FEATURE FOOD & WINE FESTS
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
As the summer winds down and fall arrives, some of California’s favorite foodie festivals are being held before the end of the year. It’s time to add these events to your calendar. Eat, drink and be merry.
Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
Sept. 10-14
Surf Sports Park, 14989 Via de la Valle, Del Mar 92014 Info delmar.wine
The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is a premier culinary celebration, founded to celebrate the good life with the ultimate cookout. Enjoy appearances by celebrity chefs, local legends, craft brewers and top winemakers for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience by the coast.
The event kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 10 with an opening night dinner and will continue with special events until the two-day Grand Tasting on Saturday and Sunday.
Throughout the festival a number of celebrity chefs will host dinners or other events, catch headliner Guy Fieri along with Michael Voltaggio, Marc Murphy, Brian Malarkey, Carlos Anthony, Beau MacMillian, Jet Tila, Karen Krasne and others.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Feeding San Diego.
Pasadena Greek Fest
Sept. 19-21, Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon-10 p.m.
778 S Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena 91107
Info www.pasadenagreekfest.com
The popular Pasadena Greek Festival is a vibrant celebration of Greek culture featuring food, traditional music and dance performances.
Food featured at the festival will include:
Tyropites Greek cheese pies in filo dough
Spanokopites spinach and feta in filo dough
Galaktoboureko layers of filo filled with custard and scented syrup
Karithopita walnut cake spiced with cinnamon and ground cloves
Diples thin sheets of fried dough with honey and covered in cinnamon and walnuts
Dolmathes grape leaves filled with seasoned rice and beef
Loukoumades donut treats drizzled with honey, nuts and cinnamon
Koulourakia traditional twisted butter cookies
Melomakarona traditional Christmas cookies in honey syrup, sprinkled with nuts
Kourambiethes butter cookies covered with powdered sugar and Kataifi rolled filo pastry filled with nuts, drizzled with syrup.
The festival will also favor popular favorites like Greek jam tarts, grilled lamb chops, pork skewers, Greek salad, gyros, baklava and roasted leg of lamb.
Parking: Santa Anita Race Track, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia 91007. Parking is free at Santa Anita Race Track Parking Gate 6.
Buses to and from the main event and parking area depart every 10 minutes, ensuring convenient transportation for all attendees. The service runs from opening until close, making it easy for you to your visit.
California Avocado Festival
Oct. 3-5
800 Linden Ave., Carpinteria 93013
Info www.avofest.org
The 39th California Avocado Festival in downtown Carpinteria offers three days of peace, love and guacamole.
The event includes 60+ bands on three stages, 50 arts & crafts and commercial vendors and 15 food
The San Diego Food + Wine Festival features unique gourmet experiences.Courtesy Photo
Try Greek food or a fresh avocado dish at the Greek or Avocado festivals. Top photo ©ADOBESTOCK Right © SHUTTERSTOCK.
vendors. All proceeds of the festival bene- fit the Carpinteria Education Foundation and the Future Farmers of America.
This event celebrates the California avocado with food and fun and is held on Linden Avenue between Carpinteria Avenue and 6th Street. The festival features a Block Party on Friday from 1-10 p.m., and continues Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Food options include classic guacamole, avocado ice cream, avocado pizza, avocado tacos, avocado sushi, deep fried avocados and more.
Think you make the world’s best guac? Enter the guacamole contest. Sunday, Oct. 5 in the Mac Brown Grotto Tent. Bring your special guacamole to enter into the contest.
Check in 10-11 a.m. Judging at noon. Open to all ages. Recommended minimum of one pint of guacamole. Judges will grade on presentation, taste and texture. Forms available to fill out on site.
Los Angeles Times Food Bowl Night Market
Oct. 10-11 VIP early entry 6:30 p.m. 7:30-10 p.m. City Market Social House, 1145 San Pedro St., Los Angeles 90015
Info lafoodbowl.com
Tickets are now on sale for this ultimate foodie party which features top restaurants and endless bites. This is a 21 and older event only.
Every ticket includes unlimited bites and sips from L.A.’s most legendary restaurants and ris-
ing stars, plus music, activities, swag and more.
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Nov. 7-9
Embarcadero Marina Park North, 400 Kettner Blvd., San Diego 92101
Info www.sandiegowineclassic.com
This is one of the country’s most talked about weeks in wine and food. The San Diego Food + Wine Festival was named the winner of the 2023 and 2024 USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contests for Best Wine Festival.
This event features food and wine on an equal footing. Some of the country’s most talented chefs, sommeliers and artisans convene in San Diego alongside the city’s hottest tastemakers at this annual festival.
The 21st annual festival lineup features San Diego’s hottest new restaurants, hidden gems and local favorites, as well as restaurants from out-of-town guest chef superstars.
The event includes more than 50 dinners and other events but the highlights of the festival include:
Grean Decant Friday, Nov. 7, 6-9 p.m. A star-studded tasting experience featuring luxury wines and spirits and your favorite award-winning chefs. Benefits the James Beard Foundation.
Grand Tasting Saturday, Nov. 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. An icon. A legend. The event that started it all. Featuring 300+ of your favorite tastemakers and purveyors alongside the San Diego Bay. Food, wine, beer, spirits and live music. Tickets are all inclusive. All food and beverage tastings are included in ticket price. Must be 21+ to attend. No infants or children permitted.
Grand Fiesta Sunday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. A celebration of the rich cross-border culinary and cultural influence of Latin America on Southern California.
Each event is ticketed separately. Tickets are now on sale.
The San Diego Food + Wine Festival. Courtesy Photo
The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is a premier culinary celebration. Courtesy photo
Your Chronological Age versus Your Biological Age
By Signal Staft
In general, we sort of expect a person of a certain age to look a certain way. But every now and then, we meet someone who appears much younger or older than their actual age. And, while appearances can be deceiving, possibly the result of plastic surgery, these encounters point out that each of us has two ages — chronological and biological.
Your chronological age simply indicates the number of years you have been alive. However, your biological age, or physiological age, is how old your body “seems” in look and performance. Biological age is much more important than chronological age, as it is intimately involved with our health, abilities and outlook. And, while how we age is influenced by genetics, it is also affected by, among other factors, smoking, diet, exercise and stress.
Dr. Balbir Brar, MD, MPH, is a board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine and palliative medicine. He serves as chairman of medicine at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and is on the faculty at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He has extensive experience in treating age-related issues in his practices of geriatrics and internal medicine, and advises us on the rapidly expanding field of study regarding biological age.
“Genetics plays a significant role, possibly 10 to 20%, in how we age,” Brar said. “Other determinants of biological aging include environmental effects, eating habits, demographics and lifestyle. The study of aging is a hot topic and especially so with the investigations going on at the National Institute on Aging,” he said. “Various companies and institutions are promoting diagnostic testing, and also therapies – which may or may not be supported by scientific evidence.”
How is biological age determined?
Current studies indicate epigenetics, the chemical changes that happen to our DNA sequence, might be the scientific window into biological aging. To that point, research shows that DNA methylation and things called telomeres have big influences on aging. DNA methylation controls gene expression. It can “turn genes off.” This controls things like embryonic development and chromosome stability. And, thus,
through methylation, certain areas of the body — breast tissue, for example — can be “older” than the rest of the body, and so more susceptible to cancer. “Both increased and decreased DNA methylation can affect the aging process, positively or negatively,” Brar said.
Telomeres are located on the ends of chromosomes, and determine how quickly our cells age and die. “In studies on animals, telomere deficiency leads to shortened lifespan, increased malignancies and genomic instability,” he said.
Biological Age Tests
There are a number of companies marketing “tests” to determine biological age. Accuracy varies and some claims of accuracy are unproven. One wellknown test is merely a questionnaire, and more a predictor of life expectancy than an age calculator. Another tests the DNA in your saliva for methylation. With another, you can plug your most recent blood test results into a calculator along with such information as your height and weight. Another test has you prick your finger and send in a blood sample, which is tested for the levels of things called glycans.
“The most popular diagnostic testing involves the study of epigenomes, which are chemical compounds attached to the DNA,” Brar said. “And the thousands of sites on a DNA strand are studied, with subsequent calculations to determine the approximate biological age.”
Improving Biological Age
Getting an accurate determination of your general biological age can help you decide if your
health-maintenance efforts (or lack of them) are working. If not, it’s time to change things up. Know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can actually reverse aging to a certain degree, but this is not guaranteed. You can eliminate bad habits, such as smoking and excessive use of alcohol, improve your diet, try intermittent fasting, get regular exercise, and reduce environmental toxins. “Doing these things will have a positive impact on aging,” Brar said. “However, one must be careful in pursuing ‘therapies’ that are unproven, and often costly, without first consulting their physician.”
Reduce Stress
Chronic stress accelerates premature aging by shortening your telomeres and increasing methylation. Such stress can also limit your immune system and increase your chances of chronic disease. These include, but are not limited to, stress at work (and burnout), stress in personal relationships, and stress resulting from too much focus on social media or too much absorption of upsetting television news. “Burnout at work can be a big factor in feeling old, and therefore, it’s wise for employers to take a practical approach to it,” Brar said. And he added that caregivers are particularly impacted by stress.
Psychological Aging
“Perception of age is psychological age (or subjective age),” Brar said. For example, if you are 60 and say you feel like you are 50 (or 70), that’s psychological age. “In addition to tests for biological aging, there are tests for psychological aging that are available in the form of questionnaires. Studies have shown that people who perceive themselves to be younger psychologically have less disease and tend to live longer. Perception of expected prolonged survival leads to better selection and pursuit of social goals, as opposed to perception of limited survival, which will cause emotion-based decisions.”
Better for All
“There is a relationship between biological and psychological aging and the quality of life,” Brar said. “Attempts to slow down biological aging will lead to a society that is healthier, more productive, and, more importantly, more self-fulfilling on our journey of life. But don’t go to extremes in lifestyle modification or extreme therapies.”
©ADOBE STOCK
By Alicia Doyle Sunday Signal Writer
The sun-drenched streets of Santa Clarita hum with energy, but nothing captures the city’s vibrant, health-conscious spirit quite like a spoonful of its signature treat: the açaí (ä- sä- ē) bowl .
An açaí bowl is like a party in a bowl for your taste buds.
Imagine a thick, frosty smoothie made from the deep purple açaí berry — a superfruit from the Amazon rainforest — blended with other fruits. The flavor is slightly tart and earthy from the açaí, balanced by fruit sweetness.
For the toppings: picture a colorful explosion of granola, fresh fruit, coconut flakes, nuts, seeds or even a drizzle of nut butter. Each bowl is a blank canvas, ready for your creative touch. That means you can make it as healthy — or as dessert-like — as you want.
Besides looking pretty, açaí bowls are packed with antioxidants, fiber and healthy fats, making them a delicious way to fuel your day or treat yourself after a workout. Whether you’re a health nut or a foodie, an açaí bowl is a tropical vacation for your mouth. Here’s a glimpse of a few local spots that specialize in this healthy treat:
Pressed Juicery
At Pressed Juicery, located in the Valencia Town Center at 24201 W. Valencia Blvd. in Suite 3552, three different açaí bowls are “deliciously crafted” to match your taste buds.
The Original Açaí Bowl
The Healthier Alternative
is a creamy blend of oat milk, coconut milk and açaí purée, topped with fruit and crunchy granola. With 10 grams of plant-powered pea protein, it’s “the perfect balance” of flavor and nourishment. Considered ideal for post-workout recovery or as a wholesome snack, this bowl is sweetened with coconut sugar, agave, and allulose — a naturally occurring sugar found in plant foods — allowing you to indulge without any artificial additives.
The Açaí Superfood Bowl is made with a creamy blend of oat milk, açaí and coconut cream. Topped with banana, goji berries, blueberries and coconut flakes, this plant-powered bowl is packed with 12 grams of protein. Sweetened with agave and fruit purees, it’s considered a “superfood pick-me-up” that’s dairy-free, nutritious and free from artificial additives.
The Açaí Power Bowl is a smoothie bowl made with oat milk, açaí and coconut milk. Topped with almond butter, banana, blueberries, almonds and granola, this nutritious treat is packed with 14 grams of protein. Sweetened with fruit, coconut sugar and agave, this dairy-free, plant-powered bowl is the perfect satisfying snack or post-workout refuel. For more information, visit pressed.com/
Bearies Açaí
At Bearies Açaí, located at the Valencia Town Center at 24201 W. Valencia Blvd., the energizing açaí bowls are made with açaí straight from Brazil. Each bowl is
packed with essential nutrients, delivering a silkysmooth, tart and refreshing taste in every bite.
You can customize your bowl with a variety of drizzles, including agave, almond butter, cashew butter, chocolate syrup, condensed milk, honey, Nutella, peanut butter or sunflower butter.
If you want to add fruit, the selection includes bananas, blueberries, kiwis, mangoes, pineapples and strawberries.
Other toppings include bee pollen, cacao nibs, chia seeds, chocolate chips, coconut shavings, extra granola, goji berries, hemp seeds, paçoca (a traditional Brazilian treat made of peanuts, sugar and salt), PB powder (powdered peanut butter that’s a low-fat alternative to traditional peanut butter), sliced almonds, toasted coconut shavings, agave, almond butter, cashew butter, chocolate syrup, condensed milk, honey, Nutella, peanut butter and sunflower powder.
For more information, visit www.beariesaçaí.com.
Ubatuba Açaí Valencia
At Ubatuba Açaí Valencia, located at 24303 Town Center Dr. in Suite 130 in Valencia, you can design your favorite choice of bowl choosing from many bases and toppings. You can add as many as you like and create a unique combination that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
©ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY HABEBA
Your Fall Passport to Classes, Parks and Adventures
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
As the school year begins, fall in Santa Clarita brings the perfect opportunity to explore something new, reconnect with your community and try new activities. Whether you’re signing up for a class, joining a sports league or planning an adventure, the City’s Seasons Magazine is your go-to guide.
For families with young children, our Early Learners Program offers a great first step into education — now available at even more convenient locations, including the Valencia Community Center, Santa Clarita Park and Canyon Country Park. Designed for two-year-olds and their parents, these playbased classes introduce preschool concepts in a fun, nurturing environment that supports social and motor development. It’s a great way to bond with your child while giving them a head start on school readiness.
Fall is also the time to join a sports league and stay
active while having fun. In Youth and Adult Sports, kids can sign up for T-ball, volleyball and flag football — which is now offered for girls and boys. Adults can hit the court or the field with returning favorites like softball, flag football and volleyball leagues. And for the those 55-years and older, Senior Softball offers a great way to stay moving, make new friends and enjoy friendly competition at Central Park.
For those craving a little more adventure this season, the City is teaming up with California State University, Northridge (CSUN), to offer a one-ofa-kind High Ropes Course Challenge. Held at the CSUN Campus, this guided experience invites participants to climb, balance and problem-solve their way through a series of obstacles high above the ground. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone while building trust, communication and confidence, with a healthy dose of adrenaline and teamwork along the way.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk the same halls as NFL champions? This fall,
residents are invited to go behind-the-scenes at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood — home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. At 3.1 millionsquare-feet, SoFi is the largest stadium in the NFL and one of the most advanced sports venues in the world. It is set to host major global events, including multiple games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup series, Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the Opening Ceremonies for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. From touring the locker rooms to stepping onto the field, this unforgettable excursion lets you experience the stadium like a true athlete!
Fall registration begins on August 19, at 10:00 a.m., so be sure to browse all of our classes by visiting SantaClarita.gov/Seasons. And don’t forget, the City’s new registration software, Kaizen, is now live. Create your account ahead of time so you’re ready to sign up without delay.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santa clarita.gov.
It’s That Time Again — Simplify School Day Meals
If every moment of school days feels like a rush in your house, you're not alone. Packing backpacks and lunchboxes in the morning can be a chore, not to mention after-school activities that put a dent in dinner planning.
Saving a few precious seconds starts with 30-minutes-or-less meals you can prep to send to school or enjoy together at the table each evening. These Vegan Burritos feature boldly seasoned mushrooms, black beans, corn and plenty of saucy, tangy toppings — in fact, kids won't miss a thing in this plant-based variation of meaty burritos.
They're easily packable in lunchboxes and made with Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice that's available in a new, shareable 32-ounce size, which means more sweetly aromatic rice that cooks up soft and fluffy in 10 minutes.
Dinner can be ready in the snap of a finger with Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs and Pearl Couscous where savory ground lamb takes center stage. This tempting dish highlights tender pearl couscous, sauteed veggies and briny feta cheese coming together in half an hour so you can spend more time at the table and less time in the kitchen.
Find more school day solutions at SuccessRice.com.
Vegan Burritos
Prep time 5 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes
Servings 4
1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup lion's mane mushrooms, shredded
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 whole-wheat tortillas
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup dairy-free cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup salsa fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) lime wedges, for serving
Prepare rice according to package directions.
In skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add garlic and saute about 1 minute until fragrant. Add lion's mane mushrooms to skillet, stirring to combine. Cook about 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and slightly golden. Stir in paprika, cumin, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes then remove from heat.
In separate skillet, warm tortillas about 30 seconds on each side.
Lay one tortilla flat and layer 1/4 cup rice, 1/4 cup beans, 1/4 cup mushroom mixture and 1/4 cup corn with 1/4 of the avocado and 1/4 cup cheese in center. Top with salsa and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Fold sides of tortilla over filling then roll from bottom up to enclose filling completely. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Serve burritos warm with lime wedges.
Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs and Pearl Couscous
Prep time 20 minutes
Cook time 10 minutes
Servings 4
1 bag Success Pearl Couscous
4 cups chicken broth
1 pound ground lamb
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups feta cheese, crumbled, divided 3/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Greek seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1/4 cup onion, chopped 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced 1/4 cup zucchini, diced
1 cup tzatziki
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions. Replace water with chicken broth.
In large bowl, combine lamb, eggs, 3/4 cup feta, panko breadcrumbs, Greek seasoning and salt. Knead gently to combine. Form small meatballs using hands.
In large pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Cook meatballs 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover pan with lid. Cook 5 minutes, or until fully cooked.
In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat remaining oil. Add onions and cook 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and zucchini and cook 3 minutes. Stir in pearl couscous until ingredients are fully combined.
Divide pearl couscous between bowls. Add meatballs then tzatziki. Garnish with remaining feta and mint, if desired. (Family Features)
The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood
By Tony Rizzo
Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway starred in “The Thomas Crown Affair” in 1968. It cost
$4.3 million and grossed $14 million. In 1999, Pierce Brosnan remade it with Rene Russo, and it cost $48 million and grossed $124.3 million. Now Michael B. Jordan will star in and direct a “reimagining,” co-starring Adria Arjona (who is best known for playing Dorothy Gale in the 10-episode NBC series “Emerald City” in 2017). Let’s hope that the third time’s the charm like it was for “Creed III,” which cost $75 million and grossed $276.1 million.
the little film that could as Pee-wee searched for his stolen bike (which he was certain was hidden in the basement of the Alamo in San Antonio). The Alamo may not have had a basement, but it now has Pee-wee’s bike, which was bought at an auction for $125,000 and will be displayed there.
Sunday-Thursday, August 17-21, 2025
“Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” grossed $40.9 million and was followed by “Big Top Pee-wee” (1988), which only grossed $15.1 million despite 80% of critics loving it.
little bike that could!
Former “Glee” star Chris Colfer’s No. 1 New York Times bestselling children’s book “The Land of Stories” is getting the big-screen treatment by Warner Studios. It’s about twins Alex and Conner Bailey who are fresh from the tragic loss of their father and find themselves transported into a magic book of classic fairy tales. They come face-to-face with characters they’ve only read about in stories.
“Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (directed by Tim Burton in 1985) was
In 2016, Judd Apatow, a big Pee-wee Herman fan, produced “Pee Wee’s Big Holiday” with Paul Reubens (Pee-wee himself). It was written by Reubens and Paul Rust for Netflix with a $30 million budget, and it co-starred Joe Manganiello. Guess it really was the
Side note: Jane Lynch, Colfer’s “Glee” co-star, is returning this fall with “Weakest Link,” only it has now been moved to Glee’s network Fox and is called “Celebrity Weakest Link!”
Is anti-American sentiment keeping audiences away from “Superman” internationally? DC Studios co-CEO and “Superman” director James Gunn is blaming the drop-off of international business, which is way below our domestic box office, on current politics. Or is it that American audiences just identify with Superman more?
If the song in a recent Target ad sounded familiar, it’s because it’s the 1960 Oscar-winning song “Never on
Sunday,” from the film of the same name. “Oh, you can kiss me on a Monday … you can kiss me on a Tuesday … you can kiss me on a Wednesday, a Thursday, a Friday, and Saturday is best, but never ever on a Sunday … ‘cause that’s my day of rest!” Melina Mercouri, the star of the hit Greek film, played a hooker. Target, are you trying to “hook” our business?
©2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Top 10 Movies
FRIDAY B Sun 10:30 1:30 4:20 7:20; Mon to Thu 1:30 4:20 7:20 The sequel to the beloved 2003 film w th
mu t generational tw st starring Jamie Lee Cur t s and Lindsay Lohan
NE VER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEY Sun to Tue: 1:00 7 00; Wed: 1:00 PM Thu: 1 00 7:00 R sing mus cian Jeff Buckley had only released one a bum when he died suddenly in 1997 Now, never-before -seen footage and accounts from friends offer a por trait of the capt vat ng singer
WEAPONS E Sun 10:00 1:10 4:10 7:10; Mon to Thu 1:10 4:10 7:10
When al but one ch ld from the same c ass myster ously vanish on the same night at exac t y the same t me, a community s left question ng who or what is behind the r d sappearance
THE NAKED GUN C Sun: 10 20 1:00 3 10 5:20 7 30; Mon to Thu: 1 00 3:10 5 20 7:30
Lt. Frank Dreb n Jr (Liam Neeson) fol ows n his father ’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN. THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS C Sun: 10:10 1:10 4:10 7:00; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:10 7:00
Forced to balance their roles as heroes w th the strength of the r fam ly bond The Fantast c Four must defend Ear th from a ravenous space god FORBIDDEN GAMES Wed 7:00 PM
When her parents are kil ed by an air strike while tr ying to flee Paris dur ng the German nvas on, 5-year-
where she encounters 11-year- old peasant boy Miche REMEMBER THE TITANS B Sun
1. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (PG-13) Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby
2. The Bad Guys 2 (PG) Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron
3. The Naked Gun (PG-13) Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson
4. Superman (PG-13) David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan
5. Jurassic World: Rebirth (PG13) Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali
6. Together (R) Dave Franco,
Aug. 11, 2025
7. F1: The Movie (PG-13) Brad Pitt, Damson Idris
8. I Know What You Did Last Summer (R) Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders
9. Smurfs (PG) Rihanna, James Corden
10. How to Train Your Dragon (PG) Mason Thames, Nico Parker
©2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Alison Brie
Be More Active By Overcoming Your Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common conditions across the globe. The World Health Organization says low back pain is the single leading cause of disability around the world, affecting an estimated 619 million people in 2020. That number was projected to rise to 843 million by 2050 as a result of aging populations and sedentary lifestyles.
The National Institutes of Health says that 80% of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lives.
There are many reasons why back pain can occur. Muscle strain, arthritis, herniated discs and other conditions can contribute to back pain.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke advises visiting a doctor if back pain is persistent. Early diagnosis can prevent chronic issues
and rule out more serious conditions.
Get Moving
Although moving around may be the last thing on the minds of people experiencing back pain, remaining physically active is essential to good health. Plus, movement actually is the best medicine for back pain itself. A review published in JAMA In-
ternal Medicine in 2016 found that exercise alone reduces the risk of back pain by 35%. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming and yoga help to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and reduce pain in the process.
Strengthen Core
People now sit for long periods of time, which can contribute to back problems. The CDC says Americans sit for an average of 10 hours a day, often with poor posture and non-engaged core muscles. Getting up off of seats and strengthening core muscles can prevent back injury and pain.
Alternative Treatments
It may be easy to take a pill when pain begins, but people may want to explore alternative methods to alleviate pain. Changing ergonomics of work stations or how a person performs activities can help. The American Psychological Association reports techniques like mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce pain severity and improve quality of life. Massage therapy or even acupuncture are additional treatments to consider for back pain.
Back pain is a common complaint as one ages. There are ways to overcome the pain and remain as active as possible. (MC)
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends two days of strength training per week with a focus on the core, back and hips. Individuals who don’t know how to start safely should consult with a physical therapist or certified personal trainer.
COMMUNITY INSPIRED
Stop Medicare Fraud Before It Starts
By Dr. Mehmet Oz Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
When I took on the role of leading Medicare, one of my primary goals was to crush the chronic fraud, waste, and abuse in the program. Ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and that Medicare resources remain available for those who depend on them is a top priority.
People with Medicare are at the very heart of this effort. Scammers are after your Medicare number to submit false claims for services that were never provided, or for services that are not needed. These fraudulent actions do more than just drain government funds. They can also compromise your personal medical records, potentially affecting the care you need.
Medicare fraud costs American taxpayers billions of dollars every year. By staying vigilant and protecting your Medicare information, you can help stop fraud before it starts.
Together We can Crush Fraud
To protect yourself, follow these steps:
1. Guard Your Medicare card like you would a credit card or your social security number.
2. NEVER share your Medicare information with anyone who calls, texts, emails or shows up at your door uninvited. Scammers may pretend to be from Medicare or act like salespeople. Remember: Medicare will never contact you before you contact them.
3. Be skeptical of “free” gifts, “free” medical services, discount packages or any offer — If it sounds too good to be true, it absolutely is!
4. Check your Medicare claims statements to make sure that all services listed are the ones that you received. Also, check for fraud red flags like being billed twice for the same service.
5. Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Be Aware of this Growing Scam
Fraudsters posing as salespeople are targeting older Americans, attempting to enroll them in hospice care without their knowledge or consent. They often go door to door, offering so-called “free” services like cooking, cleaning, medical equipment, or even protein shakes. This is all as a cover to get you to sign paperwork. Don’t do it. Your health care decisions should always be made between you and your doctor, not a salesperson.
Protecting your Medicare isn’t just about saving money, it’s also about safeguarding your health and the integrity of a system we all depend on. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and together we’ll stop these criminals in their tracks. With your help, we can crush Medicare fraud.
To learn more, visit Medicare.gov/ fraud. To report potential fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (Family Features)
Slam Dunk Strategies for Reducing Your Debt
Is mounting debt causing you stress? If so, you’re not alone. Average consumer debt is on the rise in the United States.
To help you create a winning financial game plan, Experian is offering tried-and-true money management strategies, along with tips for taking advantage of new tools to reduce your spending.
Get a complete picture Do a 360-degree assessment of how much you owe, tallying up any loans, credit cards or installment debts you might have. As part of this assessment, you can check your Experian credit report for free at www.Experian.com.
Review your budget Doing so will help you hone in on how much money you can allocate to paying off debt and help you avoid impulse spending or indulging in extras that might set you back financially.
Choose a repayment strategy Find a repayment strategy that works best for you and stick to it. This could mean prioritizing debt with the highest interest rate, the debt with the smallest balance, or the debt with the highest credit utilization. However you go about it, the important thing is to keep tabs on your progress and stay the course until your debt is paid off.
Keep it up Continue to practice good financial habits, like regularly checking your credit report and credit score, spending within your means, and paying your bills on time to avoid taking on additional debt.
Use tech tools Easy tools can help you cut out unnecessary spending. For example, the Experian app has a subscription cancellation feature that does the work of tracking and cancelling subscriptions for you. Experian data
shows that consumers have about four subscriptions on average, totaling almost $1,000 per year in potentially unused expenses.
With more than 200 subscriptions eligible for cancellation through the app in categories like streaming services, meal kits and entertainment, that could spell big savings. Access the tool as part of a paid Experian membership. To get started with Experian’s subscription cancellation feature and other tools, download the iOS or Android app or visit www.experian.com.
“It’s easy for subscriptions to add up and become costly expenses. While tracking them down can be overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone,” said Rod Griffin, senior director of Consumer Education and Advocacy for Experian.
In addition to the app, as well as other financial resources and tools available to help consumers reach their financial goals, Experian is active in initiatives to help with consumers’ financial health. The company is relieving $5 million of consumer debt among more than 5,000 families in Louisiana.
Additionally, Experian is teaming up with Flau’jae Johnson, a junior guard for the Louisiana State University women’s basketball team, to champion the program and financial empowerment. With 69% of college basketball fans holding debt and 49% saying they are stressed financially, according to an Experian survey, sports fans and all consumers can use extra support to manage their finances.
Reigning in spending and getting a
lation feature disclosure: Results will vary. Not all subscriptions are eligible, savings are not guaranteed, and some may not see savings. Experian members for whom Experian canceled at least one subscription averaged $306 a year of anticipated savings. Available with eligible paid memberships and requires connecting payment account(s) to Experian account.
handle on debt don’t have to be insurmountable goals. By leaning on available resources, you can become the financial champion of your future. Experian app subscription cancel-
Debt relief initiative disclosure: Experian membership not required. ForgiveCo is settling one outstanding account in full for each beneficiary and not all accounts are the same size. Beneficiaries are randomly selected from the debt pool. For more information go to experian.com/relief or forgiveco.com. (SPT)
Review your budget to see where you can allocate money to paying off debt. ©ADOBESTOCK
The Benefits and Basics of Lawn Irrigation
The only thing better than a healthy lawn and garden? A healthy lawn and garden that’s given just the right amount of water at just the right time, all without having to lift a finger. Enter: smart lawn irrigation systems.
In a recent episode of Done-In-AWeekend Projects from Exmark, irrigation expert Tom Tootle from Toro Irrigation shared these insights, so you can keep your lawn green, and garden pristine, all season long.
Why Lawn Irrigation Matters
Forgetting a few days of watering or experiencing a drought can put the hours and dollars you’ve spent perfecting your outdoor spaces at risk. An irrigation system however is like insurance for your landscape.
“You protect every room in your home with an insurance policy. So why not protect the biggest ‘room’ of your home: your yard?” says Tootle.
Irrigation System
Breakdown
When people think “irrigation system,” they tend to think of underground pipes and sprinkler heads — which is half the truth. In fact, it all starts with a controller that uses low voltage wiring to direct a series of electrical valves and zones throughout your yard. This enables you to tailor your watering schedules based on the specific needs of different areas, such as wide-open patches of lawn or garden beds in ample shade.
Patches of lawn are typically kept watered by rotors that rotate to cover large areas, allowing you to cover your lawn with a minimal number of heads. Then, for smaller areas (like your gardens), sprinklers are used. You can
When people think irrigation system, they tend to think of underground pipes and sprinkler heads. In fact, it all starts with a controller.
adjust them to spray from 1-8 feet — meaning you never waste water.
For gardens that need a gentler touch, drip irrigation (or similar low-volume systems) delivers slow, steady water at the base of plants, reducing evaporation and keeping foliage dry — a must for disease prevention.
Saving Nature and Money
Irrigation systems aren’t all about convenience, they’re also eco- and wallet-friendly. Some of today’s smart systems feature high-efficiency nozzles that can save up to 30% of your water over a conventional system. They also utilize sensors that detect rainfall, optimizing schedules and water usage for each zone.
“If Mother Nature does the work, your irrigation system takes the day off,” says Tootle. “A smart system waters only when it needs to, saving wa-
Upgrades and Maintenance
Already have an older irrigation system? Many systems can be upgraded without having to rip everything out and start over. Tootle advises having a professional service your system at least annually to check for leaks, re-calibrate rotors, and in colder climates, winterize it to avoid frozen pipes and cracked valves.
It’s also important to consider growth. If your system hasn’t been updated in a few years, plants and trees may have grown to the point where zones need to be reprogrammed for optimal coverage.
Installation
When it comes to a brand-new installation, professionals can help ensure the process won’t make a big mess
of your lawn. Just be sure to schedule your install during your lawn’s peak growing phase. For warm-season grasses, that’s May through August. For cool-season grasses, that’s early spring or fall.
For more insights, watch “Lawn Irrigation 101,” a new episode of “DoneIn-A-Weekend Projects,” an original series from lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark. To watch the video, visit Exmark’s Backyard Life, a unique multimedia destination focused on helping homeowners improve their outdoor living spaces. There you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos.
“A modern irrigation system is one of the best ways protect the time and energy you’ve poured into your landscape, and promote a healthy, beautiful lawn,” says Tootle. (SPT)
ter, slashing utility bills, and helping your lawn and garden thrive.”
©ADOBE STOCK
Discover the Top Three Interior Design Trends
As the theme of “home holistic wellness” has expanded over the last year, distinct trends are leading the direction of interior design.
Moen, North America’s leading consumer faucet brand, has identified the top three trends as creative expression, personal wellbeing and biophilic design. Moen’s senior creative style manager and trend forecaster, Danielle DeBoe Harper, has uncovered how these trends reflect the cultural, social and technological shifts happening today.
Creative Expression
As people continue seeking design choices that align with their distinctive personalities, the trend of creative expression emphasizes customization, transformation and versatility. It’s built on empowering consumers to select fixtures, paint colors, furniture and décor accents that authentically reflect their own inspired style and individuality.
“Homeowners and designers can foster a greater sense of personal identity and belonging through imaginative and expressive design,” says DeBoe Harper. “Elements of this design direction include statement details like bold colors, mixed metals and dramatic proportions; era-mixing for a dynamic maximalist feel; surrealist-inspired pieces that challenge conventional boundaries; and rugs, furniture and other accents that reflect high levels of craftsmanship to bring a feeling of authenticity to a space.”
Available in an array of customization options, the Moen Cambium bathroom suite features a unique blend of raw elements and soft modern design that creates a bold and unforgettable look ideally suited for this
trend. The suite highlights a captivating combination of machine textures, fluted patterns, and a new mixed polished/brushed nickel finish that all work together to enhance the bathroom aesthetic.
Personal Wellbeing
The trend of personal wellbeing reflects the growing societal emphasis on mental and physical health, with design approaches that prioritize comfort and rejuvenation.
“Your home is a sanctuary — a place of peace and relaxation,” says DeBoe Harper. “Personal wellbeing, as a design trend, embodies décor and style elements that embrace coming home to that sense of comfort and mental tranquility.
“This can be achieved through soft color palettes; opting for literal com-
to create healthier, more sustainable and more harmonious living and working environments that bring people and nature together.
“Biophilic design goes beyond incorporating plants into your space,” says DeBoe Harper. “Invoking the sky, desert and sea in furniture, lighting, rugs and even curtain choices can elevate the sense of being in the natural world within your own four walls. We see this trend through design choices like cloud motifs or florals, applications of geological shapes and textures, and creating movement through splashes of water.”
fort pieces, such as oversized sofas and chairs paired with shag rugs; or embracing joyful design through playful, brightly colored aesthetic choices.”
Some find comfort in nostalgia, pulling design inspiration from everything from old English country houses to Art Deco and even the 1970s; others ensure wellbeing through thoughtful fixture and appliance choices.
One example is installation of a robust water filtration solution like Moen’s Whole Home Water Filtration systems. The whole home systems help remove chemicals and contaminants from every drop of water in the home to support a healthier lifestyle.
Biophilic Design
Humans have an innate desire to connect with the outdoors. The biophilic design trend welcomes the wish
Sustainability is a large part of this trend as well. Investing in high-quality pieces crafted from recycled or reclaimed materials, responsibly sourced wood, or rapidly renewable resources like bamboo, helps create beautiful, durable and functional spaces that not only enhance daily life, but also actively support conservation efforts and lessen your ecological footprint.
For more information on design trends, visit moen.com.
Leaning into today’s top trends can mean cultivating a healthier, happier and more functional home. (SPT)
Six Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet
Each year millions of dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters because of overpopulation. Just a few years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, shelters were emptied out as pet adoptions reached alltime highs. Now that offices have reopened and people have returned to work and other activities, pets increasingly are being surrendered to shelters again, once more leading to overtaxed shelters and other facilities.
Overburdened shelters also are made worse by litters of animals born to unsterilized parents. The American Veterinary Medical Association says spaying and neutering are important tools for preventing unplanned or unwanted litters and reducing pet overpopulation.
Most experts agree there is little benefit to leaving pets’ reproductive systems intact. Even family pets can get loose and mate unintentionally.
The following are six notable benefits to spaying or neutering a pet.
1. Prevent the conception and birth of unwanted animals.
2. The ASPCA says spaying prevents uterine infections and decreases the incidence of breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Spaying a pet before the first heat offers the best measure of protection.
3. Neutering male animals prevents testicular cancer if done before six months of age.
4. Neutered animals are less likely to roam and become nuisances. Female cats can go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. While in heat they will yowl and urinate frequently. Males will be on the prowl for females and can get into fights. Spay-
ter, condensed milk, Nutella, honey drizzle, agave drizzle and date drizzle.
Continued from page 7
Whether you’re in the mood for fruits, granola, chocolate or other tasty treats, this bowl is all about your personal touch.
Here, you can choose your “base,” such as açaí, agave coconut, chia pudding, matcha, overnight oats or pitaya, which is commonly known as dragon fruit.
Numerous toppings are also available, including banana, strawberry, granola hemp, granola almond, blueberry, mango, pineapple, kiwi, coconut shavings, toasted coconut, cacao nibs, bee pollen, carob chips, chocolate chips, almonds, goji berries, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, paçoca, Ninho (milk powder), Oreo, yogurt, peanut butter, almond but-
For more information, visit www.ubatubaaçaí. com/locations
Blossoms Sweet Kitchen
ing and neutering reduces these tendencies.
5. Neutering and spaying is a lot less costly than having and caring for a litter. It also prevents medical treatment from being needed in the event a pet gets into a fight over mating.
6. Although the surgery will reduce some undesirable behaviors, it is not a magic fix for all behavioral problems, including bad habits.
The ASPCA says the traditional age to sterilize dogs is between six and nine months. Healthy puppies as young as eight weeks can undergo a spaying or neutering surgery. For cats, it is generally considered safe for kittens as young as eight weeks old. To avoid the start of urine spraying, neuter or spay a cat before the animal reaches five months of age.
Spaying and neutering is important for animal health and helps to reduce pet overpopulation. (MC)
and seasonal fruits.
There are many additions and substitutes to choose from, including almond butter (which is ground in-house), coconut butter, almond milk, avocado and coconut nectar.
At Blossoms Sweet Kitch en, located at The SCV Hub Food Hall at 23460 Cinema Dr. in Santa Clarita, the Açaíberry Blue bowl is loaded with antioxidants: açaí berries, blueberries, strawberries, banana, house-made coconut cream, gluten-free house-made granola, house-ground peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, flax seeds, coconut, cinnamon, pure maple, pink salt
Also available are adaptogens, which are a class of plants and herbs believed to help the body resist physical, chemical and biological stressors. These include a mushrooms boost for immunity and brain health; amla berry for immunity; ashwagandha, commonly promoted for stress and anxiety reduction; Chaga, which are mushrooms renowned for their potential health benefits due to their high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties; and probiotics, which support immunity and gut health.
For more information, visit www.blossomssweet kitchen.com.
©ADOBE STOCK
The Dangers of Smartphone Usage While Driving
Few likely imagined that a day would come when a person could communicate, browse the internet, take photos and videos, play music, and much more all from a device small enough to store in a pants pocket. But that’s just what one gets with a smartphone. These amazing devices have transformed how people engage in everyday life. Although smartphones have their upside, there are disadvantages to the connectivity they provide — including the threat phones pose when used while behind the wheel.
Anything that causes a driver to take his or her eyes off of the road, even if only for a few seconds, can prove disastrous. And smartphones have proven particularly distracting for drivers. In fact, according to Franciscan Health, one in four accidents occur because a driver was using a cell
phone, hands-free or not. Distracted driving contributed to 3,522 deaths and 362,415 injuries in the United States in 2021, the most recent year for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s published estimates.
More than 20% of respondents in a 2022 NHTSA survey admitted to using at least one smartphone-based distraction, such as social media, texting or video calls, while driving.
Each time a driver gets away with using a phone without incident while behind the wheel, he or she may feel like it is no big deal. However, there is very real danger in doing so. Here are some facts that highlight how dangerous using a smartphone while driving can be.
• The National Safety Council has found drivers using hands-free and handheld cell phones fail to see up to 50% of the information in their
Distracted Driving is Preventable
Distracted driving is a major threat on the roadways. Anything that takes drivers’ attention away from the road can be considered a distraction, and that includes phones, food, passengers, and even vehicle features like a GPS system. However, distracted driving is preventable.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that involve a distracted driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,308 people in 2022.
In addition, data from Transport Canada’s National Collision Database indicates distracted driving contributed to an estimated 22.5 percent of fatal collisions and 25.5% of serious injury collisions in 2021. These distracted driving numbers reflect a growing trend of distracted driving-related incidents. (MC)
• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says using a cell phone while driving increases crash risk, as researchers have consistently linked texting or manipulating a cell phone to increased risk.
When the IIHS monitored drivers who frequently use cell phones while driving for one year, those drivers had the highest rates of near crashes and crashes.
• Using driving simulators or instrumented vehicles, various analyses have found typing or reading text messages significantly slowed reac-
tion time and increased lane deviations. It also increased the length of time drivers looked away from the roadway.
The NSC says drivers using cell phones had reaction times slower than drivers impaired by alcohol at .08 blood alcohol concentration.
• When a person sends a text message or reads a message, it takes his or her eyes off the road for five seconds. Going 55 miles per hour while texting is like driving the length of a football field with one’s eyes closed. Although smartphones are convenient, they should be stored out of reach while driving to limit the temptation of use. (MC)
driving environment. This is known as “inattention blindness.”
PUZZLES
SOLUTIONS
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Unity and Respect Steps Forward in Sport
Congratulations to Jen Pawol on becoming the first female to umpire a major league baseball game! She made her debut in Atlanta in a three-game series between the Braves and Marlins. By all accounts she is off to a successful start. This is indeed a step forward. In time she will almost certainly make some controversial calls, such as we see by her male counterparts on a regular basis. It comes with the territory. It’s going to happen. When it does, let’s hope she is not subjected to more intense criticism than the male umpires.
Another step forward occurred in the WNBA when Caitlin Clark made her pro debut and the league reached a higher profile. Recently there has been an epidemic of sex toys thrown onto the court at WNBA games. These actions are being taken by a few immature, misogynistic individuals for unclear reasons. This is not only disgusting, it is also potentially dangerous to players and fans alike. The WNBA has indicated that the persons responsible will be prosecuted and banned for a minimum of one year.
I suggest this be taken a step further. I would like to enlist the support of all pro sports organizations in the market where this activity occurs. If this should occur at a Los Angeles Sparks game, then the guilty party(ies) should be banned from all pro sports venues in L.A. for one year. This would include the Dodgers, Angels, Rams, Chargers, Lakers, Clippers, etc. This type of activity should not be tolerated and should be met with a united front.
Jack Crawford Saugus
Submit a Letter to the Editor Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.
By David Hegg
Anyone playing with open eyes and an open mind can see Americans are becoming much too comfortable with a culture of conflict. From the halls of government to the studios of media and even families’ living rooms, we have seriously eroded the idea that we are “one nation under God.” One wonders if the American experiment to form “a more perfect union” is facing an unstoppable storm of prideful dogmatism and the devastating animus that inevitably accompanies it.
to turn right and you, in the passenger seat, want to go left, one of us will be gravely disappointed. And if, at the next intersection, I turn to the right despite your exasperated show of disapproval, the friction between us will make traveling together in the future almost impossible. Unity demands agreement on the most critical elements of the situation.
our understanding of all humanity, even our own.
What does this mean? It means my opponent, as wrong as I believe he or she may be, shares my humanity. We are of the same substance, living in the same country, and worthy of a level of respect that must curb our anger and our outbursts.
It isn’t just that our perspectives divide us. In recent years, we have seen a severe erosion in civility. It is not uncommon to hear leaders and followers calling their opponents names that are not only rude but also relatively crude. What was once disallowed in kindergarten has now become a commonly reported issue in the media. It seems vulgar language, once punished with a soap washing of the mouth, has been granted a societal stamp of approval.
In response, occasionally, someone with standing tries to plaster over the cracks of competitive disunity and derision, with an emotional plea to put aside our differences, join hands, and sing some version of “Kumbaya.” But that has never worked, and I’ll tell you why. Unity is only possible when all parties share a common set of values and a mutually agreed-upon purpose.
Maybe an illustration will help: You can’t make an automobile go in two directions at the same time. If I want
So, if unity is grounded on agreement, how can a pluralistic society ever be unified enough to collaborate in search of solutions to immense challenges? How are we, as disparate as America has ever been, to prosper in a changing world if we are expending much of our energy arguing and denigrating our opponents?
The answer, of course, is to understand there is another virtue that can ameliorate disunity: respect. What is lacking in our culture is the respect every human owes to every other human. I mean it! And Dr. Martin Luther King put it very well when he said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
The truth is brothers often disagree and even do so violently. But brotherhood demands that we recognize what we have in common to such an extent that we look past our differences to see we are all human. And, as those created in the image of God himself, every human is worthy of a basic, undeniable, and undiminished level of respect. If we forget this and refuse to recognize that a fellow human is worthy of our respect, we have reduced
It is this kind of respectful, relational interface that does at least two things. First, it is simply an ethical positive. By that I mean, it is right, and wholesome, and genteel, and righteous. Secondly, it reminds the world that Evelyn Beatrice Hall spoke the truth in 1906 when she stated, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Why is this important? Simply because respect is the foundation of collaboration. It is essential if we are to work together, even as those with opposing views, to find solutions to the great obstacles life throws in the path of our mutual “pursuit of happiness.” It may be that ideological unity constitutes a bridge too far at this point in the American experiment. But we can’t give up! The road to improvement for all begins with a resolute commitment to respect all those who are traveling the path with us, despite their views. Perhaps mutual respect can shave the edges off of our rhetoric and allow us to speak and listen honorably in the days ahead.
Given the divisive atmosphere our current practices have created, what do we have to lose?
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
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TO OUR SCV NEIGHBORS
TO OUR SCV NEIGHBORS
There’s simply no other Mercedes-Benz dealer more committed to earning a longterm relationship with you!
There’s simply no other Mercedes-Benz dealer more committed to earning a longterm relationship with you!
We’re head over heels for our communityand we’re ready to prove it every day with can’t be beat “locals only” offers and our exceptional customer service.
We’re head over heels for our communityand we’re ready to prove it every day with can’t be beat “locals only” offers and our exceptional customer service.
THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF VALENCIA TEAM
THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF VALENCIA TEAM
