Teagan’s Enchanted Tea Room started out only doing afternoon tea and sandwiches, “but we have since added delicious breakfast items and more lunch items as well,” said Taylor Clement, co-owner of Teagan’s along with Meagan Heredia. PHOTO BY
DOÑA UHRIG / THE SIGNAL
By Alicia Doyle Signal Staff Writer
Tucked between the sunny strip malls and suburban streets of Santa Clarita lies a surprising escape into a slower, more refined world — tea rooms where porcelain teacups clink gently and the scent of Earl Grey drifts through the air. These cozy havens offer more than just a pot of tea; they serve up charm, tradition and a taste of elegance, one scone at a time.
There’s “a taste of England in every sip” at Tea Elle C Garden Café, where guests are seated in a lush garden surrounded by flowers and shaded umbrellas at 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road in Saugus.
“What makes us different? The people who work
Open seven days a week, Tea Elle C serves breakfast and lunch and an afternoon tea experience. There are no reservations needed unless you want to book a Victorian tea party, which can fit up to 50 guests in a private room. PHOTO COURTESY TEA ELLE C
here,” said Mariia Vakulovska, owner. “They enjoy and understand what hospitality is and go above and beyond to assure that our guests feel welcome, spoiled and pumped.”
Whether it’s a child celebrating a birthday, a young adult getting a drivers license or a bridal shower celebration, “we will make a birthday plate for you, provide a vase for your flowers that you just got or get the door for you,” she said. “There is no rush… just relaxation and joy.”
Open seven days a week, Tea Elle C serves breakfast and lunch and an afternoon tea experience. There are no reservations needed unless you want to book a Victorian tea party, which can fit up to 50 guests in a private room.
The most popular menu items include French toast made with two croissants dipped in homemade cinnamon batter; and eggs Benedict made with cage-free poached eggs, Canadian bacon and homemade hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin. There’s also a variety of wraps – and sourdough breakfast bowls – as well as cold and hot sandwiches such as chicken, turkey, egg salad, smoked salmon and tuna salad.
“We carry over 80 different kinds of premium loose leaf tea,” said Vakulovska, adding that their popular scones are homemade from scratch in house.
Tea Elle C also offers an “extensive” catering menu with salad trays, finger sandwiches, wraps and Panini trays, as well as desserts such as an assorted treat tray that includes a bite-size assortment of pecan bars, apricot bars, Oreo cheesecake, lemon bars and other seasonal flavors.
“The ultimate goal is that every guest has us as a happy place where they can enjoy a cup of tea and great company of a friend, family or the server who will take care of a guest during the visit,” Vakulovska said.
“We love to host,” she further emphasized. “It’s in our logo – a great place for tea and company.”
For more information, visit www.theteagardens. com or call (661) 255-9832.
At Teagan’s Enchanted Tea Room, “we have the widest and most unique selection of tea blends, paired with an equally unique atmosphere to enjoy good tea and company,” said Taylor Clement, co-owner of Teagan’s along with Meagan Heredia.
Located at 24335 Main Street in Newhall, “we specially selected and taste-tested the most delicious blends of tea that we import from Europe,” Clement noted. “The menu took several years behind-thescenes to perfect as we wanted only the best and most unique blend of flavors showcased. We do offer traditional blends as well for those who prefer a simpler taste.”
Teagan’s Enchanted Tea Room started out only doing afternoon tea and sandwiches, “but we have since added delicious breakfast items and more lunch items as well,” Clement said.
From eggs Benedict to breakfast burritos – or decadent French toast – “you’re sure to find something you like to start your day. We also have fresh salads with our homemade dressings, a large selection of sandwiches from turkey to ham to vegetarian, and a ton of hors d’oeuvres. We are constantly tweaking the menu to perfection and adding new things as they come to mind.”
Their best seller – and what kick-started their business – is the afternoon tea.
Around the 1840s, the Duchess of Bedford say that she would get a "sinking feeling" around 5 p.m. Part of the problem was that the dinner hour was getting pushed later and later into the day. The duchess was one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting.
The duchess asked that some tea, bread and butter, and cake be brought to her room to ease her grumbling stomach. The afternoon tea ritual was born.
It was immediately accepted by the upper classes and the fashionable custom soon spread across Britain.
— Courtesy The British Museum
“It includes your choice of tea, a delicious homemade scone, six pieces of finger sandwiches and three bite-sized desserts,” Clement explained. “It is served on a beautiful tea tower and always paired with a gorgeous Victorian-style teacup and teapot.”
The business officially opened in August of 2024 “after a long journey, but years behind the scenes,” Clement emphasized. “The concept of Teagan’s has been a vision of my business partner and I for many, many years.”
Clement and Heredia met back in 2019 and quickly became great friends.
“We bonded over our love for tea and hollandaise sauce,” Clement recalled. “We loved traveling into the city for delicious food and restaurants with a cute atmosphere. We joked about opening our own spot since Santa Clarita didn’t have anything like it.”
That “joke” turned into reality when they decided
to really go for it.
“We started looking for locations immediately once we knew we were serious and it took about 10 months to find this perfect spot,” Clement said. “Add another 10 months for renovations and permits and we finally opened the doors in August 2024.”
Teagan is the combination of their names, Taylor and Megan.
“Plus, the name contains the word tea, so it was truly meant to be,” Clement said.
The ultimate goal of Teagan’s “is to be a safe place for all,” she added. “We want everyone to enjoy their food as well as their surroundings. It is light, bright and colorful in here to really emphasize the vibes we hope to bring.”
For more information, visit www.teaganstea room.com.
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 18 is International Picnic Day and the Santa Clarita Valley is the perfect place to celebrate.
Here are a few places to celebrate International Picnic Day.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
19152 Placerita Canyon Rd., Newhall 91321 Info www.placerita.org
Placerita Canyon Nature Center has a lovely picnic area on the far side of the stream across a small bridge. It’s a great place to enjoy a tranquil picnic lunch surrounded by nature. See and listen to Scrub Jays, Acorn Woodpeckers, Spotted Towhees and Red Shouldered Hawks as you enjoy your lunch. Consider enjoying a picnic and then taking in some of the programs at the Nature Center before or after your picnic.
Bird Walks First Saturday of every month with Ellen Coleman. Second Saturday of every month with Ken Yasukawa. Start at 8 a.m. Bring binoculars, water and a field guide.
Blooms of the Season Learn about native plants
with RuthAnne Murthy. Fourth Saturday of every month, meet on the patio at 9 a.m. for a one-hour stroll. Bring your camera and questions.
Family Nature Walk Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon with Judy McClure. An easy 1-hour walk exploring the natural and cultural history of the area.
Community Nature Education Series Every third Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. A free educational program open to the public.
Walker Cabin Tours of the historic Walker cabin are available every Saturday in summer from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tours are available 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday during the summer. Summer hours begin the third Saturday in June and end the Saturday before Labor Day.
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
32132 Castaic Lake Dr., Castaic 91384
Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=628
Take your picnic to Castaic Lake where you can BBQ your lunch and sit at table lakeside and enjoy the beautiful view.
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area is one of the largest and most spectacular state water reservoirs in California. It not only provides fresh water to lo-
cal communities, but this 12,658-acre facility is also a great local recreational escape. This oasis features two lakes: the Upper Lake which offers two launch ramps for boating with various waterways and coves for exploring and the Lower Lake that includes picnic areas, launch areas for kayaks, float tubes and other non-gasoline boating, and a swim beach.
March 1 to Oct. 31 operating hours Monday –Sunday 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Recreational Swim Lakes are open June 18-Sept. 4. Operating Hours Monday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open weekends only May 20 to June 17.
The fee per car to enter is $12/daily per car. Seniors or disabled parking permit entry per car is $5 per day.
27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita 91350
Info bit.ly/43VgG2J
The city of Santa Clarita’s 130-acre crown jewel, Central Park, is home to a variety of facilities, including picnic tables, playing fields, baseball/softball diamonds, the city’s first community garden, Central Bark Dog Park, and a regional cross-country course.
The 3.1-mile cross-country trail is located within Central Park and is a very popular location for
casual day hiking, dog walking and bike riding. The exercise staircase, with 172 steps is popular for those looking for a good cardio workout.
A new amenity, the “River of Lights” is currently being tested and will formally open in the park this summer.
Whitney Canyon Park
20303 Newhall Ave., Newhall 91321
Info bit.ly/4kms2Tg
Located in Santa Clarita near the offramp of the 14 Freeway and San Fernando Road, the beautiful 442-acre Whitney Canyon Park in the Rim of the Valley Trail Corridor provides outstanding examples of coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, chaparral and riparian corridor vegetation, with year-round springs. The last time I hiked through Whitney Canyon I brought a picnic and sat in the shade by the little waterfall and enjoyed one of the best picnics I’ve ever eaten.
Near the stream there’s a meadow-like area which is perfect for picnicking.
Bring a blanket, some sandwiches, treats, refreshments and enjoy.
Todd Longshore Park
28151 Whites Canyon Rd., Canyon Country 91351
Info bit.ly/43tEOcU
This small city of Santa Clarita park offers some of the best views in the Santa Clarita Valley. There are two playgrounds, picnic tables, several gazebos with grills and a little field with a bridge. The views overlook Soledad Canyon Road and Canyon High School. The park also offers plenty of shade for hot summer days.
Valencia Glen Park
23750 Via Gavola, Valencia 91355
Info /bit.ly/4kHDZCJ
One of the city of Santa Clarita’s most beautiful parks with large shade trees and numerous amenities.
In addition to the picnic tables and BBQs the park offers a child play area, full basketball court, restroom, swimming pool and lighted tennis court.
To make picnic reservations at the cityparks, visit bit.ly/4kFDTvs.
Dining outdoors is a popular way to enjoy a meal. Many restaurants set up tables outside of their establishments or in nearby courtyards when the weather warms. There is an indescribable quality to sipping a drink or taking a bite to eat while the sun is shining and the breeze is blowing.
Al fresco dining need not be a complicated affair. In fact, picnics are an informal outdoor meal and can be quite enjoyable. There’s nothing pretentious about a picnic, and setting one up requires just a few essentials to make the picnic go smoothly.
Here’s a look at what to bring along for the ultimate picnic experience.
Blanket For picnic purists, enjoying a picnic requires being close to the ground. That necessitates some sort of protection from damp grass or sandy conditions. If possible, choose a waterproof picnic blanket that moisture cannot permeate. A blanket that folds up easily and has its own carrying case can be convenient.
Insulated tote Although an old-fashioned wicker picnic basket may be on brand for a picnic, opting for an insulated tote bag or cooler-like container will help keep the food and beverages at the preferred temperature. Make sure to have plenty of ice packs on hand to keep the picnic tote contents chilled. Reusable plates and utensils Those who plan to make picnicking more than just a once-ina-blue-moon event would be wise to invest in some picnic products. Durable and reusable
picnic utensils, plates and drinking cups help make dining outside more comfortable.
Trash bags Always carry out what you’ve carried in, whether you’re going to a park, beach or a hiking trail. That means having something to carry trash out so it can be properly disposed of.
Corkscrew If wine or beer will be part of the picnic offerings, make sure to have a corkscrew and bottle opener at the ready.
Sanitizing wipes Proper hygiene is essential for handling picnic fare, which tends to be sandwiches or finger foods. Therefore, bring along hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes to clean hands before the meal, especially if restrooms aren’t nearby.
Cloth napkins Cloth napkins have more weight to them than paper napkins, which means they’re less likely to blow away in the breeze. Invest in a set of inexpensive cloth napkins for dining outside. Simply drop them in the washing machine to clean up after the picnic is done.
Storage containers Whether it’s in bento-style boxes or individual snap/lock lid plastic containers, food should be packaged securely so there are no spills on the way to the picnic area.
Sun protection Be sure to bring along sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect oneself from the sun while enjoying the picnic. A portable umbrella can be staked into the ground to provide some shade.
Picnics are relaxing ways to enjoy an informal meal in the great outdoors. Certain gear can make a picnic even more enjoyable. (MC)
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
As a longtime resident of Santa Clarita, I know that summer brings more than just high temperatures—it also marks a peak season for wildfire danger. Earlier this year, we witnessed the devastating impact of the Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles, as well as the Hughes Fire in Castaic, serving as powerful reminders of the need for vigilance and preparation during the most fire-prone months. In partnership with Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, the City will host our annual Summer Fire Safety Press Conference on Friday, June 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the Towsley Canyon Trailhead. Residents are invited to attend and listen to local leaders, fire officials and public safety experts who will share critical information on how residents can help prevent fires
and what to do if they see fireworks in their neighborhood.
Bring the kids and experience fire safety training like never before. In addition to wildfire safety prevention tips, families can watch a live helicopter water drop and climb aboard real firefighting vehicles and heavy machinery from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. You’ll also get an up-close look at emergency vehicles from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, as well as vehicles from the City’s fleet and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Just like last year’s event, attendees will have the chance to meet and pet a variety of goats and sheep. While the goats at the event aren’t specifically used for brush clearance, goats continue to play an important role in vegetation management across Southern California.
Though fire prevention remains a top priority, the event also aims to raise awareness about another serious summer danger – illegal fireworks. Each year, fireworks are responsible for thousands of fires, in-
juries and even deaths. Despite what the packaging may say, all fireworks are illegal in the City of Santa Clarita, including those labeled “Safe and Sane.” It’s important to remember that fireworks don’t just impact the person lighting them—they can be deeply distressing to our local Veterans, pets and neighbors. In fact, July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters nationwide due to pets running away in fear. This summer, consider your community and celebrate responsibly.
Residents looking for a safe and legal way to celebrate Independence Day are encouraged to attend the City’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show, taking place at Valencia Town Center at 9:15 p.m. This professionally operated show offers a safe, exciting and fun way to enjoy the holiday without the risk.
To learn more about Santa Clarita’s fireworks regulations and upcoming events, please visit SantaClarita.gov/Fireworks.
By Tony Rizzo
“Narnia” fans rejoice!
Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird,” “Little Women” and “Barbie”), will direct the sixth book in the “Narnia” series — “The Magician’s Nephew” — for Netflix. It’ll open in theaters on Thanksgiving Day 2026 and drop on Netflix on Christmas Day 2026.
There are currently 21 EGOT winners. An EGOT winner is someone who has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award, such as Richard Rodgers, Rita Moreno, Audrey Hepburn and Mel Brooks. There are a slew of everybody’s favorites who are just one away from joining this elite club, such as Cher, Kate Winslet, Common, Helen Mirren, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dick Van Dyke, Lily Tomlin and Julie Andrews.
Cher, for instance, has won an Emmy for “The Farewell Tour” (2003), a Grammy for “Believe” in 2000, and an Oscar for “Moonstruck” (1987). But she failed to capture the Tony for Broadway.
Julie Andrews, believe it or not, failed to win a Tony on Broadway in “My Fair Lady” (1956) or “Camelot” (1960), and she declined her Tony nomination for “Victor/Victoria” (1995) because she felt that the rest of the show was overlooked. It might have given her EGOT status because she has won two Emmys, three Grammys, and an Oscar for “Mary Poppins” (1964).
Adele only needs a Tony to join the EGOT club, having won an Emmy for “Adele One Night Only” (2021), 16 Grammys, and an Oscar for co-writing the title song from the James Bond 007 film “Skyfall” (2012).
Hugh Jackman won an Emmy for
hosting the 58th Tony Awards, won a Grammy for the soundtrack of “The Greatest Showman,” but failed to win an Oscar when he was nominated for “Les Miserables” (2012). He lost to Daniel Day-Lewis, who won his third Oscar for “Lincoln.” But Jackman did win a Tony for playing Peter Allen in the musical “The Boy from Oz” (2003).
Bette Midler won an Emmy for her 1977 special “Ol’ Red Hair is Back,” as well as three Grammys. But despite two Oscar nominations for “The Rose” (1979) and “For the Boys” (1991), the Oscar went home with someone else. She did win a Tony for the revival of “Hello, Dolly!” in 2017.
Kieran Culkin has an appetite for “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping” and will step into the role of Caesar Flickerman, who was originally played by Stanley Tucci in the first four films. It starts shooting in July with Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes and Elle Fanning for a November 2026 release.
Culkin is halfway to EGOT status with an Emmy for “Succession” and a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for “A Real Pain.” Guess while his older brother, Macaulay (44), was playing at “Home Alone,” Kieran was out boning up on his acting! ©
h e M e C 1:20 4:30 7:30 The stor y of a family and a fami y bus ness.
D O G M a: r e s u r r e C t e D! a 25t h a n n i v e r s a ry C e l e B r at i O n E Sun 10:00 AM
DOGMA s resurrec ted w th added Event Cinema Content!
J a n e au s t e n W r e C k e D M y l i f e E Sun: 10:10 AM
When Agathe’s best friend gets her inv ted to the Jane Austen Writers Residenc y in England, she is caught in a ver y unexpec ted romantic triangle
k a r at e k i D: l e G e n D s C Sun: 10:30 AM
Karate Kid: Legends, unites the iconic mar tial ar ts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time
Z e n i t h a l Wed: 7:00 PM
Ti-Kong, the famous Kung-fu master, s found dead Could the assass n be the Mach avellian doc tor Sweeper?
l i lO & s t i tC h B 1:10 4:20 7:20
A touching stor y of a onely Hawa ian g rl and the fugitive a ien who helps to mend her broken family
M i s
From lazy days by the pool to weekend road trips and everything in between, summer is packed with adventures. To keep your energy high for all those warm-weather activities, you'll need to keep sweet, delicious snacks on the family menu.
Make sure versatile, flavorful watermelon is always on your grocery list so you can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, snacks, desserts, drinks and beyond. It easily fits your existing routines for morning smoothies and snacking on the go, or in make-ahead dishes you can serve when hunger strikes. It's easy to cool off quickly on hot summer days with Watermelon Ice Pops, a simple, kid-friendly favorite made with watermelon and chunks of fresh fruit. Bursting with flavor, these frozen treats make snack time a cinch while tackling cravings, boosting hydration and supporting wellness in place of added-sugar treats.
For a light afternoon bite before the dinner bell rings, try this Watermelon
Salad with Feta and Mint that offers sweet summer flavor without the hassle. Pairing long-time favorites in feta cheese and mint, it's a classic for a reason with delicious watermelon adding nutritional content.
Of course, as a kitchen staple to keep on hand throughout the year, watermelon is also perfect for enjoying all on its own at home or on the go. Whether it's diced, sliced, balled or blended, you can toss it in a jar for a healthy, hydrating snack.
Cutting watermelon into convenient chunks is fast and easy so you can eat at home or toss in a to-go container to take to the office, beach or soccer practice. Just cut a grid pattern on the fruit and cubes will tumble out, ready to eat. Don't forget to wash and dry the rind on the watermelon before cutting.
1. Cut the whole watermelon lengthwise into quarters. Lay each quarter on its rind with the interior facing up.
2. Place the knife about 3/4 inch down from the peak of the wedge. Holding the knife parallel to the far side of the fruit and starting at the edge of the rind, cut a horizontal line across the fruit all the way down to the rind.
3. Place the knife blade about 3/4 inch lower and make the same cut. Repeat. Turn the fruit to the other side and make the same horizontal cuts.
4. Starting at the end of the rind, make vertical cuts straight down the rind, 3/4 inch apart all the way across.
5. Remove the cubes and serve or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To find more ways to serve watermelon this summer and all year long, visit Watermelon.org.
1 watermelon chunks of fresh fruit (such as grapes, strawberries or kiwi)
Puree watermelon and pour into ice pop molds.
Drop in chunks of fresh fruit, insert caps and place in freezer. Serve when frozen.
1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette
4 cups cubed watermelon
1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/4-inch half moons
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped Drizzle vinaigrette in bottom of large canning jar. Layer with watermelon, cucumber, red onion, feta and mint.
Cover tightly with lid and shake to combine. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Substitution Use Greek dressing in place of lemon vinaigrette. (Family Features)
The human body is ever-changing. Though it’s not often so easy to detect the changes the body goes through, such alterations may become more noticeable with age.
One age-related change that’s easy to overlook is related to thirst. The Cleveland Clinic notes seniors typically do not feel as thirsty as they once did. That compels seniors to consume less fluids, which in turn makes them more vulnerable to dehydration.
Why is my risk for dehydration higher now than when I was younger?
Body composition changes that correspond to age are often to blame. According to the Cleveland Clinic, seniors’ bodies do not demand water in the same way they did when they were younger.
So people tend to drink less water as they age. Some also suffer from decreased kidney function that also compromises fluid levels in the body. These things mean many seniors have less water in their bodies than they used to, which increases their risk for dehydration.
How serious is this threat?
The threat posed by dehydration is serious. In fact, the Cleveland Clinic notes that dehydration is a common cause of hospitalization among adults age 65 and older.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality also notes that adults 65 and over have the highest hospital admission rates for dehydration of any group.
How do I know if I’m dehydrated?
As noted, aging adults do not typically feel as thirsty as they did when
they were younger. That’s important to remember, as the Cleveland Clinic notes that thirst might actually be a sign of early dehydration. The following are some additional physical signs of dehydration:
Fatigue and weakness
Dizziness or a loss of coordination
Dry mouth and/or a dry cough
Headache
Muscle cramps, which can be caused by a loss of electrolytes through sweating
Chills or heat intolerance
Flushed skin
These symptoms are notable in
nerable to falls.
Falls are a significant threat because they increase the likelihood of broken bones and other serious injuries, but a fall also can adversely affect mental health. A fall that causes injury may lead seniors to withdraw from certain activities, including recreational sports or other physical activities often performed alongside fellow seniors.
Withdrawing from such activities can lead to isolation and depression.
The Cleveland Clinic urges seniors to consume sufficient fluids each day, even spicing up water with a fruit slice if necessary. In addition, seniors are urged to avoid caffeine, which can force more trips to the bathroom to urinate and thus lose fluid. Cucumbers, celery and, of course, watermelon also can be incorporated into seniors’ diets each day, as these foods are high in water content.
their own right, but some may make seniors vulnerable to additional issues. For instance, dizziness or a loss of coordination resulting from dehydration may make seniors more vul-
Dehydration poses a serious threat to seniors’ health. But that threat can be easily overcome when seniors make a concerted effort to stay hydrated each day. (MC)
Chances are no one wants to replicate the side effects of the global pandemic anytime soon. Despite all of the upheaval it brought to so many people’s lives, there was at least one silver lining to the pandemic: a newfound appreciation for backyards and other outdoor living areas. Back in
2021, OnePoll, on behalf of the landscaping company TruGreen, found survey participants reported spending 14 hours outside every week, which marked a three-hour increase than before the pandemic hit.
Outdoor spaces like patios, decks, yards and even front porches remain popular places for homeowners and
their loved ones to congregate. Various studies have shown that those who spend more time outside in nature have lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
Being outside is strongly associated with improved mental and physical health. Homeowners who want to maximize the potential of their outdoor spaces can look to these ideas to take backyards up a notch or two.
A well-designed yard has one or more dedicated gathering spots, particularly areas that enable comfort underfoot. Homeowners can give consideration to hardscape that enables individuals to spend time outdoors without standing in soggy or buggy situations.
Whether they’re traditional decks, platform decks, concrete or paver patios, or areas separated from the lawn with pea gravel or another type of rock, homeowners can make the yard more useable through these spaces.
Grilling, smoking and even making brick oven pizzas outdoors is a major component of backyard entertaining. Outdoor kitchens can increase the convenience of prepping, cooking and serving food outdoors. Grills and other cooking gear can be built into weather-resistant counters and cabinetry.
A pergola or another structure is the perfect way to add privacy to a gathering spot and create more shade and weather protection when Mother Nature does not want to cooperate.
When making backyard improvements, homeowners can incorporate ideas that make the yard more functional during different seasons. For example, a fire pit or outdoor fireplace can be a spot for making summer s’mores or sipping mulled cider in the fall. An enclosed three-season room offers the opportunity to see nature and enjoy it without bearing the full brunt of chilly temperatures. There are many ways homeowners can enhance the functionality and appeal of their backyards. (MC)
As homeowners decide what colors to use for adding color to their rooms, the 2025 options are decidedly warm, cozy and earthy.
Industry color experts routinely recommend hues that can elevate homes, offices and other spaces. The following is a selection of shades that insiders predict will color the world for the coming year.
Sherwin-Williams has named Quietude its color of the year. This soft sage color exudes serenity and understated luxury. Grayish-green with a touch of blue, Quietude is a soothing color of tranquility. Sherwin-Williams also offers a Color Collection of the Year that includes Convivial Yellow,
Spiced Cider, and Nomadic Desert, among others.
The title of Pantone® Color of the Year 2025 belongs to Mocha Mousse. Just as the name implies, this rich, warm brown suggests the intoxicating qualities of coffee and chocolate. It can create a feeling of comfort in any space, or even serve as the basis of a chocolate wardrobe color palette. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Mocha Mousse is “sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic.”
Glidden’s 2025 color of the year title belongs to Purple Basil, a dusty,
neutral violet purple hue with mauve undertones. It embraces rich, warm energy, and is equally at home in a bedroom as it is in a dining room.
Cinnamon Slate is moody and introspective. This Benjamin Moore color blends rich plum and chocolate brown that the company calls “adaptable, yet distinct.” In fact, it is quite similar to Glidden’s color of the year, but a tad more brown in nature.
Homeowners may want to consider Caramelized, an earthy terracotta brown that is Dunn-Edwards, 2025 Color of the Year. Caramelized is versatile and elegant, and it complements both modern and vintage interiors.
Paula Taylor, Graham & Brown’s head stylist and trend specialist, calls Elderton “a chameleon color that can be sophisticated yet cozy.” This medium brown is contemporary with a huge amount of depth. It may work in a rustic living room or a cozy library. (MC)
June 30, 2025
*See disclaimer on the checkout page of our website at bennetthoney.com.
For more than half a century, Aldik Home has been a goto source for anyone in Los Angeles looking to beautify their homes.
For those looking to create their perfect backyard paradise with high-quality patio furniture, Aldik Home’s collection of Summer Classics patio furniture hits every note. Not only is this furniture stylish and sophisticated but it is also incredibly comfortable. Surround yourself in comfort in a Majorca lounge chair or bask in the refined elegance of the yacht-grade Palma collection.
When it comes to luxury patio furniture, there’s nothing on the market like Summer Classics and nowhere
like Aldik Home to experience the difference.
For those looking to beautify the inside of their homes, Aldik Home has you covered in spades. Not only does the store have gorgeous accessories and stunning coffee table books strewn all over, the most breathtaking collection of realistic silk flowers, lush silk plants, and one-of-a-kind artificial trees awaits your visit.
If your whole home needs to be taken to the next level, Aldik Home has you covered inside and out. Stop in today to see why there’s no place like Aldik Home.
7651 Sepulveda Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91405
818-988-5970
ww.AldikHome.com
Presents Podcasts and Editorial series
Exploring where and how we live and celebrating the people and fabric of the Santa Clarita Valley.
With:
Matt Carpenter
Senior Vice President, Environmental Resources FivePoint
Matthew Geldin
Head Farmer
Farmscape
Diane Erskine Hellrigel President
Community Hiking Club
Find us here: https://bit.ly/community-inspired
Bennett’s Honey Farm is a family owned honey processing operation. Visit our retail store and see all of our honey varieties. Similar to shopping for wine, you will find that each honey has its own personality and bouquet.
We offer 100% raw, unfiltered honey from the flowers of Orange, Sage, Wildflower, Avocado, Eucalyptus, Buckwheat and Clover as well as Cactus honey.
Additionally, we offer Honeycomb packed in one pound squares and comb chunk in glass jars.
Bennett’s Honey Farm is a full service commercial honey packing facility that offers extracting services as well as custom and/or private labeling options.
Wood could be having a moment among modern home buyers. According to the real estate experts at Zillow, the term “cozy” appeared in 35% more real estate listings in 2024 than in 2023.
Though various components can help to create a cozy vibe inside a home, wood has long been a go-to material when interior designers attempt to add warmth to a property. The home renovation experts at Houzz also cite wood-infused architectural warmth among its 10 most popular home trends in the coming year. Homeowners who want to cap-
Produced in the beautiful Heritage Valley of Ventura County, we at Bennett’s Honey Farm have been awarded blue ribbons at both the Los Angeles and Ventura County Fairs.
We bottle our honey under the Topanga Quality Honey© label. Find us at Whole Foods Market, Ralphs, Fresh and Easy and many other specialty markets.
Look for us on the web at www.
bennetthoney.com where you can see and read about all our products and take a video tour of the facility. You’ll also have the option to click on our EStore link and shop for our products online.
Find our products along the beautiful Heritage Valley Corridor on Hwy 126, between Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, at various local fruit stands. So, look for the bright red, blue and yellow Topanga Quality Honey Tasting Room™ sign and “Come and experience what real Honey is all about”!
italize on this trend before putting their homes on the market or those who simply love the idea of adding more wood-based warmth in their homes can consider installing ceiling beams, wood wall paneling or even wood trim throughout their homes. (MC) 23734 Newhall Ave. (Old Town Newhall) Open Daily 9am - 5:30pm • 661-259-1071
The satisfaction of growing, harvesting, and tasting your own fresh citrus fruit is one of the great pleasures of gardening. Choose from oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines, grapefruits and more!
Green Thumb will be closed for annual inventory on Monday June 30, 2025
Snacking is a routine part of many people’s lives. In fact, a 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients estimated that adults consume one to three snacks each day, and that said consumption ultimately accounts for roughly 20 percent of their energy intake.
Such frequent and routine snacking could be detrimental if people aren’t opting for nutritious foods when eating between meals. With that in mind, the following are four fruits and vegetables that feature a low-calorie, nutritious profile, which makes them ideal foods to reach for the next time hunger pangs demand a between-meal bite.
Apples There might be something to the adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are rich in antioxidants, which have been touted for their anti-inflammatory properties as well as their role in building a strong immune system. Chlorogenic acid is an antioxidant found in apples that researchers have found can help to lower a person’s risk for diabetes, while the catechins in apples have been
linked to a reduced risk for heart disease and cancer. WebMD notes that the fiber in apples helps people feel fuller after eating, a benefit most easily attained when eating apples with the skin on.
Bananas Bananas make a perfect snack because they’re easily portable and loaded with nutritional value. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that a medium ripe banana contains just 110 calories and zero grams of fat. The potassium in bananas can promote heart health by enabling the heart to beat regularly, and this popular fruit also has been characterized as beneficial for digestive health.
Broccoli Broccoli might not finish in the top 10 if people were asked to name the foods they’re most likely to eat as a snack, but this nutrient-rich vegetable makes for a healthy between-meal bite. Broccoli can be eaten raw or cooked, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes a single cup of cooked broccoli contains just 55 calories. Within that small
serving snackers can get roughly 134 percent of their daily value of vitamin A, 112 percent of their daily value of vitamin C and 92 percent of their daily value of vitamin K.
Carrots Carrots are another accessible, nutritious vegetable to consider the next time hunger pangs hit between meals. WebMD notes a single serving of carrots contains just 25 calories but is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A (73 percent of the recommended daily value), vitamin K (9 percent) and vitamin C (5 percent). The fiber in carrots can promote healthy digestion, and the wealth of antioxidants like carotenoids and anthocyanins found in carrots help to fight off free radicals that can increase a person’s risk for disease.
Snacks are a part of many people’s daily routines. Finding the right foods to snack on can make a world of difference for people aspiring to live healthier. (MC)
The concept of investing is relatively simple: It’s the act of putting money into an asset with the expectation of earning a profit or income. Comprehending the basics of investing is easy but developing a strong understanding of the terminology that is part of successful investing can take some time. Here’s a look at some vocabulary that new investors should know. Appreciation The increase in value of a financial asset.
Asset Anything that has economic value. This can be cash, bonds, stocks, or real estate.
Asset allocation As there are many different types of assets, investors often spread their investment money among the different classes. This helps balance levels of risk and return as part of individual investment plans. Bear/bull market A bear market is a period of falling asset prices. A bull market is when prices are moving in an upward trend.
Bond A debt security that an issuer sells to investors in return for a variable or fixed rate over a period of time. Although bonds pay interest to the investor, the amount of money that is invested often can be locked and inaccessible until the end of the bond period.
Commodities These are raw materials like metals, energy or agriculture.
Diversification Diversification involves investing across a number of as set classes. By diversifying, an investor can generally reduce overall risk while yielding similar or higher returns.
Dividend The portion of a company’s profit that it pays out to those who own shares of the company’s stock.
Maturity The date when the bond issuer pays the last principal and interest amount to the investor.
Index An index measures the performance of a group of assets. A well known index is the S&P 500.
Interest A fee the borrower pays to a lender in exchange for the use of money. Investors also earn interest when they deposit money in an interest-bearing account.
Portfolio The assets owned by an investor or fund.
Principal An original sum of money invested or lent.
Return This is the profit or loss of an investment over a period of time. Many investors consider return histories to determine if an investment is safe, too risky or not risky enough.
Stock A share in ownership of a public or private company.
Investing can be profitable when investors learn the vocabulary so they can better navigate their options and communicate more effectively with financial advisors. (MC)
Aarika Burden’s March 25 letter misrepresents Moms for Liberty and school board members Joe Messina and Bob Jensen as divisive, dismissing parental concerns and our schools’ achievements.
Burden claims Moms for Liberty stirs trouble, but since 2021, it’s grown to 120,000 parents across 45 states, advocating academic quality and transparency. Their push for in-person learning during COVID-19 curbed learning losses — 0.2 standard deviations in math and reading (National Assessment of Educational Progress, 2022). Burden suggests their parental involvement call ignores California law, but Assembly Bill 1266 (2013), AB 665 (2023) and AB 1955 (2024) limit parental rights. AB 1266 allows transgender students to use facilities matching gender identity, often without notification. AB 665 permits kids 12 and older to access mental health services without (parental) consent, and AB 1955 bars schools from requiring teachers to report gender identity changes (California Legislative Information, 2024). A 2023 Public Policy Institute of California survey shows 52% of parents seek more educational input.
Burden criticizes Messina and Jensen for lacking results, yet the William S. Hart Union High School District has a 95% graduation rate, above the state’s 87%, and ranks in the top 10% of U.S. high schools (California Department of Education; U.S. News). It secured $81 million for facilities like Castaic High School and $9 million for career technical education, used by 87% of seniors.
Burden dismisses parents at board meetings as a vocal minority, overlooking their role in governance. School boards represent community interests and public comment periods enable input. Only 47% of Hart district students read at grade level (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress). Parents want to focus on core subjects — 65% agree, per a 2024 EdWeek survey. Her vague critique of a Saugus Union School District board member ignores their budget scrutiny, a core duty (SUSD Minutes, 2024).
Burden urges dialogue but calls parents divisive. Involved parents boost graduation rates by 25% (National Center for Education Statistics). Let’s tackle reading gaps, respect parental input and strengthen schools together.
Nancy Fairbanks Valencia
By David Hegg
Irecently watched the systematic dissolution of several married couples. All of them were good people and there was no infidelity on either side. The reason they failed to keep their marriages together was not some cataclysmic event or circumstance. Instead, it was their failure to live up to the commitments they made as they entered into the covenant of marriage. It boiled down to a gross misunderstanding of what commitment is and what it entails.
But this only erodes marital unity, demonstrating that we’re more driven by our pride than we are committed to our marriage.
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First, commitment is a promise to persevere past the point of convenience, comfort and even common sense. Yes, that’s right. Commitment means staying the course even when it appears that all is lost. It refuses to give up in the face of daunting circumstances simply because what is about to be lost is irreplaceable.
Think about the commitment of soldiers at war. Those we honor the most are the ones who remained radically committed to their comrades and the mission, even to the point of death. Commitment isn’t wishful thinking. It is a promise sealed with the life of the one who makes it, or at least it is supposed to be.
Someone has said that, when it comes to a breakfast of ham and eggs, the chicken made a contribution, but the pig made a commitment. So, with that in mind, here are three principles that define commitment in marriage:
First, be committed to recognizing, admitting, apologizing for, and cleaning up after your own shortcomings. Too often, we believe that all the damage done in marriage lies at the feet of someone else. But if marriage is valuable, humility is worth it.
Second, be committed to forgiving and forgetting the shortcomings of your spouse. Too often, we store up the mistakes of others for use as ammunition in the next marital skirmish.
Lastly, be committed to persevere though tough times for the sake of the mission of your marriage. Every expert on marriage I have read agrees that homes where a husband and wife honor, respect and support one another provide the best environment for their own health, prosperity and success, as well as their children’s health, character and social maturity. As marriages erode, so do children, and as children are damaged, society devolves into less than America has always been. These principles can be summed up as humility, forgiveness and perseverance. Taken together, they benefit every human endeavor, not just marriage. They also grow out of a heart that recognizes the value of character and refuses to believe the myth that we are heard only for our own good and not that of the world around us. In a day when personal accountability is fast becoming an evil, freedom-restricting concept, and integrity an impediment to fame and fortune, we need a re-commitment to what is right, good, and true. The best things in life aren’t things or the money that buys them. Happiness isn’t circumstantial, but rather the by-product of virtue, an ethical system not tied to the whims and winds of a self-centered culture.
Ultimately, our commitments will determine our comforts and satisfaction in this life. Commitment, not convenience, must be our guiding principle lest we join so many who are making compromise a too common virtue. The race is never won by those who quit or turn aside. Let’s run the race to win, all the way to the end, committed to finishing well what we have started.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
