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MARCH 6, 2022

The 94th Anniversary of the St. Francis Dam Disaster Page 6 Your News, Entertainment & Lifestyle Source

TEACHERS SHARE TIPS LEARNED FROM THE PANDEMIC

THE PATH TO HEALTHY AGING

IT’S FRUIT TREE TIME

M A R C H 6, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES 4 4 Educators Share Tips from their Pandemic Experience 5 What To Do if You Need to Evacuate The Average Shelf Life of Foods 6 94 Years Ago: The St. Francis Dam Disaster FROM THE CITY MANAGER 8 8 The City’s Bulky Item Pick-Up Program SENIOR LIVING 9 9 The Path to Healthy Aging ENTERTAINMENT 10 10 ‘Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber’ gets 3 Stars FOOD 11 11 Roast Lamb and Asparagus GARDENING 13 13 Jane Gates: It’s Fruit Tree Time HOME 14 14 Three Popular Home Interior Styles HEALTH 15 15 Avoiding Computer Eye Strain Receding Vision After 40 PETS 16 16 Protecting Your Pest from Pests KIDS & FAMILY 17 21 Tomato Pie: A Taste of Summer Junior Whirl PUZZLES 18 OPINION 19 David Hegg SPORTS

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M A R C H 6, 2022

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N E W S F E AT U R E

Local Educators Share Tips From Their Pandemic Experience By Jim Walker Signal Staff Writer

hat do you wish you knew before the pandemic began? Joanna White, director of special education with the William S. Hart Union High School District, and Amy Gaines, special education program specialist with the district, recently had separate articles on just that topic published in T-CARE, the newsletter of the California State University Northridge Center for Teaching and Learning. The CTL is the research, collaboration and professional development arm of the College of Education, and T-CARE, which stands for Teachers Connecting to Advance Retention and Empowerment, is a national peer-reviewed education publication. All the articles in the Fall 2021 T-CARE came under the umbrella theme of “What I Wish I Knew” (as in before the pandemic began), and White and Gaines shared their hard-won knowledge from an experience that was tough on students, educators and support personnel, while those in the field of special education faced some unexpectedly unique challenges.

Learning From the Challenges

Previous to her current position, White’s career included being a general education teacher with the L.A. Unified School District, a special education teacher with Saugus Union School District, a program specialist with the Hart district, and supervisor of individualized education program compliance with the Hart district. This gives her a unique perspective, distilled from wide experience in the education system. The title of White’s article was “Learning from the Challenges,” and describes those pandemic challenges, all while “living in the eye of the hurricane,” from the initial, expected to be temporary, shutdown of everyday, in-person activity at the district on March 13, 2020, to “building the plane while we were flying it,” to rejoining “one another … 18 months later.” “Heading into such unknown territory, we were so naive about it. We didn’t know it would rock our world,” White said. The article takes you on a journey, and her summary paragraph offers this: “What I am sure of is that it requires a level of humility that I don’t know that I would have uncovered had I not been challenged in the way that March 13, 2020, challenged me. And, for that, I am changed, and grateful.” White said her motivation for writing the article was to express an appreciation for her colleagues’

Amy Gaines

Joanna White

Working during the pandemic was like “building the plane while we were flying it. … Heading into such unknown territory, we were so naive about it. We didn’t know it would rock our world.” — Joanna White “It was a frightening time, but once we got into a rhythm, elements of it were beautiful.” — Amy Gaines dedication, flexibility and ingenuity. “Educators are all used to pivoting, but this was way beyond that.” She added that it was inspiring “to watch colleagues and individuals transform their practices in such novel ways.”

Self-Forgiveness and Grace

Gaines has more than 20 years of classroom teaching experience, primarily with students with exceptional needs. She has taught in remote regions of Japan, with LAUSD, at CSUN and now with the Hart district. She recently co-authored two book chapters — a supplemental chapter on distance learning in “What Really Works with Exceptional Learners,” and a chapter on collaboration in “The Practical Guide to High-Leverage Practices in Special Education” (slated for publication in 2022). Gaines’ article title was “Practice Relentless

Self-Forgiveness & Extend Grace to Those Around You.” She said her motivation for writing it was to validate the feelings that she and many of her colleagues were experiencing, while sharing some of the strategies that helped her maintain her equilibrium throughout the pandemic. The article offers a bullet-point roadmap to success in such trying times, including being good to yourself. “I agonize that I am not doing enough. Having friends and colleagues around to remind me that I need to extend the same grace to myself that I give to others has been key to my own balance and happiness.” Other points include prioritizing partnerships, utilizing support providers, keeping things simple and focused, staying involved … and setting boundaries throughout distance learning. The “boundaries between work and home are permanently blurred … (and) show deliberation by sharing your boundaries with your families. This also helps model for students a moderately improved work/life balance.” Gaines’ article comes to this conclusion: “Ultimately, we are educators, not wizards or oracles. What we know to be true, good and timeless in education continues to be true, good and timeless – even during a crisis. What I wish I knew in March 2020 was that we already know what to do.”

Appreciation and Compassion

“We offer our respect and admiration to all of our colleagues – teachers, service providers, school psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavioral support, and our incredibly valuable mental health providers, all of whom are delivering trauma informed care to students throughout this valley on a daily basis,” White said. “We were one of the first school districts in the county to get back up and running after the shutdown — in less than a week.” Gaines agreed, and added, “It was a frightening time, but once we got into a rhythm, elements of it were beautiful. We learned so much about our capacity for connection, resilience and creativity, and saw clearly how student learning really is predicated upon the strong relationships we build with our kids every day.” You can view an electronic copy of the fall 2021 issue of T-CARE at bit.ly/3LYZyhB. 

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What To Do if You’re Forced To Evacuate

N E W S F E AT U R E

atural disasters and extreme weather pose a significant threat. No one is invulnerable to such events, and even if the idea of evacuating your home seems unlikely, preparing for evacuation can ensure calmer heads prevail in the case of adverse situations like natural disasters. Ready.gov is a public service campaign that was established in February 2003 to help people prepare for, respond to and mitigate various types of emergencies, including natural disasters. The campaign notes that many types of emergencies can necessitate evacuation, and offers the following tips to individuals who have been told evacuation is their best option.

Download the FEMA App

The FEMA app is an invaluable resource for individuals facing evacuation. The app, which is available for download through the Google Play store as well as the Apple App Store, provides a host of important information, including a list of open shelters for individuals living in areas where officials are urging residents to evacuate.

Follow Local Evacuation Instructions

Everyone has seen images of individuals stranded in areas that have been overtaken by flooding or destroyed by storms like hurricanes and tornados. Staying in place when evacuation orders have been issued puts your own life at risk as well as the lives of those who may attempt to help you, such as public safety officials. Many local public safety organizations will not send workers to help stranded citizens if the conditions pose a threat to the workers, which underscores how important it is that individuals evacuate when orders are issued.

Secure Your Home

Prior to evacuating, secure your home by locking doors and windows and unplugging electrical equipment like radios, televisions and small appliances. Pay attention to evacuation order details, which may advise residents to shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving their homes.

Stay in Touch

Do your best to stay in touch with friends and family once you have evacuated your home. Let others know where you are going and inform them once you have arrived at your destination. In the days prior to evacuating, forward a copy of your

evacuation plan to family members in other regions but also those who live locally so they can follow suit if need be. It is also recommended that you have an out-ofstate contact that has all of your family phone numbers. If you are separated, each family member can call the out-of-state contact who will keep everyone updated. Few people want to imagine evacuating their homes. Such a scenario can be frightening, but it’s considerably less daunting when individuals know what to do and where to go during the evacuation. (MC) 

The Average Shelf Life of Various Nonperishable Foods Use within six months: • Powdered milk (boxed) • Dried fruit • Dry, crisp crackers

any nonperishable foods can be stored for quite a while. But even the most resilient items should be used or replaced after a certain period of time. FEMA suggests the following timeline for emergency preparedness food stores.

• Vitamins

May be stored indefinitely under proper conditions: • Wheat

• Potatoes

• Vegetable oils

Use within one year, or before the date indicated on the label:

• Dried corn • Baking powder

• Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups

• Instant coffee, tea and cocoa

• Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables

• Salt

• Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals

• Noncarbonated soft drinks

• Peanut butter

• Dry pasta

• Jelly • Hard candy and canned nuts

• White rice • Powdered milk (nitrogen-packed cans) (MC) 

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M A RI G CH 6,L2022 S U N D AYS NA · 6

N E W S F E AT U R E

The 94th Anniversary of the St. Francis Dam Disaster By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

n March 12 it will be 94 years since the night in 1928 when, at 30 seconds past 11:57 p.m., the mighty St. Francis Dam shuddered, fractured, then collapsed. A 120-foot-high deadly wall of water from a 4-mile-long reservoir behind the dam roared down the narrow confines of San Francisquito Canyon scouring the landscape of everything in its path. The water, which also caused destruction as it passed through Fillmore and Santa Paula, was still 15 feet deep when it reached the Pacific Ocean, 54 miles away near Ventura at approximately 5:30 a.m. Entire families, homes, barns, cars, trucks, herds of animals, trees, rocks, soil … all were swept away as the estimated 12.4-billion-gallon reservoir, built to satisfy the increasing water needs of a thirsty city of Los Angeles, emptied in little more than an hour. The death toll, listed as somewhere between 400 and 500, but most likely higher, made the event one of the worst American civil engineering disasters of the 20th century and remains the second-greatest loss of life in California’s history, after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. The owner of the dam, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, did its best to try to

SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

erase the event from the history of the Santa Clarita Valley. It dynamited the remaining rubble and quickly paid claims to victims. Yet, the stories of the survivors, and of the dead, live on in several well-documented books, as well as “Forgotten Tragedy: The Story of the St. Francis Dam,” a documentary widely seen on Amazon Prime Video before being removed.

National Memorial and Monument

After years of neglect, the site of the St. Francis Dam is now a National Memorial and Monument. The legislation to give national recognition to the disaster was championed by SCV residents Alan Pollack, M.D., president of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society, and Dianne Hellrigel, executive director of the Santa Clarita Community Hiking Club and Historical Society board member. In 2012 Pollack attended a medical conference in Pennsylvania. During his visit, he spent time at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, the site of the largest-ever U.S. dam disaster, which killed more than 2,000. Pollack returned home and read “The Johnstown Flood” by David McCullough and made note of the parallels between the two disasters. “Each of these events had their own intrigues and their heroes, different, but the end result was the same, a massive loss of lives and property,” said Pollack. “I thought, we have the two biggest dam disasters in American history, the stories are very parallel, but there was a major difference.” According to Pollack, the difference was the Johnstown site, which had been declared by Congress a National Memorial in 1963, had a visitor’s center, a memorial and a museum. “When you go to our site, there is nothing but the ruins,” he said. Pollack started putting out feelers about a national memorial for the St. Francis site. He soon joined forces with Hellrigel. At first, Hellrigel was hesitant to take up the cause. “My background is in legislation and at the time he contacted me I thought, ‘I’ve got seven legislations that I’m working on right now.’ I didn’t think I

would have the time,” she said.

Family Connections

As Hellrigel pondered taking on the national memorial legislation for the St. Francis she realized she had a family connection to the disaster. “I remembered the story my mother told me about visiting the dam two days before it failed,” she said. Hellrigel’s family, who lived in Burbank, took a day trip out to visit the dam so her grandfather, an avid fisherman, could see about fishing in the reservoir. “My grandmother and grandfather took my mother and her two siblings out to the dam,” she said. “My grandpa wanted to fish out there in the worst way. He bugged Tony Harnischfeger, the dam keeper, to take him out in his little boat. At the end of the day Tony promised my grandfather he would take him out fishing in a couple of weeks.” As they drove though rural San Francisquito Canyon, Hellrigel’s mother, age 6 at the time, became enamored of the little schoolhouse she saw with horses standing around and children playing. “Two days later the school was gone, the children were dead,” said Hellrigel. “When I was about age 6 my mother started telling me about the dam and took me out to the ruins. Honestly, at the time I was more interested in chasing lizards.” Hellrigel said she heard her family talk often about the St. Francis over the dinner table and in everyday conversation. “My grandmother always said, ‘It was such a beautiful dam, how could it have failed, it was just gorgeous.’ My grandpa reminisced about all the fish he could have caught in the reservoir,” Hellrigel said. A few days after speaking with Pollack about the national memorial, Hellrigel realized she needed to make it a priority. “It hit me, this was a huge thing for my family,” she said. “They talked about it their entire lives. I thought, ‘I have to do this,’ and it became my No. 1 priority.” After years of frustration and legislation passed in the House of Representatives, but never to see

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N E W S F E AT U R E

Left: This image was taken March 9, 1928, by E.B. (Al) Louden. Walking the parapet are William Mulholland, Harvey Van Norman and Tony Harnischfeger. It is one of the last photos taken before the dam collapsed. Right: One of the first photographs taken after the St. Francis Dam collapsed on March 12. SIGNAL FILE PHOTOS

the light of day in the Senate, the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act was signed into law, by coincidence on the 91st anniversary of the dam’s failure, March 12, 2019. The act, which designated more than 1.3 million acres of wilderness area and expanded several national parks, also authorized the establishment of the St. Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial and established the St. Francis Dam Disaster National Monument.

Foundation Formed

The St. Francis Dam National Memorial Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, with the goal of raising funds to support the United States Forest Service in building and maintaining the St. Francis Dam Disaster National Memorial and Monument, including the construction of a visitor’s center and memorial wall with the names of all the known victims. The 353 acres of the National Memorial and Monument are administered by the U.S. Forest Service within the Angeles National Forest. No federal money was attached to the bill authorizing the national recognition, so it will be up to the foundation to raise funds for infrastructure improvements and to protect the site. Pollack is the president of the foundation and Hellrigel is vice president and executive director. Fundraising is now ongoing to finance the construction of a visitor’s center and other improvements. To donate or volunteer, visit stfrancisdammemorial. org.

Abbreviated Timeline March 12, 1928, 11:57:30 p.m. The St. Francis Dam collapses, beginning with a landslide of the water-saturated eastern abutment and exacerbated by the hydraulic uplift phenomenon of the inadequately constructed base of the dam. March 12, 1928, 11:58 p.m. Tony Harnischfeger

and his family are most likely among the first casualties caught in the flood wave, which is about 140 feet high when it hits their cottage, approximately one-quarter mile downstream from the dam. March 13, 1928, 12:03 a.m. Five minutes after the collapse, having traveled 1-1/2 miles at an average speed of 18 mph, the now-120-foot-high flood wave destroys the heavy concrete Powerhouse No. 2 — leaving only two turbines — and claims the lives of 64 of the 67 workmen and their family members who lived nearby. March 13, 1928, 12:05 - 1 a.m. San Francisquito Canyon is ravaged. Six members of the Ruiz family are killed in the flood. March 13, 1928, 1 a.m. The deluge, now 55 feet high, continues, generally following the westward course of the river. It hits and demolishes Edison’s Saugus substation, leaving the entire Santa Clara River Valley and parts of Ventura and Oxnard without power. At least four miles of the state’s main north-south highway (now Interstate 5) are under water, and a short distance away, near the present-day Magic Mountain amusement park, the flood is washing away the town at Castaic Junction.

In 2001, the Santa Clarita Historical Society provided a few images to Frank Black as cover art for their CD-single of his song “St. Francis Dam disaster.” To listen to the song, visit www. SignalSCV.com/Sunday

March 13, 1928, 1:30 a.m. Telephone operators Louise Gipe in Santa Paula and Reicel Jones in Saticoy bravely stay at their posts and begin systematically calling residents in low-lying areas, urging them to flee to higher ground. March 13, 1928, 2:30 a.m. The phone rings at the Mulholland residence. As he lurches for the phone, he repeated the mantra over and over: “Please, God, don’t let people be killed. Please, God, don’t let people be killed.” March 13, 1928, 5:30am Having devastated much of Santa Paula and heavily damaging the towns of Fillmore and Bardsdale, the floodwaters empty into the Pacific Ocean near Ventura at Montalvo, washing victims and debris out to sea. It had taken 5 hours and 27 minutes to travel 54 miles from the

dam site to the ocean. As it reaches the coast, the flood is nearly two miles wide, traveling at 6 mph. Bodies of victims would be recovered from the Pacific Ocean, some as far south as the Mexican border, while others are never found. Timeline courtesy Santa Clarita Historical Society. 

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M A R C H 6, 2022

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Take Advantage of the City’s Bulky Item Pick-Up Program By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager

eing a resident of Santa Clarita has its perks. In addition to the new Canyon Country Community Center and The Cube — Ice and Entertainment Center, the City also offers a diverse list of amenities that enrich, entertain and add to our resident’s quality of life. These perks extend to other City services, including those provided by our trash haulers. Did you know that as a resident of the City of Santa Clarita, you are entitled to four free bulky item pick-ups every year? Bulky items are those that are too large to fit into a regular garbage bin or cart. This includes items like furniture, appliances and large electronics. Each of these pick-ups allows you to dispose of up to three bulky

items per request. Residents can get started by providing notice to their waste hauler, either Waste Management or Burrtec Waste, at least two days prior to their regular trash collection day. While most items are accepted, items like hazardous waste, construction and demolition debris or other items that are too large to be safely handled by two people, cannot be accepted. However, I encourage you to take advantage of our Household Hazardous Waste Collection events where items like paint, pool chemicals, medication and beauty products are accepted. These events take place in Santa Clarita a few times each year. If you are a Waste Management customer looking for a quicker solution, Waste Management also offers the option to drop off bulky items at their facility located at 25772 Springbrook Avenue. Items will be accepted free of charge Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This program is only open to residents who have an active trash account with Waste Management and you must be prepared to present proof of residence. Residents who live in multi-family properties like apartments or condos must contact their property manager to arrange for a bulky item pick-up in their complex. Our City has a reputation for being a clean, picturesque community, and our bulky item program is just one of the many ways we work to keep Santa Clarita green. It’s up to each of us to be mindful about how we dispose of our waste and to avoid dumping,

which is illegal and can harm our local environment. I encourage you to take the next step toward living a greener life and take advantage of this valuable program that stands to benefit not just your household but also our pristine open space areas and neighborhoods. For more information about the City’s bulky item pick-up and dropoff services, please visit GreenSantaClarita.com. There you can find a rich library of environmental resources and information about upcoming events like the Neighborhood Cleanup and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, both on April 9, or the exciting Bike to Work Challenge during May. By working together, we can keep Santa Clarita the clean and green community we all are proud to call home.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal. 

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M A R C H 6, 2022

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SENIORLIVING

Steps to Keep You on the Path To Healthy Aging

s you age, your health needs change. Staying on top of senior wellness activities is important, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Creating a list of health and wellness to-do’s can help you stay organized, so you look and feel your best. “Aging well is living well and it all starts with a combination of activities that can improve our mental and physical well-being,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, chief executive officer of Determined Health and a physician specializing in geriatric medicine. “Although health and wellness may seem to get increasingly complicated with age, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. A few simple — and fun — steps can keep us on the healthy aging path. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing health, seniors can live their best life.” Kaiser shares a simple senior-health checklist to help keep you or a loved one focused on wellness: Annual physical Everyone’s health is different. Even if you see specialists for certain conditions, it’s typically recommended to get an annual physical with your primary physician. This is an opportunity for important health screenings that may include tests to evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density and more. It’s also a good time for you to ask any questions and discuss concerns. Vaccinations Staying current on recommended vaccinations can help you stay healthy and limit the spread of disease. Cold and flu season has arrived, so now is the time to ask your doctor about getting an influenza vaccine if you haven’t already. The risk of severe illness from COVID also increases with age. COVID vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated. Physical activity All seniors eligible for Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement or group retiree plan may be eligible to join SilverSneakers at no additional cost and have access to live and on-demand virtual work-

outs, including nearly 2,000 activities and classes per week in a variety of lengths and formats. Social connection Maintaining friendships and connecting with others is an important component to supporting physical, mental and emotional wellness. Set up coffee with friends. Join community groups. Check out social engagement opportunities through programs that feature working out with a group of peers to build friendships and community. Mental health Although prioritizing mental health is now more widely accepted, it still can be a challenge for older adults to admit they need help. Talk with your doctor about how you feel and mental health concerns you may have. There are many ways to help with a variety of mental health concerns, including mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety, seeing a therapist and medication. Mental enrichment Cognitive decline can occur as you age, so it’s important to be proactive to help support brain health through mental stimulation. Read books. Join a weekly game group. Check out GetSetUp, new for SilverSneakers members in participating health plans. This program provides an online learning platform designed for seniors with a wide range of live video classes — over 2,000 hours per week on more than 1,800 topics — to support mental enrichment. Nutrition What you eat fuels your body and mind, so it’s important to pack your pantry and refrigerator with wholesome foods. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. Then explore recipes you can try to experience new flavors and keep mealtime exciting. If you need help or have strict dietary concerns, consider working with a nutritionist for additional guidance. Doesn’t it feel good to check a few things off your list? For more ideas on how seniors can stay active and connected, visit SilverSneakers.com. (BPT) 

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M A R C H 6, 2022

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

‘Super Pumped’ is a Fictionized, Stylized Version of the Uber Story

ficial anthology, which was created by Brian Koppelman and David Levien (partners on “Rounders” and “Bil‘Super Pumped: The Battle lions”) and is based on the nonficFor Uber’ tion book of the same name by Mike (out of four) Isaac. With Gordon-Levitt careenOn Showtime, with future episodes ing about like a possessed version of airing on subsequent Sundays. the Energizer Bunny, outlasting and out-jerking everyone in his path, and n the closing moments of “The marvelous supporting performancSocial Network,” Jesse Eisenes from Kyle Chandler, Uma Thurberg’s Mark Zuckerberg tells man, Kerry Bishe and Hank Azaria, Rashida Jones’ Marylin Delpy this is a fictionalized and greatly stylhe’s not a bad guy, and before Marylin ized version of the Uber story, told in exits the room, she says, quite kindly: the same vein as the aforementioned “You’re not an ass----, Mark. You’re “The Social Network” and films such atres • Santa Clarita adsource@exhibitorads.com just trying so hard Signal to be.” PHOTO CREDIT IMDB as “The Big Short,” “The Wolf of Wall In the Showtime limited series “Sup. 888.737.2812 f. 203.438.1206 5.9” Street” and “I, Tonya.” We know a lot per Pumped: The Battle for Uber,” Jo- er, greed, insecurities, ambition and of this stuff is heightened reality, but 2022 date: Sunday-Thursday, seph Gordon-Levitt’s TravisMarch Kalanick 6-10, cutthroat ruthlessness, and he wants the foundation is based on fact, and doesn’t have to try March to be an1, ass----, to see those traits in his employ- this is one wild ride(share). delivery date: Tuesday, 2022 at 12:43:22 PMsame CASCS_LEM0306-0310.qxp because that’s how he wakes up every ees, even asking them, “Are you an “Super Pumped” kicks off in the morning, and that’s how he conducts ass----?” when they interview for a early 2010s, before most of us had himself all day, and he couldn’t hide it position with Uber. heard of Uber, with Gordon-Levitt’s if he tried — and he’s not interested in Echoes of “The Social Network” re- Travis pitching Chandler’s Bill Gurley, trying. Travis is proud of the fact he’s verberate throughout this slick, cool, a top investor with the venture capa toxic human cocktail of brainpowdarkly funny albeit somewhat superital firm Benchmark. Gurley agrees to pump millions into Uber, despite his reservations about Travis’ hubris. From this point forward, Gurley will TM be the wise, paternal figure counseling caution and fair play, and while he’s often frustrated and at times outraged by Travis’ ethically dubious 22500 Lyons Ave. info Line 310.478.3836 machinations, he’s got his “unicorn” and he knows Uber is going to be a global phenomenon. THE BATMAN C 1:40 3:00 6:00 7:00 With jazzy graphics punctuating When a killer targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective certain plot points, the characters on an investigation into the underworld. dropping pop-culture references evNAPOLEON: IN THE NAME OF ART Mon: 7:30 PM; Tue: erywhere and Quentin Tarantino pro1:00 PM viding the occasional voice-over narHost Jeremy Irons brings audiences on a tour for a look at Napoleon’s imperial iconography and architectural style and to reflect on the relationship between power and art. ration, “Super Pumped” moves at a breezy pace (I’ve seen five of the 10 CYRANO C 1:10 4:10 7:15 Cyrano de Bergerac dazzles with his wit and swordplay, but feels his physical limitations render him unworthy of love of his friend episodes) and follows a steady pattern Roxanne - who falls for the handsome Christian, wooing her with Cyrano’s won words. in each episode: Travis steamrolls STUDIO 666 E 7:00 PM through business meetings, convenFoo Fighters move into an Encino mansion steeped in grisly rock and roll history to record their 10th album. tions, one-on-ones, company brainDOG C 1:30 4:30 7:20 storming sessions and life in generDOG is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a al in his trademark scorched-Earth lifetime. fashion, moving forward like a shark UNCHARTED C 1:20 4:20 7:20 and never taking responsibility for Treasure hunter Nick Drake, a descendent of explorer Sir Francis Drake, learns the whereabouts of El Dorado, the fabled South American golden city. the consequences of his actions, while Bill does his best to make sure Uber DEATH ON THE NILE C Sun: 1:00 4:00 7:10; Mon: 1:00 is operating within the framework of 4:00; Tue: 4:00 7:10; Wed & Thu: 1:00 4:00 7:10 the law and the boundaries of decent Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. behavior. THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD E 1:00 4:00 Good luck with that, Bill. A modern dramedy about the quest for love and meaning in contemporary Oslo. When Lyft emerges as a threat to the FOR 3/6/20223/10/2022 ONLY WWW.LAEMMLE.COM burgeoning Uber empire, Travis grows By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

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ever more callous and careless, brushing off legitimate concerns about labor practices, rampant sexual harassment and misogyny within his company and the use of an internal program called Greyball to identify and deny service to certain individuals. Even when Uber’s app is flagged for allegedly hiding unethical tracking features and Apple threatens to permanently ban the app, effectively ending the company, Travis is brash and only superficially apologetic in a meeting with Tim Cook (Azaria), who is clearly repelled by nearly everything Travis says. (Cook retains his cool, but after Travis name-drops Steve Jobs, Cook tells Travis that Jobs wouldn’t like him. On other occasions, Travis is told that while he’s a formidable tech “founder,” he’ll never be in the same league as Zuckerberg or Jeff Bezos. This, of course, drives Travis nuts.) Elisabeth Shue, who is only 17 years older than Gordon-Levitt and doesn’t look like she’d be Travis’ mother, is nevertheless solid as Bonnie Kalanick, who tries to remind her son to be a good person because she KNOWS he can be a good person. Thurman twirls her accent like verbal spaghetti and has great fun playing the wily and sophisticated Arianna Huffington, who becomes Travis’ friend and adviser, while Bishe as Austin Geidt and Eva Victor as Susan Fowler are outstanding as two gifted and hardworking employees at Uber who are horrified by the rampant sexual harassment and stunned when Uber, i.e., Travis, brushes off their complaints as the cost of doing business. Uber’s growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. A little more than a decade ago, the idea of jumping into a stranger’s car because they have a sticker on the windshield and they signed up for an app — or allowing a stranger to jump into YOUR car — would have seemed far-fetched, a bit ludicrous and dangerous. Now, “I’ll get us an Uber” is part of the daily vernacular. It’s been a remarkable ascension, but as “Super Pumped” so adroitly lays out, the road has been filled with some horrific potholes, many of them created by Travis Kalanick. 

M A R C H 6, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

What Better than Roast Lamb and Asparagus for Dinner

By Laura Rege Signal Contributing Writer

oasting a lamb shoulder is just as easy, if not easier, than roasting a chicken. Seriously, all you need to do is rub your roast with a mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil and throw it in the oven for an hour or so. Bonus points if you roast the meat on top of a bed of potatoes. (And why wouldn’t you?) Why are we using twine? What’s the best way to do it? Tying a roast might sound difficult. It’s not. Your goal is to get the lamb shoulder to be a uniform shape and size (as much as possible, at least) so that it cooks evenly. Start by holding the lamb shoulder with the short end closest to you. Wrap the twine around the entire piece once lengthwise, then twist the twine 90 degrees so it is now running perpendicular to the length of twine you just wrapped. Continue wrapping the twine around the lamb, working your way down the length of the lamb and keeping the twine perpendicular to that first length of twine that you wrapped. When you reach the bottom, tie it off and cut away the excess twine. If you’re having trouble visualizing, check out the picture to the right — but don’t worry if you can’t get your twine to look exactly like that. As long as your roast is held together in a relatively neat bundle of even thickness, you’ll be just fine. What other herbs can I use on this lamb? We love the garlic-rosemary-thyme combination. But if you want to mix it up, you could also try chopped oregano, mint or basil. You could even throw some spices in, such as some chili flakes or ground coriander. Do I have to let the lamb rest before I serve it? Yes. The resting time makes a HUGE difference in how juicy and delicious your lamb is. Why? Well, when the lamb is cooking, all the juices inside the meat start to flow. When you take the lamb out of the oven, you need to give those juices a chance to

settle. If you cut into the roast too early, those juices will flow out onto your cutting board, leaving you with a dry hunk of meat. Unless you like dry meat. What can I serve with the lamb? Well, since you’ve already got your meat and carbs covered, all you really need is some veggies. Try some roasted asparagus or these delicious honey-glazed carrots. Yields 4 - 6 SERVINGS Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 (2-lb.) boneless lamb shoulder roast, tied with butcher’s twine 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp. freshly chopped rosemary 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 lb. baby potatoes, halved if large

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 450º and place oven rack in lower third of oven. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, rosemary, thyme, and 1 tablespoon oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Rub all over lamb. In a 9”-x-13” baking dish, toss potatoes with remaining oil and season with more salt and pepper. Place lamb on top of potatoes and roast until internal temperature reaches 145º, about 1 hour. Let rest 15 minutes, remove twine, then slice roast and serve. (Delish) 

Oven-Roasted Asparagus By Lindsay Funston Signal Contributing Writer

here are many ways you can cook asparagus, but roasting is our absolute favorite. When the stalks darken and crisp, they’re not burning, they’re developing more flavor. And for thicker stalks, roasting makes a perfectly tender interior that seriously can’t be beat. Here’s to cooking perfect asparagus every time. Trim the woody ends. The bottom of asparagus spears are super tough

and nearly impossible to bite through, even when cooked. Cut them off, or peel off the thick green outer layer using a vegetable peeler! Season generously. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper or else your asparagus can turn out very bland. Roast in a single layer. If you overcrowd the pan, you risk steaming the asparagus, which would prohibit char. Char is good! Looking to amp up the flavor? A sprinkle of parm or a squeeze of lemon juice never hurts! Got leftovers? Throw it in some creamy bacon ri-

sotto, lemony pasta, or cheesy skillet quiche.

INGREDIENTS

2 lb. asparagus, stalks trimmed 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400º. On a large baking sheet, toss asparagus with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast until tender and slightly charred, 25 minutes. (Delish) 

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M A R C H 6, 2022

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Stay the Night — The Motels

n 1971, a young Martha Davis joined The Warfield Foxes, a band from Berkeley California. In 1975 they moved to Los Angeles and changed the band name to The Motels. The new name was inspired on the way to the band’s first show at Barney’s Beanery. Guitarist Dean Chamberlain noted the motor inns as they drove down Santa Monica Boulevard and suggested “What about The Motels?” The Motels scored big with hits including “Only

the Lonely,” “Suddenly Last Summer,” “Total Control, “Mission of Mercy, “Shame” and “Danger” netting two gold albums. MTV videos did not kill this radio star with lead singer and songwriter Martha Davis winning Best Performance in a Music Video at the American Music Awards for her performance in the “Only the Lonely” video. The new lineup includes guitarist Clint Walsh, drummer Eric Gardner, bassist Nic Johns and as of 2011, original member Marty Jourard. With an 80’s

revival now in full swing, The Motels are back on the road pleasing their legions of fans. Opening set by Crooked Eye Tommy You can see The Motels live at The Canyon Santa Clarita on March 26. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster, over the phone at (888) 6455006, and in person at the Canyon Santa Clarita box office. For more information, visit www.wheremusic meetsthesoul.com. 

M A R C H 6, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

GARDENING

Use the Cool Weather to Clear, Clean and Prune By Jane Gates Signal Staff Writer

lthough we are prone to occasional frosty nights in the winter months, this time of the year can offer some of the most productive and comfortable conditions to work outdoors. There are few insects to bother you and the sun is milder, so you are less likely to have skin damage or overheat while doing strenuous work.

General tips

Do keep in mind that the soil structure is also impacted by rain. Avoid working wet soil since it will compact and the helpful air pockets between particles will be compressed. Gooey mud-prints tracked indoors are not much appreciated, either. The clay soil that is dominant in most of Santa Clarita is particularly sticky. Use the cool weather to clear, clean and prune. Chop trimmings small for composting. But expect the speed of composting to slow down or even stop when the thermometer falls under 55 degrees F. Wear layers so you can stay comfortable as your body heats up or cools down depending on how much effort you are expending. In our area air temperatures can heat up and cool down in minutes when the sun shines or ducks under a cloud. It is easier to have your clothes in layers than to keep stopping your work to go change.

Wear gloves

Hands become chapped and damaged even easier in cool temperatures. Factor in the abrasion of work and occasional garden cuts and scratches and you’ll save a lot of discomfort with little effort by wearing gardening gloves. Use cold, windy or rainy days to garden inside. Look through books for garden ideas. Surf paper and internet catalogs for the most recently introduced items or to find old favorites.

Focus on fruit trees

We’re coming to the last chance for major pruning of woody shrubs and trees. We are at the beginning of March. Most of these plants will already be sprouting into active growth — meaning they can be more easily damaged with active sap flowing. If you are planting new trees, do it soon before they start to bud out. Fruit and nut tree varieties should be selected for your micro-climate. They all have different needs. Equally, fungal infections and insect pests have favorite areas and favorite host trees. For example, in warmer coastal parts of Los Angeles, citrus trees fall easy prey to scale, whitefly and mealybug. In others areas, black rot can eat into the limbs of stone fruit trees (plum, apricot, nectarine, etc.). Fire blight can turn branches of fruiting and or-

Fruit trees are as decorative in bloom as any ornamental flowering tree, but they offer delicious fruit, too! PHOTOS BY JANE GATES / THE SIGNAL

namental pears black just about everywhere. And leaf-rollers and aphids can attack a whole assortment of fruit trees in warm winter climates where they are not killed off by frosts. Our area is now vulnerable to all of these since the climate has changed and our temperatures in winter are mostly 5 to 8 degrees warmer at night than they used to be a little over a decade ago. The warming has allowed many of these pests to overwinter and start infesting more and more fruit trees. Just as you have a lot of choices with tree cultivars, you also have a wide range of tree protecting winter sprays. There are plenty of commercial products for sale, but I prefer to use the organic or old fashioned remedies that are less toxic and work as well — if not better. The best sprays to use in the winter are the dormant oil sprays, usually lime-sulfur or copper-sulfate. These sprays will help suffocate over-wintering insects and discourage fungal infections. Try to spray trees as soon as you can after leaf drop and, ideally, spray every three to four weeks until the flower buds swell. Sprays can harm pollinating insects, so avoid any treatments while trees are in bloom. Do not use lime in any form on apricot trees — especially after they bud up — since they are lime sensitive. For more sensitive and evergreen fruit trees growing in the milder regions, try using a lighter fine oil spray made for leaf contact. Most of these treatments are

all-natural and organically acceptable. It is best to spray when winds are not blowing. Coat the whole tree from branch tips to base. Some fruit or nut trees can also be sprayed after bud drop. Do a little research into the needs of your specific kind of fruit tree(s). Always read all spray labels and follow directions carefully. Weather and timing are critical for fruit spraying to be most effective. Proper winter spraying of fruit trees can make the difference between beautiful, fruitful trees and struggling, nonproductive trees. Sometimes these treatments can even save a tree’s life. So, now is a good time to work in the garden. And, it’s an important month to tend to fruit and nut trees. Many of these trees are highly decorative in spring when blooming and in autumn when leaves can color up. They come in a convenient range of sizes from small shade trees to little miniatures, — some can even be clipped to cover walls as an espalier. Not only are they colorful, versatile and adaptable to our weather conditions, but they offer fresh, healthy edibles. For more information about gardening in the Santa Clarita Valley, visit Jane Gates on YouTube at https://youtube.com/user/Janieg8s. 

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M A R C H 6, 2022

HOME

Key Components of Three Popular Home Interior Styles

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onsiderable thought goes into designing a home’s interior. From which color to paint the walls to the size of the living room couch, homeowners must make a variety of decisions when planing their home interiors. One way to simplify interior design decisions is to choose a style. Interior design styles run the gamut from traditional to modern, and each style has its own unique look and feel. Though homeowners need not feel beholden to any particular item associated with a given style, three of the more popular styles — traditional, modern and farmhouse — each have certain key components that can ensure a home ends up with a look homeowners are aiming for.

Traditional

Homes with a traditional interior style give a formal yet welcoming feel. Many individuals associate crown molding and wainscotting with traditional interiors, so that’s something homeowners aiming for this style should keep in mind. Minimal or modern furniture pieces don’t fit with the traditional style, which tends to utilize period pieces made from real wood.

Modern

Modern interiors may differ depending on which style of modern homeowners are aiming for. Midcentury modern typically features unique furnishings that some might see as

Shaker/Farmhouse

retro. However, many companies now offer updated takes on midcentury modern that call to mind a bygone era but don’t make individuals feel as though they’re living in a museum. Urban modern is another popular modern style, and home interiors fashioned in this style tend to be light, airy and not crowded with furnishings. Calm, soft tones are a go-to with urban modern interiors, helping to create the serene settings many homeowners are hoping to create with this style.

Farmhouse

Farmhouse has become very popular in recent years. In fact, a recent survey from the interior design service Modsy found that farmhouse was the most popular design style in 26 states. Farmhouse is beloved for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is its association with a simpler lifestyle. The rustic charm of the countryside is never far from the mind when in a home with a farmhouse-inspired interior. Traditional farmhouse and modern farmhouse are different styles, but natural materials and bright colors, particularly white walls, are elements shared by both. Traditional, modern and farmhouse are three popular home interior styles. Each has its own unique components, and homeowners can supplement their favored style as they see fit. (MC) 

M A R C H 6, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

Simple Ways to Avoid Computer Eye Strain

orkplace hazards are a part of life for people in various professions. Office workers might not consider themselves vulnerable to injury when they’re at work, but individuals who spent much of their day staring at a computer screen are at risk of developing computer eye strain. According to The Vision Council, nearly 60% of individuals who routinely use computers and digital devices experience symptoms of computer eye strain. The health care experts at Cedars Sinai note that computer eye strain symptoms can include dry eyes, headache, blurred vision and eye twitching. Despite the prevalence of computer eye strain, office workers and others who spend long periods of time at their computers can take steps to reduce their risk.

Redo Your Work Area

Cedars Sinai recommends individuals concerned about computer eye strain create a better work environment to reduce their risk. The online vision health and wellness resource All About Vision notes that eye strain is often a byproduct of excessively

bright light. That light could be natural light coming in through a window or from interior lighting that is harsh on the eyes. If exterior light is making your office excessively bright, close drapes, shades or blinds to keep that light out. Excessively bright lighting fixtures can be remedied by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes or replacing existing bulbs with lower intensity alternatives. All About Vision also notes that some individuals find floor lamps that employ soft white light from LED bulbs are less taxing on their eyes than overhead fluorescent lighting.

Schedule Vision Checkups

Cedars Sinai notes that uncorrected vision problems are a major cause of computer eye strain. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends individuals get a complete eye exam once in their 20s, twice in their 30s and then again when they turn 40. After conducting a comprehensive eye exam, ophthalmologists will then tell patients how often they should have their vision tested, and individuals should heed this advice and keep appointments.

Receding Vision After 40 is Common

dults in their early 40s who feel as though their vision has begun to recede should know that slight changes in vision are common at this point in life. According to the American Optometric Association, problems seeing clearly at close distances, such as when reading or working at a computer, are common between the ages of 41 and 60. Known as presbyopia, this problem will progress over time. The AOA notes that individuals who are developing presbyopia may need to hold reading materials farther away than normal to see them clearly. Still others might feel the need to remove their eyeglasses so they can see better up close. Words may appear blurred, especially in dimly lit environments like restaurants. Another way age-related vision

H E A LT H

loss affects daily life concerns driving. Many individuals begin to experience increasing difficulty with glare when driving at night after they turn 40. Individuals with preexisting conditions are at a higher risk of developing vision problems after 40. Such conditions include diabetes and high blood pressure. The AOA also notes that individuals over 40 may be more vulnerable if they take medications for health conditions related to high cholesterol, thyroid problems, anxiety or depression, and arthritis. A family history of glaucoma and macular degeneration also increases the risk that individuals over 40 will develop problems with their eyes and vision. More information about receding vision after 40 can be found at www.aoa.org. (MC) 

Upgrade Your Tech

All About Vision notes that flat-panel LED screens with anti-reflective surfaces are preferable to computer screens with cathode ray tubes, which can cause an imperceptible flicker of images that contributes to computer eye strain. A large display screen, whether it’s a desktop

computer or a monitor connected to a laptop, also can reduce risk for computer eye strain. Computer eye strain can make workdays difficult for office workers. Individuals who think they might be dealing with eye strain can try various strategies to prevent it or reduce its severity.. (MC) 

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M A R C H 6, 2022

PETS

Protecting Your Pets from Outdoor Pests

s the weather warms, pet owners nationwide are bracing themselves for flea and tick season. If you have ever dealt with a flea infestation, you know how important it is to protect your pets from these pesky critters. If you haven’t faced fleas and ticks, consider this a helpful warning. “Pet owners should take special care to protect their pets from ticks, fleas and mosquitoes this season,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). “These pests are not just an annoyance, but could pose serious health threats to your pet and your family.” Indeed, these small bugs are no small concern. Fleas, for example, are known for biting, leaving behind itchy, red bumps that cause Fido to scratch excessively. Flea saliva can also cause conditions such as anemia and flea allergy der-

matitis and can transfer tapeworms. “Fleas are known for their quick breeding capabilities, and a tiny few on your pet can quickly turn into hundreds in your home if left unchecked,” says Henriksen. Ticks can be equally as hazardous to family pets. Female ticks can attach near a pet’s spinal cord, causing “tick paralysis.” The condition causes muscle weakness, loss of coordination and, in some cases, death from respiratory failure as chest muscles become paralyzed. And as dogs are more likely than humans to pick up ticks while outdoors, they are more likely to contract Lyme disease. Mosquitoes also pose a threat to dogs as several species can be vectors of heartworm parasites, which are deposited as the mosquito feeds on the animal. Each year, thousands of dogs become disabled or die from problems caused by heartworm disease. The NPMA recommends these tips to help reduce your pet’s exposure to

fleas and ticks: • Check pets frequently for ticks, fleas and flea dirt. Be aware of excessive scratching, licking and nibbling behavior in pets. • Avoid walking the dogs in tall grass, where there is a greater chance of fleas hitching a ride. • Avoid tick habitats such as low-growing brushy vegetation along the edge of the woods or a trail. Check pets after a walk near or in such areas.

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ogs are wildly popular pets. The American Pet Products Association says there are 63.4 million households in the United States that have a dog, and with the exception of 2002 and 2015, that number has steadily risen since 2000. Certain breeds remain especially

• Bathe pets after walks or playtime with other animals. • Frequently wash pet bedding, collars and plush toys. • Wash bed linens and vacuum carpets, floors and furniture frequently. Empty vacuum bags in an outside receptacle. If you suspect a pest problem, contact a licensed pest professional immediately. For more information, you can visit www.pestworld.org. (NewsUSA) 

Goldendoodle

popular among dog owners. In August 2021, the pet insurance provider Trupanion released the most popular dog breeds of 2020, and the top five breeds were: 1. Labrador retriever 2. Golden retriever 3. Goldendoodle 4. German shepherd 5. Labradoodle (MC)

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M A R C H 6, 2022

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Enjoy Taste of Summer With a Tomato Pie By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Writer

t tastes like summer when it’s not. Looks like pizza, but it’s not. So, what is it? Tomato pie! It’s our new family favorite for a winter supper when we long for something with a fresh and zesty Italian flavor. I serve it with a healthy green salad and crunchy French bread. Hungry yet? Just pick up fresh tomatoes, garlic cloves and rub some fresh basil leaves between your fingers, and be transported to a warmer season as you prepare a tasty meal with your kids.

TOMATO PIE 1

9-inch refrigerated ready-made pie crust, or prepare an easy homemade crust (see below) 1 1/3 cups shredded Italian-blend cheese or mozzarella 2-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fine dry Italian-season

2 1/2 1/2

breadcrumbs pounds fresh ripe tomatoes, cut into slices or wedges (about 6 cups) teaspoon salt cup chopped fresh basil

Here’s the fun: 1. Unfold pie crust. On a lightly floured surface, roll crust to a 12inch circle. Place in a 9-inch pie plate or quiche dish. Flute edges with fingers. Bake according to product instructions until set and dry. 2. Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/3 cup cheese evenly over shell. Sprinkle garlic and 2 teaspoons of crumbs over cheese. Top with one third of the tomato wedges or slices. Let kids repeat sequence to form three layers topped with the remaining 1/3 cup of cheese. It will be full! 3. Sprinkle with salt and bake in a 375 F oven for 20 to 25 minutes

This may look like pizza, but it’s not. PHOTO BY DONNA ERICKSON

or until tomatoes are just starting to brown. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. 4. Sprinkle with basil leaves. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. ALTERNATE HOMEMADE CRUST 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup all-purpose flour Pinch of salt

1. Place the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl. Add flour and salt. Work together with a pastry blender. Gather the soft dough into a ball with your hands and press into a 9-inch pie pan. This is a perfect job for your child to do. Simply set the ball in the middle of the pan, and press the dough out in all directions to extend slightly over the rim. Flute the edges with fingers. Prick holes with fork. Bake at 425 F for 8 minutes, then follow step 2 above. Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”  © 2022 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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SOLUTIONS

PUZZLES

M A R C H 6, 2022

CROSSWORD TIME

MA R C H 6, 2022

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 1 9

Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.

READERLETTERS

Concern About Local Rhetoric Most citizens do not attend Santa Clarita City Council meetings. Recently, derogatory remarks have been made against ethnic groups that I don’t feel are reflective of the true nature of most Santa Claritans. You can find online all past meetings from City Hall. Voicing your opinion has always been a sacred part of our society, and presently we see some countries around the world losing that voice. Consider looking at past meetings, and restart your efforts to guide our community in a humane direction. Losing the power to voice your opinion will not be felt until silence overwhelms you. Here is what I said to the City Council on Feb. 2: This is in response to public participation comments made at the last City Council meeting. I checked my DNA several years ago and was enlightened to find I come from three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. I grew up in a Los Angeles neighborhood of color, and was welcomed to Santa Clarita 35 years ago establishing a medical practice. As you know, I became a whistleblower for better health care in our city and battled for the rights of seniors and the community. My parents were civil rights workers forced out of New York in the 1950s. My mother lives in Santa Clarita and recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Distributed to you is a photo of her wearing her Black Lives Matter shirt, raising her fist in the air. I support the L.A. County Sheriff ’s Department, L.A. Police Department and funding the police. I am a member of the NAACP, League of Women Voters, recent past president of the L.A. County Commission for Older Adults, and serve on the California Senior Legislature. I’ve worked with former Mayors George Pedersen and Bob Kellar, and many of you, bringing better health to our community. Some of you don’t know, my wife Robin Clough is the great, great, great granddaughter of Hannah and Jacob Leverton. They were conductors and ran a station for the Underground Railroad known to guide Harriet Tubman northward multiple times. Robin has an historic and philosophic past. Many of my childhood friends from Los Angeles moved to Santa Clarita including Grace Elliot, who is a retired L.A. County deputy sheriff; Paul Felix, past pastor at The Master’s University, with daughter, Allyson, an Olympic multi-gold medalist; and my brother, Ray Dorio, who serves L.A. County as a hospice physician. We, with Robin and my mother, were welcomed to Santa Clarita. We have all fought Cemex, struggled through a pandemic, built a new senior center, and brought better health care to the community. What if we weren’t welcomed here? All of us come from different places in the world, and have varied backgrounds including, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and opinions. We bring this to the table, whether it be a roundtable or square table. But we must diligently move forward treating each other with respect and dignity to provide our children and those in need, a better life in the future. This is who Santa Clarita is. Everyone should check their DNA. It might be enlightening. Dr. Gene Dorio Santa Clarita Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters aren’t printed; email: letters@signalscv.com.

E T H I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

The Freedom of Authority By David Hegg

very parent comes to know firsthand that a lack of structure and discipline creates an environment of chaos in the home. Children think they want freedom from rules, but every generation eventually comes to learn that freedom is only possible where clearly recognized boundaries exist. Life without rules — without necessary levels of authority — is not freedom. It is chaos. For millennia, societies have been grounded in the need for authority to be exercised through laws and understood societal standards. Laws were made and enforced by those in positions of authority. And while there are examples of abuse of authority and despotic authoritarianism on the part of tyrants down through history, the problem was never that of authority, but rather its abuse. But today we are watching the erosion of a societal belief in the very existence of authority. We are becoming a nation of individuals who believe that authority is a bad thing, a power play on the part of the strong to subvert the rights and freedoms of the weak. Of course this is nonsense, but it is being promoted everywhere anyway. Ask a public school teacher just how students today view authority in the classroom and you will hear that few kids treat instructors with the respect and reverence they deserve as those in positions of authority. Ask a coach or a supervisor about the last few generations of players and employees. You’ll find that there is a rapidly growing sense that levels of authority have evaporated in the minds of the young. Coaches, teachers, supervisors and bosses are all finding that those under their authority increasingly refuse to recognize their place, and insist that no one has the right to tell them what to do. The hierarchy has been flattened, and everything must now be a collaboration between equals. If you are in a position of authority and have others who report to you, you know just what I am saying. You’ve probably experienced many situations where your instructions to a subordinate have been summarily

rejected. Responses range from “I’ll consider it but probably will go another direction,” to “what you’re suggesting doesn’t seem to value me or my views so I’m not receiving it,” or some other nonsense that seems to be floating around today. And if you’ve been in this situation, you probably were dumbfounded the first time you encountered such bold-faced insubordination. Now I am not in favor of dictatorial, topdown tyranny under the guise of positional authority. Certainly any who are entrusted with decision-making power over others must use that privilege with the highest standards of integrity and wisdom in place. But they must never abdicate their role to set direction and uphold the strategies and standards of the organization, even in the face of fierce opposition. That is the job of leadership. It’s time we take our society back to one of the basic truths in life. You must prove yourself before promoting yourself. Character must precede position, and that means being willing to start on the bottom rung and work your way up with integrity, humility, a positive attitude, and an exemplary work rate. There is honor in “paying your dues.” Feeling good about yourself should come after you actually accomplish something. In one sense, all humanity has been created equal, given that we have been made as image bearers of God himself. Yet this does not negate the need for a hierarchy of authority in the family, on the job, on the field and in society. Freedom depends on the curbing of dangerous attitudes and actions. This holds in the area of law as well as in every other arena of life. Without authority chaos reigns, relationships erode, freedom is degraded and nations fall. Our freedom in every sphere of life is both created and maintained through the proper understanding, appreciation and use of authority. We can’t give it up, no matter what some may advocate. Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 

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