Decorating with the 2025 Color of the Year Mocha Mousse
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
Have you ever wondered who decides what colors are in fashion each year? Who gives interior decorators the color palette that emerges every year for new home décor?
When shopping for home decorating staples like throw pillows, vases and furniture, who decides what colors will dominate when we refresh our home’s décor?
Color trends for interior design are determined by a combination of factors, with color forecasting organizations like the Pantone Color Institute and the Color Marketing Group playing a significant role. In the past few years, the Pantone Color Institute has decreed select colorful hues have earned the title of Pantone Color of the Year.
The last half-decade of Pantone Color of the Year offerings have included:
2020 Classic Blue, an enduring blue hue for a new decade.
2021 A duo of Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a luscious yellow combo.
2022 Very Peri, a new take on periwinkle blue.
2023 Viva Magenta, a deep and vibrant red.
2024 Peach Fuzz, a velvety, gentle peach tone.
2025 Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse
At the midpoint of the decade, Pantone has dialed back the color wheel to choose a more neutral shade.
Pantone officials describe the color as “a warming rich brown hue, which nurtures with its suggestion of the delectable quality of cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort.”
It’s easy to see the connection, comfort is a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
“Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute. “Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse, extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe. Infused with subtle elegance and earthy
refinement, Mocha Mousse presents a discrete and tasteful touch of glamour. A flavorful brown shade, Mocha Mousse envelopes us with its sensorial warmth.”
“Another factor considered when choosing the 2025 Color of the Year is a growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world. The everlasting search for harmony filters through into every aspect of our lives including our relationships, the work we do, our social connections and the natural environment that surrounds us. Harmony brings feelings of contentment, inspiring a positive state of inner peace, calm and balance as well as being tuned in with the world around us. Harmony embraces a culture of connection and unity as well as the synthesis of our mental, spiritual and physical well-being,” said Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute.
Why the Pantone Color of the Year Important
Pantone invented the Pantone Color Matching System which supports all color conscious industries; textiles, apparel, beauty, interiors and architectural and industrial design.
The color matching system encompasses more than 10,000 color standards across multiple materials including printing, textiles, plastics, pigments and coatings.
More importantly, for the home, Pantone influences the color story developed by interior designers each year. In subtle ways the Pantone Color of the Year shows up in many of the items we buy.
Interior Designers Embrace Mocha Mousse
Interior designers are using Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, to create warm, inviting and sophisticated spaces for home and office. This rich, mellow brown is being incorporated into various elements of home design, including accent walls and furnishings, as well as flooring and accessories, which evoke a sense of comfort, grounding and timeless elegance.
An evocative rich brown infused with sensorial warmth Mocha Mousse blends the desire for comfort and opulence. It presents a tasteful touch of glamour and of the comfort of home whether ap-
pearing on flooring or a painted wall.
Designers are adding more natural materials to home design this year as well, including wood and stone, rattan and wicker, leather and linen.
Manufacturers like Joybird, an online furniture retailer known for its customizable, mid-century modern-inspired pieces, are incorporating shades of Mocha Mousse in a number of home décor items including sofas, sectionals, sleeper sofas, upholstered bed frames, accent chairs, ottomans, pillows, slipcovers and more.
Spoonflower, an on-demand, digital printing company specializing in surface pattern design for custom fabric, wallpaper and home décor, has unveiled exclusive designs for print-on-demand wallpaper, fabric and home décor featuring Mocha Mousse. Interior designers also suggest using Mocha Mousse through smaller decor items like throw pillows, area rugs, or decorative vases. This subtle approach introduces the color into your home while allowing for easy updates in the future.
Room-by-Room Decor Guide
A host of interior designers commissioned by Pantone suggests the following room-by-room design guide to incorporate Mocha Mousse in refreshing your home’s style for 2025.
Feature Walls Transform a room by painting a feature wall in Mocha Mousse. Its earthy warmth adds depth and character, creating a focal point that feels both modern and grounded.
Furniture and Upholstery Upholstered furniture in Mocha Mousse can anchor a room and tie together other decor elements. From sofas to dining chairs, this color infuses your interiors with a sense of timeless elegance.
Living Room Incorporate this shade into area rugs, curtains, or accent pillows to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Pair it with complementary neutrals or rich textures to achieve a cohesive and stylish look.
Bedroom Use Mocha Mousse in bedding, upholstered headboards, or a plush rug for a tranquil, restful retreat.
Kitchen and Dining Add energy and warmth to these spaces with bar stools, dining chairs, or cabinetry. Add table placemats to reflect the year’s trending hue.
It’s Road Trip Season: Explore Hidden Seaside Gems
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
We all have our favorite seaside towns and beaches. In the Santa Clarita Valley, we are fortunate that we can access the ocean by driving to Ventura, Malibu, Santa Monica and other popular SoCal ocean locations. However, now is the season to jump in the car, with the sunroof open, drinks in the cooler and a bag full of snacks and explore some unexpected and little-known seaside gems in Northern California.
Trinidad
Info www.exploretrinidadca.com
Eighty miles below the Oregon border is the picture-perfect headlands hamlet of Trinidad, the oldest town on California’s northern coast. If you’ve never heard of Trinidad, you are not alone. With a population of just 360 residents Trinidad is one of California’s best keep seaside secrets. It’s also the perfect location to start your exploration up and down the Redwood Coast. In Trinidad it’s all about the sea.
Trinidad Head, Trinidad State Beach, Lighthouse Road and Bay Street, Trinidad 95570 Info www.californiabeaches.com/beach/trinidadstate-beach
Trinidad Head is a rocky promontory surrounded by sea stacks sheltering Trinidad Harbor, adjacent to the town of Trinidad. It is designated as California Historical Landmark #146. On June 11, 1775, Bruno de Hezeta, commandant of an expedition up the northwest coast, marched with his men and two Franciscan fathers from the shore of the bay to the summit of Trinidad Head and claimed it for Spain. This lush, rocky outcrop with an elevation of 358 feet has a summit hike with ocean views. This 1.7mile loop trail is considered an easy route. Hike to the top of Trinidad Head to watch for whales. Trinidad State Beach is also a well-known surfing spot.
Trinidad Head Lighthouse
Info www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=61
Trinidad Head Lighthouse is a small tower perched on a 175-foot shelf above sea level. The lighthouse is still active, with a LED beacon mount-
ed outside the lantern room. The 146-year-old lighthouse was transferred from the U. S. Coast Guard into public ownership and the Bureau of Land Management in 2014. The BLM is currently managing the facility cooperatively with the city of Trinidad, the Trinidad Rancheria, the Trinidad Museum Society and the Yurok Tribe. Pedestrians may walk up Lighthouse Road for about one-half mile and go through the open gate to the 1871 lighthouse on the southwest edge of Trinidad Head.
The Trinidad Head Memorial Lighthouse, located on Bay Street, near the wharf, at Trinidad State Beach is a replica of the Trinidad Lighthouse and was built in 1949 to house the historic artifacts of the original lighthouse still located on Trinidad Head.
Old Home Beach
Edwards Street, Trinidad 95570
Info californiabeaches.com/beach/old-homeindian-beach
Previously known as Indian Beach, this is the perfect beach for tide-pooling and watching the sun set over the Pacific.
To reach Old Home Beach from the bluff above head down a trail with stairs at the corner of Trinity and Edwards Streets. Or visit the second beach access point, down a trail at the end of Parker Street called the Parker Creek Trail. Park on grass at top of the hill and walk down Parker Street.
Sue-meg State Park
4150 Patricks Point Drive, Trinidad 95570
Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=417
The park sits on a forested promontory beside the Pacific Ocean. The one-square-mile park also offers a beach with tidepools where you can see purple shore crabs, limpets, ochre stars and orange cup coral. You can also peer out at the ocean to spot seals, sea lions and migrating whales. Sue-meg has a visitor center, a native plant garden and a reconstructed Yurok plank-house village.
Westport
Westport-Union Landing State Beach
25000 Hillshore Drive, Westport 95488
Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=440
It’s a scenic 140-mile drive south of Trinidad on CA-1 to Westport-Union Landing State Beach. This three-mile-long largely deserted swath of sand
Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse in Trinidad is a re-creation of the still existing and operational lighthouse located on Trinidad Head. The recreation houses historic artifacts from the original lighthouse. PHOTO CREDIT VISIT CALIFORNIA
backed by white-crested waves is the definition of unknown seaside gem.
The water is too rough and cold for swimming, but the beach is perfect for capturing photos of the raw shoreline and ancient offshore rocks, or taking long walks searching for washed-up treasures.
Point Arena
Bowling Ball Beach
Schooner Gulch State Beach, 28200 CA-1, Point Arena 95468
Info https://www.visitmendocino.com/listing/ bowling-ball-beach-or-schooner-gulch-beach From Westport it is an hour and a half drive to Point Arena. You’ll pass through the towns of Fort Bragg, Caspar and Mendocino.
Check the tide tables before you go. During very low or minus tides, walk north from Schooner Gulch State Beach and follow the blufftop trail, or walk along the sand, less than a mile to see an intriguing assembly of round rocks, formed by millions of years of weathering. The oddly spherical “balls” were formed when the softer surrounding rock was eroded away under the onslaught of Pacific Ocean waves leaving the harder “bowling balls” behind.
Celebrate SCV and California Food Trucks
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
The concept of mobile food vending has a long history. If you think about it, wasn’t a chuck wagon just a non-motorized food truck? For many years food trucks were called “roach coaches” and did not have great reputations for either good food or sanitation.
However, all that changed when the modern food truck was born in Los Angeles. Roy Choi’s Kogi BBQ fusion cuisine food truck was launched in 2008. His truck, and the food truck frenzy it spawned, is credited with revitalizing and popularizing the modern food truck concept.
Choi’s truck served Korean BBQ tacos, a unique fusion cuisine and used Twitter to announce its location, creating a buzz that attracted long lines of customers.
Other entrepreneurs noticed, and the modern food truck industry was born.
You can still visit the Kogi BBQ truck that started the food truck revolution. Choi now operates four trucks that roam through L.A. County. Visit kogibbq.com for the weekly schedule where you can find a truck. Kogi BBQ trucks are so popular you will find many of them booked for private events on weekends.
The Growth of Food Trucks
In 2024, there were estimated to be more than 58,000 food truck businesses operating in the United States. This represents a 10.3% increase compared to 2023, according to IBISWorld.
In 2010, there were only about 4,000 active food trucks in the United States.
The number of food trucks in California is hard to pin down, but Los Angeles County, which includes the Santa Clarita Val-
Tacos are one of the most popular food truck menu items according to FLIP, the Food Liability Insurance Program. ©ADOBESTOCK
ley, is estimated to have more than 3,500 active food trucks. Despite a lack of confirmed numbers, it is believed that California has the most food trucks in the nation. The entire West Coast is considered a very active market for food trucks.
Food Trucks in the SCV
One of the best ways to enjoy food truck eating is finding a food truck park or event where many different food trucks gather. There are several events, especially in the summer that attract food trucks to the SCV.
Food Truck Saturdays, 5-8 p.m.
26468-26591 Carl Boyer Dr., Santa Clarita 91350
For the past few years, the Santa Clarita Valley has been getting its food truck passion fed at Food Truck Saturdays on Carl Boyer Drive.
Concerts in the Park, Saturdays July 12-Aug. 30 Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd., 91350
Food trucks will be open and serving starting at 5 p.m., with the music beginning at 7 p.m.
SENSES
July 17, Aug. 21, Sept.18, Oct. 16
Main Street, Newhall 91321
The SENSES themed street party in Old Town Newhall features food trucks and entertainment on the third Thursday of the month April-October.
Food Truck Parks, Events
Since summer is the season for California travel,
Roy Choi and his Kogi BBQ fusion cuisine food truck, which was launched in 2008, is credited with revitalizing and popularizing the modern food truck concept. PHOTO CREDIT KOGI BBQ
check out a few other popular food truck destinations. From the San Fernando Valley and beyond, there are many opportunities to get your food truck groove on.
Granada Hills Grubfest
Every Friday night, 5-10 p.m.
17723 Chatsworth St. Granada Hills 91344
Around a dozen rotating food trucks line Chatsworth Street on Friday evenings for Granada Hills Grubfest. The weekly family- and dog-friendly gathering features popular local vendors like Kyoto Hibachi & Ramen, Indibowl Fresh Organic and Malibu Cove Seafood.
Magnolia Park Once-a-Month Food Truck Event
Fridays July 25 and Aug. 29, 6-9 p.m. 3614 W Magnolia Blvd., Burbank 91505
Come join the Magnolia Park Merchant Association for food trucks, late night shopping, music and fun. Come hungry and prepare for a culinary adventure.
Food trucks will be lining West Magnolia Boulevard between North Hollywood Way and North Catalina Street.
Find a map of participating food trucks at www. visitmagnoliapark.com/food-truck-fridays.
Smorgasburg Los Angeles
Every Sunday at Row DTLA 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 777 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles 90021
Smorgasburg L.A. provides an opportunity for
nearly 100 food trucks, tents and booths to provide a food, beverage and shopping scene. With a family-friendly beer garden and more, it is the perfect place to spend a day with friends and family.
Beach Eats
14101 Panay Way, Marina del Rey 90292 Info beaches.lacounty.gov/beacheats
Every Thursday this summer from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors will offer some of the most unique and popular gourmet food truck fare at Beach Eats alongside beautiful sunsets and the ocean breeze at “L.A.’s Marina.” Check out each week’s Beach Eats gourmet food truck lineup on the website.
Curbside Bites
India and B Streets, San Diego 922101
Info www.sandiegofoodtrucks. com/events/curbside-bitesdowntown
Every Wednesday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., a half dozen local food trucks gather for Curbside Bites along B and India streets in downtown San Diego.
The roster of lunchtime purveyors changes each week, so there’s always something new to discover.
Most Popular Food Truck Items
French Fries • Burgers
BBQ • Fried Chicken
Tacos • Macaroni and Cheese
Coffee/Tea
Seafood • Grilled Chees Sandwiches
— FLIP, the Food Liability Insurance Program
Smorgasburg L.A. provides an opportunity for nearly 100 food trucks, tents and booths to provide a food, beverage and shopping scene. PHOTO COURTESY SMORGASBURG L.A. ©ADOBE
A Summer of Discovery and Connection in Santa Clarita
By Ken Striplin
Santa Clarita City Manager
As summer unfolds in Santa Clarita, our City comes alive with opportunities that spark curiosity, creativity and community. This season is more than just a break from the classroom, it’s a chance for young people to grow, explore and engage in meaningful ways. I’m proud to share how Santa Clarita continues to support families through enriching programs offered by our Santa Clarita Public Library and our Community Centers.
This year’s Summer Reading Program at the Santa Clarita Public Library is built around the theme “Level Up at Your Library.” Inspired by games and play, each Library Branch is hosting a variety of themed activities
running through July 26 for children, teens and adults. From life-size games and a Legend of Zelda party to Mario Kart races and mini golf, young readers are invited to immerse themselves in stories and interactive experiences that bring books to life. Teen participants can dive into the imaginative world of Dungeons & Dragons, while adults can join in the fun with trivia nights and Lotería. There’s something for every age and interest.
Our community centers also offer hands-on summer experiences that focus on fun, growth and connection. At the Newhall Community Center, programs will run through August 8. Youths can spend their days participating in games, sports, crafts, water play and excursions to local parks. For our youngest campers, a new Summer Buddies Program offers an introduc-
tion to camp with fun, age-appropriate activities. Teens can take part in Summer Teen Adventures, a free program that includes art, games and field trips to exciting destinations like Ventura Beach.
The Canyon Country Community Center is also offering a full lineup of summer fun. Children ages 4.5 to 5 can enjoy Summer Buddies three mornings a week, while older youth can take part in the full-day Summer Adventures Program, which includes everything from outdoor water play to guest presenters. Teens can join the free Summer Teen Experience, which provides supervised recreation and optional field trips to local attractions. Over at the Valencia Community Center, Camp Clarita and our aquatics programs are in full swing, keeping kids active and engaged all summer
long. In just a couple of months, we’ll also welcome our youngest learners as Primetime Preschool kicks off with new programming for three and fouryear-olds.
Together, these programs reflect our City’s ongoing investment in families, education and well-being. Whether your child is leveling up through books or making new friends at camp, summer in Santa Clarita is a time to explore passions, build confidence and strengthen community ties.
For more information on these programs, including registration details and full event schedules, visit SantaClaritaLibrary.com or SantaClarita.gov/Seasons.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com.
The Ancient Secret to Nutritious Meals and Snacks
Anutrition boost for your daily menus can go a long way for families focused on making healthy eating decisions. If you're looking for an easy way to add nutrients to your meals, the ancient grain sorghum could be the solution you've been looking for.
Sorghum is non-GMO, gluten-free and a source of 13 essential nutrients. Sorghum can be enjoyed as whole and pearled grain, flour or popped like popcorn, making it a versatile ingredient you can incorporate into meal-planning. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
Adding a new twist to mealtime can be a cinch. With sorghum, it's easy to achieve flavorful meals that have protein, fiber and other nutrients. Simply use your stove, a slow cooker, rice cooker or oven to prepare sorghum and replace the grain in your favorite recipes. Or discover a new favorite like this Sorghum BLT Salad.
For a quick and healthy snack, grab a handful of Popped Sorghum and feel good about eating between meals. You can purchase popped sorghum or prepare it yourself using one of many simple methods. A delicious alternative to popcorn, popped sorghum is quickly becoming a favorite snack option.
To discover more recipe inspiration and find easy ways to add sorghum to your family's favorite dishes, visit SorghumCheckoff.com.
Sorghum BLT Salad
Prep time 20 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes
Servings 4-6
Dressing
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper salt, to taste
Salad
1 pound bacon
3 cups cooked whole-grain sorghum
1 head romaine lettuce, rinsed, dried and shredded
1-2 cups mixed greens, torn into 1-inch pieces
Popped Sorghum
Prep time 1-2 minutes
Cook time 4-6 minutes
Servings 2
2 teaspoons oil of choice (optional)
1/2 cup whole-grain sorghum salt or seasoning of choice
Heat stainless steel pot with tight-fitting lid over medium heat.
Add oil, if desired. When hot, add wholegrain sorghum and cover with lid.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
4 green onions, thinly sliced salt, to taste pepper, to taste
Parmesan or goat cheese (optional)
To make dressing Blend mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder and pepper until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
To make salad In large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, fry bacon. Turn frequently until evenly browned. Drain on paper towel and crumble.
In large bowl, combine sorghum, lettuce, mixed greens, tomatoes, parsley, green onions and bacon. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and toss with dressing. Top with Parmesan or goat cheese, if desired, and serve.
Shake pot often to prevent burning. When there are more than 10 seconds between pops, remove from heat.
Sprinkle lightly with salt or seasonings of choice. (Family Features)
The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood
By Tony Rizzo
Carla Gugino’s latest role is in Amazon MGM Studios’ “Heads of State,” starring John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, and Jack Quaid. It released on July 2. She’ll next costar opposite Brad Pitt in Netflix’s “The Adventures of Cliff Booth,” which hails from a script written by Quentin Tarantino.
Allen and Spike Lee as well as production designer Wynn Thomas.
Sunday-Thursday, July 13-17, 2025
Pitt says he’d be open to reteaming with Tom Cruise. (They starred together in “Interview with the Vampire” in 1994.) But Pitt frankly confessed, “I’m not gonna hang my ass off airplanes and sh*t like that.”
Tom Cruise will finally get his Oscar at the 16th annual Governors Awards, alongside directors Debbie
Dolly Parton will receive the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, which was presented in the past to Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Harry Belafonte, Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Lewis, Quincy Jones, Paul Newman, Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and, most recently, Tyler Perry. They were awarded for their humanitarian efforts that have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and contributing to rectifying inequities.
Glen Powell keeps cranking them out! He plays a firefighter in Ron Howard’s upcoming untitled film. His action/thriller “The Running Man” with Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, William H. Macy, Sean Hayes and Colman
Domingo hits screens on Nov. 7. His black-comedy/thriller “Huntington,” with Margaret Qualley and Ed Harris, is upcoming but has no release date yet.
In addition, he’s currently shooting J.J. Abrams’ untitled fantasy film with Jenny Ortega and Samuel L. Jackson. Plus his Hulu comedy series “Chad Powers,” which he co-created with Michael Waldron and also stars in, drops on Sept. 30.
that everything’s been resolved. He’s directing himself in the supernatural thriller “Holiguards,” co-starring Dolph Lundgren, Tyrese Gibson and Eric Roberts. It’s supposed to be the first installment of the “Statiguards vs. Holiguards” franchise, and he’s shooting it in Mexico on a $10-million budget.
L O F K I N D N E S S Sun: 10:00 AM Sur viva of Kindness uses al egor y to analyse race and privilege
J U R A S S I C WO R L D R E B I R T H C Sun: 10:10 1:10 4:10 7 10; Mon to Thu 1:10 4:10 7:10 Three colossa creatures ho d the key to a drug that wi l bring miraculous ife -saving benefits to humankind.
F1 T H E M OV I E C Sun: 10:00 12:50 3:50 6:50; Mon to Thu 12:50 3:50 6:50 Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best n the world
E L I O B Sun: 10:20 1:20 4:20 7:20; Mon to Thu: 1:20 4:20 7:20 For centuries, people have cal ed out to the universe looking for answers - n Disney and Pixar ’s all-new movie “E io,” the universe calls back
H OW TO T R A I N YO U R D R AG O N B 1 00 4:00 7:00
Hiccup defies centur es of trad t on when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fur y dragon M AT E R I A L I S TS E
In 2024, director Ron Howard, 71, completed his thriller “Eden,” with Jude Law, Ana de Armas, and Sydney Sweeney. For his next film, he is revisiting firefighting as he did in “Backdraft” (1991), which starred Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, Donald Sutherland, and Robert De Niro. (It cost $40 million and grossed $152.4 million.)
Oscar winner Kevin Spacey (“American Beauty”) is putting his scandals of the past behind him now
Mark Cuban’s “Shark Tank” chair will be filled by frequent guest shark Daniel Lubetsky, the founder of Kind Snacks, which was sold to the Mars Candy Company for $5 billion. Fifty-six-year-old Lubetsky is a nurturing father of four.
Cuban was a very shrewd shark who steamrolled other sharks by demanding that entrepreneurs give him their immediate answers as he counted down from withdrawing his bid. Is Lubetsky too kind, or will he be maverick enough to beat a Cuban shark?
Carla Gugino (“The Adventures of Cliff Booth”) Depositphotos
Patrick Schwarzenegger. © NAJ JAMAI
How Do You Define and Maintain Wellness?
Wellness is an oft-heard buzzword among those looking to live a healthy lifestyle, but it’s also something of a mystery. People aspiring to be the best version of themselves with a strong body and mind may be curious about how various wellness strategies can help them achieve that goal.
The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. Some experts break wellness down into four categories: spiritual, social, psychological and physical.
Similarly, the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program says wellness is promoted through self-care, including four key strategies: rest, relaxation, replenishment, and release.
Although the terms wellness, health and well-being often are interchanged, each of these factors are their own unique entity.
Health
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign says health often is defined as the absence of illness and disease, so various physical, social and mental conditions fall under the health umbrella.
Well-being
Although there are different definitions for well-being, the term generally refers to living a fulfilling life in which a person feels content. The World Health Organization says well-being is “a positive state experienced by individuals and societies.”
Wellness
The whole-health organization Take Care says wellness refers to the pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that create health. Wellness acts as the plan or individual pursuit to achieve health and thus a greater sense of well-being. Better understanding of the niche components of overall health and wellness can help people enjoy physical and mental benefits and live more fulfilling lives.
Promoting wellness
The following are some avenues for pursuing wellness.
• Self-care
• Routine medical exams and immunizations
• Healthy diet and exercise habits
• Being aware of one’s feelings
• Cultivating an optimistic outlook
• Learning ways to avoid or manage stress
• Being open to new ideas and perspectives
• Engaging in social activities, volunteerism and contributing to the community
• Finding meaning or purpose
The concepts of wellnesss, well-being and health seem interchangeable, but there are some distinctions that set them apart. A combination of all three ultimately adds up to a healthier individual. (MC)
Apartment Renters Can Cut Energy Costs and Save Big
With economic uncer-
tainty and soaring housing prices putting homeownership out of reach for many Americans, apartment living is on the rise. But if you’re a first-time renter, one often-overlooked aspect of apartment life may come as a surprise: the energy bill.
While you may expect to pay for electricity or gas usage inside your unit, you might not realize you could also be footing the bill for energy used elsewhere in the building.
“In apartment complexes, your energy costs may also include a share of the cost of heating and cooling common spaces, such as lobbies, hallways, fitness centers and recreational rooms,” said Timothy J. Harper, president and CEO of Nationwide Energy Partners, a Columbus-based company that specializes in energy management for multi-family communities.
“You might not always be aware of it because it’s sometimes baked into your rent or utility bill and not called out separately.”
Harper advises that whether you’re apartment hunting or already settled in, it’s wise to ask a few key questions:
• Are utilities individually metered?
• Do you pay the energy provider directly or is it bundled into your rent?
• Does your building use a third-party service that also offers tools to monitor and reduce your usage?
“These details can help you understand what’s driving your energy costs,” Harper said. “Because after rent, utilities are typically your next biggest expense.”
While as a renter you may not have the authority to install new appliances or upgrade insulation, there are several simple strategies that can make a noticeable difference in monthly bills:
Adjust the Thermostat
If your unit allows it, slightly adjusting your thermostat — lower in winter, higher in summer — can significantly cut energy use. Portable fans or space heaters can sometimes be more efficient than relying solely on central systems, as long as they’re used safely.
Use Curtains Wisely
Blackout or thermal curtains can help regulate indoor temperature. Keep them closed on hot days to block out sun and open them during winter daylight hours to naturally warm your space.
Cut “Vampire” Power
Turned off electronic devices can drain your power. Cut “vampire” power. Photos ©ADOBESTOCK
Even turned-off electronics can drain power. Smart plugs allow you to cut electricity to devices like TVs, chargers and game consoles when they’re not in use.
Switch to LED Lighting
Energy-efficient LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They’re an easy upgrade with longterm savings.
Adopt Smart Appliance Habits
ciencies throughout the building that can be addressed to reduce waste, or third-party reports that provide historical data on average energy usage and cost by unit so people shopping for, or living in, those units know what’s typical.
“The key to saving on your apartment energy bill is understanding how your specific building operates and making small changes to optimize your personal energy use,” Harper said.
Seal the Leaks
Older units can suffer from drafty windows and doors. Removable weather stripping and draft stoppers — available at most hardware stores — can provide inexpensive insulation and reduce heating or cooling loss.
Run laundry machines during offpeak hours, typically late at night or early morning, if your building uses time-of-use pricing. Also, avoid overcrowding your refrigerator, which can reduce airflow and force it to use more energy.
Ask About Energy Audits
Some apartment communities offer energy audits that identify ineffi-
For more energy saving tips, visit nationwideenergypartners.com. By staying informed and adopting energy-smart habits, you can stay comfortable in your rental unit without letting energy bills spiral out of control — an important step toward financial peace of mind in an increasingly pricey rental market. (SPT)
Get More From Your Garden With Succession Planting
The nursery doesn’t have to go dormant as summer temperatures rise. Many gardeners close up shop until next spring, but this is actually an excellent time to start a second crop — potentially followed by a third. Succession planting comes in three forms, and many succession gardeners use a combination of all three. Here’s an overview.
Repeated Plantings
The first, and simplest, is planning multiple ongoing plantings of the same vegetables. This also maximizes space, as one can plant a few rows every few weeks or months instead of a dozen rows simultaneously, which can lead to too much bounty all at once. Staggering crops is much better, because even if one crop is lost to heat, drought, disease or pests, there’s another close behind.
Staggered Varieties
A second style of succession planting is to plant multiple varieties of a vegetable with staggered days to maturity. This method takes a bit more research and planning than repeated plantings of the same vegetables, but also adds a bit of flavor variety to the garden.
Seasonal Staggering
The third method takes a long view: multiple seasons. For example, starting fall plants indoors in early to mid-summer (depending on their days to transplant), means they’ll be ready to go into the ground and replace warm-season crops that have gotten to the end of their useful life. This allows for reusing spots that would otherwise be left bare, and should provide healthy eats through the first frost — or year-round plenitude in the far South.
Fast and Consistent
For the repeated plantings method, excellent crop candidates have a long planting window and a quick time to harvest. Lettuce, spinach, carrots and radishes, for example, have growing seasons that span early spring through fall’s first frost. They can be ready in as little as four weeks, depending on the variety.
Be sure to choose heat-tolerant varieties for summer that will resist bolting (going to seed early due to plant stress). Then, simply reseed in place as soon as the first crop is spent.
Direct seeding is particularly important for radishes and carrots, whose roots don’t like to be disturbed after sprouting.
For an even more continuous harvest, stagger several rows (or large containers) that can be reseeded at alternating intervals (for example, two areas that alternate between being reseeded every two weeks instead of one area that is reseeded monthly).
Another option for “no gap” harvests is to start lettuce and spinach seeds in a germination tray in the home nursery, either in a window
Vigorous Veggies
By planting several varieties with varying days to maturity, a gardener will get a naturally staggered crop with minimal effort. While many gardeners do this in spring, it works equally well for a second crop from summer into fall.
Got a tomato that’s particularly delicious? Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and sweet potatoes can be rooted from cuttings, which are ready to transplant much sooner than seed-started seedlings. This makes them ideal replacements for any failing plants, a second planting, or even a third planting in a long growing season.
that gets six hours of sun a day or under grow lights, and plant out as needed.
But Wait! There’s More
Other good candidates for the repeated plantings method include arugula, endive, escarole, mustard greens, Asian greens, bok choy, beets, turnips and bunching onions. They simply require longer growing times, typically of six to eight weeks.
Fast-producing varieties of cucumbers and bush beans (50-60 days), peas (55-70 days), and corn (60-90 days) also allow the opportunity for successful succession planting.
Even a quick summer squash, which can take 10 weeks to harvest, can be succession planted if the season is long enough or if one lives in a frost-free zone.
While all can be direct seeded, it is usually a good idea to start seeds indoors and plant out hearty seedlings, particularly in summer’s high heat or when time grows close to fall’s first frostâ — with the exception of beets and turnips, whose roots don’t want to be disturbed.
Simply remove the bottom leaves of a six-to-eight-inch cutting, dip the bottom inch in rooting hormone, and place them in a small pot with seed starting mix. You can also water-root them in a jar.
Plant Progression
The multi-season approach allows the gardener to truly maximize space by planting a completely different vegetable after the current crop stops producing. For example, you may plant tomatoes, peppers, and beans first, and then, in late summer, plant kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cool-season radishes, beets, or greens.
This can be further maximized by interplanting slower-growing vegetables such as Brussels sprouts with fast-growing radishes, beets, or greens. Pick plants with the same moisture needs to make care easier.
With the exception of radishes, beets, and greens, all should be started indoors while the summer crop is still going strong to get a four- to eightweek jump on the next growing season, particularly in areas with an early first frost.
©ADOBE STOCK
Common Car Noises and What They Might Mean
Although there are many drivers who understand what goes on under the hood of a vehicle and the inner workings of car mechanics, there are plenty of others who might not know a spark plug from a dipstick. For the latter group, random noises when driving can be a cause for immediate alarm.
Certain noises can be innocuous and easily fixed, while others may be indicative of something more complex. Pinpointing where a noise is coming from can help vehicle owners identify the problem. Here’s a list of some common sounds and what the causes might be, courtesy of Firestone, Geico and Nationwide.
High-Pitched Squealing
Screeching or squealing coming from the tires when stepping on the brakes likely means that brake pads are wearing down and the indicator is rubbing against the rotor. Although this is not an emergency situation, it does mean that brakes will need to be replaced sooner than later.
Rattling in the Wheel
If you hear rattling inside of a wheel at low speeds which stops as you drive faster, it could mean there is a loose lug nut inside of the hub cap. That wheel wasn’t tightened properly the last time it was removed and replaced. Bring the car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Clicking
If you try to start the car and only hear a clicking sound instead of the car turning over, a dead battery is likely the cause. Such a noise also may indicate corroded battery terminals that are preventing the
GARDENING
Continued from previous page
Save some seeds. These cool-season plants will work equally well to get a head start next spring.
Succession Savvy
Put down a layer of compost with each new planting, and cover the garden with leaf mulch over winter
current from flowing. Terminals need to be cleaned. The battery should be checked and jumped, if necessary. If a battery is not holding a charge, a new one is needed.
Squeaky Or Scraping Windshield Wipers
Squeaking and scraping means the windshield wipers are wearing down or the windshield is dirty. Clean the windshield and inspect the wiper blades to make sure they are in working order. A bad wiper and dirty windshield can reduce visibility and make driving dangerous.
Clunking Sounds
Random car noises while driving can be a cause for immediate concern. ©ADOBESTOCK
Clunking sounds may indicate a few different issues. A clunking sound might indicate worn out shock absorbers, which absorb vibrations from the wheels.
Damaged struts also can cause clunking. Worn out leaf spring shackles that help in off-roading conditions also can cause clunking when they bend or break.
Humming, Whining or Whirring
These strange noises might have different origins. Check if the differential needs to be lubricated. A wheel bearing also could be worn out and produce a noise.
In more severe cases, the transmission could be failing. The best course of action is to get a profes-
to help boost the soil’s nutrient content. Also …
Head-Start
Pamper cool-weather seeds by temporarily cooling the summer soil’s temperature. First, soak the soil and cover it with cardboard or a light tarp. The next day, uncover the soil, plant the seeds, water, and then cover again. Check daily, uncovering fully when
sprouting occurs.
Best Friends
sional opinion from a mechanic.
Flapping Noise
A broken belt typically is the culprit when a vehicle makes a flapping or slapping noise. Something also may be interfering with the fan. Driving with a broken belt may cause severe engine damage, so it’s important to address the issue.
Squealing Under the Hood
Squealing can indicate worn or loose accessory belts. In newer cars it might be the serpentine belt. Belts are relatively inexpensive and easy fixes. These are some of the sounds that vehicles can make when something is awry. Figuring out the issue can prevent further damage. (MC)
Don’t forget companion planting when succession planning: lettuce under tomatoes, and radishes around squash, melons, and pumpkins. Plant nitrogen-rich beans with tomatoes, squash, zucchini, radishes, and sweet potatoes.
Got a bare space? Grow a soil-enhancing cover crop. High-heat, low-maintenance summer selections include cowpea, buckwheat, and sorghum-sudangrass. Winter rye, winter wheat, and crimson clover are top snow-season choices. (ET)
Green Manure
How Seniors Can Cultivate a New Hobby
Retirement is often characterized as a carefree time in life when adults who spent years in the workforce get to enjoy the fruits of their labors. But upon retiring, many retirees find themselves fighting boredom.
A recent study from Indeed found that, as of March 2022, 3.2% of workers who retired a year earlier had already reentered the workforce.
No two retirees are the same and a host of variables, boredom among them, likely compelled recently retired professionals to go back to work.
Retirees who like the freedom of not working but are confronting a good bit of boredom can consider these tips to cultivate a new hobby that can help them pass the time in a rewarding and engaging way.
Identify New – or Old –Interests
Many retirees discover new passions
especially beneficial for seniors with mobility issues.
Consider Locally Based Resources
Community parks departments and libraries may offer an array of free or affordable opportunities for seniors to engage with a new hobby. Parks departments may offer anything from cross country skiing tutorials to age-based hiking excursions, while libraries may offer weekly crafting sessions or wellness programs to local residents. In addition to providing fun ways to discover and cultivate a new hobby, programs offered through
Retirees can spend time passing on their love for a particular hobby to younger generations. ©ADOBESTOCK
parks departments and local libraries are great ways to meet fellow retirees.
Put Your Experience to Use
Retirees with years in their field don’t have to go back to work to make use of their professional expertise. Contact local youth organizations or outreach programs sponsored by churches, libraries or local law enforcement agencies and offer to share your expertise with young people. Such opportunities allow retirees to continue to engage with their professions and help a younger generation of aspiring professionals gain valuable insight into fields they’re interested in. There’s no shortage of ways for seniors to overcome retirement boredom and cultivate rewarding hobbies. (MC)
in retirement, while others turn back the clock and revisit favorite hobbies from their youth. A good way to begin cultivating a new hobby is to jot down a list of activities you always found interesting but never had the time to learn or became too busy to fully invest in.
Some seniors hit the links for the first time in retirement, while others return to school to study subjects they find interesting but did not engage with during their college years. The options are endless, and jotting down a list of new or old interests is a great way to get the ball rolling.
Embrace New Ways to Engage a Passion
Virtual resources like online courses and book clubs conducted over Zoom with fellow readers across the nation and possibly even the globe are a great way to cultivate a new hobby in retirement. Virtual resources can be
COMMUNITY INSPIRED
FINANCE
Help Protect Your Sensitive Data With These Tips
Identity theft is on the rise nationwide. In fact, consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, representing a 25% increase over the prior year, according to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission.
This trend underscores the importance of taking proactive steps to protect yourself — including properly handling your sensitive documents. The UPS Store network, with its variety of services that help keep your private information private, is offering these tips to help you guard against identity theft:
The Great Outdoors
Shred Documents Keeping printouts of sensitive documents you no longer need increases your risk of becoming a victim of fraud. When it comes time to destroy confidential information, you need to turn to a retailer you can trust.
The shredding services available at any of the 5,400+ The UPS Store locations nationwide is a far more convenient, secure and time-saving choice compared to home shredding.
When you visit The UPS Store locations, they make the process simple. A store associate will weigh your documents, then you place them into the locked shredding bin. The UPS Store network uses one of the leading document destruction vendors, Iron Mountain, which is AAA-certified by the National Association for Information Destruction.
While this is an important service year-round, it’s an especially good time to declutter documents, as The UPS Store is offering a 25% off discount for shredding services for a limited time.
Protect Mail Theft from mailboxes has significantly increased in recent years. Porch pirates stole $12 billion in packages in the past year, with up to 58 million Americans affected, according to Security.org.
Beyond packages containing valuable goods, many thieves specifically target mail containing sensitive information, putting you at risk any time you receive mail from your bank, the IRS, insurance companies or other similar entities.
Gain safety, convenience and peace of mind with a personal or business mailbox at your local The UPS Store location. Route your mail and packages to your local The UPS Store location, which will even sign for packages and send you delivery text alerts. The UPS Store mailbox services accept deliveries from all carriers, ensuring your mail and packages reach you, every time.
As identity theft becomes more prevalent, taking proactive measures to protect you and your personal information is critical. Don’t leave your privacy to chance — leverage resources that exist to help you stay protected. (SPT)
©Ciaran Griffin / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Hot New Pet Products for Your Furry Best Friend
‘Best of Show’ winners at this year’s Global Pet Expo.
If you’re a pet parent who considers your furry companion a true family member, you’re not alone. Pet ownership is bigger — and more indulgent — than ever. The pet industry surpassed $152 billion in 2024, and is expected to top $250 billion by 2030, according to the American Pet Products Association.
What’s fueling this growth? According to the pet products pros at APPA, it is evolving demographics. Gen Z is quickly catching up to the Millennials in pet ownership, bringing their digital-savvy shopping habits into the pet care world. Also, men are adopting cats at a brisk pace, proving that feline companionship isn’t just for ladies anymore.
APPA President and CEO Pete Scott adds, “While we’ve always known pets make us happier, science backs it up: pets provide emotional support, reduce stress, and even boost mental well-being. That’s why pet wellness is booming in 2025.”
Here’s a look at some of the hottest new and award-winning pet products making waves this year at Global Pet Expo, the industry’s premier and largest showcase. These products were recognized at the Expo’s New Products Showcase Awards, which highlighted the best new pet products for 2025.
Wellness for Pets, Peace of Mind for You
Adored Beast Apothecary’s Vital Defense ($119.99), awarded Second Place in the Natural Pet Category, supports cellular balance and longevity. Best in Show winner in the Small Animal Category, HomeoPet Small Animal Nose Relief ($19.99), keeps nasal passages free for rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets.
Smart Tech for Smarter Pet Care
Say goodbye to boring, debris-filled water bowls. The Always Full® Pet Water Bowl ($179.99), Best in Show winner in the Cat Category, uses a laser to maintain a consistent level of fresh drinking water for dogs and cats. Keeping tabs on your pet has never been easier — or more advanced.
SwiftPaws Chase ($299.99), Best in Show winner in the Pet Tech Innovation Category, is a compact lure kit perfect for indoor and outdoor play sessions,
Gen Z is quickly catching up to the Millennials in pet ownership, bringing their digital-savvy shopping habits into the pet care world.
offering both physical and mental stimulation for your pet.
Mental Enrichment: The Key to a Happy Pet
Pets need mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise. Mo Betta Fish by Yeowww! Catnip ($8.74), Second Place winner in the Cat Category, creates a fun and engaging way to deliver catnip to your cat. The Clink Clicker ($25.99), Third Place winner in the Modern Pet Category, combines a clicker and treat storage for easy and engaging training sessions with your pet.
Treats with a Twist
West Paw’s Montana Air-Dried Beef Sticks ($29.95), Best in Show winner in the Sustainable Pet Category, are a nutrient-dense, high-reward treat made with sustainable practices. Best in Show winner in the Dog Food & Treats Category, The Good List Air Dried Dog Food with Bone Broth by Farmland Traditions/Hillside Farms ($19.99), offers com-
plete, balanced nutrition with air-dried jerky-style morsels.
Style and Convenience for Pet Parents
Jibys by Jiby Dog Crew ($6.00) allow pet owners to personalize their dogs’ gear in a fun, exciting way. Jibys can fit almost any size collar, harness and leash, and can be used on human gear so you can match with your pet! Keep your hands warm on cold walks with the world’s first smart retractable dog leash with hand warmer and power bank, CocoLéash by Maison FurRéal ($110.00), the Second Place Winner in the Pet Tech Innovation Category.
Whether you’re looking to pamper your pet with wellness solutions, high-tech innovations, or gourmet treats, 2025 is the year to embrace the latest in pet care, because nothing is too good for our four-legged best friends. Learn more about these and other award-winning products from Global Pet Expo by visiting globalpetexpo.org/2025-npswinners. (NewsUSA)
PUZZLES
SOLUTIONS
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
The Comfort Zone
Maggie Bowman of Valencia has written two letters that sent the same message: Santa Clarita residents need to open their minds and their doors to diversity, equity and inclusion.
I like my “comfort zone” and I find it nothing to be “concerned” about. As for “marginalized” communities, there have always been, and there will always will be, marginalized communities, despite anyone’s best intentions and efforts (i.e. $24 billion spent in three years on homlessness and we didn’t even scratch the surface). Again, I find it nothing to be concerned about. To me it’s a big “whatever.” Hence, I see no “issues” to be resolved.
I do not find discussions about racial inequality, etc., to be “unsettling” because I am not “uncomfortable” with the “truth” — any truth, especially my own truths, some of which are based in bias. I know where I’m biased, I know the reasoning behind each one of my biases, and I am unlikely to address those biases because I really see no need to. I’ve grown quite “comfortable” with all of my demons. They don’t bother me.
Finally, as a community, let’s instead commit to the concept of “live and let live,” which includes allowing others to maintain their “comfort zones,” even if that makes you uncomfortable. That is, if YOU have the courage to do it.
“Veneer of satisfaction” indeed! We ARE satisfied!
Submit a Letter to the Editor Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com. READER LETTERS
Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita
Help, I’m Drowning in Information
By David Hegg
It has been said that we are presented with more new information every day than Jonathan Edwards, an 18th-century theologian and president of Princeton, did in his lifetime. You are absolutely right if you think you are inundated with news, opinions and posts, and often feel awash in social media, texts, notifications and advertisements. The tsunami of ultra-modern technology-driven information washes over us daily with relentless vigor, turning our lives into a constant decision-making exercise. Every few seconds, we must decide how to respond to the continuous flow of information.
tion with peer-reviewed materials. The reason? Anyone can start a website, name it anything they want, and put articles and opinions on it without any academic pedigree. And don’t get me started on Facebook, or any of the junk magazines that have proliferated online. Just because you read it somewhere doesn’t make it accurate. Just because you agree with it doesn’t make it accurate. Just because some article or post puts your opponent in a bad light doesn’t make it accurate. Test everything and hold fast to what you know to be true. Never give up what you know for sure and believe something you can never know for sure.
Here are a few suggestions for keeping up with the times while maintaining your sanity amid the flood of texts, emails, notifications, news media and the myriad opinions of friend and foe alike:
Regarding Social Media, texts, emails, etc.:
1. Just because someone texts, emails, or calls you doesn’t mean you have to accept their interruption: If I don’t let others spend my money, why would I let them be in charge of my time? The drip, drip, drip of being technologically available to the world has conditioned us to think we have to respond to everyone’s decision to reach out and touch us. Hear me: You don’t have to be interrupted!
2. Except for emergencies, train yourself NOT to respond to interruptions immediately. I know that looking at your phone or Apple Watch and seeing someone who wants your attention is gratifying. But every time you look, and even more when you take time to respond, you break the flow you’ve got going in the present task. Perhaps even more important, changing thought processes rapidly has been shown to breed stress in the body and mind. I find it helpful to silence my phone and put it at a distance, with notifications off, while concentrating on other projects. Then, I set a time to check messages and respond as necessary. Dealing with texts, emails and notifications becomes a scheduled task rather than an unscheduled interruption.
Regarding News Media, Articles, Speeches, etc.:
1. Not everything you read is true: As a college professor, I do not accept Internet research as viable for my assigned research papers unless it comes from a recognized organiza-
2. Consider the Source: By that, I mean ask critical questions regarding the source of material you receive. Is the author reputable? Do they have a record of honesty, diligence and expertise? If it is a book, are there academic reviews by reputable experts in the field? If it is a news organization, are they balanced and fair in their reporting? Are you getting the facts, or someone’s interpretation of the facts? Above all, be a critical thinker rather than a gullible groupie when analyzing information so that you don’t end up chasing error over a cliff.
Lastly, Wait To Worry: So much of the information we encounter is shaped to create a sense of urgency. From “needing” to get the newest smartphone to “needing” to support a cause that will save America from annihilation or worse, we are constantly bombarded with facts and opinions meant to drive us into a flurry of panic-driven activity. Please don’t fall for it. Take the time to think things through, hear both sides, and query others with expertise or experience. Above all, know who you are, what you believe, and why your fundamental ethical convictions matter.
As the tumultuous current of information cascades around us, dragging us down the river of ultra-modern society, don’t be afraid to climb out of the water and take a time out on the bank. The world will continue without you for a while, and most of what you miss ultimately won’t matter. And while you’re waiting to get back in, take time to breathe and remember that technology was meant to make our lives simpler, richer and happier. Believe me … I dare you.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
