Helm Vision Group is pleased to introduce laser cataract surgery to the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding communities.
A blade-free procedure, laser cataract surgery is precise and predictable, resulting in an all new level of customized patient care. Our Swiss-engineered Ziemer FEMTO LDV ZS laser applies less energy, decreasing inflammation and enabling a faster healing time, which results in a more gentle experience. The finest care available for your eyes is here at Helm Vision Group. Schedule an appointment with us today to find out more about blade-free cataract surgery and the FEMTO LDV ZS laser system.
Rescuing Four-legged Friends in the SCV
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
Many responsible pet owners are unaware that the United States, including California and the Santa Clarita Valley, is experiencing a severe national pet overpopulation and animal welfare crisis, with many shelters overwhelmed by the number of incoming animals.
Just a few short years ago, when COVID hit, everyone ran out to adopt companion animals to help them cope with the crisis. However, in the years since COVID restrictions have lifted, many pet owners have abandoned, or returned those animals to shelters.
Factors contributing to this crisis include rising inflation, high veterinary and pet care costs, housing pet restrictions and a shortage of affordable spay-neuter services.
Many underfunded, understaffed shelters are unable to keep up with the influx of strays and surrendered pets.
For those who love their pets, but already have as many pets as they can afford, or can legally house, consider helping the no-kill animal rescues that are helping to save the lives of the many abandoned animals in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond.
Ways You Can Help
• Become a foster pet “mom” or “dad.”
• Donations, cash and other goods.
• Donate blankets, pet beds, crates, food bowls, chew toys, dental chews, tennis balls, etc.
• Donate pet food, treats, cat litter, etc.
• Help with vet bills.
• Donate paper plates, paper towels.
• Donate pet medications, flea and tick meds and other veterinary supplies.
• Volunteer your time.
• Donate from Amazon Wish lists.
St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary
Info langefoundation.org/st-bonnies-sanctuary
Since 2010, St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary in Canyon Country has had a mission to rescue animals from high-kill shelters. Since 1993, the Lange Foundation, the parent nonprofit of St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary, has rescued over 20,000 animals from city and county shelters that would have been otherwise euthanized.
St. Bonnie’s Kennel Manager/Adoption Coordinator Lauren Schiro said North Los Angeles County has a large animal overpopulation crisis and help is needed to manage the need for services.
“We want to help animals that have already entered the shelter system and we also work to help prevent animals from being sent into the system,” said Schiro.
The “heart and soul” of St. Bonnies is finding new homes for rescued animals, said Schiro.
Schiro said volunteers and donations are always needed, financial support as well as supplies, including food.
“In today’s world, social media is so important,” she said. “Liking our Facebook stories and sharing them is very important.”
St. Bonnie’s, located at 27567 Oak Spring Canyon Rd., is only open by appointment. You can call (661) 251-5590 or email st.bonnies@gmail.com.
Donations may also be made by mail, phone and in person to Lange Foundation 2106 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025.
Save A Kitty
Info www.saveakittyca.org
Deborah Eskow has been rescuing cats for nearly 30 years. She incorporated as the nonprofit Save A Kitty in the San Fernando Valley in 2004. When her efforts to save cats outgrew her home, she moved to Canyon Country.
Still expanding her rescue, Eskow moved her sanctuary to acreage in the Antelope Valley in 2024.
“We still do much of our rescue work in the Santa Clarita Valley and have fosters in Newhall,” she said. “We just found we could help more cats if we moved to a location with cheaper land.”
The sanctuary is a cage-free refuge for homeless kitties who have nowhere else to go. The mission of Save A Kitty is to take in elderly and abandoned
stray cats and those with special needs.
“It is harder to find homes for older cats,” Eskow said. “My organization is all volunteer and we need funding.”
Eskow is also looking for a volunteer to help expand the nonprofit’s social media presence. If you are interested in adoptions, visit www. adoptapet.com/shelter80748-cats.html.
You can donate online through Zelle at Save A Kitty, Inc 818-825-3096 or through Venmo at Save A Kitty, Inc. Donations can also be mailed to Save A Kitty, Inc., 16654 Soledad Cyn Rd #342, Canyon Country 91387.
D.E.L.T.A. Rescue
Info deltarescue.org
D.E.L.T.A. Rescue is the largest “No Kill, Carefor-Life,” Animal Sanctuary of its kind in the world. Rescuing in the wilderness since 1979. This 115-acre mountain-top ranch is located in Acton and houses more than 1,500 animals, dumped in the wild. The sanctuary is home to 800 cats and 700 dogs.
Founded by actor, producer and animal welfare activist Leo Grillo, Dedication and Everlasting Love
to Animals Rescue, is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1981.
D.E.L.T.A. does not adopt out its rescued animals and instead provides them a safe and loving home for the rest of their lives. D.E.L.T.A. also does not accept animal surrenders from private individuals.
D.E.L.T.A . Rescue has two veterinary hospitals and a full-time veterinary staff on the premises to care for the rescues. Gaylord M. Brown, DVM, of Saugus and a former veterinarian in the Santa Clarita Valley, has served as the chief veterinarian at D.E.L.T.A. Rescue for more than 30 years.
D.E.L.T.A. Rescue relies solely on donations. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit tax-deductible corporation. Tax ID #: 95-3759277. You can donate online at https:// donorbox.org/help-d-e-l-t-a-rescue-s-animals. Visit their website to donate or you can mail a check to D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, P.O. Box 9, Glendale, CA 91209.
Grand-paws Senior Sanctuary
Info grandpawsrescue.org
Grand-Paws mission is to rescue primarily large breed senior dogs who’ve been abandoned. Dogs are
rescued from local high-kill shelters and can live out their lives at Grand-paws Sanctuary or in a foster home where they are happy, safe and loved.
When appropriate, permanent, loving homes adoptive homes are sought.
“People don’t realize the joy you receive from rescuing a senior dog,” reads a statement from Grandpaws.
Donate at the Grand-paws website or visit its Amazon Wish List at www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/2CV5CS43EFR25.
Grand-paws is an all-volunteer nonprofit with 100% of donations going to benefit the dogs in the sanctuary. You can also sponsor a dog with a monthly donation. You can choose a dog you would like your money to help and we will send you a monthly update with a picture of your dog.
Mail a donation to Grand-Paws Senior Sanctuary, P.O. Box 513, Acton, CA 93510. (661) 286-2066. Email: grandpawsrescue@aol.com. Tax ID # 271354219.
St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary in Canyon Country sits on 4.5 acres and has 23 spacious indoor/outdoor dog runs and a large cat room with this fully enclosed cat play area. Besides the cats and dogs, St. Bonnies also rescues horses and ponies. SIGNAL FILE PHOTOS
While Memories are Priceless, Americans are Cutting Travel Costs
About half of Americans (44%) say the memories they make when vacationing are priceless, yet economic pressures are reshaping how they approach travel. New Empower research shows that many plan to cut back on travel spending in 2025, embracing “staycations” and using cost-saving strategies to stay under budget in the face of changing economic market conditions.
One in 5 (20%) say they prioritize travel regardless of what’s going on in the economy, while a quarter (24%) prefer to see travel as an investment in themselves rather than focusing on how much it costs. On average, Americans expect to spend approximately $10,600 on trips and vacations in 2025. Key Takeaways
• Nearly half of Americans (47%) say the increased cost of living, economy (44%), and tariffs (30%) are impacting their 2025 travel plans.
• Around a third (32%) plan to spend less on travel this year than they did last year, compared to 18% who expect to spend more.
• Nearly a third (29%) of people will take staycations or day trips instead of domestic or international travel this year.
• 38% of travelers think staying under budget is very important when vacationing, but only 28% actually set a budget.
• Gen Z is around twice as likely to say they’ll be traveling more in 2025 than other generations (23% compared to 13%).
• Over half of Americans (52%) have used or will use AI to plan or enhance their travel this year, such as getting real-time recommendations for restaurants or attraction suggestions.
Spending Less on Travel
Around 1 in 3 people (32%) expect to spend less on travel this year than they did last year, compared to 18% who expect to spend more. Those cutting back say their travel plans are being impacted by increased costs of living (47%), the overall state of the economy (44%), hotel prices (38%), and even tariffs (30%).
In total, only 15% of people are planning more trips than they did in 2024, and another 12% aren’t
planning to travel at all. Additionally, over a quarter of Americans (27%) say they won’t travel by plane this year in order to save money, despite flight prices being down 8% compared to April 2024.
This doesn’t mean Americans are skipping vacations. Nearly 30% will be taking a staycation instead of booking domestic or international travel. Others (24%) state they’re willing to cut back on expenses to fund their travel plans, while 1 in 5 (20%) say they prioritize travel regardless of what’s going on in the economy.
Cost Saving is Key
When Americans do travel, the majority (82%) make use of cost-saving strategies like picking budget-friendly destinations (45%), opting for free activities and attractions (37%) or staying in less expensive lodging like hostels or shared homes (35%). Others say they’re willing to travel during the off-season (32%) and cook their own meals while vacationing (30%). One in 5 (20%) say they’d flex their trip destination or timing to get cheaper plane fares, and 18% use AI to help them find budget-friendly flights, accommodations, or activities. Overall, 38% of people think staying under budget is very important when traveling, but only 28% set actual limits on how much they can spend.
For Many, Traveling is Worth Any Cost
Despite cutting back on vacation spending this year, many Americans believe travel is important, no matter how expensive. Close to half (44%) say the memories they make while traveling are priceless, while a quarter (24%) prefer to see travel as an
investment in themselves rather than focusing on how much it costs. On average, Americans expect to spend approximately $10,600 on trips and vacations in 2025.
Some Americans (26%) have gone into debt to fund vacations or holiday travel, and others (13%) have dipped into their retirement savings to pay for trips. These approaches aren’t the norm, however, as Americans typically plan to pay for travel in full using personal savings (41%).
Other popular ways of funding travel include credit card rewards and points (25%) and side hustle earnings (20%). A smaller number are willing to create travel savings funds and postpone their trips until next year (15%). Another 13% say they’re holding off on big travel plans until they retire, but nearly twice as many (22%) prioritize traveling now.
Travel Spending Habits
A third of Americans (33%) pay only for their own expenses when they travel. Others cover travel costs for their partners (27%) or multiple family and group members (21%). Only 1 in 10 people primarily travel on someone else’s dime.
Comparing age groups, Gen Z is most likely to have their travel funded by somebody else, but 85% still cover some or all of their trip expenses. Gen Z is also around twice as likely to say they’ll be traveling more in 2025 than other generations (23% compared to 13%).
Some 37% of people say they feel pressured to go outside their budget to travel with friends or attend bachelor or bachelorette trips - and this number is higher for Millennials (52%) and Gen Zers (47%) compared to Gen Xers (36%) and Baby Boomers (9%). Across all age groups, Gen Z (14%) is most likely to admit to taking trips they can’t afford, though Gen X (12%) isn’t far behind.
More Key Findings
Rising costs Americans say high hotel costs (38%), gas prices (34%) and airline fares (33%) are impacting their travel plans this year.
Travel debts Gen Xers (19%) and Millennials (17%) are nearly twice as likely to say they’ve gone into debt to travel than Gen Z (9%) or Baby Boomers (10%). (BPT)
Santa Clarita is known for sunshine, film sets, high school football and family-friendly trails —but ask longtime locals and you’ll hear whispers about another side of our valley: the ghost stories. From forgotten canyons to oil boomtown ruins, Santa Clarita brims with tales of restless spirits and bumps in the night.
Of course, we don’t have to take them too seriously. These stories are as much about history as hauntings, and whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, they’re part of the valley’s personality. So grab your flashlight — and maybe your sense of humor — and let’s take a lighthearted “haunted tour” of some of Santa Clarita’s eeriest landmarks.
Elsmere Canyon
Whispers on the Wind
In daylight, Elsmere Canyon is an inviting stretch of trail where joggers and mountain bikers pass through fields of sage and oak. But longtime hikers swap a different kind of tale — about ghostly figures glimpsed between trees, or the eerie sensation that someone is pacing beside you. More than one hiker insists they’ve heard faint voices carried on the canyon’s winds, like half-finished conversations from another century.
Skeptics suggest strange acoustics or even coyotes yipping in the distance. But anyone who’s lingered just before dusk — and felt the temperature drop when the breeze picks up — might understand why Elsmere inspires so many stories.
St. Francis Dam Site
The Ghosts of Water Past
Few places in California feel as heavy with memory as the St. Francis Dam site. When the dam catastrophically failed in 1928, it sent a wall of water roaring down the canyon, killing more than 400 people in one of the worst man-made disasters in state history.
Visitors who hike to the ruins today find massive slabs of broken concrete, like fossils embedded in earth. Many leave describing an uncanny stillness, punctuated by whispers of rushing water that isn’t there. Some claim they’ve heard children calling, or the sound of livestock in panic — echoes of that disastrous night.
Whether ghostly or not, the site carries history so
Left: Visitors wandering through Mentryville often report sensations of being watched or of hearing boots crossing the wooden porches where no one stands. Children are said to be heard in the schoolhouse. Right: The collapse of the St. Francis Dam on March 12, 1928, is the second deadliest disaster in the history of California. It is said This image is of two hydroelectric generators that were located inside Power House No. 2.
vividly that quiet footsteps and murmurs don’t feel entirely out of place.
Heritage Junction
The Polite Residents of the Past
Tucked inside William S. Hart Park, Heritage Junction keeps pieces of Santa Clarita’s past alive. The preserved train depot, homes, and buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s are beloved by history buffs — but some say they’re also beloved by spirits.
Volunteers and visitors have reported classic haunted-house fare: rocking chairs moving on their own, footsteps creaking upstairs, and a disembodied female voice that doesn’t match the tour guide’s script. Fortunately, the ghosts here seem more interested in historical preservation than fright. In fact, longtime docents often joke that the spirits add “atmosphere” for free.
Sand Canyon Road
The Ride-Along Phantom
Driving Sand Canyon Road at night can feel like entering another world. The twisting route winds through ranch homes and chaparral, where head-
lights sometimes seem swallowed by darkness. Locals whisper about phantom hitchhikers who appear by the roadside, only to vanish before you can stop.
Others describe headlights trailing their car until — without explanation — they disappear. Whether it’s restless pioneer travelers, motorcyclists who never made it home, or optical illusions from hairpin turns, Sand Canyon keeps drivers alert. Even the most practical drivers admit: it has its moments when the night feels a little too quiet.
Edison House Ghosts or Just Static?
The Edison House once helped power Los Angeles, feeding electricity from nearby oil operations. Today, the structure is a relic — partly restored, often empty, and occasionally a backdrop for spooky tales. Ghost enthusiasts who’ve visited report glowing orbs in windows, doors rattling in locked rooms, and low conversations when no one is inside. With its ties to early electricity, skeptics joke that
They’re Back
10/25/25
FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Rolling Out Safety – Santa Clarita’s New Mobile Command Unit
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
Whether it’s Red Flag Warnings, excessive heat alerts or Santa Ana winds, these conditions immediately bring wildfires to mind. Throughout the past decade, we have seen thousands of acres in our community burn due to wildfires, leaving residents keenly aware of how quickly an emergency can unfold. Public safety has always been at the heart of our City’s mission, and as Santa Clarita continues to grow, we remain committed to investing in tools and strategies that help our team and first responders act fast to keep residents safe. This fall, we’ll take another major step forward with the arrival of the City’s new Emergency Mobile Command Unit.
located funding through coordination with Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, the vehicle is designed to replicate the City’s EOC in a mobile format. Inside are seven workstations, a large conference area, advanced radio communications and teleconferencing equipment – everything needed to manage an emergency in real time, right where it’s happening.
During a large-scale emergency, such as a wildfire, flooding, earthquake or critical public safety threat, the City activates an Emergency Operations Center, or EOC. This is the central command room where City staff, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department come together to track conditions, share information and coordinate every aspect of the response. From this hub, they make decisions, direct resources and keep the community informed.
Now, imagine taking that entire command center and putting it on wheels. That’s exactly what the new Mobile Command Unit will do. Funded in part by $1.5 million in state-al-
This unit was a key goal in our fiveyear strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025, and aligns with the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. By bringing the Emergency Operations Center to the heart of a crisis, we can strengthen coordination between agencies and help prioritize the safety of our community. This tool will allow us to bring briefings and operational updates on site, ensuring a faster, more efficient response.
The benefits of this vehicle don’t stop at emergency situations. The Mobile Command Unit will also serve as an engagement tool. During community events, residents will be able to step inside, learn about emergency preparedness and see firsthand how the City is planning ahead to protect Santa Clarita.
Be sure to follow the City’s social media accounts or visit SantaClarita. gov to see the new Mobile Command Unit in action.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
Fall Health ‘To-Dos’ for Older Adults
For older adults, fall is an important time to focus on health and wellness.
According to Ryan Kocher, who leads Medicare growth for HealthSpring, the new brand for Health Care Service Corporation’s Medicare business, formerly owned by the Cigna Group, the following three tasks are essential for seniors to complete as cool weather sets in.
Get a Flu Shot
An influenza vaccine can help prevent serious illness due to flu. As immune defense diminishes with age, older adults are increasingly susceptible to flu complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of higher dose flu vaccines for people 65 years and older. This fall, in advance of flu season, visit your healthcare provider or pharmacist to get the right vaccine for you. This is also a good time to catch up on any other immunizations that your provider recommends.
Review Medicare Coverage
Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and others who qualify. Many Medicare beneficiaries choose or change their plans during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which takes place between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. HealthSpring is offering a host of Medicare options for 2026. The company provides these tips for selecting a plan:
Check for plan changes Review your plan every AEP, especially if you’ve experienced changes to your health, lifestyle or finances. It’s especially important to read your Annual Notice of Change letter – delivered every Sep-
tember – to find out about any modifications to your current plan.
Dig into the details A good plan is one that includes your favorite providers and specialists and covers the medications you currently take. When reviewing plans, take these factors into consideration.
Consider
all your
options Medicare
Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare does, so do your research to see if these plans will work for you.
Learn more Before enrolling in a particular plan, be sure you understand the details. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Or, visit the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. For local assistance, refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program website at www.shiptacenter.org. You can also visit individual Medicare plans’ websites for more information. For example, HealthSpring’s website is www. healthspring.com.
Use Your Health Care Benefits
Annual enrollment also serves as a good reminder to take advantage of all your Medicare benefits. Preventive care and a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your independence and vitality as you age. Tap into what your plan offers so you can actively engage in your health and well-being. By checking a few important items off your to-do list during autumn, you can ensure you’re well-positioned for a healthy winter and 2026. (SPT)
COMMUNITY INSPIRED
Exploring where and how we live and celebrating the people and fabric of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Home Sweet Home
The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood
By Tony Rizzo
Please indulge me while I remember the Robert Redford, who left us on Sept. 16 at 89 and was also someone I knew. I met a drop-dead gorgeous, young Robert in 1960 (I was 14), when he had a small role in a Julie Harris play on Broadway. I met and took pictures of him a year later when he had a bigger role in the play “Sunday in New York.”
come a major movie star,” I foretold. He laughed, “I’ve been to Hollywood. I did a ‘Twilight Zone’ episode and a movie with Alec Guinness and Mike “Mannix” Connors. And nobody cared!”
Sunday-Thursday, October 12-16, 2025
Two short years later, he was starring on Broadway in “Barefoot in the Park” with Elizabeth Ashley. One Saturday, as I shot photos of him, he asked, “Why do you take so many photos of me?”
“You’re going to Hollywood to be-
When he shot the film “Barefoot in the Park” with Jane Fonda in Central Park, Robert pulled me from behind the barricades and allowed me to shoot him with Jane in an open carriage. He explained to her, “He says I’m going to be a big movie star,” to which Jane proclaimed, “Well, he should know!”
In 1976, at a press conference for “All the President’s Men,” Robert tapped me on the shoulder as I was leaving and said, “Tony, I want to shake your hand. You were the first
person to ever say I was going to be a movie star!” Every time I saw him after this, he treated me like a special friend and corresponded with me on Facebook.
His creation of Sundance and its film festival have done more for the film industry than any other entity. There will never be another like him again!
Are you ready for yet another man-eating, giant, deadly “Anaconda”? The first “Anaconda” film in 1997 starred Jennifer Lopez, Jon Voight, Owen Wilson, Eric Stoltz and Ice Cube. It cost $45 million and grossed $136.8 million despite tepid reviews. This new “Anaconda” is billed as an action-comedy/thriller film. And why not? It stars Jack Black (didn’t
Top Movies
Oct. 6, 2025
1. One Battle After Another (R) Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn
2. Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie (G) Laila Lockhart Kraner, Kristen Wiig
3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie - Infinity Castle (R) Zach Aguilar, Ryan Bartley
he wrestle with “King Kong”?) and a former People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” Paul Rudd. Steve Zahn and Thandiwe Newton co-star. What’s more is that they’ll unwrap it in theaters on Christmas Day!
Ares” follows a h ghly soph st cated Program, Ares, who is sent from the d gita wor d nto the real wor d on a dangerous miss on mark ng humankind’s first encounter with A I be ngs
The stor y o egendar y m xed mar tia ar ts & UFC fighter Mark Kerr
ELEANOR THE GREAT C Sun: 10:15 AM June Squ bb brings to ife the troub esome 94-year- old Eleanor Morgenste n who after a devastat ng loss te ls a tale that takes on a dangerous ife of ts own
ONE BAT TLE AFTER ANOTHER E 1:30 7 10
Washed-up revo ut onar y Bob exists in a state of stoned paranoia sur v ving off-grid w th h s sp rited self-re iant daughter, Wi la
DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GR AND FINALE B 1:10 7 10
As the beloved cast of characters nav gates how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, they must embrace change and welcome a new chapter AN OFFICER AND A SPY Sun: 10:10 AM
The
4. The Conjuring: Last Rites (R) Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga
5. The Strangers: Chapter 2 (R) Madelaine Petsch, Gabriel Basso
If actor/director Ben Stiller’s negotiations with Barbra Streisand are successful (she’s holding out for more money), she will appear in the third sequel to “Meet the Parents” (2000). It’s called “Focker-In-Law” and also stars Stiller, Robert De Niro, Ariana Grande, Blythe Danner and Owen Wilson. It’ll hit theaters in November 2026.
Robert Redford (1936-2025) Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Fresh, Flavorful Ways to Win Your Tailgate Gathering
It’s time to tailgate. Load up your favorite yard games, put on your team’s colors and pack the cooler with drinks and game day foods to get in the spirit.
For some, the real action takes place before kickoff, whether you’re in the parking lot or watching from the comfort of home with fellow diehard fans. To be the star of your next tailgate or homegate, make sure you’ve got fuel for the party with convenient dips that perform at an MVP level.
This Bloody Mary Dip combines a pair of game day favorites — the taste of a morning libation with a savory snack — to calm nerves before the players take the field. It’s made and served with Dandy Celery from Duda Farm Fresh Foods, which boasts a legacy of quality, innovation and consistency in celery cultivation since 1926. Its produce is crispier, sweeter and less stringy, redefining the veggie that’s a perfect teammate for tailgate dips.
Or you can stick with a classic in this Skinny 7-Layer Dip, which layers familiar flavors like garbanzo beans, avocado and shredded cheese but pairs them with nonfat Greek yogurt in place of full-fat sour cream to create a better-for-you game day bite.
To find more ways to tackle tailgating menus, visit dudafresh.com.
Bloody Mary Dip
Prep time 5 minutes
Servings 8
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons pimento olives, chopped
2 tablespoons onions, chopped
2 tablespoons bacon, chopped
1/4 cup chopped Dandy Celery, plus additional whole sticks for serving, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic olives, for garnish tomatoes, for garnish crackers, for serving
In large bowl, combine cream cheese, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, pimento olives, onions, bacon, 1/4 cup chopped celery, salt,
Skinny 7-Layer Dip
pepper and garlic.
Mix well. Transfer to serving dish.
Garnish with skewered olives and tomatoes. Serve with celery and crackers to dip.
Skinny 7-Layer Dip
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 ounces each) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 teaspoons hot sauce
6-8 tablespoons water
2 ripe avocados
1 lime, juice only
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup Dandy Celery, minced
1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/3 cup onion, minced
1 1/2 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt, plus additional for garnish, divided
2 medium tomatoes, diced
2 packages Dandy Radish MiniSticks
2 cups low-fat cheddar cheese
1 cup sliced black olives
10 cilantro leaves
In skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and garlic until softened and lightly browned.
Add garbanzo beans and hot sauce. Cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Scrape contents of pan into food processor, add 6 tablespoons water and process until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons water as necessary to get
puree to spreadable consistency.
Transfer bean mixture to bowl to cool before assembling dip.
Cut avocados in half and remove pits. Scoop out flesh and cut into 1-inch chunks.
In food processor, process avocado chunks, lime juice and salt until mostly smooth. Set aside until ready to assemble.
In small bowl, mix celery, cilantro, onion and 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt.
To assemble: Using spoon or plastic bag with tip removed for piping, distribute garbanzo bean mixture evenly among 10 small containers.
Add layer of avocado puree in same manner.
Sprinkle layer of diced tomatoes over avocado puree in each container. Add layer of radish sticks.
Distribute Greek yogurt mixture evenly over cups.
Divide cheese over cups then layer black olives. Garnish with dollop of Greek yogurt and cilantro leaf. (Family Features)
Bloody Mary Dip
FINANCE
New Study: Americans Have $500 in Emergency Savings
The median emergency savings for Americans is $500, according to new Empower research. The size of the safety net varies by generation, with Boomers saving a median of $2,000 — five times that of Gen Z’s reserves of $400. One-third of Americans (32%) don’t have an emergency savings fund and 29% say they can’t afford an unexpected expense over $400.
Half of Americans admit they’re stressed about their current level of emergency savings and recognize the importance of a safety net. Some 75% of Americans agree emergency savings are essential for financial security and 64% say it’s a financial priority for them.
Emergency Savings are Top of Mind
The majority of Americans (64%) say growing their emergency savings is a financial priority right now — even if they’re still finding their financial footing. So where do things stand?
The median emergency savings balance for Americans:
Overall $500
Gen Z $400
Millennials $300
Gen X $500
Boomers $2,000
A third do not believe they could handle unexpected expenses that could arise in the year ahead. Close to 1 in 5 Americans say their savings would cover less than a month of expenses (18%).
The majority (63%) say the rising cost of living has made it harder to build or maintain emergency savings, and 35% say the economy and tariffs have caused them to increase their contributions. More than half (58%) say saving for emergencies feels “almost impossible” with how expensive everything is right now.
In the past year, many have faced unplanned financial events including:
Car repairs 26%
Medical bills 24%
Home 19%
Job loss or income reduction 14%
Pet emergency 11%
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans say emergency savings are a financial priority for them in 2025. Some 17% contribute to their fund monthly as
part of their budget, and 31% say they’ve added to their savings in the past month.
Stress Meets Strategy
Most take a “better safe than sorry” approach to emergency savings and want to put away as much as possible (39%), with half (52%) wishing they had started saving sooner. Close to 1 in 5 are more modest, saving up “just enough to sleep at night” (17%), while 13% are opportunity cost conscious — they balance emergency savings with other investments.
But the study reveals awareness and momentum: Nearly half (48%) believe their emergency savings will grow over the next year:
20% add to their fund sporadically when they have extra money
12% have set up automatic monthly contributions
What gets in the way?
Nearly a quarter (23%) say they maintain the same emergency savings approach regardless of economic conditions, though Americans cite several common roadblocks to saving for a rainy day:
39% say inflation and rising prices are the top barrier
35% point to high monthly expenses
32% say their income is too low or irregular
22% prioritize paying off debt first
Close to half (46%) say their emergency savings account has less money compared to a year ago and more than 2 in 5 (42%) say their savings wouldn’t help them if they lost their job today. Some 40% say
they can count on their family to help if something goes wrong financially.
Where do Americans keep their safety nets?
Around 37% of Americans store their emergency saving fund in a regular savings account. A quarter use a checking account (23%). Nearly 1 in 5 keep emergency cash at home (19%) — a figure that rises to 27% among Gen Z.
Only 16% have set a specific goal of saving six months of expenses. But the lack of a precise number isn’t stopping people from trying. In fact, 41% don’t have a target at all — but they’re putting away money as they go.
Generational check-in
Gen Z 25% say they don’t have emergency savings yet, but a notable 33% have worked with a financial professional to help them get started.
Millennials Nearly 3 in 10 have consulted an advisor about emergency savings, and they’re increasingly focused on building long-term security. Gen X The most likely generation to say they couldn’t afford an unexpected $400 expense (35%).
Boomers Feel they could handle an emergency expense over $10,000.
A Roadmap for Resilience
When asked what would make the biggest difference in their ability to save more, respondents pointed to:
Higher income 48%
Lower monthly expenses 37%
Lower inflation or more stable prices 36%
Ability to pay off debt first 27%
Better tools and smarter automation 9%
Safety Net Snapshot
Americans are expecting the unexpected, and many are seeking advice: More than 1 in 4 people (26%) have worked with a financial professional to plan for emergencies, including 33% of Gen Zers and 29% of Millennials.
Empower’s “The Safety Net” study is based on online survey responses from 2,202 Americans ages 18+ fielded by a third-party panel provider from June 3-5, 2025. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults. (BPT)
Could Your Fatigue and Breathing Symptoms Be EGPA
An estimated 5,000 people in the United States are living with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA), a rare form of vasculitis that causes inflammation or swelling in the small and medium blood vessels. While it can cause damage to organs throughout the body, it most often affects the lungs.
The American Lung Association’s new EGPA Educational Campaign, provided with support from AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, strives to educate people living with EGPA, and their families and caregivers about this serious, but treatable disease. Here’s what they want you to know:
Symptoms are Varied
EGPA can manifest differently based on what organs are affected. However, nearly everyone living with EGPA will experience these signs and symptoms:
• Feeling frequently ill and tired
• Loss of appetite, resulting in weight loss
• Fever
• Asthma and/or sinus polyps
• A higher-than-normal level of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell
Patients may also experience shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, rashes, muscle and joint pain, nasal discharge, facial pain, abdominal pain or bloody stools, numbness or loss of strength, tingling in hands and fee, and kidney disease.
Persistence, Patience are Key to Diagnosis.
Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical to optimally managing and minimizing symptoms. But getting the right diagnosis may take years, and involve a clinical exam, blood tests
to check your white blood count, a urinalysis, a chest X-ray or CT scan, and a biopsy. Those who have been through the process say it can be frustrating, and that persistence is needed to get proper care.
“My first EGPA symptoms included severe adult-onset asthma, congestion due to nasal and sinus polyps, arm pain due to neuropathy, and urticaria — a condition that causes hives. Despite being a physician myself and asking repeatedly if I had EGPA, I didn’t receive the right diagnosis and treatment for 2.5 years. Eventually I paid out of pocket to see an EGPA expert and enrolled in an EGPA clinical trial. After various medication adjustments, I am now 10 years out from diagnosis, and have had no active symptoms for five years,” says Dr. Anne Tournay, an EGPA patient.
Treatment can Help
There is no cure, but treatment can reduce symptoms, decrease the risk of organ damage, and improve your quality of life. Because EGPA can affect multiple organs, you may need to work with more than one healthcare provider.
They’ll review your disease severity, the organs involved, current medications, and other health conditions.
Medications may be prescribed, such as anti-inflammatories, which help reduce swelling in the body, immunosuppressants, which can lower your immune system’s activity, and biologics, which target inflammation caused by eosinophils.
Lifestyle Changes
Good health practices, like keeping vaccinations up to date, eating a well-balanced diet, staying active and getting adequate sleep can help you feel your best. It is also important to quit smoking, to avoid secondhand smoke and to protect yourself from fumes, dust and chemicals. Other strategies include tracking any new, worsening or changing EGPA side effects or symptoms, managing your asthma and seeing your healthcare
provider regularly. Support is available: EGPA is rare, but you’re not alone. Get your questions answered and find support:
• Contact the Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA, where you can talk to trained lung health professionals and receive a free health journal.
• Living with Lung Disease Support Community and Living with Asthma Support Community, which provide anonymous 24/7 peer-to-peer support on Inspire.com.
• The Patient & Caregiver Network, which provides free, direct access to education and support. To learn more about EGPA, visit Lung.org/EGPA. (SPT)
GARDENING
Lettuce,
“FFall is for Planting
spinach, arugula, mache, chard, Broccoli raab, kale, peas, radishes, carrots, beets, turnips, cilantro, Asian greens, leeks, calendulas, violas, and more!
all is for Planting” banners begin to sprout up in nursery sales yards when gardens are still wearing their summer colors. The intent is to encourage shoppers to buy and plant trees and shrubs, but vegetable and flower growers should take action as well. Start seeds in late summer to take advantage of the balmy days, cool nights and warm soils of fall. To read about the Top Ten Fall Varieties to grow from seed, visit www.ezfromseed. org.
Think Ahead
Imagine weeks, or even months of harvesting tender baby greens, sweet carrots, salad turnips and edible-podded peas. Even in northern climates it is possible to grow fresh vegetables through late fall.
Begin by checking seed packets for “days to maturity.” Add 14 days to the number on the packet and subtract the sum from your average first frost date. This is your seed starting date. In the case of a spinach variety that matures in 40 days, for example, plan to sow seed 54 days (about 8 weeks) before the frost date.
Contrary to common fears, your garden will not come to a screeching halt with the first frost, but will carry on for weeks afterwards. Broccoli, kale, parsley, spinach, arugula and turnips are just a few of the vegetables that continue to produce well into fall. Some, particularly root vegetables, respond to frosty nights by becoming even sweeter!
Help Seeds Germinate
In early spring, cold soil often delays germination. In summer the problem is the opposite: hot soil can prevent certain seeds, particularly lettuce and spinach, from sprouting at all. Fortunately, there are easy workarounds:
• Start seeds indoors, or in containers placed in the shade and transplant young seedlings into the garden.
• Sow seeds in the shade of taller plants such as corn or tomatoes to provide protection from the afternoon sun.
• Do what the Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends: Moisten the ground and lay down a bale of straw. A week later, the soil under the bale will be cooler by about 10°F.
Extend the Harvest
Compared to protecting tender greens from the
blazing summer sun, getting your fall garden to soldier on through cold is a simple matter. A basic cold frame constructed with straw bales and old windows can shelter salad greens through early winter even in northern regions. Cool weather crops such as spinach, chard, Asian greens, kale, collards, broccoli raab and Brussels sprouts need no protection at all to last until the first hard frost. In cold winter areas, cover carrots, beets and parsnips with a layer of mulch and harvest until the ground freezes. In regions where frosts are rare, fresh greens and sweet root vegetables can be enjoyed all winter long.
Experiment
If you’ve missed the date for late summer sowing, don’t despair. Some fall-sown seeds will germinate in fall and then go dormant. Others, depending on the vagaries of the weather, may germinate in late winter.
Either way, the result can be a very early crop of succulent spring greens! Spinach and mache (also called corn salad) are excellent choices for fall sowing; cover young plants with straw when cold weather sets in and they will come back to life in early spring. Other good candidates are arugula, beets, lettuce and scallions
The EZfromSEED website shows you everything you need to know about growing plants from seed. It’s brought to you by the Home Garden Seed Association, an international group of seed producers and seed packet companies committed to supporting home gardening success, specifically though the use of seeds. (Home Garden Seed Association)
Bring Fall Colors to Your Home and Garden
Fall is a time of bold color, cozy gatherings and charming curb appeal. With the right plants and creative touches, it’s easy to transform your porch, patio or garden for the season.
For 30 years, Wave® has brought easy-care blooms in eye-catching shades to gardens across North America, from its signature petunias to its beloved pansies.
As the brand celebrates its anniversary year, Wave® Pansies continue to be a fall favorite, offering long-lasting displays while also doubling as a unique garnish for seasonal entertaining.
Porch to Patio: Fall displays
Nothing says autumn like a porch dressed in pumpkins, planters and colorful flowers. A container filled with mums, kale, tall grasses and Wave® Pansies is an easy DIY project that instantly brings the season to life.
Bold shades like yellows, purples and oranges add festive energy to porch décor, and the brand-new Top Wave™ Orange — the only trailing orange pansy — spills beautifully from baskets, window boxes and patio pots. For a softer, more transitional feel, Top Wave™ Pink Shades bridges the seasons with blossoms that range from light pink to blush and hot pink.
Choosing the right container makes all the difference — a rustic barrel pairs beautifully with brick exteriors, while sleek galvanized metal complements modern homes.
Larger pots create more impact and help plants hold moisture longer, while a collection of smaller planters can add charm with variety. Complete the arrangement with gourds, lanterns or copper details for an inviting fall finish.
Layered Style for Lasting Impact
Creating a show-stopping autumn display isn’t just about the plants themselves, but how you combine them. Think in terms of color, texture and flow to give your space a designer’s touch.
Color harmony Play with contrast, like jewel tones against neutrals, or go timeless with a burgundy-and-gold palette, as seen in Cool Wave® Sunshine ‘N Wine.
Texture Mix smooth petals with foliage that adds shape and structure, from leafy greens to trailing vines.
Design flow Extend your color and texture choices from porch planters into surrounding beds or borders so the whole space feels connected. These thoughtful design choices help even the simplest containers look polished and on-trend for the season. Blooms that Brave the Frost
Cooler weather doesn’t mean the end of garden color. Wave® Pansies
are built for the season — spreading quickly, filling baskets and beds, and surviving reliably through frost. They’ll last well into winter and often return in early spring, blooming alongside other seasonal bulbs. New this year, Top Wave™ Purple Sunburst makes a striking addition to fall plantings, with its deep blue cap and golden “face.” The dramatic contrast feels like football season in bloom and brings instant cheer to porches and gardens alike. Thanks to Top Wave’s hardiness and trailing habit, they keep outdoor spaces fresh and full long after other flowers have faded.
A Feast for the Eyes
Beyond the garden, Wave® Pansies can make entertaining unforgettable. Their delicate petals are edible and add a colorful flourish to seasonal menus. Toss a handful into a fresh salad for a surprising pop of color, decorate cakes and cupcakes with blooms that turn dessert into a centerpiece, or float them in cocktails for a festive garnish.
The blue-and-cream blooms of Top Wave™ Marina bring sophistication to sweet treats, while the bold hues of Top Wave™ Orange add a playful Halloween accent to party platters and drinks. Using flowers as garnishes elevates everyday dishes, making fall gatherings even more memorable.
This autumn, celebrate the 30th anniversary of Wave® decorating with pansies that bring long-lasting beauty, resilience and joy to your home. Find more inspiration at WaveGardening. com. (BPT)
Don’t Let Your Pets Fall Under a Spooky Spell
With Halloween approaching, households across the country are planning costumes, stocking up on candy and decking their homes with cobwebs, ghosts and Jack-o’-lanterns. While the holiday is fun for kids and adults, it can bring real risks for pets. From constant doorbell rings to tempting chocolate stashes, October 31 can turn into a real scare for dogs and cats.
To help make Halloween safe and stress-free for pet owners, Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and take the country no-kill, is sharing tips to keep furry friends protected this spooky season:
Beware of Door Dashers Trick-or-treat traffic can frighten pets and send them bolting for the door. To avoid accidental escapes, keep dogs and cats in a
HAUNTED HISTORY
Continued from page 7
these “hauntings” are just leftover static and buzzing wires. But it’s precisely those creaks, hums and flickers that make the Edison House such a draw for late-night visitors brave enough to stand in the dark and listen.
Canyon Country’s Movie Theater
Who’s
Laughing After Hours?
Darkened auditoriums are tailor-made for goosebumps, and Canyon Country’s longtime movie theater (formerly Canyon Regional Cinemas) has played its part in keeping customers guessing.
quiet, secure room during peak trick or treat hours. If your pet does get out, a Fi smart GPS collar can help bring them home safely.
Candy Catastrophe Popular Halloween sweets like chocolate, raisins, and xylitol (a common artificial
echoes and projectors cooling off, the stories have a way of sticking — and of adding an extra dimension when you’re watching a thriller in Row 7.
The Wash
Ghost Stories Beneath the Sidewalks
sweetener) are all toxic to pets. Keep the candy cauldron out of reach and serve up pet-safe treats like pumpkin or sweet potato.
Pumpkin Precautions Lit pumpkins may help set the mood, but a curious paw can turn them into a fire hazard, go with a flameless candle for a safe spooky glow instead.
Costume Caution A too-tight or dangly costume can be a real nightmare. If your pet isn’t a fan of dress up, opt for a festive bandana or collar instead.
No tricks, just the sweetest treat Adopt a pet in need. According to Best Friends’ data, if just 6% of people adding a pet to their home chose to adopt instead of purchase a pet from a pet store or breeder, the country could become no-kill. Now that’s a magic spell worth casting!
To find adoptable pets near you, or learn more about how you can help, visit bestfriends.org.
Over the decades, employees have whispered about shadows darting across the screens after closing, seats lowering as if someone had slipped in to watch, and phantom laughter echoing through empty halls. While it may be nothing more than
Running across Santa Clarita like a hidden artery, the wash is mostly known for its bike trails, flood control channels, and graffiti murals. But older residents point to it as a place that feels — different — after dark. Figures have been spotted along its concrete banks, often darting just out of sight. Some sound like coyotes or transients, others like something inexplicable. Considering the wash cuts across land layered with ranches, oil fields, and homesteads long since erased, it’s not hard to imagine it holding more than just rainwater when storms roll in.
Mentryville
Oil Town That Time (and Maybe Spirits) Forgot
Perhaps the crown jewel of San-
ta Clarita hauntings is Mentryville, California’s first successful oil town. Established in the 1870s, it bustled with drilling rigs, a schoolhouse and clapboard houses for the families who lived and worked there. Today, the ghost town remains preserved as a historic park. Visitors wandering through its silent streets often report sensations of being watched, or of hearing boots crossing the wooden porches where no one stands.
Some photographers claim that strange shapes — or even full figures — appear in their snapshots, only to vanish when they check again. Whether you see it as history preserved in wood and nail or the restless energy of laborers long gone, Mentryville practically hums with the passage of time. It’s less a haunted house and more a haunted town, waiting at the canyon’s mouth.
Haunted or Historic? Maybe Both.
These stories — whether tales of phantom miners, hitchhiking ghosts, or whispering canyons — aren’t just about fear. They’re about the way the Santa Clarita Valley remembers its past. Every strange sound, every flicker of light, can be explained away with science or shrugged off as imagination. But ghost stories endure because they remind us that history lingers.
And if nothing else, they make for excellent conversation. Neighbors share them at barbecues, kids whisper them at sleepovers, and tour guides use them to spark curiosity about local landmarks.
So the next time you lace up for a canyon hike, drive Sand Canyon at night or settle into a late showing at the movies — keep your ears open. You might not believe in ghosts, but in Santa Clarita, the past is always nearby, sometimes closer than you think.
Tech Support Scams Exploit Your Reliance on the Experts
Ever received an unexpected alert by text or email claiming there is a problem with your computer that the sender needs your help to fix? That could very well have been a tech support scam.
The scammer impersonates an expert that may have more technical knowledge than you and pretends there is a problem with your system or device that you can’t see.
They want your personal information, passwords and access to your systems, and the easiest way to get it is to ask you for it. These things give scammers the keys to install programs that steal personal and financial information saved on your computer or phone and do tremendous damage.
Tech support scams can be delivered in a variety of ways. Sometimes they cause a pop-up on your screen that looks like a legitimate message from your software provider. Sometimes they create lookalike websites or web ads that list fraudulent phone numbers. If you call, the scammer will ask for personal information and in some cases, payment for services needed to “fix” the problem.
No matter how the scammer approaches you or what story they tell, the aim is to cause you to panic that something is broken or compromised and may lead to loss of access to your valuable records, photos, etc. This is especially upsetting to those who may be less tech-savvy, especially when scammers
Care able to convincingly impersonate trusted brands. There are ways to protect yourself, your information and your devices, though.
Zero-Trust Approach
The most important thing to remember is not to panic! Scammers want you to react out of fear and respond without thinking. Pause, breathe and take time to verify. Contact trusted brands through their official websites and exercise a zero-trust approach, particularly when someone unknown contacts you with unsolicited advice.
Tech companies will not call you directly and
omputers are vital for work or school but, they can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a basic model to upwards of $3,000 for a top-of-the-line machine. Either way, purchasing a computer involves a considerable sum of money and buyers may wonder just how far that money will go in terms of the computer’s longevity.
According to the technology resource Nerds on Site¨, the average life of a computer falls between three to eight years, and varies depending on the type of the computer and how it is being used. A desktop computer tends to last around five years, while laptops have shorter lifespans because of the batteries needed to keep them running, damage that can occur when transporting the devices and heat buildup from inefficient cooling. Despite the relatively short lifespan of modern computers, users who emphasize proper care and maintenance can likely add years to the life expectancies of their devices. (MC)
won’t ask you to call them. They also won’t ask for your passwords, one-time passcodes or remote access to your computer. Other red flags to watch for include:
• Someone claiming to want to help applying undue pressure, claiming time sensitivity
• Demands for payment – particularly in an irretrievable form (cryptocurrency, gold, cash, wire transfer, gift card, money order, etc.)
• Requests for your personal information, passwords or account numbers
• Calls from phone numbers that are legitimate but unexpected, unknown, private or a phone number that can’t be found on the company’s website Actions you can take to protect yourself from this type of scam include:
• Restarting your computer if a pop-up appears and freezes your screen.
• Keeping your systems and antivirus up to date and running scans regularly.
• Not clicking links if you receive a message or alert and instead, typing in the official website address and making contact to verify whether there was a legitimate request.
• Disconnecting and independently locating a customer service number for the brand in question, then calling to verify the IT support contact was legitimate.
• Blocking unknown numbers and email addresses.
• Never giving anyone your password or verification code, and making sure passwords are not the same for multiple places.
If you are scammed, it’s critical to take immediate action to minimize the damage the fraudsters can do. Contact your bank, financial services providers and credit bureaus to alert them and institute a freeze. And file a report with the Finance Trade Corporation.
To learn more about scam prevention, consult PNC Bank’s Security and Privacy Center (pnc.com). Tech support scams can be expensive. Be extra cautious when someone claims to be IT support. (SPT)
Yes, Mr. Jack Teoli (letters, Aug. 27), we Californians indeed live in a state where we are “free” to vote on a measure to take congressional redistricting away from an independent, multi-partisan commission and hand it over to a Democratic Legislature that has a supermajority.
And you’re grateful for that — that and Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo?
You’re not just “a bit biased”, as you claim. No, you’re very, VERY biased. People like you want to take our “free” state and turn it as blue as a corpse.
Yes, “free” to turn California in a Democratic dictatorship. Oh, I’m sorry, it already is a Democratic dictatorship, so what the heck more do you want?
Perhaps you want to get rid of Republicans altogether. Wouldn’t THAT be a dream come true — a veritable Utopia?
Honestly, I hope that happens, because if it goes south, Democrats won’t be able to blame it on Republicans. Oh, I hope that happens!
Mr. Teoli, you’ve just given me something to pray for. God bless you, man. God bless you!
Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita
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ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Away with Auditors
By David Hegg
Every year, our church employs an outside auditing firm to scrutinize our financial practices. We do so because we intend to handle the charitable donations of our church family in a way that is above reproach. Our auditors perform a crucial service when their team arrives, takes over our conference room, and reviews all our records, looking for mistakes and discrepancies. That’s what auditors do. They look for transgressions, fraud, lack of proper oversight, and anything else not up to GAAP … generally accepted accounting principles.
Auditors also have very thin skin. They are easily offended by almost everything. Their bitterness makes them emotionally sunburned, and any time one of their pet peeves gets touched or tormented, they can’t help themselves. They become monumentally offended and make sure everyone knows about it, even though the offense can usually be traced back to their selfishly narrow perspective on the issue.
In business, auditors are essential and highly valued. They point out areas where risk is hiding just around the corner, so we can prevent it from causing real problems.
But when it comes to regular human interaction, those who constantly point out what they find objectionable make the world miserable for the rest of us. You know who you are! You self-identify as everyone’s auditor, always ready to point out how we have failed to live up to your opinion of what is right and best. And all the while you fail to realize just how hard you are to live with, and how petty your criticism makes you look.
We’ve all had extensive experience with this kind of auditor, as they infiltrate every group. You have auditors in the office who ensure that everyone is aware when something is done incorrectly. We have them in the church, in the schools, and on the athletic fields. We have them in our families, our clubs, and our neighborhoods. And, apparently, our political parties recruit them by the dozens from what I’ve seen.
So, what makes an auditor stop being a nice, courteous, and friendly person and become their own attack dog? Here’s what I think.
Most auditors believe life has dealt them a raw deal. They feel they should have achieved more success, garnered more power and been granted more respect. Somewhere, in every auditor’s life, they genuinely believe they have been cheated, held back, or passed over. As a result, they are out to prove to everyone they know that they know more and are better than people think. And so, they go on the offensive, offering strong opinions on everything, critiquing everyone and making sure their voice is heard everywhere.
In business, auditors play a crucial role, bringing a necessary level of accountability to vital areas of commerce. And the same can be said for those who properly hold us accountable in our relationships and friendships. However, to do so, relational “auditors” must first consider how to protect or restore courtesy and civility rather than create resentment. Constructive criticism must actually be constructive, both in its message and the manner in which it is offered. Functional correction must come with respect, humility, and a desire to strengthen rather than tear down; it requires understanding fully before unleashing condemnation.
We all need auditors who care about us enough to tell us where our lives are leaking. But, if you’re like me, you’ve no time for those who treat their friends and leaders as punching bags to gain a misguided sense of superiority. Most often, their outrage stems not from an actual transgression but from their own bitterness and jealousy.
Truthfully, none of us should act the part of an outraged auditor. When you see big problems in a life you care about, arm yourself with humility, respect and care. Get all the facts before launching the conversation with “help me understand …” Then listen, be kind and strive to help in a way that is understood and appreciated.
Last of all, when you see little things, little unintended offenses, flush them away before they tempt you to act poorly. Learn to forgive and forget, and by doing so, forge a stronger friendship. After all, we were meant to live in relationship, and those who insist on auditing the rest of us out of their own bitterness will never come to know how good life can be.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
