places Around Town
By Alicia Doyle Sunday Signal Staff Writer
Lazy Dog Restaurant in Valencia was designed with dog lovers in mind from the start, and that’s part of what makes it such a natural fit for pet owners looking for a place to dine with their pups. The restaurant’s mountain-inspired atmosphere and outdoor patio create a welcoming setting for people and their four-legged companions.
“At Lazy Dog, dogs are genuinely welcomed,” said manager Jeffrey Compton. The Valencia restaurant offers a dog-friendly outdoor patio, complimentary water bowls and a dedicated dog menu with options like grilled chicken breast or hamburger served with brown rice and vegetables. “It’s designed to be a comfortable and welcoming experience for both people and their four-legged friends,” he said. Of course, dining out with a dog still comes with a few ground rules. Pets need to stay on a leash and remain with their owners at all times, and they’re not allowed on tables, laps or chairs. Dogs also can’t eat off a guest’s plate or drink from a glass, and the restaurant asks owners to keep their pets from begging, barking or biting. Service dogs are the only exception to the no-dogs-inside policy, and servers are not allowed to touch pets while working.
Compton said the dog-friendly philosophy extends beyond the patio. “The restaurant’s name, mountain-inspired atmosphere and patio design were all created with dog lovers in mind,” he said, adding that Lazy Dog now operates more than 50 restaurants nationwide while continuing to make dogs part of the experience through its dedicated menu and welcoming patios. He also noted that the restaurant shares special dog-focused promotions and seasonal celebrations throughout the year, including National Dog Day.
Located at 24201 Valencia Boulevard, Lazy Dog Restaurant is just one example of how local busi-
nesses are making room for dogs and the people who love them. From patios to parks and trails, the valley offers plenty of places where pets can tag along and still enjoy the outing.
Patios That Welcome Paws
One easy way to make a summer outing feel like a mini staycation is to choose a restaurant with an outdoor table. Santa Clarita has several pet-friendly patios, including Newhall Refinery, 24258 Main Street, and Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Company, 18810 Soledad Canyon Rd. Both are the kind of places where diners can settle in for a meal while dogs rest under the table nearby.
Another patio option is Sweetwater Cafe, 33310 Agua Dulce Canyon Rd., which is listed as dog-friendly when the weather is nice — making it a useful stop for a casual breakfast or lunch after a walk in Old Town Newhall or a nearby park.
The key to patio dining with a dog is simple: choose off-peak hours, bring water and keep the
leash short enough that servers and other diners can move safely around your table. For summer, that advice is even more important during heat waves, when concrete and metal patio furniture can get hot fast.
Parks for Easy Outings
For a straightforward family outing, Central Bark in Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd., remains one of the most practical dog destinations in the valley. The park is a popular choice because it gives dogs room to move while keeping the outing close to shopping, food and other amenities. Golden Valley Park, also known as Five Knolls, is another local favorite for dog owners looking for open space. Located at 27227 Five Knolls Dr., the setting is especially convenient for nearby neighborhood families who want a quick stop rather than a major excursion. If your dog needs a place to burn energy before a quieter afternoon at home, this is a solid option.
This pooch is ready for his food that his pet parent helped him choose from the Lazy Dog pup menu. ©Marissa Chinn & Tuan Pham (hangrypringles)
For readers who want to pair a park visit with a longer walk, Santa Clarita’s trailheads often provide shade structures, drinking fountains and benches. The South Fork Trailhead, for example, has picnic tables and a drinking fountain, while the Iron Horse Trailhead offers a shade structure and drinking fountain. Those features make a difference in summer, when even short outings can feel long.
Shady Hikes and Trail Choices
Not every dog-friendly hike is equal in July and August. In hot weather, the smartest choices are trails with at least some cover, shorter loops and easy access to water or shade. The city of Santa Clarita says dogs must be leashed on trails, and owners must clean up after them.
Placerita Canyon State Park is one of the better-known dog-friendly hiking destinations near Santa Clarita, and BringFido also lists Vasquez Rocks Trail, Caballero Canyon Trail and other nearby options as dog-friendly. For locals, the appeal is not just the trail itself but the chance to choose a route that can be scaled to a dog’s stamina.
Closer to town, the city’s paseo and trail network can be a safer summertime choice than a long exposed hike. The South Fork, Lost Canyon Road and Iron Horse trailheads are among the city’s documented access points, and several include water or shade features. Families with children may find that a short walk on a trail system is enough to feel outdoorsy without overdoing it in the heat.
Free Family Ideas
Dog-friendly does not have to mean expensive. Some of the best local outings cost nothing more than gas, a water bottle and a little planning. A walk on the city trail system is free, and the city invites residents to use the trail network for walking, jogging and other recreation.
A low-cost plan can be as simple as: morning walk, lunch on a patio, then a shaded stop at a park. That combination works well because it keeps the dog active without asking too much of any one activity. For those with children, it also gives kids a chance to see how to travel responsibly with pets, which matters in a community where dogs are increasingly part of everyday life.
Heat and Safety
Safety deserves as much attention as the destination. Santa Clarita trails are open for use, but the city’s guidance is clear: keep dogs leashed, follow posted rules and clean up after them. That advice is not just about courtesy; it helps protect wildlife, other trail users and the dogs themselves.
Owners should also avoid the hottest parts of the day, especially on exposed trails or sidewalks. If a dog starts lagging, panting heavily or seeking shade repeatedly, it is time to head back. Water, booties for sensitive paws and a plan B are all smart additions to any summer outing.
A Local Summer Routine
The best dog-friendly outings are often the simplest ones. A shaded walk, a patio lunch and a trip to a neighborhood park can feel like a full day out without turning into a long drive or a stressful schedule. That is especially useful for families with kids, older dogs or anyone trying to make the most of a summer weekend close to home.
Santa Clarita’s mix of trails, parks and casual dining makes it easy to build a dog-friendly routine that feels local and manageable. For those who want to keep their pets in the picture this summer, the valley offers plenty of options — as long as everyone remembers to slow down, stay hydrated and respect the rules that keep the spaces usable for all.
Dog Park Etiquette Rules
How do I know if my dog will be OK at a dog park? A dog who has a history of playing well with other dogs can be a good candidate for a dog park visit. If you know that your dog has fought with or attacked other dogs, however, it’s best not to take them to a dog park. Some dogs simply don’t like other dogs.
Should small dogs go to dog parks? Very small dogs should go to special parks only for dogs their size to keep the play safe. Most parks have both a large dog and a small dog area. What is the etiquette of dog parks? A good dog park will have clear, posted etiquette rules for both humans and dogs. As in any social situation, being polite and considerate goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe and happy.
Other good dog park etiquette rules include keeping your dog on leash until you are safely in the air lock and removing your dog’s leash before entering the play area.
Furthermore, the humans who use the dog park matter just as much as the dogs. Dogs have a way of bringing people together, and most dog people are empathetic and respectful. Your dog park might have a lot of regular attendees, which can be great because it keeps things predictable. Try to be as inviting as possible to newcomers, though, as all well-socialized dogs can benefit from an expanded circle of polite canine playmates.
How can disagreements at the dog park be resolved? As with any social circumstance, there will inevitably be disagreements at dog parks, both between dogs and between humans. It’s best to think of these as opportunities to find ways to keep everyone safe and happy.
Sometimes a dog will “disagree” with another dog about whether play is appropriate. This can lead to squabbles, which do not necessarily lead to fights. In fact, a brief scuffle with growling or barking, with little to no physical contact, can be an opportunity for dogs to learn from each other. With that said, any dog who becomes agitated or upset — or who starts fights — should be removed from the park. (Best Friends)
Dog parks are good for pets to learn to play with other dogs. ©ADOBESTOCK
Get Ready for This Year’s California Film Festivals
By Michele E. Buttelman Sunday Signal Staff Writer
While a ticket to France might not be in your budget to attend the Cannes Film Festival, you can attend one of the dozens of film festival held annually in California.
Film festivals often specialize in specific genres, such as short films, horror, sci-fi, silents, animation, fantasy, action, documentary and cult thrillers.
Search listings for films festivals that appeal to your tastes on the California Film Commission website at film. ca.gov/production/festivals-contests.
Los Angeles County, one of the most famous film capitals in the world, hosts a variety of events celebrating the art of the silver screen.
NewFilmmakers
Los Angeles
Info www.newfilmmakersla.com
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles presents red carpet screenings of documentary, short and feature films on a monthly basis.
Upcoming events:
June 20 Monthly Film Festival dedicated to its celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema.
July 18 Canadian Cinema.
Aug.15 International Animation.
Sept. 19 Latin, Hispanic Cinema.
Oct. 17 Veteran Cinema.
Nov. 13 DocuSlate Documentary Film Festival Day 1
Nov.14 Indigenous Cinema
Nov.15 DocuSlate Documentary Film Festival Day 2
Dec.12 Middle Eastern & Arab Cinema.
Dances With Films
June 18-28
Info danceswithfilms.com
Dances With Films returns for its 29th annual edition held at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood. The festival showcases independent films, including features, shorts, television/ webisode projects (Dances With Pilots) and family-friendly content (Dances With Kidz), focusing on emerging talent and premieres.
Eighth Los Angeles
Animated Film Festival
July 9-12
Info www.lafilmfestivals.com
Held at the Let Live Theater in Hollywood, this a premier event celebrating animated features, shorts, and TV pilots.
42nd Los Angeles Asian
Pacific Film Festival
July 23-26
Info festival.vcmedia.org/2026/ The premier showcase for Asian and
International ShortFest
June 23-29
Info psfilmfest.org
ShortFest offers more than just film screenings, including engaging Talking Pictures presentations with filmmakers and actors and film-inspired dinners that merge the worlds of food and film.
37th Lone Pine Film Festival
Oct. 8-11
lonepinefilmfestival.org
Pacific Islander cinema in Southern California.
Screamfest Horror Film Festival
Oct. 6-15
The Screamfest Horror Film Festival is the largest and longest-running horror film festival in the United States. It is held annually in Los Angeles, at the TCL Chinese Theaters, to showcase new genre films from worldwide filmmakers. Founded in 2001, this 10day October event features premieres, competitions and panels, American Film Institute Fest
Oct. 21-26
Info fest.afi.com/
A prestigious, high-profile festival, often showcasing Oscar-contending films.
Elsewhere in California
Throughout the state film festivals take center stage in towns big and small.
32nd Palm Springs
This popular, long running film festival has focused on the extensive Hollywood heritage of California’s Eastern Sierra and the actors, directors and producers who have visited the area for years to make films in Lone Pine and the surrounding area. This year the festival will expand to include other genres of film, including Action-Adventure, a timeless genre for audiences. Lone Pine’s unique filmography contains a good many films that fit the Action-Adventure brand, including those that continue to pay homage to the festival’s core tradition of Westerns.
San Diego International
Film Festival
Oct.13-18
Info sdfilmfest.com
The festival frequently features international cinema and social impact films, as well as opening night premieres and parties, independent and studio premieres and a special Culinary Cinema event on Sunday, Oct. 18.
27th
Newport Beach Film Festival
Oct. 15-22
Info newportbeachfilmfest.com
This film festival has emerged as the largest international cinema event in coastal Southern California.
At the close of the 35th Lone Pine Film Festival, museum director Steve Latshaw visited this iconic location for the 1963 Universal-International classic “Showdown” with Audie Murphy. It was filmed in Lone Pine’s Alabama Hills.
PHOTO CREDIT LONE PINE FILM FESTIVAL
Lengthen the Summer with Summer Reading
The summer of childhood had a different quality to it. The days felt unscheduled, the weeks unhurried, and the season itself stretched on in a way the calendar did not quite explain. A new survey from ThriftBooks, the largest independent online bookseller of new and used books, found that many readers believe the endless summer feeling is gone, and that the one thing most associated with getting it back is also the thing they feel least entitled to do.
It also found that nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults who read say summer moves faster now than it did when they were growing up. And 76% say reading is the one thing that slows it down.
Summer Used to Feel Different
Part of what shifted it was the screen. About 60% of readers say screens take away from the feeling of summer. The associations most tied to childhood summers — being outdoors, family time and reading — have quietly faded into the background. What replaced them is a season that feels more scheduled, more managed and harder to slow down.
Reading slows it down. Guilt gets in
the way.
Reading holds a complicated place in that picture. Fifty-three percent of readers fell in love with reading during childhood, and the emotional connection between books and summer runs deep. Fifty-six percent say reading makes summer feel like it lasts longer, and most agree it helps them slow down in a way other forms of downtime simply do not. But wanting to read and feeling permitted to read are different things. Seventy-four percent of read-
ers say they sometimes or often feel that reading for pleasure is only allowed after everything else is done. That hesitation often looks familiar: a book left on the nightstand while the dishes get done, a chapter saved for when the to-do list clears. The single biggest obstacle is not a shortage of time but the sense that reading is not productive enough to justify: 27% say the main barrier is feeling like they should be doing something more useful instead.
A Generational Divide
That tension runs deepest among younger readers. Gen Z enters summer more optimistic about reading than older generations, but also more burdened by it. Seventy-seven percent of Gen Z say reading makes summer feel longer, compared with 44% of Baby Boomers. Yet it is younger readers who are most likely to feel they need to earn the time first.
Why it Matters Now
The findings suggest summer often feels shorter because schedules and distractions leave less room to slow down. For many readers, books may be one of the simplest ways to bring back the endless summer feeling.
Methodology
ThriftBooks commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,000 adults throughout the United States who read three or more books per year. The margin of error is plus or minus 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95%.
Fieldwork took place between April 13 and April 17, 2026. Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency. (Family Features)
Preparing for Summer: Fire Safety Day
By Ken Striplin
Santa Clarita City Manager
As temperatures rise throughout the summer months, so does the importance of wildfire preparedness and fire safety awareness. In recent years, we have seen that wildfire dangers are no longer limited to a single season, making year-round preparedness increasingly important for our community. By taking proactive steps and staying informed, residents can help reduce fire risks and better prepare their families, homes and neighborhoods for emergencies. In partnership with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, the City will host its annual Summer Fire Safety Day and Press Conference on Saturday, June 27, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Towsley Canyon Trailhead. Residents are invited to hear from local leaders, fire officials and public safety experts who will share important information about wildfire
prevention, emergency preparedness and response efforts throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. A press conference will begin at 9:00 a.m., with interactive educational activities immediately following.
Summer Fire Safety Day provides residents with an opportunity to engage directly with first responders and emergency personnel, while learning more about the planning, coordination and resources that help keep our community safe. Attendees will be able to explore fire engines, patrol vehicles and hazmat equipment, tour the City’s Mobile Command Unit and learn more about the City’s Emergency Management division and its role coordinating emergency response and recovery operations across Santa Clarita.
While our brush-clearing goats completed their important work earlier this year at Towsley Canyon, visitors to Fire Safety Day will still have an opportunity to spend time with some four-legged friends. Therapy goats from SRD Straightening Reins will be on hand, giving attendees the chance to inter-
act with them and learn more about the benefits of animal-assisted programs. Earlier this year, approximately 600 goats were deployed at Towsley Canyon to clear nearly 50 acres of dry vegetation in less than a month as part of the City’s Weed Abatement Program. These efforts help reduce wildfire fuel loads in difficult-to-access areas and support the City’s ongoing fire prevention strategy. Together, the therapy goats at the event and the brush-clearing goats that worked behind the scenes serve as a reminder of the many creative and proactive ways our community works year-round to reduce wildfire risks and promote public safety. Preparedness, prevention and community cooperation all play an important role in reducing wildfire risks. For additional information about upcoming City events, please visit SantaClarita.gov.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
Dive into Healthy Eats
The warm weather season offers a perfect opportunity for a meal reset. Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.
Inclusive of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and other legumes, as well as low-fat or fat-free dairy products, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts, poultry and fish, Mediterranean-focused dishes fit beautifully into a colorful, healthy diet. The Mediterranean Diet has also been associated with many benefits, as it includes key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that support brain, eye and heart health. Because this way of eating also prioritizes fiber and lean protein, it also can support a healthy weight, which can fuel overall health and well-being for years to come.
A simple, elegant Flatbread Nicoise lets tuna take center stage, melding together fresh, foolproof ingredients like baby potatoes, green beans, baby arugula, kalamata olives and red onion on top of a warm, doughy crust. Or take the taste of the Mediterranean further at lunch time with this Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad. It combines the big, bright flavors and textures of arugula, cucumber, feta, fresh dill, lemon and tuna to give your tastebuds a happy zing and keep you satisfied until dinner.
For more information, including recipes, serving suggestions and a product locator, visit Genova Seafood.com.
Flatbread Nicoise
Total time 50 minutes
Servings 4
4 ounces baby potatoes, well-scrubbed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
kosher salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 ounces green beans or haricot verts, trimmed
1 can (5 ounces) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup baby arugula
with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup pitted kalamata or nicoise olives, halved
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Preheat oven to 450 F. Using mandolin, thinly slice potatoes.
Drizzle 9-by-13-inch baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread pizza dough to edges. Shingle potatoes over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
Bake pizza until cooked through and crust is golden, about 25 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
Bring small saucepan of salted water to boil. Add green beans and cook until bright green and crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Strain, rinse with cool water and drain well. Transfer to work surface and cut each bean into thirds on bias.
Strain oil from tuna can into small bowl and whisk vinegar into oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Sprinkle slightly cooled pizza with arugula, tuna, tomatoes, olives, green beans and red
onion. Drizzle with vinegar dressing then slice and serve warm.
Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad
Total time 20 minutes
Servings 4
3 cups arugula
1 cup cherry tomatoes, each cut in half
1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
1/2 cup feta cheese chunks
1/4 cup sliced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill, plus additional for topping (optional)
2 cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
Dressing
2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
In large bowl or on platter, lay arugula. Place cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, red onion and dill over arugula. Top with tuna; reserve oil from cans.
To make dressing: In small bowl, combine lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Whisk in reserved olive oil from tuna cans until mixture is well blended.
Before serving, drizzle dressing over salad and top with additional chopped dill, if desired. (Feature Impact)
The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood
By Tony Rizzo
Are you ready to meet the next superstar in “ The White Lotus ” universe?
Season one gave us Jennifer Coolidge, while season two gave us Theo James and LEO Woodall. Season three made stars out of Patrick Schwarzenegger and Walton Goggins. Get ready for Alexander Ludwig , who was part of the first cast announcement for season four. The 34-year-old Canadian star of “Vikings” (2013-2021) also has an upcoming role in “Killing Castro,” opposite Al Pacino. It’s premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 9.
In addition, Netflix will soon drop “Unabomber” with Ludwig, Russell Crowe, Jacob Tremblay and Shailene Woodley. Then Ludwig has the horror
film “Night Comes” from actor/director Jay Hernandez (star of the “Magnum P.I.” reboot), as well as “What the F*ck Is My Password?” with Stephen Dorff and Kate Walsh.
Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger wrapped the rom-com “Love of Your Life” in October 2025. He also wrapped the psychological thriller “Bunker” with Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Stephen Graham and Paul Dano on Feb. 9 of this year.
Season four of “The White Lotus” will drop sometime in early 2027; Laura Dern, Kumail Nanjiani, Steve Coogan, Rosie Perez, Heather Graham and Ben Kingsley will star alongside Ludwig this season.
Andy Garcia directed, wrote and stars in “Diamond,” which garnered rave reviews at the Cannes Film
Festival. It’s a 1940s film-noir-style flick with Brendan Fraser, Bill Murray, Dustin Hoffman, Demian Bichir, Rosemarie DeWitt and Danny Huston. Danny is the son of John Huston, who directed the film-noir classic “The Maltese Falcon.”
Garcia’s also starring in “72 Hours” with Kevin Hart (out on July 24) and “Maserati: The Brothers” with Michele Morrone and Anthony Hopkins.
James Franco is trying to make a comeback. After an Oscar nomination for “127 Hours” (in 2010) and hosting the Oscars in 2011 with Anne Hathaway, his career came crashing down in 2014 when a 17-year-old girl accused him of sexual misconduct. In 2018, five more women accused him of inappropriate sexual or exploitative behavior. In 2019, two of his former acting students in his film class filed a lawsuit against him, which he settled in 2021 for $2.2 million.
In 2021, Franco underwent treatment for sexual addiction so that he was able to film “Castro’s Daughter” in 2022. In 2024, he co-starred with Vincent Gallo in “Golden State Killer.” In 2025, Lionsgate acquired it, and they have plans to release it this year. In 2024, Franco also shot “The Razor’s Edge” with Tommy Lee Jones in Georgia.
Alexander Ludwig in “Vikings” (20132021). PHOTO CREDIT COURTESY OF HISTORY
ng a suspiciously fami iar masked ki ler (“Ghostface”), the Core Four are back in the ki ler s crosshairs and no horror mov e IP s safe
BACKROOMS E 1 10 4:00 7:00 A strange door way appears in the basement of a furniture showroom
PRESSURE C Sun: 10:00 AM
n the tense 72 hours before D-Day, and the fate of the ree world hang ng in the ba ance PRESSURE fo lows General Dw ght D Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg as they ace an mposs b e choice - aunch the argest and most dangerous nvasion n histor y or r sk os ng the war altogether
PRESSURE C Sun to Tue: 1:20 7 10; Wed: 1:20 PM Thu: 1 20 7:10
n the tense 72 hours before D-Day, and the fate of the ree world hang ng in the ba ance PRESSURE fo lows General Dw ght D Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg as they ace an mposs b e choice - aunch the argest and most dangerous nvasion n histor y or r sk os ng the war altogether
STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU C Sun 10 00 4:00 Mon to Thu 4:00 PM
The evi Emp re has fa len, and Imperia warlords remain scattered throughout the galax y As the fledgling New Repub ic
There may be hope for him yet. He was added to “John Rambo,” which stars Noah Centineo and David Harbour and wrapped in mid-May. Also attempting a comeback is Armie Hammer, who was out of Hollywood for three years due to his sex scandal. He’s since come back to shoot “Frontier Crucible” with Thomas Jane and the Canadian thriller “Citizen Vigilant” with Costas Mandylor, which opens this summer. Maybe he should make a sequel to his 2017 hit — “Call Me by Your Name … Cause My Name’s Tainted!”
Top Movies
JUNE 8, 2026
1. Backrooms (R) Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve
2. Obsession (R) Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette
3. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (PG-13) Pedro Pascal, Brendan Wayne
4. Michael (PG-13) Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long
5. The Breadwinner (PG) Nate Bargatze, Mandy Moore
6. The Devil Wears Prada 2 (PG-13) Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway
7. Pressure (PG-13) Andrew Scott, Brendan Fraser
8. The Sheep Detectives (PG) Hugh Jackman, Brett Goldstein
9. Passenger (R) Jacob Scipio, Lou Llobell
10. Mortal Kombat II (R) Adeline Rudolph, Karl Urban
© 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.
Your Medicare ROADMAP
Sixty-five is more than a number. It’s a milestone. A moment to reflect on where you’ve been and look forward with confidence to what comes next. For millions of Americans, turning 65 also means unlocking one of the most valuable benefits you’ve earned: Medicare.
The best is still ahead, and it starts with knowing your options. The official source for Medicare information, Medicare.gov, is here to help with clear, trusted information.
The path to Medicare is not the same for everyone. Some people get Medicare automatically and others have to sign up. It depends on whether you are already getting Social Security. Either way, you’ll want to choose how you get your Medicare coverage.
Get information for your path at Medicare.gov, where you can find out when and how to enroll and explore your coverage options.
Understanding Your Medicare Coverage Options
When you first sign up for Medicare, you choose how to get your coverage. There are two main options: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Original Medicare is health coverage provided directly by the federal government. It has two parts:
Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and
home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A.
Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services (like screenings, vaccines and annual wellness visits) and durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers.
The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month and is typically deducted from your Social Security check.
With Original Medicare, you can visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. You can also add optional coverage to help manage costs:
Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) helps pay your share of Medicare costs.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps pay for medications.
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare that provides Part A and Part B and is offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. You still pay the Part B premium. Some plans charge an additional premium — though many carry a $0 plan premium and may even help cover part of your Part B cost. Most plans include in Part D drug coverage along with extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Keep in mind most plans require you to use doctors within the plan’s network.
What to Know Before You Turn 65
Five Steps to Enroll with Confidence
1. Use official sources. Go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for step-by-step, personalized guidance on coverage and enrollment.
2. Start early. You don’t have to wait until your birthday. Explore your options now so you’re ready when your enrollment window opens.
3. Know your enrollment path. Your path depends on your circumstances – some people are automatically enrolled and some are not. There are unique steps for people who are still working.
4. late enrollment penalties. Missing your enrollment window can result in a permanent premium penalty for both Part B and Part D. Signing up on time protects your wallet for years to come.
5. Compare plans and save. At Medicare.gov, you can compare plan costs side-by-side, based on the specific drugs you take. A quick comparison could save you money each year. You can also confirm your current doctors are in-network before you choose a plan.
Turning 65 is a milestone worth celebrating and it’s the perfect time to focus on what matters most: your health and well-being. That includes eating well, exercising and making sure you have health insurance that fits your needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. What’s important is finding an option that works for you and your health and financial needs.
Start your journey at Medicare.gov — your roadmap to a healthier and confident future.
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Feature Impact)
How To Redecorate Your Home Using Some of the Latest Design Trends
Ready for a home refresh, but not in the market for a pricey reno? You can transform your most lived-in spaces by leaning into trends making a splash in 2026. Whether you want to change the look of your living room, bedroom or any other area of your home, explore ways to use personalization, rich color and texture to bring new life to your spaces.
Express Yourself
One of the biggest trends of the year is turning away from minimalism and toward a space that tells your story. You can create a personalized space by curating specific items that are meaningful to you, using them as inspiration for the rest of your decor.
An heirloom rug, piece of art or furniture, some special item you collected while traveling or any of your own treasures can become the room’s focal point, using the colors, feeling or time period conjured by the piece to help you design the entire space.
Use a photo of your cherished item to create a digital or analog “mood board.” Put that photo in the center of the board, then gather colors, textures and other photos that inspire the vibe
you’re going for. This process can help you make choices about paint colors, window treatments and furnishings you may want to add to the space, and what you want to remove.
Pro tip Have a collection of special items? Put it proudly on display! Invest in a special case, shelving and lighting to show your treasures at their best.
Dive into Rich Earthy Tones
Don’t be afraid to experiment with color. You can get paint swatches, stickers or small samples of paint to try out in a room first, to see what you really like. Remember to view the paint color after it’s completely dry and at different times of day.
• Trending colors include earth tones like deep olive or plum, terracotta, rust or chocolate brown, which can be beautifully contrasted with warm neutrals such as taupe, cream and camel.
• Color drenching is on-trend, which means painting all of a room one color — including the trim, doors and millwork. You can even include the ceiling! By eliminating the contrast you get with white trim, for
example, color drenching creates drama and a strong sense of cohesion in a room.
• Wallpaper has also made a serious comeback, so you may want to check out some of the latest designs, patterns and colors that can really transform a room. Don’t want to wallpaper a whole wall? Consider using wallpaper in small areas, like behind open shelves or in framed panels using decorative molding. You can also add wainscoting or a chair rail and only use wallpaper above (or even below) the rail.
Pro tip One surprising new trend is using wallpaper on the “fifth wall” — in other words, the ceiling. Wallpapered ceilings can create a great effect for any room, especially small spaces, as it draws the eye upward. Consider using the technique in a space where you have a striking light fixture or chandelier you want to showcase.
Sink into Texture
Creating a warm, comfy vibe in any space is easy if you choose textures that you want to run your fingers
through. Make your whole room more cozy by opting for furniture with soft, sculptural shapes, and using natural materials such as wood, cotton, wool and linen. Textural variety is also ontrend with wallpaper choices like grass cloth and sisal, papers with fluted or ribbed effects, faux plaster and even woven fabrics.
Mixing different textures, including mixed metals for hardware, is a continuing trend this year, helping to contribute to the sensory-rich atmosphere that seems to be what everyone’s craving in today’s home design.
Pro tip Maximize visual interest by mixing and matching everything from matte black and brushed nickel to silver and bronze for your faucets, cabinet pulls and more.
Whichever options you choose to create your own unique atmosphere at home, enjoy the process of discovering what you like best, and don’t be afraid to let your own personality shine through. Personal expression, variety and comfort are the guiding principles of the latest trends in home decor. (BPT)
Creating a mood board with some of your favorite items will help you make choices about paint colors and window treatments. ©ADOBESTOCK
Home Irrigation Systems
Landscaping goes a long way toward how residents, guests and even prospective buyers view a property. A Thumbtack survey conducted in partnership with Nextdoor found that 73% of homeowners feel a well-kept lawn dramatically improves curb appeal.
Maintaining a lawn involves more than mowing once every week or two weeks. While it’s important that grass be cut consistently and at a height that helps to prevent weed infestation, homeowners also need to go further if they hope to produce a lawn they can be proud of.
Watering a lawn promotes strong roots and produces that lush, green look that can quickly become the envy of a neighborhood. Hand watering is effective but also labor-intensive, while watering with lawn sprinklers may require frequent repositioning and lead to substantial runoff. That’s why many homeowners look to irrigation systems to preserve their lawns and other areas of the landscape outside their homes. Homeowners considering such a system can take note of some of the basics of home irrigation systems.
Types of Irrigation Systems
Homeowners may be surprised to learn there are various types of irrigation systems. When considering an irrigation system, homeowners may settle on two of the more common types. Sprinkler systems These might be the most familiar home irrigation systems. A sprinkler irrigation system positions various sprinklers around a property and allows homeowners to water large areas in a relatively brief period of time.
Drip irrigation systems Drip systems are installed underground and provide water directly to the roots, which
builds a stronger lawn and reduces the risk of weed infestation. Drip systems also can help to conserve water, which is important for homeowners who live in areas with arid climates. And because they’re underground, drip systems do not lose a lot of water to evaporation, which is another notable factor for homeowners to note if they live in areas with high temperatures and substantial summertime humidity.
Cost
Cost is a chief consideration for any home improvement project, and irrigation systems are no exception. The cost of a system will depend on a number of variables unique to each property, including the size of the grounds, the soil conditions, and the layout of the lawn. A drip irrigation system is considered affordable, with the experts at LawnStarter® estimating homeowners spend between $310 and $815 on such systems. A sprinkler system can cost anywhere from $0.90 to $1.70 per square foot, according to LawnStarter®. So homeowners interested in such systems can expect to spend thousands of dollars to install one.
Installation
It’s generally a good idea to leave irrigation system installation to the professionals. However, various resources indicate that drip irrigation systems are DIY-friendly for people with ample DIY experience. Sprinkler systems are more difficult to install than drip systems, and these projects should be trusted to experienced local professionals.
A well-maintained law can be a show stopper, and an irrigation system can help homeowners get the most out of their lawns. (MC)
Top Trends for Swoon-Worthy Cruise Vacations
From immersive dining to wellness at sea and elevated entertainment, cruise vacations are becoming some of the most experience-rich trips travelers can take.
“Our industry has long been known for innovation, but what’s most compelling now is how that scale is being leveraged to invest in more immersive entertainment, wellness experiences and purpose-driven exploration at destinations around the world,” said Chiara Giorgi, global event and brand director for Seatrade Cruise Global, the largest and longest-running annual event of its kind serving every sector of the international cruise industry, including cruise lines, suppliers, travel agents and partners.
To take advantage of the evolution of the industry when planning your next vacation at sea, consider these emerging trends identified at the conference.
The Rise of Floating Wellness Retreats
Once upon a time, wellness meant spas, saunas and massages. Wellness in 2026 is much more luxurious and is deeply embedded into the cruise experience. For example, Cunard’s
“Wellness at Sea” voyages integrate expert-led fitness, nutrition, mindfulness and recovery programming, turning wellness into a structured, goal-driven experience and elevating wellness as a core pillar of the onboard experience.
Additional cruise lines, including Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises, are also helping raise the bar on floating wellness. Think thermal suites, meditation spaces and sleep-focused programming, along with wellness excursions and destination-inspired spa rituals that extend the experience to the shore.
Dining Becomes the Experience
Dining has long been a key component of many cruises, but now, food and drink are evolving from a cruise staple to a central form of entertainment and cultural discovery. Cruise lines are investing in immersive dining environments, destination-inspired menus and beverage programs that connect guests more directly with the places they visit.
From location-specific cuisine to interactive dining concepts and destination-driven cocktail programs, F&B@ Sea, Seatrade Cruise Global’s com-
panion show, found culinary experiences are increasingly designed to be memorable punctuation points of the journey itself.
Across the industry, cruise lines are investing heavily in culinary programs that blur the line between dining and entertainment. Tapping into the supper club trend, Royal Caribbean introduced the Empire Supper Club to turn dinner into a night out at sea, combining multi-course menus, craft cocktails and live music for a full evening experience.
Exploring Expeditions with Purpose
Expedition travel is having more than a moment. It continues to grow as travelers seek deeper engagement with the natural world. Leading the shift toward purpose-driven explorations, operators such as National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, long recognized for pioneering modern expedition travel, helped define this category through a model rooted in education, conservation and handson exploration. Built on the belief that exploring the world can inspire people to care more deeply for it, expert-led
expeditions, such as kayaking among glaciers, participating in citizen science programs studying seabirds and learning directly from naturalists and scientists, place a strong emphasis on stewardship and real-world learning.
Ships as Cultural Hubs
Entertainment at sea is expanding beyond traditional stage shows to include immersive productions, music residencies and partnerships with leading performing arts brands. For example, Holland America Line joined forces with The Verdon Fosse Legacy to debut “Fosse and Verdon, The Duet That Changed Broadway,” a live musical and multimedia tribute celebrating the revolutionary work of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon by bringing it to an international stage at sea for the first time.
As cruises continue to expand their global footprint, the Seatrade Cruise Global event positions itself not simply as a trade gathering, but as the central forum where trends are explored and defined. To learn more, visit seatradecruiseevents.com. (Feature Impact)
Optimize Health to Combat Cardiovascular Disease
The threat of heart disease and stroke is growing substantially among women and girls as rates climb for health factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, with 6 in 10 U.S. women projected to have at least one type of cardiovascular disease by 2050.
This information from a new scientific statement published in Circulation, the peer-reviewed, flagship journal of the American Heart Association, points to a rise in CVD that’s in part fueled by increases in other health factors like diabetes and obesity. Nearly 32% of girls ages 2-19 may have obesity by 2050.
Findings from the report point to increases among women for all types of CVD, including heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke.
“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women and remains their No. 1 health risk overall,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and senior vice president of women’s health
at Northwell Health.
“While many people may think conditions like high blood pressure are only occurring in older women, we know this is not the case. We know the factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke begin early in life, even among young women and girls.”
The most efficient and effective way to reduce the prevalence of CVD is through prevention, prioritizing optimal health through the four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure) that comprise the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8.
Health Behaviors
Promote healthy choices in the places where people learn, live and receive care, like schools, community centers, pediatric clinics and gynecology offices. Use digital tools, when helpful, to encourage and reinforce positive lifestyle changes.
Health Factors
Managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity early can make a difference, especially for women at higher risk. Work with your health care team to prioritize long-term support for managing these conditions, including early check-ins, team-based care and the use of digital tools that make care easier to access.
Care at Every Life Stage
Each stage of life offers an opportunity to spot risks early and protect heart health. For example, pediatricians should know that early menstrual periods can signal higher future cardiovascular risk. Coordinated care across specialties should be integrated before, during and after pregnancy. Research should continue to explore how lifestyle changes and hormone therapy around menopause impact women’s heart health.
To access the full report and find more advice for a healthy heart, visit Heart.org. (Feature Impact)
The Importance of Financial Literacy
You may have mastered the core subjects like math and grammar in school, but financial literacy — or understanding the basics of money management in order to help you make better financial decisions — often goes overlooked before adulthood. It’s not so much a course of study as it is a plan of action.
Financial literacy in the United States has remained stagnant at generally low levels for several years, according to research from TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center, with even lower levels among Gen Z.
Yet greater financial literacy — including key aspects such as goal-setting, budgeting, saving, credit management and investing — is strongly linked to better financial outcomes, including lower rates of debt constraint and financial fragility.
While emboldening yourself to understand financial terms can be a little overwhelming at first, once you have a grasp of basic concepts you can begin to get a handle on your money and make better financial decisions. Simply put: When you understand how to earn, save, spend and invest wisely, you aren’t just building a stable future for yourself, but your family and community as well.
From nonprofit partnerships to volunteer-led programs and fee online resources, Schwab and its employees help millions of people every year build the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their financial futures by serving as board members, mentors, role models and educators.
Because financial health is a lifelong journey, the earlier people learn vital
money skills, the better. That’s why the financial advisory services provider develops education programs geared toward kids that continue into adulthood, helping people no matter where they are on their journeys.
Talk Money
It’s never too early to start a conversation about financial literacy. Having teens identify goals that are important to them — such as concert tickets or a first car — can kickstart coversations about money. Working with your child (and a financial advisor, if necessary) on a plan for saving to realize those goals can serve as a jumping off point. After achieving some success, their enthusiasm may grow, which is a powerful motivator to keep saving.
Support School Initiatives and Programs
Outreach programs that empower young people to make smart financial decisions is key to a bright future. Programs like Money Matters — Schwab’s flagship financial education program utilized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America — gives young people handson experience with all aspects of money and investing.
This example, and others, don’t just include program funding — they build partnerships that create impact and opportunity with national collaborations that reach more than 17 million youth annually, empowering young people with the tools and confidence to make smart financial decisions for life.
To learn more about financial literacy and find resources to empower your local community, visit SchwabMoneywise.com. (Feature Impact)
Cost Management for a Healthy, Happy Furry Friend
You’re not imagining it — like many goods and services, pet care costs have gone up.
In fact, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance reported a 38% increase in pet services over the past five years with pet parents spending more than $4,200 a year on routine expenses for a cat or dog. Lots of factors are driving increased costs, from higher ingredient prices for pet food — like meat and grains — to veterinary drug shortages. Add in rising labor and transportation costs and those everyday expenses can start to take a bigger bite out of your budget. There are simple ways to keep costs in check, while still giving your furry friends the care they deserve:
Prioritize Preventive Care
Routine checkups, vaccinations and screenings can catch health issues early when they are easier and less expensive to treat. Most pets should see a veterinarian at least once a year, while puppies, kittens and senior pets may need more frequent visits. Preventive medications play an important role as well. Treating heartworm disease, for example, can cost thousands while monthly prevention costs $15-$30.
Focus on Daily Wellness
Consistent exercise helps reduce the risk of chronic conditions and supports overall health. Most dogs benefit from at least 30 minutes of daily activity while cats need regular active play. Feeding appropriate portions can also help with weight maintenance. Portion sizes vary, but a good starting point is the feeding guidelines on your pet food label.
Find Support in Your Community
Many local humane societies and
rescue groups offer resources that make pet care more accessible, including lowcost vaccinations, spay and neuter services and discounted supplies. For seniors, local Meals on Wheels providers can be important resources. With support from PetSmart Charities, many local providers offer free pet food and, in some cases, services like veterinary care and grooming. To date, 20 million pet meals have been delivered through this collaboration, helping keep pets healthy and in loving homes with older adults.
Plan Ahead for Unexpected Costs
Even with routine care, unexpected illnesses or injuries can happen — and costs can add up. The PetSmart Charities-Gallup State of Pet Care research revealed 52% of pet parents skipped or declined veterinary care services in 2025, with the majority citing cost as the key barrier.
Pet insurance can help manage risk. Most policies reimburse a percentage of covered veterinary costs after you meet a deductible, helping offset un-
expected bills. Plans vary, but average monthly premiums are around $60 for dogs and $30 for cats.
Be open with your veterinarian about financial concerns. In many cases, clinics may be able to offer payment plans, or look for low-cost-veterinary care resources in your area.
To find a local provider and learn whether pet support is available in your area, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org/ lovepets.
A Companion Through it
All
A devastating cancer diagnosis left Lois hospitalized for eight months. Afterward, she began receiving home-delivered meals through her local Meals on Wheels provider. That connection proved to be a lifeline.
“When I was sick,” Lois said, “the Meals on Wheels volunteers … were the only company I had.”
That changed when a small white kitten with calico markings showed up at her front door. Today, that kitten — now named Grace — is rarely far from Lois’ side.
Though Grace softens Lois’s loneliness, caring for a pet on a fixed income isn’t always easy. For many seniors, it can mean making difficult choices, like stretching groceries or delaying medical care, just to afford pet food and supplies. Through support from her local provider, food is delivered for Grace as part of Lois’ regular meal service, helping keep them both healthy, happy and, most importantly, together. (Feature Impact)
PUZZLES
I Pledge Allegiance, to the Flag ...
By David Hegg
As this Sunday is Flag Day, we would do well to reflect on the 31 words that make up our Pledge of Allegiance.
And, if you’re like me, you first memorized it in elementary school and repeated it, hand over heart, at the beginning of every day in the classroom. Today, our City Council, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency board, and William S. Hart Union High School District meetings all begin with those in the room standing and reciting a solemn pledge dating back to 1892. Originally, it began with a pledge to “my flag,” but was soon changed to specify the intended flag and country as the USA.
up rather than tear down, to use our strength and talents for the common good.
2. The pledge goes on to define what our Republic was created to be:
“One Nation under God.”
There is no debate that our nation’s founders believed in and relied on a transcendent, all-powerful Creator God. And while our republic has, from the beginning, been intentionally pluralistic in its commitment to freedom of religious belief and practice, it has always been characteristic of Americans to see God rather than human government as the highest power. The careful wording of the pledge reminds us that human government, while powerful, is not supreme but is, as are we all, “under God.”
ible” interconnectedness and mutual dependence that grounded our past and on which our future depends. And yet, it is this simple word that remains at risk as the selfish and often evil lust for individual and ideological power rends the fundamental unity the pledge defines.
Consequently, it must be an essential everyday conviction that our future success as a nation depends on our ability to differ differently, without violence, with an eagerness to understand and work together as a virtuous family, not duplicitous enemies.
4. Lastly, the Pledge answers this fundamental question: How can such a republic last?
To have the order liberty allows we must also be committed to enforcing the justice criminal behavior demands.
These last words have always seemed to hang in the air at the end of the recited pledge. We take our hands from our hearts or lower the salute knowing that this essential right can easily be eroded. And that is when we must realize that over, under, and all around this pledge must be the reality that our beloved republic was founded, indeed grounded, on the determination that our country would be a different kind of nation, a nation of empowered citizenry.
And, during the Eisenhower administration, the phrase “under God” was added to remind our citizenry that this republic was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.
The pledge is composed of only four simple yet monumental elements:
1. “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands.”
For over a hundred years, our fellow citizens – men, women, boys, girls, American-born, and naturalized immigrants – have voiced their intention to be for America. This pledge is a powerful reminder that each of us has a solemn responsibility to live within the law and to use lawful means to address matters that need to be replaced, changed, or added. At its foundation, the pledge is a commitment to build
3. From the beginning, the experiment that was our republic has been defined in an unusual motto found on our coinage: E Pluribus Unum. “Out of many, One.”
Think of it! Thirteen original states, acting as individual governmental entities, determined to do what had never been done before. They willingly gave up their independence and entered into a mutual dependence on all the other states. Ben Franklin spoke prophetically when he declared, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” To fracture the union was to see the dream of freedom once again dashed by tyranny.
In one simple yet essential word, the pledge boldly calls Americans to be steadfast in maintaining the “indivis-
How can a nation that empowers the individual long endure? The answer created by our founders is a political system consisting of governance, laws, the judiciary, and citizenry committed to these self-evident truths “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
The pledge puts it very simply: “with liberty and justice for all.” The United States of America, represented by our flag, is not only “one nation under God,” and “indivisible,” but is also committed, indeed built firmly on the necessity that “liberty and justice” must be for all, regardless of ethnicity, creed, gender, age, social standing, or any other distinction.
All begin with liberty. All are protected by justice. And all who choose to use their liberty unjustly in criminal behavior will find their right to liberty curtailed.
In 1863, against the backdrop of the Civil War that was threatening to end our union, Abraham Lincoln boldly and rightly described America’s backbone in his Gettysburg Address. He ended his exhortation to the audience with these words: “ ... we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”
As we begin the run-up to our 250th anniversary as a country on July 4, it is time we reflect and re-commit to the fundamental truths of our Pledge of Allegiance.
It is time we, the people, show up, get up, and continue pursuing the dream that is America.
After all, the country belongs to us all.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
