made possible by the uniqueness of the Salinas Valley soil and weather where more than 80 different kinds of fruits and vegetables are farmed for market every year.
This unique agricultural area is among the most productive farmland in the country, if not the world and is a living testament to how powerful agriculture is to the California economy.
Palo Corona Regional Park
4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel-By-The-Sea 93923
Info www.mprpd.org/palo-corona-regional-park
The largest land conservation project in Monterey County history, Palo Corona stretches nearly 10 miles and covers 4,500 acres. The park features spectacular, rugged terrain, 500 plant species and a diverse collection of wildlife, including California red-legged frogs, endangered Smith’s blue butterflies, rare spotted owls and the occasional black bear. Take the moderately strenuous Inspiration Point trail 850 feet up the mountain to experience a bird’s-eye view of the Carmel coast.
Fort Ord Dunes State Park
Beach Range Road, Marina 93933
Info www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=580
For nearly a century, Fort Ord’s pristine, four-mile ocean beach was only accessible to the military, but now everyone can walk through the dunes or along the boardwalk trail to enjoy its breathtaking panoramic views of Monterey Bay.
Opened to the public in 2009, Fort Ord Dunes State Park provides nearly 1,000 acres dedicated to public land with beautiful views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Fort Ord’s dunes and beaches are home to many endangered species.
One of the best ways to see the park is to pedal your way around the park’s four miles of paved, scenic cycling trails.
The Monterey County Artichoke Trail
Info bit.ly/4cSBfA4
Lovers of coastal views, ocean breezes and artichokes will find much to appreciate along the Monterey County Artichoke Trail. Learn about the rich history of artichoke cultivation, then taste local delicacies such as artichoke-stuffed pastries, artichoke dips, artichoke ice cream, fried artichoke hearts, cream of artichoke soup and other artichoke-infused dishes at local restaurants.
Top on your list to visit is the Giant Artichoke Restaurant, 11261 Merritt St., Castroville 95012. Castroville is the Artichoke Capital of the World.
The Shakespeare Society of America
7981 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing 95039
Info shakespeareamerica.org
Fans of William Shakespeare won’t want to miss the Shakespeare Museum and learning center, which is home to an extensive collection of rare books, memorabilia, playbills, costumes and props relocated to Moss Landing from the SSA Globe Theater in Los Angeles. You’ll also find a variety of fun items in the American Shakespeare Society gift shop. Among the top sellers is a deck of cards from the Heritage Playing Card Company which features “Shakespeare’s Flowers,” 54 playing cards, each featuring a color drawing, actual verse from Shakespeare where the plant or flower is used and the act and scene number where the flower is mentioned.
Valencia Resident Says Community and Schools Make the Neighborhood Home
By Michael Picarella Signal Staff Writer
Kristan Hinze, 43, has lived in the Santa Clarita Valley her whole life. When it came time to buy a house in 2023, she said choosing a place in Valencia by FivePoint just felt right, adding that it’s home in every sense of the word.
Hinze and her husband also found the area appealing because of the great schools. That’s especially meaningful for the couple, who are both educators. When raising their two boys, the schools were certainly a reason to put down roots. The couple’s oldest son graduated from West Ranch High School in 2023, and their youngest is now a freshman at Valencia High School. Great schools and a great community, among other things, keep Hinze and her family in the SCV.
“I’ve known since elementary school that I wanted to be in education,” she said. “I had a teacher named Mrs. Miranda who truly inspired me. The way she connected with her students and put relationships at the heart of her teaching really stuck with me.”
As a child, Hinze attended Rio Vista Elementary School, was part of the first graduating class at La Mesa Junior High School and graduated from Valencia High School in 2000. As an adult, she would go into education herself, and like that teacher she had, Mrs. Miranda, Hinze, too, would lead with relationships first.
While Hinze worked in local school districts over the years in various capacities, she said she found her true fit at iLEAD California, a Castaic-based service provider for tuition-free charter schools, where she serves as the deputy director of student support.
“I love supporting staff, learners and their families in doing what’s best for each individual learner,” she said. “That’s what drives my work in special education.”
Other parents in the area, Hinze added, can’t go wrong when it comes to picking a school for their kids, whether they choose one of the local pub-
lic districts or a local public charter. The education here, Hinze said, is top-notch and offers a private school level of quality, without the tuition.
Hinze’s husband, Matt, is also in education. He’s an assistant principal at Valencia High School, and it’s his first year on that campus.
Matt Hinze came to the SCV in 1982 when he was about 4 years old and said he remembers becoming very connected to his teachers growing up. When it came time for him to find an occupation, he wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to him.
“I’ve always been a service-minded individual,” he said. “That’s why I stayed in this community.”
He got the enjoyment of working as an English teacher at his alma mater, Saugus High School, and while he spent a year of his career working at Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, he was happy to come back to the SCV because, he said, he
likes the fact that everything he needs and enjoys is in this valley.
In addition to the work that Hinze and her husband do in the community in area schools, the family enjoys their Valencia community for walks outside and the neighborhood resort-style pool.
“It’s such a great way to enjoy the sunshine and unwind,” Hinze said.
Hinze also enjoys staying involved in what’s going on in the community of Valencia by FivePoint. She serves as the Valencia Community Ambassador, something she’s done since August 2024.
Every Sunday, Hinze can be found in her community’s Farmers Market, greeting visitors in the ShareStream (aka the Airstream) from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The event is open to the public and happens right in our neighborhood at the corner of Navigation Avenue and Magic Mountain Parkway,” she said. “I’m there to answer questions about the community, so please stop by and say hello.”
As for making the community her own, Hinze said it starts with her home and the relationships she and her family have built.
She spoke about having the most incredible neighbors.
“We walk to each other’s homes for dinner, celebrate holidays together, and spend nights relaxing on patios and balconies,” she said. “That kind of community is rare. And we cherish it.”
Even the community environment on a daily basis is something she doesn’t take for granted. People say hello in the streets when others are coming home from work, coming out of their garages and talking to one another for half an hour. Her neighbors, she said, have become her friends.
According to Hinze, if that doesn’t say home in every sense of the word, she doesn’t know what does.
“Community Inspired” is a new editorial series focusing on people who are strengthening our community and essential to the future of the Santa Clarita Valley. The monthly series — and accompanying podcast — is presented by Valencia by FivePoint.
From left: the Hinze family includes Emory, Kristan, Matt and Westley. PHOTO COURTESY KRISTAN HINZE
The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood
By Tony Rizzo
What has become of Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence? She wed art gallery director Cooke Maroney in 2019 in Rhode Island and gave birth to their son, Cy, in 2022. She returned to work in August 2024 to film the dark comedy “Die, My Love,” in Calgary, Canada, opposite Robert Pattinson. Filming wrapped in October 2024, at which time she revealed that she was pregnant with her second child.
Pattinson, who took dancing lessons for his role, was so sure that he didn’t do well because of his nervousness; he begged for the scene to be cut, which the producers declined to do.
Are Zendaya and Tom Holland the new power couple of movies? They met on “Spider-Man: Homecoming” in 2016 when they first became costars. In July 2021, paparazzi caught them necking in a car. Later that September, Holland posted birthday wishes for Zendaya, calling her “his MJ” (referring to her “Spider-Man” character). In 2022, they had a romantic dinner in NYC, as well as a dinner in London for her to meet his family.
This year, Zendaya sported a $200,000 diamond ring at the Golden Globes, sparking speculation that they got engaged after he proposed to her over the holidays. In March, his father confirmed on social media that Holland asked Zendaya’s father for her hand in marriage.
In addition to “Spider-Man,” they’re both working in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” which is shooting in IMAX in Corinth, Greece, and England. She’s also lending her voice and talents to “Shrek 5” (for a July 2026 release), along with Mike Myers
(Shrek), Eddie Murphy (Donkey), and Cameron Diaz (Princess Fiona). Zendaya plays Felicia, Shrek and Fiona’s daughter.
She started shooting the romantic comedy “The Drama,” opposite Robert Pattinson, back in October 2024, which eventually wrapped that December. She also began shooting season three of “Euphoria” in January. Meanwhile, Holland jumps from “The Odyssey” into “Avengers: Doomsday” (due May 2026), before rejoining Zendaya in June 2026 for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
Chris Evans, whose Christmas movie “Red One” tanked at the box office despite co-stars Dwayne Johnson and Lucy Liu, is forging ahead with the romantic comedy “Materialists.” He stars opposite Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, and the film is due on June 13. He also stars in director Ethan Coen’s “Honey Don’t!” (due later this year), with Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Day and Billy Eichner. In addition, Evans has “Avengers: Doomsday” arriving in May 2026 and the action-adventure comedy “Sacrifice,”
with Anya Taylor-Joy, Salma Hayek and John Malkovich (no release date yet).
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T h e K i
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How to Conduct a Skin Care Self-Exam
Time spent soaking up the summer sun is one of the things that makes the season so appealing. Warm outdoor air has a calming effect that can make anyone feel more relaxed and comfortable.
As good as warm summer sun can feel, overexposure to the sun can be dangerous. The World Cancer Research Fund reports there were more than 330,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed across the globe in 2022.
A significant percentage of skin cancer cases can be prevented, and prevention is a multifaceted process that includes skin care self-examinations
Self-exams do not take up much time, and individuals can speak with their physicians about how frequently
they should check their skin for signs of skin cancer.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers the following instructions for how to conduct a skin self-exam.
Choose the right time to examine your skin The USNLM recommends conducting a skin exam after bathing. Women who routinely conduct breast self-exams can check their skin at this time as well.
Use a full-length mirror It’s not always easy to examine skin throughout the body. But signs of skin problems can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that might be hard to see without help. If possible, conduct a self-exam of the skin in front of fulllength mirror in a brightly lit room.
Identify what you’re looking for The USNLM notes you should be looking for any new skin markings. This includes bumps, moles, blemishes and changes in skin color.
Pay close attention to preexisting moles. A potential sign of skin cancer includes moles that change over time. Examine preexisting moles to see if they have changed in size, texture, color and shape.
Look for unusual moles The USNLM characterizes certain moles as “ugly duckling moles.” These unique moles look and feel different from nearby moles and may be indicative of skin cancer. Speak with a dermatologist if a self-exam uncovers the presence of moles with uneven edges or differences in colors or asymmetric shapes.
Moles that look different from one side to the other also should be brought to the attention of a dermatologist. Moles that do not stop bleeding or will not heal also merit examination by a skin care professional. When the time comes to conduct the exam, the USNLM recommends following these steps:
Look closely at your entire body, both front and back, in the mirror.
Check under your arms and on both sides of each arm. Be sure to
examine the backs of your upper arms, which can be hard to see.
Bend your arms at the elbow, and examine both sides of your forearm.
Speak with a dermatologist if a self-exam uncovers the presence of moles with uneven edges or differences in colors or asymmetric shapes. Examine the tops and palms of your hands.
Examine the front and back of both legs.
Examine your buttocks and between your buttocks.
Examine your genital area.
Examine your face, neck, the back of your neck, and scalp. Use both a hand mirror and full-length mirror, along with a comb, to see areas of your scalp.
Examine your feet, including the soles and the spaces between your toes.
Ask a person you trust to help examine hard-to-see areas. Skin cancer poses a formidable threat, but many cases of the disease are preventable. Routine skin self-exams are a vital component of skin cancer prevention. (MC)
Homeownership is a dream for millions of people across the globe. The National Association of Realtors indicates real estate has historically exhibited long-term, stable growth in value. Paying a traditional mortgage every month enables homeowners to build equity and can be a means to securing one’s financial future.
Homeowners typically can lean on the value of their homes should they need money for improvement projects or other plans. Reverse mortgages are one way to do just that.
Who is eligible?
A “reverse mortgage” is a type of loan that can be great for people 62 or older, who perhaps can no longer make payments on their home, or require money to use right now, without wanting to sell.
In addition to meeting the age requirement, a borrower must live at the property as a primary residence and certify occupancy annually to be eligible for a reverse mortgage. The property must be maintained in the same condition as when the reverse mortgage was obtained, says Fannie Mae.
How does it work?
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau says a reverse mortgage, commonly a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the most popular type of reverse mortgage loan, is different from a traditional mortgage. Instead of making monthly payments to bring down the amount owed on the loan, a reverse mortgage features no monthly payments
Rather, interest and fees are added to the loan balance each month and the balance grows. The loan is repaid when the borrower no longer lives in the home.
What else should I know?
With a reverse mortgage, even though borrowers are not making monthly mortgage payments, they are still responsible for paying property-related expenses on time, including, real estate and property taxes, insurance premiums, HOA fees and utilities. Reverse mortgages also come with additional costs, including origination fees and mortgage insurance up to 2.5% of the home’s appraised value, says Forbes.
It’s important to note that most interest rates on these loans are variable, meaning they can rise over time and thus increase the cost of borrowing. In addition, unlike traditional mortgage payments, interest payments on reverse mortgages aren’t tax-deductible. How is it paid back?
A reverse mortgage is not free money. The homeowners or heirs will eventually have to pay back the loan when the borrowers no longer live at the property. This is usually achieved by selling the home.
The CFPB notes if a reverse mortgage loan balance is less than the amount the home is sold for, then the borrower keeps the difference. If the loan balance is more than the amount the home sells for at the appraised value, one can pay off the loan by selling the home for at least 95% of the home’s appraised value, known as the 95% rule. The money from the sale will go toward the outstanding loan balance and any remaining balance on the loan is paid for by mortgage insurance, which the borrower has been paying for the duration of the loan. Reverse mortgages can be a consideration for older adults. However, it is essential to get all of the facts to make an informed decision. (MC)
Montessori of Valencia
The kind of education your child receives will impact how they see the world around them. Which is why it is important to choose the best program and school for them; you want them to be successful. So, you may wonder, “Why should I choose Montessori for my child?” “How will it benefit them?” Welcome to our Montessori community! Our prestigious schools have proudly served families in the Santa Clarita Valley for over 16 years, accepting children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age. Choosing our school for your child’s foundational years has many benefits. At our schools, we offer an individually paced learning environment that fosters independence, empathy, socialization, and joy in lifelong learning. We believe that your child’s education will impact how they see the world around them, which is why it’s essential to choose the best program and school for them to ensure their success.
Our carefully chosen staff strives to provide a nurturing environment for children to grow and discov-
er their value and place in the world. We encourage independence, personal empowerment, respect for others, and pride in individual differences. Every teacher, from our infant room through kindergarten, has a passion for teaching and a deeper understanding of child development.
Approaching children with love and respect is at the core of our philosophy. By doing so, we build a secure safety net with them, leading to more significant developmental aspects. At our schools, we allow freedom, encourage curiosity, and welcome their questions. Students become confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners, with skills that are crucial for the 21st century, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and confidence.
To schedule an individual tour and learn more about our authentic Montessori program, please call 661-263-3265. Join our community and give your child the gift of a lifetime!
SCCS Celebrates Forty-third Graduating Class!
Since 1982 Santa Clarita Christian School (SCCS), a ministry of Santa Clarita Baptist Church, has discipled students with the gospel of Jesus Christ. SCCS is accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) demonstrating the rigor and integrity of our K-12 academics. CIF State Championships in Basketball (2018), Volleyball (2021), and Swimming (2023) testify to the ongoing pursuit of athletic excellence. Our primary mission, however, is “to partner with Christian parents of like faith to teach students’ minds and train their hearts for God through a distinctively biblical education.” Thus, our motto is: Teaching Minds and Training Hearts for God!
Ultimately, the evidence for our effectiveness is seen in our students! With over one thousand graduates deployed to make a difference in the world for God, our aim is prepare them to…
Love God and Grow in Christlikeness
To lead students to a personal relationship with Christ as Lord and Savior and be increasingly con-
formed into His image. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7; Romans 8:39; Colossians 1:28-29)
Learn Truth and Discern Error
To lead students to a fuller knowledge of God as revealed in the Bible and provide a well-rounded education in the arts, sciences, and humanities. (John 17:17; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 5:14)
Live Wisely and Serve Others
To prepare students to live godly and fruitful lives as ambassadors for Christ in the world. (2 Corinthi-
Little School of Music
By Mindy Cabral
For many families, starting music lessons can feel overwhelming — especially for young children. What instrument should they learn? Are they too young for private lessons? How do you know if they’re ready?
For children ages 5 to 7, starting with a group music class designed specifically for their age and stage of development can be the perfect introduction. These classes blend play-based learning with real musical foundations, helping children build listening skills, rhythm, pitch awareness, and coordination—all while having fun with peers.
Rather than jumping straight into private lessons, children in group classes learn to sing, play, read music, and express themselves through movement and storytelling. Taught by professional music educators who specialize in working with young children, these programs offer structure, patience, and creativity — tailored to your child’s needs.
This nurturing, social environment builds confidence and curiosity — so when they do transition into one-on-one instruction later, they’re not just ready … they’re excited.
And let’s not forget the most important part: it’s fun! The right program will have your child laughing, learning, and making music with friends, sparking a lifelong love for music from the very beginning.
Looking to start this fall? Little School of Music offers 2-Week Intro Classes to help families get a feel for what’s best. Start early, start smart, and let the music begin.
ans 5:14-15; Colossians 1:9-11)
We thank God for the opportunity to disciple and deploy graduates who continue to make a difference in the world for God. May He grant us the grace to continue this work until He returns!
Please join us in congratulating the graduating senior class of 2025!
Dr. Mark Wilson
Liberals of Lore
Regarding Gary Horton’s column (Feb. 12): The fact that Tesla sales are going down in Europe and California due to its “liberal customer base” being upset with Elon Musk’s intrusion into government spending all but proves that “today’s” liberals (who in no way resemble the “classical” liberals of lore) are willing to cut off their own noses to spite their faces. It’s not unlike an insolent child threatening to hold his breath until he gets his way, or until his face turns blue.
Really ... as if Musk even cares. Tesla isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and neither is Musk, petty boycotts notwithstanding. Knock yourselves out and revel in your “resistance,” as President Donald Trump has co-opted and capitalized on pretty much everything else Democrats historically valued, but have sadly abandoned — stubborn, mindless resistance being about all that remains of the once respectable party.
The world at large is a lot bigger than today’s liberals and all of their little “causes,” regardless of how loud they can get. It’s been around a lot longer than they have, and it will likely do just fine without them.
Arthur Saginian Santa Clarita
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ETHICALLY SPEAKING
The Benefit of Critiquing Opinions
By David Hegg
If I have counted correctly, I have written almost 800 columns for The Signal. For several years, I have been privileged to put my opinions in print and enter them into the marketplace of ideas. As I sit at my computer writing, I seldom think about how my opinions land on the hearts and minds of those who take the time to read them. It isn’t that I don’t care about what others think, because I do. That’s essentially why I write: to influence the thoughts of others.
But I am always mindful that this is an opinion column. I am not writing a research paper or a legal brief. This isn’t a sermon or some other form of proclamation designed to present arguments backed by careful attention to authoritative sources. And while opinion columns may influence thought, change minds, and even stimulate action on the part of the readers, they still only represent the author’s opinions, presented without the benefit of supporting documentation, authority, or precedent.
So, what is the purpose of opinion? Simply put, it is to get people thinking in ways that will foster conversations that matter. It once was the case that, from the earliest age, children were taught critical thinking skills. They were trained according to the classical educational model: grammar, logic, rhetoric. Together, these were known as the Trivium.
As the word suggests, grammar pertains to the elementary things of any subject. If the subject were language, grammar consisted of learning the letters, the way words were put together, sentence structure, etc. If the subject were math, it meant learning the numbers, their relationships, and the basic structure of mathematics.
Next came logic. This section took what was learned in grammar and put it to use. It taught how the elemental things could be put together to solve problems, and was the primary place where critical thinking came into play. Specific uses of the basics – grammar – wouldn’t work, and these inconsistencies were recognized and addressed in logic. In so doing, students were taught not only to know, but also to think critically about how what they knew could best be used. Along the way, they also learned to recognize those patterns that didn’t work. These were considered against logic, and reckoned as foolish and even dangerous. The last section of the Trivium was rhet-
oric. In this stage of learning, the students were instructed on how to take the grammar and the logic and use them to teach or persuade others.
My interest here is in the middle section of logic. Because we have moved away from this classical model of early instruction, many today cannot formulate logical thought patterns and are even less able to critique the thought patterns of others. This puts them at risk of accepting and adopting harmful ideas and conclusions. They lack the discernment mechanism that can be so helpful in spotting error, refuting it, and turning more profitably to those ideas that are internally consistent or logical.
The marketplace of opinion is one of the few places left where we can practice critical thinking. Fortunately, we have many arenas for this. Taking in the news or following talk radio is a great example. It is a good learning experience to listen to the many pundits on both sides of the intellectual battle to sharpen my ability to discern truth from error. Do their arguments stand up? Are they substituting robust language, sentiment, and emotion for actual evidence and logical conclusions? Does their conclusion follow from their arguments? Are they being irenic and properly representing their opponents? All of these used to be questions posed to school children as they were carefully taught to think logically.
Today, much of education has gone down another path, and generations are being released into society with little or no ability to take in arguments, synthesize their substance, recognize their weaknesses, and discern what is truthful from what is masquerading as such. Little wonder our political process has deteriorated into a contest of sound bites and photo ops.
We’re quickly losing our ability as a society to think critically, to evaluate truth claims, and recognize when we’re being lied to. This column is but one grain of sand on the seashore attempting to offer opinions that can serve as an exercise in critical thinking, regardless of whether you agree with me. That’s not the point. What matters is that you think, discern and do so logically. What matters is that we start thinking deeply about what truth looks like and how we believe life should be lived. If we don’t, we’ll continue watching in disbelief as nonsense and error become the staples of public discourse.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
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