SundaySignal_082425

SCV RESIDENT EXCLUSIVE of Valencia

TO OUR SCV NEIGHBORS

TO OUR SCV NEIGHBORS

There’s simply no other Mercedes-Benz dealer more committed to earning a longterm relationship with you!

There’s simply no other Mercedes-Benz dealer more committed to earning a longterm relationship with you!

We’re head over heels for our communityand we’re ready to prove it every day with can’t be beat “locals only” offers and our exceptional customer service.

We’re head over heels for our communityand we’re ready to prove it every day with can’t be beat “locals only” offers and our exceptional customer service.

THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF VALENCIA TEAM

THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF VALENCIA TEAM

Dragon Boats Are Fun for All Ages

By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer

Dragon boat racing originated more than 2,000 years ago in China as part of a fertility ritual and festival. It involves teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson in a long, canoe-like boat decorated with a dragon’s head and tail.

The modern sport gained international popularity starting in Hong Kong in 1976.

It wasn’t until the 1990s that the sport saw significant expansion across the United States, including Southern California

SoCal Dragon Boats

Dr. Howard Chen, an orthodontist, is a prominent figure in the Los Angeles dragon boat community, promoting the sport and supporting local teams. He has gifted dragon boats to facilities throughout L.A. County. Chen donated two dragon boats to Castaic Lake.

The Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival, now a major event, was envisioned by Chen in 1996, working with the Southern California Dragon Boat Club.

Dragon boat festivals have grown in SoCal to include the annual festival at Castaic Lake in May/

June, as well as Marina del Rey (held in March); San Diego, Sept. 27-28; and Los Angeles County at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area on Oct. 4.

Castaic Lake Dragon Boat Club Team Dragon Eyes

Santa Clarita Valley residents may be unaware that dragon boat paddling is available at the Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, managed by the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation.

The two boats donated by Chen have been joined by four other boats at Castaic Lake.

Team Dragon Eyes, founded by optometrist Dr. Paul Lin, of Valencia Eyecare Optometry, is working to fill those dragon boat seats with new teams.

Lin began participating in the sport in 2000 when he joined a team in Long Beach called Team Killer Guppies.

“A friend had suggested I try this new sport,” Lin said. “I am not too athletic, but I thought it was a cool sport. I was also on a great team, they had their own team song and I enjoyed the races.”

After marrying and moving to Palmdale Lin quit because Long Beach was too far from his new home.

Before embarking on the water, crew members participate in warm-up exercises.

Lin, his wife and two children, moved to Valencia in 2007 where he unexpectedly ran across the dragon boats Chen had donated to Castaic Lake.

“I discovered the boats when I was riding my mountain bike past the lake. I saw a boat in the distance and I knew it wasn’t a canoe,” he said. “If I hadn’t ridden down that road I might never have known the boats were there. I asked about the team, remembering my time paddling in Long Beach. They told me they didn’t have a team, the only people using the boats was a corporate team from Boston Scientific.”

Lin was told he would have to form his own team.

“I put it out on Facebook and found a couple of former paddlers like me and our team started growing,” he said. “Our fledgling team started in 2015 with a couple paddlers that were employees at the lake, a couple of my optometry patients and me.”

Lin said he named the team “Dragon Eyes” after researching the name Castaic.

“Its name is derived from the Chumash Native American word Kashtuk, meaning ‘eyes.’ I saw that as a sign because I am an optometrist,” Lin said.

Emmy Montilla, a coach with Team Dragon Eyes since 2018, started paddling in 1995 in the Philippines. He became so accomplished at the sport he

became a member of the Philippines National Team and competed all across Asia.

Montilla said he loves the camaraderie of the sport.

“It’s all about working hard, sharing the ups and downs,” he said. “When you’re in a boat you immediately have friends. Working together keeps spirits high, it makes it fun.”

The additional benefits of dragon boat paddling, according to Montilla, include “a full body workout, discipline, focus and it’s a great place to make friends. Everyone is welcome.”

Why Dragon Boats?

Lin said dragon boat paddling is great exercise for all ages.

“We’ve had an 8-year-old and a 70-year-old on our team,” he said.

The Castaic Lake Dragon Boat Club meets every

Sunday at 7:30 a.m. at Castaic Lake. No experience needed and the first three sessions are free.

“It’s a great way to get active, make new friends and connect with others in the SCV,” said Lin.

He said the sport is attractive to a wide variety of people.

“It’s a fun sport and it’s co-ed,” Lin said. “Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters can do it together, it’s also popular with breast cancer survivors.”

Lin said there are many advantages to the sport.

“I enjoy being out on the lake with nature, seeing the ducks,” he said. “I know my mental health is much better because of the sport.”

Lin would like to see the Castaic Lake dragon boats filled with other teams.

After the three free sessions with Team Dragon Eyes Lin said those who want to continue can join the team for a small annual fee which covers insur-

ance and other expenses. Participants can also purchase an activity pass to Castaic Lake which reduces the cost of entrance fees.

If you are interested in dragon boat paddling you can attend any regular practice on Sundays 7:30-10 a.m. at Paradise Cove, by the Junior Lifeguard shed and bathroom.

Use the address to the Castaic Lake Parks & Recreation main office at 32132 Castaic Lake Drive, Castaic 91384.

Day parking is $15, charged by Castaic Lake staff at the entrance.

For more information about Team Dragon Eyes visit www.facebook.com/CastaicLakeDragon BoatClub.

For information about the dragon boat program at Castaic Lake visit CastaicLakeDragonBoat.com.

Team Dragon Eyes is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). 

How Women Can Tame Medication Costs for the Family

If you’re the one tracking medications, scheduling appointments and making sure the whole household stays healthy, you’re probably wearing the invisible badge of chief household officer — the one who keeps the family healthy and moving forward. Nearly 80% of women serve as their household’s primary health care decision-maker, managing not just their own care, but also the needs of loved ones.

It’s a big job, and it can come with financial pressure. Research shows women spend almost 30% more out of their own pocket on prescriptions than men, adding up to $8.5 billion more in 2024 alone. With prices still climbing, it’s important to find ways to stretch your health care dollar further.

That’s why many women are turning to GoodRx — a free, easy-to-use tool that helps you scout out affordable prices on both brand-name and generic medications, compare pharmacy options nearby and make confident choices for your family’s health and wallet. Think of it as your digital saddlebag: stocked and ready with savings, wherever the trail takes you.

As chief household officer, consider these simple, time-saving strategies to help keep everyone on track, spend less on medications, save time and feel more confident managing care:

Compare Prices Before Heading to the Pharmacy

Prescription prices can vary dramatically, even between pharmacies just a few blocks apart. These price differences can exceed $100 for the same medication. That’s why you should compare prices ahead of time at pharmacies near you by entering your prescription information and zip code. Then, simply head to the location offering the most affordable price.

Save Big on Generic and Brand-Name Medications

Whether you’re treating a simple infection or managing a chronic condition, there are discounts available on thousands of medications, including both generic and brand-name options. You can save up to 80% on generics, and in many cases, find prices online that are even lower than insurance copays.

For brand-name medications, GoodRx partners

with pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer unique programs where manufacturers offer discount prices for their medications, like insulin Lantus for just $35 or a discounted cash price on Humira biosimilar adalimumab.

These savings extend to care for the four-legged family members, too. For example, pet owners can explore savings and have pet medications delivered right to their door, as well as access pet-specific medications that aren’t available in retail pharmacies.

Round Up Medications for the Whole Crew in One Place

Whether you’re wrangling care for kids, parents or even the family dog, you can easily keep track of everyone’s needs in one place. Save and manage medications, set reminders to take them on time, get alerts when it’s time for a refill and even earn rewards.

Be Your Own Health Hero, Without the High Price

From birth control and menopause treatment to hormone support and fertility medications, women often face higher costs for life’s milestones. Look online for savings on many of the most commonly

prescribed medications for women. Some medications, like progesterone for fertility treatment, may be available for as little as $20.

Resources like the GoodRx Women’s Health Center feature expert-reviewed information to help you navigate every stage of care, whether you’re managing symptoms, exploring treatment options or planning ahead.

Ride Steady with Trusted Health Info at Your Side

The health care landscape can feel like the Wild West at times, but there are tools available to help you ride steady. Beyond prescription savings, expert-written articles can empower you to understand your medications, insurance coverage and care options. Whether you’re gearing up for a doctor’s visit or figuring out the next steps in a new diagnosis, these resources can help you ask the right questions and take the reins on your family’s care. From everyday refills to high-cost treatments, you can spend less time wrangling medications and more time with the people you love. With savings available at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, GoodRx.com is a must-have tool for every chief household officer riding point on their family’s health. (Family Features) 

Enjoy Local Live Theater Without Leaving the SCV

This community is a vibrant hub for live performances, offering an array of opportunities for both audiences and performers. With institutions like the Canyon Theatre Guild producing full-scale productions each season, locals can enjoy live shows without the hassle of driving into the big city.

Santa Clarita also supports youth and teen engagement through workshops and productions by groups like ESCAPE Theatre, making it a nurturing environment for aspiring artists of all ages.

Additionally, venues such as the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center provide sophisticated spaces for diverse theatrical experiences, contributing to a flourishing local arts scene that emphasizes community involvement and arts education.

Canyon Theatre Guild

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Newhall, the Canyon Theatre Guild has been a cherished community theater since 1970. It serves as a vibrant arts hub, offering a diverse slate of live performances including plays, musicals and comedy shows.

It’s mission is to make the world a better place by entertaining, educating, enlightening and enriching our community through quality live theater, said TimBen Boydston, executive and artistic director.

“Our core values are artistic and organizational excellence, community service, to appreciate families, to value our volunteers, and to supply quality education through our Youth Workshop Programs,” he said.

The guild has a strong volunteer base of more than 500 local artists and community members passionately in-

volved in year-round productions.

“Our organization is unique because of its hundreds of volunteers that work with us each season,” Boydston said, “and our dedicated and talented staff that create so many opportunities for our youth through our workshop programs.”

The Summer Youth Workshops have been welcoming students for more than 25 years, and “our programs have been recognized for their excellence by both parents and the public,” said Boydston, adding that the Canyon Theatre Guild reserves 10% of all of their workshop slots for scholarships for students based on economic need.

“As one of the finest summer workshops in the SCV, our students are instructed on singing, dancing, acting and working together,” he said, further noting that participants “get the full experience” of putting on a show on the main stage.

“Our students learn skills in team building and working together toward a common goal. Students that have participated in our programs find that they lose stage fright and find the confidence and ability to speak to groups of people. These skills serve them well for the rest of their life.

Above all, “we believe that theater is important to our community, our society and our country,” Boydston added. “It is important to remember that theater can give us the healing power of laughter and the catharsis of tears. It can make us better people.”

Upcoming shows include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, A Christmas Story, South Pacific, The SpongeBob Musical and Driving Miss Daisy. Canyon Theatre Guild is located at 24242 Main Street in Newhall. For more information, call (661) 799-

2702; email ctgboxoffice@yahoo.com; or visit www.canyontheatre.org.

ESCAPE Theatre

ESCAPE Theatre is a vibrant youth and teen musical theatre company dedicated to developing young performers’ skills in singing, dancing, and acting while fostering self-esteem, discipline, creativity, and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment.

Each year, ESCAPE produces two full-scale musicals at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, engaging more than 300 talented local youth, plus a smaller summer production and several camps at their studio.

Their four-month training process emphasizes not only the final performance but also the growth and learning of each participant, including voice projection, stage presence and performance techniques.

The theatre is led by Kyle and Elizabeth Burson and is known for its

large-scale productions featuring live orchestras, elaborate sets, and costumes, making it a cornerstone for youth theatre in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Upcoming performances include Li’l Abner, Matilda, A Little Mermaid and Shrek.

Escape Theatre performs at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center and at their Black Box Theatre at 26639 Valley Center Drive, #109, in Santa Clarita. For more information, call (661) 360-6769; email bursix@sbcglobal.net; or visit www.escape theatre.org.

Olive Branch Theatricals

Olive Branch Theatricals is a vibrant nonprofit theater company dedicated to bringing people together through the magic of live performance, making theater both welcoming and inclusive for everyone — from families with See THEATER, page 16

By Ken Striplin

Staying in shape goes beyond physical fitness — keeping your brain health top of mind is crucial for your overall well-being, too. To sharpen your mind, consider these everyday ways for prioritizing brain health.

Stimulate Your Mind

While “exercising” typically refers to running, walking or biking, remember you can give your brain a workout as well. Provide a boost for your brain with easy and enjoyable activities like reading, puzzles, math games like sudoku or artistic challenges such as drawing or crafting.

Eat Healthy Foods

Establishing a strong foundation for brain health can start in the kitchen by preparing healthy foods. Adding whole grains, fish, legumes, healthy fats and fruits and vegetables, including grapes and leafy greens, can encourage better brain wellness. Research suggests grapes help maintain a healthy brain. UCLA researchers, in a human study of elderly subjects with mild cognitive decline, found consuming 2 1/4 cups of grapes every day preserved healthy metabolic activity in regions of the brain associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. This Walnut Sunflower-Crusted Salmon with Honey-Lemon Grapes is a flavor-packed way to add California grapes to the menu while simultaneously supporting brain and heart health. Salmon, rich in omega-3s, is topped with a crunchy walnut-sunflower seed crust for a savory, nutty bite. Pair with juicy grapes and onions marinated in honey and lemon for a burst of sweetness and tang to balance the rich salmon in this nutritious meal.

Prioritize Mental Health

Reducing anxiety may be easier said than done, but it starts with healthy everyday habits. Practice mindfulness by meditating or simply turning off distractions like social media. Get outside for fresh air or find a hobby you enjoy. Join a support group, reach out to loved ones and, if you feel you’re experiencing negative mental health systems, talk with a mental health professional.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activities that increase your heart rate also increase blood flow to the brain and throughout your body. It doesn’t have to be rigorous or strenuous — go for a walk around the neighborhood, dance in the living room, tend to your garden or enjoy a bike ride when the weather cooperates. Remember to replenish your energy and hydration — California grapes are an easy way to deliver both.

2 tablespoons roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds

2 teaspoons honey

2 teaspoons spicy brown or Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Find more information on the connection between grapes and heart health, and discover more nutritious recipes, by visiting GrapesfromCalifornia. com.

Walnut Sunflower-Crusted Salmon with Honey-Lemon Grapes

Servings 4

Honey-Lemon Marinated Grapes

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon fresh basil

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

freshly ground pepper, to taste

3 cups halved red Grapes from California

1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

1 small handful arugula

Salmon

3/4 cup walnuts, chopped

4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)

Heat oven to 350 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oiled foil.

To make honey-lemon marinated grapes: In medium bowl, whisk oil, lemon juice, honey, basil, salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in grapes, onion and arugula; set aside.

To prepare salmon: In small bowl, stir walnuts, sunflower seeds, honey, mustard and salt until thick paste forms.

Place salmon on prepared baking sheet, skin side down, and press equal amounts walnut mixture over surface of each. Bake 20 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with fork.

Set salmon on plates; using slotted spoon, spoon marinated grape and onion mixture over salmon and around plates. (Family Features)

The Latest News on What’s Happening In Hollywood

By Tony Rizzo

Awaiting on a release date.

October 2026.

merica’s sweetheart Julia Roberts, 57, wife of cinematographer Daniel Moder and mother of 21-yearold twins as well as an 18-year-old son, can still find time to make a movie or two. In July 2024, she began shooting the thriller “After the Hunt” with Ayo Edebri, Andrew Garfield and Chloe Sevigny. Roberts plays a college professor grappling with her past amidst another professor’s scandal. It opens on Oct. 10.

Tom Cruise’s “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” was a disappointing finish for his “Mission: Impossible” franchise, with only $592 million grosses after a $400 million cost. The most successful film of the franchise was the fifth installment, “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” (2015), which cost $150 million and grossed $710.9 million.

Sunday-Thursday, August 24-28, 2025

Her second film, also a thriller called “Panic Carefully,” is with Eddie Redmayne, Elizabeth Olsen, Brian Tyree Henry, and Ben Chaplin. It began shooting in January but is still

With “Mission” now completed, Cruise’s new mission is starring in four-time Oscar-winning director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s black comedy, which is tentatively titled “Judy.” It was shot from November 2024 up to this past April and co-stars Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed and John Goodman. It hits theaters sometime in

Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” looked like a box-office disappointment ($158.8 million gross after a $215 million cost), but it scored big from on-demand sales with fans preferring to see it at home instead of in theaters. It received 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Lily Gladstone), and Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro).

DiCaprio’s next film is the action thriller “One Battle After Another” with Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and Regina Hall. It’s about revolutionaries who reunite to rescue one of their own daughters from their evil enemy. After it was completed in June 2024, they had multiple test screenings, and as a

Top Movies

Aug. 18, 2025

1. Weapons (R) Julia Garner, Josh Brolin

2. Freakier Friday (PG) Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan

3. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (PG-13) Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby

Depositphotos

result, director Paul Thomas Anderson cut 8-10 minutes based on feedback from audiences. Now its ready for release on Sept. 26!

The film had a $140 million budget and will need to gross $300 million to turn a profit. But if anyone can pull audiences in, DiCaprio can!

10TH ANNIVERSARY E Tue 7:30 PM

Since she was a itt e gir , it s been dr l ed into Amy s head by her rasca of a dad that monogamy sn t real st c NOBODY 2 E Sun: 1:00 3 10 5:15 Mon: 1:00 3 10 5:15 7 30; Tue: 1:00 3:10 5:15; Wed & Thu 1:00 3:10 5:15 7:30

Sometimes the most dangerous place for a dad is a fam ly vacation

FREAKIER FRIDAY B Sun: 10 10 1:30 4:20 7 00; Mon: 1:30 4:20; Tue: 1 30 4:20 7:00; Wed: 1:30 4:20; Thu: 1 30 4:20 7:00

The seque to the beloved 2003 fi m with a mu tigenerational twist starr ng Jam e Lee Cur tis and Lindsay Lohan WEAPONS E 1:10 4 10 7:20

When all but one ch ld rom the same class mysteriously vanish on the same n ght at exactly the same t me, a community s left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance

THE NAKED GUN C Sun to Tue: 1 00 3:10 5 20 7:30 Wed: 1 00 3:10 5 20; Thu: 1:00 3:10 5:20 7:30

Lt Frank Drebin Jr (L am Neeson) fol ows n his ather s ootsteps in THE NAKED GUN FORBIDDEN GAMES Sun: 10:00 AM

When her parents are k l ed by an air str ke whi e tr ying to flee Paris dur ng the German nvas on 5-year-

4. The Bad Guys 2 (PG) Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron

5. The Naked Gun (PG-13) Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson

6. Superman (PG-13) David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan

7. Jurassic World: Rebirth (PG13) Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali

8. F1: The Movie (PG-13) Brad Pitt, Damson Idris

Kevin Hart, who turned 46 on July 6, is the father of four, has won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, received two Grammy and four Emmy nominations, released four hit comedy albums, had roles in 20 films, and has an estimated net worth of $450 million … but he failed at flipping burgers?

In 2022, he opened Hart House, a vegan beef fast food restaurant. The first location was near LAX, then in Monrovia, California, on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, and a fourth near the University of Southern California. However, all these locations closed down in September 2024, and it gave Kevin such a plant-based Hartache! 

©2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

A Path to Bladder Cancer Detection

When John noticed blood in his urine, he consulted his doctor and was quickly referred to a urologist. (John is a composite character, based on the experiences of real-life patients.)

John was diagnosed with bladder cancer using White Light Cystoscopy (WLC), a simple procedure for diagnosing non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). While this is the traditional diagnostic approach in most urology offices, it has limitations that can affect patient outcomes.

With WLC, it can be difficult to detect small lesions or flat lesions, such as carcinoma in situ (CIS). These missed tumors create the potential for cancer recurrence and the need for multiple transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) procedures. John, like many patients who receive WLC, had residual tumors after his initial TURBT and underwent multiple procedures to remove them.

John’s story is common and highlights the importance of accurate detection in early-stage bladder cancer. Fortunately, an enhanced procedure exists that significantly improves the visibility of bladder cancer lesions, especially hard-to-detect tumors like CIS. Blue Light Cystoscopy (BLC) uses an FDA-approved imaging agent — not a dye— that makes cancer cells glow bright pink under blue light.

The BLC procedure uses both white and blue lights to help achieve the best possible detection results. When fewer tumors are missed, it reduces the need for repeat procedures, while also offering a more complete picture of the tumor situation. This information can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and inform more appropriate treatment moving forward.

Patients diagnosed with bladder

cancer should be aware that BLC is not available in all hospitals and medical centers, so patients may need to do some research to find a urologist who offers this procedure. BLC also requires the administration of the imaging agent, which means patients must arrive at least one hour before the procedure to be prepped.

After John’s experiences with WLC, he reached out to a urologist who offers the BLC enhanced detection option. Using BLC, his urologist identified additional tumors, and the resulting more-precise diagnosis improved his follow-up care and required fewer surgeries down the line. As John learned, BLC at the outset could have limited his cycle of missed tumors and repeated surgeries.

According to medical experts, patients should not have to wait until their second or third TURBT to receive the BLC enhanced detection option. Better tumor detection has the potential to provide better data to drive more accurate diagnosis. The sooner a patient is properly diagnosed, the sooner the best possible treatment can be administered.

While WLC remains a valuable tool, incorporating BLC enhances the process and, as a result, can lead to improved detection that can drive improved outcomes for bladder cancer patients.

Given the many advantages of Blue Light Cystoscopy in detecting NMIBC tumors, patients should consider exploring this option and speaking with their urologist about it. To find a list of locations that offer BLC, visit rebrand. ly/Locations-For-BLC.

This article is sponsored by Photocure, Inc. (SPT)

Amid Volatility, Americans are Living Financially Fulfilled Lives

Three quarters of Americans (74%) are optimistic about their financial futures despite recent market volatility and uncertainty, according to new research.

Capturing the goals, challenges and feelings of North Americans regarding their finances, research for “The Pulse of North America” report was conducted by Edward Jones and Cerulli Associates during April’s increased market volatility.

An encouraging 79% of respondents indicated they are on track to achieve or have already achieved a financially fulfilled life.

“Sentiment from our own clients confirms this,” said David Gunn, principal, head of U.S. and Canada Business Units at Edward Jones. “In the

half a million conversations our financial advisors have had with clients in the past five months, only a quarter of our clients highlight financial stress. This reflects the power of deep, personal, trusting relationships and holistic financial advice.”

Volatility Doesn’t Derail Financial Fulfillment

Despite 49% of respondents indicating that inflation is a source of financial stress, Americans remain steadfast in the pursuit of financial fulfillment. They define fulfillment as having the freedom to pursue their passions (46%), make a better life for themselves and their families (42%), and have security and protection from unforeseen events (41%).

To become more financially fulfilled, Americans are most willing to change their discretionary spending habits (45%), pay off their debt (33%), and improve their financial literacy (28%). This flexibility will help them tackle potential obstacles, including rising living costs (59%), unexpected financial setbacks (35%), and insufficient income or savings (27%). Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%) indicated they would need to earn a $150,000-plus salary annually to achieve financial freedom.

Optimism Relative to Personal Benchmarks

When it comes to tracking financial progress, only 18% of Americans benchmark themselves against their own goals and plans rather than those

of others, while 33% primarily compare themselves to their peers, 22% to their significant others, and 19% to their colleagues.

Respondents indicated that they are tracking confidently against financial and other life goals, reporting that they are on par with or ahead of others when it comes to specific objectives, such as achieving financial stability (88%), travel goals (84%), financial literacy (83%), saving for retirement (80%), and achieving homeownership (78%).

“Even with heightened market volatility and economic uncertainty, American investors have stayed the course with their portfolios and long-term plans,” added Gunn. “They are making meaningful progress by keeping the future in mind, while expressing willingness to pivot in real time with the help of a financial professional.”

Financial Advisors and Pursuing Financial Fulfillment

While 57% of DIY investors have a financial plan, this number increases to 77% for Americans who regularly engage with a financial advisor.

Those working with a financial advisor are doing so to manage financial risk (28%), seek a second opinion on financial decisions (26%), or based on recommendations from family members or other professionals (25%). Those who regularly work with a financial advisor are more likely to feel optimistic about their financial future than those who manage their finances on their own (79% vs 71% respectively).

For more research insights, visit www.edwardjones.com/pulse.

Despite uncertainty, Americans are feeling confident about their finances, especially those who rely on professional advice. (SPT) 

Bye-Bye Bugs: Natural Repellents for Indoors & Out

By Sandy Lindsey Sunday Signal Contributing Writer

One of the biggest benefits of homemade bug repellents is that, unlike the commercial alternatives with their potentially harmful chemicals, a DIYer can control exactly what’s in them. In addition to being safer for one’s health, these eco-friendly alternatives are very effective against a wide range of insects, offer a variety of application methods, and are budget-friendly. Many are already at hand, and some, such as cinnamon, smell so good that they even add an aromatherapy aspect.

Place cinnamon sticks in closets, cupboards, pantries, basements and food storage containers to ward off ants, silverfish, spiders, roaches, bedbugs, moths, mosquitoes, fleas, beetles and weevils.

Sprinkle powdered cinnamon at doorways and windowsills to help prevent pests from entering the house in the first place.

Cloves

Got some cloves left over from the Christmas ham? Place them, or some clove-filled sachets, in closets, cabinets, drawers, laundry rooms and anywhere silverfish and ladybugs tend to infest. Cloves will also repel ants, weevils, moths, flies, and fleas. Their active ingredient, eugenol, is found in some flea and tick shampoos, but you should still keep cloves away from family pets that might find them toxic.

Citrus Solution

Orange peels contain a potent combination of limonene and linalool as well as some natural tannins that flies and ants distinctly dislike. Rub used peels on windowsills and doorways.

Soak several peels in a jar of white vinegar for 48 hours, then strain and put in a spray bottle for an effective bug-repelling cleaner.

Some say that citrus can be rubbed directly on your skin to repel mosquitoes, but please don’t — phytophotodermatitis, an extreme sunburn that happens when your skin is exposed to sunlight after touching citrus, can occur.

Planting citronella repels mosquitoes by masking the scents they find attractive. Lemongrass, lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon eucalyptus and bee balm work too, with the added benefit of keeping critters away. Brush by or crush the leaves periodically to release more scent.

Onion Tears

Chop up or slice onions and place them on a small plate or leftover piece of aluminum foil near doorways, in basements and garages, and anywhere you want to be free of rats or lizards. Place them on a windowsill or in a

Place some fresh or dried bay leaves wherever insects are likely to enter the home and behind furniture to control roaches, spiders, ants and silverfish. ©ADOBESTOCK

cabinet to keep spiders away. To make a handy spray that repels flies and other pests, particularly around windows, doors, and garbage bins, chop up one medium onion, add in a cup of water, blend, strain, and then pour into a spray bottle. Add a tablespoon of vinegar for added potency.

Java as a Deterrent

The caffeine in coffee grounds, along with its hormone-disrupting diterpenes (which help to prevent insects from eating coffee plants), will repel ants, flies, and mosquitoes, indoors and out.

Sprinkle around or place in a ramekin in strategic locations, saving some to sprinkle in potted plants to keep ants away while also giving them an organic nitrogen boost. Burning used coffee grounds in an aluminum foil “bowl” will keep mosquitoes away outdoors while giving off an incense-like ambience.

Before use Always lay used grounds

out on a baking sheet and sun-dry them for a few days, or bake the coffee grounds at 175 degrees for one to two hours until they are completely dry.

The Roach Myth

Coffee grounds are often recommended as a roach treatment, but this is more effective: Lightly moisten and form equal parts of boric acid, flour and sugar into tablets, or simply sprinkle them under appliances, behind cabinets, or into cracks in the walls.

Meet Bay Leaves

Roaches positively loathe the scent of bay leaves with their natural insecticide, eucalyptol. Simply crush up some fresh or dried leaves and place them wherever insects are likely to enter the home and behind furniture to control roaches, spiders, ants and silverfish.

The Vinegars

Wiping down ant trails with fullstrength white vinegar to break up their pheromone path up a wall or across a floor is a tried and true tech-

nique to disrupt their activity on the inside and outside of the home.

Another option is to place white vinegar in a bowl on a windowsill or counter or create a 50/50 vinegar/water mix in a spray bottle.

With either method, the strong scent will repel ants and spiders and can even kill soft-bodied insects like gnats and fruit flies on contact.

Got a bigger fly problem? Cover a small bowl of tasty apple cider vinegar with plastic wrap, then punch a few holes to create an inexpensive and efficient trap.

Basil and Friends

The scent of basil is as distasteful to mosquitoes and flies as it is delicious to humans. Plant it around a porch or patio and keep some in a kitchen window.

Other botanical mosquito repellents include lavender, marigolds, catmint, catnip, rosemary, mint, sage, fennel, ornamental onions, garlic, beautyberry, lantana, eucalyptus, scented geranium, ageratum, pennyroyal, mums,

Gwormwood and the previously mentioned citrus-smelling varietals. Plant in multiples for the best effect.

The Buzz on Mosquitoes

etting a handle on how mosquitoes operate can help in taking control of these pests before they infringe on outdoor entertaining. Review the following courtesy the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Cumberland County, NJ.

• Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water where they will hatch into larvae. A single female lays between 50 and 200 eggs, and can do so up to three times before they die. Without adequate water, mosquito eggs will dry up. Moving water disrupts their life cycle and prevents them from successfully breeding.

• Only female mosquitoes bite. They require a blood meal to produce eggs. Males do not have the mouth parts necessary to bite.

• The word “mosquito” comes from the Spanish term for “little fly.”

Skeeter Solutions

No space to grow insect-controlling plants? Consider essential oils, which

• The two main mosquito predators are fish and dragonflies. Dragonfly larvae eat mosquito larvae, and adult dragonflies prey on adult mosquitoes.

• Mosquitoes can bite day and night.

• Adult mosquitoes live for about two to four weeks. Females often live longer than males.

• Mosquitoes move in on prey by detecting carbon dioxide and other chemical odors released by animals. Visual cues and body heat also can help them pinpoint targets. Genes and body odor can determine if people are more likely than not to be bitten by mosquitoes. (MC) 

can be used in an aromatherapy diffuser as well as a home/body spray, and these other smart ideas.

Basic ‘Essential’ Recipe

Mix 1 ounce of alcohol-based witch hazel (a preservative), 20 drops of essential oil and 1 ounce of distilled water in a 2-ounce glass spray bottle. Basil, lavender, pine, peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus are also effective, with the added benefit that peppermint and tea tree calm irritations caused by bites and stings.

Garlic and Lemon

Combine 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 tablespoon light olive oil (mineral oil can be substituted) in a cup of water. Blend thoroughly, strain, and pour into a spray bottle to spray the yard, including vegetation and other mosquito-friendly spots.

Note Do not apply directly to skin to avoid potential phytophotodermatitis sunburn.

In a Pinch

Fill a spray bottle with minty fresh mouthwash and spray down outdoor surfaces. Give the air a spritz as well. To use as a body protectant, apply and then allow it to dry before going outdoors. Reapply as needed, typically every 30 to 40 minutes. (EP) 

THEATER

Continued from page 7

young children to lifelong lovers of the stage.

Located in Valencia Town Center, Olive Branch’s pop-up venue, simply called The Olive Branch, fuses the excitement of the stage with the lively energy of shopping and dining nearby, inviting passersby to step out of the ordinary and into a world of song, laughter, and storytelling. The theater glows on show nights, lights drawing a friendly crowd: seniors, veterans, families with giggling children, seasoned thespians, and first-timers alike.

Musette Caing Hart, the passionate CEO, often reminds the community that “art is for everyone,” and it shows in every detail. Olive Branch offers sensory-sensitive performances to open the experience to all, and productions always ensure the youngest audience members are engaged, with interactive scripts and invitations to join the fun.

Beyond entertainment, Olive Branch Theatricals reaches deeper. They support fellow arts organizations, provide acting and dance classes, and discount tickets for those in need, living the belief that theater is most powerful when everyone has a place in the audience or on stage.

Upcoming shows include Alan Ball’s Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. Olive Branch Theatricals is located at the Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Blvd, Suite 2283, in Valencia. For more information, call (661) 505-8733; email info@ olivebranchtheatricals.com; or visit www.olivebranchtheatricals.com.

Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts

The Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts, located on the cam-

pus of Newhall Elementary School, has a rich history dating back to 1925. Originally part of Newhall Grammar School, its auditorium was a communal gathering spot where silent film cowboy William S. Hart screened his movies to local children. After a mysterious fire in 1939, the auditorium was rebuilt in 1941 in stunning Art Deco style with the help of community donations and the Works Progress Administration.

Throughout the mid-20th century, the auditorium served as a venue for performances, graduations, and community events. However, by 1975, the growing need for classrooms led to its conversion into a warehouse, and the theatre fell into disuse.

Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the space was rediscovered, sparking a community-driven restoration effort led by parents and supporters who raised funds to revive the theatre for performing arts education.

In 2011, a bond measure passed to fund a comprehensive restoration, and after a groundbreaking in 2016, the theatre reopened as the Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts in late 2017.

The restored theatre preserved its original Art Deco proscenium while incorporating modern stage technology, seating more than 500 people. Since reopening, it has become a vibrant hub for local schools and community groups, hosting a variety of performances including live theatre, music, dance, film screenings, and more.

The theatre’s mission is to nurture and inspire youth and community through performing arts, offering a world-class venue that blends historic charm with contemporary capabilities. It continues to grow as a vital cultur-

al and educational resource in Santa Clarita, bringing generations together through the power of performance.

Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts is located at 24607 Walnut Street in Newhall. For more information, call 661-291-4016; email tlund@newhallsd.com; or visit newhallfamilytheatre.com.

Dig Deep Theatre

Dig Deep Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre company with a passion for telling stories that dig deep into the human experience.

Founded by Shawnee Badger, a Valencia native and CalArts acting student, the company began during the COVID-19 pandemic by presenting plays virtually on Zoom, allowing actors from diverse locations to connect and perform together.

Their first in-person production was Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” in 2022 at The MAIN Theater in Newhall, a light-hearted and uplift-

ing show aimed at making audiences laugh after pandemic hardships.

Dig Deep Theatre focuses on meaningful, uplifting narratives and offers opportunities for adult actors to explore their craft deeply and authentically. Their productions have included well-known plays like Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie (2024), David Auburn’s Proof, and Kenneth Lonergan’s This Is Our Youth. The company is recognized for bringing high-quality theater to Santa Clarita, often featuring remarkable performances and innovative staging.

They are also active in community events, such as fundraising efforts and hosting a 5K run/walk event called the “Dig Deep Dash” to support their work.

Dig Deep Theatre performs at The MAIN at 24266 Main Street in Old Town Newhall. For more information, email digdeeptheatre@gmail.com; or visit www.digdeeptheatre.com. 

Six Benefits of Servicing a Vehicle at the Dealership

Routine maintenance is required to ensure the safety and performance of any vehicle. Although vehicle owners have different options when it comes to servicing their cars and trucks, including doing it themselves or visiting an independent auto repair center, there are various benefits to using a dealership for servicing needs.

According to a study by Kelley Blue Book, 35% of all cars were serviced at a dealership in 2021. By 2023, that figure had dropped to 30%. Service chains, like tire service centers and quick lube brands, are gaining ground in the automotive servicing market. Here are six reasons why consumers may want to think about returning to the dealership to maintain their vehicles.

Cost

KBB says that owners are not saving much by shifting their business to service centers. In 2023, the average dealership service visit cost $258, while a visit to a non-dealer service center was $249 on average.

Customers may be able to negotiate with dealerships where they purchased the car for lower prices or coupon incentives, as dealerships typically like to build relationships with customers to ensure repeat business.

Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts

A big advantage to going to the dealership for service is original equipment manufacturer parts, known as OEM parts and accessories. OEM means the components used in the service or repair will be the same as those used by the manufacturer in their own workshops, guaranteeing both quality and compatibility,

according to DCH Honda. This can be especially important for electrical components.

Certified Technicians

Modern vehicles are complex and unique between make and model. Visiting a dealership for service means you’ll be getting a service technician who has specific knowledge about the vehicles that dealership sells.

Technicians at dealerships have to be manufacturer-certified, meaning they will have the most up-to-date knowledge and access to cutting-edge equipment.

Warranty Savings

More often than not, new vehicles come with manufacturer warranties. Certain service may be covered by the manufacturer or dealership at no cost to the vehicle owner. Plus, the dealership can easily look up and apply the warranty pricing if applicable. Also, the service may need to be performed at a dealership by a certified technician for a warranty to continue to be valid.

Accessible Records

If and when the time comes time to sell a vehicle, having a handy log of all servicing can be advantageous. This is easier to come by if all of the visits

took place at a dealership. They can simply pull up a record of the vehicle and provide it to the owner; otherwise, one may scramble to compile the vehicle history from various service centers.

Loaner Vehicle

Oftentimes dealerships will provide courtesy cars to customers while service is taking place. This means that customers will not be inconvenienced if repairs take a day or more, and will not have to spend out-of-pocket to get a rental car.

Even if customers know and trust an independent mechanic, or feel confident in their own repair skills, there are times when going to a dealership for servicing may be a better idea. (MC) 

PUZZLES

SOLUTIONS

READER LETTERS

The

Savior of the World

Gov. Gavin “Alfred E.” Newsom, like Superman, is out to save the world, even if that world includes Texas.

But, unlike the Man of Steel, he doesn’t have superpowers. He runs on slick hair, a fake smile, and a line of BS that would make a used car salesman envious.

He is threatening a special redistricting election to add more Democratic House representatives for California, a reaction to Gov. Gregg Abbott’s attempt to level the playing field for Republicans in Texas. Does California have any Republican representatives? We have Eric Swalwell and Maxine Waters ... We can brag about that. Texas has Al Green and Jasmine Crockett. Yee haw!

The last time I looked, however, Newsom is the governor of California, not the U.S. He has bigger fish to fry in our once-golden state.

When I was a teacher, I would tell my students, “Teachers don’t give grades, students earn grades.”

As a student of the people of California, Newsom has earned the following grades: homelessness, fail; gas prices, fail; fire prevention, fail; insurance costs, fail; housing affordability, fail; traffic, fail; public safety, fail; public transportation, fail; response to federal authorities, fail; plays well with others, fail.

His response to this list of epic failures: “What, me worry?”

With apologies to Mad Magazine ... Larry Moore Valencia

Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone.

E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.

Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Signal, 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 141 Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Just Tell the Truth

By David Hegg

Few things make me madder than dishonesty. Being able to take someone at their word lies at the very foundation of a healthy, productive and civil society. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Make promises you can keep and keep the promises you make. Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, understanding God hates a lying tongue.

ing and advertising. We accept hyperbole when it comes to hamburgers and automobiles. But when it comes to the most essential things in life – death and taxes – we want the truth, even if those doling it out don’t think we can handle it.

others to everlasting punishment.

As I view the landscape of American society, honesty is being replaced by pragmatism. We will say whatever is necessary to accomplish whatever we think needs to be done. We have turned the “bait and switch” into a national pastime.

It used to be that half-truths, or untruths, slipped out through carelessness, in times of great stress, anger, or frustration. They were called slip-ups or gaffes, and were most often quickly followed up with humble apologies and cries for forgiveness.

Now we lie on purpose, boldfaced, looking folks straight in the eyes, smiling. Other times, we obfuscate, generalize, dodge, hypothesize, or wink to give a positive impression while maintaining plausible deniability. It seems the goal now is not an open statement of truth, but a carefully crafted, amorphous sound bite that comes wrapped in “truthiness.”

We are all acutely aware of this practice, and we even understand and accept it in the areas of market-

By taxes, I mean politics. We’re already being barraged by those running for the highest offices in our state and country. In the quiet conversations over lunch meetings, would-be candidates are fishing the financial waters to see if they can hook the big fish. The midterm races are shaping up to be the most expensive to date. A large chunk of money will be spent on advertising intended to convince us that one candidate has it right.

But the big question is this: Can we believe what they say? Sadly, history is not on our side. At election time, we, the voting public, are almost always played as chumps. Increasingly, both parties expect us to support what they promise but then blame their ineptitude on the previous administration.

But, at this point, some of you with great insight are wondering about the arena I occupy. What about the “church” today? Can you trust what we’re proclaiming?

In my mind, the most dangerous narrowing of the truth today is in downplaying the reality that we’ll all stand before a holy God one day. He will settle all the accounts, accepting some into eternal life and consigning

The church’s role and its clergy’s responsibility ought to be telling you the truth about God, sin, mankind, Jesus, salvation, forgiveness, righteousness, true joy, heaven and hell. But for some reason, too many churches are telling you how to be happy rather than holy, rewarded rather than repentant, confident rather than humbled, and how to enjoy this life at the expense of preparing for the next.

And – surprise! – they’re doing it to fill churches, and coffers, and launch their leaders into more notoriety. Unfortunately, in diluting the Gospel into a self-help talk, they’re lying to you about the most critical questions you’ll ever ask: Who is God, and how can I be right with him?

The biblical message of Jesus Christ is not the same as the “Jesus as Life-Coach” stuff being promoted far and wide by energetic, clever preachers and their entertainment directors. The real message of Jesus Christ humbles us as it reveals our utter sinfulness, calls for sincere repentance, and rescues us from our self-promoting, arrogant, and broken lives. It promises joy in suffering, purpose in life, and the security of being at peace with the Almighty. And the good news is this: The Gospel of forgiveness through Jesus Christ is still available in our day … somewhere. Find it, and accept no substitutes.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays. 