Helm Vision Group is pleased to introduce laser cataract surgery to the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding communities.
A blade-free procedure, laser cataract surgery is precise and predictable, resulting in an all new level of customized patient care. Our Swiss-engineered Ziemer FEMTO LDV ZS laser applies less energy, decreasing inflammation and enabling a faster healing time, which results in a more gentle experience. The finest care available for your eyes is here at Helm Vision Group. Schedule an appointment with us today to find out more about blade-free cataract surgery and the FEMTO LDV ZS laser system.
It’s Spooky Season! Halloween Thrills and Chills
By Michele E. Buttelman Signal Staff Writer
October has arrived, and it’s not all pumpkin spice lattes, it’s also the Spooky Season with numerous ways to find your Halloween chills and thrills. Halloween should be extra festive this year as it will fall on Friday, Oct. 31.
Now through Nov. 2
DiscoveryCube Enchanted Halloweekends Info www.discoverycube.org/los-angeles/events/ enchanted-halloweekends
Step into a world where science and magic intertwine for an unforgettable Halloween experience for all ages. Cast spells at the Wonders of Wizardry stage show, explore family challenges and navigate through the Haybale Maze. Don’t forget to wear a costume.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Info losangeleshauntedhayride.com
Experience the world-famous ultimate Halloween event, the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. Located in Griffith Park, which is transformed into the foothills of Midnight Falls, the leaves turn brown and the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.
The Witch of the Woods has cast her spell to summon the spirits of the underworld to cross over and assimilate into form. The Hayride leads to an adventure of horrors afflicting the town. The Spirit of Halloween comes to life, surrounding helpless victims brave enough to board The Hayride.
Halloween icon Janelle Monáe has also returned with another legendary party and this year, you’re invited to her maze. Step into the Monáe Manor where it’s Halloween every night and things aren’t
quite what they seem.
Enjoy Hellbilly Halloween, smore’s stations in the town square and Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem Maze.
Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
Info darkharborhalloween.com
Each fall the Queen Mary transforms the ship and surrounding harbor into a massive Halloween festival featuring haunted mazes, hundreds of monsters, immersive attractions, live entertainment, VIP experiences, themed bars and lounges, carnival rides, festive eats and treats and more.
Pick and choose from a variety of attractions and experiences from terrifying mazes aboard the notoriously haunted Queen Mary to festival favorites like the Sinister Swings. Tickets are only available online.
Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest
Info www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/events/ fright-fest-2025
The Santa Clarita Valley’s favorite Halloween “hot spot” returns with terrifying haunted mazes, sinister scare zones, live shows and specialty food and drink. A live cast of ghouls and goblins awaits around every corner.
Nothing is as it screams with horrors that lurk in foggy corners and haunts that are dying for your presence.
Twisted Colossus is even scarier after dark.
Among the eight haunted mazes is the new Carnage. Enter the chaotic fortress and become a disciple of the most villainous clown in a City Under Siege.
Among the nine scare zones are two new areas: Nightmares Reign of Blood: Face a twisted Wonderland where the Queen of Hearts hunts you and paints roses red with blood.
Thunderbolt Alley Step into a 1950s rockabilly world where classic monsters party hard and burn rubber in the afterlife.
Halloween Horror Nights
Info www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn/en/ us
Universal Studios Hollywood transforms on select nights into one of the scariest locations in Los Angeles. Not recommended for children under age 13. Brave eight haunted houses, the Terror Tram, scream-filled scare zones and nightmarish creatures that pop out of the shadows where and when you least expect it. Enjoy themed merchandise, food and drinks as well as diabolical entertainment.
Now through Nov. 1
Knott’s Scary Farm
Info www.knotts.com/events/scary-farm
Knott’s Scary Farm is the longest-running theme park Halloween event, having launched the concept in 1973 and continuing to operate for over 50 years. The original Halloween event, known as “Halloween Haunt,” was the first of its kind and set the standard for future Halloween-themed attractions at theme parks.
Now in its 52nd year, Knott’s Scary Farm, which invented the haunted maze concept for theme parks, will feature new mazes among its 10 mazes, five scare zones, live shows and the monsters we all know and love.
Guests should expect to encounter hundreds of live actors performing as roaming “monsters.”
Night of the Jack
Info nightofthejack.com
Located at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas this
See SPOOKY, page 13
Apumpkin patch adventure is just around the corner for Santa Clarita families— whether picking the perfect gourd locally or venturing just a short drive beyond city limits to some of Southern California’s most celebrated fall destinations. While not every pumpkin patch featured here is located in Santa Clarita itself, each offers a unique autumn experience close enough to make seasonal memories together.
Underwood Family Farms
At Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark, guests can walk through acres of pumpkins, take plenty of photos, and enjoy that authentic “pick-your-own” experience that makes fall feel so special.
“They can expect one of the largest and most colorful pumpkin selections in Southern California,” said Suzannah Underwood, who is part of the family ownership team. “From tiny decorative gourds to giant carving pumpkins, we grow a huge variety right here on the farm.”
Underwood’s Fall Harvest Festival is full of activities for all ages.
“We have themed weekends, a corn maze, wagon rides, animal shows, pig races, live music, harvest displays, a pumpkin house, play areas, and plenty of delicious farm-fresh food,” Underwood explained. “It’s truly a full-day experience where families can make memories together.”
Underwood is unique because it’s still a working family farm.
“Visitors aren’t just coming to a festival — they’re
stepping onto land that has been farmed by my family for generations,” Underwood emphasized. “Especially in the fall, there’s something magical about walking through the fields, connecting with where your food is grown, and celebrating the season surrounded by pumpkins, produce, and the beauty of Ventura County agriculture.”
The mission of Underwood Family Farms has always been to connect the community with agriculture.
“Whether it’s through school tours, pick-yourown produce, or seasonal events like our Fall Harvest Festival, we’re proud to be a place where families can learn, celebrate, and build traditions,” Underwood added. “We hope everyone who visits leaves with a deeper appreciation for farming and a heart full of memories.”
Underwood Family Farms is located at 3370 Sunset Valley Road in Moorpark. For more information, call (805) 529-3960; or visit underwoodfamilyfarms. com.
Gilchrist Farm
Guests can enjoy picking out pumpkins and more at Gilchrist Farm’s Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch taking place through November 2 in Santa Clarita.
The pumpkin patch is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, there’s also music, food, horseback riding, archery, pig races, goat milking demonstrations and gemstone mining. Additional activities available for purchase include farm animal visits, axe throwing, a straw bale maze, wagon rides, farm train and pumpkin decorating; as well as craft activities such as candle making, leather stamping and pioneer toy making.
Other special events during the month of October include “Pets in the Patch” photo days. Guests can walk-in with a pet on Wednesday or Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment. Pets must remain in the patch (not roam the farm), be on a leash and under control at all times.
Gilchrist Farm is located at 30116 Bouquet Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. For more information, call (661) 733-5938 or visit www.gilchristfarm.com.
Prancer’s Farm
Prancer’s Farm in Santa Paula offers acres of pumpkins in every shape and size—as well as scenic wagon rides, interactive farm experiences, and plenty of photo worthy fall displays. Families can enjoy a
See PUMPKINS, page 13
Reduce Your Home’s Vulnerabilities to Wildfire
Don’t wait for smoke on the horizon to prepare for a wildfire. While hot temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds increase wildfire threat, taking small manageable steps — like creating a noncombustible 5-foot buffer around your home — can significantly reduce its risk of ember ignition.
As fiery bits of debris, embers can travel miles ahead of the main fire front and often find vulnerable areas, including roofs; vegetation; landscaping; wood, wicker or plastic furniture; dried leaves; and other yard debris, making them the No. 1 reason homes ignite during wildfires.
To help homeowners take the guesswork out of wildfire prep and protect what matters most, experts at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) developed science-based guidance to reduce your home’s vulnerability and risk of ignition.
Check and Maintain Your Roof
More than 90% of U.S. homes already have a Class A fire-resistant-rated roof. However, if your roof is made of wood or other non-rated materials, replace it with a Class A roof to reduce fire risk. Also, regularly clear the roof of leaves, needles and other debris.
In addition, replace plastic or PVC gutters with noncombustible metal options, such as aluminum or steel, and regularly clear gutters and downspouts of all vegetative debris, which can provide fuel for embers to land on and ignite. When ignited, this debris could expose the fascia, roof and attic to flames.
Establish a Critical Noncombustible Zero Zone
From the curb to just a few steps from the front door, lush lawn, native plants and healthy trees are part of a wildfire-prepared yard. However, the area closest to your home, a 5-foot buffer, often called “Zone Zero,” is key to keeping embers at bay without any material in this area to ignite.
In fact, a study from IBHS and ZestyAI found property owners who clear vegetation from the perimeter of their home can nearly double the likelihood of it surviving a wildfire.
This doesn’t mean you need to leave this area barren; in fact, a wildfire-prepared landscape is beauti-
ful, green and safe.
Design your yard with healthy trees, plants and grass up to the last few steps to your home. In the last 5 feet, top landscape pavers or river rocks with ceramic flowerpots or noncombustible planters that can easily be moved on Red Flag days — which indicate weather conditions are optimal for wildfire spread — for a beautiful setting that also acts as a fire-resistant buffer. Trees overhanging the zone can serve as a connective path for fire to travel from the yard to the house. Trim them to prevent this risk as well as reduce debris accumulation on the roof, gutters and at the base of exterior walls.
Don’t forget to give the same care to your backyard. Just like looking in from the front curb, native landscaping, including trees and plants, as well as privacy fences, can extend all the way up to just a few steps from the back of your home. In the 5-foot area nearest your home, create an outdoor living space with hardscaping and add patio furniture, planters and other decor — choosing materials like ceramics and wrought iron that won’t burn. Protect Exterior Features
Vents are weak points where embers can enter your home or build up and ignite materials inside. Install flame- and ember-resistant vents or retrofit existing vents — including attic, soffits, wall and crawlspace vents as well as roof openings — with 1/8-inch, corrosion-resistant metal mesh. Also ensure dryer vents have functional louvers or a self-closing flap to block embers.
Looking around your yard where blowing leaves gather is a good way to visualize the places embers can collect like at the base of a home’s exterior walls. Ensure at least 6 inches of vertical, noncombustible material at ground level (and above decks or patios) below your siding to prevent ember ignition. Materials can include exposed concrete foundation, fiber-cement siding, brick, stone, stucco or metal flashing.
No longer just a threat for western states, these mitigations can reduce wildfire risk in communities across the country. Homeowners in certain states can use this system of mitigation actions to receive a Wildfire Prepared Home designation.
Find more wildfire mitigation guidance by visiting wildfireprepared.org. (Family Features)
Visit the ‘Center of the World’ in California
By Melanie Johnson Only in Your State
What do an obscure pyramid, a quaint chapel, a large sundial, a museum of human existence and an isolated, desert community in Southern California have in common? They’re located in the tiny town of Felicity, one of the most fascinating roadside attractions in Southern California. My curiosity for the unknown has led me to this unexpected destination.
Here, you’ll find the Official Center of the World and the History of Humanity in Granite Museum. Immediately capturing my sense of adventure, this quirky town in the Sonoran Desert is full of mystery, magic and has the perfect dose of whimsy. It’s the kind of destination where you’ll “arrive intrigued,” but “leave inspired.” And it’s certainly worth a detour on your next road trip through Southern California.
When French-born entrepreneur, banker, parachute pioneer, and Marine Corps veteran, Jacques-André Istel, wrote his children’s book, “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World,” who knew it would lead to an official designation of the Center of the World? Apparently, he did, and here we are. The site, located in the town of Felicity, named after his wife Felicia, was legally recognized by Imperial County in 1985. Unexpectedly, the Institut Géographique National in France has also acknowledged this unique designation.
After purchasing the barren land near the Arizona border in 1985, Istel became the official mayor, voted in by his wife and the imaginary dragon from his novel. And in case you’re wondering, the officials of the county accepted the vote of the fairytale character. In the words of famed scientist Albert Einstein, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” Obviously, Istel saw the logic in purchasing land in the middle of the desert, but it was his imagination that truly made this place magical. Today, Felicity stands as a whimsical destination where fantasy and reality collide.
The actual geological center of the world is in a town in Turkey, but it’s safe to say it lacks the vision and character of Felicity. An attraction for all
ages, the town invites visitors to explore, learn and embrace what’s possible. Inside stands a 21-foottall pink granite pyramid with a bronze plaque in the middle, marking the exact spot for the center of the world. As part of the experience, you’ll watch a video before entering the pyramid, then you’ll touch the spot and make a wish. Some believe that the Universe will listen, while others treat it as part of the fun. You’ll then receive an official certificate to remember your time here. There is no wrong or right, just let your imagination be your guide.
Other attractions include the Chapel of the Desert, a small religious sanctuary situated atop a 35-foot man-made hill. The iconic cream-colored structure with its turquoise blue door stands out against the muted colors of the desert. You’ll also find the Maze of Honor, a labyrinth of personal messages etched in granite, a 25-foot staircase from the original Eiffel Tower, a 15-foot bronze sundial, fashioned after the Arm of God from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and more.
Most impressive and arguably the coolest part of Felicity is the Museum of History in Granite, created by Istel for future generations, designed to last 4,000 years. A first-of-its-kind museum, the site is built using 20 100-foot triangular granite structures etched with the history of significant aspects of humanity. Currently, there are over 1,000 hand-etched illustrations with more being added over time, making this “granite history book” a living time capsule.
The layout of the town with the sundial, the pyramid, the center of the museum, the Felicity Stone (a granite stone etched with various languages) and the chapel are perfectly aligned, it makes me wonder if Martinez is on to something. Plus, the geometrical design of the museum and monuments further adds to this theory. This is part of the fun of visiting the Center of the World: your curiosity becomes your guide.
On our road trips, the detours are always the best part of the journey. So, if you find yourself driving from California to Arizona on Interstate 8, and you see the sign for the Center of the World, carve out time for this bucket-list-worthy adventure. As Martinez declares, “If you want to have an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience, plan a trip to Felicity.”
For the full experience, including a brief video, a guided tour and access to the Center of the World, plan your visit between November and April 30. Self-guided tours of the town and museum are available from May to October. And, while the town is open seven days per week, hours vary depending on when you visit
Keep in mind, Felicity is in the desert, so wear comfy clothing, especially if you visit during the warmer months. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Little ones under 5 are free. (Only in California)
State of the City
By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager
Santa Clarita has a lot to be proud of. Over the last year, our City has delivered meaningful programs, projects, events and initiatives that enhance daily life for residents. Thanks to the guidance and leadership of our City Council, those efforts are visible in every neighborhood — from safer streets and refreshed parks to new opportunities for recreation, culture and connection. Now it’s time to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and share what’s next. State of the City is just that celebration. It is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Santa Clarita. It gives our City Council the opportunity to highlight major projects and explain the work the City does on behalf of our community. Each year, we choose a new theme to carry through the event which centers on a significant accomplishment. This year we are honoring a landmark moment for
our park system — the transition of William S. Hart Park. Titled “Celebrating Hart Park: History in Every Frame,” the event will highlight this treasured place while showcasing how our City continues to invest in open space, history and family-friendly amenities.
Attendees will hear updates on signature achievements from the past year and get a preview of exciting initiatives on the horizon. From the public opening of the historic Pioneer Oil Refinery to progress at The Rink Sports Pavilion, the City Council will provide an overview that reflects both momentum and long-term planning. You’ll also learn how new programs are helping residents engage with their City — through arts and cultural events, trail and park improvements, youth activities and public safety efforts that keep Santa Clarita one of the safest communities in the nation.
Highlights of the event each year include a commemorative gift, the City Council showing a lighter side of local politics in the final video and of course, the chance to connect and engage with other community members following the presentations.
Guests will gather on the terrace for light bites and drinks, while enjoying live music.
State of the City is more than a presentation. It is an opportunity to recognize the teamwork that drives results. City staff, community partners and volunteers have all played a role in moving projects from concept to completion. Their dedication ensures that investments are responsible, facilities are welcoming and services meet the needs of our community. As we celebrate Hart Park’s new chapter, we also reaffirm our commitment to stewardship—preserving the places that define our heritage while creating experiences that inspire the next generation.
Please join us for State of the City on Thursday, October 16, at 3:00 p.m., at the Canyon Country Community Center. Come celebrate what we have accomplished together and hear what’s ahead. For more information about the event, please visit SantaClarita.gov.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santa clarita.gov.
SENIOR LIVING
Questions to Ask Your Doctor at Routine Checkups
An effective way to be an engaged patient is to ask questions during doctor’s appointments.
Seniors may not have the same busy schedules they did when they were younger and juggling an assortment of personal and professional responsibilities. But one constant on many seniors’ schedules is routine trips to see their doctors.
Trips to see primary care physicians and specialists are part of many seniors’ monthly routines. Such appointments can ensure seniors stay healthy throughout their golden years, especially when patients remain vigilant and engage with their physicians during office visits.
One of the most effective ways to remain an engaged patient is to ask questions during each appointment, and the following are five queries seniors can keep in mind as they prepare for their next appointment.
Is my blood pressure high?
This is a vital inquiry because high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, has been linked to a host health problems, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, and diminished vision.
What can I do to lower my blood pressure?
If doctors discover high blood pressure, ask for a detailed plan to lower that blood pressure, including safe physical activities and dietary recommendations.
Do I need to change my medications?
Though the data is somewhat outdated, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the
Canadian Health Measures Survey revealed in 2019 that nearly seven in 10 adults between the ages of 40 and 79 in the United States and 65% of adults in Canada used at least one prescription drug in the 30 days prior to being surveyed.
Roughly one in five adults in the same age group in each country acknowledged using at least five prescription drugs. If seniors find those statistics familiar, then it’s wise to ask their doctors if there’s anything they need to change or look out for. Adverse medication interactions can be dangerous and even deadly, so it’s imperative all of a patient’s doctors are up-to-date on any drugs they might be taking.
Can
I do anything to improve mobility?
A 2020 study published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology noted that 35% of persons age 70 and over live with mobility limitations. Reduced mobility can increase risk for falls and hospitalization and lead to a reduction in quality of life. When visiting their physicians, seniors can report any mobility issues and ask what they can do to address them and prevent them from progressing.
Do I need additional health screenings?
Screening saves lives, even if exams can sometimes be inconvenient if not unpleasant. Seniors can use each doctor’s appointment as an opportunity to discuss screenings and determine if there’s any additional tests they should be getting each year. (MC)
Who is 79-year-old London antique dealer Peter Hinwood?
Hinwood was the blond, muscled, hunky model chosen for the role of Rocky in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in 1975. He had no acting experience, and his voice was dubbed in the film. Yet he was hot enough to be Dr. Frank-NFurter’s (Tim Curry) crush! Linwood confessed, “One, I can’t act. Two, I cringe with embarrassment every time I see myself on film. Three, I relish a quiet, peaceful life.”
night. Not so suddenly, its $1.4 million cost turned into $166 million over 50 years. Since then, Curry’s won an Emmy as Captain Hook in “Peter Pan & the Pirates.” Susan Sarandon won an Oscar for “Dead Man Walking” (1995) after getting nominated for Best Actress four times previously! She also received six Emmy nominations and nine Golden Globe nominations. Then, of course, there was “Thelma & Louise” (1991).
Sunday-Thursday, October 5-9, 2025
When the film opened, it was a dismal flop until a smart executive got the idea to show it in theaters at mid-
Barry Bostwick, the original Danny Zuko on Broadway in “Grease” (1972), won a Tony Award for “The Robber Bridegroom” (1976) and a Golden Globe for “War and Remembrance” (1989). Pop-singing star Meat Loaf played Eddie, the delivery boy whose experiment went very wrong.
Meat Loaf died in 2022 at 74 from COVID-19.
New “Rocky Horror Picture Show” screenings will kick off appropriately at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Oct. 4 to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary. Cast members Bostwick, Nell Campbell and Patricia Quinn will make appearances at several screenings, while Curry, despite having had a stroke, will appear in Anaheim, California, on Nov. 2.
In April 1979, a hot, young actor’s manager called me for help with getting publicity for his client on a teen-oriented series; they wanted to save his show from being canceled. I advised him to have his client arrive at Johnny Mathis’ Greek Theatre show in a limo. When he got there, three teeny-bop girls (who he hired) started screaming and ripping the actor’s
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clothes off. Security then rushed the budding star into the theater. His driver took the change of clothes from the trunk, as per my instructions, and the half-naked young star then changed and watched the show. I called Army Archerd, the leading columnist in the Hollywood Reporter at the time and told him what happened. He printed the account, and all the other papers and magazines ran it. That’s how John Travolta saved “Welcome Back, Kotter” from being canceled!
-seen personal reflec tions on songs from her 12th studio a bum, The Life of a Showgirl
T H E S M A S H I N G M AC H I N E E Sun: 9 50 1:10 4:20 7:10; Mon to Thu: 1:10 4:20 7:10
The stor y of egendar y m xed mar t al ar ts & UFC fighter Mark Kerr
E L E A N O R T H E G R E AT C Sun: 10 20 1:30 Mon: 1:30 4:10; Tue: 1:30 4:10 7:00; Wed: 1:30 4:10; Thu: 1:30 4:10 7:00
In Eleanor The Great, June Squ bb br ngs to vivid ife the witty and proud y troublesome 94-year- o d Eleanor Morgenstein, who after a devastating loss tells a tale that takes on a dangerous l fe of its own
G A B BY’S D O L L H O U S E: T H E M OV I E A Sun: 10:10 1:00 4:30; Mon & Tue 1:00 4:30 7 30; Wed 1:00 4:30; Thu: 1:00 4:30 7:30
In the new film, Gabby heads out on a road trip w th her Grandma Gig to the urban wonderland of Cat Franc sco.
O N E BAT T L E A F T E R A N OT H E R E Sun: 9:50 12:50 4:00 7:00; Mon to Thu: 12:50 4:00 7:00 Washed-up revolutionar y Bob exists in a state of stoned paranoia, sur viving off- grid with his sp r ted, self-rel ant daughter, Wi la N AT I O N A L
L I V E: I N T
A L I A I Sun: 10:00 AM; Mon: 7:00 PM Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica n the much-ant cipated nex t play from the team beh nd Pr ma Fac e D OW N TO N A B B E Y: T H E
3. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (PG) Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt
4. The Long Walk (R) Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson
Peter Hinwood and Susan Sarandon in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Support Immune Health with 4 Everyday Habits
The coughing and sneezing you hear at home, in the office and at the gym means one thing: It's cold and flu season. Although it's impossible to guarantee you won't get sick, adopting a few healthy habits can go a long way toward avoiding the sniffles and sneezes. Start by talking with your health care provider about any concerns you may have then follow these lifestyle recommendations for natural immune system support.
Wash Your Hands While it's probably the first rule you learn about getting sick as a child, washing your hands remains a critical first line of defense. Use warm, soapy water and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Don't forget the backs of your hands, wrists and under your fingernails. Rinse off the soap then dry with a clean towel.
Commit to Healthier Eating Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains are recommended by experts as essential foods for optimizing your immune system. Consider fresh grapes, a prime example of food that contains beneficial plant compounds linked to health benefits in humans.
Healthy cells are the foundation of good health, and the antioxidants and other polyphenols naturally found in grapes help protect the health and function of cells. The good news is that improving your diet doesn't require a complete overhaul - small steps such as swapping in fresh California grapes for processed snacks or simply adding a handful of fresh grapes to your day will add these beneficial compounds to your daily routine.
Or, you can add grapes to recipes like this Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad, a vibrant and fresh melody of color and flavor. Roasted red and yellow beets meet sweet and juicy grapes, peppery arugula and pumpkin seeds all brought together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Studies suggest some grape compounds may positively influence immune function, including resveratrol and certain flavonoids. Additional studies show adding heart-healthy grapes to your daily diet can help support brain, colon and skin health. Grapes are also a good source of vitamin K, which may help support lung health.
Avoid Others Who are Sick Along with washing
your hands frequently, steering clear of people who are ill may sound like a no-brainer, but sometimes it's easier said than done. When loved ones, close friends or coworkers come down with a cold or flu, do your best to keep your distance and avoid touching items with which they came into contact. After bedtime routines with a sick child or afternoon meetings with an under-the-weather associate, thoroughly wash your hands and clean commonly used surfaces like doorknobs.
Prioritize Hydration Even during cooler weather, staying hydrated remains important for immune health by keeping the body's defenses functioning properly. Drink water throughout the day, and for an extra dose, increase hydration by eating foods with high water content like grapes, which contain about 82% water.
Find more health and nutrition information at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.
Heat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice and honey; set aside.
Place sliced beets on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with remaining oil. Add salt and toss well to coat. Spread in single layer and bake 25 minutes, or until tender; let cool.
Add grapes and pumpkin seeds to bowl with dressing and toss well to coat. Add cooled beets, green onions and arugula. Toss lightly; season with pepper, to taste. (Family Features)
It’s
Coming
HEALTH
Spotting Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetes, a condition in which the body doesn’t readily produce or utilize insulin to control blood glucose levels, can damage the body in many different ways. Some may be surprised to learn that diabetes can adversely affect vision.
Diabetic retinopathy, often referred to as diabetic eye disease, is a serious vision condition in which high blood sugar ends up damaging blood vessels in the retina, potentially progressing to permanent vision loss if not addressed, according to DiabetesTeam, a social network for those living with type 2 diabetes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates about 30.3 million adults in the United Sates have diabetes, and 90 percent of them have type 2 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for diabetic retinopathy and an additional eye disease known as diabetic macular edema.
According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetic retinopathy occurs when too much sugar in the blood causes damage to the small blood vessels that nourish the retina. In advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy, the eye tries to grow new blood vessels, but these new vessels do not form correctly and can leak or bleed easily.
The most common type of diabetic retinopathy is nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy. With NPDR, new blood vessels do not grow, but the walls of the blood vessels in the retina weaken. Tiny bulges form in the walls of smaller vessels, sometimes leaking fluid and blood into the retina. Sometimes a buildup of fluid can occur in the macula, which is the center portion of the retina. This condition is known as edema.
Learning symptoms can help to
catch diabetic eye conditions early on. Here are the most common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, courtesy of UTSouthwestern Medical Center.
• Blurry vision
• White or translucent visual blockers that come and go (floaters)
• Washed out and faded appearance of colors
• Blank or dark areas in your field of vision
• Vision loss
• Changes in vision
The Mayo Clinic urges people to visit an ophthalmologist, particularly one who specializes in retina issues, if any of these symptoms seem familiar. A dilated eye exam will help the eye doctor determine the cause of symptoms and potentially link it to diabetes.
A dilated eye exam with an eye care professional is recommended annually, regardless of eye health or diabetes diagnosis. It is essential to contact a medical professional immediately if vision changes suddenly or becomes blurry, hazy or spotty, or if you see flashes of light.
Currently there is no treatment to permanently reverse the effects of diabetic retinopathy, but there are ways to manage the condition. During regular office visits, an opthalmologist can administer medications directly into the eye to reduce retinal swelling and inhibit blood vessel growth. However, the best treatment is to manage blood sugar before symptoms worsen. Preventive care, including exercise and a healthy diet, can reduce a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes.
Diabetic eye diseases can affect people who have type 2 diabetes. Prevention, which includes routine visits with an eye care professional, is the best medicine. (MC)
SPOOKY
Continued from page 4
isn’t your average pumpkin patch. Night of the Jack is a Halloween spectacle with its massive mile-long immersive trail featuring larger-than-life jack-o’-lantern installations, dazzling light technology, interactive displays, food from Los Angeles’s top food trucks and themed cocktails and specialty drinks in the Spookeasy. Timed entry tickets.
Now through Oct. 31
Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort
Info http://bit.ly/4nZ8l5A
The highlight of any visit to Disneyland Resort during Halloween Time is the Disneyland Haunted Mansion’s eerie estate macabre makeover.
The Paint the Night Parade at Disneyland will dazzle guests with more than one million brilliant LED lights
PUMPKINS
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day outdoors exploring the farm, visiting barnyard animals, and indulging in seasonal favorites from market stands.
The pumpkin patches are also “ideal” for school field trips, providing a safe, educational environment where students can connect with nature, learn about farming, and experience the magic of the fall harvest firsthand.
Because ticket availability is limited on peak days, families, teachers, and group leaders are encouraged to book early to reserve your preferred date at either location.
The Fall Festival runs through October 27 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On the weekends there are themes, such as Hero’s of the Farm, Fiesta at the Farm, Harvest at the Farm, and Animals of the Farm.
Prancer’s Farm is located at 18540 East Telegraph Road in Santa Paula. For more information, call
in this technical spectacle.
Guardians of the Galaxy Monsters
After Dark is located on the Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park. Join Rocket in his race to rescue Groot.
Meet the residents of Radiator Screams, renamed for Halloween Time in Cars Land at California Adventure.
Both parks feature special themed décor, drinks and food.
Now through Oct. 30
Carved at Descanso Gardens
Info www.descansogardens.org
Discover a mesmerizing pumpkin wonderland featuring a new route and more pumpkin fun.
“Carved” is illuminated with hundreds of carved jack-o’-lanterns.
Descanso Railroad will be specially lit for “Carved” and new ghosts will join the family of wood spirits carved from five enormous logs by Chainsaw
(805) 824-7015; or visit www.prancersfarm.com/
Forneris Farms
Considered the San Fernando Valley’s “longstanding pumpkin patch” which has been “growing greatness since 1966,” Forneris Farms in Mission Hills is showcasing its seasonal pumpkin patch from October 4 through November 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The pumpkins are displayed in bountiful rows inside the pumpkin patch for you to select your favorites. You can also shop at the Farm Market for fall décor, decorative winter squash and produce.
There is a $5 per person entry fee for the pumpkin patch, with children under age two admitted free with a paid adult. The entry fee can be used as a discount off of one orange pumpkin priced $10 or more.
Forneris Farms is located at 15200 Rinaldi Street in Mission Hills. For more information, call (818)730-7707; or visit fornerisfarms.com.
Jenna. You’ll be amazed by luminous jack-o’-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins and the “Rhizome” installation.
Info lazoo.org/plan-yourvisit/special-experiences/ boo
Dress up to explore the zoo located within Griffith Park. Weekend activities include special shows, a maze, education stations and pumpkin feedings for the zoo residents. Trickor-treating stations feature premium candy, plus themed photo ops and a Spooky Storytime. Fun for all ages, costumes are encouraged.
“Carved” at Descanso Gardens offers guests hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins in creative displays throughout the gardens.
ruiting trees, bushes, and vines should be pruned in the fall to remove any dead or diseased branches (sanitary pruning). Beyond that, pruning can become quite the controversial subject, with gardeners having very passionate opinions. For example, many will swear by pruning cherry trees in the spring, but this runs the risk of discovering that the plant has already begun to swell and bud and it’s too late for pruning.
Fall pruning, on the other hand, eliminates this concern and allows plenty of time for thinning (removing crossing and otherwise incorrectly growing branches), supportive trimming (shortening back the year’s growth on branches), and formative pruning (done in the first few years to improve structure and shape).
Later in the tree’s life comes the need for anti-aging trimming, removing old, no-longer-bearing branches to allow new ones to form next spring. Let’s go in order of simplicity: vines, bushes, trees.
Vining Berries
While they’re considered two of the easiest-to-grow fruiting plants and require minimal care in general, black-
berry and raspberry vines need a judicious pruning of any dead floricanes (the second-year growth sections that produced fruit) as soon as they have finished fruiting. This will be in early fall for summer-producing types and everbearing varieties as well.
For fall-producing plants, it is best to wait until late winter (December or January) to prune them while they’re deeply dormant. This significantly reduces the risk of them resprouting after pruning, as they might if pruned in a still temperate late fall, and the risk of new shoots being damaged by a sudden hard frost.
Glorious Grapes
further, leaving only one or two canes that have 8 to 10 buds each and are the thickness of a finger. Happily, grapes are resilient and forgiving, allowing any beginner mistakes to be corrected the following year.
Passionate Cuts
Passionfruit vines can easily take over a garden, but pruning keeps them under control and leads to a bigger harvest next season. Fall pruning should be kept to removing overly aggressive shoots and dead, diseased, or damaged vines. In late winter, trim back the shoots that have fruited to one or two buds to encourage a bumper crop next summer.
mulberry trees and bushes and their many subcultivars.
After-Harvest Trims
Apricots, avocados, figs, grapefruit, guava, kumquats, lemons, limes, lychees and mangoes will all produce best next season if they are pruned back right after the harvest, typically in late summer to late fall.
Pip Planning
Apples, pears, crabapples, quince, nashi (Japanese pears), and other members of the pip family are generally pruned in late winter when the coldest weather has passed, but the trees are still firmly dormant. The idea is to control the tree’s shape and growth without subjecting any new growth to the danger of icing. This is the time to trim for height so the fruit isn’t growing out of reach, and to open the canopy for good airflow to lessen the chance of disease. Trim off dead, damaged, and diseased growth, as well as crossing branches and any other excess branching to encourage good limb structure, enhance fruit production, and increase overall good health. The idea is to allow the tree to put this year’s energy into production and encourage new limbs that will fruit in their second season.
Bush Berries (Trees, too!)
Pomegranates are the “pip†exception. They don’t need to be pruned annually, though a quick trim will help enhance fruit production. Also, they are best pruned in autumn after fruiting and before their vegetative rest.
Step away from the grapes. They are best left alone to be pruned in spring — in February, March, or even early April. At that point, up to 90% of last year’s growth (the long canes that sprouted during the past season) can be sheared off. New plants should be trimmed to about 30 inches or to the first trellis wire. Grapes older than one year should be pruned of canes that fruited last year and will not fruit again. Some gardeners take this one step
After they’ve reached three to four years (fruiting age), blueberries and cranberries should be pruned yearly to control their size and stimulate new growth, as they produce best on younger stems. Don’t trim them after Aug. 1, to avoid winter injury. Instead, prune them toward the end of their dormant stage — January to early March.
The same holds true for red, black, white (nonstaining), and everbearing
DIY Plant Surgeon
Disinfect pruning tools with isopropyl alcohol between cuts to avoid unintentionally spreading fungus or disease. Angle all cuts to prevent water buildup on the wound. Apply a wound sealer to large cuts. (ET)
Aneed for more space compels many a homeowner to consider home renovations each year. While some homeowners decide to pull up stakes and move after realizing they need more room to maneuver at home, a real estate market marked by low inventory and high prices has made it more affordable for many property owners to stay put and convert existing spaces.
A garage conversion project is one way for homeowners to create more space in their current properties. Homeowners considering such renovations can benefit from a rundown of what a garage conversion entails and what to expect when the project is completed.
A New Floor
Whether you’re converting the garage into a living space or simply hoping to make it look nicer as a workshop or artist’s studio, the existing floor will likely need to be replaced. Many garages feature concrete flooring, which cracks easily (homeowners considering a garage renovation may already see cracks in an existing floor). When converting a garage, renovation experts will undoubtedly advise replacing the existing floor, and some will recommend polyaspartic floor installation. Various garage conversion experts note that polyaspartic flooring is ideal for garage spaces because it’s durable, resistant to damage that can be caused by chemicals and offers much more aesthetic appeal than a concrete floor.
Ventilation
A garage used for traditional purposes will likely not be connected to
a home’s existing HVAC system and may not feature a window that can be opened or closed to allow for fresh air to enter the space. The space will need ventilation and heating and cooling capabilities if it’s being converted.
Location
Before going forward with a garage conversion, homeowners should consider where they live and the local climate. Homeowners living in urban areas where parking is at a premium may be doing themselves (and future owners) a disservice by converting a space where they can presently park a vehicle into something else.
Zoning
Zoning laws may or may not affect the project. Laws vary depending on where homeowners live, so it’s impossible to say with certainty if homeowners will or won’t run into zoning issues during a project. However, the design of the finished product may offer hints as to any permit-related hurdles homeowners may need to clear. For example, if the garage doors are staying and the space behind those doors is merely being converted with a new floor and other amenities that won’t change the look or function of the space, then homeowners may not encounter any permit issues. A need for permits and some restrictions may emerge if garage doors are being replaced by a new wall so the exterior space seamlessly blends in with the rest of the home. Investigate any potential restrictions prior to going forward. (MC)
Dog Parents Can — and Should — Practice Pet Etiquette
Dogs are popular pets.
Forbes Advisor reports 65.1 million households in the United States have a dog, and there are roughly 89 million dogs in the country. According to Dogster, Canadians own about 7.9 million dogs as of 2022.
People have grown accustomed to treating their dogs like members of the family, and that means that dogs increasingly are being brought along on errands, traveling with their human companions, and even being brought into the workplace.
It’s important for pet parents to always be mindful of their dogs’ behavior when out and about, or even hanging closer to home.
Dog owners can follow these dog
etiquette pointers to be responsible pet owners.
Get Permission
Get permission from your employer before taking a dog to work. If you plan to take your pet into the workplace, whether during Take Your Dog to Work Day or Take Your Pet to Work Week, or any time of the year, it is best to check with management to find out if this is allowed.
You must be mindful of people’s dog fears or allergies and be respectful of others no matter how much fun it might be to bring your dog into a public space. The warm and fuzzy feelings dog owners feel for their dogs are not necessarily shared by everyone.
Barking
Quiet nuisance barking. Do not leave
Dogs
your dog outside unattended for a long time. This can cause what the American Kennel Club characterizes as boredom barking. Quiet your dog if he or she is barking, or bring the pet indoors.
Leashes
Always leash your dog. Some people are not comfortable around dogs. And even if your dog is friendly, others met on walks or outings may not be. To prevent uncomfortable situations or even dog bites, it’s best to always leash your dog.
Many stores do not allow dogs inside, but employees may be hesitant to approach pet owners about such policies. Many stores only allow trained service dogs that are Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant.
Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animal designations are exclusive to dogs. However, a number of people have “emotional support animals,” which are not recognized as service animals.
Choose a leash short enough to prevent your dog from jumping on passersby.
Permission to Approach
Ask permission first. Check to see if your dog is allowed to greet people or other dogs. If someone says, “no,” respect that answer.
Clean Up
Clean up after your pet. Always have waste bags at the ready so you can clean up after your dog. This also applies indoors, should your dog have an accident inside a pet-friendly store.
Be Mindful
Be mindful of shopping with pets.
As a general rule of thumb, know a store’s policy on non-service animal pets before visiting. And, when shopping at food stores, it’s best to leave the dog at home.
Training
Train your dog. A dog that knows basic obedience training will behave better in the community. If you are having trouble training your dog alone, consider working with an experienced dog trainer.
Dogs are beloved members of the family. However, pet owners should practice proper etiquette when dogs are out and about. (MC)
A Consumer’s Guide to Automobile Insurance
Drivers must be in possession of certain documentation in order to own and operate a motor vehicle legally. Naturally a driver’s licence is necessary, as is a vehicle registration. However, drivers also need proof of automotive insurance to be able to operate their cars and trucks. Auto insurance helps protect a person’s finances by covering the cost of bills resulting from accidents or other incidents involving vehicles. Navigating the basics of auto insurance can be a little tricky, but consumers can use this guide to gain a greater understanding of their policies and coverage.
What is automotive insurance?
Investopedia defines automotive insurance as a policy between a consumer and an insurance company that says the person will make payments, and in return, the insurance company agrees to cover the costs of medical bills, vehicle repairs and other property damage. Some types of automotive insurance are required by law, while others are optional.
Liability Coverage
Most states and provinces require
drivers to have liability insurance. This is the most basic coverage to legally drive a car. The Insurance Information Institute says liability insurance pays the other driver’s medical, car repair and additional costs when the policyholder is at fault in an auto accident.
Bodily injury liability, which applies to injuries that the policyholder and family members listed on the policy cause to someone else, is included in liability insurance.
Policyholders can purchase more than the minimum required. Property damage liability pays for damage a driver may cause to someone else’s property, such as vehicles, lamp posts, fences, buildings, or structures.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for damage from a collision with another car, an object or a pothole, or from flipping over, says the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Comprehensive Coverage
This coverage will reimburse a pol-
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
This coverage offers protection to policyholders who get in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage to fully cover the costs of the accident, says Investopedia.
Premiums and Deductibles
A premium is the total amount paid for the policy. It is determined by the coverages, policy holder’s age and driving history, and a number of other factors.
icyholder for damage to the vehicle that’s not caused by a collision. This can include weather, fire, flooding, and hitting an animal.
Personal injury protection
The III indicates this coverage pays for the treatment of injuries to the driver and passengers. PIP can cover medical payments, lost wages, and the cost of replacing services normally performed by the person who was injured in the auto accident. PIP may cover funeral costs in some cases.
Insurance policies typically have deductibles associated with them. This is the amount a policyholder has to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in and pays out. A higher deductible often means a lower premium.
Insurance policy terms typically are six months in length and will auto-renew at the end of the term. Motorists can keep an eye out for policy changes and costs at this time and decide if they want to stick with their insurance company or shop around.
Automotive insurance is needed to operate a vehicle, but costs will vary depending on the coverage. (MC)
The stark difference between liberals and conservatives has never been more glaringly obvious than the reaction to the death of Charlie Kirk. Even though he was an icon of patriotism who positively influenced millions, mostly young, across our great country, he was assassinated by a left-leaning lunatic. Rather than reacting with rage and violence, Charlie’s followers have honored his memory with prayers and candlelight vigils. Charlie would be proud of this outpouring of love and restraint. He knows his wife and two children are surrounded by people who will support and uplift them. Compare that to 2020 after the death of George Floyd, a convicted felon who positively influenced no lives. Left-wing radicals caused over 500 violent riots in which first responders were killed, cities were set on fire, government buildings came under attack and rioters were encouraged by left-leaning public officials. Indeed, the vice president at the time, Kamala Harris, told the rioters they should not stop and she had their backs. VP candidate Tim Walz’s wife said she loved the smell of burning rubber in Minneapolis.
President Joe Biden’s Justice Department said the greatest threat in America is from right-wing extremists. You be the judge.
Larry Moore Valencia
Submit a Letter to the Editor Include name, address & phone. E-mail: letters@signalscv.com.
ETHICALLY SPEAKING
Wrong Plus Wrong Still Equals Wrong
By David Hegg
Sometimes going backward can be both rewarding and upsetting. Consider Robert Fulghum’s cogent little book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”
Published in 1986, this volume of collected essays reminded us all that the essential values of life — sharing, honesty, kindness, personal responsibility, and a few others — were best learned in early childhood and meant to shape our lives.
Most parents would agree that instilling courtesy, self-control, civility, truth, perseverance and a host of other values in children is essential for establishing the ethical foundation that will enable them to become valuable contributors to society. However, as I look around our culture and see the dangerous erosion of courtesy and civil behavior, it seems Mr. Fulghum needs to come out with a refresher course in right and wrong. One of the simple childhood lessons I remember learning was that two wrongs don’t make a right. For those of us who didn’t attend kindergarten, let me try to define and explain this monumental truth. It goes like this: If you are harmed by someone or something wrong – that is, unethical, harmful, or just plain mean – you should not respond in kind because wrong plus wrong still equals wrong. Simply put, doing what you have concluded is wrong because you have suffered what you have labeled as wrong, is ... wait for it ... wrong!
The obvious conclusion here is that vengeance is never a righteous and virtuous act. Serving vengeance to those we have previously convicted in our minds of wrongdoing is pure and simple hypocrisy. And those who dress themselves up in hypocrisy should be ashamed rather than applauded.
However, let’s take a closer look at a few current examples. In these cases, those wronged responded in kind and yet considered their actions ethical and worthy of applause. They threw out kindergarten virtues and proclaimed that responding to wrong with wrong actually makes things right.
For example, consider our country’s front-row seat to the levels of incivility over the past six months. We’ve watched as those who thought Charlie Kirk was ideologically wrong actually suggested that his public assassination was not all that wrong. And, if the first information coming out of the horrific shooting in the church in Michigan is correct, the shooter believed that the LDS congregation’s belief system was so wrong
that shooting them and setting their building on fire, both of which a normal kindergartner would call wrong and evil, was right. In both of these examples, every ethical person must agree that responding to wrong with wrong can’t be accepted as proper in a society that intends to thrive. And I have one more example that is staring us in the face. I must admit, I was shocked to the point of laughter when Gov. Gavin Newsom began his rant against the gerrymandering scheme announced by Texas legislators. Frankly, his robust denigration of his fellow Americans in Texas seemed excessive for someone claiming to be educated and civil. However, it was his prompt response that really shocked me. He reminded me of a 4-year-old caught fisticuffing. “He started it! He took my hat and ran away with it! So, I socked him!” Apparently, our governor considers gerrymandering to be despicable, unethical, and just plain wrong. He called down shame on the Texans and then immediately announced his plan to out-wrong them and call it right.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Sometimes it is both good and right to “fight fire with fire.” But consider that, while this slogan may apply to war, it can’t be acceptable when battling a house fire. And if you look around, we’re watching a whole bunch of ethical houses burning out of control. The bottom line in all this must cause us to ask, “How have we so dehumanized those we oppose that we now call evil good? How have we gerrymandered language to alter reality to the point where disagreement is hatred, and mean-spirited name-calling and even violent opposition are now acceptable?”
I recently read an article that suggested America, as one nation under God, should get back to the Lord’s Prayer. In this divinely inspired teaching from Jesus, he calls his disciples to ask their Father to “forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
So, maybe God is asking too much of us. Perhaps it is impossible to forgive some things. Then again, Erika Kirk publicly forgave the one who made her a widow and her children fatherless. You may think that is just plain wrong. But then again, millions of us call it brave, virtuous, and most of all, good for her heart and ours.
Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.
