Family

Post-Bankruptcy Issues

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:13:03 +0100

When a debtor files bankruptcy, the goal in most cases is to obtain a discharge to eliminate debt and get a fresh start in their financial lives.Â In Chapter 7 cases, the case is usually open for about four months, and then the debtor receives the discharge and the case is closed.Â

Santa Clarita Valley Chamber to Hold Mixer in Canyon Country

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:12:22 +0100

The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a business mixer at the College of the Canyons Canyon Country Campus (CCC) on Wednesday, May 15.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network and learn about various businesses and services offered throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

Why People Hate Lawyers

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:11:45 +0100

It is tax time and for me, speaking with my accountant is probably a lot like you speaking to your lawyer.Â I dread the conversations.Â I loathe waiting for the phone call when I find out what my tax liability is and how much money I have to pay before April 15, 2013.Â My accountant is a nice enough person.Â I donât hate her.Â I hate the process.

Do You Know Where Your Original Estate Planning Documents Are?

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:11:07 +0100

Where have you placed your original estate planning documents?Â Somewhere water or fireproof?Â Does anyone else know where to find your documents?Â In California, if your original Will cannot be found, it is âpresumed revoked.âÂ This means any or all of the directives in your Will could be ignored and the persons to whom you wanted to distribute your estate could be disregarded.
It doesnât matter how many copies of your Will exist.Â

The Advance Health Care Directive

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:10:31 +0100

Do you remember the sad saga of Terri Schiavo?Â After suffering brain damage, she had been in a vegetative state for years.Â She had signed no health care directive, and her family could not agree on whether to âpull the plugâ or not. From 1996 until 2005, her case was in the courts, reflecting the familyâs acrimony, second-guessing and venting of personal feelings.

My Wife Got Remarried, Can I Terminate My Obligation to Pay Spousal Support?

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:10:06 +0100

The answer to this question is â âonly if the remarriage is a legally valid one.âÂ In, Marriage of Left, 208 Cal.App 4th 1137, 146 Cal.Rptr.3d 181, Mr. Left married Andrea Left in June 2001 but the marriage went sour and Mrs. Left filed for divorce in 2005.Â As part of their dissolution settlement agreement, Mr. Left was to pay $14,590 a month for child support and $32,547 for spousal support.Â The trial court entered a judgment as to marital status only on June 3, 2008, but reserved ju ...

Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoption Agency

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:09:44 +0100

As an intern at Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoption Agency I have learned a great deal of information that will be with me throughout my entire career.Â Building relationships with staff and the children placed with the agency will help me with my internship next year with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Teen Drinking Itâs a Killer

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:09:22 +0100

Joanne and Tony throw the best keg parties in town.Â The beer flows and a designated teen collects car keys at the door.Â Teens mill around shouting over the pounding music.Â Joanne and Tony are so popular they could have been voted Prom King and Queen.Â
Ironically, Joanne and Tony graduated high school 25 years ago, and this is their sonâs party.

Voice Over Demos

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:07:43 +0100

Readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita are always sending me terrific questions about the voice-acting business.Â This is the sixth part of my answer regarding voice-over demos:

Q:Â Iâve voiced a number of commercials, and think Iâm ready to make a demo.Â But do I really need to?Â Any suggestions as to how to go about it? â Roberta K., Santa Clarita, CA

The Best-Kept Secret in Adult Day Health Care

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:07:09 +0100

Imagine a place where friendship thrives and wellness radiates from every smile.Â Imagine an oasis where adults of all ages come together to enjoy every breath of life while sharing a meal, a story, a session of restorative therapy or thirty minutes of fun and exercise.Now picture this joyful place in your heart: a safe haven where itâs okay to have a memory impairment; a circle of friends where a traumatic brain injury will not exclude you from the in-crowd; and a safe environment where inte ...

Qualified Individuals Should not Wait to Apply for Existing Immigrations Benefits

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:05:50 +0100

A lot is being done to reform and ameliorate our Immigration laws lately.Â The comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) will have a big impact on would-be-immigrants, be they on the business or family side of Immigration Law.Â It is for this reason that we are urging interested individuals to be involved to the extent that they can now or ready themselves for what is to come.Â Already, we are seeing movement in the availability of Immigrant visas for spouses and children under age 21 of green c ...

Post Divorce Dating

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:02:28 +0100

âMy parents arenât really getting a divorce.Â They just arenât going to be married any more.â â Anonymous (divorceandkids.com)
While much has been written about dating and re-partnering after divorce, there is scant research on the specifics of dating and the impact on the children.Â Research suggests 80 percent of parents are dating in some form within one year of filing for divorce (Anderson & Greene, 2005).Â

Foster Care and Adoptive Families Needed in the Santa Clarita Valley

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:01:42 +0100

Did you know that Koinonia Family Services, a foster care and adoption agency, has been operating in Antelope Valley for over 20 years?Â With the large growth of the Santa Clarita Valley over the past decade, the need for foster and adoptive homes has also grown.Â Children from the ages of zero to 18 are in need of foster and adoptive homes.Â

You Can Enjoy an Abundant Life

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:01:09 +0100

As a pastor for the past 16 years I have seen first hand families struggle with infidelity, loss of jobs, financial hardships, conflicts with raising teens and children, drug addictions and even death of a love one.Â The good news is that the Lord Jesus has an answer and a way out through all of lifeâs challenges.

VA Benefits and the Cost of Wartime Service

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:08 +0100

Our VA Accredited Attorneys assist veterans with a obtaining a variety of benefits through the Veterans Administration.Â Most claims involve âAid and Attendanceâ benefits, meaning tax-free monthly payments are made to the eligible veteran or surviving spouse.Â This payment assists with the high cost of long-term care, either in the home, or in a care facility.Â Most of those applying for Aid and Attendance benefits served at least one day during World War II or the Korean War.

You Can Change Your Future in 71 Days!

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:59:22 +0100

Is it time for a career change or do you want more from you current job?Â Is your high school graduation just around the corner?Â A change can be a difficult process and can often take an extended amount of time to accomplish unless you have a plan.
Sometimes the hardest part of creating an action plan is investigating your options.Â

A Checklist of Things You Should Be Doing Right Now If Youâre the Parent of a ...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:58:31 +0100

Around this time of year when the weather starts getting nice again, parents tend to catch a disease called âsummer fever.âÂ Symptoms include: leaving work early, playing golf, and blowing off every important financial decision until after the summerâs over!
This is usually a big mistake.Â

Are We There Yet? Making Summer Plans When You Are Divorced or Soon To Be

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:57:33 +0100

With summer vacation right around the corner, thoughts on how to keep kids busy, entertained, structured, happy, and distracted from the throes of your divorce are probably beginning.
Kids who are home from school have a lot of available time that needs to be scheduled.Â Some will benefit from going away to camp or to their grandparents, while others will benefit from more one-on-one time with parents because they may find the isolation from divorce as alienating.

Getting the Best Help for Seniors at Home Companies Versus an Independent Caregiver

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:55:13 +0100

When someone you love needs help to stay safely and comfortably at home, finding the right person can be a challenge.Â Even though the benefits of having help are clear, the idea of inviting a stranger into your home understandably makes many people feel uncomfortable.Â For most people, there are really two options for finding an in-home care provider: either hire a home care company, such as Visiting Angels, or hire a private independent caregiver.

Parenting Workshop Finding Balance: How to Motivate your Kids and Restore Respect

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:52:59 +0100

Raising kids is tricky, right?Â Darned if you do, darned if you donât.Â If you get overly involved, like a helicopter parent, your kids never learn to be self-reliant.Â Not involved enough, a free-range parent, and kids go off the rails of life.Â How are we supposed to know where the boundaries are and how and when to set them?Â If this delicate balance of involvement is not done properly, our kids (and we) will pay the price in a variety of ways: drugs, conflict, failure, defiance, disre ...

May is Foster Parent Appreciation Month!

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:51:39 +0100

Foster Parent Appreciation Month in May provides a wonderful opportunity to honor and recognize the work of people making a difference in the lives of children in foster care.Â Itâs also a time to bring awareness to the great need for resource families to open their homes for fostering and/or adoption to these vulnerable children, especially older children and sibling sets of brothers and sisters who wish to remain together.Â

Spring â A Time for Renewal

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:50:26 +0100

Recently I woke up to 11 baby ducks and a very protective mother in my swimming pool!Â
I had been aware of the male and female ducks âhanging around the poolâ for a couple of weeks â I had even looked for a nest in the bushes!Â Imagine my surprise when I saw all of them in the pool â and my three dogs barking at them!Â

Creative Ways to Show Love for Mom and Grandma!

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:06:10 +0100

Our mothers and grandmothers have such a profound influence on our lives, and Motherâs Day is the perfect time to show them how much we love them!
When you are choosing the right gift, the first thing you want to do is consider your mom or grandmotherâs personality and interests.Â What kind of activities is she involved in regularly?Â How does she like to spend her spare time?Â Does she have any physical limitations?

The Secret Language of Tweens, Teens and Pre-Teens Motivating, Getting Respect and Setting ...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:02:41 +0100

It feels a lot like youâre banging your head against a brick wall, doesnât it?Â You tell your kids whatâs right and whatâs good for them and they not only ignore, but roll their eyes or worse, become defiant or disrespectful, like youâre stupid.Â It makes you want to give up sometimes and it seems hopelessly frustrating.

Your Home and Your Divorce

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:02:08 +0100

If you are contemplating or goingÂ through a divorce, your home can be a tricky asset to divide, depending on a number of circumstances.Â Issues arise such as whether the home was owned by one spouse prior to marriage; how much of an interest in the home the community may have, if any; separate property contributions to acquisition or improvements; and issues pertaining to refinance(s).

Get It in Writing!

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:00:57 +0100

Ex spouses often work together outside the legal system after their Judgment has been entered, which is a great thing.Â I encourage this behavior, with one simple caveat: Document your new agreement!

How to Avoid the 3 Deadliest Mistakes When Applying for College Funding

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:23:24 +0100

After speaking at hundreds of universities and high schools across the nation and working with thousands of families it is our belief that three core mistakes are largely responsible for why most families never receive the maximum amount of financial aid thatâs available for them.Mistake 1: Most middle and upper-middle class parents assume they wonât be eligible for financial aid because they own a home, have lots of assets, and make over $70,000 per year.Reality: Most families with high inc ...

Beauties of the Buy-Sell

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:23:03 +0100

Thomas, Richard and Harold (the proverbial âTom, Dick and Harryâ in corporate executivesâ clothing) are the sole officers, directors and stockholders of a small but successful service-oriented corporation.Â During the companyâs four years of existence, business has grown steadily.Â The three men devote their full time to the business and are paid equal annual salaries.Â When the company was formed, they each invested $100,000, and each owns one-third of the corporate stock.Â Thomas i ...

Car Loans and Bankruptcy

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:22:27 +0100

When a debtor files Chapter 7 bankruptcy to discharge debts, he must decide whether or not he can afford to keep vehicles that have secured loans.Â Since a car qualifies as personal property, if a debtor wants to be sure to retain a vehicle, he needs to either redeem or reaffirm the loan.Â If the debtor owns a car with no loans, he can keep it if it is exempt.If a debtor decides to redeem the loan, they must file a motion stating the value and then pay that amount to the lender in full satisfa ...

You Can Enjoy an Abundant Life

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:20:10 +0100

Hello, my name is Pastor John H. Paxton.Â My wife and I have been residents of Santa Clarita Valley for the past 12 years but have been in full-time ministry as pastor for the past 16 years in the Antelope Valley.Â With much thought and prayer we have decided to start a ministry here in the Santa Clarita Valley.Â We will be meeting every Thursday night from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. beginning April 25, at the Marriott Residence Inn, located at 25320 The Old Road in Santa Clarita.

Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:19:48 +0100

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month and this yearâs theme isâ Help For Today, Hope For Tomorrow.âÂ Alcohol Awareness Month was established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) to help reduce the stigma often associated with alcoholism.Â Many have heard me say that I dislike awareness months.Â I dislike them, because I believe we should be educating people and changing lives on a daily basis.Â But Iâll take a yearly recognition if it draws at ...

The Childrenâs Therapist in Divorce

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:19:16 +0100

Whether children experience expected emotional and/or psychological problems or are more adversely affected, the help of a trained child therapist may be important.Â The need for outside help may be dictated by observation of how the childrenâs behaviors and moods change, the level of conflict between the parents, and the capacity of parents to provide the support children may need.When therapy is advisable, a number of issues may present themselves.Â One key issue is whether both parents su ...

Mending Broken Hearts Through Foster Care

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:18:51 +0100

âIf you never want your heart to be broken, if you never want to feel pain, then put your heart in a box and never give it away, not even to an animal.â â C.S. Lewis.
Our hearts get broken for many reasons throughout our lives; it is part of what makes us human.Â Sometimes, the most difficult heartbreak is to witness a child with a broken heart.Â In January 2013, 4,925 children in Los Angeles County alone were in Certified Foster Family homes.Â

New Family Unity Provisional Waiver to Go Into Effect

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:18:24 +0100

USCIS will start accepting applications for the new Form I-601A waiver on March 4.Â The new waiver process will allow the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver right here in the U.S. before their visa interview abroad.Â Once approved, they will legally remain in the U.S. and only leave family to attend their immigrant visa interview abroad.
Under this new rule, the applicant:

The Danger of Representing Yourself in a Divorce Case

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:17:59 +0100

A casualty of this horrible economy of ours has a lot more people representing themselves in court in divorce and custody cases.Â The old adage is that a person who represents his or her self has a client for a fool.Â That usually applies to attorneys who represent themselves.Â So, what do we say about lay persons representing themselves?
Unfortunately, those people are even bigger fools.Â

The Art of Confidence The Secrets to Charisma, Confidence & Personality to Maximize ...

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:16:52 +0100

Is there a secret, a masterful art, to making people like us?Â Yes.Â And we can use this secret to succeed in relationships like never before.
Is there a secret to improving our own personality, making us more confident and persuasive?Â Yes, and anyone can learn these secrets.
With the knowledge and secrets presented in this two-hour workshop you will find the keys to make every relationship meet its potential.Â

Tips For a Successful Demo

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:15:42 +0100

The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers are always sending me terrific questions about the voice-acting business.Â This is the fifth part of my answer regarding voice-over demos:
Q:Â Iâve voiced a number of commercials, and think Iâm ready to make a demo.Â But do I really need to?Â Any suggestions as to how to go about it? â Roberta K., Santa Clarita, CA

Vacation Planning for Family Caregivers

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:11:10 +0100

This is the time of year that many of us start planning our summer vacation â a much-needed break from our day-to-day responsibilities and an opportunity to rest, have fun and re-charge.Â Unfortunately, it is often the people who are most in need of some time off, those who are caring for an elderly family member, who find it the hardest to get away.If you are the caregiver for an elderly loved one, it is understandable to feel overwhelmed, or even a little guilty, about leaving town. ...

Be Inspired!

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:09:11 +0100

What inspires you?Â Is it music?Â Is it witnessing a beautiful sunset or watching a dance recital?Â Does a great meal prepared to perfection and served with candlelight inspire you?Â Whatever it is, it greatly impacts the quality of your life.

Confidence: What Is It and How Do I Get It?

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:05:44 +0100

Whether we want to make more friends, excel in our career or find true love, confidence has a key role in success.Â So many people struggle with social anxiety, âbeing themselvesâ and relaxing enough to âclose the deal.âÂ We know what we should do and remind ourselves that we have nothing to fear and yet... thatâs not enough.Â We can become the shy, awkward person who misses out again and again on opportunities.Wouldnât it be great if we felt we could talk to that girl or boy weâ ...

Seven Tips for Divorce in Difficult Economic Times

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:04:00 +0100

1. Decide what you want. No one can have it all - not in good times, and especially not in bad times. If you want to get divorced and your spouse is unemployed, your house is over-mortgaged, and youâre swimming in credit card debt, you can still do it - but youâre not going to walk out of the courtroom free of debt and with a nice sized nest egg to start your new life. 2. Explore your options. Regardless of whether you are ready or able to get divorced now, you can still meet with a lawyer a ...

Tax Deductions for Long-Term Care Insurance are Increased

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:02:43 +0100

The amount you can deduct on your taxes as a result of buying long-term care insurance has been increased by the IRS for 2013.If you itemize your deductions, you can generally deduct part of your premiums if the premiums, together with your other unreimbursed medical expenses, amount to more than 10 percent of your adjusted gross income (or 7.5 percent if you are age 65 or older).The maximum amount of premiums you can deduct each year depends on your age at the end of the year.Â For 2013, the m ...

Creating A Parenting Plan

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:01:55 +0100

Creating a parenting plan after separation can be difficult.Â A large factor in determining a parenting plan is the schedules of both the parents and the children.Â The Los Angeles Superior Court offers some suggested parenting plans on their website that could be helpful to parents in determining what reasonable visitation would be.Â While it may not always be the goal of both parents, the goal of the court is to make sure the children are able to have frequent and continuing contact with bo ...

Bruising As You Age

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:01:09 +0100

With passing years, easy bruising becomes increasingly more common with seniors with the mildest bump or blow.Â Exactly, what causes this?Â Over time our capillaries age and become more fragile and prone to rupture.Â Our skin also becomes thinner, losing the protective fatty layer that helps to cushion blood vessels against injury.Â Bruises form when the small blood vessels or capillaries near the skinâs surface are broken by an injury.Â This causes blood to leak out of the vessels and a ...

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:57:23 +0100

Every child deserves to have a safe, loving and permanent home.Â Childrenâs Bureau needs foster families who will care specifically for infants and toddlers during the reunification process with their parents.Â There are also 114,000 children currently in foster care who are unable to return to their families of origin.Â Childrenâs Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adopting these older children and large sibling sets.Â The agency is holding a monthly information meeting for t ...

The Benefits of Pet Therapy in Senior Living Communities

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:56:35 +0100

Dogs make people happy!Â They make people smile.Â Who doesnât love to pet a dog or visit with a cute little puppy?Â Pets are not only fun, they have also shown to improve senior citizensâ health, according to the American Animal Health Hospital Association.Â Many assisted living communities have begun introducing neighborhood pet therapy programs in their communities, and also allowing seniors to bring their companion pets with them into their new home.

Hospital Discharge? Too Soon? Not Appropriate? Know Your Rights!

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:55:41 +0100

Do you receive medicare benefits?Â What about your parents, your grandparents, your spouse?Â What if your elderly parent is hospitalized, and the hospital suddenly tells you they are being âdischarged.âÂ And, what if your parent cannot care for themselves, cannot walk, isnât eating, is weak, what if they have dementiaâ¦.what will you do?Â What can you do?The process of having a patient leave the hospital is called âdischarge planning.âÂ There are a number of rules that must be fo ...

Time is Money, Ask Anyone Involved in a High Conflict Divorce

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:55:12 +0100

In 17 years of litigating high conflict divorces, I have seen and heard more than you can imagine.Â I have seen lawyers write letters costing $395 per hour over a $40 Halloween costume.Â I have seen clients accuse the other parent of âstealingâ a plastic Starbucks water bottle because the child left it at the other parentâs house.Â I have seen litigants in Court argue to Judges over allocation of $25 in babysitting fees.Â You name it, I have seen it.Â But I have also seen chiefs of st ...

Success in Foster Care and Adoptions

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:22:03 +0100

Did you know that adopting a child does not have to be through private agencies?Â Many children who come into the foster care system end up needing permanent adoptive homes.Â Have you ever given thought to becoming a foster or adoptive parent?Â The process is relatively easy, and the need is significantly high.Â For those interested or have at least thought about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, the most significant question asked is, âWill I succeed?âÂ The answer is, âYes!â ...

Five Top Asset Protection Mistakes Made By Seniors

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:20:09 +0100

Our Law Firm counsels seniors and their concerned families about important issues.Â Often, the senior suffers from dementia/Alzheimerâs, is a stroke victim, experiences frequent falls, or has other health issues.Â A common issue:Â how does the senior get the care he or she needs, and how can the senior afford the expensive care without outliving their money? Â

Depression in the Elderly

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:16:16 +0100

We all know that the elderly are prone to depression because of life situations including: loss of family and friends, loss of physical abilities or loss of purpose in life (post retirement).Â However, one of the greatest causes of depression can be attributed to physiological matters rather than psychological factors.Â The âbiogenic amineâ hypothesizes biochemical derangement.Â Imbalances of amino acids, which form compounds called neurotransmitters that transmit information to and from ...

A Tax Refund is an Asset in Bankruptcy

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:15:52 +0100

If you are considering filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case in the near future, and you expect a tax refund from the IRS or State Franchise Tax Board, you need to be aware that tax refunds are treated as an asset in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

New Family Unity Provisional Waiver to Go Into Effect

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:10:45 +0100

USCIS will start accepting application for the new Form I-601A waiver on March 4.Â The new waiver process will allow the immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver right here in the U.S. before their visa interview abroad.Â Once approved, they will legally remain in the U.S. and only leave family to attend their immigrant visa interview abroad.

Goodbye Sweet Heather

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:10:04 +0100

The world has lost a warrior.Â On Sunday, February 10, I had the privilege of attending the âCelebration of Lifeâ for Heather Warrick.Â After a 19-year battle, Heather finally gave way to Cancer on February 1.Â I first met Heather, and her wonderful mom, Nancy Coulter, over a decade ago when I first started Comfort Keepers and became involved in Relay for Life.Â Heather was already a larger than life figure in the fight against this awful disease.Â The ambassador, if you will, of our lo ...

Estate Planning: Spring Cleaning

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:09:38 +0100

Spring is an ideal time to put our legal and financial houses in order.Â Hereâs some housework you can do without straining your backs or dirtying your hands:

Prepare a current asset and debt summary.Â Label and store closed bank records.Â Keep open-account records in an Assets File.Â For each account, list the address and phone number of the branch, and the name of any account representative.

Top Five Mistakes Made by Parties â Part II

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:09:15 +0100

Failing to File Your Response:Â Â âWell I thought we had agreed on everythingâ is the typical response when asked the question why a litigant did not file a response.Â Typically, any legal case starts with being served a Summons and a Petition (in Family Law).Â The party served then has 30 days to file their Response.

Family Law-First To File?

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:08:37 +0100

One of the often-asked questions by new clients is whether there is an advantage to being the first one to file in a family law case.Â There are some advantages in doing so.

The first one that comes to mind is being able to choose the court where your case is filed.Â If you live in Santa Clarita, your case can be filed in San Fernando or in downtown Los Angeles.Â

Social Security Announces New Online Services

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:07:59 +0100

Social Security is expanding the services available with a my Social Security account, a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits.Â

What Does It Take?

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:07:34 +0100

This time of year, I am interviewing prospective interns who want to work with children and families in preparation for a career in Social Work or Human Services.Â What does it take to develop the skills and competencies to work with abused and neglected children and with families whose lives are in upheaval?Â It takes a lot!

What Really Goes Into A Custody Evaluation

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:06:58 +0100

When custody agreements cannot be reached between the parents in a divorce, the Judge has the option of ordering a custody evaluation.Â Parents may have the perception that the process is fairly simple or uncomplicated.Â However, the fact of the matter is, a custody evaluation is a very in-depth exploration of the relationship the child has with each parent, the personality characteristics and traits of each parent, an in-depth evaluation of the parentsâ thinking and behavior patterns, follo ...

Voice-Over Demos

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:06:25 +0100

Santa Clarita Magazine readers continue to send in great questions about the voice-acting business.Â This is the fourth part of my answer regarding voice-over demos:

Q:Â Iâve voiced a number of commercials, and think Iâm ready to make a demo.Â But do I really need to?Â Any suggestions as to how to go about it? â Roberta K., Santa Clarita, CA

The Health Benefits of Gardening for the Elderly

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:05:57 +0100

Gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits for older people.Â The love of gardening spans generations.Â Its benefits extend beyond baskets of veggies or flowers nestled in a vase.Â Gardening enriches your body, your diet and your spirit.

College Planning Expert Solutions for the New Years 6 Steps Every College Bound Junior Needs To Know

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:05:13 +0100

As we ring into the first quarter of 2013, a college bound junior needs to know that 2013 marks as the official start of the college planning process and now is the time to take action.

Counseling and Life-Coaching: Are You Ready to Change?

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:04:36 +0100

How long should we wait to take absolute steps to change?Â How long should we wait and continue to live an unfulfilling life?Â How long should we suffer?Â How many times should we promise to change and experience the disappointment of failing before we realize our determination and understanding is simply not enough?Â How long should you remain the way you are when you can be so much better?

Start A Career You Can Smile About

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:04:02 +0100

Become a dental assistant and you will be on your way to an exciting new career in just 10 weeks!Â The first question you may have is âWhat exactly is a dental assistant?âÂ The answer is that they play an important role as the first line of defense in dental care, often becoming a dentistâs second pair of hands.Â

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:03:24 +0100

Time Is Money Ask Anyone Involved in a High Conflict Divorce

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:02:34 +0100

In 17 years of litigating high conflict divorces, I have seen and heard more than you can imagine.Â I have seen lawyers write letters costing $395 per hour over a $40 Halloween costume.Â

Addiction Intervention and Treatment Work

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:02:03 +0100

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration over 23.5 million Americans age 12 and older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problems in 2011.Â Of these, only 2.6 million or 11.2 percent of those who needed treatment received it.Â The numbers are staggering.

Financial Support and Protection Against Abuse

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:01:12 +0100

We know how the uncertainty associated with a pending divorce can be unsettling to everyone.Â The husbands and wives that are totally dependent, upon his or her spouse for their financial welfare, as well as the welfare of the children, are the most frightened and uncertain.Â For a spouse fearful for his or her physical safety at the hands of an abusive mate, this strain can make the prospect of divorce more than they are willing to face.

2013 Celebrate Life Festival

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:41:04 +0100

Health, fitness, wealth, and leisure for a better life!Â This unique two-day event is designed to attract five thousand attendees who have a need or interest in the opportunities, products, services and information resources presented by the exhibitors, sponsors, advertisers and presenters participating in the festival. Please note the number of exhibitors may be limited by category.Â

Romance at the Rancho

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:40:30 +0100

Spend the day with your special someone at Rancho Camulos Museum National Historic Landmark to experience âRomance at the Rancho.âÂ Bring a picnic and blanket and enjoy the beautiful romantic setting.Â A special treat will also be provided.Â The suggested donation is $14 per couple.Â Rancho Camulos Musuem is a 40-acre National Historic Landmark situated within an 1800 acre working ranch.Â

Worksource Center Hosts Recruitment Events

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:38:24 +0100

The Santa Clarita WorkSource Center hosted a series of recruitment events lastmonth to identify candidates for available positions with companies including LAPD, American Business Machines and Staffmark.Â The recruitment events were held at the Santa Clarita Worksource Center, located at the College of the Canyons University Center, Suite 250 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road.The first recruitment opportunity began January 16, targeting individuals who are interested in a career with the Los Angele ...

Investing in Your Future

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:37:35 +0100

Brian Safdari made personal mistakes that cost him over $50,000 in unnecessary debt.Â Because of this, he decided to devote his life to teaching other parents the truth about the college planning process that will allow kids to attend the college of their dreams without the parents going broke.Â Thus, College Planning Experts was born. With College Planning Experts, each family is provided personalized one-on-one guidance to students on how to get accepted into their dream colleges and help p ...

911 Good Samaritan Law Saves Lives

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:37:03 +0100

Action Family Counselingâs Santa Clarita Parent and Teen Support Group Program members walked to educate the community Saturday, January 12, drawing attention to Californiaâs new Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Law that went into effect January 1. Long overdue, Californiaâs new law encourages witnesses at the scene of a suspected drug or alcohol overdose to seek emergency assistance right away without fear of arrest for minor drug law violations.Â The law, commonly referred to in othe ...

Top Mistakes Made by Parties

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:36:33 +0100

Failing to Make Your Agreement an Order of the Court

Here is how the scenario goes: Father and Mother, after deciding to separate, will usually obtain an initial child support order, whether through the Family Law Courts or the Department of Childrenâs Services.Â Then something happens and there is a change in circumstances, which warrant a change in the child support amount.Â

Creative Gift Ideas

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:35:45 +0100

Creative gift ideas are the best types of gifts.Â These can show your originality and provide a great bond with the gift recipient.Â Not only does finding just the right gift work out well for the gift receiver, it also can be a source of pride for the gift giver.Â We know how valuable this can be which is why we are providing some tips to help you get this same benefit.

1. Consider the interests, hobbies, and the setting of the individual.

Estate Planning: The Care and Feeding of Trusts

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:35:02 +0100

So, you met with your estate planning attorney.Â You signed your trust, wills, and other related documents.Â Mission accomplished?Â Not quite.Â Thereâs more to be done, once the documents are executed and then periodically thereafter,

your trust needs to be nurtured, just as if it were a pet puppy or cat.Â (Itâs not called a âLiving Trustâ for nothing.)

Are We Born to Suffer?

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:33:44 +0100

Each month I browse this magazine and see the dozens of ads and editorials that offer treatments for everything imaginable.Â Itâs great that we live in a time that a service is available for almost everything you can have wrong with you, but... we can easily get the sense that no one is offering anything innovative or new.Â We can begin to lose hope as our society encourages us to medicate and try to âreasonâ our troubles away.Â Many people suffer and remain unhappy and unresponsive to ...

Planning for Bankruptcy

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:33:15 +0100

Most people do not anticipate filing bankruptcy.Â In fact, many try so hard to avoid filing that they end up waiting too long and losing some of the advantages and protections afforded to them by the bankruptcy code.Â In some cases, prospective debtors seek bankruptcy advice only after they have depleted all their assets, emptied their bank account, and possibly even used some or all of their retirement savings.Â While that may be morally admirable, it is not always the best course of action ...

Rock Starâs Old Will Illustrates Typical Mistake

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:32:22 +0100

Jim Morrison, the lead signer of the popular rock band The Doors, died in 1971, at age 27.Â Before his death, he had signed a simple, one-page will that left everything to his girlfriend, Pamela Courson (or if she died before he did, to his brother and sister).Â As a result of the Will, Pamela inherited his entire estate.Â Pamela herself died shortly afterward of a heroin overdose.Â Because Pamela did not have a will, most of Morrisonâs fortune then went by law to Pamelaâs closest living ...

The Importance of a Written Contract in Business Relationships

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:31:52 +0100

When you decide to go into business with someone, it is important for you to define your rights and responsibilities so that both parties know exactly what is expected of them.Â A well-drafted contract can actually prevent certain disputes from arising in the first place.Â The mistake I see my clients making time and time again is failing to memorialize their business agreements with a writing signed by both parties.Â Oral partnership agreements are legal and enforceable here in California.Â ...

How to be a Grown Up

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:31:24 +0100

Expecting someone to fulfill our life and save us from hardship is understandable but fundamentally romantic and idealistic.Â Life is filled with challenges and it takes a lot to be a âGrown Up.â To be a grown up, means accepting that we may be faced with discomfort, anxiety, and fear.Â It means accepting that sometimes we succeed and sometimes we fail.Â To be a grown up, we must be aware of our circumstances.Â When possible, we need to be easy on ourselves and easy on others. ...

Make My Baby Jump

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:29:38 +0100

When Jesusâ mother, Mary, was pregnant with Him, she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was also pregnant with John the Baptist.Â The Bible says, in Luke 1:41, âAnd it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her wombâ¦âÂ Last month I preached a sermon called âMake My Baby Jump!â

Our Attitude Toward Life Determines Lifeâs Attitude Towards Us!

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:28:54 +0100

Thereâs a well-known quote that goes âOur attitude toward life determines lifeâs attitudeÂ towards us.âÂ Attitudes do make a difference.Â Salesmen using the ideal attitude beat their sales quotas; students using the proper attitudes make Aâs. Suitable attitudes pave the way to a truly happy married life. Correct attitudes make you powerful in coping with other people to ensure that it is possible to be effective as a leader.Â Among the very first qualities men and women notice when ...

A New Year, Divorce and Your Small Business

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:27:49 +0100

For those spouses who own a business, getting divorced and reaching a fair division of the marital estate can be complicated.Â A business entity may be a community asset, separate asset, or a hybrid of both.Â The individual assets and debts owned by the business may be part of the marital estate. Aside from financial concerns, anxiety and emotional turmoil that a divorce can have a major impact on the business, it can affect the spouse operating the business, as well as other business partner ...

Preventing Falls

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:27:10 +0100

Falls at home are a huge risk for seniors and are the leading cause of accidents for people over age 65.Â A fall can easily result in a serious injury that is a threat to a seniorâs health and independence.Â There are numerous reasons that falls might occur: poor eye sight, illness, weakness in muscles, dementia, side affects of medications, etc.Â And although some of these precipitators may be corrected to help reduce the risk of falling, the area to truly focus on is the prevention of fal ...

Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:26:11 +0100

Kickinâ off the New Year with excitement, the Newhall Church of the Nazarene has turned their entire Sanctuary into Route 66 â starting in Chicago and ending in California!Â Dave Ewart, well known Santa Clarita Valley musician and artist, designed and painted Route 66 on the walls â including cars, a gas station, the St. Louis Gateway Arch, the Sears Tower and even a hidden Mickey in the palm trees in California!Â âWhen the church came up with this idea, I was a little unsure how it wo ...

Returning Love to Mom and Dad Choosing the Best Care for Your Aging Loved One

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:25:39 +0100

The time will come for most of us when weâll need to consider different senior care options for our loved onesâ¦a nursing home, assisted living community, or in home care with or without help from outside agencies.Â Your choices may be numerous, but theyâre often far from clear-cut.Â Considerations include cost of living, type of services required, physical health, mental condition, mobility concerns, available caregivers, transportation issues, current relationships with loved ones, and ...

Voice-Over Demos

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:24:53 +0100

Santa Clarita Magazine readers continue to send in pertinent questions about the voice-acting business.Â This is the third part of my answer regarding voice-over demos: Q:Â Iâve voiced a number of commercials, and think Iâm ready to make a demo.Â But do I really need to?Â Any suggestions as to how to go about it? â Roberta K., Santa Clarita, CAA:Â There are many things to consider and remember before plunging into the project that will be your audio calling card, help you find an age ...

You Can Change Your Future in 71 Days!

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:23:50 +0100

Are you looking for a career change or want more from you current job?Â Are you planning your high school graduation this year but donât know what the next chapter holds?Â A career change can be a difficult process and can often take an extended amount of time to accomplish unless you have a plan.

Hospital to Home: The Importance of Transitional Care

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:23:22 +0100

After a long or even a short hospital stay, anyone appreciates the value of sleeping in oneâs own bed.Â No one to wake you during the night, no more pokes, prods or beeps and buzzes.Â Just you â snuggled up under your own covers within the familiar sights and smells of home. As wonderful as that sounds, there are a few things to consider regarding transitioning from a hospital back into the home.Â For many seniors, this process may be complicated depending on their circumstances.Attentio ...

What Will Matter

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:22:17 +0100

As an elder law attorney, I deal with difficult issues every day.Â The majority of my clients are elderly.Â Many have dementia, are frequent patients at the hospital, need expensive care giving, and many are terrified they will outlive their money, especially if skilled nursing is needed.Â The list of issues goes on and on without end.

Typically, the adult children are burned-out, confused, emotional, and simply donât know the options when dealing with an elderly parent.Â

How Long Does It Take to Remove Debts Through Bankruptcy?

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 23:03:53 +0100

The length of time it takes to complete a bankruptcy case varies based on the Chapter and the complexity of the case.

In Chapter 13 cases, where the debtor generally has sufficient income to propose a Chapter 13 plan to pay back some or all of his debts, the length of the case is usually three to five years.Â The exact length is based on the debtorâs income, the type of debt, and the amount of debt.

Support in Family Law Cases

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 23:03:04 +0100

There are two types of support in California.Â One is child support and the other is spousal support.Â There are two types of orders in California dissolution cases.Â One is a temporary order during the pendency of the case, called a pendente lite order.Â And the other is an order after judgment.Â Child support awards are modifiable based upon changed circumstances irrespective of judgment.Â The concept makes sense, because it will usually be in the best interest of the child for the paren ...

Setting Teen Boundaries is a Win-Win

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 23:01:18 +0100

As a high-risk teen counselor, I have been working with teenagers for the past 30 years.Â If you are a parent of a teenager, you know like I do, adolescence is perhaps the most difficult stage in human development.Â It is fraught with battles for independence, self-expression, fitting in and balancing family and peer responsibilities, as well as relationships.Â

Seeking Hidden Assets

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:56:48 +0100

In some marriages, it is not uncommon for one spouse to engage in investment activity or have financial accounts that are unknown to the other.Â When divorcing, it is necessary to disclose all assets, including those accounts maintained separately by only one spouse.Â The problem is that the unknowing spouse may have to go to great lengths to uncover these hidden assets.

Now What?

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:56:05 +0100

Many of us ask ourselves just this question right after Christmas.Â You may have heard that the Christmas season is the time of year when more people become sad, depressed and despondentâ¦but I think that the âafter Christmas bluesâ are just as prevalent and devastating.Â

A New Year of Hope

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:55:42 +0100

One of our certified couples had been trying to conceive with no success.Â They decided to open their home to a foster child.Â Knowing someone who had adopted a child through our agency, they chose Inner Circle.Â Last year they welcomed an injured little boy who needed medical attention.Â He became a part of a wonderful extended family and has brought them so much joy.Â After bringing this family such happiness, his foster mother became pregnant and last month gave birth to a beautiful infa ...

Immigration Policies â Do You Really Need a Lawyer?

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:54:05 +0100

DHS decided to focus its enforcement resources on removing violent criminals, felons, and repeat offenders. DHS will defer removal of individuals who as of June 15, 2012:

Responsible Child Custody Paths to Success Part two

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:52:20 +0100

âIn automobile terms, the child supplies the power but the parents have to do the steering.â â Benjamin Spock

It is the public policy of California to assure that children of divorce have frequent and continuing contact with both parents and to encourage parents to share the rights and responsibilities of child rearing, except where the contact would not be in the best interest of the child (California Family Code Â§3020).

Thereâs Something for Everyone Super Fresh Marketplace

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:49:57 +0100

Super Fresh Marketplace is a new full service international grocery store serving the Santa Clarita Valley.Â The concept of the market is to provide customers with all the products found in a traditional grocery store while offering specialty items from around the world.Â

Change Your Life and Resolution Workshop

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:39:20 +0100

Can Someone Who Has Dementia Sign a Will?

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:37:52 +0100

If someone you know has symptoms of dementia, it might not be too late to sign a will or other estate planning documents.Â Millions of people are affected by some form of dementia.Â Unfortunately, many of them do not have all of their estate planning affairs in order before symptoms begin to appear.Â This is another good reason to speak with an elder law attorney now, rather than putting off such a discussion.

Getting the Best Help at Home Agencies Versus Independent Caregiver

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:37:13 +0100

When someone you love needs help to stay safely at home, finding the right person can be a challenge.Â Even though the benefits of having help are clear, the idea of inviting a stranger into your home understandably makes many people feel uncomfortable.Â There are really two options for finding an in-home care provider: either hire a home care company, such as Visiting Angels, or hire a private independent caregiver.

Divorce is Your Familyâs Fiscal Cliff

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:35:56 +0100

Divorce can beÂ financially and emotionallyÂ devastatingÂ to a family.Â Statistics show that children of divorce are at increased risk of living in poverty.Â Twenty-eight percent (28 percent) of children living with a divorced mother live below the poverty line as compared to 19 percent of the general population.Â Before you consider taking your family over its fiscal cliff, try these tips to avoid it and strengthen your marriage:

Addictions and Habits:The Pleasure Principle

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:34:23 +0100

Announcing the Change Your Life and Resolution Workshop: a two hour workshop that will teach you not only what that hidden, unknown force is that keeps you from reaching your goals but the secret in how toÂ rework it, reprogram yourself and succeed where you were never able to before!Â Details at www.Life-Mind.com or 661-904-5353.Â There are two opportunities to attend: Saturday, January 12 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m.

College Planning Solutions to Ring in the New Year Seven Strategies Every College Bound Junior ...

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:31:45 +0100

January marks the beginning of the college planning process in addition to submitting the FAFSA so weâve compiled 7 strategies for Juniors to help them ring in the new year right. Get fully engaged in the college planning mode and begin planning activities for testing (SAT, ACT, and AP); college visits; essay writing; meeting with your counselor or College Planning Expert; review your senior schedule; know your requirements; and organize college forms.Â Get a calendar, pin-point dates and co ...

Resolutions for 2013

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:30:34 +0100

Itâs time to make New Yearâs Resolutions, and to get our legal and financial houses in order.Â Here are some resolutions we can all accomplish:

1. Organization
â¢ Label and store all closed bank and financial accounts.

Senior Citizens and Elder Law Attorneys

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:29:25 +0100

There are well over 300 million Americans 65 years of age or older.Â California has the largest number of elderly in the United States, and it has been predicted that this stateâs elderly population will increase by almost 80 percent in the coming years.Â With the aging of America, we unfortunately see an increase in age-related illness, injuries related to falls, complications of dementia and Alzheimerâs disease, and need for care both inside and outside of the home.=

The Three Sides to Healthy Aging

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:26:24 +0100

Physical changes may include loss of bone density, lowered heart rates, as well as thickening of the arteries and/or heart.Â Skin becomes dry, thinner and incurs wrinkles as it loses elasticity.Â Tooth enamel becomes weaker with age and may lead to decay.Â Gum disease is more common in older adults, as are changes in vision and hearing, lowered appetites and loss of muscle mass.

A New Yearâ¦A New Life

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:25:26 +0100

For many seniors, the new year is a time for making new yearâs resolutionsâ¦eating healthy, exercising more, spending more time with family and friends and less time isolated and watching television, even spending more time taking part in things we enjoy the most.Â The easiest way to meet and keep these resolutions might be moving into an assisted living community!

Start a New Career in Just 10 Weeks!

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:24:24 +0100

Itâs true!Â In just 71 days you can be earning a paycheck in a new, rewarding career as a dental assistant!Â Â At Santa Clarita School of Dental Assisting, we provide a focused and fun training environment using the latest dental technology.Â Our teaching methods are stimulating, fast-paced and rely on your participation.Â In class, you will spend all your time learning in a âhands-onâ environment, practicing on our state-of-the-art teaching mannequins.

Your Audio Calling Card

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:22:55 +0100

Santa Clarita Magazine readers continue to send in pertinent questions about the voice-acting business.Â This is the second part of my answer regarding voice-over demos:

Q:Â Iâve voiced a number of commercials, and think Iâm ready to make a demo.Â But do I really need to?Â Any suggestions as to how to go about it?Â â Roberta K., Santa Clarita, CA

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:22:16 +0100

What are Public Safety Programs What can you do to Help Charities Make a Difference?

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:34:55 +0100

Public Safety Programs include child welfare, foster care and adoptions, juvenile justice, and mental health services.Â Funding childrenâs programs is necessary to help vulnerable children receive help that otherwise put them at serious risk for abuse, exploitation, criminal activities, and other dangerous circumstances that impede their development.

Touching the Hearts of Seniors in Santa Clarita

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:34:34 +0100

No matter which holiday you celebrate during this winter season, the holidays are traditionally a time for family and friends, sharing joy, good tidings, warmth and lots and lots of delicious, fattening food.Â For many of our seniors, who live alone or in a facility and have no family living in close proximity, however, this time of year can be devastatingly lonely and filled with feelings of disappointment, isolation and depression.

Holiday Hopes Create Family Stress

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:34:07 +0100

It seems like only yesterday we were putting away the decorations and making New Yearâs resolutions.Â Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa or any other big holiday, the pressure of the season seems magnified compared to other times of the year.

An Alternative to Probate

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:33:36 +0100

This article is not for you if:

â¢ you have nothing; or
â¢ you have no one to leave anything to; or
â¢ you donât care whatever happens to your
Â Â money and real estate and stuff afterÂ you die; or
â¢ you like the idea of paying money (lots of money)
Â Â to lawyers and courts; or
â¢ you have a properly funded living trust.

The Need for Adult Schools

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:33:07 +0100

Adult education in California began in 1856 during the early years of statehood in the basement of St. Maryâs Cathedral in San Francisco.Â Then, as now, many adult students were immigrants, learning to speak English and studying subjects as varied as drafting, bookkeeping, and elementary academics.Â

Domestic Violence and the Holidays

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:32:45 +0100

The holidays are something that most people look forward to.Â Plans are made for big Thanksgiving and Christmas/Chanukah/Kwanza celebrations.Â But the holidays also bring about significant added stress.Â Some family law attorneys see a rise in domestic violence restraining orders right around this time.Â Domestic violence can be devastating for the entire family.Â

Be Careful if You Plan to Name More Than One âAgentâ

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:32:25 +0100

A power of attorney and a health care proxy are essential parts of a good estate plan.Â A power of attorney appoints an agent to make financial deciÂsions for you if you become incapacitated.Â A health care proxy appoints an agent to make medical deciÂsions for you if you canât make them yourself.Â The easiest - and in some ways, best - idea is to name one person as your agent for all purposes.

Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Wins 9th Circuit Court Ruling!

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:31:50 +0100

As of September 2012, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled âen bancâ in a vote of 6-5 that immigration officials must prioritize thousands of green card applicants who âlost their place in lineâ (figuratively speaking) when they turned 21.Â It used to be that once you turned 21 after waiting a lifetime for your parentsâ visa to become available, you were just out of luck and could not immigrate with your parents.Â Everyone agreed that punishing people who had been patiently wa ...

Getting Help For Your Life

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:31:19 +0100

There are many forms of treatment and help available for you to change your life.Â What you want and need is the most comprehensive and effective way of doing that.Â Some people explore conventional therapy.Â In this format, the client talks about their problems and the therapist helps them explore their feelings and patterns to help them come to greater realizations.

Unfortunately, realizations are rarely enough.Â

FAFSA Forms Done Right Free Money For College Is First Come, First Served

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:30:33 +0100

More than $170 billion in financial aid is available to help pay for college and we know how to find it!Â The first step to finding free money is applying for it by filing your Federal Financial Aid Application (F.A.F.S.A) and itâs first come, first served each year. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application to determine eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs used by most coll ...

Credit Card Use RightBefore Bankruptcy Can Backfire

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:30:03 +0100

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, the primary objective for debtors is to discharge unsecured debt.Â For most debtors, some or all of their unsecured debts occurred long before they decided to file bankruptcy.Â With few exceptions, those debts should not pose a problem in the bankruptcy and should be discharged.Â Examples include old credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans taken out years ago, and old utility bills.

What is Quantum Healing?

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:29:25 +0100

It is a technique that involves inducing an individual to the Theta or Somnambulistic state of trance through visualization. By working with clients specifically in the Theta or Somnambulistic state and exploring the possibilities I discover that any individual can gain access to experiences of past lives they have lived.Â By exploring with clients in this state I discovered an infinitely knowledgeable and powerful aspect of each individual that can be contacted and communicated with. ...

Valencia Choir hosts Annual Holiday Boutique Students fundraising to tour New York in April 2013!

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:28:55 +0100

On Saturday, December 8 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Choir Students at Valencia High School will be hosting their annual Holiday Boutique to help raise monies for the Valencia High School Choral and Vocal Jazz Program!

My Wife Got Remarried â Can I Terminate My Support Obligation?

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:28:34 +0100

Only if the remarriage is legally valid!Â In Marriage of Left, 208 Cal.App 4th 1137, 146, Mr. Left married Andrea Left in June 2001 but the marriage and Andrea filed for divorce by 2005.Â As part of their settlement agreement, Mr. Left was to pay $14,590 a month for child support and $32,547 for spousal support.Â The court entered a judgment as to marital status on June 3, 2008, but reserved jurisdiction over the remaining issues.

Zonta Heartz Aid Local Breast Cancer Patients

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:28:07 +0100

Breast cancer patients in the Santa Clarita Valley will have a new way to cope with post-surgery discomfort, now that Zonta Club of the Santa Clarita Valley has started delivery of its Huggy Heartz therapeutic pillows for distribution to local women.The pillows, made of soft washable cotton in cheerful patterns, have a strap to be worn over the shoulder.Â The heart-shaped pillow has a pouch on one side to hold a cold pack under the arm, where it will be most comfortable for patients. ...

Responsible Child Custody: Paths to Success Part one

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:27:28 +0100

âShall I be a gateway or a gatekeeper?â â Anonymous

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:27:05 +0100

Ask the Voicecat - Dec 2012

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:26:26 +0100

The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers continue to send in pertinent questions about the voice-acting business.Â This is the first part of my answer regarding voice-over demos: Q:Â Iâve voiced a number of commercials, and think Iâm ready to make a demo.Â But do I really need to?Â Any suggestions as to how to go about it?Â âRoberta K., Santa ClaritaA:Â There are many things to consider and remember before plunging into the project that will be your audio calling card, help you find an ...

Home for the Holidays?

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:25:52 +0100

Use your visit to tell if a loved one needs help to stay at home safely.

Are you going home for the holidays?Â If you are, in addition to celebrating take a moment to make sure your older loved ones are still capable of managing their daily lives on their own.Â Often older adults need some help to stay safe and healthy.

A Heart for Giving

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:25:21 +0100

âGiving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of othersâ â B. Bush I have always loved this point of view, because it touches on a whole other aspect of giving, realizing that when we give, we are able to get outside of ourselves and reach out to others.Â When we give to others and look for ways to serve them, we are stepping outside of ourselves and are free to focus on their needs without distraction. ...

Why Does My Husband/Wifeâs Ex Hate Me?

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:24:22 +0100

The holidays are almost here and the emotions surrounding divorce, separation, custody and new situations in general often place this question at the top of the list.

1. They donât hate you, but they may hate what you represent: The failure of a marriage, the breakup of the family, fear that they may have ruined their childâs life by not being able to make the marriage work.

A Functioning Addict

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:50:52 +0100

This community is suffering from an invisible illness: A large percentage of our kids and family members are addicted to drugs; most prominently opiates such as Oxycontin, Norco, Vicodin and other âprescribedâ medications as well as heroin which is typically smoked, but more and more weâre seeing cases of IV use.Â We have meth and ecstasy and other issues too, but the opiates are taking over fast.Â The attraction our youth (and many adults) have to them is more than just the euphoric fee ...

Who Gets the Kids?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:48:48 +0100

Separation poses a very important question to parents: Who will get custody of the kids? California Family Code states that both parents are equally entitled to the custody of their children, but custody is not always as simple as an equal division.

Family Code Â§3010 states, âThe mother of an unemancipated minor child and the father... are equally entitled to the custody of the child.âÂ

Newhall Church of the Nazarene

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:47:56 +0100

Brainstorming ideas about how to celebrate Christmas is always an exciting time at the Newhall Church of the Nazarene â even when you have to begin planning in September!Â Located on The Old Road, just south of Calgrove, many people in the community know the church only because of the beautiful gym that supports many community activities! Â

How Domestic Violence Can Destroy a Marriage

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:47:23 +0100

It goes without saying that neither spouse should ever physically harm the other.Â But I will say it again anyway.Â Neither spouse should ever physically harm the other.Â I am not condoning mental cruelty, but physical violence can absolutely destroy a marriage.Â Couples fight all of the time.Â But physical violence should never even be considered an option.

All Washed Up and Proud of It! Golden Oak Adult School Opens Custodial Maintenance Basics ...

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:38:23 +0100

After almost two years in development, Golden Oak is pleased to provide our community with another training opportunity â Custodial Maintenance Basics.Â This program was developed through collaboration with custodial supervisors from the five local school districts and the City of Santa Clarita.Â It is geared to persons who are interested in pursuing employment in this area, and/or are looking to increase their level of skill.Â

Work Permit and Driverâs License Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival â ...

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:37:39 +0100

DHS decided to focus its enforcement resources on removing violent criminals, felons, and repeat offenders. DHS will defer removal of individuals who as of June 15, 2012:

1. Were under the age of 31;

Living With the Empty Chair at Holiday Dinners

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:36:23 +0100

Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop a Foreclosure?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:34:27 +0100

When a bankruptcy case is filed, an âAutomatic Stayâ is created preventing creditors from taking certain actions.Â While the Stay is in effect, creditors cannot demand payment on debts, file lawsuits, collect on judgments through wage garnishment or otherwise, and they cannot continue foreclosures or repossessions.

SCV Teens Tell It Like It Is

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:33:56 +0100

Signs and symptoms of teens on drugs will be the topic of a discussion Thursday, November 29, at a meeting held at the Action Family Zone Teen Center beginning at 6 p.m.Â Our substance abuse exerts, local teens in recovery, will share their personal stories and address what every family needs to know about drugs in the Santa Clarita Valley.Â Local teens will discuss where they get their drugs and from whom, what do their drugs of choice look like and what do they do to their bodies and minds, ...

Choosing the Right assisted Living Facility

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:33:23 +0100

There is a huge variation among assisted living facilities. While this can make the process of choosing one seem daunting, you have a good chance of finding something perfectly suited to your preferences and needs. As you start your search, try not to get overwhelmed.Â Remember, amenities matter much less than the residents and staff.Â You can tell a lot about a facility by the people who live and work there. You want someplace with an active social atmosphere, where the residents are friend ...

Estate Planning: What Happens to My Business If I Die?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:31:22 +0100

A friend, whom weâll call Charlie, has assets in excess of $150,000, including his own business, a sole proprietorship.Â He asks, âIf I die, what will happen to my business?â

If his estate is subject to probate, everything will be tied up for nine months or more.Â His personal representative wonât even be officially appointed for over a month after filing a Petition for Probate.Â

Two Key Financial-AidQuestions to Ask Every College

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:25:17 +0100

When looking at colleges, itâs important to think strategically so you arenât hit with surprises or hidden expenses along the way.Â Here are two key questions to ask that will help lower college costs and increase aid.

The Holiday Coin Toss Approaches

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:24:39 +0100

Quantum Healing Spiritual Hypnosis

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:24:03 +0100

I recently underwent a Quantum Healing Spiritual Hypnosis session with Medium Seraphina.Â What an amazing, life changing experience!Â Medium Seraphina was very welcoming, and demonstrated care and understanding during the entire session.Â Contrary to popular belief, you are in control during the whole session.Â Personally, I felt relaxed and peaceful during the whole experience.Â

Collectible Auto Insurance

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:23:19 +0100

Youâre on your way to the annual auto show, when someone rear-ends your classic 1957 Chevrolet.Â Fortunately, you had Collectible Auto insurance.Â When it comes to unique and rare automobiles, weâve got you covered. Youâve poured time, effort, and a lot of money into your collectible automobile.Â Itâs not just a hobby, itâs your passion.Â When youâre cruising beautiful country roads, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you have the right insurance policy. ...

Do You Have Questions About Your Infant/Toddlerâs Development?

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:22:30 +0100

It is not unusual for families to have questions or concerns about their childâs development.Â You may be wondering: Why isnât my son sitting up?Â Why isnât my daughter walking?Â Is my childâs hearing/vision normal?Â It is important to keep in mind that all children develop differently and at their own pace.Â However, when you have questions about your childâs development there is a local program, funded by the state of California, that can help you.

Changes are coming to Medi-Cal Eligibility for Long Term Care Assistance

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:21:50 +0100

Congress enacted the Deficit Reduction Act on February 8, 2006.Â The State of California Senate enacted statutes (Senate Bill 483) in September of 2008 stating any provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act would become effective when the California Department of Health Services creates implementing regulations.

Some Guidelines for Foster and Adoption Families

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:20:14 +0100

Raising children in foster care or in pre adoption homes produces questions for families.Â Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoption Services provide families with support and on-going training.Â Since all children want to feel ânormal,â it is important for these families to have the straight answers on how to handle some uncomfortable situations.Â To ânormalizeâ the child and familyâs adjustment, is to treat a child as you would any other child with love, acceptance, and honesty. ...

Divorce Mediation â A Personal Journey

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:19:03 +0100

âNever mind searching for who you are.Â Search for the person you aspire to be.â â Robert Brault This is one personâs story: A dozen years ago I became divorced.Â Rather than hire lawyers, my ex-husband and I chose mediation.Â My experience was so different from friends and family who had chosen to battle in the courtroom.Â I sometimes wonder whether mediation made my journey lighter, or our approach to divorce was more suited to mediation - probably both.Â These are the valuable l ...

November is National Adoption Month! Arlene and Jakeâs Adoption Story

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:18:19 +0100

Arleneâs adoption journey was sparked after watching the heartwarming television special, âA Home for the Holidays,âÂ which is a one-hour primetime CBS television special that has aired in late December since 1999.Â The goal of this special is to create public awareness about the joys of adoption and draw attention to the 100,000 children in public foster care who are waiting to be adopted.Â Triage Entertainment produces the special in association with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adop ...

Ask the Voicecat - November 2012

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:17:23 +0100

Itâs so cool that I get letters every month asking about the voiceover business.Â Hereâs one from a reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita who asks about V-O demos.

Q:Â How come, on the websites of agencies, you will see some demos that say 1:34, and some of them are listed as over a minute long.Â I was just curious about that.Â I thought most V-O demos had to be 60-seconds long, and no longer.Â âTina W., Saugus, Ca

Tips for Preventing Falls

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:15:31 +0100

As we all know, seniors have a tremendous fear of falling.Â This fear is justified, knowing that falls can lead to more serious illnesses than the injury from the fall itself.Â For example, while in the hospital for a fractured hip, an elderly person may begin to show signs of infection, or even pneumonia.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:14:06 +0100

As the fall season approaches, it is not only time to prepare for the upcoming holidays and family traditions, it is also that important time of the year to review your current Medicare healthcare and prescription drug plans.Â Medicare is health insurance for Americans age 65 and older and for those with certain disabilities.Â The Open Enrollment period to make changes to your plan began on October 15 and will run until December 7.Â Medicare insurance coverage choices are available through Or ...

Health Screenings You Need as a Senior

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:13:21 +0100

As men and women alike grow older, there are other health screenings that become important for seniors to have.Â Some of these tests are well known but some may not be.Â This is a compiled list of screenings as well as immunizations that seniors need in order to maintain good health with age based on recommendations from the National Institute of Aging and the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force.

Determining Whether You Qualify for Bankruptcy

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:22:08 +0100

The current bankruptcy forms include a portion that determines the debtorâs Current Monthly Income (CMI), also referred to as the Means Test.Â After the form is completed, the resulting number gives an indication for which bankruptcy chapter, if any, the debtor is more likely to qualify.Â Since there are many variations on how people receive income, and the types of income they receive, the Means Test is open to interpretation in some areas, and not all courts or judges agree on some of the ...

Willful Failure to Disclose May Trigger âDisentitlement Doctrineâ

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:21:42 +0100

The âdisentitlement doctrineâ prevents a party from seeking assistance from the court while that party is in âan attitude of contempt to legal orders and processes of the courts.âÂ This doctrine was triggered recently when the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal from an order that John pay $200,000 towards his wifeâs attorney fees and costs.

When Isnât a Living Trust Enough?

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:21:20 +0100

John and Jane Grantor (not their real names) had four adult sons.Â The Grantors wanted to leave their house and most of their residuary estate to son Jimmie, who lived with them.Â They filled in the blanks of a do-it-yourself living trust software package and signed the Trust Agreement.

Bringing Clarity to My Present Life by Jordana Grado

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:20:52 +0100

Having the opportunity to change my life path through past life regression has been unimaginable... I was guided toÂ meet Tina and Seraphina at CQH.Â I say guided as I now have a profound understanding as to why. Why I called them and reached out to them for healing?Â Why I took the chance in Tina and Seraphina to guide me through a life path regression?I was excited the day of my appointment as I, like a child, anticipated answers as to why I was terribly ill, why the headaches, why the suff ...

City of Santa Clarita 2012 Public Opinion Poll Residents Happy with City Services, Financial ...

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:20:01 +0100

The City of Santa Clarita conducted its biennial telephone public opinion poll in early August, in an effort to learn how residents feel about the Cityâs job performance and to determine areas where improvement is needed. The poll sample included 400 adults that make up a cross section of Santa Clarita residents including representation of women and men, with children and without, of varying age groups who live in Canyon Country (30 percent), Newhall (19 percent), Saugus (20 percent) and Vale ...

Harvest and Winter Happenings

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:19:37 +0100

Now that summer vacations are over and you are returning to fall business and school schedules, think about how winter and harvest time provides an excellent chance to renew your participation in charitable organizations.Â Please consider joining Inner Circle Foster Family Agencyâs Event Planning Committee.

Elder Abuse

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:17:49 +0100

As the number and percentage of individuals 65 and over has increased in this country, so has the incidence of elder abuse.Â Unfortunately, the prevalence and nature of this growing problem generally remains hidden from public view.Â It is imperative that we become more aware of the many issues surrounding this sensitive topic.Â While there are no exact statistics on elder abuse, it is estimated that 90,000 cases are reported to Adult Protective Services (APS) in California annually, and for ...

Understanding Your EFC in the College Planning Process

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:17:11 +0100

EFC stands for Expected Family Contribution.Â It is how much money your family is expected to contribute to a college education for one year.Â The EFC is a measure of your familyâs financial strength calculated according to a formula established by law on taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as Social Security or unemployment).Â Schools use the EFC to determine your federal student aid eligibility and financial award.Â Lowering your EFC can increase the financial aid awards ...

Beware the Greedy Plantiff

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:16:47 +0100

I have been preparing for a large civil trial which is supposed to start next week.Â I represent a defendant corporation in a dispute with two individuals.Â We attempted to resolve the matter through court ordered mediation, but the parties were not able to come to an agreement.Â In a conference with the Judge that will be trying the case, he told us about a case he had recently presided over where the plaintiff had demanded $600,000, the defendant offered $400,000 and the plaintiff refused t ...

Will You Need to Make Changes To Your Current Estate Plan? Current Estate Tax Exemption Expires ...

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:16:12 +0100

Currently, if you die and your estate has a value of less than 5.12 million, no Federal Estate Tax is due because of your death.Â If Congress does nothing, this value will change to one million and the estate tax rate will be 55 percent on any funds in excess of this amount in 2013.Â It is estimated 52,500 estates will be affected by the decline in the exemption back to one million if Congress fails to take action.

Take Control of Your Own Life: Be the Change You Wish for New Seminars for Change in SCV

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:15:28 +0100

Scott Andrew has been counseling and life-coaching in Santa Clarita for almost 10 years now; learning from the good families and individuals who have trusted him with their goals, issues, problems and dreams.

âThey often tell me how disappointed theyâve been when theyâve gone to conventional therapists.

Spooky Times

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:14:40 +0100

Halloween, when youâre separated or going through a divorce with children can be a spooky time if not approached with your children in mind.Â Halloween is one of those tricky holidays where both parents want to have that âfun and scary experience.â While Halloween isnât nearly as tough on divorced families as other Holidays, it is difficult in that it is only for one night.Â This year Halloween is on a school night so the opportunities to expand into the weekend can present greater ch ...

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:12:38 +0100

Divorce, Dreams and Nightmares

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:10:24 +0100

I have heard people rant and rave and bellow

That weâre done and we might as well be dead,
But Iâm only a cockeyed optimist
And I canât get it into my head
â Rodgers and Hammerstein â South Pacific

Real Life Church Breaks Ground in Newhall for Community Partnership Center Three Local ...

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:03:29 +0100

In a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, Real Life Church announced to the city and surrounding community, plans to open Savia: A Community Partnership. Real Life Church has leased the incomplete Tressierras grocery store property at 23870 Newhall Avenue in Newhall, California and will construct a 23,000 square foot facility inside. It will house business offices and meeting space for three local non-profits: A Light of Hope, Single Mothers Outreach, and the Domestic Violence Center â all tackl ...

Did You Know?

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:03:05 +0100

American high school students say that around 17 percent of their peers use drugs, alcohol or cigarettes during the school dayâa total of around 2.8 million teensâaccording to the 17th annual back-to-school teen drug-use survey from the National Center on Addiction and Substances Abuse at Columbia University (CASAColumbia).Â Eighty-six percent of the high-schoolers surveyed confirm that this happens.Â And almost half of them know where to buy drugs at school.Â As for whatâs on offer, 91 ...

Ask the Voicecat - October 2012

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:01:41 +0100

Great questions about the voiceover business continue to come in from readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita.Â Hereâs a recent tech question: Q: I recently bought the Rode NT1-A and am looking into what mixer/audio interface to buy.Â Iâve looked at both the Alesis MultiMix 8 USB 2.0, the Mackie ProFX8.Â The Akai EIE Pro was recommended to me.Â Buyers of most of the mixers Iâve looked at seemed to have more issues than positive things to say.Â What is your recommendation? âColin S ...

Collision Coverage

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:00:55 +0100

We all know that car accidents happen when you least expect them.Â There is no specific time when or where one could happen, so itâs important to be sure that in the event of a collision, your insurance has you and your automobile well covered.Â Generally, collision coverageÂ reimburses you the amount needed to repair or replace your damaged vehicle, minus the deductible.Â This coverage is normally required if your vehicle is leased or if you have an outstanding loan on the vehicle. ...

Boy Scouts of America Announce 2012 Leaders of Character

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:59:44 +0100

Honorees Kiki and Jeff Hacker, Marian and Richard Sandnes and Eileen and Marc Winger.The Boy Scouts of America announced the honorees for the Sixth Annual Santa Clarita Valley Leaders of Character Recognition Dinner.Â The list of distinguished honorees from Santa Clarita Valley business, government, and philanthropy include Kerry & Kristie Carmody, Don & Cheri Fleming and Laurene Weste & Jim McCarthy.Â

We Want You to Wine for Us

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:59:18 +0100

Sip, stroll and savor the sounds, all for a great cause!Â Comfort Keepers In-Home Care is proud to be the title sponsor for this years Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valleyâs The Wine Affair.Â The event will support the Sheila Veloz Breast Imaging Center, as well as Henry Mayoâs NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

Care Costs for Seniors is on the Rise

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:02:51 +0100

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans age 65 and older will double in the next 20 years.Â This means that:

The Art of Meditation

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:02:28 +0100

Oh, my closed heart!Â How do I live with an open heart and still protect myself.Â How do I let down my guard?Â How do I trust again?Â Would I ever love again?Â All these questions I have been pondering for years getting no answers... always trying to believe in the light but not manifesting it.Â How long would these same records be playing in my head?Â Would I die with the unresolved issues of an unopened heart?

What is âCommon Lawâ Marriage?

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:01:54 +0100

Many Californians, as well as those living in other states, believe that if a person has been cohabiting for a certain number of years, this constitutes a âcommon lawâ marriage; meaning the cohabitors are now deemed married just because they have cohabited for âxâ number of years.Â This belief is completely false in California.Â Marriage only exists when a man and a woman (and possibly soon, same-sex couples) come together to establish a legally binding marriage contract to which they ...

Who is Taking Care of our Children?

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:01:36 +0100

Federal funding for children dropped in 2011.Â State funding continues to be a challenge as California deals with the effects of the recession, and programs that specialize in the care of children continue to struggle.Â Thriving communities depend on the vast number of activities undertaken by nonprofit organizations to keep children engaged, active, and enjoying life.Â Many programs that care for the emotional and social needs of children are at risk.

Beyond Child Support College Funding for Children in Divorce

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:00:56 +0100

âEducation is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.â â G. K. Chesterson In a pair of studies that looked at parental support for higher education for their children, it was discovered that (1) 29 percent of divorced parents assisted their children in college versus 88 percent of intact families (Wallerstein and Lewis, (1988)); and (2) divorced parents provided 42 percent of college costs versus 77 percent for intact families (Journal of Family Issues).Â ...

Senior Cohousing â A New Retirement Alternative

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:00:20 +0100

Most seniors want to remain at home as long as possible, but with family often spread out all over the country, it isnât always easy to do so.Â âSenior cohousing,â a new concept, allows older Americans to age at home in a supportive community.

Senior cohousing consists of a group of houses or condos that are individually owned by seniors and are clustered around a common area.

Three Tips To Save A Fortune On College Costs Maximizing Your Chance To Get Free Money Now

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:59:29 +0100

More than $170 billion is available in aid to help pay for college yet most families have no clue where to find it and I do.Â The first step in applying for over 90 percent of this money is filing your federal financial aid application, known as the FAFSA.

Whatâs FAFSA?Â It stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Why Divorce Can be a Good Thing

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:59:07 +0100

The decision to get started with a divorce is a very big one to make.Â When initially consulting with an attorney, this issue is one of the first you will have to grapple with.Â Some clients come in for a consultation so that they can know what their rights are in the event one of the spouses files for divorce some time in the future.Â Other clients know for certain that there is no choice but to proceed with a divorce and they want to get started right away.Â Even if there is no doubt that ...

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:58:36 +0100

News from the SCV-Newhall Optimist Club - September 2012

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:57:32 +0100

Hard to believe that summer is almost gone, but before we know it school will be here and our club will be in full mode with all of our up and coming eventâs.

Donât forget to mark your calendars for the annual âDay for Kidsâ which takes place on September 22, at Newhall Park, from noon until 5 p.m.Â For those of you who have never had the opportunity to take part in this day, please make a point of coming out this year.Â

It Takes a Village

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:56:57 +0100

It takes a villageâ¦ This saying came thundering home on a personal level recently, and I wanted to share my experience.Â We had a death in the family in May, and my mother came from out of town to attend.Â

Addiction and Recovery Strategies Rehab: The Revolving Door

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:56:11 +0100

The rate of relapse after a stint in rehab is overwhelming.Â Many relapse within days, most within 30 days.Â Heroin addicts in particular not only relapse but often O.D. due to a lowered tolerance to the drug while in rehab and then they get out and use the same amount they used before, causing an overdose.

Coping With Loss: A Pain All Its Own

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:55:32 +0100

âIâm sure I have unfinished business in many of my relationships, but why bring it up?Â Iâd rather just let sleeping dogs lie.âÂ Many people feel this way when it comes to loss, emotional wounds and unresolved grief events from the past.Â The past is over and done with, says the brain.Â Move on and keep going.

Life-Coaching and Counseling Preparing for School, College and Life

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:54:56 +0100

As adults we look at the things our kids do (and donât do) and just have to shake our heads.Â If youâve got a kid between 14 and 25 youâre frustrated, Iâm sure of that.Â Remember back when you thought having a new baby was difficult!Â What a laugh!Â Keeping a teen or young adult on track is exhausting!Â If you donât stay on them constantly they will forget, neglect, ignore and incomplete everything.Â And then they look at you as youâre blowing your top and say, âI donât kno ...

Do I Stay in My Marriage For the Children?

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:53:08 +0100

After practicing family law for over 15 years, there are topics that are regularly addressed in a first consultation, such as finances, child custody, support issues, property matters, domestic violence matters, and division of assets, but the number one question I receive is, âShould I stay for the sake of the children?â

God is Closer Than You Think

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:51:14 +0100

I love those little letters that children write to God.Â Like Norma age seven wrote:Â âDear God, did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident?âÂ Joyce (six years) wrote, âDear God, thanks for the baby brother, but what I asked for was a puppy.âÂ Larry, eight years, wrote, âDear God, maybe Cain and Able would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms.Â It works with my brother.âÂ

Estate Planning: Carrying Out Our Wishes

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:49:46 +0100

Who will get our property when weâre done with it?Â By means of careful estate planning, we can provide for our loved ones and insure that our wishes will be carried out.

Estate planning includes enumeration and evaluation of assets, cash flow management, analysis of tax consequences of gifts and bequests and preparation of legal documents to minimize taxes, expenses and inconvenience for our beneficiaries.

Protecting Assets in Bankruptcy

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:48:03 +0100

When filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a debtor must disclose all interests in any assets, including assets that have not yet been received, but which the debtor is entitled to receive.Â Assets that are often overlooked by debtors include:

Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley Improving the Lives of Women through Service, Advocacy and ...

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:43:47 +0100

Zontaâs 28th annual Celebrity Tribute will present âFabulous Follies in the Zonta Lounge Featuring Shelly Hannâ on Friday, November 2 at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills.Â Honoree, Shelly Hann, has been a dedicated volunteer in our community for the past 20 years.Â Thirty sponsor packets have been prepared and are being delivered to companies and individuals for an opportunity to attend and support this fabulous event.Â

Gardening and Keeping Fit!

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:43:06 +0100

Gardening has many health and therapeutic benefits for older people, especially when you create an edible garden.Â September marks the beginning of the fall planting season for those of us living in warm climates!

Ask the Voicecat - Spetember 2012

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:41:16 +0100

Thereâs no end to great questions about the voiceover business that readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita send in.

Q:Â Iâve been thinking about joining one of the Pay-To-Play voiceover websites, like Voices.com or Voice123.Â Do you think theyâre worthwhile?Â --Sandy G., Newhall, California

Travel Insurance

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:40:20 +0100

With the beginning of August comes the conclusion of summer and the transition from vacation to a brand new school year.Â Seizing the opportunity for your family to travel together before your kids are back in class, you begin to look into nearby weekend getaways and short trips just to get out of the house.Â

Roll the Dice for a Great Cause

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:39:29 +0100

Come join the Moms Club of Castaic as they are proud to host the 2nd Annual Bunco For Hope Fundraiser!Â It will be an afternoon of fun on Sunday, October 21 at The Oaks Grille at the Tournament Players Club in Valencia.Â All proceeds will go to Circle of Hope for breast cancer awareness and treatment. Â

Back To School Means Teen Stress

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:38:35 +0100

Thereâs no endless summer and itâs back to school time.Â Believe it or not many teens find returning back to school stressful.Â And the anxiety of returning back to school affects all types of kids, no matter what kind of grades they get in school and what kind of extracurricular activities they choose.

Have an Aging Parent or Loved One? Get a Plan!

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:46:34 +0100

Skin Cancer and Seniors

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:45:38 +0100

The danger of developing skin cancer is something people have become more aware of over the years.Â Gone are the days of soaking in baby oil and iodine, worshipping the sun, and bronzing skin to get those glorified tan lines.Â As skin cancer awareness has steadily increased over the years, many people have replaced tanning lotion with sunscreen, while exercising caution when spending time in the sun.

Student Ministries at NorthPark Two New Youth Pastors to Love and Lead

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:40:22 +0100

Dr. Dave White â Senior Pastor at NorthPark Community Church â is fond of stating the following truth: âOnly two things will last for eternity: Godâs Word and people.Â âThe implication is that whatever the investment, learning what God has to say or in the lives of people He created is well worth it!âÂ At NorthPark, our investment in people is not about programsâthough a good Bible study, menâs retreat or fun event geared towards youth can be a great conduit to nurture a person ...

Restoring Hope

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:39:26 +0100

In order to help children who have been the victims of abuse and neglect, social workers and mental health professionals instill and restore hope.Â Children introduced to safe and secure environments thrive when adults provide security, affection, and positive attention.Â Hope is an important concept for all of us to understand.

The Four Phase Theory of Divorce Phase Four: Post Divorce

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:37:33 +0100

âMarch on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on lifeâs path.â â Khalil Gibran

Previously we discussed the phases of divorce encompassing the decision to divorce, the process of divorcing, and arriving at the transition stage which describes the shift from interdependency and joint decision making toward independent choices based on a single life.Â

A Website for Special Needs Planning ProtectedTomorrows.com

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:34:52 +0100

Mary Anne Ehlert is a financial planner who has dedicated her life to creating a planning system for families of children with disabilities.Â This interest arose from the fact her sister suffers from cerebral palsy.Â Her interest was to help create a lifetime plan for persons who will always need care.Â

Holmes Versus Cruise Celebrity Divorce and the Media

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:33:31 +0100

Fodder for the masses.Â Anyone going through a divorce knows they are very painful.Â I always keep my conference room stocked with tissues.Â And they are frequently needed.Â It is easy to sit on the sidelines and rejoice in what is most likely a very difficult situation for both Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.Â They have built a life together, made a child, and now,Â everything they built must beÂ âdivided upâ.Â Enter the media.

Five Tips To Maximize College Visits This Summer

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:32:23 +0100

Last month I offered tips for summertime activities and Iâd really like to expand on one in particular this month.Â Visiting college campuses is so important because it could be your home for the next four years.

I recommend getting to know it well, and make certain itâs a good fit.Â Here are some valuable tips to consider on campus visits.

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:29:28 +0100

Ask the Voicecat

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:28:20 +0100

Some readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita sent in questions this month about networking and business cards:

Q: Do you have any networking suggestions for V-O neophytes?Â I just started taking voiceover classes and really want to dive into this industry headfirst. â Jerry F., Castaic, CA

Vacation Planning for Family Caregivers

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:27:13 +0100

This is the time of year that many of us look forward to summer vacation â a much-needed break from our day-to-day responsibilities and an opportunity to rest, have fun and re-charge.Â Unfortunately, it is often the people who are most in need of some time off â those with the largest amount of work and/or family responsibilities â who find it the hardest to get away.Â Family caregivers â spouses caring for husbands or wives, or adult children or grandchildren caring for elderly relati ...

Guideline Child Support

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:26:36 +0100

We all know it is the public policy of our state that parents support their children.Â However, few know what the Legislature has done to implement that policy.Â The fact is California has enacted many statutes to prioritize the support of children.

Heroin Equals Death Heroin Kills Symposium

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:25:11 +0100

On Wednesday, August 29 the Heroin Kills organization will host a symposium of various recovery experts and law enforcement to inform and advise the community.Â Details are below.Â I hope this event is so jam-packed that you can barely get in the door and hereâs why: If your kid isnât on dope he or she knows someone who is.Â This epidemic in Santa Clarita affects all of us, not just those who are currently using or recovering.Â

Whatâs Medical or Health Psychology?

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:24:03 +0100

A medical psychologist is a psychologist that has post-doctoral training in the field of medicine to be able to work in consultation with a physician on the treatment of illnesses.Â While psychologists in California cannot prescribe medicines, most medical psychologists understand how medications work and can explain them to patients.Â

Opiate/Heroin Epidemic in SCV

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:23:19 +0100

Opiates have become epidemic everywhere and our suburb is no exception; approx. 400 overdoses every year, 13 or more deaths since January 2010 right here in SCV.Â Itâs important to know what opiates are, how they work and what to do if you suspect a family member of using them or if you yourself need help.Â

City Receives Another Safe Routes to School Grant

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:01:48 +0100

The City of Santa Clarita has been awarded a $450,000 grant from the State of California Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program to help create a safe and healthy environment where students can walk or bike to school.

Pitfalls, Pratfalls and Shortfalls

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:01:21 +0100

Mom and Dad had a revocable living trust, prepared many years ago by an experienced attorney.Â At that time, it was fully funded: their house and financial accounts had been re-titled to Mom and Dad as trustees of their trust.

Getting Married? Itâs Simple â Get a Prenup.

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:00:22 +0100

Itâs wedding season.Â You can probably reach out an arm and touch someone who is planning the big day.Â Whether it is you, your child, a friend or a family member, the idea of a prenup should not be passed off as something only for the rich and famous; nor should it have the cruel stigma that has been associated with it.Â With divorce rates on the rise and the financial market unsteady, having a prenup in place can help save a marriage as much as it can ease a marriage breakup.

Keeping Your Car/Truck Through Bankruptcy

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 21:00:02 +0100

When filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a debtor may face several tough choices.Â One of those is whether to reaffirm a vehicle loan, or surrender the vehicle.Â If the debtor surrenders the vehicle, the loan is discharged even if the loan balance exceeds the value of the vehicle.Â If the debtor wants to retain a vehicle that has a secured loan, he/she must reaffirm or redeem the loan in order to keep the vehicle without risk of repossession.

Stomping Out Domestic Violence

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:55:03 +0100

On Saturday, July 14 Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley gathered enthusiastic marchers for the Fourth Annual âHigh Heel-a-Thonâ¦ to Stomp Out Domestic and Teen-Dating Violence.â

Spiritual Hypnosis

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:54:31 +0100

Since having my past life regression done at CQH with Tina and Betsy, I now live a grateful and fulfilled life. On June 12, I was reborn.Â I say reborn because this event changed my life.Â I could even compare my experience to those that have had near death experiences, except for having to âdie.â Â

Homeownersâ Insurance

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:53:58 +0100

Your home is like none other, and Farmers homeownersâ policies were designed with homeowners like you in mind, offering the coverage you want that may help you keep your peace of mind.Â Your house, personal property, and separate structures are covered for many of the everyday risks you face as a homeowner.

ZOE Rescue Walk: Philanthropy for the Whole Family

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:52:41 +0100

At times, the struggles we face and the tragedies we see playing out in the real world can be overwhelming.Â While it is difficult to deal with our own issues, we often feel totally helpless when considering the plights of those less fortunate than ourselves.Â However, this November, we can choose to help children in need on the other side of the world by simply taking a walk: the ZOE Rescue Walk.

Summertime Means Teen Volunteer Time

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:52:16 +0100

Summertime and the living is easy, or is it?Â The summer months are often a time of great frustration for parents who want their teens engaged in positive activities instead of spending the summer on the couch watching television, playing video games and talking with their friends nonstop 24-hours a day.Â Many parents feel guilty because they canât be home on a daily basis with their teen during the summer months simply because they must work.

Summertime

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:24:45 +0100

Summertime means family fun and children require a range of activities that are social, educational, and memorable.Â Since they have time away from school, being involved with others is especially important.Â Help them develop experiences worth remembering.Â

They Should Pay My Attorney Fees, itâs Their Fault My Fees Are So High!

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:24:09 +0100

We have had more than one disgruntled spouse complain that the action of their ex has increased their cost of litigation.Â âTheyâve propounded too much discovery!â, âThey wonât give us the documents weâve requested!â, âThey are bringing unnecessary hearings!â, and âThat attorney is being a jerk!â are just some of the complaints weâve heard from our clients.

How Much Independence Should You Give Your Teenager?

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:23:35 +0100

If your parenting goes as normally planned, your teenager at some point will leave home and live independently whether he goes to college, or gets a job and moves out.Â Teaching your teen independent living skills will help him become independent so that he will be able to live on his own, which is the goal of a successful young adult and his parents.Â

Get Your Family Moving

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:23:16 +0100

Getting your whole family involved in physical activity shouldnât require bribes or threats. If you plan it rightâand create the right atmosphereâyou can have them begging to exercise with you. Here are some helpful tips to get your family off the couch and in shape.

Is ADR Right for You?

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:22:47 +0100

When it comes to negotiating a contract, one often-overlooked subject is ADRâAlternative Dispute Resolution.Â The whole purpose of your contract is to set forth the rights and obligations of each of the parties.Â But what happens if one of the parties doesnât live up to its end of the bargain?Â As the name implies, alternative dispute resolution is an alternative to the high costs of litigation.

Technology: Taking Caregiving to the Next Level

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:22:21 +0100

In simple terms, one does not usually equate modern technology with seniors.Â Smart phones, computers or other trendy electronic gadgets can be navigated by younger generations in their sleep, but may be a bit more complicated or of no interest to older generations.Â However, modern technology as it applies to seniors, especially those living home alone, is more high-tech than you may think.

Removing a Judgment with Bankruptcy

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:21:48 +0100

When an individual with debts can no longer afford to pay on their accounts, creditors have a variety of collection options.Â Most creditors begin by sending past due notices or demands for the delinquent amount.Â Some creditors will attempt to get payments through phone calls, often harassing the debtor at work or home.Â Creditors have different policies on how long they will continue with phone calls and letters to try to obtain voluntary payments.Â They often make decisions based on the d ...

California May Soon Recognize âInternational Interference with an Expected Inheritanceâ

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:21:18 +0100

A recent case has been remanded back to Orange County Superior Court that may open the door to a person being able to bring an action for the loss of an âexpectedâ inheritance because of the intentional actions of another person.
The case has to do with an individual who had a prepared will that divided his estate between his same sex partner and his sister.Â

Addiction and Intervention

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:20:37 +0100

What do you do if you, or someone you love, has a drinking or drug problem?Â Dealing with addiction is complicated, even for trained professionals.Â Too often, family members feel they can contain the situation, but typically the behavior only spins further out of control. Â

Couples Communication Rule One!

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:19:44 +0100

Are your fights getting out of hand?Â Try this...Couples Communication rule one The Art of Listening!Â Most people enter into an argument with their own agenda.Â âI want you to hear my side, agree with me, and admit you are wrong.âÂ Often what accompanies that is a world of bullying, yelling and replays of the past.Â

Five Must-Do Summertime Activities To Boost Up A College Portfolio

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:18:44 +0100

College bound students should take time during the summer to get organized and boost up their admissions portfolio.Â Completing these activities will lighten the load during the school year and get you ready for college acceptance.
Number One: Start Your College Essay

Combating the Stress of Elderly Care

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:18:15 +0100

It is stressful caring for an elderly parent or loved one, no matter how much you may love them.Â There is a significant amount of disruption to your life and schedule, as well as the worry and sorrow of watching one you love become more helpless.Â There are also feelings involved with elderly care including frustration, guilt, resentment, and hopelessness.Â

Self-Defeating Thoughts and Behaviors

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:16:57 +0100

Sometimes there seems to be some unseen force, some undetectable presence that blocks our ability to succeed at things.Â Whether we are trying to shed a few pounds, stop a bad habit or rid ourselves of underlying negativity that nags away at us, this invisible force seems to stand like an impassable gate to the other side where happiness, feeling good and being better at things reside.

The Hidden Pitfalls of Long-Term Care Policies

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:15:14 +0100

Our law office is seeing a new trend: long-term care policies are giving their policy holders the ârun-around.âÂ Many seniors have long-term care insurance that they purchased years ago.Â They paid their premiums faithfully, and now due to advanced age, dementia, illness, and other needs, they make a claim for benefits.Â In response, the insurance company denies the claim.Â These denials are often unfair and illegal.Â Unfortunately, the senior does not know their rights, their remedies, ...

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:13:42 +0100

Ask the Voicecat - July 2012

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:09:41 +0100

Readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita continue to send in great questions about the voiceover business, but this one is typical of many that I receive.Q: A producer sent a request for an audition for a female character for a major videogame, WOWâWorld of Warcraft.Â Itâs a big thing now with kids.Â Heâs got everything I have in terms of great voice samples in mp3 format, yet he asks me every job for voice auditions.Â I wanted to know if my voice is landing in someoneâs product and I ...

The Four Phase Theory of Divorce Phases Two and Three: Transition and Litigation

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:08:08 +0100

âAll things are difficult before they are easy.â âÂ Thomas Fuller, M.D.
Once the decision to divorce surfaces (the âdeliberationâ phase) couples enter the âtransitionâ phase.Â Transitioning is an emotional roller coaster of adjustment to physical and financial separation.Â Feelings of hurt, fear, humiliation, loss, abandonment and powerlessness drive behavior.

Why Estate Planning Follows Divorce

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:07:21 +0100

When you go through a divorce, there are a number of legal documents that need to be updated or changed altogether once your marriage is dissolved.Â You have to look out for your remaining interests received from the Dissolution and those of your children, particularly in your estate planning.Â And ifÂ there are children in the mix, itâs vitally important that you take care of these matters as soon as possible once the divorce is finalized.

Boating With Ease

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:05:33 +0100

As the summer season begins to slowly arrive, the weather begins to warm, children get out of school, and people take vacations with their families, traveling to places where they can have fun and cool off.Â Depending on your ideal vacation, your perfect day may include the sunrise, a trolling motor, and a rubber worm.Â

Summer Safety Tips for Seniors!

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:04:51 +0100

With the weather getting warmer every day, thereâs no reservation that summer is drawing near.Â The summer can be a great time for relaxing and enjoying the outdoor climate with family and friends.Â However, it can also be hazardous if you donât take the proper precautions to be safe.

Let's Talk About Art âDid You Know?

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:02:58 +0100

Where did the roots of art in America begin?Â Art education is rooted in part in the Industrial Revolution of the 19th Century when drawing was taught in an effort to improve the production of products.
However, the real beginnings of the visual arts in America began when the first English settlers landed on the east coast and established their homes and churches.

The Value of Respite Care: A Gift of Time

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:02:33 +0100

Respite refers to short-term, temporary care to allow caregivers and family members a break from their daily routine.Â It can also be used for those individuals who require short-term assistance while recovering from an illness or accident.Families and caregivers who provide constant care for their elderly family member may need some time away from their responsibilities to tend to their own needs.Â Respite care allows caregivers to take this time while knowing that their family member will be ...

Are We Missing Something?

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:01:35 +0100

At Golden Oak Adult School, we continually strive to offer our students the very best in quality education at affordable prices and to provide classes based upon your needs and interests.Â

Local Suicides on the Rise

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:12:09 +0100

The tragedy of an individual dying because of overwhelming hopelessness or frustration is devastating to family, friends, and the community.Â And the survivors of a loved-oneâs suicide leaves many wondering if they could have done something to prevent one from taking their own life.

Preventing the Summertime Blues Smooth Summer Transistions for Divorced Families

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:15:12 +0100

The summer is upon us, once again, which means school is out and kids schedules are about to change.Â For separated and divorced families, summer can create higher levels of anxiety as parents have to juggle modified schedules with the kids and deal with separate summer vacations.Of course, parents arenât the only ones fretting.Â Summer can also be hugely stressful for kids as they move between households.Â Even when circumstances are amiable and cooperative, the change from school schedule ...

Being Prepared for the Unexpected

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:14:06 +0100

It can be difficult to imagine a time when you would not be there to help provide for your family.Â However, by preparing in advance, you will have peace of mind that knowing you are protecting your familyâs financial future.Â Also, since life insurance benefits are generally not taxable at the federal level, your loved ones can use the benefits to help take care of their living expenses in a variety of ways.Â Life insurance can take care of many things including needs after the time of dea ...

Divorce â The Aftermath

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:13:24 +0100

When people think of divorce, the big conversation seems to stem around money.Â How much, and whoâs getting it?Â But eventually the issues that walk into my therapy office are the ones that dig deep into the soul.Â âHow did this happen?Â Could I have changed it?âÂ Or maybe, âShould I have left earlier?Â Why didnât I see the red flags before we got married?âÂ I have a firm belief that if you donât dig into all of the emotions, questions and personal responsibility in the divo ...

Will the Court Order my Spouse to Pay my Attorney Fees? Even if I am able to Afford an Attorney?

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:12:52 +0100

In the very recent appellate decision, In Re Marriage of Sorge (Court of Appeals of California, Fourth District, Division One, filed January 5, 2012), the court takes up the issue of âneedâ for the basis of awarding a contribution of attorney fees from one spouse payable to the other spouse.Â In this case, Husband was the higher earner with over $64 million in liquid assets.Â Wife wasnât doing too badly herself with about $14 million, half of it liquid.Â Wife asked the court to award at ...

Looking at the World

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:12:31 +0100

Among our varied interests, my husband and I love to travel.Â We have recently returned from an educational trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.Â The history of these two countries and the cultural exposure we had was riveting.Â The opportunity to see how others live, work, raise their children, and interact was fascinating.Â We also were able to visit war remembrance sites and see how both countries reconstruct and survive significant tragic events.Â How we as Americans are perceived and treated ...

Court Closures to Affect Us All

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:11:57 +0100

Recently, the Los Angeles Superior Court announced substantial staff cuts and courtroom closures.Â Resources have been dwindling for quite some time.Â In April the Court announced it plans for the most significant reduction of services in its history.Â By June 30, the Court will reduce its staff by nearly 350 workers and close 56 courtrooms.Â Notices have already gone out in certain types of cases that court reporters will not be made available at all hearings.Â

Zonta Awards $9,750 in Scholarships and Grants

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:11:03 +0100

Santa Clarita Valley Zonta Clubâs May business meeting featured the award of $7,750 in grants to five local organizations who assist women and children, and $2000 in scholarships to two young women.Â Through their efforts, the recipients strive to improve the status of women and children through health, education, and service. The Young Women in Public Affairs $1,000 scholarship recipient, Jesica Sathy, has demonstrated leadership skills, community service activities and international awarene ...

Does it Matter When you File Bankruptcy?

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:10:29 +0100

The timing of a bankruptcy is often an important decision for a debtor that wants to get the full benefit of the bankruptcy stay and the discharge.Â In a Chapter 13 case, debtors restructure their debt, so the time to file often depends on whether a lender is close to taking back secured property, such as a home (by foreclosure) or a car (by repossession).Â A Chapter 13 case is often designed to stop creditor actions while the debtor sets up a plan to pay back missed payments on secured debts ...

When Does a Habit Become an Addiction?

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:09:08 +0100

From drugs and drinking to shopping and smoking.Â These can be habits; things we do without much thought or analysis to them, but they can also develop into something more compulsive.Â So how do we know when a bad habit becomes something more serious?
There are five stages of habitual to addictive.

Golden Oak Adult School Year-End Wrap Up

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:08:45 +0100

The 2011-2012 school year has proved to be an especially exciting one for us here at Golden Oak Adult School.Â In addition to new course offerings and expansion of our more popular ones, Golden Oak now enthusiastically sponsors a 17 piece jazz band that provides affordable concerts at West Ranch High School, with the next performance slated for June 9 at 7:30 p.m.Â We have also enhanced our Vocational/Career Technical education classes and have added new certificate classes. Â

Dealing with Acceptance

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:08:07 +0100

Understand whatâs causing your loved oneâs resistance and how you can encourage support. Are you faced with a loved one resisting to any type of care?Â This is one of the toughest challenges you can face with your aging loved one.Â Through your support and understanding, you can foster acceptance. What is the root of not wanting assistance?Understanding what your loved one is going through in the aging process will gain your empathy for him or her.Â He or she is most likely dealing with ...

The Meaning of Your Life

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:07:28 +0100

Have you ever felt as though you were sleepwalking through your life?Â It seems a clichÃ©, but one worth contemplating.Â Most of us live each day, year after year, without much thought about where we are going or who we are.Â Our society gives us a message that if we are satisfying our material needs with a house, a decent career or money, some vacation time and a good family that we have fulfilled our purpose.Â Many people add some religion or spirituality to this.Â Yet even when we have f ...

Prenupâ¦ Thatâs so Hollywood Postnupâ¦ why thatâs so Santa Clarita

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:06:54 +0100

Letâs face it, financial trouble is one of the top reasons couples divorce today.Â With the housing market in the dumps, unemployment through the roof and the cost of education skyrocketing itâs been tough for all of us here in the âreal world.âÂ When times get tough, marriages get strained.Â Â A prenuptial agreement between Hollywoodâs rich and famous often makes headlines, but it has a little known friend; the postnup.Â This lesser known medium can be a great avenue to salvage sh ...

Summertime Is Perfect College Planning Time

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:05:36 +0100

A common mistake with families is they wait too long to plan for college and end up un-prepared, misinformed and without the many opportunities to get free money.Â Summertime is perfect college planning time and working with a College Planning Expert can offer immediate benefits.
Number One: Know Your Expected Family Contribution Costs

Action Opens The Action Family Zone For Teens

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:04:57 +0100

In a historic move Actionâs non-profit Parent & Teen Support Group Programs has created The Action Family Zone â A common gathering place for all teenagers that want to develop a stronger sense of self; by discovering passion and purpose.Â The Zone will open sometime in the middle of June at 20655 Soledad Canyon Road, Units 24 and 25, in Saugus.Â Centrally located in Santa Clarita, the facility will host a myriad of activities for youth between the ages of 13 to 17 years of age.

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:04:09 +0100

Observation Status When is a Hospital Stay Not a Hospital Stay?

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:03:21 +0100

Senior citizens and their families should be aware of a little-known policy and practice by hospitals, which is called âobservation status.âÂ Failure to understand this issue can result in very expensive medical bills not covered by insurance.After a hospital stay, many patients require therapy or ârehabilitationâ in a skilled nursing facility.Â Medicare (or the seniorâs insurance) will pay up to 100 days for this rehabilitation and therapy (days 21 to 100 with a co-pay), but only if ...

Ask the Voicecat - June 2012

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:02:23 +0100

Readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita continue to send in great questions about the voiceover business, but this one is typical of many that I receive:
Q: âIâm not an actor, but Iâve done some announcements for a local cable television station.Â Do I have any chance of doing announcing for radio and television commercials?â â Edward M., Valencia, California

Seniors: Tips for Healthy Eating

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:01:28 +0100

The normal aging process instigates changes throughout the body. Perhaps the most important change seniors undergo relates to nutrition. As a body ages, so does its nutritional requirements. Seniors may need to adjust vitamin and mineral intake depending on their gender, metabolic rate and for disease management purposes. Depending on a seniorâs individual needs, caloric intake may need to be monitored to ensure good health.

Summerhill Villa is MBK Senior Livingâs Third Community to Receive Excellence in Care ...

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:48 +0100

MBK Senior Livingâs Summerhill Villa is the third community to receive a âDementia Program of Distinctionâ status from Alzheimerâs Foundation of America (AFA).Â This prestigious award has been given to only 33 communities nationwide.Â The companyâs Crown Cove and Casa de Santa Fe have also been recognized for their standards of excellence in memory care.Â AFAâs âExcellence in Careâ was established to recognize dementia care communities that achieve established standards for qu ...

Keeping Cool During the Summer Months

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:30 +0100

Keeping the body hydrated is particularly important for the elderly.Â In addition to proper diet and exercise, hydration plays a very significant role in healthy living for seniors.Â With the warm weather approaching, the risk for seniors suffering from dehydration increases. A loss of hydration can impact how seniors look and feel.Â As our body ages, we experience a decrease in our total body water and our thirst sensation also decreases.Dehydration, therefore, can happen much more quickly a ...

The Four-Phase Theory of Divorce Phase One - Deliberation

Tue, 29 May 2012 23:59:40 +0100

âThe loss of love is not nearly as painful as our resistance to accepting it is.â â Tigress Luv
There are many theories about the emotional journey when a marriage comes to an end.Â In this article and others to follow, we take a look at one theory that compresses the many stages of divorce to four general phases: Deliberation; Litigation; Transition: and Post Divorce (or Redirection) (John Haynes, Ph.D.).

A âLetter of Instructionâ Can Spare your Heirs Additional Stress

Tue, 29 May 2012 23:59:14 +0100

Although itâs important to have an updated estate plan, there is a lot of information your heirs need to know that doesnât necessarily fit into a will, trust, or other document. For instance: Where can your heirs find your insurance policies? How can they locate your bank accounts, and access your safe deposit box? How can they be sure they have accounted for all your assets?Â The solution is a âletter of instructionâ which can provide your heirs with guidance if you die or become incap ...

Estate Planning is the Smart Thing to Do

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:48:58 +0100

Estate planning involves making sure you are protected in the event of incapacity.Â However, it also involves the passing of wealth from one generation to the next.Â If not done correctly, there is a chance that wealth can be lost.Â When I meet with clients, we talk about how the transfer of wealth and assets will occur.

Horsing Around

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:48:27 +0100

When looking for a horseback riding instructor, itâs always important to find someone that has adequate experience and a patient personality for teaching.Â At the recently opened Shooting Stars Ranch in Castaic, California, actions clearly speak louder than words as business owner Tanzeem Scott demonstrates by her noticeable expertise to go with her heavily decorated career as an equestrian.Â

How the Discharge Works in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:47:51 +0100

The primary purpose of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing is for the debtor to get a fresh start by discharging debts that they cannot afford to repay.Â When a Chapter 7 case is filed, the debtor lists all of their debts in the bankruptcy schedules that get filed with the court.Â The court clerk uses the addresses provided to mail notices to the creditors, which stops them from bothering the debtor during the case.Â The case takes about four months to complete.

Two (or more) is Company

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:46:57 +0100

Every year, thousands of children throughout the United States enter the foster care system because their parents were not able to provide them with the protection and nurturing that they needed.Â When it is determined by the court that a child will not be able to safely return to their birth families, loving adoptive families are needed to provide stable and permanent adoptive homes for these children.Â

Talking: A Lost Art

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:46:05 +0100

What has happened to our ability to relate to others?Â Our young people grow up in a world of cryptic conversation with texting, tweeting and posts on Facebook being the preferred method of communicating with their friends and family.Â They are losing the ability to relate to one another face-to-face.Â These methods are great tools to communicate quickly with someone but cannot replace a true relationship.In my experience in working with teens, I find they are often left wondering what intent ...

Ask the Voicecat - May 2012

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:45:12 +0100

Many readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita continue to send in great questions about the voiceover industry.Â This monthâs question is about getting a deposit before she works on a project.Â Â Q: Is it customary to ask for a deposit before you do a voiceover job, even if the company that hired you has a website and itâs known?Â I asked for one because I have been burned in the past.Â But those were people who just found me randomly on the Internet, had a Gmail account and no website.Â ...

Are You on the Pathway of Success or the Pathway to Failure?

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:44:25 +0100

When doing something important it is not what you do, but how you do it.Â It also needs to be something that is within your purpose.Â If you need to ask people for their help, be sure you are asking people who are a fit for your needs.
Letâs look at something.Â Â Many years ago there was a man who had a recipe and was looking for a franchise that was interested.Â He asked several hundred companies if they were interested and they said, âNo.âÂ

When A Picture Is Worth More Than A Thousand Words

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:43:58 +0100

I have two daughters. One is in middle school.Â TheÂ other is in elementary school. When my older daughter started middle school, I attended an orientation session of sorts for new parents. We were warned about the potential hazards of middle school. One such hazard arises when the child takes an inappropriate picture of himself or herself and sends it to anyone. The obvious danger being once the genie is out of the bottle, it cannot be put back in. The message was well received.

Emergency Exits

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:43:26 +0100

Recently, I was on an airplane and had the pleasure of listening to the safety briefing for the hundredth time.Â Now, donât get me wrong, Iâm fully in favor of knowing how to exit the airplane in an emergency.Â I like knowing there is an emergency exit in case something goes deathly wrong and I need a way out fast.Â Donât you agree?

How is a Drug Counselor like a Plumber?

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:42:29 +0100

Heâs not.Â Thatâs why I donât write articles about plumbing problems, itâs not my area.
Everyone from a local church to social workers wants to get in the game of drug recovery.Â Either for money or a misguided notion they can solve things they are not experienced in.Â Why a church canât stick with religion and non-addict social workers canât stick to conventional therapy is frustrating.

Preparing for a Child Custody Evaluation

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:42:05 +0100

The Family Court may order a court-appointed investigator or evaluator to conduct a child custody evaluation.Â The cases submitted to this process tend to be the âhigh conflictâ cases where parents have a great deal of difficulty in either agreeing to or implementing a co-parenting plan following separation.Â

It's Spring, Go Green and Grow a Family!

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:41:19 +0100

You may be just the person who can grow a family by helping children who need a safe, secure, and caring home, thrive.Â Children placed with their siblings maintain important bonds and significantly do better while in care.Â We find many kind and loving people who can help one child.Â What about those children who have brothers and sisters?Â

Preventing Falls

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:40:46 +0100

Falls at home are a huge risk for seniors and are the leading cause of accidents for people over age 65.Â A fall can easily result in a serious injury that is a threat to a seniorâs health and independence.Â There are numerous reasons that falls might occur: poor eye sight, illness, weakness in muscles, dementia, side affects of medications, etc. And although some of these precipitators may be corrected to help reduce the risk of falling, the area to truly focus on is the prevention of falls ...

Counseling, Coaching, Hypnotherapy Versus Psychotherapy and Psychiatry

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:39:57 +0100

You are a very unique person.Â Everyone is.Â Thereâs no single formula that can serve as a remedy for the masses.Â When it comes to overcoming mental and emotional issues a customized plan of treatment must be applied if a counselor is to help someone move beyond them.

Downsizing Information for Seniors

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:39:19 +0100

Assisting a senior in downsizing their home can be a demanding process both physically and emotionally. With seniors, it involves a lot of preparation, packing and letting go of emotional ties to their home.
There are many reasons why seniors need to downsize.Â An example may be that the senior wants to move to a smaller home because their house has become too large to handle or they are in need of moving to a retirement community.

A Time To Remember Mom

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:37:49 +0100

According to the United States Census Bureau, there are about 90 million mothers in the United States.
Websterâs Dictionary defines the word mother as a female parent who is a woman of authority, a woman who offers maternal tenderness or affection. The word parent is defined as, one who that brings forth offspring and cares for another.

Your Local Auto Insurance Specialist

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:37:13 +0100

Auto insurance is intended to help you to protect you and your family against financial loss in the event of an accident or other cause of loss.Â It covers the injuries and damages caused by an accident and for which you are legally responsible.Â It may also cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it is damaged or stolen.Â

May is Foster Parent Appreciation Month!

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:36:28 +0100

Foster Parent Appreciation Month in May provides a wonderful opportunity to honor and recognize the work of people making a difference in the lives of children in foster care.Â Itâs also a time to bring awareness to the great need for families to open their homes to these vulnerable children, especially older children and sibling sets of brothers and sisters who wish to remain together.

Top Tips for Seniors

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:35:43 +0100

We frequently advise clients who are in âcrisesâ mode due to a sudden medical emergency.Â It is very difficult for the family when the senior hasnât adequately planned for illness or incapacity.Â The family often finds that they donât have the legal tools or information needed to handle the medical and financial affairs of the ill senior.Â Financial institutions, insurance companies, and medical professionals wonât speak to the family without proper legal authority.

Seniors and Medications

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:35:11 +0100

Living independently is important to all of us, but especially to seniors. As they age, seniors face unique challenges, such as losing a spouse and elderly friends, changes in physical and mental abilities, and other general lifestyle changes that often occur during the golden years. Living in a comfortable and familiar environment becomes paramount to a seniorâs happiness and feelings of well-being. As the relative, friend or caregiver of a senior, it is important for you to help seniors achi ...

Information Divorce Workshop Preparing for Divorce and The "Do It Yourself " Divorce ...

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:34:21 +0100

Workshop two: Last month I ran an article discussing the importance of being properly prepared for your divorce as well as options for a âDo It Yourself Divorce.âÂ The response was overwhelming-- the first workshop was a great success.Â Many of you had questions about the first steps to take when contemplating divorce.Â Others have uncontested divorces pending but did not understand the difference between attorney assisted divorce and the âDo It Yourselfâ process. Â This workshop will ...

Exploring the Myths Surrounding Grief

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:33:25 +0100

âLaugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry _______.âÂ If youâre like most people, youâre conditioned to automatically respond âalone.âÂ If youâve suffered a devastating loss such as death of a loved one, divorce or breakup, you may be trying to cope with these and other unspoken rules.

Personal Planning: Spring Cleaning

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:33:01 +0100

Spring is an ideal time to put our legal and financial houses in order.Â Hereâs some housework you can do without straining your backs or dirtying your hands:
â¢ Prepare a current asset and debt summary.Â Label and store closed bank records.Â Keep open-account records in an Assets File.Â For each account, list the address and phone number of the branch, and the name of any account representative.

Congratulations on Graduation ... Whatâs Next?

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:32:19 +0100

The month of May brings the celebration of graduation for seniors and often times the worry for their parents.Â Whatâs next?Â How am I going to pay for college?Â My solution for the parents of high school seniors is do not give up on finding help.Â Although you may have missed the deadlines for the first year, itâs not too late to get assistance down the road.Â

Understanding the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimerâs Disease

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:31:24 +0100

Dementia is a loss of brain function that affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior.Â As we get older, most of us will experience some difficulties with memory.Â Weâve all forgotten a name, where we placed the car keys, or why we walked into a room.Â But this is normal forgetfulness, and does not necessarily indicate dementia.

Divorce and High-Conflict Parents

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:30:27 +0100

âAs long as you have certain desires about how it ought to be you canât see how it is.â â Ram Dass, Spiritual TeacherAccording to experts at the International Center for Peaceful Shared Parenting, 80 percent of family court cases are described as low-conflict cases, 10 percent as moderate conflict cases and 10 percent as high conflict cases, with regard to custody.For many couples that come to mediation, the parenting plan can be the most important long term issue addressed.Â ...

Check Your Powers of Attorney for Health Care They May Need To Be Revised!

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:29:58 +0100

Many power of attorney and health care proxy documents that were created years ago should be revised now as a result of a federal medical privacy law.Â The law, known as HIPAA, generally prevents health care providers from disclosing your personal medical information to anyone other than you and someone you have named as your âpersonal representative.â

Are you Caring for a Family Member? You May Be Eligible For a Break on Your Taxes

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:50:00 +0100

Caregiving might be a little less taxing this year because you may be eligible to declare your parent or other elderly relative as a dependent for a tax deduction, or to deduct their medical expenses from your taxes.
As you prepare your 2011 return, Visiting Angels has a few tips for determining your possible tax benefits.Â Remember, these tips are guidelines only.Â It is strongly recommended that you consult with a tax advisor before submitting your return.

Penny Lane News Words of Inspiration for Public Works Employees

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:48:39 +0100

On November 3, 2011, Penny Lane Centersâ Founder and CEO, Ivelise Markovits, was one of many prestigious women to speak at the 2011 Womenâs Leadership Conference.Â This is the second Conference held by the Public Works Womenâs Leadership Council which aims to foster the personal and professional growth of all public works employees by providing educational and networking opportunities.Â

Ask the Voicecat - April 2012

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:43:36 +0100

Thanks for sending in great questions about the voiceover industry.Â This monthâs question is about looking for an agent.
Q:Â At what point should I look for an agent? âBetty G., Silver Lake, CA

Medicare Part B Deadline Approaching

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:41:02 +0100

If you didnât sign up for Medicare Part B medical insurance when you first became eligible for Medicare, you now have an opportunity to apply â but time is running out. The deadline for applying during the general enrollment period is March 31.Â If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait until 2013 to apply.

Communication: The Key to Success

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:40:35 +0100

Being a successful communicator involves the ability to listen, comprehend and process information, respond and utilize appropriate social skills.Â Nonverbal communication skills including use of appropriate eye gaze, body language, facial expressions, personal space and gestures are key to communicating successfully.Â In addition, tone of voice also affects how a communicative partner perceives the individual and what they are trying to convey.Â

New Renters Beware The Month-to-Month Tenancy

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:33:07 +0100

With the condition of the housing market and over all state of the economy, more and more people are renting homes and apartments.Â A number of them are former homeowners, who may have never rented as an occupant before.Â The month-to-month tenancy is a great concept for tenants who do not want to be locked into a long-term lease.Â

Designer Drugs: Legal and Lethal

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:32:15 +0100

Theyâre sold over the counter at local markets and online.Â The only requirement is being 18 or older and having not much more than pocket change to buy them.Â Labeled as bath salts, potpourri, incense and other misleading, innocuous terms, these are actually dangerous synthetic drugs.Â The makers of these drugs get away with it by labeling them as household products and slapping a ânot for human consumptionâ label on them.Â

Making Sure you Qualify for Bankruptcy

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:31:00 +0100

The first question asked by those who contemplate filing bankruptcy is whether they qualify to file bankruptcy.Â It would be nice if the answer were simple, or if there were a single formula to determine the answer.Â Unfortunately, due to bankruptcy abuse in the past, Congress has devised several ways in which a bankruptcy case can be challenged and/or dismissed.Â This article will discuss the issues regarding Chapter 7 filings, which are the most common type.

What I Know in my Heart

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:30:31 +0100

I returned from a court hearing today and realized that what I know in my heart (as well as in my head) is that children who have been caught in the child welfare system need love, attention, and security from people who may or may not be their parents.Â Having a safe home to return to after a tough day is something we all need.Â Having a person who values us whether we accomplish great things or not, is something we all need.Â Receiving kindness whether we earned or not, is what we all need. ...

What is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order?

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:30:04 +0100

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (âQDROâ pronounced quadro) is probably the single most important of all documents in a dissolution matter!Â Under California law, spouses are each entitled to one-half of the community estate. This means that in a dissolution matter, a spouse is entitled to one-half of any asset that was obtained from the date of marriage until the date of separation, including retirement/pension plans/401(k), etc.

Life-Coaching your High School/College Kids The Road Map to Maturity

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:26:44 +0100

How mature are your kids?Â Many of them are destined for college, but are they ready?Â Thereâs more to preparing for college than a qualifying GPA and completing the required classes.Â Many kids still have to be nagged by parents to keep up with their assigned work, follow through with responsibilities and the âunpredictablesâ that come up frequently.Â

Safety Assurance Through Quality Insurance

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:25:56 +0100

The stresses of life are enough to keep anyoneâs schedule fully occupied leaving little room for spending time with family or partaking in leisurely pastimes to escape from mentally tiring days at the office. The things people love help them keep sanity in the hectic, quick-paced world that is the 21st century. Insurance is a must in order to preserve a personâs own little escape from reality, and when looking for an insurance plan to best suit a family, main concerns include quality, access ...

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:24:06 +0100

Unpaid Veterans Benefits

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:23:15 +0100

Do you know a vietnam veteran?Â There are numerous medical conditions that are now automatically attributable to the Veteranâs service in Vietnam.Â Substantial benefits may be available.The VA previously denied claims for compensation by Vietnam vets who claimed injury or illness from exposure to Agent Orange.Â In 1986 Vietnam veterans and their survivors filed a class action lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which was referred to as the âNehmer decision.âÂ ...

Let's Talk Aboutâ¦ Affairs Are you on the Brink?

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:22:39 +0100

Could you be more vulnerable to having an affair than the person sitting next to you? According to D. Layton-Tholl, over 90 percent of responses to a survey of 4,300 people reported that their affair was based on a lack of emotional fulfillment within their existing relationship, not for sexually motivated reasons.Â

Teaming Up to Make a Bigger Difference with Families in the SCV

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:21:51 +0100

ACTION Family Counseling Drug and Alcohol Treatment programs is and has been a beckon of light for the community of Santa Clarita for years offering a variety of support as an alcohol and drug treatment program.
ACTIONâs Founder and President Cary Quashen is always looking for new ways to make a bigger difference with his organization and he believes that he has found one through a partnership with Alex Urbina; a well respected Transformational Family Life Coach.

Zonta Club Sponsors LUNAFESTÂ® Santa Clarita

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:20:57 +0100

LUNAFESTÂ® Short Films By, For, About Womenâ¢, the fundraising film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about womenâs issues highlighting women filmmakers and bringing women together in their communities, will be hosted by Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley at the Canyon Theater Guild located at 24242 Main Street in Santa Clarita on April 26, at 6 p.m.

Your Appearance May Effect Your Emotions

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:20:31 +0100

For seniors, maintaining good personal appearance often goes hand in hand with maintaining a sense of purpose in life.Â When we have places to go, things to do and people to see, we naturally take greater interest in how we look.A decline in grooming often indicates that a senior needs assistance due to a loss of physical dexterity or onset of conditions like Alzheimerâs that inhibit the ability to perform the activities of daily living. But it also can go much deeper, signaling depression an ...

Health Care Training Now Offered at Golden Oak Adult School

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:19:42 +0100

Careers in the health care industry are among the fastest growing in the country, and Golden Oak Adult School now proudly provides the opportunity to train for a position in the rapidly expanding medical field in collaboration with Boston Reed Medical College. Â

Divorce Workshop Preparing for Divorce and The Do It Yourself Divorce on April 28 and May 26

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:18:33 +0100

Last month, I ran an article discussing the importance of being properly prepared for your divorce as well as options for a Do It Yourself Divorce.Â The response was overwhelming.Â Many of you had questions about the first steps to take when contemplating divorce.Â Others have uncontested divorces pending but did not understand the difference between attorney assisted divorce and the Do It Yourself process. Â

Estate Planning Coordination of Assets

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:18:01 +0100

Joe and Judy Grantor have three adult daughters.Â Their assets include: (1) a house, (2) personal property, (3) two IRAâs, (4) a stock portfolio at a brokerage, (5) a bank account and (6) a classic car parked in the attached garage of their house.Â The Grantors want to leave their house and contents to daughter Debbie.Â

Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:17:21 +0100

Koinonia Family services, a premier foster and adoption agency, is seeking caring families who desire to provide a safe and loving home for a foster child or permanent home for an adoptive child.Â For over 30 years, our experienced staff has walked this journey with families just like you.Â

Maintaining Proper Nutrition in the Golden Years

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:16:30 +0100

Healthy eating is an important issue throughout our lives, but good nutrition in our âgolden yearsâ is especially valuable.Â Good nutrition can help lessen the effects of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, gastrointestinal ailments and chronic malnutrition.Â Studies have shown that healthy eating in later years helps in reducing the risk of these diseases as well as helping to manage the signs and symptoms.Â

The Changing Faces of Divorce

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:15:22 +0100

âOne day your life will flash before your eyes.Â Make sure itâs worth watchingâ â Anonymous
The New York Times recently published an article describing the dramatic shift in aging Americansâ perspective of the Golden Years.Â The traditional view pictured two souls caring for each other into their late years.

Lawsuit Could Help Seniors Who Move to a Nursing Home

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:14:35 +0100

Medicare will cover a nursing home stay entirely for the first 20 days, as long as the patient was first admitted to a hospital as an inpatient for at least three days.Â But a growing number of seniors are finding that Medicare wonât pay for a nursing home stay because they were not actually âadmittedâ as an inpatient at the hospital - they were merely held âunder observation.â

How Does Having a Live-in Boyfriend/Girlfriend Affect my Spousal Support?

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:24:40 +0100

So youâre divorced, or you have filed for divorce.Â You are receiving spousal support and think itâs about time you moved on with your life.Â On your quest to move on with your life, you decide to move in with the person you are currently dating.Â Sounds like a great plan because you can save money by sharing rent and expenses. Â

Choosing an Addiction Counselor

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:23:34 +0100

My deepest sympathies to the two families who suffered such tragedy recently, losing their young sons.Â Let their deaths inspire the living.Â Itâs the least we can do for them.Iâve stated many times that rehab should be a last, not first, resort to addiction treatment.Â Outpatient, one-on-one counseling is best.Â By meeting with a person over a period of time I can truly impart to them my experience, knowledge and strategies on how I, a fellow addict, stay clean and live a sober life.Â ...

Life-Coach, Hypnotherapy, and Counseling A Winning Combination

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:22:23 +0100

Life is full of options and you should have access to all of them.Â In the past, when a person felt confused or overwhelmed, they would seek a therapist.Â This would typically consist of sessions of cognitive therapy (a lot of talking) resulting in some new understanding of the self and a period of change followed by reverting right back to old behavior.Â

Value Relationship

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:21:51 +0100

On some level we have all been touched by the seemingly recent surge of deaths highlighted within the media.Â For some of us, they are heroes, legends, or celebrities.Â For others, they are mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, niece, or nephew. Â No matter what their relationship is with us, we must never forget thatÂ money, power, or fame does not remove the reality of simply being a human being.Â It is with this thought process that we must learn to value every relationship that ...

What is Your Happiness Quotient?

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:21:26 +0100

Have you figured out what makes you happy?Â For years scholars and researchers have noted that income, marital status, and where you live are contributing factors to whether a person is happy or not.Â New findings by Matthew Killingsworth, a doctoral student of psychology at Harvard, indicate we are much happier when our minds are focused.Â

Interactive Caregiving Can Make a Difference in the Life of a Senior

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:21:00 +0100

It is easy to become caught up in the physical tasks of providing care for an elderly loved one. Responding to calls for help, cleaning, providing healthy meals, ensuring medications are taken and perhaps managing the budget of the one you care for - along with tending to the details of your own life - can keep you busy with little time to spare. However, it takes more than task-oriented duties to keep seniors vital, active and healthy.

Childhood Anxiety âMore Than Just Kidâs Stuff

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:19:35 +0100

Fear of the dark, fear of strangers, fear of death.Â At various stages of a childâs development, certain fears are expected, normal, and possibly even life-preserving.Â However, sometimes fear and anxiety can become overwhelming.What symptoms might you see in an overanxious child?Â Young children often display anxiety with stomachaches, headaches, chewing their lips, picking or chewing their fingernails/skin, hair pulling, sleeping problems (difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, night terr ...

Ten Common Estate Planning Errors

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:18:47 +0100

When I help clients plan their estate, there are some issues that keep appearing that deserve mention.Â Here is a list of 10 potential errors I want to bring to your attention:
1. A spouse is not legally entitled to act for another spouse simply because they are married to one another.

Become an MTFC Foster Parent

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:18:16 +0100

Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care better known as MTFC is an evidence based program designed to provide a temporary home to adolescent youth ages 12-17 that are in need of assistance with reunifying with their families of origin. It is our goal at Penny Lane to provide these youth with equipped foster parents who are able to best meet their needs.

The Kiss of Death in Family Law Cases

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:17:46 +0100

Protecting Assets in Bankruptcy

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:17:07 +0100

One of the more common questions raised by individuals who are considering bankruptcy is âwhat will I be able to keep?âÂ In a Chapter 7 case, the bankruptcy court appoints a Trustee who reviews the bankruptcy forms to see if the debtor properly exempted (protected) all his assets.
In California, there are two sets of exemptions that the debtor can choose from.Â He cannot take portions of one exemption type and portions of the other.Â The debtor must choose one or the other.Â

Easter Equals Freedom: Easter at Crossroads 2012

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:15:48 +0100

Though Jesus Christ physically walked this earth 2,000 years ago, the events surrounding his birth and his resurrection are still the two most important holidays we remember.Â We celebrate the birth of baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem each December, and in the spring, we rejoice on the day set aside to remember when he rose from the dead.

Alcoholism is a Disease, Not a Rite of Passage

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:14:47 +0100

My young friend Allen, at the age of 15, was found close to death on the sidewalk near a Canyon Country park after drinking a quart of vodka in 15 minutes.Â Lucky for him, his friend called an ambulance and his parents.Â They saved his life.Â Year after year, despite the best efforts of parents and teachers, there are headlines across the nation (and in Santa Clarita) about teen car crashes after an exciting evening at the prom when those who attend, attend after prom parties and imbibe.Â

Pressured Teens

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:14:13 +0100

Todayâs teens not only face the pressures that we all faced but now they must make decisions about their future upon walking into high school.Â Students are encouraged to take honors classes and then advanced placement classes as soon as they are available to them.Â Extra curricular activities are encouraged.Â Clubs, becoming an officer in the club, community service and top grades are necessary if you want to get into the college of your choosing.Â What happened to the high school experie ...

Be An Effective Advocate For Your Aging Parent

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:10:49 +0100

As an Elder Care Coordinator with the Law Office of Jane M. McNamara, I know the importance of an effective advocate for an aging senior.Â Usually that advocate is a family member, but sometimes friends and neighbors must act in that role.Â I routinely assist these family advocates, and guide them through the âmazeâ of hospital and long-term care issues for their senior parent.Â These issues typically involve hospice, obtaining proper care, and skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes).Â ...

Ask the Voicecat - March 2012

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:09:57 +0100

Well, 2012âs off to a great start with more great questions about the voiceover industry.Â This monthâs question is about medical narration.Q: Iâve been in the acting world for most of my career but have specialized in medical narration because Iâm a critical care nurse as well.Â Are there advertising agencies that have a department directed to medical clients?Â If so, how would I go about finding this information?Â Who produces educational material in medicine?Â How do they find th ...

Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:08:04 +0100

According to the Alzheimerâs Foundation of America, as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimerâs disease.Â While there is no cure for Alzheimerâs, there are treatments and therapies that can slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with the disease and their caregivers.Â If you suspect your loved one is showing symptoms of Alzheimerâs, it is extremely important to be proactive by getting them to their physician, and if a diagnosis is ma ...

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:06:15 +0100

Experience and Personalized Attention Matters Law Office of Steven B. Chroman, P.C.

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:04:55 +0100

For over 15 years, Steven B. Chroman has been providing outstanding legal services to clients in and around our Valley. Â The Law Office of Steven B. Chroman P.C., located in Santa Clarita, specializes in the area of family and marital law, divorce, mediation, bundled services, uncontested divorce, legal separation, child/spousal support, modification of orders and paternity, as well as child custody/visitation, property settlements, division of property, domestic violence, enforcement of orders ...

Purpose in Life

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:04:07 +0100

After career day in kindergarten a little girl came home all excited and told her mother that she wanted to be a nurse.Â Her mom went ballistic and said, âYou donât have to be a nurse, this is America, you can be anything you want to be.Â You can be a doctor, an orthopedic surgeon â you can even be the director of the whole hospital.âÂ She was excited.Â âI can be anything, anything at all?âÂ Her mom said, âYes, anything at all!âÂ Her eyes lit up and she exclaimed, âIâll ...

Estate Planning: What Does it Take to Get Your Attention?

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:03:39 +0100

Estate planning isnât for everyone.Â If you have less than $100,000 of gross assets in your name, alone, a will may suffice.Â If you donât care about future cost to your beneficiaries, the prospect of a probate proceeding when you die may not trouble you now.If, however, you want to be sure that your assets go to your chosen beneficiaries without undue expenditure of time, effort and money, or unnecessary dilution by attorneys, accountants, taxes, and courts, then estate planning deserves ...

The Health Benefits of Gardening for the Elderly

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:03:14 +0100

The Center for Cooperative Divorce - March 2012

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:02:26 +0100

The Center for Cooperative Divorceâ¦ a place where Peace is Possible.Â The co-founders, Dana Schutz Keane, a family therapist, and Irving Zaroff, an attorney and family therapist, have been working with families dealing with the difficulties of divorce for the past 20-plus years.Â What became apparent in this work was the impact of the divorce process itself.Â

Transition Checklist Life Events That Could Alter Your Investment Plan

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:01:58 +0100

The potential for change is one of the few constants in life.Â Whether your circumstances evolve unexpectedly or as the result of careful planning, you may have to alter your investment strategy.Â The following are transitional events that may present opportunities or savings obstacles:Changing jobs -- If you change jobs or get promoted and receive a salary increase, consider investing at least some of the difference for your long-term goals.Â You wonât miss the money if you invest it right ...

The Difference Between Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:01:14 +0100

Many people use the terms âAlzheimerâs diseaseâ and âdementiaâ interchangeably, but the two have different meanings, and it can be very important to know the difference.

Love and Your Health

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:27:17 +0100

Falling in love changes your health quite a bit.Â Getting involved with a partner includes taking on new friends, new relatives, a new place to live and dreams about the goals youâd like to reach, trips you want to take together, and children you hope to have.
A romantic partner often has more influence on our behavior than anyone else.Â Relationships tend to occur among people who have comparable backgrounds, attitudes, and behaviorsâqualities that often find their way into health.

Decision Making For Our Seniors

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:26:30 +0100

Growing older is a challenge.Â Making correct decisions for seniors who depend on us can be a greater challenge.Â Dementia issues, choosing care facilities, understanding Medi-Cal, Medicare and insurance issues, handling repeated hospitalizations, hospice, skilled nursing, pursuing VA benefits to help pay for care, asset preservation, trusts, wills... and the list goes on and on.Â There are so many decisions to make.Â

New Beginnings

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:26:10 +0100

Following the season of gift-giving and warm tidings, the year 2012 may begin with resolutions.Â You may start out with practical ideas that include saving money, losing weight, increasing time for exercise, and considering how you can reduce stress.Â Let me propose something else.Â Please consider what you can do to help a child or group of children have new beginnings in 2012.

Be in the Know Before You Go

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:24:35 +0100

Weâre in the dead of winter.Â In many areas of the country, that means that we could be in for some rough weather.Â When severe weather strikes, parents of young children are well aware that they need to check for school closings as they prepare for the day.Â But sometimes inclement weather can be severe enough to close down government buildings and offices as well â including Social Security.

The Automatic Stay Protection in Bankruptcy

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:22:58 +0100

Many debtors filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy wonder whether their creditors can still sue them or garnish wages while they are in bankruptcy.Â The answer is generally no, due to the âAutomatic Stayâ protection afforded the debtor by the bankruptcy code.Â The protection is automatic and goes into effect upon the filing of the case.

Santa Clarita Christian Schools Celebrates 30 Years

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:22:21 +0100

Most of us dream about the future.Â What will we be doing?Â Where will God have us? Yet, while we have our plans, Ephesians 3:20 says, âHe is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.âÂ In 1961, when a small body of believers met as First Baptist Church of Saugus in the home of Amos Clemmons, they may have not had any idea all that had God planned for their church.Â They probably couldnât even imagine that in 1977, the very seedling they named Canyon Country Chris ...

The Therapist-Mediator

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:21:33 +0100

âWe may define therapy as a search for value.â â Abraham Mazlow
Divorce mediation has, as its ultimate goal, the achievement of a legal resolution.Â At the Center we have team mediators of attorneys and therapists.Â So, what does a mediator with training as a psychotherapist bring to a mediation that has a legal objective?

Binge Drinking Adults

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:21:04 +0100

We often think of binge drinking as a young adult phenomena, one reserved for high school parties, college students, and spring and summer breaks. But according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are more than 38 million U.S. adults who binge drink an average of four times a month and the most drinks they consume on average is eight, according to a new Vital Signs report from the CDC.

Help! Stress, A.D.D., Anxiety, Depression, Sadness, Relationships

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:20:14 +0100

Itâs sad when those who reach out for help for themselves or their children are taken advantage of by âprofessionalsâ who are unqualified, inexperienced or straight-up con-artists who take advantage of those who are desperate and ignorant as to what can really help them.Â Many treatment processes can cost thousands of dollars and by the time a family figures out their bogus itâs too late.

Organize for the New Semester

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:19:09 +0100

We are well into 2012 and for those of you who are students or have students in your home, a new semester has begun.Â If this refers to you, take a moment and ask yourself, âDid I prepare for this semester like I did in the fall?âÂ When you embark on a new semester itâs important to be prepared, organized and to maximize your time in order to get the grades you want.Â If you havenât prepared yourself yet, take the time to do that now. Â

Support in Family Law Cases

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:18:37 +0100

The Hague Convention International Child Abduction

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:17:53 +0100

The Hague Conference, held in the Netherlands for more than a century, has long been involved in protection of children at risk in cross-frontier situations.Â Three Hague Childrenâs Conventions have been held over the last 25 years for the purpose of providing practical machinery to enable states in protecting children.

Foster Families for Infants and Toddlers!

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:54:53 +0100

Leaving It to the Kids

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:54:33 +0100

Jared Client, age 45, was divorced.Â He shared custody of his two daughters, age 10 and 12, with his ex-wife.Â (She was a loving mother, but Jared didnât trust her with money.Â Her well-developed talent for spending was not matched with a talent for budgeting or saving.Â Jared was still paying off the credit card bills she had acquired during the marriage).

Mediation, is it the Choice for You?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:53:13 +0100

Iâm going to save you a couple weeks, months, if not years in answering this frequent question.Â Take a brief moment to review the essential questions below. â¢ Have you and your spouse come to a peaceful agreement to end your marriage? â¢ Has your marriage been free of spouse or child abuse? If you have children, are you reasonably certain you and your spouse can reach a peaceful, fair and reasonable agreement regarding child visitation, custody and child support for years to come? â¢ Are ...

Evil Empire Addiction Recovery Industry

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:52:44 +0100

The addiction recovery industry is now a multi-billion dollar industry in America, often exploiting the vulnerable, afraid and ignorant.Â When you have a loved one on drugs and are scared you become highly suggestible to professionals who want to take advantage of you.Â In a desperate need to solve the problem, we can be duped into believing ideas and methods that donât work.Â

Foster Care Adoption It May Not be as Complicated as You Think

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:51:20 +0100

Should You Hire a Caregiver Yourself, or Use An Agency?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:49:37 +0100

Most seniors prefer to stay at home as long as possible rather than move to a nursing home.Â There are two main ways to hire someone â directly and through a home health agency.Â I have written articles about a child being a caregiver under a care contract.Â However, this article deals with outside individuals being the caregiver.

The Smallest Room in the House May Be the Most Dangerous for Seniors

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:49:10 +0100

The first place to evaluate is the bathroom. While this is the smallest room in the house, bathrooms potentially offer the most opportunities for falls to occur. Bathtub edges may be hard to step over for some seniors. Once in the shower or tub, wet surfaces can cause seniors to slip. Some seniors may not be able to stand steadily while bathing. Others may have trouble sitting down on toilets or standing up again after using them. Wet floors after showers or baths and even bath mats can cause se ...

Ask the Voicecat

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:48:25 +0100

Happy New Year, readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita!Â Iâve had great questions submitted to me the past year, and I expect 2012 to be no different.Â Hereâs a question I recently received about voiceover scams.Q: I recently saw an ad in the paper that advertised for voice actors, which said âno experience necessary.âÂ I was tempted to respond, though Iâve never had any training, but a friend of mine in the business said it was a scam and I ended up not going in for an audition.Â ...

Returning the Love to Mom and Dad Choosing the Best Care for Your Aging Loved One

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:47:59 +0100

The time will come for most of us when weâll need to consider different senior care options for our loved onesâ¦ a nursing home, assisted living community, or in home care with or without help from outside agencies.Â Your choices may be numerous, but theyâre often far from clear-cut.Â Considerations include cost of living, type of services required, physical health, mental condition, mobility concerns, available caregivers, transportation issues, current relationships with loved ones, and ...

New Increases in VA Aid and Attendance Benefits

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:13:08 +0100

Many families struggle to provide necessary care for aging or disabled Veterans or their surviving spouses.Â Unfortunately, most of these families are unaware of an important benefit available through the Veterans Administration.Â This benefit, called Aid and Attendance, is designed to assist Veterans and/or their spouses offset the high cost of care, if the eligibility requirements are met.Â Â

Restraining Orders Under the DVPA

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:12:43 +0100

Domestic violence is a terrible thing.Â And unfortunately, it happens a lot more than people think.Â Here in California, a set of laws exist under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act or DVPA.Â Only certain persons may apply for a restraining order under the DVPA.Â Those include a spouse or former spouse, and cohabitants or former cohabitants, meaning people who regularly reside in the household.Â

Bankruptcy Considerations

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:12:07 +0100

When individuals or couples find themselves unable to pay their debts due to job loss, medical issues, unexpected expenses, or other reasons, they should consider whether bankruptcy is a viable option to help solve their debt issues.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows debtors to eliminate most unsecured debt, which can be a great relief when debts become overwhelming.Â The bankruptcy will also stop most lawsuits, collection efforts, wage garnishments, and repossessions.Â

Turning 65? What You Need to Know About Signing Up for Medicare

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:10:53 +0100

The first of the 78 million baby boomers turned 65 on January 1, 2011, and about 10,000 boomers a day will be reaching that age between now and 2030.
Medicare consists of four major programs:

Parental Alienation: What is it?

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:09:43 +0100

Often in high conflict divorces and custody battles, one parent will accuse the other of alienating the child from the other parent.Â More specifically, the parent believes he or she is a victim of âParental Alienation Syndromeâ or PAS.Â But, what really is âParental Alienation Syndromeâ and how do you recognize if you or another parent have exhibited some of the characteristics associated with the alienating process?

Committed to Your Personal Wellness

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:08:56 +0100

When choosing a therapist, you want someone who is a professional, an expert in his or her field.Â You also want someone who is motivated by a genuine desire to want to help you.Â At Valencia Counseling Associates, they will do just that, as they are committed to meeting your needs to live a healthy life and take pride in your personal wellness.Â

Marriage and Divorce Rumors â Are They True?

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:54:28 +0100

âA plausible rumor seems a lot more believable than the truth itself.â â Kobo AbeMarriage: The problem with rumors is that they are too often treated as fact.Â This often is the case in marriage and divorce.Â For instance the common belief that 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce is only true to the extent annual divorces outnumber marriages two to one.Â That is different than saying half the marriages will end in divorce.Â Recent studies show a growth in the divorce rate, but s ...

Learned Helplessness

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:50:29 +0100

Dealing with the helpless child is one of the most difficult issues of parenting.Â This is the child who is unable to make decisions, take appropriate risks, or work independently.Â As a result, adults spend inordinate amounts of time helping, providing reassurance, and encouraging the child to perform tasks that are well within his or her ability level.Â Sadly, helping the child backfires and he or she becomes progressively less capable of working without help or to interact in age appropria ...

Become a Foster Parent and Encourage Others

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:49:06 +0100

From our CEO, CFO, cleaning staff, accounting department and clerical staff, tutors, therapists and social workers, the one word that defines Penny Lane is encouragement.Â We are graced to have all of our professionals including behaviorists, psychiatrists, (our team), under one roof (makes for less disruption in a childâs life), but the defining quality we are most proud of is our mutual and combined efforts to express encouragement to our families, children and each other.

Alternatives to Personal Injury Lawsuits

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:47:15 +0100

Instead of going to trial with the judge and jury for your personal injury case (or other lawsuit), there are two other methods that may be beneficial.
The first method is âbinding arbitration.âÂ Each party agrees to an arbitrator and presents their case in a more informal manner versus a formal trial (which is governed by many evidentiary rules and procedures).Â The rules of arbitration are often more relaxed.

What to Do If You Are Arrested For a Theft Crime?

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:46:47 +0100

When money is tight and your family has needs, you can be pushed to do things you normally wouldnât consider.Â Or maybe you acted on a crazy impulse.Â After the fact, it is easy to recognize what happened was wrong.Â Theft and shoplifting crimes are among the most commonly prosecuted crimes in California.Â Unfortunately, without an experienced attorney working for you, the judge may not listen to your side of the story.

When The Unthinkable Happensâ¦

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:46:21 +0100

Itâs âDate Nightâ Fridayâ¦
The one night a week when you and your spouse spend time togetherâ¦ talk about the weekâ¦ have a nice leisurely dinnerâ¦ just the two of you.
Youâve lined up a babysitterâ¦
You left a list of contact numbers on the refrigerator doorâ¦
Youâve got everything taken care ofâ¦

Foster Parents Needed for Infants and Toddlers

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:45:26 +0100

2012: Making that Last a Lifetime

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:44:47 +0100

The New Year brings the spirit of change into our lives.Â But whether itâs a New Yearâs resolution or any other time of year, the changes we want to make too often revert back to old behaviors leaving us frustrated.Â We donât want to make changes for a few weeks or even months, we strive and hope for changes that will be lifelong.Â

Help Seniors Winterize Their Homes

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:44:11 +0100

Winter months can be particularly harsh for seniors, especially for those who live in northern states where temperatures are coldest.Â It is important that the ones you love stay safe during the winter season.Â Their safety includes not just dressing appropriately for the weather but also making sure their homes are in good shape to face the dangerous drops in temperature.

Tragedy: How Little Drugs Lead to Big Drugs

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:43:23 +0100

I work with a lot of kids and families.Â Parents are worried when they see their kids âpartyingâ and afraid this behavior will lead to worse things.Â While itâs true that many kids will grow out of it with only a few losses, others may experiment until they try something they truly like and then get hooked in.Â This is the event I work so hard at preventing.Â

Ask the Voicecat - January 2012

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:42:17 +0100

A reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita asked about the skills necessary for audiobook narration.Â In the past few months Iâve explained seven of ten different skills needed.Â Hereâs her question again, with the last three explained.Q:Â Iâm a professional commercial voice actor, but Iâd love to get into narrating audiobooks, and donât know what specialized skills it takes to do it professionally.Â Are there any guidelines I should know about before attempting to jump into this ar ...

Estate Planning Questions

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:41:50 +0100

Every day, we get questions about estate planning.Â Here are some frequent ones:
1. Whatâs the difference between an executor and a trustee?
Both are personal representatives.Â An executor is to a will what a trustee is to a trust.Â The executor, who is nominated in a will and approved by the Probate Court, administers the assets of a decedent, under Court supervision.

Am I Ready for Divorce?

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:41:16 +0100

Elisabeth KÃ¼bler-Ross, a pioneer in the hospice movement, first described the stages of recovering from a major trauma such as death or divorce:
â¢ Denial: âThis is not happening to me.Â Itâs all a misunderstanding.Â Itâs just a midlife crisis.Â We can work it out.â
â¢ Anger and resentment: âHow can he [she] do this to me?Â What did I ever do to deserve this?Â This is not fair!â

All I Need To Know About Listening I Learned In the First Grade

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:40:33 +0100

Good Listening Skills Build Strong Family Relationships. Reflecting way back to first-grade, I can still recall Mr. Dagget continuously exhorting the âtwo ears, one mouthâ principle: âWe have two earsâ¦ and only one mouth because listening is twice as important as talking.â
Turns out, just like what Mr. Dagget said, his subtle advice about communicating was, and still is, indispensable.

Two City Public Works Projects Named Project of the Year Solar Canopy and Old Town Newhall ...

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:39:34 +0100

The Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) has honored the City of Santa Clarita with two âProject of the Yearâ awards, which will presented at the 12th annual Building Excellence Shaping Tomorrow (BEST) Awards ceremony on December 7, 2011. Â

Creating Healthy Habits

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:39:14 +0100

Do you want to make healthy changes this year?Â You are your habits, so your success is based on changing habits.
We are creatures of habit, and one reason is because our brains are efficient.
When doing routine tasks your brain doesnât have to analyze every small step.Â It is estimated that out of every 11,000 signals we receive from our senses, our brain only consciously processes 40.Â Ever been driving someplace and you inadvertently started driving to work?Â Habit!

What to Do If You Are Arrested For Driving Under the Influence?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:06:42 +0100

While it is the season to eat, drink, and be merry, many people get caught up in the holiday season and get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.Â While the safest bet is to always drive sober, if you do get stopped for DUI, remember these seven things:1. Cooperate!Â Cooperation means being polite.Â Your attitude, appearance, and words all become part of the officerâs report.Â Your temperament indicates your level of intoxication.Â This is not the time to crack jokes, cry, apol ...

Separate Attorneys Have a Role in Mediated Divorce

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:05:22 +0100

âA fool despises good counsel, but a wise man takes it to heart.â â Confucius
Divorce mediation is fast becoming the favorite choice for couples seeking divorce.Â It offers a lower cost, faster process, without leaving the decision to a third-party judge.Â Mediators are the facilitators that are committed to a neutral position between the parties.Â Mediators avoid language such as âyou shouldâ and âyou must.âÂ Only the couple in mediation has power to reach an agreement.

Do You Have the Same Argument Over and Over?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:03:58 +0100

Are you frustrated when your son or daughter doesnât listen to you?Â Do you have the same argument over and over?Â If you answered âyes,â you are not alone.Â Communication problems are one of the main reasons that parents, families, and couples seek counseling.Â If you can identify your communication style in this article you can begin to talk to your teen or spouse in a way that they will listen to you and they can change their behavior.

Community Members Rate the Quality of City Services Customer Service Survey Consistently Rates ...

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:02:45 +0100

Residents participating in the City of Santa Claritaâs ongoing customer survey continue to rate services provided to the community by City staff as superior.Â Residents who utilize the Cityâs on-line service request system, recently re-branded as, âSince You Asked,â are invited to fill out a survey once their service request has been completed.Â Specifically, residents have the option to rate response time, employee effectiveness, and their overall satisfaction with the service.Â Surv ...

What Happens if you canât Find the Records?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:02:00 +0100

A recent case here in California will have wide spread application and could create a nightmare for those who have less than perfect record keeping habits.Â In Re: Marriage of Margulis, stated a new rule in answering the following question in the affirmative.Â âIn a marital dissolution proceeding to divide the community property, where the non-managing spouse has prima facie evidence that community assets of a certain value have disappeared while in the control of the managing spouse post-se ...

Hospice Care â An Underutilized Benefit

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:01:11 +0100

Hospice care is compassionate end-of-life care that includes medical and supportive services intended to provide comfort to individuals who are terminally ill.Â Care is provided by a team of appropriate professionals.Â Care received under hospice is often referred to as âpalliative care,â because hospice care aims to manage the patientâs illness and pain, but does not treat the underlying terminal illness.Â Most hospice care is provided at home.

Elderly and Depression During the Holidays

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:56:14 +0100

As the holiday season is upon us, it is important to take time to celebrate with family and friends, reflect on the past, and talk about the future.Â However, this can also be a difficult time for the elderly.Â During the holidays, an older adult may feel more secluded as they deal with the passing of time, absence of family and friends, and perhaps the distance of loved ones.

Separated with Children: The Holiday Coin Toss?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:55:20 +0100

As the holidays approach, the stress of last minute gift shopping isnât the real issue for many separated and/or divorced parentsâthis is the season of who gets what time with the kids.Â But there are ways to avoid the last minute stress of these situations.
1. Try to settle as far in advance of holiday time as possible.Â It can be hard to decide months in advance as to what holiday is important to youâbut having a first and second choice in mind can make negotiations much easier.

Rental Properties in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:53:34 +0100

Many debtors filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in recent years own more than one piece of real property.Â When home prices were skyrocketing in the early 2000âs, many people bought real estate as an investment to use as a rental while the property appreciated in value.
As most people know, that strategy stopped working in late 2006 when home prices began to decline due to changes in the economy.

Become an MTFC Foster Parent

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:53:02 +0100

We at Penny Lane Centers offer many services that help youth in need with supportive services that may include mental health, behavior modification, temporary foster care and independent living skills.Â One of our newest and most crucial programs is Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care better known as MTFC.Â The MTFC program is an evidence-based program designed to provide a temporary home to adolescent youth ages 12 to 17 that are in need of assistance with reunifying with their families of ...

Need Hope? Find It at NorthPark

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:52:14 +0100

This has been quite a year.Â Everyone knows someone whoâs lost their job, or their house--or their job and their house.Â Itâs been tough.Â And, it seems like when things are tough in the economy, it puts extra stress on relationships.Â Marriages start to struggle.Â Things start to seem like theyâre unraveling all over.
In our church, lots of folks are hurting.Â Thatâs why this year weâre really focusing in on peopleâwhat they need.Â

Foster Parents Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:50:39 +0100

Every child deserves to have a safe, loving and permanent home.Â Childrenâs Bureau needs foster parents who will care specifically for infants and toddlers during the reunification process with their parents.Â There are also 114,000 children currently in foster care who are unable to return to their families of origin.Â Childrenâs Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adopting these older children and large sibling sets.Â

Who is Responsible for Paying a Deceased Relativeâs Debts? Part Two

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:49:41 +0100

The loss of a loved one is difficult to cope with, but if the loved one left debts behind, itÂ Â Â Â can be even tougher.Â It is important to know who is responsible - and who is not responsible - for the debts of a deceased person.Â This is even more true now than in the past, because creditors and debt collectors have become very aggressive lately about contacting a deceased personâs family members and trying to get them to pay debts.

Counseling: Mind Cleaning

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:48:01 +0100

When was the last time you washed the car?Â Did you wait until you couldnât see through the windshield?Â What about vacuumed the living room?Â Did you wait until the carpet was ankle deep in lint balls.Â Do you wait to wash the dishes until the kids are pouring milk right into the cereal box?Â And how about the gardening?Â Do you wait until the weeds are over the windowsills (like I do) before you trim things back a little?

PTSD and Children

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:47:38 +0100

Recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder requires time.Â Whether you are a veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan or a child exposed to a tsunami or hurricane, you will need time.Â If someone you love has lost a home or dwelling in a fire or flood, they may have recurring images that can interrupt sleep, cause anxiety, disturb the quality of their life and cause periods of fear and apprehension.Â PTSD keeps people on the edge.Children who have been exposed to hunger and neglect, domestic violen ...

How to Get Someone Off Drugs

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:46:44 +0100

Anyone who has been unfortunate enough to have to deal with a family member or loved one whoâs an addict can tell you how unbelievably hopeless and frustrating it can be.Â Even when you think theyâve quit they can relapse and slip back deeply into their addiction making it seem as though everything you did (or thought you did) was useless.Â

When is Your Divorce Really Over?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:45:50 +0100

Your divorce is over and everything has been finalized.Â Itâs all over, right?Â Maybe or maybe not.Â It all depends upon whether or not you have minor children.Â Under California law, child support orders are modifiable âat any time as the court deems necessary.âÂ The practicality of the situation is that the judgment can never be considered a âfinalâ adjudication of the extent of the parentsâ obligation to support their minor children.Â Changes in custody can occur after judgm ...

Ask the Voicecat

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:44:53 +0100

A reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita recently asked what skills are necessary for audiobook narration.Â In the past few months Iâve explained four of ten different skills needed.Â Hereâs her question again, and the fifth, sixth and seventh skills explained.Q:Â Iâm a professional commercial voice actor, but Iâd love to get into narrating audiobooks, and donât know what specialized skills it takes to do it professionally.Â Are there any guidelines I should know about before atte ...

Gathering for the Holidays Celebrating the Moment and the Memories

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:44:22 +0100

Observing family holiday traditionsâlike gathering around the Thanksgiving table, the Christmas tree to sing favorite carols or lighting a Menorahâcan go a long way to adding joy and comfort to a seniorâs family holiday celebration . Holiday gatherings also give adult children an opportunity to talk with their parents to sense and observe whether they are doing well or if they may need help to maintain their independence.

Holiday Hopes Create Family Stress

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:43:38 +0100

Develop realistic expectations for the holidays and you will be much more likely to enjoy them. The holiday season is a time when family love, harmony and togetherness are fostered by songs, advertisements and the media.Â While this may be true for some families, the holidays can also be a period of increased family stress, and a time of false hopes and expectations.Â Itâs a trap many of us fall into - holiday expectations, the shoulds and the should nots of the holiday season - what I expec ...

Anger May Harm the Effectiveness of Your Business

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:42:38 +0100

There may be times in your business where someone becomes angry.Â This may cause more harm than benefit in the performances of people.When anger is expressed it may cause the focus of the people to be reacting to the anger, rather than being involved in meaningful work.Â Anger takes the focus off of finding the solution and directs the focus to being impacted by anger and responding to the anger, not the problem generating the anger.Â This puts the focus on the inability to manage the situati ...

Divorce and The Holidays Make Plans Early, Be Sensitive and Focus on the Children

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:41:51 +0100

As the holidays approach the images and memories of our own childhood traditions, how it used to be, how it should have been, and what the holidays will be like this year may all be on your mind.Â Why?Â Because many of those traditions have changed for both you and your children.Â If you are a divorced parent beware that the holidays are likely to intensify feelings about the divorce, and generate stress and anxiety.Â So how do we celebrate life even though the family is no longer together? ...

Independent Study for Adult Students

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:41:01 +0100

Golden Oak Adult School is extremely excited about implementing our latest study option for students.Â Independent Study allows adult students working on their high school diploma both greater class-time flexibility and the potential to complete coursework at an accelerated rate, with many students completing a five credit class in as little as eight weeks.Â Students have the ability to spend as much or as little time in class as fits their personal schedules while still enjoying the benefit o ...

Eliminating Holiday Stress for our Seniors

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:40:28 +0100

With the holidays just around the corner, itâs important to remember the seniors in your family.Â The holidays can be stressful for even the most laid-back folks, so imagine the toll on those who are not used to all the hustle and bustle in their lives.Itâs a festive time of year, but it can also be a stressful time of year, especially for older people.Â Seniors can become easily overwhelmed with all the shopping, too much food, too many parties, sending out cards, and the list goes on!Â ...

Empowering HeArts

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:43:25 +0100

On Saturday, November 19, Single Mothers Outreach will be highlighting artists and honorees at the Empowering HeArts âBreaking Barriersâ reception. Â The event will take place at the Dianne G. Van Hook University Center at College of the Canyons at 6 p.m. Enjoy sparkling wine, hors dâouevres and live music by Grammy nominated R&B singer/songwriter Shanice Wilson.Â Shanice is best known for her 90âs hit singles I Love Your Smile and When I Close My Eyes.Â The talented artist has also wo ...

Avoiding Bitter Custody Battles

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:43:02 +0100

One of the more horrific stories in the news this week was the salon shooting in Seal Beach, California.Â It was alleged that at least eight people were killed by a man enraged over a custody battle.Â Issues of custody commonly arise in Family Law cases.Â But they do not all have to be bitter custody disputes.Prior to the break up of a marriage, in most instances, both parents are actively engaged in raising the children.Â Sure, one parent may spend more time with the children because the ot ...

NorthPark Takes Worship to a Whole New Level

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:42:21 +0100

In all of its 18-year history in the city of Santa Clarita, NorthPark Community Church has always put a high priority on providing a really excellent worship experience. We believe when worship is focused on who God really is and is done well, it can elevate us. NorthPark has recently brought in a new Worship Leader from Atlanta Georgia. His name is Jeff Chandler, and if you havenât heard the name already, you soon will! Jeff Chandler is a real ârock starâ in the world of Christian music a ...

How to Protect Your Family in Half an Hour

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:41:20 +0100

If you donât have an estate plan for your family, there are five things you can do for free to make sure you at least have some basic tools in place.1. If you donât even have a will, download a free will form from the California Bar Association (www.CalBar.org).Â Itâs better than nothing, and if you canât find the form, just call my office and we will send you the direct link.2. Check your 401kâs, IRAâs and Life Insurance policies to make sure the ...

Transitions

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:39:53 +0100

Often times, beginning a new school year can cause stress and anxiety for both parents and children.Â Even less complicated transitions to a new teacher or classroom or even to a new group of peers can leave children requiring extra family support.Â Research has shown that a parentâs involvement in their studentâs education leads to more positive outcomes in:
â¢ Academic success
â¢ Higher student self-concept

Filing Bankruptcy When you Have Equity in Your Home

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:39:24 +0100

When considering Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a debtor must evaluate all his assets (house, car, bank accounts, etc.), to determine the value of what he owns and make sure that he will be able to protect his assets if he files Chapter 7 bankruptcy.In recent years, home values have declined, so some debtors do not have equity in their home and they can file a Chapter 7 case without concern that the Trustee will try to liquidate their home.Â The Trustee is subject to the same secured debt as the debtor, ...

Experience, Knowledge and Compassion Care you can trust at Compassionate Solutions

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:38:37 +0100

Trust, honesty, empathy, compassion are all qualities we seek when establishing a professional relationship with our therapist.Â We also want our therapist to have the experience and knowledge to help us create new ways to improve our health and well being, giving us the tools to enhance our lives and overcome obstacles.Â Great care should be taken when trying to find the right therapists for you. Compassionate Solutions provides an array of therapeutic services aimed at all ages, for individu ...

Who is Responsible for Paying a Deceased Relativeâs Debts Part One

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:38:02 +0100

The loss of a loved one is difficult to cope with, but if the loved one left debts behind, it can be even tougher.Â It is important to know who is responsible -- and who is not responsible -- for the debts of a deceased person.Â This is even more true now than in the past, because creditors and debt collectors have become very aggressive lately about contacting a deceased personâs family members and trying to get them to pay debts.

Calculating Child Support Using the DissoMaster

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:37:02 +0100

The Legislature has decided child support will be determined by formula with each County free to slightly vary that formula to determine what is known as âGuidelineâ child support.
The Legislature further declared computer programs utilizing this formula must be used when calculating child support.Â Los Angeles uses the formula established by Santa Clara County, and the computer program employing it is known as the âDissoMaster.â

Commit to Clean with White Orchid Maid Services

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:35:20 +0100

Busy, busy, busyâ¦Sometimes it seems as if thereâs never enough time to clean the house, do the dishes, clean the carpets and more.Â Our âto doâ lists get longer and longer as the days go by and daily chores consume most of our time.Â So take the burden of cleaning away and ask for help.Â Trust the professionals at White Orchid Maid Service, and let the experts care for your entire home or office!

What To Do If Your Child Gets Arrested?

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:34:35 +0100

Having a child in trouble is a traumatic experience for any parent.Â Following these steps can help you get through this tough time.
1. Donât panic!Â Having a child accused of a crime is an emotionally traumatic event and in order to prevent being overwhelmed by âThe Systemâ it is important to remain calm.Â This can be a very scary time full of anger and confusion and you must resist the urge to place blame.

Protecting Your Children When Youâre Not Around

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:30:50 +0100

How you can make sure your children are properly cared for in your absence, whether that absence occurs by death, disability, or for any other reason?When it comes to caring for children while parents are unavailable, the system requires an âopt out.âÂ That simply means the system and its general rules, whether those rules are good or bad, apply as the default.Â It means, in short, that if you and your spouse are ever unable to provide care for your children even temporarily, a judge may d ...

Opiate/Heroin Epidemic in SCV

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:30:19 +0100

Opiates have become epidemic everywhere and our suburb is no exception; 400 overdoses since 2009, nine deaths since January 2010 right here in SCV.Â Itâs important to know what opiates are, how they work and what to do if you suspect a family member of using them or if you yourself need help.Â All opiates are severely addicting, both physically and psychologically.Â The story I hear as a counselor is almost always the same: A little pot in high school and by end of freshman year they are sm ...

Socialization is Key for Seniors

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:29:55 +0100

Which upcoming event in your life are you most looking forward to?Â How much joy and relaxation do your favorite hobby/pastime provide for you?Â Which close friend do you confide in the most?Â Have you started planning your 2012 vacation yet?Â As you ponder the answers to these questions, take a moment to consider if due to health related restraints you were no longer able to do these things.Â Although many consider a more sedentary lifestyle a normal part of aging, we should not underestim ...

Hospital Discharge? Too Soon? Not Appropriate? Know Your Rights!

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:28:44 +0100

Do you receive Medicare benefits?Â What about your parents, your grandparents, your spouse?Â What if your elderly parent is hospitalized, and the hospital suddenly tells you they are being âdischarged.âÂ And, what if your parent cannot care for themselves, cannot walk, isnât eating, is weak, what if they have dementiaâ¦ what will you do?Â What can you do?The process of having a patient leave the hospital is called âdischarge planning.âÂ There are a number of rules that must be fo ...

A Thankful Life

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:28:05 +0100

Although Thursday, November 24 has been designated as the day that we set aside to give thanks, we should actually live in a constant state of thanksgiving and not simply reserve gratitude for a special occasion or day.Â Too often Thanksgiving is the only day that we intentionally set aside time to remember how truly blessed we really are.Â Throughout the year we desire to do more and have more.Â

Secret Language of Youth

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:24:14 +0100

Impulsive, reckless, risky, excitement, sense-seeking, peer-acceptance... these are key words that apply to those under 24.Â Remember 22 is the new 18, 24 is the new 20 so if your adult-child is under this age they may seem more immature to you than they should be.Â Unfortunately, the youth donât see themselves this way, largely because they are surrounded by others who are similar in nature.Â It makes no difference how you raised them, they have their own sub-culture and their own system o ...

Aging Gracefully: Why Am I So Cold?

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:23:41 +0100

As we grow older, we are likely to ask ourselves the questions, âWhy am I so cold?Â What does it mean?âÂ Chances are your body is merely going through a natural dip in metabolic rate due to the aging process.Â A lowered metabolic rate affects the bodyâs ability to maintain what is considered a ânormalâ temperature of 98.6 degrees.Â When metabolism slows, so does the bodyâs ability to generate heat.Â This means seniors can become chilly or downright cold in the summertime or even ...

An Intern-al Look at Foster Care

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:23:07 +0100

As graduate students we are provided many experiences showing us the right and wrong ways people should support children and families.Â In our first five weeks as interns at Inner Circle Foster Care & Adoptive Services we have seen children not only have the opportunity for a second chance, but we have seen whole families blossom as a result of the services and the warmth provided by Inner Circle.Â Inner Circle chooses to remain relatively small compared to other Los Angeles FFAâs to uphold ...

Ask the Voicecat - Nov 2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:21:57 +0100

A reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita recently asked what skills are necessary for audiobook narration.Â I explained three of 10 different skills needed.Â Hereâs her question again, and the fourth skill explained.Q:Â Iâm a professional commercial voice actor, but Iâd love to get into narrating audiobooks, and donât know what specialized skills it takes to do it professionally.Â Are there any guidelines I should know about before attempting to jump into this arena?Â Thanks in adv ...

Teen Drinking: A Deadly Rite of Passage

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:21:27 +0100

It began with a shoulder tap, asking an adult to purchase a fifth of vodka, drinking that vodka at a local movie theater, being disruptive and picked-up by the police for disturbing the peace, landing him in jail.Â To make matters worse, his disruptive behavior turned into anger as he kicked the windows out of the jail cell he was in, thus adding a felony vandalism charge to his troubles.Â His legal troubles have just begun.Rumors abound in Santa Clarita about high school proms.Â A number of ...

Living Trusts and Small Estates

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:21:09 +0100

Hereâs an all-too-typical situation:A family consisting of mom, property owner, and her two adult sons, comes to the office.Â They tell the attorney their story:Dad, property owner age 80, died recently.Â (Condolences extended, acknowledged.)Â Mom and dad had a living trust, which they executed several years ago.Â They had taken care of business, pretty much: Once their trust was formed, they had changed title to most of their assets to âmom and dad property owner, trustees of the proper ...

Divorce and Retirement Planning

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:20:38 +0100

âThe question isnât at what age I want to retire, itâs at what income.â â George Foreman.
Beginnings are so often filled with dreams.Â Couples marry; build a family; and work to create a secure future including retirement planning.Â Retirement funding can be generated in pensions, savings accounts and deferred compensation plans.Â How does divorce affect those dreams?

World War II Veterans and Their Spouses Are You Receiving All the Benefits You Are Eligible For?

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:17:13 +0100

According to the May 2011 VA demographic report, there are approximately two million World War II Veterans, and many more surviving spouses of these benefits.Â However, there are only about 300,000 receiving VA Aid and Attendance benefits to assist with their care costs.Â Based on these numbers, I believe many elderly veterans and their spouses could receive financial assistance from the VA to help pay their care costs, but simply do not know the benefit is available, and are not applying. Â ...

Addictive Personality

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:16:20 +0100

Many people who arenât addicts suffer from addictive personality.Â An addictive personality describes someone who has a high vulnerability to participate in behaviors they may, or may not, consciously know is wrong for them.Â These are often called bad habits or negative behavioral patterns.Â The most common ones are:â¢ Relationships: Creating negative patterns in our personal relationships can include âdrama,â abuse, dominance, submissiveness, passive-aggressiveness, to name a few.â¢ ...

Estate Planning: Do You Know Where Your Trust Is Tonight?

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:15:52 +0100

Periodically (and, unfortunately, all too often) we get calls from clients:
âDo you have our original, signed living trust documents?â
âNo, Iâm sorry.â
âAre you sure?
âYes.Â We make it a practice not to retain clientsâ original documents.â

Past Due HOA Fees Can Be Discharged In Bankruptcy

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:14:36 +0100

Many debtors that I assist are not aware that Homeownerâs Association Fees (HOA Fees) can often be discharged (removed) in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.Â The assumption many debtors make is that the debt must be paid if they want to keep their home, or that the debt is automatically secured.Â In many cases, however, the past due HOA fees are not secured by the home.

Finding Your Passion Starts Early

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:13:37 +0100

True happiness comes from doing what you are most passionate about, and while most see truth to that in the workplace, have you ever thought about how it impacts a studentâs success in school and in life?Sir Ken Robinson is well known for a few things, including his online lecture âDo Schools Kill Creativity?â and book, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything.Â In both, Robinson addresses children, and how they are all unique with certain interests, natural talents, an in ...

Attorneys for Everyone in Family Law Cases

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:13:02 +0100

Sometimes overlooked by family law judges is the legislative policy that each party has attorney representation in family law proceedings.Â This often becomes an issue in low and middle-income families and was recently addressed in a Court of Appealsâ decision in a case entitled Alan S. versus the Superior Court.Â In Alan S, the Court noted that the purpose of Â§2030 was not the redistribution of wealth from the greater income party to the lesser income party, but rather to provide parity, a ...

The Only Way to Peace

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:11:58 +0100

Somethingâs missing in our world today.Â The same thing is missing in our churches.Â And, if youâre willing to look closely, the same thing is missing in our families.Â This can mean only one thingâ¦ that the same thing is missing in you and me.Can you guess what it is?Â Itâs peace.Â What we desperately want and need, we donât have.Â We talk about itâ¦ dream about itâ¦ pray for itâ¦ and hope for it!Â Yet, it continues to elude us.Â Why?Â Because we are unwilling to do one ve ...

Ask The Voicecat

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:10:12 +0100

Last month, a reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita asked what skills are necessary for audiobook narration.Â I explained two of 10 different skills needed.Â Hereâs her question again, and the third skill explained.Q:Â Iâm a professional commercial voice actor, but Iâd love to get into narrating audiobooks, and donât know what specialized skills it takes to do it professionally.Â Are there any guidelines I should know about before attempting to jump into this arena?Â Thanks in adv ...

Sticks and Stones

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:08:46 +0100

Remember that childhood jingle âSticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me?âÂ You would sing it with such conviction, using it as a shield to keep their words from penetrating too deeply.Â And when your friends (or enemies) did hurt your feelings, you would either lash out or just try to pretend it wasnât really that bad.Â Why should they know you were crying on the inside?As a child you learned that the world and the people in it could hurt you.Â People either ...

Messages That Make a Difference Happening Weekly at NorthPark Community Church

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:06:54 +0100

Ever been to church, heard a so-so message, and left thinking, âGood.Â Thatâs done.Â Now back to the things that matter.âÂ Or, have you found yourself really trying hard to hang with a speaker but all the while wondered âwhat does this have to with me, my life or the things I care about?â
At NorthPark, our messages are thoughtful, practical, and inspiring.Â Senior Pastor Dr. Dave White is a highly sought after, traveled and trained speaker and teacher.Â

Courage Confidence Compassion Developing Good Character

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:05:24 +0100

Traits in children and teens begin early.Â Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoption Services gives foster families and preparing adoptive homes the training that helps adults recognize the importance of teaching, modeling, and encouraging good character.Â We ask families to introduce children to their community and civic participation.
We ask our families to inspire children with books and stories about heroes and heroines.Â

Why? Family Counseling/Personal Life-Coaching

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:04:04 +0100

What are the areas a family counselor can help with?Â Name it, a professional, trained, objective perspective can make a world of difference.
Relationships: Learning to communicate properly, treat each other with respect, learn to value your partner and have them value you, understand each otherâs conscious and even subconscious needs wants and behaviors, improve intimacy, find tolerance and create unified parenting (this is a big one).

As the Holidays Approachâ¦Living With the Empty Chair at Holiday Dinners

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:02:29 +0100

âItâs almost Thanksgiving, I canât believe heâs not here.âÂ âI wish I could just cancel Christmas this year.âÂ âHow can I go on without her?âThe empty chair at holiday dinners can cause enormous pain.Â Whether this will be your 1st, 10th or 50th year without your loved one, holidays are sad reminders of those we have lost.âAs a society we are not trained or prepared to deal with lifeâs most predictable event and that is loss,â said Jeff Zhorne, MA, a grief counselor an ...

Homework Wreaking Havoc in Your Household?

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:01:38 +0100

Summer has come to a close, a new school year has begun, students and parents alike must get back into the groove of another school year and nightly homework. Â
Students who struggle with academics oftentimes find homework to be another time of the day when their struggle is reinforced.Â This struggle often throws a household into chaos, however with the proper tools and skills, parents can help their students become confident in their daily homework routine. Â

Go the Distance The Dystance4Dystonia Walk for a Cure

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:00:09 +0100

At least 300,000 people in North America are affected by a movement disorder called Dystonia.Â It affects men, women and children of all ages and presently there is no cure.Â With the help of medical professionals around the world, there are multiple treatment options, and scientists continue to research new therapies. Dystonia is a movement disorder, causing the muscles in the body to contract and spasm involuntarily. The neurological mechanism that makes muscles relax when they are not in us ...

The Voices of Children in Divorce

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:58:54 +0100

âChildren are great imitators.Â So give them something great to imitate.â Author Unknown Do children have a voice in decisions during and after a divorce, including custody?Â How will divorce affect the participation of children in parental decision making?
The answers are complex.Â It is helpful to answer these questions by being clear about the role of parents in a family.Â

You Are The Best You Ever

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:57:43 +0100

Much of the excitement behind October 31 stems from the opportunity that individuals receive to detach themselves from their own identity and clothe themselves with another.Â There is much pride taken in being able to become someone else on this day.Â Some of the extravagant measures taken to become another personality reveal that many people anticipate this opportunity all year long.Â

Has There Been Recent Changes With Your Loved Oneâs Condition? Assisted Living May Be Your ...

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:56:41 +0100

As your parent, or loved one ages, is your responsibility in caring for their needs changing?Â Is your role becoming more of a caregiver?Â Caring for a loved one can be challenging and overwhelming at times.Â The solution to your peace of mind could be in an Assisted Living Community. In assisted living, residents have as much independence as they desire.Â Communities are designed to provide residents with hotel-style services and amenities with the understanding that assistance with persona ...

When The Unthinkable Happensâ¦

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:55:38 +0100

Home Care Versus Home Health

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:54:27 +0100

The confusion between home care and home health is remaining so prevalent that I thought I would revisit the topic.Â Home âHealthâ is medical in nature.Â Home Health is prescribed by your physician for a nurse or other licensed medical professional to come to the home and attend to whatever has required the visit.Â It could range from wound care, administering medication, pain management, checking vitals, etc.Â The visit is very quick in nature, tasks accomplished, and theyâre gone in ...

Tween Drinking on the Rise

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:49:28 +0100

âMy name is Emily and in seven years, I will be an alcoholic. Iâll start drinking in the eighth grade. But my parents wonât really notice because Iâll do okay in school and everything will be okay. But everything wonât be okay. Kids who drink before the age of 15 are five times more likely to have alcohol problems when they are adults.ââMy name is Brandon and in nine years I will be an alcoholic. Iâll start drinking with the older kids and whatever they do, Iâll do. I know I wi ...

Horticulture Certificate Program

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:48:08 +0100

Golden Oak is excited to offer this new class, taught by Santa Claritaâs very own plant expert and certified arborist, John Windsor.Â Over eight sessions, students will learn plant identification, care and maintenance, soil preparation, pruning techniques, irrigation, container gardening, and much more.Â

Update Your Estate Plan When Your Finances Change

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:47:11 +0100

In the recent economic downturn, many homes lost considerable value and stock portfolios gyrated.Â If this is the case for you, then you should consider reviewing your estate plan.If your will or trust divides your estate into percentages for beneficiaries, then changes in value wonât affect the proportions by which your estate is distributed.Â However, if you have included specific bequests in your will or trust, then a rise or fall in your net worth could have significant consequences.Â ...

What Makes More Sense Than Drugs?

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:46:28 +0100

Today I received an email from a colleague referring me to an article posted in the LA Times.Â She wrote: âDrug deaths due to prescrip drugs now outnumbers deaths from car accidents nationwide.Â The stats in this brief article are very alarming.â Along with this, I recently read an article in The Signal addressing Heroin in the Santa Clarita Valley.Â The article states thatâ¦ âmore than 400 residents have overdosed; a fourth of those were under the age of 24, according to law enforceme ...

Family Counseling: School's Back, Now What do We Do?

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:11:56 +0100

The kids are back in school and with that comes a lot of worry for many parents.Â How will they do?Â Will they be more motivated than they were last year?Â Less motivated?Â Is this the year they try pot? Alcohol?Â Pills?Â Sex?Â How do we keep them on track when it always seems like everything we do is met with defiance, apathy or failure?Â

Ask the Voicecat - September 2011

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:10:51 +0100

A reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita prompts this monthâs answer to the question of what skills are necessary for audiobook narration.
Q: Iâm a professional commercial voice actor, but Iâd love to get into narrating audiobooks, and donât know what specialized skills it takes to do it professionally.Â

Doing School: Raising Successful Kids in an Unhealthy Culture

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:09:20 +0100

Imagine if Steve Jobs had no time to tinker in his garage because he had to go to piano lessonsâ¦ and SAT prep classâ¦ and art classâ¦ and was on a travel basketball team that had practice five days a weekâ¦ and away games on the weekend.
Denise Clark Pope, author of Doing School: How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed-Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students, is certain Steve wouldnât have been able to juggle it all and still invent the Mac.Â

Baby Boomers Lack Parental Care Plan

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:08:45 +0100

According to a recent article in USA Today, a majority of Baby Boomers say they are likely to become caregivers for their parents.Â However, only half can name any medications their parents take.USA Today cited a survey of 600 adults ages 45 to 65, conducted by a national Home Care Agency.Â The study found that a surprising number of adult children donât know how many medications their parents take, whether the parent has a safe deposit box, or even where their parentâs financial informati ...

High Holy Days

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:08:16 +0100

High Holy Days services should be inspirational and dynamic.Â Temple Beth Ami (TBA), Santa Claritaâs only Reform congregation, creates an innovative program that engages the mind and spirit.

The Timing of a Divorce

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:07:55 +0100

To divorce or not to divorce, that is the question.Â So whatâs the answer?Â When a client comes to my office for a divorce consultation, one of the first issues to be considered is whether the marriage can be saved.Â For me, both parties should be willing to go for marriage counseling.Â

Does a Spouseâs Income Affect Bankruptcy Qualifications?

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:07:08 +0100

If a married couple decides to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy together, they can file a joint petition, and both of them will get the benefit of the discharge and negative credit impact of a bankruptcy filing.Â In such cases, whether the couple qualifies for Chapter 7 depends largely on their combined income in the six-month period prior to the anticipated bankruptcy filing date.
There are times, though, when only one spouse decides to file, and the other does not want to be involved.Â

Divorce Without Court â Not Quite

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:06:23 +0100

Law: the only game where the best players get to sit on the bench. â Author Unknown
Divorce mediators often cite as one of the advantages of mediated, or uncontested, divorce that you never need to go to court.Â While that is generally correct, it doesnât mean you avoid the court process.Â Instead of âgoingâ to court, you file the various court forms required to obtain a legal divorce (or legal separation).Â

Drug and Family Counseling Options

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:05:09 +0100

There are a lot of choices when it comes to help for your family.Â There are many expensive out-patient and in-patient recovery centers that offer little more than pre-fab formulas and stylized babysitting of those who truly need to be helped before they are lost forever to the disease of addiction.Â

Foster Parents Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:04:29 +0100

Calculating Spousal Support When There Is Severance Pay

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:03:03 +0100

Spousal support and child support is often set based on the payor spouseâs base or guaranteed income.Â Any additional income such as bonus income or commissions (usually in the form of a percentage of additional income) can be calculated as additional support.Â The case creating additional support is called Ostler & Smith (1990) 223 Cal.App. 3d 33.Â An Ostler & Smith percentage is assessed over and above guideline support âfor any discretionary bonus actually received.âÂ

Homework Management For Students with Learning Disabilities

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:01:26 +0100

Students are back in school this month and most of our local schools are assigning homework on a regular basis.Â Unfortunately, it is typical for children with disabilities to spend more time on homework than their nondisabled peers.Â Since students with learning problems are also more likely to be burned-out at the end of a long school day, homework time frequently becomes a test of wills between parent and child.Â

Impossible Possibilities

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:00:50 +0100

Man creates from what is.Â The artist uses his pencil, oil, canvas and the image in his mind.Â He uses elements, whether concrete or abstract, to create his work of art.Â In each work of art, the human creator began with elements that âexist.â
God creates from what is not.Â Hebrews 11:3 says, âBy faith we understand that the universe was formed at Godâs command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.âÂ

Does Your Will or Trust Name an Alternate Beneficiary?

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 22:00:20 +0100

What will happen to your estate if your primary beneficiaryâthe person you name to inherit your assetsâdies before you do?Â If your estate documents do not name an alternate beneficiary, then your estate will be divided according to state lawâwhich might mean it will go to someone you donât like, or someone who is unable to handle significant assets.

Anatomy of a Probate

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:59:00 +0100

What is probate?Â Probate is the court procedure whereby we establish the authenticity and sufficiency of a decedentâs will, if any, identify and evaluate the decedentâs assets, pay administrative expenses and approved claims of creditors and distribute the remaining estate to the beneficiaries.
Probate involves at least some court supervision and is a matter of public record.Â The whole process typically takes at least eight months.

Silence Isn't Golden, It's Permission Talk and Talk Often

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:56:33 +0100

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.Â And this yearâs theme is Prevention Works, Treatment is Effective, People Recover.Â Substance use disorders have taken an enormous toll on the health and well-being of too many Americans.Â It has also taken its toll on Santa Clarita Valley residents, especially teens.

The Con Artist

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:56:05 +0100

Following are a few Webster definitions of a con artist: A person adept at lying, cajolery, or glib self-serving talk.Â A person adept at swindling by means of confidence games; swindler. Someone who makes a living by swindling people.
One of the most vulnerable demographics of a con artist, and is increasing exponentially, are our seniors.Â

What If?

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:55:23 +0100

Most people start the process of estate planning to deal with âWhat Ifâ.
What If you died and your children were still too young to care for themselves?
What If you were no longer physically able to care for yourself?

Anything You Say Can Be Used Against You

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:54:38 +0100

After an automobile accident, the insurance company for the other party will probably call you within a day or two and ask you to give a recorded statement.Â I am not in favor of giving these kinds of statements, especially so early on in the case.Â The sad truth is that the insurance adjuster doesnât really have your best interests at heart.Â

Beginnings

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:54:12 +0100

Inner Circle Foster Families are so excited when they first bring a child home with them.Â After hours of preparation, they are thrilled when the news arrives that a placement is available.Â One recent foster parent received a baby girl directly from the hospital and was overjoyed that she was able to provide the tenderness and care that was needed. Â

Intelligent Messages and Inspiring Worship Experience â Hallmarks of NorthPark

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:53:24 +0100

NorthPark Invites You to Bring Your Head and Your Heart to Church! Some people look for an experience when they go to church.Â They want to be moved--inspired even.Â Others look for intellectual stimulationâthey want their minds engaged and enjoy the wealth of wisdom and insight scripture offers.Â At NorthPark, we desire to engage both the heart and the mind!

Believe It Until You See It

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:52:37 +0100

There are times when what we see currently happening in our lives does not match what we have believed in the past.Â It is during these times in our lives that our motivation and momentum has to become driven by what we believe for our future and not what we see in our present.Â No matter what we may see in the natural right now, we must believe that God is still in control and before it is all said and done, we will achieve all that we have believed to happen.Â

Gardening and Keeping Fit!

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:51:34 +0100

Hart School District College and Career Fair Slated for September 7

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:50:39 +0100

Begin with the end in mind.Â Hart School District students are encouraged to think this way as families begin to make decisions about education options following high school.
The Hart School District is hosting a College & Career Fair on Wednesday evening, September 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at West Ranch High School, to assist students with the very important step of drafting a career plan to be followed while making post-secondary education decisions.Â

Relationship Coaching An Unconventional Understanding

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:14:32 +0100

We all have needs that we want satisfied within our relationship and most of us believe we are doing an excellent job at understanding the needs of our partner, but in fact we donât.Â This is because our true needs exist on subconscious levels and to truly satisfy our partner, we must satisfy those subconscious needs which means we have to understand them first.To feel happy we have to feel secure.Â There are many types of security: financial, intellectual, romantic, sexual, emotional, etc.Â ...

Need a Second Chance?

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:13:09 +0100

Golden Oak Adult School understands second chances.Â In fact, it is part of our mission.Â A number of people, probably someone in your own circle of family and friends, did not complete their high school education for a myriad of reasons.Â The impact of that decision is not always apparent until later in life.Â That is where we can help.

Aim Above the Mark to Hit the Mark in College and Career

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:12:20 +0100

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, âWe aim above the mark to hit the mark,â and at Santa Clarita Valley International (SCVi), a K-12 tuition-free public charter school, the saying hits the mark when it comes to learnersâ long-term success.Â The school provides college prep for the 21st century by aiming for success well beyond college.Â Innovative teaching techniques and rigorous project-based curriculum ensure SCVi learners have what it takes to be accepted into their college of choice, bu ...

Foster Parents Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:11:40 +0100

He's How Old and Still Lives With You?

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:10:54 +0100

More and more the story that comes through my office is the one of the child that never grew up.Â The son and daughter in their 20s, 30s, or even 40s that still depends on their parents to fix their problems, bail them out of financial crisis and worst case scenario give them a roof over their heads paying their way through life.Â As emotionally supportive parents it is part of your job to guide them and be there when they are in need, however not to the point where your help hinders their gro ...

Explosive Teen Anger Could Be Depression or Drug Use Related

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:09:29 +0100

It has become a common occurrence.Â We open our morning newspaper, turn on the television or radio only to find yet another violent episode in which teens are perpetrators of brutal and senseless actions.Â Frequently there is no explanation other than a deeply rooted anger had taken over the teen.Anger is often regarded as negative; weâre taught that itâs all right to express anxiety, depression, or other emotions, but not to express anger.Â As a result, we donât learn how to handle it ...

Free Preventive Care is Now Available Under MediCare

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:09:03 +0100

The new health reform law that took effect on January 1, 2011 includes free preventive services for Medicare recipients.Â Under the law, people with regular Medicare will no longer have to pay a co-pay, coinsurance or deductible to receive preventive services that are highly recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force â including screenings for breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes and heart disease, as well as smoking cessation counseling.Private Medicare plans (known as Medicare ...

Read With Me! Please

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:08:34 +0100

READ WITH ME! is a program that began in the fall of 2008.Â The SCV Education Foundation matches volunteers with public schools who then assign them to teachers.Â These wonderful literacy friends work with students one on one or in small groups to assist with improving reading skills such as word accuracy, fluency, and reading comprehension.
This program has proven to be beneficial to the students, volunteers and teachers.Â

Kids with Issues Getting Them the Help They (and you) Need

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:06:01 +0100

Kids seem insane donât they?Â Donât worry, youâre not crazy for thinking this, they are insane.Â But itâs not their fault.Â Between modern society, community standards, screwy brain chemistry and a developing personality, most of this insanity is... uh... normal.Â That sucks to hear, I know.Â It doesnât mean you donât have some things to do to contain or minimize it.Â If not treated, crazy adolescents can become crazed adults and/or create patterns or situations that reach far ...

Getting Your Ex to Pay More Child Support

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:04:36 +0100

In these tough financial times, support is becoming even more important.Â Courts are facing tough challenges with parties losing their jobs.Â In my experience, the courts have been cutting parents who lose jobs some slack to give them time to find another job.Â And that only seems fair. Â The larger problems are the cases where the supporting parent stops working the overtime that you were accustomed to, or even worse, is simply working less hours per week.Â The biggest problem is the perpet ...

Divorce Mediation â Consensus or Compromise

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:02:51 +0100

âWhat we call reality is an agreement that people have arrived at to make life more livable.â â Louise NevelsonIn negotiation, which is at the core of mediation, decisions only have meaning when all parties agree.Â The methods used to create agreement will affect the perceived value of the agreement and the chances for compliance.Â Often people engaged in a negotiation become entrenched in a position.Â Their willingness to move from their viewpoint may depend on mutual concessions â e ...

Advanced Health Care Directives

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:01:34 +0100

Advanced healthcare directives (also called living wills) are integral to planning for your care, should anything ever happen that causes you to be incapable of making healthcare decisions for yourself.An advanced healthcare directive is a document that outlines your wishes for the kind of care and medical intervention that you want (or specifically do not want) if you become terminally ill or find yourself in need of life-support but are unable to speak or otherwise communicate, as could be the ...

Reaffirmations in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:59:18 +0100

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing allows a debtor to discharge most of their debt, including secured debt if the debtor is planning to surrender the property securing the debt.
However, many debtors do not want to surrender their homes or their cars.Â In those cases, the debtor must consider reaffirmation of the debt. Â
For real property loans (houses, condos), reaffirmation is not required by the bankruptcy code, but it is allowed.Â

Comfort Keepers Teams with The American Red Cross for Blood Drive

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:58:33 +0100

Comfort Keepers In-Home Care will be teaming with The American Red Cross on Monday, September 12, collecting blood that will remain in Santa Clarita for use by Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital.Â The Red Cross bus will be in the parking lot of the Comfort Keepers building, at 23900 Lyons Avenue in Newhall, from Noon to 6 p.m.Â Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments are preferred to ensure a spot.Â If you are able to donate, please contact the Comfort Keepers office at 661-287-4200 to sche ...

Who needs a Trust, and Why?

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:58:12 +0100

Not everyone needs a Living Trust.Â If, for example, you have little or no property in your name,Â alone, and no minor children, you probably donât need a living trust.Â A simple Will may suffice.Â (By âproperty,â we donât mean only real estate, but also personal property, such as cars, furniture, jewelry, and other âstuff.â)
If, however, you do have more than nominal assets, some estate planning may be in order.
Here is a magic number to bear in mind:

The Antidote for Anxiety

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:57:34 +0100

Anxiety feels as though you have been chained to wild horses that are trying to pull you apart.Â Thatâs strong language, but itâs an accurate expression of how we feel when weâre anxious.What do you do with anxiety?Â Itâs a question that cries for an answer.Â How do you handle anxiety?Â What would God say?Godâs antidote for anxiety begins with, âDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.â (Philip ...

Ask the VoiceCat - August 2011

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:56:59 +0100

A reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita sent in a question this month about the large number of voice talent in Los Angeles.Q: Iâve been a voice actor for about five years now, and Iâm encountering more and more people who say theyâre voice actors.Â Iâve also heard that about 6,000 people in L.A. alone call themselves V-O actors, but the bulk of the top commercial work go to the same 75 people who are known quantities and have a tight lock on the market.Â Iâve been pretty successfu ...

When Your Loved One Needs Memory Care

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:56:27 +0100

If you are one of the many family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimerâs disease, it can be very rewarding, but at times also be very frustrating.Â It is so important that you not only provide care for your loved one, but that you also take proper care and time for yourself.Â You may come to a point where it may be necessary to reach out to others for support.Â Family members, friends and neighbors may want to help.Â Faith-based groups may also have services that can assist you.Â ...

Career in Just 71 days!

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:55:21 +0100

Santa Clarita School of Dental Assisting, we provide a focused and intensive training environment using the latest dental technology.Â Our teaching methods are stimulating, fast-paced and rely on your participation.Â In class, you will spend all your time learning in a âhands-onâ environment, practicing on our state-of-the-art teaching mannequin.Â

Creativity and Divergent Thinking How is Your Student Developing These 21st Century Skills?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:51:12 +0100

Picture an assembly line where experts install different components as a product moves through a tightly controlled manufacturing process. The assembly line approach to education is much the sameâwith experts teaching core curriculum as a student moves through a system that doesnât take into account different learning abilities and stylesâand while it might have served us well in the Industrial Age, it is archaic in todayâs global world of technology and innovation.

Personal Injury Cases: This is Not the Lottery!

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:50:39 +0100

As many may know, I also practice personal injury law in addition to estate planning.Â One of the most difficult things that I do as a lawyer is managing the expectations of my clients.Â This is especially challenging on personal injury cases.
Everyone remembers the famous television commercial where an accident victim says, âLarry Parker got me $2.1 million!âÂ

Is ADR Right for You?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:50:11 +0100

Will Bankruptcy Ruin My Credit?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:49:13 +0100

One of the most common questions I hear from potential bankruptcy clients is, âHow will filing bankruptcy affect my credit?âÂ The answer varies from person to person.Â Bankruptcy will lower a credit score, however many people considering bankruptcy already have a low credit score, so a bankruptcy filing will not lower their score much further.Â Individuals (or couples) with a lot of debt also tend to have trouble getting credit or new loans even without bankruptcy.Â Thus, the credit impa ...

Understanding the Differences Between a Will and a Trust

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:48:40 +0100

Everyone has heard the terms âwillâ and âtrust,â but not everyone knows the differences between the two.Â Both are useful estate planning devices that serve different purposes, and both can work together to create a complete estate plan.One main difference is that a will goes into effect only after you die, whereas a trust can take effect as soon as you create it.Â A will is a document that directs who will receive your property at your death.Â By contrast, a trust can be used to dist ...

Being a Family Counselor

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:47:56 +0100

Below is an excerpt of an email between myself and a potentially new client who asked me how I work:
Sessions are over an hour long but typically less than an hour and a half.Â I donât charge any more for the longer session, itâs just the way Iâve been successful in getting results is leaving enough time to âcatch up,â keep it light and casual, and make it more conversational.

Which Prenatal Vitamin is Right for Me?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:46:08 +0100

(NAPS)âFor many women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, a prenatal vitamin in conjunction with a healthy diet can help support a healthy pregnancy.Â Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated multivitamins that provide certain extra nutrients a woman may need before conception, during pregnancy or during breast-feeding.Â But all prenatal vitamins are not created equal.Dr. James McGregor, Visiting Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Keck School of Medicine at the Univ ...

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:45:31 +0100

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the diagnosis for a group of behaviors that are typically found in children who challenge our need to be in control of our environment, to be good parents, or to be competent teachers.Â Problems arise because youngsters with ADHD are often disorganized, late to important events, have poor time sense, and do not learn well from mistakes. They may also have poor impulse control, poor self-regulation, and lack adequate self-monitoring skills.

The People Whisperer

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:44:52 +0100

Some clients dubbed me the people whisperer, so I decided to run with it: Ever since I was young Iâve had a hidden talent for knowing how to read people.Â Over the span of my life and especially the last eight years since Iâve been a counselor Iâve cultivated this ability and fine-tuned it.Â It is definitely intuitive, but I have come to understand just what intuition is.Â Intuition is based on logic, reason, imagination and vision; itâs not really a psychic thing.Â Iâve learned th ...

Foster Parents Needed for Infants and Toddlers

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:44:06 +0100

Reverse Mortgages for Seniors A Good Idea Or An Expensive Mistake?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:42:21 +0100

Reverse mortgages can seem like a wonderful idea when a cash-strapped senior needs funds.Â There are some situations where reverse mortgages make sense.Â However, there are other situations where a reverse mortgage is not the answer.Â As their popularity increases, many expensive mistakes are being made.Â Here are some things you should know:

To Prenup or Not to Prenup?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:37:07 +0100

Most everyone is familiar with a prenuptial agreement.Â However, most everyone is not familiar with the benefits of a prenuptial agreement.Â My favorite analogy for a prenuptial agreement is to think of it as insurance.Â For the sake of it, weâll call it âflood insurance.âÂ You hope and pray that a flood never happens, but in the instance that it does, the insurance was a one time cost that ending up saving you a lot of money and stress in the long run.Â You also have the piece of min ...

Teen Drinking: A Deadly Rite of Passage

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:36:18 +0100

It began with a shoulder tap, asking an adult to purchase a fifth of vodka, drinking that vodka at a local movie theater, being disruptive and picked-up by the police for disturbing the peace, landing him in jail. To make matters worse, his disruptive behavior turned into anger as he kicked the windows out of the jail cell he was in, thus adding a felony vandalism charge to his troubles. His legal troubles have just begun.

COC Introduces Students to Environmental Sciences/Studies

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:35:22 +0100

This fall, the College of the Canyons Math, Science and Engineering Division will offer students an opportunity to match their educational pathway with the ongoing worldwide environmental movement, with two new courses in the disciplines of Environmental Studies and Environmental Science.âThe development of these courses is a momentous achievement for the college and a tremendous opportunity for our students,â said Omar Torres, dean of the collegeâs Mathematics, Science and Engineering Div ...

Somebody to Want Me

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:34:39 +0100

âAt least somebody wants me!âÂ These were the words spoken to me by Jenny, a 13 year-old foster child.Â Her current foster parent was not in a position to adopt her, and her birth parents were not able to care for her due to their substance abuse problem.Â Jenny had become good friends with another girl her age in the neighborhood.Â Her friendâs parents expressed an interest in adopting Jenny, and we were on our way to meet them.Â Jenny was fortunate to encounter a family willing to m ...

Team Mediation in Divorce

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:33:39 +0100

âIndividually we are one drop.Â Together we are an ocean.â âRyunosuke Satoro
Divorce is an emotional process.Â Getting divorced is a legal one.Â Some might see the Judgeâs decision as the end of the process.Â But in many ways it is the beginning.Â The courtâs judgment can influence the divided family for years.Â Responsibilities for children or the financial well-being of the former couple are linked by obligations flowing from the divorce decree.

Meet me at God's House

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:32:54 +0100

As a young boy, I heard an older minister proclaim, âBlessed is the man who can hear his alarm clock on Sunday as well as Monday.âÂ These words have never left my heart.Â In the Bible, the Apostle Paul stressed the importance of being a regular attendee within the church fellowship.Â I have discovered over time that going to church has slipped drastically on many individualâs list of âThings to do.âÂ This is until calamity strikes.Â Churches were packed from front to back the Sund ...

Ask the Voicecat - July 2011

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:31:47 +0100

This month, a reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita sent in a question about out-of-town voice agents.
Q: Are you familiar with out-of-state agencies and their policies? Â Iâm sending my demo out to various markets in hopes of acquiring representation, since the odds of getting an agent in L.A. seem remote. Â

Preparing Kids For A Successful School Year

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:30:43 +0100

(NAPS)âAppropriate school wear helps children dress for academic success. Uniforms, spirit wear and clothes following dress codes can encourage a feeling of community spirit and promote school safety. Educators and parents find that following a dress code at school and at after-school events can make it easier to monitor who is a studentâand who isnâtâand may aid in reducing peer pressure.

What Would You Do For Your Freedom?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:29:26 +0100

We enjoy a celebration of freedom today because our founding fathers fought, sacrificed, and died for it.Â But what did that mean to them?Â What were they really fighting for?Â What did freedom bring them?
They were free to govern themselves.Â They were free to defend their homes and their land.Â They were free to worship God as they chose.Â They were free to choose how they would live their lives and where.Â They were free from tyranny and oppression.

Maintaining a Healthy Voice

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:28:45 +0100

We all enjoy the luxury of taking our voices for granted.Â We are a bit shocked when we get laryngitis and canât speak.Â Itâs a reminder of how important our voice is in our daily lives and how dependent we are on our ability to speak.Â Iâd like to talk about healthy vocal production and voice improvement.
I get a lot of questions about how much to exercise a voice without abusing it.

It Does Happen

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:28:11 +0100

Today weâre going to discuss a situation that happens all the time.Â Consider the following hypothetical: A woman, letâs call her Elizabeth, has passed away.Â Elizabeth is survived by four adult sons.Our fictional character was a very caring woman, and she lived simply.Â She had a nice home with a garden and grandchildren who loved her.Â Nobody would ever have expected that Elizabeth had several hundred thousand dollars in the bank.Â Elizabeth was also very thoughtful.Â She left a last ...

Committed to Serving the Needs of Our Community

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:27:18 +0100

Ann Parr, a transplanted Londoner, has been a GO enthusiast since 2004 when she took her first class, Gardening in Santa Clarita.Â In recent years, Ann took classes for fun; but now, sheâs getting serious.Â When she and her husband saw business begin to dwindle at the recording studio they have owned for 35 years, she decided to return to office management.

The Value of Respite Care: A Gift of Time

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:26:48 +0100

Fair Play and the Divorce Game

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:18:59 +0100

I know the world isnât fair, but why isnât it ever unfair in my favor? â Bill Watterson
One of the key motivators for couples choosing mediation in divorce is the fear that in litigation they will get the short end of the bargain.Â Court battles are generally win/lose or lose/lose.Â Theyâre seldom win/win.Â When we ask participants what are the important standards used to judge a settlement, they mostly say, âI want it to be fair.âÂ

Ask the Voicecat - June 2011

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:18:06 +0100

This month, a reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita sent in a question about voice maintenance.
Q: âIn the same week I came down with some cold, I pushed my voice by too much auditioning. Â If Iâm going to be making a living off of my voice, I need to know how to take good care of it.Â Any suggestions?â â Jennifer C., Acton, CA

What Happens After Bankruptcy?

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:17:18 +0100

If a debtor files bankruptcy, the primary goal in most cases is to obtain a discharge.Â That applies in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.Â In Chapter 13 cases, the discharge takes longer because the debtor must complete a plan, which pays back a portion of the debt to creditors.Â In Chapter 7 cases, the discharge is usually entered about four months after the case is filed.

Get Organized!

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:16:48 +0100

In our busy world, organization is paramount.Â Parents, professionals and students alike have more on their plate than ever before.Â When there are so many activities, appointments, and tasks to manage, itâs not unusual to let one slide.Â This can bring consequences that range from a write up at work to missed appointments that cost money or suffering grades.

Single and Seeking? Some Words of Adviceâ¦

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:16:04 +0100

Itâs all so amazing at the beginning of a relationship.Â The connection is strong, and the attraction is off the charts.Â You finish each otherâs sentences; you donât sleep much; you have a wonderful time just going to the grocery store together.Â This must be the one youâve been waiting for - grass is greener, food tastes better, the world is more beautiful.Â Itâs magical.

Summer Time and the Living Is Easy or Is It?

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:14:31 +0100

âSummer time and the living is easy,â and âThere ainât no cure for the summer time bluesâare musical words that typify the summer season of our lives, especially for teenagers.Â They either find their lives jam-packed with summer activities like summer school, football practice, band camp, a summer job, or they find themselves bored and endlessly complaining thereâs nothing to do.Â You might even find them on the couch, devouring bags of chips and gallons of soda, eyes glazed from ...

Golden Oak Adult School Names Teacher of the Year

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:13:43 +0100

Golden Oak Adult School congratulates Teacher of the Year, GayMarie Dassler.Â Mrs. Dassler has been teaching English as a Second Language at Golden Oak Adult School since 1990, and until recently, a mommy-and-me style ESL class for parents and pre-schoolers.Â She finds Golden Oaksâ students dedicated and enthusiastic about learning.Â

Is Your Kid Bi-Polar, on Drugs or Just Crazy? Part Two

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:12:22 +0100

Most teenagers actually exhibit symptoms related to any or all three of these scenarios so letâs review some of them a bit and then talk about what you can do about it.
Bi-Polar: Grossly misdiagnosed by lazy psychiatrists who donât even talk to people anymore and instead simply send you to the pharmacy, Bi-Polar is more than what most people think it is.Â

Is Your Kid Bi-Polar, on Drugs or Just Crazy? Part One

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:11:23 +0100

Or all three, right?Â It can be hard to tell, but the differences are profound.Â Guess what: your kids wonder the same thing about you.Â It can be difficult to determine but thereâs a lot you need to know if you have any hope of keeping things from getting worse.Â If any or all of the above are true what can you do?Â Do you feel like youâve tried everything?Â Hopeless, frustrated, sad and scared beyond explanation?Â While your kids seem to be laughing at you as they âdestroy their l ...

A Child's Story

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:10:50 +0100

Inner Circleâs foster parents are supported by Masterâs leveled social workers who help them understand the crucial stages children go through when separated from their families of origin.Â For some children this is the beginning of major change that may ultimately lead to adoption.Â Some children weather the change triumphantly.Â Some exhibit problems and can be supported when the path looks uncertain.

Children Needing Safe, Loving Homes

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:09:10 +0100

Every child deserves to have a safe, loving and permanent home.Â There are 114,000 children currently in foster care with many who are unable to return to their families of origin.Â Childrenâs Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adopting these older children and large sibling sets.Â

Do Surviving Spouses Have a Right to Your 401(k) or an IRA?

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:08:15 +0100

When choosing a beneficiary for a retirement plan, it is important to understand how your spouse will be treated under the plan.Â Surviving spouses are treated differently under 401(k) plans and IRAs.Â In general, 401(k) plans provide protections for surviving spouses that IRAs do not â 401(k) plans are governed by a federal law known as ERISA.Â Under this law, a surviving spouse is the automatic beneficiary of a retirement plan.Â

Appeal of a Family Law Case

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:07:32 +0100

Everyone has the right to appeal.Â Keep in mind that about 98 percent of all cases settle at some point.A small percentage of cases do go to trial, and a percentage of those cases will be appealed.Â Family law cases are different than civil appeals because in family law trials, there is no jury.Â You have either a judge or a court commissioner.Â That person will make all of the determinations of facts and law.Â In a civil action, the court decides questions of law while the jury makes findi ...

Paying for Care

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:05:37 +0100

If you or a loved one is advancing in age, it is very possible (and probable) that help with daily activities will be needed.Â Help may be needed in a simple way, like preparing meals, paying bills, or supervising medications.Â The needs may be more extensive, and care may be required outside the home in an assisted living facility, board and care, or nursing home.Â

Comfort Keepers In-Home Care Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:04:57 +0100

The month marks the 10-year anniversary of Comfort Keepers In-Home Care keeping seniors safe in their own home in the Santa Clarita Valley.Â We feel blessed to have had the opportunity to assist thousands of families in caring for an aging loved one, and allowing our clients to remain safely in their own home.Â

Living Trusts: The Successor Trustee

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:04:05 +0100

The nomination of the successor trustee of a trust is critical in establishing an estate plan.Â The successor trustee takes office after the death or disability of the grantor, thereby becoming responsible for the administration of the grantorâs trust estate.
Hereâs what the successor trustee can expect to do:

When Will It Stop Hurting? Healing From the Loss of Someone You Loved

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:03:14 +0100

Grief is reaching out for someone youâve always loved, only to find that when you need her one more time, sheâs gone.Â Death, divorce and other losses catch most people totally unprepared.Â Most of us simply are not trained how to handle loss.
âWeâre taught to acquire stuff, not what to do when we lose anything,â said Jeff Zhorne, a grief counselor and director of The Grief Program.Â Many people as children were given no skills or tools on how to cope with painful emotions.

Defeating the Lions

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:02:22 +0100

We discover in the Bible that Samson fought a lion, David fought a lion, and Daniel fought a lion.Â We also discover in our own lives that we have to fight lions.Â Our lions may not be in the form of the actual animal.Â But usually take the form of bills, family issues, work issues, financial issues, health issues, or any stress related issue.Â

Fatherâs Day

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:01:00 +0100

To all the dadsâ¦ Happy Fatherâs Day!Â Dads, Iâm sure you would agree with me when I say, fatherhood is the source of some of our greatest joys as well as some of our scariest challenges.Â The one who said, âparenting is not for cowardsâ was certainly right.

Using the Power of Your Voice to Change Your Life

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:18 +0100

The Power to Persuade can create unlimited success.Â Our voice is the engine of that success.Â We can use it to create empires or a simple successful life or to complain and explain why we are victims.Â Our tone of voice is very often a reflection of how we view the world.Â If weâre nervous and up tight the voice often has an edge and puts people off.Â

Keeping Cool During the Summer Months

Wed, 25 May 2011 23:59:47 +0100

Keeping the body hydrated is particularly important for the elderly.Â In addition to proper diet and exercise, hydration plays a very significant role in healthy living for seniors. With the warm weather approaching, the risk for seniors suffering from dehydration increases.
A loss of hydration can impact how seniors look and feel.Â As our body ages, we experience a decrease in our total body water and our thirst sensation also decreases.

With the Passage of Time

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:52:06 +0100

As I watch my youngest grandchild sleep, I am surprised by how quickly the years pass.Â At two, my granddaughter possesses so many of her motherâs attributes that I find myself mesmerized when she strikes a pose or becomes excited over a new discovery.Â I see my daughter all over again at that age, and the fondest of memories come racing back.Â Of course, my grandchildâs paternal grandmother sees her son in the very same toddler.Â For sound biological reasons, these perceptions serve to ...

Child Support Add Ons: Getting More than Guideline...

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:51:13 +0100

Child support is governed by the formula in the Statewide Uniform Guidelines For Child Support.Â However, it is possible to get more than guideline support in some instances.Â There are two mandatory add-ons for child support and a couple add-ons that are discretionary.The algebraic formula used to calculate child support is set forth in Family Code Section 4055 and is âpresumptively correct in all cases.âÂ Nevertheless, there is a way to get additional support on top of the guideline sup ...

What to Expect at a Meeting of Creditors

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:49:47 +0100

When a bankruptcy is filed, the court appoints a Trustee to administer the case.Â In Chapter 13 cases, the Trustee often focuses on the debtorâs available income because a Chapter 13 is designed to pay creditors through a plan.Â Chapter 7 Trustees are usually more concerned with assets that might be liquidated.In both Chapters, the Trustee is required to set a meeting called the âMeeting of Creditors.âÂ It is also called a 341(a) meeting because that is the code section that sets forth ...

Your Right to Privacy in Lawsuits

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:48:34 +0100

Privacy rights can be implicated in different ways in a lawsuit.Â There is the right to privacy of the person suing (the plaintiff), the right to privacy of the person being sued (the defendant), and the right to privacy of third parties (anyone else that might testify or be required to produce documentation in the lawsuit or at trial).

Larger Tax Deductions for Long Term Care Insurance

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:47:45 +0100

The amount you can deduct on your taxes as a result of buying long-term care insurance has been increased by the IRS for 2011.Â Generally, you can deduct part of your premiums if the premiums, together with your other unreimbursed medical expenses, amount to more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income.Â The maximum amount of premiums you can deduct each year depends on your age at the end of the year:

Celebrity Estate Planning Lessons

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:45:48 +0100

With the death of Elizabeth Taylor, we are all reminded that planning ahead is essential.Â Given the fact her estate was worth $600 million to $1 billion, itâs a good thing she planned ahead.
Estate planning lessons we can learn from celebrities include the following:

VA Benefits for Aid and Attendance: Helping to Pay for Care

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:43:55 +0100

Many of our aging clients are in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s.Â They are often veterans of the Korean War or World War II, or the surviving spouse of a veteran who served during these wars.Â The harsh realities of aging and illness are surfacing, and our clients are in need of care.Â That care may be in the home, or in a care facility.Â Either way, that care is expensive, and our clients and their families are worried about the cost. Â

Living With Your Ex

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:42:55 +0100

âPain is inevitable.Â Suffering is optional.â â M. Kathleen Casey
We are living in a more financially stressful economy.Â Divorce and separation add immediate additional financial demands on an already taxing budget.Â Home equity, which provided some relief in the past has been replaced (too often) with âupside downâ mortgage liabilities.Â Faced with debt, couples struggle with the question of how will they support two households with resources that were designed for one?

Kids Who Party and Drink

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:39:53 +0100

I discussed how adults partying can be unhealthy.Â Now about the adults who allow their kids to party, sometimes because they feel itâs better the kids do it at home âwhere itâs safe.âÂ This is not the right message.Â With teenagers we need to recognize we do not have any control, only influence.Â We cannot stop them but we can be consistent in our message that we prefer they wait or abstain from drugs/alcohol.Â

Adults Who Party and Drink

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:38:29 +0100

This is a message for the grown-ups: We have to grow up and behave like mature adults.Â Some folks are far too comfortable with the adult version of doing exactly what the kids do and that is going out on a regular basis and getting loaded.Â Because we have cars, insurance, jobs and families and meet our day-to-day responsibilities it remains hidden even to ourselves, but a favorite pastime is to meet with friends, have dinner, catch a movie and/or drink.Â

The Vocal Secrets of Hollywood Voiceover Artists Take your Career to a Whole New Level

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:36:45 +0100

The human voice is a wonderful musical instrument and we rely on it to transmit the symphony of our thoughts and feelings.Â In our professional lives, the ability to persuade determines financial success.Â But, lets face it, everything in life is about presentation, we connect with people based on how well we do it.Â Whether we areÂ teachers, CEOâs, sales people, lawyers, politicians, religious leaders or managers, the voice is the engine that carries ideas to people.

Alzheimerâs: The Rising Epidemic Activities and Communication Tips for a Better Quality of Life

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:35:27 +0100

Every 70 seconds, someone in the US develops Alzheimerâs, according to the Alzheimerâs Association.Â Dependable Senior Assistants LLC is helping raise awareness of the enormous impact of this increasing epidemic.Â Structured activities that involve and interest the person with Alzheimerâs will help minimize the disturbing behaviors associated with the disease, such as: â¢ Motor: Take a walk, do chair exercises, stretch, or even do a dance using just the hands â the important thing is ...

May is Foster Parent Appreciation Month!

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:34:41 +0100

National Foster Parent Appreciation Month in May provides a wonderful opportunity to honor and recognize the work of people making a difference in the lives of children in foster care.Â

Speech/Language Development and Your Child's Reading Skills

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:34:07 +0100

Your child isnât talking as much as they should be or they have trouble making some speech sounds.Â You thinkâoh, theyâre young, no big deal.Â You think this because so many people (often including your pediatrician) tell you not to worry, theyâll outgrow it, many children (especially boys) just develop later, it sounds cute, youâre a worrier, itâs normal.Â The list of rationalizations goes on and on.Â And, thinking itâs no big deal, you take a âwait and seeâ attitude.

Ask the Voicecat - May 2011

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:32:18 +0100

Readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita continue to send in interesting questions about the voiceover business.Â This monthâs questions are about agents.
Q: I have heard that L.A. agents wonât even listen to you without a lot of experience and to start off with local agents in other regions.Â What do you think?Â I have the Call Sheet Backstage casting directory - is that a good place to start?Â Any advice is greatly appreciated! â Sheri A., Pasadena, CA

Parents Must Be Parents, Not Pals

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:31:21 +0100

Joanne and Tony throw the best keg parties in town.Â The beer flows and a designated teen collects car keys at the door.Â Teens mill around, shouting over the pounding music, hugging and âhigh-fivingâ Joanne and Tony.Â They are so popular, they could have been voted Prom King and Queen.
Whatâs wrong with this picture?Â Joanne and Tony graduated high school 25 years ago, and this is their sonâs party - and the family is planning a few more beer bashes during the summer.

Loose Ends

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:30:44 +0100

Hoping to save his children the cost and inconvenience of a probate proceeding after he died, Joe Client had executed a living trust.Â He had funded his trust, taking title to his assets as trustee of his trust.
Later, Joe re-financed his house.Â He took the house out of the trust, deeding the property back to himself, as âJoe Client, an unmarried man.âÂ Then, before he could put the house back in the trust, he died.

Combating the Stress of Elderly Care

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:29:56 +0100

It is stressful being a caregiver for an elderly parent or loved one, no matter how much you may love them.Â There is a significant amount of disruption to your life and schedule, as well as the worry and sorrow of watching one you love become more helpless.Â There are also feelings involved with elderly care including frustration, guilt, resentment, and hopelessness.Â Feeling unappreciated for all of the work you do also contributes to anxiety.Â

Our Number One Enemy

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:27:42 +0100

The number one enemy in our lives functions under the name âDistraction.âÂ Distraction comes to shift our perception and hinder our focus.Â Distractionâs main goal is to get us to major in the minors and minor in the majors.Â Distraction wants us to believe that our lives are worse than whatÂ they really are.Â Distraction wants us to believe that our family is being destroyed, itâs the end of the road, weâllÂ never survive this issue, there is no healing or restoration ahead.Â

Golden Oak Adult School Teachers Love to Help Their Students Learn

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:26:35 +0100

Where can you go in Santa Clarita to improve your skills and knowledge in such diverse areas as Stained Glass, English as a Second Language, Basic Bookkeeping, Woodworking, Computer Skills, Masonry, Parenting, Personal Care Assisting (to name only a few), or earn your High School Diploma or GED Certificate?Â Check out Golden Oak Adult School

The Caregiving/Caretaking Tug-of-War

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:25:49 +0100

A recent study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP revealed that nearly 30 percent of the United States population (more than 65 million people) spend 20 hours or more each week caring for chronically ill, disabled or aging loved ones.Â Most care recipients (âcaretakersâ) live at home with their care providers (âcaregiversâ).

Randy Wrage Joins Senior Center Foundation Board

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:24:40 +0100

Real Estate Executive Brings Valuable Experience to Nonprofit Organization.Randy Wrage has become the latest in a series of respected community leaders to join the board of trustees for the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center Foundation.âWeâre very excited to have Randy Wrage joining our governing board,â said Foundation President Myles McNamara.Â âHis expertise in real estate development, plus his knowledge of the Santa Clarita Valleyâs business environment, will prove immensely valua ...

Itâs Time to Honor Mothers!

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:23:25 +0100

Motherâs Day is a high point of the month of May.Â Itâs a time to honor all the precious moms in our lives!Â For all the moms out there, hereâs a little humor to brighten your day!Â Enjoyâ¦I was out walking with my four year-old daughter.Â She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth.Â I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.Â âWhy,â my daughter asked.Â âBecause itâs been lying outside, you donât know where itâs been, it ...

When Your Loved One Needs Memory Care

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:22:48 +0100

Comfort Keepers Owner Wins National Recognition

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:22:06 +0100

Myles McNamara not only provides in-home care services to area seniors, but was recently honored by Comfort Keepers Franchising, Inc. for his performance as a Comfort Keepers franchise owner.Â McNamara, a Certified Senior Advisor, was recognized at the Celebration Dinner and Awards Ceremony recently during the Comfort Keepers Annual National Convention held in Glendale, Arizona.

Why are Voiceover Classes Necessary?

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:22:36 +0100

Many people who are actors ask me, âWhy does an actor need to take voice over classes to work in VO?âÂ Acting skills certainly give a person an ability to deliver lines, so whatâs the difference?Â There really are many differences and demands.Â Letâs say there is a need for additional skills.Â The art of Voiceover or voice acting requires: a knowledge of voiceover styles, the ability to change cadence, tone of voice, range, and the rise and fall of your voice on demand in order to de ...

Let's Talk About the Best Job for You

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:21:51 +0100

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
Looking for a job?Â Whether it is your first job or your tenth we know that preparation is the basis for success.Â You can get hired!Â As you begin to consider which jobs might be right for you, here are some key questions to think about: Do you need further education?Â What are the promotional opportunities?Â

Why a Trust?

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:21:24 +0100

Historically, the Federal Estate Tax has been a fact of life (or, rather, a fact of death) for many Americans.Â This tax is levied on the estates of decedents, and could consume almost fifty percent of a decedentâs net worth, above a statutorily determined exempt amount.Â By applying estate planning techniques skillfully, the taxpayer could minimize the impact of such taxes on their beneficiaries and heirs.

Drugs: Why Rehab Rarely Works

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:20:40 +0100

There is no debate about minor drugs leading to bigger drugs, but not everyone who smokes pot and parties with alcohol in high school turns into an addict.Â Parents need to keep things in perspective, because no matter how much a parent may feel these behaviors are ultra dangerous, most teenagers feel it is a normal part of their young lives.Â Contradicting something someone feels is true, typically only causes conflict.Â The best thing to do to prevent these behaviors is to seek out a profes ...

New Problems for Seniors Moving From a Hospital to a Nursing Home

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:20:02 +0100

A growing number of Medicare beneficiaries who are transferred from a hospital to a nursing home are discovering Medicare wonât pay for the first 20 days of their nursing home stay.Ordinarily, Medicare covers nursing home stays entirely for the first 20 days as long as the patient was first admitted to a hospital as an inpatient for at least three days.Â But hereâs the problem: A lot of people are discovering they were never actually âadmittedâ to the hospital for three days, but rather ...

If Your Child Support Order is About to Terminate, it May Be a Good Time for a Spousal Support ...

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:19:07 +0100

In Marriage of Kacik, the parties had a 16-year marriage.Â Husband had earnings of $11,000 per month.Â The parties had one child together.Â In 2001, the Judgment awarded child support and spousal support to the wife.Â However, in the Judgment, the spousal support was to reduce from $1,600 per month to zero by February 2008.Â The minor child aged out of child support in 2006 so the child support reduced to zero in August 2006.Â In February 2008, Wife petitioned the court to increase spousal ...

Advance Planning is Essential for Seniors

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:18:25 +0100

The 65-and-over population is the fastest growing population in the United States.Â Advances in the medical field have produced a new population of frail, elderly individuals.Â Our every day vocabulary now includes phrases and words that reflect our aging population, such as âsandwich generation,â âcaregiverâ and âsenior moment.âÂ Now more than ever, adult children of all ages are called upon to care for their elderly parents, and the challenges can be overwhelming.

Children Needing Safe, Loving Homes

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:17:47 +0100

Every child deserves to have a safe, loving and permanent home.Â With 114,000 children currently in foster care and many unable to return to their families of origin, Childrenâs Bureau is seeking caring families to consider fostering and adoption of older children and large sibling sets.Â The agency is holding a monthly information meeting for those interested in learning more on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Westfield Valencia Town Center located ...

The Hearsay Rule

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:17:28 +0100

Thatâs hearsay!Â Non-lawyers love throwing around the word âhearsay.âÂ But do they really know what it means?Â Hearsay is an out of court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter being asserted.Â Try explaining that to your nine year old.Â I hope you have better luck than I did.Â With that kind of definition, it is easy to understand why most non-lawyers are clueless.Â So let me try to explain it a little better.Â If someone comes into court to say something and they are ...

Alzheimerâs: The Rising Epidemic Activities and Communication Tips for a Better Quality of Life

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:16:28 +0100

Every 70 seconds, someone in the US develops Alzheimerâs, according to the Alzheimerâs Association.Â Dependable Senior Assistants LLC is helping raise awareness of the enormous impact of this increasing epidemic.
Structured activities that involve and interest the person with Alzheimerâs will help minimize the disturbing behaviors associated with the disease, such as:

Repossession After Bankruptcy

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:15:04 +0100

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, a debtor must decide whether or not he can afford to keep his primary vehicle if there is a loan secured by the vehicle.Â Because a car qualifies as personal property, if the debtor wants to be sure to retain a vehicle, they need to reaffirm the loan or redeem the loan for the value of the vehicle.Â Of course, if the debtor owns the car outright with no loan remaining, this does not apply.

But Thatâs Not Fair!

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:14:18 +0100

As a family law attorney, I frequently hear this from people the first time they walk into my office.Â The first thing I tell them is that people who spend a lot of time worrying about whether or not something is âfairâ tend to have difficulties while going through a divorce.Â Divorce is a process, governed by laws and precedent. Â Determining whatâs fair and what isnât can be a tough call in many areas of life, in business, in sports, even the grade on your childâs last test.Â Howe ...

Alcoholism is a Disease, Not a Rite of Passage

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:13:48 +0100

The headline read âIntoxicated Students Taken To Henry Mayo.âÂ These teens were drinking at school, not just any school, but one of our local high schools.Â My young friend Allen, at the age of 15, was found close to death on the sidewalk near a Canyon Country park after drinking a quart of vodka in 15 minutes.Â Lucky for him, his friend called an ambulance and his parents.Â They saved his life.Â Year after year, despite the best efforts of parents and teachers, there are headlines acro ...

Divorce: the Prequel (Legal Separation)

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:13:05 +0100

The marriage didnât work out but the separation is great. â Liz Smith
There are three ways to change the legal elements of a marriage: divorce, legal separation and nullity.Â Only a legal separation continues the marriage while ending most of its essential aspects.Â Who would want that?

Summerhill Villa Celebrates 10 Years in the Santa Clarita Valley!

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:12:25 +0100

Summerhill Villa, Santa Claritaâs premiere senior independent and assisted living community is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month!Â Summerhill Villa is proud to be called âhomeâ by over 120 residents because of its friendly, warm and caring atmosphere.Â Summerhill Villa is âthe best of both worlds,â by offering seniors their own private apartment with the comfort of knowing that staff is available 24 hours a day to assist you if necessary. Â

Ask the Voicecat - April 2011

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:07:33 +0100

Readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita continue to send in interesting questions about the voiceover business.Â This month, a voice actor asks about videogame auditions.Q: A producer found my website, called me up, and asked me to audition for a videogame, sending me the script the next day.Â So I did the audition and he didnât like it.Â He said, âDelivery was flat.Â Since we donât have visuals, you have to be energetic and make the subtext the text, which is the opposite of visual a ...

Make Life Easier

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:07:02 +0100

In this day of iPods, texting, digitizing, and multi-tasking people require help in making life easier.Â Since we are all more cautious about spending, we can use quick, considerate, and inexpensive solutions to everyday problems.Â At Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoption Services, we know that people who are parents, foster parents, grandparents, can benefit from any of the following:

Training of the Family Caregiver

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:06:24 +0100

The number of unpaid family caregivers and its national economic value is staggering.Â The most recent study I could find was from 2006 and according to an AARP Public Policy Institute estimate, was over 354 billion (with a B!) dollars.Â This is more than formal health/home care and nursing home care combined.Â Most older adults with long-term care needs live at home, either in their own homes, with or without a spouse, or in the home of a close relative or friend.Â In this setting the major ...

Fooling Around

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:05:51 +0100

I collect quotes.Â I learn from âem.Â Iâm amused by âem.Â So, in honor of April Foolâs Day, I decided to step aside and let âem speak for themselves.Â Enjoy!
âThere was a time when a fool and his money were soon parted, but now it happens to everybody.â â Adlai E. Stevenson
âBetter to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.â â Mark Twain

For the Love of a Child

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:29:32 +0100

At Inner Circle Foster and Adoption Agency we find individuals who are willing and able to care for children when their parents are unable to do so.Â When a foster parent provides a loving home there is an opportunity to change a childâs life forever.
As a graduate student, I am required to attend numerous trainings.

Is Your House Community Property?

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:28:56 +0100

Even Though the Deed Says It Belongs to Your Spouse as His or Her Separate Property? A situation occurring frequently in family law cases is where, after the parties are married, they decide to put the family residence in one spouseâs name for the purpose of refinancing with the intent of getting a better interest rate based upon the other spouseâs bad credit.Â The parties eventually split up and the question in the dissolution proceeding is whether the house is community property despite t ...

You Are Destined For Greatness!

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:28:04 +0100

You were created by God and God does not create failures.Â In fact, God does not create average people.Â God only creates winners.Â God only creates over comers.Â God only creates victorious people.Â God only creates individuals with incredible destinies ahead of them.Â When God created you, He did so with phenomenal plans in mind.Â In fact, if the truth be told, you cannot physically, mentally, or emotionally handle God revealing to you right nowÂ all of the plans that He has in store fo ...

Discovering Careers Expo For Kids!

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:27:29 +0100

Attention Santa Clarita parents! What do your kids want to be when they grow up? Thereâs no simple answer, and it deserves serious consideration.Â The SCV School & Business Alliance wants to give our kids a hands-on opportunity to explore jobs and careers from the men and women who do those jobs in our valley every day. Â

Have an Aging Parent or Loved One? Get a Plan!

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:26:42 +0100

Statistics tell us that most seniors will require some type of care as they age.Â This care may be basic, such as help with cooking, shopping, and paying bills.Â Or, it may be more advanced, such as bathing, incontinence care, and feeding.Â Needing care and assistance is now commonplace as we all live longer.Â Â Add stroke, dementia, and Alzheimerâs to the equation, and there is no doubt that more concentrated care and assistance will be required.Â

Addiction: Something Different An Alternative Treatment to 12 Steps

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:26:01 +0100

There are many different types of addictions and different sorts of people struggling with it as well.Â Yet there seems to be very few choices for treatment outside of 12 step programs.Â Most sober living homes, treatment facilities and out-patient programs run 12 step based programs.Â While there is nothing wrong with 12 step programs, their success rate is way down in this generation, something around only 10 percent.Â

Why a Will, When You Have a Trust?

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:25:30 +0100

A revocable living trust is a particularly useful estate-planning device.Â If drafted and funded properly, it can help ensure the implementation of our wishes for the after-death disposition of our property while avoiding probate and possibly Federal estate tax.The living trust does not stand alone, however.Â Other documents are necessary parts of a well-developed estate-planning package.Â For example, the Last Will and Testament still has an important function as a âpour-over,â or coordi ...

Is It a Learning Disability?

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:24:33 +0100

March is an important month in education.Â For parents, it is crunch time for academic decision making.Â Parents who have students who are falling behind in elementary school may start to consider grade retention.Â Plans for summer vacations may have to be scrapped to allow secondary students to attend makeup classes.Â However, grade retention and repeating classes only allows for another shot at the same material.Â The underlying reasons for failure are not addressed.Â School failure may ...

Foster Parents Needed!

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:22:09 +0100

Every child in America deserves to have a safe and nurturing home!Â Childrenâs Bureau is holding a monthly information meeting for those interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent on Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Westfield Valencia Town Center located at 24201 W. Valencia Boulevard in Valencia.Â The meeting will be in the Community Room next to Ann Taylor Loft between J. C. Penney and Prince of Jewelers.

Does Your Estate Plan Include Your Pets?

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:21:24 +0100

Does your estate plan include your pets?Â Have you considered your pets when planning your estate?Â If not, you should, according to the Humane Society of the United States, the nationâs largest animal protection organization.Â âSince pets have shorter life spans, people donât think to include them in their estate plans,â says Anne Culver, Director of Disaster Services for the Society.Â âBut animals left homeless when an owner has failed to make adequate provisions for their care a ...

Homeowners Insurance Questions and Answers

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:20:54 +0100

If you are in the process of buying a home, you probably have questions concerning your coverage.Â Here are a few of the most common questions we receive as well as their answers.Does your homeowners insurance cover against losses due to fire, lightning, tornadoes, windstorms, hail explosions, smoke, vandalism, earthquakes and theft?Â Your homeowners insurance will usually cover a large number of threats, including all of the above with the exception of earthquakes.Â You should always consult ...

Ask the Voicecat - March 2011

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:19:59 +0100

I hope all readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita are enjoying the Southern California winter weather and not gloating over it with your friends and relatives back east!Â This month, a voice actor asks about pronouncing the current year.
Q: How do you pronounce 2010?Â Half of the time I hear âtwo thousand tenâ and the other half âtwenty-ten.âÂ Which is it?Â And therefore, how do you pronounce 2011? âHarry S, San Diego, CA

Talk To Your Teen About Sex

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:18:52 +0100

Sex.Â In some households, itâs a dirty word and in some households, it means open communication.Â The month of March is designated nationally as âTalk To Your Teen About Sex Month.âÂ And while I believe that we should be talking to our teens on a daily basis about a number issues, I am grateful that the month of March has been established to talk to your teens about sex.Â Hopefully, this will inspire you to take the time to have an open and frank discussion with your teen about sex.

Mediation: Should I Be Careful of What I Say?

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:18:14 +0100

If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees. â Kahlil Gibran
Under California law, anything said or any admission made for the purpose of, in the course of, or pursuant to, a mediation or mediation consultation is confidential and cannot be later used in any non-criminal action (Evidence Code Â§1119).Â What does that mean and why is that important?

Do You Need to Plan for a Bankruptcy?

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:17:47 +0100

Most people do not anticipate filing bankruptcy.Â In fact, many try so hard to avoid filing that they end up waiting too long and not taking full advantage of the bankruptcy laws designed to protect them.Â In many cases, prospective debtors seek bankruptcy advice only after they have depleted all their assets, emptied their bank accounts and have a mountain of debt.Â While that is the noble thing to do, it is not always the most financially sound course of action.

Pregnant? Brush and Flossâ¦ Please

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:15:55 +0100

Taking good care of your teeth while pregnant can impact the health of your unborn child.Although the care of neonates has come a long way in the past 50 years, babies are healthier when they are born on time.Â Prematurity can result in a whole host of problems so it makes sense to do whatever possible to carry your baby to term before delivering.As pediatricians, we are focused on the health and well being of children. Getting children off to a good start is key to that mission.You might not r ...

It's Time to Plant!

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:15:26 +0100

The month of March tells us that spring is right around the corner.Â And, of course, spring is planting time.Â If we want to have a harvest in the fall, we need to plant the right seeds now, during springtime. Â
What a wonderful picture life gives us of the principle of faith.Â God gives us both the natural principle of sowing and reaping, and the spiritual principle of giving and receiving.Â Listen to what He says.

Thorns and Roses

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:15:04 +0100

Spring is in the air.Â Can you feel it?Â Within the next few weeks, even for us in sunny California, those chilly days of winter will come to an end and weâll get to welcome that time of year characterized by fresh new beginnings.Â For we who are impatient for winter to end (like my nectarine tree which already started to display beautiful perky pink blossoms well ahead of schedule), spring canât come too soon.

Yesterday

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:14:15 +0100

Yesterday weâ¦
Cleaned out an oven and helped a lady put on her shoes.
We made scrambled eggs and wheat toast and helped a gentleman take his medications.
We brushed a womanâs hair and helped another fold some clothes.
We drove a widow to her husbandâs gravesite and brushed away the leaves.

Why We Struggle So Much with Grief and Loss

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:13:29 +0100

âIâm sure I have unfinished business in many of my relationships, but I would rather just let sleeping dogs lie.âÂ Many people feel this way when it comes to loss, trauma and unresolved grief events.Â The past is over and done with, the brain says.Â Move on, keep going.But the heart has a logic all of its own, something the brain doesnât know about. The heartâs motto is: âI have to go out there and make yesterday different.âÂ The brain thinks thatâs ridiculous, so the heart s ...

Creating Healthy Habits

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:13:09 +0100

"Senior Move Managers" Can Make Moving Easier

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:40:33 +0100

Moving can be stressful for anyone, but it is particularly stressful for seniors.Â On top of hiring movers, packing, and setting up a new home, there is the emotional toll of leaving a house the senior may have lived in for decades.Â If a move seems overwhelming, a âsenior move managerâ may be able to help.
Senior move managers are a new profession dedicated to helping the elderly with all the emotional and physical aspects of moving.Â

Seniors Beware: An Old Scam Invades Our Valley

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:39:38 +0100

Twenty five years ago, a male voice on the other end of the telephone scared my elderly grandmother.Â He simply said, âI need help.âÂ Her response â âAlan, is that you?âÂ He responded, âYes, itâs Alan, and Iâm in jail.Â I need bail money, can you please send $2,000 right away?Â Donât tell anyone, Iâm embarrassed, and Iâll explain later.âÂ My grandmother had no idea that the male caller was not her son Alan, but a con artist trying to invade her wallet over the telep ...

Addiction: Families in Pain

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:39:05 +0100

As an addiction counselor I see a lot of families in tremendous pain.Â It is the hardest part of my job and the only comfort is knowing that if I work hard and get them to work hard that the pain they experience can be transmuted into joy and healing and an even more profound appreciation for life than they ever had before.Â Often when I meet them they are exhausted from trying to help their addicted loved one and want to give up.

Avoiding Car Accidents

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:38:41 +0100

Too often we receive calls from clients who have just been in a car accident.Â This is very upsetting to us.Â Thus, we want to do whatever we can to help reduce accidents for our clients and for everyone who reads The Magazine of Santa Clarita.Â Here are a few tips and reminders that can prevent an accident from happening.At a stop sign, be sure to check for incoming cars twice before pulling into an intersection.Â Accidents with serious injuries happen too often because of drivers neglectin ...

The New Year: Donât Go On A Diet!

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:37:49 +0100

It is definitely time to make your new yearâs resolution if you havenât already done so.Â Instead of losing weight, exercising more, and other âclichÃ©â resolutions, try this: âThis year, I will create an estate plan for me and my family!âÂ So forget about the diet this year, and instead, draft some legal documents that will be helpful to you and your family.Instead of pulling a muscle by exercising or starving yourself with a silly diet, spend some time creating an estate plan.Â ...

New Change in the Law May Affect Child Custody Cases

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:37:00 +0100

With the New Year comes a potentially important change in California law which may affect child custody cases.Â I say âmayâ because the impact of the law is speculative at this point. Â What I am referring to is a change in Family Code Â§3042 which became effective at the start of this year.Under prior law, if the child was of sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent preference as to custody, the court was to consider and give due weight to the wishes of the child ...

The Importance of Secure Attachments in the Foster and Adoption Experience

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:36:16 +0100

The sooner an infant or young child can restore a healthy attachment to a primary caregiver, the more likely the child can develop healthy emotional relationship capacities.Â Disrupted attachments can result in a myriad of problems from grief and loss to more serious disorders.Â

Do You Ever Wonder About Heaven?

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:35:11 +0100

Maybe you are like many of us who have real questions about what happens after this life.Â We wonder, âIs there a real place called Heaven?Â If so, whatâs it like?Â Is it boring?Â Would I even want to go there?Â If Heaven is a real place, does that mean thereâs a Hell, too?Â If so, whatâs that like?Â And who decides who goes where?âIf these questions or others like them have ever occurred to you, come and visit NorthPark Community Church during the month of February.Â Dr. Dave ...

Ask the Voicecat

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:34:24 +0100

Readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita sent me some great questions last year, and Iâm looking forward to answering more this year and hopefully enlightening you a bit about the voiceover industry.Â This month, a voice actor asks about creating a website.
Q: It appears that personal V-O websites are crucial.Â Should a newcomer invest in a website soon after recording a demo, or does a site with only one demo connote inexperience?

Repeating a Grade A Good Idea or Not

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:33:34 +0100

Many parents consider the option to hold their child back a year by repeating a grade.Â It seems like it makes sense; one more year to grow and mature, to review and master concepts that they may have struggled with.Â However, research suggests otherwise. Â Boys are much more likely to be recommended for grade level retention than girls.Â As youngsters, boys are more active and more likely to be off task in the classroom.Â Typically, early language development in boys is behind that of his l ...

Think Twice, Act Once, and Don't Second Guess

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:32:03 +0100

Apply yourself.Â Get all the education you can, but then, by God, do something.Â Donât just stand there, make it happen. â Lee IacoccaIn his book, Blink, Malcolm Gladwell proposes that intuitive decisions are more often the best decisions; that too much information creates âanalysis paralysis.âÂ The psychologist John Gottman applies this principle to marriages.Â He claims to have 95 percent accuracy in predicting divorce after spending one hour with a couple.Â There are significant ...

Foster Parents Needed!

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:31:11 +0100

Every child in America deserves to have a safe and nurturing home!Â Childrenâs Bureau is holding a monthly information meeting for those interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent on Saturday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Westfield Valencia Town Center located at 24201 W. Valencia Boulevard in Valencia.Â The meeting will be in the Community Room next to Ann Taylor Loft between J. C. Penney and Prince of Jewelers. Childrenâs Bureau currently needs foster parents, pa ...

Thank You 2010! - Part Two

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:30:24 +0100

Last month we discussed how 2010 gave us two very important questions to ponder as we strive to make 2011 the best year to date.Â The reality is, 2010 brought some awesome learning experiences and opportunities for advancement in your life, and if evaluated properly will propel you into new territory that you never imagined could become a reality.Â The first question we asked ourselves was, âWhat worked for me in 2010?âÂ

Have I Told You Lately?

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:28:58 +0100

As Valentineâs Day approaches, many people are waiting to see what their significant other is going to do to prove their love.Â Are you looking to be wined and dined?Â Are you waiting to receive a proposal of marriage?Â Do you expect cards and gifts?Â Do you need to get more than just a card to feel adequately adored?Â Are flowers or candy or jewelry compulsory?Â Are you feeling pressure to spend beyond your means to meet your partnerâs expectations?Â Are you motivated more by Hallmar ...

Explosive Teen Anger Could Be Depression or Drug Use Related

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:28:30 +0100

Itâs a common occurrence.Â We open our morning newspapers or turn on the television or radio to find yet another violent episode in which teens are perpetrators of brutal and senseless actions.Â Frequently there is no explanation other than a deeply rooted anger had taken over the teen.Anger is often regarded as negative; weâre taught that itâs all right to express anxiety, depression, or other emotions, but not to express anger.Â As a result, we donât learn how to handle it or channe ...

Masonry Training: Skills You Can Set in Stone

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:27:53 +0100

Golden Oak Adult School now teaches Masonry.Â A licensed contractor teaches students the history, tools/equipment, safety, prep/application, and use of masonry products.Â

Beyond Chocolate and Cards

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:27:27 +0100

Valentineâs Day is coming - that day when romantics all over the world do their very best to find clever ways to express their love to their Valentine with things like chocolates, hearts, roses, poetry, and surprises.Â As for the rest of us, well, thank goodness for Hallmark!I just wonderâ¦ is candy and cards our best shot at expressing love to someone?Â I hope not, because chocolate is going to get old after awhile!Â God has some wonderful ideas about love that can take us beyond chocolat ...

A Debtor with Income Above the State Median May Still be Able to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:25:47 +0100

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, a debtor or his attorney must complete a form, which establishes a current monthly income to help determine whether the debtor qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.Â The form is often called the âMeans Test.âThe current monthly income is calculated using the income received in the six âmonth period prior to the month in which the case is filed.Â That six-month total is converted into a yearly income by multiplying the number by two.Â When the yearly incom ...

Santa Clarita Christian Fellowship Receives 2010 Best of Canyon Country Award

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:24:33 +0100

U.S. Commerce Associationâs Award Plaque Honors the AchievementSanta Clarita Christian Fellowship has been selected for the 2010 Best of Canyon Country Award in the Places of Worship category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).Â The USCA âBest of Local Businessâ Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country.Â Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business cate ...

A Heart Healthy and Happy Valentine's Day

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:23:04 +0100

Most seniors probably donât think of this, but some of the delights of Valentineâs Day, such as romance, wine, fruit and chocolate can be down right good for the heart, according to research from the University of Michigan.Of course, moderation is always key when enjoying food and wine, but there are components in cherries, grapes and wine that can lower blood pressure and protect heart muscle.Â According to Steven F. Bolling, M.D professor of cardiac surgery at the University of Michigan M ...

Fight the Holiday Blues with a Rainbow of Possibilities Helping Seniors Experience the Joys of ...

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:50:26 +0100

Dependable Senior Assistants want to help spread joy to older adults in our community this holiday season by offering some useful tips and advice.Â For most people, the holidays represent a wonderful time of year to share the joys of family and friendship.Â But for some older adults, this time of year can be extremely difficult. âFor many older adults, the memories of holidays past outshine present day celebrations, and they find it difficult to experience joy in the present,â said Dmitry ...

City Honored for Golden Valley Bridge Project

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:49:47 +0100

The City of Santa Clarita Transit has been chosen to receive a 2010 Best APWA Project of the Year Award from the Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA).Â The APWA award recognizes public agencies for their outstanding projects and programs.
Golden Valley Road Bridge is part of the Cross Valley Connector, a major east-west corridor that reduces travel times and directly links State RouteÂ 14, State RouteÂ 126, Interstate 5, and Sierra Highway.

Thank You 2010! Part One

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:49:08 +0100

Can you believe it is 2011!Â Wow!Â Guess what?Â You made it!Â I know it wasnât easy.Â I know you had some ups and some downs.Â I know you experienced some highs and some lows â but no matter what 2010 threw your way, you can officially look back and say, âI made it!âÂ You made it through the heartaches, the headaches, the disappointments, the negativity, the pains, the discouragements, and the depressing situations.Â

Foster Parents Needed!

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:48:27 +0100

Every child in America deserves to have a safe and nurturing home!Â Childrenâs Bureau is holding a monthly information meeting for those interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent on Saturday, January 29 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Westfield Valencia Town Center located at 24201 W. Valencia Boulevard, Valencia 91355.Â The meeting will be in the Community Room next to Ann Taylor Loft between J. C. Penney and Prince of Jewelers.

Zonta Life Forward Workshops Resume With Budget Food Program, Child Care

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:40:43 +0100

How to make âEasy, Healthy and Nutritious Meals on a Budgetâ will be the topic for the next LifeForward workshop offered by Zonta Club of the SCV from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 22.Â The workshops, offered free to local women, have been on hiatus for a few months while Zonta sought a new location where they could offer childcare.Â The workshops are now scheduled at Desert Streams Church, located at 26873 Ruether Avenue in Canyon Country.Free childcare for pre-registered parti ...

Care Costs for Seniors are on the Rise

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:40:11 +0100

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans age 65 and older will double in the next 20 years.Â This means that:
1. Millions of adult children will be exposed to the demands of caregiving as their parents age; and
2. Spouses will become caregivers as their elderly husbands and wives suffer the effects of advanced age. Â

Resolutions for 2011

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:39:48 +0100

Itâs not too late to make New Yearâs Resolutions, and to get our legal and financial houses in order.Â Here are some resolutions we can all accomplish:
1. Organization:
â¢ Label and store all closed bank and financial accounts.
â¢ Place an up-to-date summary of your familyâs assets and debts in an Assets file.

Offering Employees Health Insurance is a Choice

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:38:57 +0100

Under California law, employers with two or more full-time employees, including the owner are guaranteed group coverage should they choose to purchase it, regardless of the health status of the employees.Â To qualify, employers need only have been in business longer than two months, comply with insurer requirements regarding the employerâs contribution and employee participation, offer coverage to all eligible full-time employees, have not committed fraud against the insurer and continue to p ...

To Divorce or Not to Divorce, That is the Question

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:38:35 +0100

According to the US Census, with 44 states and the District of Columbia reporting, the number of marriages which occur per year are 2,077,000.Â The marriage rate is 6.8 per 1,000, meaning close to seven of every thousand persons get married per year.Â Astoundingly, the divorce rate is 3.4 per 1,000.Â So, the amount of divorces is exactly half of the amount of marriages per year, meaning that for every two people getting married, one person is getting divorced.Â Thatâs a lot of divorces.

At NorthPark, We're Listening to Godâ¦and Our People

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:37:33 +0100

As 2010 came to a close, the people of NorthPark were learning to listen to God.Â Pastor Dave White did a fascinating series in the book of Mark during the Christmas Season called âWhispers of Wonder.âÂ Over the last four weeks of the year, we looked at four vignettes in the scriptures in which people were compelled by their faith to step out and trust God and expect Him to work in their lives.Â Dr. White challenged us to be grounded in our understanding of God as He has revealed Himself ...

Portrait Procrastination

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:36:55 +0100

Are you one of the many who make this crucial mistake you will regret later in life?Every year new clients tell me that they regret not beginning their childâs and family portrait documentation at the very beginning of their childâs journey through life.Â Itâs not that they donât value or see the importance of creating these timeless photographs.Â Being a new parent or welcoming a new child into your family makes a busy life even busier.Â Itâs very easy for the years to slip by.Â I ...

The Courage to Parent

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:36:17 +0100

Well, the holidays have passed and all over town new skateboards, all terrain vehicles and bicycles will be taken for a spin by novice riders.Â And parents will hold their breaths and hope for the best â as parents have been doing forever.Â In many ways it was simpler when those same parents were growing up.Â The rules were few and clear:Â come in when the street lights go on; be respectful to adults; obey your teachers; tell the truth.Â But children today have many more influences on the ...

New Year 2011 â Fresh Starts

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:34:55 +0100

Following the season of gift-giving and warm tidings, the year 2011 may begin with resolutions.Â You may start out with practical ideas that include saving money, losing weight, increasing time for exercise, and considering how you can reduce stress.Â Let me propose something else.Â Please consider what you can do to help a child or group of children have a fresh start in 2011.

Addiction Counseling: Statistics are Stupid

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:34:14 +0100

When I got my education in addiction counseling they tried to teach me a lot of things.Â Like the entire history of recovery; the origin of AA and such things that were not only uninteresting but that, even then, I suspected had absolutely no value in helping another individual.Â In over eight years of this work I have never met anyone in crisis that could be helped if they knew that AA began as a group called the Washingtonians in nineteen-whatever.Â Another major portion of what they teach ...

Huffing: A Teenage Killer

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:33:42 +0100

Bagging or huffing has reared its ugly head again.Â According to the latest statistics, most parents are in the dark regarding the popularity and dangers of inhalant use.Â However, children are quickly discovering that common household products are inexpensive to obtain, easy to hide and the easiest way to get high.Â According to national surveys, inhaling dangerous products is a widespread problem in the country.Â It is as popular as marijuana with young people.Â More than a million people ...

From "I Do" to "I'm Done"

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:32:54 +0100

The first time you marry for love, the second for money, and the third for companionship. â Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis It may be human nature for hope to spring eternal.Â A year ends â a year begins.Â We optimistically name the last moments of a year âNew Yearâs Eve,â choosing to focus on whatâs to come rather than dwell on what has been.Â We adopt adages like âa door opens for every door that shuts,â and âall endings are also beginnings.âÂ The truth, perhaps, is in how m ...

What is the Timeframe for a Bankruptcy?

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:32:15 +0100

The length of a time a bankruptcy filing will last varies based on the Chapter that is filed and the complexity of the case.In a Chapter 13 case, the debtor pays back a percentage of his debts over a period of time that generally lasts from three to five years, depending on how much money the debtor makes and how much debt the debtor has.Â The bankruptcy forms include a Means Test that helps the debtor and his attorney determine what percentage of the debts can be repaid.Â Some debts must be r ...

Ask the Voicecat - Jan 2011

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:30:55 +0100

Readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita have sent me some great questions this year, and I hope Iâve been able to enlighten you a bit about the voiceover industry.Â If you have any questions youâd like me to answer, please write to the editors and theyâll be glad to publish your question, or feel free to write to me directly.Â This month, a voice actor asks about the going rate for narrating audiobooks.

Happy New Year

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:30:22 +0100

Wow, another year has escaped us!Â And, with a mix of emotions, we look forward to the New Year and all that it will bring.Â Hoping, dreaming, fearing and planning, we plunge into a new year that God has given us.Â As we plan and prepare, we need to remember to keep
God in our plans and to keep ourselves in Godâs plan.
Listen to the wisdom in Godâs Holy Word:

Do Not Unintentionally Leave Your Children Unequal Shares By Mistake!

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:29:25 +0100

If you intend to leave your children equal shares of your estate, do not forget to consider any money or property held jointly with a child.Â If you have recently added a child to a bank account, own property jointly with one of your children, or have set up a payable-on-death account with a child as the beneficiary, you might want to revise your estate documents.

Staying Independent Geriatric Care Managers

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:28:34 +0100

Question: As my parentsâ age and their health deteriorates I am faced with major decisions.Â First, there were the subtle signs that mom had Alzheimerâs disease â the growing forgetfulness, placing a coffee cup in the oven, or sheâd go for a walk and not know how to get back.Â Dad carries the burden of care by managing things on the home front, but his health is deteriorating as well.Â I work full time and worry about them while I am at work.Â What can I do?Answer: This scenario is p ...

Tips for a Successful New Year!

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:27:48 +0100

As we begin 2011, most of us make resolutions to live a healthier, happier new year!Â Itâs never too late to make changes in order to achieve a healthy life style.Â And for our senior citizens, often it just takes a few small adjustments to make a big difference in their lives. Â Here are a few tips for seniors, and their families as well, that may help you achieve your goals in the new year.â¢ Eat snacks that are rich with nutrients.Â Instead of grabbing a bag of chips, seniors should rea ...

My Life as a Therapist

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:26:56 +0100

âHow can you suffer through one pathetic tale of woe after another?âÂ If I had a dollar, okay â in this economy $100, for every time Iâve been asked that question, I could take a weekend excursion to Oxnard!Feeling sorry for therapists is like being sad for someone with season tickets to the best seats in the theater.Â In my work, clients pay me to listen to their autobiographies, suspense thrillers, love stories, mysteries, dramas, and even a few comedies, fables, and fairy tales.Â ...

Bad Breath

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:25:24 +0100

A lot of people are embarrassed by bad breath, but it is a problem that can be solved.Â Certain foods and beverages also can cause breath issues that is just temporary.Â HalitosisÂ (bad breath) is also caused by poor oral hygiene.Â When you eat food particles get trapped between your teeth and in the tiny grooves on your tongue.Â The particles grow bacteria which release a sulfur compound that causes bad breath.Â Another facture is dry mouth that can be caused by certain medication and also ...

Living Trusts: The Cast of Characters

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:47:26 +0100

One of the most useful, flexible and cost-effective legal devices available is the Revocable Living Trust.Â If properly drafted and funded, a Trust can enable us to avoid probate and perhaps save hundreds of thousands of dollars of Federal estate tax.Â Its successful implementation depends not only on thoughtful planning and careful drafting, but also on the human factor, the people who are involved in the creation and administration of the trust.The cast of characters identified in a typical ...

Your Brain on Good Nutrition Proper Diet Can Protect Against Dementia

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:46:51 +0100

Good nutrition is beneficial at any age.Â Benefits worth noting are increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness/disease, higher energy levels, a more robust immune system, faster recuperation times and better management of chronic health problems.Â Now, however, proper nutrition for older adults is even more important, with research revealing that poor nutritional decisions can eventually lead to cognitive decline and dementia.It can be hard for seniors to maintain a healthy diet, in par ...

Blackout in a Can

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:46:30 +0100

A flurry of recent media reports has focused attention on emergency room visits following youthâs consumption of alcohol energy drinks â a subset of the flavored malt beverages known as alcopops.Â Itâs the rage among teens and college students â either purchasing energy drinks and combining them with alcohol or purchasing Alcohol Energy Drinks (AEDs) dubbed âblack out in a canâ by many.Seductive, the sugary, fruit-flavored beverages mask the flavor of alcohol, and the caffeine fuels ...

Who Pays for Your Car's Damage When You're in an Accident?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:45:59 +0100

No driver expects to be in an accident.Â Unfortunately, however, accidents do occur and itâs important for you to understand all of your auto insurance options.Â One thing we always recommend to our clients is that they maintain adequate collision coverage.Â If you have a loan or a lease on your car, your lender probably requires it.Â The reason is simple.If you are properly covered, your insurance company will pay for the damage to your vehicle regardless of whose fault the accident was. ...

Not Paying Attention to Your Property Taxes is Costly!

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:45:35 +0100

Even if you have paid off your mortgage, you still have to keep on top of property taxes.Â Most people who have a mortgage do not pay their property taxes directly.Â Instead, a little of each mortgage payment is put into an escrow account, and the lender pays the taxes from the funds in the account.Â

Working With Seniors Yields Rewards and Challenges

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:45:12 +0100

Working with senior clients can be very rewarding, but also very challenging.Â Senior clients enter my office with many unique circumstances that affect their goals, planning, and their future.Â Some situations I frequently encounter include:
â¢ Fears of getting older, getting sicker, and losing their independence;

Why Addicts are My Favorite People

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:44:22 +0100

Addiction is being more and more accepted as a disease rather than a moral, ethical or character defect.Â I prefer to categorize it as a disorder, the same way OCD, Bi-Polar and others are.Â These are personality disorders, not diseases.Â Addicts are a unique type of people.Â Their extreme view of themselves and the world they live in, make them long for and seek for something profound to experience and something that is beyond normal human experience.Â Unfortunately, mismanaged and misguid ...

Most Wealth Is Lost Within Two Generations

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:43:42 +0100

Have you ever given any thought as to how you will pass your financial wealth to your children? Â Responsible provisions can be built into your living trust to protect your children and their inheritance, no matter how modest or how abundant your wealth might be. Â Keep in mind that most wealth in this country is lost between one or two generations because people simply donât take the time to learn how to best pass on their wealth.

The Gift of Music

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:32:00 +0100

Music lessons for the holidays is a great fun and educational gift that Â everyone enjoys.Â Loweâs Music has offered music lessons for the past 10 years in the Santa Clarita Valley and hold the blue ribbon awards of being voted The Best Music Store in SCV for 2010, 2009, 2007 and 2006.

Make A Difference Day Exceeds Goal of 2010 Volunteers Celebrating 10th Year of Community Day of ...

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:30:40 +0100

November 2, 2010â¦ Make a Difference Day, Americaâs âNational Day of Doing Good,â took place, Saturday, October 23.Â During this largest single-day volunteer effort in the country, millions of people in communities across the nation woke up with a united purpose â to better their hometowns by helping their neighbors.Â October 23, Santa Claritans lent their collective hand in the altruistic undertaking, hosted each year, by HandsOn Santa Clarita in partnership with the City of Santa Cl ...

Keeping Your Mouth Shut â When Less is More

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:30:12 +0100

Having a big mouth can get you in a lot of trouble.Â Especially after you have been arrested.Â Everyone knows about the Miranda Rights from all of those great television shows.Â Unfortunately many people choose not to invoke them.Â In a time of trouble, it may seem like a good idea to cooperate or tell your side of the story.Â If you get such a feeling, just ignore it.Â

Retirement in the 21st Century

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:29:52 +0100

Retirement in the 21st century wonât look like our parentsâ or grandparentsâ retirement.Â New rules have come into play, which I believe should be considered for individuals to have the potential for a more comfortable retirement.
You will live longer.Â Â Average life expectancyâhow long one lives from birth to deathâaccording to the 2008 National Center for Health Statistics is 85 years for women and 82.2 years for men born in the United States.

Ask the Voicecat - Dec 2010

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:29:02 +0100

Separated with Children: The Holiday Coin Toss?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:28:28 +0100

Life's Lessons for the Holidays

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:28:00 +0100

Whether you work in the entertainment industry, communications, management, education, health care, recreation, or your family business, you learn life lessons.Â You learn how to relate to others, how to express your ideas, how to make people laugh or cry, and how to establish goals and set standards for your life.Â You also learn how to tolerate friction, handle disappointment, and tolerate hard times.Â

Who's Best Interest Is It Anyway?

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:27:08 +0100

â...in serving the best interests of children, we serve the best interests of all humanity.â â Carol BellamyItâs estimated that 40 percent of our children will experience parental divorce.Â Depression and anxiety, lower self-esteem, and more frequent use of psychological services are their likely inheritances.Â The good news is that 75 percent to 80 percent will have short term negative effects and develop social adjustment on a par with children of intact families.Â The bad news conc ...

Candy Drive Update

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:26:31 +0100

Thank you for your participation in our âHalloween Candy Buy Backâ event on November 1, in a few hours we collected more than 400 pounds ofÂ candy and with further donations that week we gathered over 500 pounds that will be sent to U.S. troops.As part of the program, kids received $1 for every pound of candy they donated at the office.Â In exchange, they received a dental goody bag that included toothbrushes and floss.Â TheÂ participants also entered a raffle and we would like to congratu ...

To Take it Personally, or Not to Take it Personally â¦

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:25:56 +0100

If he/she cheats on you, should you take it personally, or not?Â And if he/she doesnât?
If he/she says an unkind word to you, should you take it personally, or not?Â And if he/she doesnât?
If he/she follows through on a promise to you, should you take it personally, or not?Â And if he/she doesnât?

Stop Senior Hunger Food Drive a Success

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:21:26 +0100

Thanks, once again, to the SCVâs generosity for making Comfort Keepersâ âStop Senior Hungerâ food drive a success.Â With bins located throughout the valley, over half of a ton of food was raised.Â All proceeds were donated to our SCV Senior Center, for distribution to our seniors in need, at an event held at the center on November 6.Â Congratulations to Pat Gold, winner of the flat screen television grand prize!Â Keynote speaker, Cardiologist Dr. Samuel Kojoglanian, addressed the aud ...

Eliminating Holiday Stress for our Seniors

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:20:56 +0100

Be Careful About Credit Card Use Prior to a Bankruptcy Filing

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:20:15 +0100

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, the primary goal for most debtors is to discharge unsecured debt.Â That includes credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and even secured loans when the debtor is surrendering the security (such as a car or home).
Many debtors are aware that the bankruptcy code does not allow the discharge of some unsecured debts.Â Recent tax debt, student loans, government fines and penalties, child support and alimony are a few examples of non-dischargeable debts.

Linda Magara, Master's College Student Awarded Scholarship

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:48:16 +0100

Linda Magara, Santa Clarita Valley Club winner of the Jane M. Klausman (JMK) Women in Business award, was presented with a check in the amount of $500 for the Zonta International (ZI) District 9 JMK award by Marianne Cederlind at the October business meeting.Â Her application will be forwarded to ZI for consideration to receive one of twelve $5,000 scholarships.

Coping with a Strong Willed Teen

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:44:08 +0100

Do you ever feel like you are walking on eggshells around your own home?Â Does your teen say you never understand them?Â Do consequences seem useless?Â Does the smallest issue cause a blow up?Â If you answer yes to these questions, your teen may have a strong-willed temperament.The most common response of the parent of a strong willed teen is to attempt to gain control of their child and his or her behavior.Â This is often done by imposing restrictions, arguing, orchestrating their schedule ...

Meeting the Needs of an Elderly Family Member

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:40:36 +0100

Are you, your family members, or friends, struggling to meet the needs of an elderly loved one or spouse during a chronic illness or disability?Â If you see one of these signs of distress, it is time to get the right informationâfast!
1. The primary caregiver is suffering from burnout, ill health, frustration, guilt or confusion.

Taxing Thoughts

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:38:36 +0100

The first job of a revocable living trust is, as many of you already know, to avoid probate.Â For those who donât know, thatâs the court procedure whereby a decedentâs will is approved, a personal representative appointed, assets are identified and evaluated, creditorsâ claims are approved and paid, andâafter payment of administrative expensesâthe balance of the decedentâs assets are distributed to his/her beneficiaries or heirs.Â Probate is expensive, time-consuming, and a matte ...

Are You Having a Power Outage or a Power Failure?

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:37:43 +0100

Marshall Brain, educator/writer and founder of www.howstuffworks.com, when describing how electric power grids work, explained: âPower is a little bit like the air you breathe; you donât really think about it until it is missing.Â Power is just âthere,â meeting your every need, constantly.Â It is only during a power failureâ¦ that you realize how important power is in your daily life.â

Ask the Voicecat - Nov 2010

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:35:02 +0100

The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers always send me great questions about the voiceover business.Â Last month, a voice actor asked about ISDN.Q: I need to know some basic info about doing an ISDN session. âBob J., Los Angeles, CaliforniaHereâs part two of my answer:A: An ISDN session is where two studios (and engineers) are communicating directly, where all of the V-O tracks generated in your studio are being digitally âcapturedâ byÂ another studio.â¢ Arrive at least 15 minutes before ...

Holiday Hullabaloo

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:30:40 +0100

Summerâs over, fall is here, and the holiday season that starts with Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then moves to Chanukah and Christmas unfold.Â For some children who are not able to share the holidays with their parents, it is a critical time with intense emotions.Â What may appear to be a pleasant situation can suddenly turn into something painful and sad.Â Holidays remind certain children that they are not as lucky as other children who have forever families.

Center for Cooperative Divorce Building Bridges in the Separation Process

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:28:44 +0100

We would like to introduce you to the Center for Cooperative Divorce.Â The co-founders, Dana Schutz, a family therapist, and Irving Zaroff, an attorney and family therapist, have been working with families dealing with the difficulties of divorce for the past 15 years.Â What became apparent in this work was the impact of the divorce process itself.Â Litigation is an adversarial process and often triggers hostile and damaging responses to an already fragile system.

Medi-Cal Planning for Skilled Nursing Care

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:27:50 +0100

One of the greatest fears of elderly Americans is that they may require nursing home care.Â This not only means a great loss of personal autonomy, but also a tremendous financial price. Depending on location and level of care, nursing homes cost between $45,000 and $160,000 per year.Most people end up paying for nursing home care out of their savings until they run out.Â Then they can qualify for Medi-Cal to pick up the cost. However, with careful planning, whether in advance or in response to ...

A Heart of Thanksgiving

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:26:23 +0100

In this day and age, when we want so many things right here and right now, it can be easy to sit down and compose a list of all of the things that we deem to be wrong in our lives.Â It can be easy to get caught in a cycle of never being happy or never being satisfied.Â Despite having a home, too often irritation sets in because the home is all of a sudden not big enough, or not new enough, or perhaps not decorated enough.Â

Workers' Compensation Insurance Basics

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:25:45 +0100

California law states that all employers are required to maintain workersâ compensation insurance.Â Failure to do so makes a business vulnerable to penalties and fines.
When employees suffer injuries on the job, they usually file claims for workersâ compensation.Â Once filed, employees receive payment in lieu of the wages they would have received.Â In addition, employees are entitled to medical treatment at no cost to them.

Xanax: Dangerous, Lethal and a Total Waste of Time

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:25:05 +0100

Xanax has become one of the most prolific drugs in our society.Â I complained once to a medical (ear) doctor about stress and she asked me if I would like a prescription for Xanax.Â I told her as a medical doctor without any training in behavioral or emotional issues she was unqualified to recommend it let alone prescribe it.Â The public does not seem to know the dangers of this drug.It is prescribed to treat anxiety.Â Anxiety is not a disorder anymore it is a symptom of modern living.Â ...

The Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children's Cancer The Foundation Receives $10,000 Gift from ...

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:23:55 +0100

On October 14, 2010, the Los Angeles Italian American Golf Club presented a check for $10,000 to the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Childrenâs Cancer, to fund their work supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families.Â The proceeds were raised though a golf tournament at the Valencia Country Club on August 23, 2010.Â The check was presented by Club board members, Chris Angelo, Dan Ginnetti, Jack Impellizzeri and Rene Emeterio.Â

Don't Forget Commissions When Filing Bankruptcy?

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:03:02 +0100

When filing bankruptcy, debtors must list all their assets on the bankruptcy schedules to show the Trustee and the court that the assets they have are exempt (protected) and should not be liquidated by the Trustee to pay creditors.One type of asset that debtors often do not mention are anticipated commissions or payments they expect to receive after the filing of the bankruptcy case, but which were earned prior to the filing.Â Debtors are not always aware that assets that have not yet been rece ...

Medicare Nursing Home Coverage: Less Thank You Think?

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:02:33 +0100

While Medicare covers nursing home stays, exactly what it covers is complicated and in some cases it can be much more limited than people think.Â If you or a loved one might need a stay in a nursing home, it is very smart to understand the rules ahead of time, so you can be prepared and not have an unpleasant surprise.Medicare covers up to 100 days of âskilled nursing careâ per illness.Â However, in order for the care to be covered, the patient must enter a nursing home (or a Medicare-appr ...

What is Asset Allocation?

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:00:50 +0100

Asset allocation* is an approach to investing and one of the most important decisions for your investment portfolio.Â Asset allocation simply means spreading investments over a variety of different asset categories, such as equities, cash or cash alternative investments, bonds, real estate, foreign securities, and possibly even precious metals and collectibles.Â This is also known as diversification.Â Â

National Adoption Month Recognizing Compassion of Adoptive Families and Raising Awareness of ...

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:59:29 +0100

National adoption month in November is a time to recognize and thank adoptive families for their compassion while also raising awareness of the need for every child in America to have a safe, loving and permanent home.Â With 129,000 children currently in foster care, Childrenâs Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adoption.Â The agency is holding an informational meeting for those interested in learning more on Thursday night, November 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Six Flags Magic ...

Tween Drinking on the Rise

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:58:49 +0100

âMy name is Emily and in seven years, I will be an alcoholic.Â Iâll start drinking in the eighth grade.Â But my parents wonât really notice because Iâll do okay in school and everything will be okay.Â But everything wonât be okay.Â Kids who drink before the age of 15 are five times more likely to have alcohol problems when they are adults.ââMy name is Brandon and in nine years I will be an alcoholic.Â Iâll start drinking with the older kids and whatever they do, Iâll do.Â ...

Some Interesting Facts Regarding Dreams

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:58:01 +0100

After working with dreams for more than 30 years, what continues to amaze me is that we dream at all.Â For dreams show usâeven as we sleep and regardless of their particular contentâthat we are creative beings.
No one knows why we dream.Â Theories abound, but one thing is quite clear: Dreaming is essential for our survival and overall well-being.Â Here are some interesting facts regarding dreams:

Living With the Empty Chair at Holiday Dinners

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:56:30 +0100

The holidays can be times of joyous celebration but often painful reminders of missing loved ones.Â The prospect of the empty chair at mealtimes can evoke overwhelming sadness and loneliness.Â Everything we touch, taste and smell may be reminders.Itâs normal and natural to miss someone and feel sad.Â The tendency, however, is to avoid sad thoughts by burying the feelings or distracting ourselves, according to Jeff Zhorne, director of the Grief Program and a resident of Valencia.Â We may wi ...

Flu Season is Upon Us Keeping Seniors Healthy!

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:55:16 +0100

The flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus, which spreads easily from person to person.Â Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can also lead to pneumonia.Â The flu can be very dangerous to the elderly, so it is important to understand what you can do to keep yourself healthy.

Is Settlement Right for You

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 19:54:33 +0100

Is settlement right for you?Â A lot of you are probably asking yourselves what kind of question is that.Â Settlement is best for everyone, isnât it?Â If everyone truly believed this, a lot of cases would settle a lot more quickly.Â Everyone knows that most cases settle.Â Perhaps the real question is this one: Is settlement right for you now?Â Settlement negotiations can take place before a lawsuit is filed, while a lawsuit is pending, right before the start of trial, in the middle of tri ...

Estate Planning What Happens to My Business If I Die?

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:53:21 +0100

A friend, whom weâll call Charlie, has assets in excess of $1,000,000.00, including his own business, a corporation in which he is the sole shareholder, director and officer.Â He asks, âIf I die, what will happen to my business?â
If his estate is subject to probate, everything will be tied up for eight months to a year.Â His personal representative wonât even be officially appointed for at least six to eight weeks after the filing of a Petition for Probate.Â

Family Fall Festival and Festivities

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:52:45 +0100

Autumn leaves
Swirling round and round,
Yellow, orange, red, brown
Falling to the ground.

Itâs that time of the year for celebrations.Â Parents are celebrating because kids are back in school.Â Kids are celebrating because Halloween candy and Christmas presents are just around the corner.Â Colored leaves, football, and pumpkins are all part of the season of autumn.

Your Tolerance For Risk

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:51:57 +0100

Before investing, a question you should consider is: What is my investment* risk tolerance?To determine your risk tolerance, you may want to consider some basic questions.Â What type of investor are you?Â Are you comfortable with risk?Â In other words, given the unpredictability of market fluctuations and potential loss, how much of a portfolio drop could you handle without hitting the panic button?Â Maybe you can tolerate a greater amount of risk in the hope that youâll make out with a be ...

Special Message to the Community From the Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:50:52 +0100

The impacts of the economy have yielded many sad results, not the least of which is the across the board decline in funds for non-profit agencies.Â Throughout our community and many others, non-profit agencies have struggled to stay alive and your local domestic violence center is no exception.If you or someone you know has ever been a victim of domestic violence, you should have a level of comfort in knowing that for nearly three decades, our community has supported a 24-hour domestic violence ...

Medicare's Limited Nursing Home Coverage

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:49:51 +0100

Many people believe that Medicare covers nursing home stays.Â In fact Medicareâs coverage of nursing home care is quite limited.Â Medicare covers up to 100 days of âskilled nursing careâ per illness, but there are a number of requirements that must be met before the nursing home stay will be covered.Â The result of these requirements is that Medicare recipients are often discharged from a nursing home before they are ready.

Letâs Talk About Keeping Your Sense of Humor in Times of Trouble

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:49:04 +0100

During the last few months, I have encountered many wonderful people who have been suddenly faced with serious life challenges, including physical and/or mental trauma, career lay-off, loss of a loved one, separation or divorce, serious medical concerns, financial hardship, hospitalization, watching loved ones struggle, caretaking, job-related stress, and the list goes on.Â Despite such challenges, I have been amazed at their resilience to cope as the world seems to be closing in.Â

Application Deadline Looms for Memorial Fund Grants

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:48:19 +0100

Applications are now available for mature women in the local community who would like to apply for the 2010 Virginia Wrage Memorial grants offered by Zonta Club of the Santa Clarita Valley.Â Application deadline is October 15.
The grants are awarded to women who have struggled to maintain emotional, social and economic independence following a life-altering event.Â Zonta last year awarded $7,000 in grants to women who needed assistance as they entered a new phase of their lives.

Crystal Meth: Lose Your Mind

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:44:56 +0100

It isnât only my opinion that meth is the most sinister and dangerous drug out there.Â The DEA knows it, addicts know it and the government knows it.Â I write more often about heroin and opiates, so why do I say now that meth is more dangerous?Â Opiate addicts can be, as all addicts, liars and thieves if thatâs what they need to do to get dope.Â But compared to meth addicts they are docile.Â When heroin users are loaded they are usually just taking up space, mellowed in the euphoria of ...

Are You Caring for an Aging Parent?

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:43:59 +0100

Did you know that there are more than 40 million adults who are âcaregiversâ to their elderly parents?Â Many of these adult children are balancing jobs and families of their own, yet provide assistance to their aging parent.Â These adult caregivers vary in age.Â Some are in their 30s with small children of their own, many are in their 40s and 50s, while a surprisingly large number are retired, and caring for an elderly parent in their 80s or 90s.

Special Needs Trusts Creating a Brighter Future for Individuals with Disabilities

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:43:04 +0100

Leaving an inheritance outright to a special needs child can be very problematic.Â If an individual with special needs receives an inheritance, the government will require the individual to spend all the money before they can qualify for needs based government benefits such as SSI and Medi-Cal.Â Full time care of a severely disabled individual can quickly exhaust a seemingly large inheritance.Â

The Custody Fight and How to Avoid It

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:42:24 +0100

When clients come into my office for a consultation and children are involved, the issue of custody can be very high on the list.Â When it is, the parents have been unable to figure out a custody schedule that works for both of them. When it is not high on the list, the parents have already made arrangements that have withstood the test of time. Those parents are to be commended.In order to try to avoid a custody fight, it is important for the parties to understand the considerations of the cou ...

Wine Tasting, Wills and Trusts! Come Taste and Learn

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:41:39 +0100

On Thursday, October 14, I will be hosting a âTaste & Learnâ at Vino 100, Santa Claritaâs premiere wine store.Â This is a free event that promises to be âtastyâ and âeducationalâ at the same time!Â Wine tasting will begin at 6 p.m. and will proceed until about 7:30 p.m.Â During the event, I will be presenting a short presentation outlining the fundamentals of Estate Planning.

Keep Your Home Safe: 20 Actions You Should Take - Part Two

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:40:54 +0100

As an insurance agent, weâre too often saddened by client losses that could have been prevented.Â Last month, I discussed 20 actions you can take to prevent serious injuries and fires.Â I would like to share another twenty things that you can do to help prevent accidents and disasters in your home.

Foster Families, Kinship, and Other Important Connections

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:40:17 +0100

What are kin?Â Are they just an expanded definition of family that includes a variety of relatives through marriage or birth?Â Or are kin an informal group of caring individuals that are friends and close to family?Â

Divorce and the Fork in the Road

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:36:36 +0100

âThe quality of our lives depends not on whether or not we have conflicts, but on how we respond to them.â
- Tom Crum
D-Day, the day you decide to divorce, is the last step in a long struggle between two people and, more precisely, within oneself.Â

Ask the Voicecat - Oct 2010

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:35:02 +0100

The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers always send me great questions about the voiceover business.Â Last month, a voice actor asked about ISDN. Â Q: I need to know some basic info about doing an ISDN session. âBob J., Los Angeles.A: An ISDN session is where two studios (and engineers) are communicating directly, where all of the V-O tracks generated in your studio are being digitally âcapturedâ byÂ another studio.Â Â To make sure your session goes smoothly, make sure you warm up on the wa ...

Prescription Drug Abuse Weighing the Risks

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:33:50 +0100

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in the United States and is a serious public health concern. In recent years, the number of individuals who, for the first time, consumed prescription drugs for a non-medical purpose; exceeded the number of first-time marijuana users. Because prescription drugs are legal, they are easily accessible, often from a home medicine cabinet. Many individuals who misuse prescription drugs, particularly teens, believe these substances are safer ...

NorthPark Community Church A Beautiful Place To Worship

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:27:54 +0100

NorthPark Community Church will celebrate the Grand Opening of its Phase 1 Building Project on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at all our Morning Services at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and Noon.Â You are cordially invited to come and experience the uniqueness of NorthPark. Â
The people of NorthPark have a vision to be a blessing to the community of Santa Clarita and beyond and the facility they have built is a thing of beauty.Â

Gail Pinsker Named Hart District's New Community Liaison Officer

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:26:26 +0100

Gail Pinsker, a long-time Santa Clarita Valley resident and education advocate, has been named community liaison officer for the Wm. S. Hart Union High School District.Â The appointment was approved by the district Governing Board at its Wednesday evening meeting and is effective immediately.
Pinsker replaces Pat Willett, who has held the position since it was created nine years ago, and who recently retired.Â

Children Needing Safe, Loving Homes

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:25:20 +0100

Every child deserves to have a safe, loving and permanent home.Â With 129,000 children currently in foster care and many unable to return to their families of origin, Childrenâs Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adoption of older children and large sibling sets.Â The agency is holding a monthly information meeting for those interested in learning more on Thursday night, October 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Six Flags Magic Mountain Administrative Offices located at 26101 Magic M ...

City's Cowboy Festival Receives Top Honors From International Festival & Events Association

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:23:24 +0100

The City of Santa Claritaâs annual Cowboy Festival was recognized with three prestigious awards from the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) during their Pinnacle Awards Ceremony last week. The Cowboy Festival received a Gold Award for Best Promotional Brochure, a Silver Award for Best Event Website and a Bronze Award for Best Commemorative Poster.

Take It One Day at a Time

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:21:51 +0100

It can be quite overwhelming trying to figure out the answers to all of your problems at once.Â Decide today that you are going to handle lifeâs problems a day at a time.Â Stay focused on today.Â Tomorrow certainly has its own issues; however, if you spend today worrying about tomorrow, then the productivity of today will be affected.Â

The Invisible Mystery

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:20:54 +0100

Thereâs an old ideaâset forth by Plato at the end of his Republicâthat each person enters the world called.Â In the Myth of Er, Plato tells us that each soul is given a unique soul-companion before we are born.Â As well, the soul of each of us selects a particular image, or pattern, that we intend to live out on earth.Â In the process of arrival, however, we forget all that took place.Â

A Power of Attorney is "Powerless" with Social Security

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:20:09 +0100

Many people become confused when they try to use a Power of Attorney to prove to Social Security they can handle the affairs of someone who is receiving this benefit.Â Social Security will not recognize this document.Â Social Security law says you can represent an individual and take care of his or her Social Security business only if a doctor or some other medical professional will sign a statement indicating the person is mentally incapable of handling his or her own Social Security affairs. ...

SCV Child & Family Center Foundation Honors "Guardians of Hope" Charter Members

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:18:02 +0100

On a Thursday evening marked by generosity and filled with gratitude, Child & Family Center Foundation honored its 2010 Guardians of Hope campaign charter members with a thank you event recognizing their special commitment to the children and families of the Santa Clarita Valley.

This yearâs inaugural Guardians of Hope campaign raised $129,000 in pledges and gifts from a range of community members.

Summerhill Villa to host "Soiree" to Benefit the Alzheimerâs Association

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:16:26 +0100

Currently more then five million Americans have Alzheimerâs disease and 78 million baby boomers are at risk unless we find a way to change the course of this disease.Â The Alzheimerâs Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimerâs care, support and research. Â
On October 19, Summerhill Villa will be hosting âSummerhill Soireeâ to benefit the Alzheimerâs Association.Â

Can You Make Change?

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:15:22 +0100

Have you ever tried to lose weight, quit smoking, spend less, refrain from drinking, stop gambling, or say ânoâ to drugs?Â Have you ever attempted to transform a feeling, improve a relationship, modify your point of view, or alter your circumstances?Â Have you ever promised to stop cheating, control your anger, or to stop tolerating a bad situation, only to find yourself apologizing or making excuses yet again?

Medi-Cal Planning for Skilled Nursing Care

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:18:37 +0100

One of the greatest fears of elderly Americans is that they may require nursing home care.Â This not only means a great loss of personal autonomy, but also a tremendous financial price.Â Depending on location and level of care, nursing homes cost between $45,000 and $160,000 per year.Most people end up paying for nursing home care out of their savings until they run out.Â Then they can qualify for Medi-Cal to pick up the cost.Â However, with careful planning, whether in advance or in respons ...

Judicial Admissions and the Importance of Truthful Pleading

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:17:55 +0100

For those of you who follow my monthly columns, you know that most of my topics are related to family law practice and procedure.Â This month however, the topic is one, which transcends family law practice.Â Legal papers submitted to the court are, and should be, drafted by attorneys.Â In civil cases, perhaps the most important document is the initial complaint.Â While it is certainly true that legal theories change over time, factual events should not.

Betty Ferguson Mes Amies Hosting Fun and Games Night!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:17:14 +0100

Betty Ferguson Foundation (BFF) Mes Amies womensâ group will be winding down after the Woman Of Honor (WOH) Dinner with a little fun and games night at the next gathering on September 21 at 7 p.m.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:16:48 +0100

Itâs a common saying - âA picture says a thousand words!âÂ You can talk about your car accident all day, but youâve got to take photos of any and all vehicle damage to make your point.Â Describing a horrific accident is fine, but showing an insurance adjuster youâre unrecognizable, now totaled vehicle goes much further to persuading an adjuster to pay more than a minimal offer.

Purchasing Auto Insurance

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:16:20 +0100

If you are watching television at all these days, you are undoubtedly seeing commercials for auto insurance.Â Virtually all of the commercials promote one thing, price.Â Naturally, we all want the lowest rates possible.Â But is auto insurance really a commodity?Â In other words, are all insurance plans and their companies the same?Â Will you discover a difference in benefits when you evaluate them?When shopping for insurance, in addition to price, make sure you compare similar values.Â Alw ...

What Makes Life Good?

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:15:49 +0100

When I think of the things that make life good, I think about family and friends, stimulating conversations, travel, music, art, books, mountains, beaches, good health, and children.Â Oh yes, there is also a swim with my grandson, playing dress-up with one granddaughter, and a nap with another.Â I canât leave out sharing time with a gathering of people my husband and I hold dear.Â There is also having a nice meal, or capturing a special moment with my special guy.Â

Drugs, Damage, Death

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:14:31 +0100

His father was awakened around 1 a.m. by the dog barking at a neighbor coming home.Â He got up to quiet the dog and walked past his sonâs room.Â He saw his son, lying on his back, foaming at the mouth, a syringe lay next to him, left over brown junk still in it.Â It took only half the dose to cause the overdose. Â This is real.Â Kids are either dying or damaging themselves permanently to satisfy the overwhelming craving for dope that takes hold of their minds once they are addicted.Â Ever ...

Cross Valley Connector Reduces Traffic Across City

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:13:57 +0100

City Reports Up To 40 percent Reduction in Daily Traffic at Busy Intersection. The Cross Valley Connector continues to reduce traffic volumes in the vicinity of one of the Cityâs major intersections âBouquet Canyon Road at Soledad â with a corresponding reduction in traffic accidents as well.The City uses its state-of-the-art ITS or Intelligent Transportation System to track traffic flow at major intersections where the infrastructure has been installed.Â One component of the ITS includes ...

Moving? You Might Need to Switch Your Medicare Plan

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:12:56 +0100

If you are over age 65 and preparing to move to another state â or even to another county â you will need to make sure your Medicare plan will still be in effect after you move.Â Whether your policy will still be valid depends in part on whether you have original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.Â If you have original Medicare, moving should not affect your benefits.Â However, if you have a Medigap policy as well, you will need to check with your insurer.Â

Do You Need A Living Trust? Maybe Not!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:12:11 +0100

I tell some prospective clients that come in to see me for an estate planning consultation, that they actually do not absolutely need a living trust.Â That does not mean that these individuals need not do any planning at all.Â What it does mean is that their estate planning goals and concerns can be addressed in other ways which happen to be simpler and less costly than living trust planning. Â

Can I File Bankruptcy Without My Spouse?

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:10:58 +0100

Many couples I meet with ask whether they must file bankruptcy together because they are married.Â The short answer is no, one spouse can file without the other joining on the bankruptcy petition.
Whether it is a good idea for one spouse to avoid filing requires a full analysis of the relationship and the debt both individuals are facing.

Divorce and the Color Red

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:09:39 +0100

âWhen anger rises, think of the consequences.â - ConfuciusA Non-Giving Emotional Reaction.Â Anger is a response to primary feelings that describe our self-image or our world view.Â It arises when we experience unresolved hurt, fear, sadness, guilt or shame.Â These are feelings that frequently get tapped into during divorce.Â They make us âsee red!âÂ The problem with seeing red is that it causes temporary blindness when you most need to see clearly.Â The question is âWhat should y ...

Retirement Planning Excuses

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:09:01 +0100

Every eight seconds an American turns 50; that is more than 10,000 people every day per AARP.Â As more people enter the second half of life, many are worried about retirement.Â Many believe that they will not have enough saved and some may use excuses to reconcile their perceptions with reality.
Even though the future holds many unknowns, what we say about our future could hurt us.Â Have you ever heard someone say?

Ask the Voicecat - September 2010

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:07:56 +0100

Readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita always send me great questions about the voiceover business.Â Last month, a voice actor asked about ISDN. Â Q: I need to know some basic info about doing an ISDN session.Â After theyâve done voice levels on me how will I know when itâs time to start recording, will I get a cue from the engineer?Â Should I slate my name before I start?Â Do I then do a 3-2-1- countdown then start talking?Â What sort of directions should I expect?Â Will the client ...

Hospice, End of Life, and Medicare

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:06:34 +0100

The term âhospiceâ invokes fear in the hearts of familiesâ¦ people often view it as a âdeath sentenceâ for their loved one.Â But instead, hospice provides wonderful assistance and support to patients and their families in very difficult times.Â Hospice care is provided when a doctor determines that a patient is likely to pass away within the next six months.Â Hospice is a âserviceâ that is provided by an approved team that must include a physician, nurse, physical therapist and o ...

Sacred Spaces At NorthPark Community Church We believe "Sacred Space" is Good for the Soul

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:05:54 +0100

A âSacred Spaceâ is a place which inspires, elevates and feeds the soul.Â NorthParkâs new 11-acre campus (located in the Rye Canyon Business Park) was designed in every detail to do just that!Â As we built the first of the three buildings which will eventually comprise our campus, we wanted it reflect our reverence for a creative God and our desire to bring people together with their Creator.Â We wanted the folks who come our way to be inspired by beautiful murals and scripture engraved ...

Children Needing Safe and Loving Homes

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:04:20 +0100

Every child deserves to have a safe, loving and permanent home.Â With 129,000 children currently in foster care and many unable to return to their families of origin, Childrenâs Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adoption of older children and large sibling sets.Â The agency is holding a monthly information meeting for those interested in learning more on Thursday night, September 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Six Flags Magic Mountain Administrative Offices located at 26101 M ...

New Year, New Cantor!

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:03:46 +0100

Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur signify the start of the New Year.Â For Jews across the globe, itâs a time of reflection and renewal.Â At Temple Beth Ami, we are excited to begin the New Year with a new member of our synagogue family.Â Cantor Kenny Ellis has joined Temple Beth Ami and the community will have a chance to hear his amazing voice during High Holy Days services at the Hyatt Valencia.Â Cantor Ellis comes to Temple Beth Ami after a long, distinguished career.Â

Clean for a Cause CleanWell Joins the Fight Against Breast Cancer with the CleanWell Hand ...

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:02:43 +0100

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CleanWell is partnering with CANCER101 (C101) in their mission to empower Breast Cancer patients and their caregivers to get organized and informed to fight their cancer.Â During the entire month of October, purchase the CleanWell All Natural Hand Sanitizer (six ounce) and 50 percent of proceeds will be donated to C101.

Angels Watching Over Us

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:02:16 +0100

Does everyone have a guardian angel?Â Yes, we all have a guardian angel that watches over us and protects us.Â In fact we have many angels at any given time in our lives that surround us.Â These angels are there to assist us when we need some extra guidance or extra healing.Â They love us unconditionally and love to help us brighten and lift our lives up to a higher way of being.

Dream On with Dr. RenÃ©e Coleman

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:39:44 +0100

Dreams can be quite a peculiar thing. Though they might be vivid, mysterious and adventurous while they are occurring, they are usually quickly forgotten and become but blurry images upon waking. We have all woken from a dream and tried our hardest to remember what happened but given up with little success. But what if remembering dreams didnât have to be an eternal struggle between memory and subconscious? This is where Dr. Renee Coleman comes in. As a certified Dream Tender, she is the key t ...

City Offers Fall Child Development Classes for Community Kids and Parents

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:39:20 +0100

The City of Santa Clarita is offering two fall child development classes designed to help prepare community kids for preschool and kindergarten.Â The classes, My Buddy and Me and Terrific Tots, begin the week of September 13 and lasts for 14 weeks.
My Buddy and Me is an exciting parent participation class offering parents and children quality playtime together with stories, songs, motor development activities and free play.Â

Start the New School Year Well

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:38:23 +0100

School is back in session; very soon parents will see their students with homework assignments.Â All too quickly, some of those same students will begin to fall behind their classmates due to incomplete and missing homework assignments.Â By the first reporting period, some students will resort to old habits of denying and lying about homework.Â Parents will try to find the right mix of encouragement, punishment, and rewards to get their floundering student back on track.Â Homework battles wi ...

Toddler Time With Edurne and Sophia Garwick

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:37:05 +0100

Terrible twosâ¦ Nope!Â That was cake!Â Itâs more like terrible threes!Â What I thought was a temper tantrum was nothing to what I have experienced with Sophia since she has turned three.Â It started the day we took her for her three-year old checkup (B.T.W. Itâs only one shot!Â Thank Goodness!) When we arrived at the doctors office, she immediately realized where we were, which is not a good thing.Â

Why Attend a Parent and Teen Support Program

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:36:32 +0100

This column space usually belongs to Cary Quashen, founder of the ACTION Parent & Teen Support Group Program, which meets 52 weeks a year at Canyon High School every Tuesday evening.Â However, today it becomes my space, space to share the importance of seeking help and attending a parent and teen support group.The teen years are tumultuous at best.Â Having said that, I can tell you I survived the teen years and raising our two teens wasnât always easy.Â And for those of you who know me, man ...

Focused and Concentrated Hands-on Training Environment

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:33:55 +0100

Our course is designed to give you a âhands-onâ training in a real dental office.Â The office is closed to the public, so there are no Real Patients to be alarmed by learning mistakes thereâs no one to criticize your lack of experience.Â This is a real job training program.Â You are not expected to already know everything.

Missed Opportunities

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:33:09 +0100

Whenever opportunities are missed or lost there can be an overwhelming sense of discouragement or failure.Â We can easily slip into a season of regret or a season in which we constantly replay mistakes or wish we could do it all over again.Â These seasons tend to be monopolized by sorrow stemming from the fact that we are unable to change history or turn the hands of time.Â However, one thing that I have discovered in life is that opportunities missed or lost are often regained.Â

Summerhill Villa Salutes Long-Serving Associates

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:32:52 +0100

Looking back 10 years, think about how much your life has changed.Â Attending school, gaining employment, having children and watching them grow to adulthood; buying your first home, retiring and moving into a long-term care community are all significant mile-stones in our lives. Â In April of 2001, Summerhill Villa, Independent and Assisted Senior Living Community, opened its doors.Â Over the course of almost 10 years, Summerhill has experienced change as well.Â Residents have come and gone, ...

Help Yourself

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:31:42 +0100

Are you the careGIVER for a child or dependent adult?Â If so, you know the satisfaction that comes from being of service and making a positive difference.Â At the same time, you also know how awful it is to be stretched to the max with still more to do.
CareGIVING, especially for individuals with long-term needs, requires the endurance of a marathon runner.Â This is no job for sprinters.Â

Children Needing Safe, Loving Homes

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:54:46 +0100

Fun Family Activities

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:54:18 +0100

Connecting and bonding with family members will create a long-lasting relationship full of stability, happiness and trust.Â No matter how busy you get during the day, nothing is more important than spending quality time with the oneâs you love most.
A great way to get everyone in the family communicating is by asking questions.Â

Health Care Reform: Whatâs In It for Seniors?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:53:11 +0100

There has been much debate about the Health Care Reform Act that became law this year.Â Â The legislation is complex and covers many areas.Â Whatâs in the new law for seniors - people on Medicare?Â Several areas of Medicare are positively affected.Â These include expanded prescription drug benefits, free preventative screenings, and an emphasis on chronic long-term care needs.

Hope in Healing

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:52:26 +0100

Touch, like love, can move mountains, especially when it comes to helping someone healâa hug, a pat on the back, a held hand, a soothing, gentle massage. Thereâs something about the mind-body connectionâthe curative power of relaxation, the knowledge that someone cares. Thatâs why Massage Envy has once again partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to present âMassage for the Cure.â The event, now in its sixth year, will take place at Massage Envy locations nationwide on September ...

Worker's Compensation Insurance in California

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:51:56 +0100

By California law, employers are required to maintain workerâs compensation insurance.Â Failure to do so exposes the employer to significant fines and penalties.Â The Bureau of Labor Standards Enforcement monitors and enforces employerâs compliance with workerâs compensation laws.Â This agency employs field enforcement agents who look for employers that have employees but fail to carry workerâs compensation insurance.Â

What To Do When You Donât Know What To Do

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:51:24 +0100

There are times in our lives when we simply do not know what to do.Â We know that we need to do something.Â We are just not quite sure what that âsomethingâ is.Â We know that we need to make a decision â but what decision?Â We know thatÂ we need to move forward â but how?Â As uncomfortable and stressful as it may seem, the reality is that there are simply times in our lives when we do not know what to do.Â

Goals and Time Horizon

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:50:57 +0100

Setting goals is a first step to investment planning.Â The next step in setting your investment goals is: What is my time horizon?Â In other words, when will you need the money?Â Are you investing for your childâs college education in 17 years, or for your retirement in 30 years?Â Or is your goal to buy a house in three years, or start your own business in five years?
Long-term or short-term?

Provisions for Your Children's Guardians in Your Living Trust

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:50:15 +0100

Guardians are the individuals that you have nominated to care for your children in the event you are no longer able to do so.Â A living trust can incorporate provisions for guardians that are intended to minimize the potential financial and emotional hardships on the guardian and the guardianâs family. Â

The Living Trust: Speed Bump or Road Block?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:49:54 +0100

The revocable living trust is designed to achieve two important goals: avoiding probate and (for some married couples) avoiding Federal Estate Tax.
Many people ask their attorneys whether placing their assets in such a trust will protect those assets from creditors.Â The answer is, not absolutely, but maybe â at least temporarily.

Taking Your Divorce Way Too Seriously

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:47:22 +0100

No doubt that divorce is a very serious matter.Â Like many things in life, it is a process.Â Divorces can be horrible.Â But not every divorce has to be.Â Often I will counsel my clients that they need to make decisions in their divorce as they would in a business transaction.Â That is, they need to leave the hate and animosity out of the decision making process all together.

Essential Ways to Help a Child

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:46:49 +0100

Today, a baby boy needs a family to provide love and support to him while his parents obtain treatment for substance abuse.Â He is four months old and unable to understand the unfortunate reasons he has to be in a new environment.Â With kindness and nurturance available by Inner Circle Foster and Adoptive parents, this child will find the protection and comfort he requires.Â

Reduce Stress Today by Just Doing Nothingâ¦

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:45:44 +0100

People seem to have higher stress levels than ever these days, despite the fact that we have so much technology around us it is supposed to make our lives easier.Â Everyone seems to be going around in a stress induced frenzy!
Most of the time, a bit of stress is a good thing.Â We need stress to make us do things.Â If we didnât have the stress of worrying about getting to an appointment on time â would we bother going?Â

Drugs, Addiction, Sheriffs, the City Councilâ¦ and You!

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:44:17 +0100

Captain Paul Becker of our SCV Sheriffâs station addressed the city council regarding our communityâs drug issues.Â There are some alarming statistics to consider.Â January 2009 to May 2010:
â¢ 450 drug related arrests
â¢ 12 lives lost to overdose of heroin/prescription meds

Can Divorce Produce Winners?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:43:32 +0100

âThe most important thing in communication is to hear what isnât being said.â - Peter F. DruckerAt the Center for Cooperative Divorce we engage in a type of mediation that involves interest-based negotiations.Â This negotiation strategy has been defined as achieving a âwin-winâ solution to disputes.Â The focus in developing consensus agreements takes into account each partyâs âunderlying interests.âÂ These include the needs, desires, concerns, and fears that are important to e ...

Lack of Estate Tax Creates Problems with Older Estate Planning Documents Part Two

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:43:03 +0100

As stated in last monthâs article, the federal estate tax expired at the end of 2009, and this has created a serious problem in allocating capital gains tax.Â While the federal estate tax has disappeared in 2010, so has the âstep-upâ in basis. Â Suppose you purchased shares of stock many years ago for $25,000, and theyâre now worth $100,000.Â If you had died in 2009, your heirs would get those shares with a âstepped-upâ basis of $100,000, so if they sold them right away, they would ...

Ask The Voicecat - August 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:42:07 +0100

The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers always send me great questions about the voiceover business.Â This month, a voice actor asks about ISDN. Â
Q: I need to know some basic info about doing an ISDN session.Â I just landed a job with a big company that should take about an hour of recording time.Â Iâll be driving to Burbank this coming week to a recording studio thatâs set up for ISDN.Â

Grow

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:41:42 +0100

As a recent graduate, or one whoâs nearing graduation: Congratulations!Â Youâre on the verge of entering the workforce, and are poised to make decisions that will impact you for the rest of your life.Â As you explore your career options, why not choose a career that will positively impact not only you, but those in your community as well?Â Consider this: a career in financial services offers:

Will Bankruptcy Stop a Foreclosure?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:41:05 +0100

When a bankruptcy case is filed in any Chapter, an Automatic Stay is created preventing creditors from taking certain actions.Â While the Stay is in effect, creditors cannot demand payment on debts, file lawsuits, attempt to collect on judgments through wage garnishment or otherwise, and they cannot continue foreclosure or repossession actions.

Paying for Long-Term Care Resources Available to Help with the Cost of Home Care

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:40:21 +0100

Nearly one third of all adults in the United States are unpaid family caregivers for a loved one needing assistance, and with the expanding senior population, this number only promises to grow.Â There are resources available to help offset or supplement the cost of long-term, in-home care.

Are We Who We Think We Are?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:39:56 +0100

What does it mean to be our authentic self?Â Is it what our parents told us, or our mates?Â Our friends, coworkers, the media, employers, family or culture?Â Is it the person that we were told we were supposed to be?Â Is it someone we invented and created in order to fit into society?Â Possibly, or is it our unique expression and self-validating opinions and beliefs about ourselves?Â Well, both may be true, and we also have the choice to embark on an inner journey to reconnect to our true ...

Careers that are Always in Demand!

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:39:29 +0100

After a hard recession we examine our choice in careers.Â Although many industries experienced layoffs, hiring freezes and cuts our industry seems to provide a more stable and safer harbor.Â Healthcare manages to expand with all sorts of different venues of occupation weather in billing, assisting, or front office work healthcare is always necessary.Â

Alcohol Poisoning a Reality Not a Myth

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:38:33 +0100

It happened again, someone came to a Tuesday evening ACTION Parent & Teen Support meeting in tears.Â âMy son is drinking,â says the mom.Â âThe Sheriff called me from the hospital emergency room.Â Your son is drunk; drunk to the point he has poisoned his body.Â The doctors tell me he could die, please get here quick.â

Does Size Really Matter?

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:36:05 +0100

I live in a modest home in Santa Clarita â small by most American standards.Â However, with each passing day, my postage-stamp sized house seems to be getting larger and larger.
Iâm writing this from the home of a friend of mine in England where his living room is so small it would fit neatly into the too-small guest room I can barely tolerate in Valencia.Â

2010 Leaders of Character Recognition McKeons and Amslers to Receive Prestigious 2010 Honor ...

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:34:27 +0100

The Boy Scouts of America and event title sponsor Total Financial Solutions announced the honorees for the Fifth Annual Santa Clarita Valley Leaders of Character Recognition Dinner.Â The list of distinguished honorees from Santa Clarita Valley business, government, and philanthropy include the Honorable Howard P. âBuckâ & Patricia McKeon, and Greg & Chell Amsler.Â The honor is presented annually to individuals and couples who personify the character, values, and leadership demonstrated in ...

Reading to Children Carol's Tales For TotsTM

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:33:57 +0100

When you think of reading to children, you probably think of reading a storybook.Â However, a variety of opportunities for reading present themselves daily, and the simplest thing can become a teachable moment.
Read recipes when cooking.Â At a restaurant, read the menu.Â

Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley Improving the Lives of Women through Service, Advocacy and ...

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:33:05 +0100

Dianne Curtis, local Zontian, wasÂ installed as Zonta International (ZI) President at the Convention held in San Antonio, Texas from June 24 through June 30 2010; 1370 members were in attendance representing 31,000 members from 1,200 clubs in 66 countries.Â Dianne will preside for the next two years â through June, 2012.

Hot Weather Tips for the Elderly

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:32:29 +0100

The dog days of summer are upon us, so that means itâs time to take steps to protect elderly family members, neighbors and friends.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, elderly people (age 65 and over), are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:

No Such Thing as a Functioning Addict

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:05:26 +0100

Lack of Estate Tax Creates Problems with Older Estate Planning Documents Part One

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:04:45 +0100

The federal estate tax expired at the end of 2009, and this has created a serious problem for many people who havenât revised their estate documents in a while.The tax applied in 2009 to estates of more than $3.5 million.Â It is slated to come back in 2011, and apply to estates of more than $1 million.Â Most people expected that Congress would âfixâ the estate tax before it expired, and there would be a new exemption amount, such as $3.5 million, for 2010 and beyond.Â However, Congress ...

You Get What You Pay For Think Twice Before Buying a Living Trust Online

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:03:48 +0100

If you are thinking about creating your own estate planning documents through an online do-it-yourself legal document preparation service, think again.Â The money that you âsaveâ in the short term will likely cost your family far more down the road.Â Through the years, I have seen many such wills and trusts come across my desk for review.Â I am often shocked by the poor quality of the documents that I see.

Appeal of a Family Law Case

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:03:16 +0100

Everyone has the right to appeal. Keep in mind that about 98 percent of all cases settle at some point.A small percentage of cases do go to trial, and a percentage of those cases will be appealed. Family law cases are different than civil appeals because in family law trials, there is no jury. You have either a judge or a court commissioner. That person will make all of the determinations of facts and law. In a civil action, the court decides questions of law while the jury makes findings of fac ...

Break the Cycle

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:57:42 +0100

Sometimes awful things happen in our lives, andÂ weÂ may feel stuck.
When those horrible things happen, you may have several choices.
We may continue to suffer, feeling there is no hope, believing that life is just a âValley of Tears.â

Appeal of a Family Law Case

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:56:41 +0100

Ask the Voicecat - July 2010

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:55:41 +0100

The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers keep submitting great questions about the voiceover business.Â This month, voice actors ask about accents and agents. Â Q: Marc, I really enjoyed your tele-seminar through VoiceOverXtra.Â I love having access to the recording of the event so I can listen to it several times.Â I always pick up little details each time I do.Â One question: What is the best training method to minimize a regional accent?Â I want to train myself to be able to âturn it on a ...

Who Should You Choose As Your Executors, Agents and Trustees?

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:54:49 +0100

Most people have clear ideas about what should happen if they are sick or incapacitated, and who should receive their property upon their death.Â However, many people are confused when choosing a person to serve as trustee, personal representative (what we used to call an âexecutorâ), and agent under health care and financial powers of attorney.When naming someone in your documents (a âfiduciaryâ), there are some important considerations.Â First, choose someone who you trust, and who w ...

Naming Guardians for Your Children

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:53:59 +0100

What if you can no longer care for your children due to death or incapacity?Â If you canât take care of your minor children, the court must appoint legal guardians for those children.Â Anyone who wants the job can petition the court.Â Your kids can easily end up with people who probably have no business raising your kids or donât share your same values.Â However, by legally naming guardians for your children beforehand, the court will appoint the people that youâve chosen.Â Wouldnât ...

Keep Your Home Safe: 20 Actions You Should Take Part One

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:52:28 +0100

As an insurance agent, weâre too often sadde

ned by client losses that could have been prevented.Â For example, there are several concerns homeowners commonly neglect that can lead to fires and serious injury.Â I would like to share some of the things that you can do to help prevent accidents and disasters in your home.
Kitchen

Make Someone Happy

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:51:49 +0100

There is no finer way to make someone happy than to become a foster parent for a child who has suffered.Â Whether you are married, or single, working or retired, you can be among a group of outstanding citizens who commit themselves to helping others.Â Though economists are claiming the recession is behind us, many families are not able to provide for their children.Â Out of work parents can barely make ends meet.Â

The Inside Story on Child Support Part Two

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:50:45 +0100

âFill whatâs empty, empty whatâs full, and scratch where it itches.â - Duchess of Windsor
In a previous article we explored the development of child support, its purpose, and how it benefits children.Â This month we look at additional commitments surrounding the needs of children and their parentsâ resources.

Messages That Make a Difference Happening Weekly at NorthPark Community Church

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:49:53 +0100

Ever been to church, heard a so-so message, and left thinking, âGood.Â Thatâs done.Â Now back to the things that matter.âÂ Or, have you found yourself really trying hard to hang with a speaker but all the while wondered, âWhat does this have to with me, my life or the things I care about?â
At NorthPark, our messages are thoughtful, practical, and inspiring.Â

COC is Seeking Actors, Singers and Dancers for Fall Production

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:47:39 +0100

The College of the Canyons theatre and music departments are in need of cowboys, cowgirls, country crooners, dancers and actors, of all ages and abilities, to audition for its fall production of the foot-stomping musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.Written by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, with music and lyrics by Carol Hall, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a happy-go-lucky romp centering on the infamous Chicken Ranch brothel â so named because during the Great Depression po ...

Is My Retirement Plan Community Property?

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:46:47 +0100

Pursuant to Family Code Section 760, community property in general is all property acquired by a married person during the marriage other than property acquired by gift or inheritance.Â But where does the retirement plan factor in?Â A retirement plan acquired during marriage is generally considered community property and spouses will each have a one-half interest in this asset regardless of which spouse actually made the payments.Â The issue becomes more complex when a retirement plan was acq ...

Creative Partnerships Save Hart District Summer School

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:45:47 +0100

With school districts across the state canceling summer school due to the Stateâs budget crisis, the Hart District has been able to maintain a summer program that will benefit approximately 6,000 students this year.Â Thanks to creative partnerships with College of the Canyons and Opportunities for Learning charter, the Hart District will be able to provide a modified summer program that still meets the needs of our students while trimming up to $500,000 from summer school costs to the distric ...

Children's Bureau Reaches Milestone of 1,000th Child Adopted

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:43:50 +0100

Childrenâs Bureau reached a wonderful milestone in its vast history in September 2009 with the 1,000th adoption of a child in its foster care and adoptions program.Â On that particular day, there were actually six children who were adopted by four families.Â Two of those children were sisters, Jazmin and Sarah who were adopted by a couple in Los Angeles.âWe were in our mid-40s when we got married and decided that adoption was a way to grow our family.Â We were trained and certified by Chi ...

Oh My Aching (Federal Estate) Tax!

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:42:55 +0100

Historically, the Federal Estate Tax has been a fact of life (or, rather, a fact of death) for many Americans who have amassed substantial assets during their lifetimes.Â This tax is levied on the estates of decedents, and could consume almost 50 percent of a decedentâs net worth, above a statutorily determined exempt amount.Â By applying estate planning techniques skillfully, the taxpayer could minimize the impact of such taxes on their beneficiaries and heirs.Â

Local Artists, Local Art

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:40:12 +0100

Local artists capture scenes of Santa Clarita Valley.Â Shown here are some of the great art painted by members of the Santa Clarita Artistsâ Association (SCAA). Le Chene Restaurant, watercolor. âI have been a professional artist for over 40 years in the fields of textile design, fashion illustration, and newspaper and corporate graphic design. I am proud to say that I was an advertising artist for the Los Angeles Times during that newspaperâs heyday. I received my MFA in Painting from the ...

Don't Forget About Taxes

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:39:34 +0100

Most make the connection between taxes and financial planning.Â However, too many times someone will receive financial advice without considering the tax consequences.Â Therefore, it is best to seek advice from a financial planner who is also a tax professional.
Here is a very common example: Jack age 39 leaves his current employer and has $100,000 in a 401(k) account.Â He decides to do an IRA rollover.

Be Careful Who You Pay Before Filing Bankruptcy

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:38:46 +0100

Many people faced with debts they cannot afford make every effort to resolve their debt without filing bankruptcy.Â In some cases, they take temporary loans from friends or family to get by until their income increases.Â However, in todayâs difficult economy, those efforts do not always work, and the individual (or couple) turns to bankruptcy as a way to remove most or all of their debt to give them a fresh start.

Just Because You Can't See it, Doesn't Mean it's Not Thereâ¦

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:36:59 +0100

Spiritual Therapy Uncovers the Hidden Disorders of the UnconsciousÂ

What is Spiritual Therapy?Â Every person has a unique soul path and purpose on this earth.Â We have our own built-in guidance system.Â When we can align with this higher intuition, our lives become whole, integrated, and joyous.Â We are born into this world with this instinct and as we age and accumulate life experiences, we either stay in touch with this, or we may bury it and lose sight of who we are.

I Love the Morning

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:35:32 +0100

One thing I have learned is how to appreciate every morning.Â Why, because every morning is accompanied with new opportunities; opportunities to refocus, opportunities to refresh, opportunities to restart, opportunities to retry, opportunities to remember, and opportunities to re-evaluate.Â

Summer Learning Activities for the Whole Family

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:34:44 +0100

Do you remember those times last summer when the relentless sound of âIâm bored,â made you count the days until the start of the new school year?Â Most kids celebrate the beginning of summer vacation but, too often, run out of things to do before the summer ends.Â The resulting restlessness and boredom can lead to fights among siblings and way too much screen time.Â A clever parent who has good survival skills knows that having a plan in place at the start of vacation is the key to a pe ...

Teen Drinking: A Deadly Rite of Passage

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:33:39 +0100

It began with a shoulder tap, asking an adult to purchase a fifth of vodka, drinking that vodka at a local movie theater, being disruptive and picked-up by the police for disturbing the peace, landing him in jail. To make matters worse, his disruptive behavior turned into anger as he kicked the windows out of the jail cell he was in, thus adding a felony vandalism charge to his troubles. His legal troubles have just begun.

World-Renowned Artist to Exhibit in Santa Paula

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:32:18 +0100

Selected works by famed painter, sculptor and physician Vladimir Iwasiuk (1905 to 1986) will soon go on display at the Santa Paula Art Museum.Â The new exhibit, titled Vladimirâs Visions, was unveiled during an opening reception honoring the artist on Saturday, June 5.Â The exhibit will continue through Sunday, August 29. Â

Experience is Your Most Valuable Asset

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:30:25 +0100

A recent Ibbotson poll(1) reveals that while 83 percent of Americans, 30 and older, agree that the current economic crisis has increased their desire to provide financial protection for their family, more than half of those surveyed lack a proper financial plan in case of the loss of the family breadwinner.Â Instead, survey respondents reported they would rely on their retirement savings, borrowing from family or getting another job if faced with financial hardship as the result of the loss of ...

Ready for Independence?

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:29:52 +0100

On this Independence Day, I find myself thinking about a day when I experienced my own independence and freedom.I was part of a delegation of college students to spend a year in another country.Â This would be the first time I lived away from home for more than a week; the first time I traveled outside the State of California (let alone the United States); the first time I boarded an airplane; the first time I would be solely responsible to make my own choices and set my own limits.Â I was app ...

When Faced with Care Needs Take a Closer Look at In-Home Care

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:29:15 +0100

Deciding on what type of long-term care loved ones need when they are no longer able to live independently is an important decision that should not be considered lightly.Â If given the option to live oneâs golden years in an institutional setting or in oneâs own home, the majority of people would choose their own homes.
In-home care assists a frail person to live independently for as long as possible.Â Often delaying the need for long-term nursing home care.Â

The Value of Respite Care: A Gift of Time

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:28:00 +0100

When Will it Stop Hurting? Healing From the Loss of Someone You Loved

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:25:49 +0100

When her father was dying, Rebecca Wesson, newly transplanted from New York to Los Angeles, searched for an outlet for her grief.Â She signed up for Jeff Zhorneâs grief program â and it changed her life.
âIt really helped me get to the root of the pain and unresolved issues,â said Wesson, a speech pathologist.Â âItâs almost like magic, even though I did the work.â

How to Jump Start Your Summer?

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:24:16 +0100

People of all ages have decided to jump start there summer by starting a new career as a dental assistant.

The Inside Story on Child Support Part One

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:19:14 +0100

âDo what you can, with what you have, right where you are.â â Theodore Roosevelt

Ever wonder how child support laws came to be?Â When children would be abandoned; or a mother left on her own unable to support her children; and charities couldnât provide for all; the government ended up paying the cost.Â Where did the governmentâs money come from?Â It comes from the taxpayer, of course.Â

Travel Time Checklist

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:18:06 +0100

Youâve planned your summer vacation.Â Now letâs do a checklist:
1. Clothing: List generically, per day.Â Then lock in specifics.Â Some clothing can be rinsed out in hotel rooms or sent to a hotelâs laundry.

Providing Specialized Financial Care Robins Financial

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:14:13 +0100

Robins Financial is an independent financial services company of financial professionals who are Certified Public Accountants (CPAâs) with added specialization in financial services including the AICPA Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) and the Certified Financial Planner (CFPÂ©) designations.Â

New Law Makes Changes to Reverse Mortgages

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:13:44 +0100

In addition to addressing the current housing crisis, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 makes changes to reverse mortgages, including higher borrowing limits and protections from aggressive marketing.Â A reverse mortgage allows a homeowner who is at least 62 years old to use the equity in his or her home to obtain a loan that doesnât have to be repaid until the homeowner moves, sells, or dies.Â

A Month of Wonder and Hope

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:12:59 +0100

June is the month of new beginnings.Â Summer is here and weddings and honeymoon trips are taking place.Â For some, it is the most wonderful time of the year.Â For some children however, this month is not a time of excitement and happiness.Â When school ends and friends leave, some children feel lost and alone.Â

Hitting Bottom

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:11:11 +0100

Hitting bottom is a term used in addiction recovery to define the moment of realization an addict has when he sees himself objectively for the first time as a true addict who can and must recover.Â It is a moment when that crystallizes into the realization that, âI cannot live like this for a single moment moreâ¦â

Ask the Voicecat -June 2010

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:09:54 +0100

Great questions about the voiceover business are always coming in from The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers.Â This month, a voice actor asks about funding his V-O demo. Â

Learning Assessment at Any Age

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:08:45 +0100

Does balancing your checkbook frustrate you?Â Is it hard for you to track your appointments, be on time, prioritize your activities?Â Do you forget what your boss asked you to do?Â These may be indications of a processing disorder. Understanding your processing strengths and weaknesses can help you to find methods to get through your daily or work activities in a more efficient manner.Everyone can benefit from understanding why they do things the way they do and why some things are a challeng ...

Modifying a Custody Order After Final Judgment

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:08:07 +0100

In a family law case involving children, the parties should always try to work out custody arrangements without involving the court.Â If they are unable to do so, one of the parties will eventually file papers asking the court to resolve the dispute.Â The judge will then issue a temporary custody order, called a âpendente liteâ order, which remains in effect until changed by the court, written agreement by the parties, or until a final judgment is entered at the end of the case.

Adult Day Care: A Vital Respite for Families

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:07:01 +0100

The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Centerâs Adult Day Care and Resource Center (ADCRC) provides a safe and cheerful social outlet for adults with Alzheimerâs disease, Parkinsonâs, post-stroke, and other chronic conditions requiring supervision and care.Staffed by its skilled, supportive team, the State of California-licensed day care also offers a precious bonus for caregivers, who are generally elderly spouses or busy adult children with families and careers: valuable weekday windows of time ...

Providing For Charity in Your Estate Plan

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:05:13 +0100

When putting together your estate plan, you may want to consider making a bequest to charity.Â The vast majority of people leave all of their assets to their children when they pass away.Â The desire to provide for oneâs children is understandable and universal.Â However, carving out a small amount for charity can make a significant impact for the greater good. Â

Burglaries: How to Safeguard Your Home Against Them

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:02:01 +0100

Here in the Santa Clarita Valley we enjoy one of lowest crime rates in the country.Â Still burglaries do occur here.Â My advice is never think that it canât happen to you.Â Although no actions you take can definitely prevent your home from being burglarized, there are some simple proactive measures that work well as deterrents.Â These include the following:
â¢ Install and use a security system.

Children Need Safe Loving Homes

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:01:27 +0100

Be an Advocate When Your Parent Is Hospitalized!

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:00:58 +0100

My mother spent several days in a hospital recently.Â She recovered, and her discharge home was timely and appropriate.Â Thankfully, she is doing well.Â But, there are many patients who are not so lucky.Â Many are discharged from the hospital too early, and their health suffers.Â It is important to remember that hospitals have a strong financial incentive to discharge Medicare patients as quickly as possible.Â Medicare generally pays hospitals flat rates based on the type of medical proble ...

Trustee Liquidation in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:59:55 +0100

In a Chapter 7 case, debtors must list all their assets on their bankruptcy forms.Â Debtors must also indicate all the exemptions (protections) that apply to their assets, both real and personal property. Â Assets include all interests of the debtor, both legal and equitable.Â Some examples of assets include houses, condos, vehicles, timeshares, bank accounts, retirement accounts, income that has been earned but not yet received, and even claims against others that have not been collected or m ...

Life Insurance Agents Are Still In High Demand!

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:58:36 +0100

The current recession has forced many companies, especially those in the financial services sector, to trim their ranks.Â After all, getting fewer people to do more work has an immediate impact on the bottom line.Â And that has many people worried.For those that do find themselves in the position of seeking new opportunities, the highest priority may not be the companyâs benefits package, stock options, or corporate perks.Â Instead, todayâs job hunters may only be interested in one thing: ...

Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:56:53 +0100

Some of the best advice that I have ever received was found in a short quote that I read some years ago which simply said, âPlan your work and work your plan.â Of course I did not realize at the time that in order to do this I had to have three qualities â patience, discipline, and structure.Â As I began to plan my work and work my plan in various areas of my life, I discovered that it was impossible to do without patience, discipline, and structure.Â I quickly discovered that I was goin ...

Violent Teens in the Home

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:55:29 +0100

As a high-risk teen counselor, I have been running parenting groups for over 25 years. It never ceases to amaze me how many stories I have heard, and will continue to hear about teens who are violent. Teens that donât get their own way and manipulate mom and dad by punching holes in the walls, throwing things and destroying property. Teens who exert their desire for control in the worst possible ways. Worst yet, we let them.

Exercise at 80 A Little Goes a Long Way Toward Maintaining Independence

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:55:21 +0100

A healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and fitness is highly emphasized in todayâs society.
The National Institute on Aging released startling statistics after a physical health study performed on elderly aged 75 and older.Â The study revealed that 40 percent of those studied could not walk two blocks.

Watch What You Say!

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:52:57 +0100

I would not put up with anybody talking to me the way Iâve talked to my self.Â I make a mistake and I berate me.Â I look in the mirror and I criticize me.Â I face a challenge and I tell my self, âwhy I canât overcome it?âÂ Has your self said anything to you like I have heard my self say to me?Â âI canâtâ or âIâm so stupidâ or âIâm so uglyâ or âIâm such an idiot.â

Valencia Nissan and Hart District Team Up for Attendance Incentive Program

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:52:21 +0100

More than 5,000 excited, screaming spectators are crammed into the home stands at College of the Canyons on a chilly and overcast night.Â Music is blaring from the PA system and the atmosphere is highly charged in anticipation of the start of the Big Event.Â Is this the latest round in the historic Hart versus Canyon football rivalry?Â Or maybe itâs the big boys from COC taking to the field?Â Not this time.Â

Toddler Time With Sophia and Edurne Garwick

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:51:43 +0100

Well, I must say it has been quite an eventful month. Â Potty training is at full speed ahead and Sophia is doing great!Â I canât even believe my luck. Â I finally got myself together and actually started working on it and having the patience with Sophia to go on this adventure. Â I now realize the mistake I had been making.Â I switched Sophia from diapers to pull-ups months ago but she still saw them as diapers not as underwear.Â

Keeping Cool during the Summer Months

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:50:53 +0100

Keeping the body hydrated is particularly important for the elderly.Â In addition to proper diet and exercise, hydration plays a very significant role in healthy living for seniors.Â With the warm weather approaching, the risk for seniors suffering from dehydration increases.
A loss of hydration can impact how seniors look and feel.Â As our body ages, we experience a decrease in our total body water and our thirst sensation also decreases.

Congratulations Graduating Class

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:45:53 +0100

At the Santa Clarita School of Dental Assisting we have enjoyed teaching another assisting class and look forward to celebrating their graduation on June 26, 2010.Â The handâs on training they have received prepares them for a career in the dental field with the ability toÂ use their knowledge eitherÂ in frontÂ or back officeÂ environment.Â

Don't Be Afraid To Bring a Claim When Injured

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:46:15 +0100

As many of you know, my main area of practice is Wills and Trusts.Â However, I also practice personal injury law.It seems to me that most of my clients are âreluctantâ to bring any kind of lawsuit.Â However, it is natural to sometimes feel that way.Â An experienced personal injury attorney is not about revenge or âsticking itâ to anyone!Â A good lawyerÂ is honest and works for people to secure what law allows whenÂ clients have been injured by someone elseâs carelessness.Â Remembe ...

Senior Citizens and Elder Law Attorneys

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:42:57 +0100

In the 2000 census, there were almost 35 million Americans, 65 years of age or older.Â With the aging of baby-boomers, our 2010 census will undoubtedly reveal a tremendous increase in our senior population.Â California has the largest number of elderly in the United States, and it has been predicted that this stateâs elderly population will increase by almost 80 percent between 2000 and 2025.Â Â With the aging of America, we unfortunately see an increase in age-related illness, injuries rel ...

Revisiting Guardian Nomination with Arrival of Second Child

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:41:54 +0100

My second son, Jonah Golshani, was born on August 13, 2009.Â With his arrival, I recognized the need to re-evaluate the choices I had made for guardians with the arrival of my first son.Â Some of the thoughts that crossed my mind were: Would my in-laws (that were originally nominated as guardian for my first son) be willing and/or able to care for two children?Â Were my in-laws too elderly now for such a role?Â Would any of my other relatives be more suitable for such a role?

What Happens to a Mortgage in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:40:46 +0100

Many individuals or couples that qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy wonder what will happen to their mortgage(s), and will they be able to keep their home.Â The answer depends on the specific situation of that debtor and lender(s).
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharges unsecured debt such as credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans.Â To qualify, a debtor generally has income that is not sufficient to pay back a reasonable portion of the debt within five years.

Inviting Your Spouse to Divorce Mediation

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:37:21 +0100

Asking Â http://thinkexist.com/quotation/meditation_brings_wisdom-lack_of_mediation_leaves/143674.html
is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don't go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so the kids won't laugh at you. â Jim Rohn

May is Foster Parent Appreciation Month!

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:34:42 +0100

Foster Parent Month in May provides a wonderful opportunity to honor and recognize the work of people making a difference in the lives of children in foster care.Â It is also a time to bring awareness to the great need for families to open their homes to these vulnerable children, especially older children and sibling sets of brothers and sisters who wish to remain together, in both foster care and adoption.âChildrenâs Bureau greatly appreciates and applauds the foster families in our progr ...

Addictions and Habits: The Pleasure Principle

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:31:26 +0100

Human beings are pleasure principled beings.Â This means that we are pre-programmed, genetically, philosophically and spiritually, to seek pleasure and avoid pain.Â This seems elementary, yet it is this pain/pleasure principle that makes kicking a habit or addiction so difficult.Â I see all walks of life in my office; young teenagers who have difficulty regulating the role that pot should play in their youthful lives, soccer moms who just want to stop recreational, casual drinking, crystal me ...

Getting Your Ex to Pay More Support

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:29:06 +0100

In these tough financial times, support is becoming even more important.Â Courts are facing tough challenges with parties losing their jobs.Â The courts have been givingÂ parents who lose jobs time to find another job.Â And that only seems fair.Â The larger problem is where the supporting parent stops working the overtime that you were accustomed to, or even worse, simply works less hours per week.Â The biggest problem is the perpetually unemployed parent who had no problem supporting the f ...

Ask the Voicecat - May 2010

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:27:34 +0100

The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers are always sending in great questions about the voiceover business.Â This month, a voice actor asks about audiobooks. Â
Q:Â You have narrated some of my favorite books.Â I just listened to âChange your Brain, Change your Body.âÂ I love all of Dr. Daniel Amenâs books.Â Iâm curious about how that works.Â How long does it take to record a whole book like that?Â What is the pay scale for that kind of work?Â

How Much Will You Need to Retire?

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:24:56 +0100

Where do you want to be during your golden years? Do you want to see the world? Buy that sports car you dreamed of? How about that retirement beach house? To start planning, write down your goals for retirement. Once you have decided, think about what it may take to get there.Many American workers anticipate an enjoyable retirement after years of the daily grind and commute. Whether it is traveling, golfing, relaxing by the pool... the possibilities seem truly endless. As workers daydream about ...

Beware of the Unforgiving Deadlines of Family Court

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:24:04 +0100

In every family law case, the list of cast includes a Petitioner and a Respondent.Â No matter what role you play in your case, the rules by which the family court system conducts their business are applied evenly to all, whether you are represented by an attorney or not.Â As a result, you must familiarize yourself with the family law rules, the rules of civil procedure, the local rules, as well as the âlocal rules,â which refer to the rules followed by the particular department to which yo ...

Beauties of the Buy-Sell

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:22:37 +0100

Children are our Most Precious Resource

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:21:21 +0100

When the lives of children change because their familiesâ lives take a turn, Inner Circle is there to provide safe and secure homes.Â We recruit and successfully train foster/adoptive families.Â Before things unravel even further, children of all ages can be assured a home environment where their welfare and well-being is the first priority.Â Inner Circle Foster and Adoption certifies families who are prepared to handle a variety of situations, have children enrolled in school, offer an enr ...

Retired? You Might Be Able to Save on Insurance

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:08:48 +0100

Once you are retired, your need for insurance changes.Â It is a good idea to look at your coverage options and figure out what you need (and donât need) and where you might be able to achieve some savings.Life Insurance.Â If your spouse or other dependents wonât lose any income when you die, life insurance may be unnecessary and your premiums may be better spent elsewhere.Â If you do choose to drop a policy - whether term or whole life - you might be able to sell the policy and be paid mo ...

Improving Employee Safety

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:07:28 +0100

Accidents in the workplace result in higher workersâ compensation and insurance costs, lost workdays, and lower employee morale.Â Thus, it makes good sense for employers to provide safety education for their employees to reduce the likelihood of injuries.All employers should develop a plan for medical emergencies.Â They need to anticipate what could happen, have a plan for what to do if something does occur, and train their employees so they will respond appropriately during an emergency. ...

"Yeah, But I Really Didnât Get Hurt." The Mantra Behind Lifelong Degeneration

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:06:25 +0100

Nearly every day I speak to a new patient who is complaining of chronic health concerns.Â Maybe itâs constipation, headaches, acid reflux, leg pain or numb fingers.Â I begin by questioning the patient about old injuries, car wrecks, falls, sportsâ¦ all the usual events in life that cause physical stress on the body.Â Almost universally people tell me that some, if not all of these apply, but continue by saying, âYeah, but I really didnât get hurt.â Â

Alzheimer's: The Rising Epidemic

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:02:53 +0100

Activities and Communication Tips for a Better Quality of LifeEvery 70 seconds, someone in the US develops Alzheimerâs, according to the Alzheimerâs Association.Â Dependable Senior Assistants LLC is helping raise awareness of the enormous impact of this increasing epidemic.Â Structured activities that involve and interest the person with Alzheimerâs will help minimize the disturbing behaviors associated with the disease, such as: â¢ Motor: Take a walk, do chair exercises, stretch, or ev ...

Adrenal Stress

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:00:24 +0100

You may be aware of the two little glands situated above the kidneys called the adrenal glands. They are responsible for various hormones being delivered to the body. When the adrenal glands become overworked they can become exhausted. This causes complications to the well-being of our health. There are various different symptoms that come with adrenal stress. Some of those symptoms are depression, lack of energy, and a reduced sex drive.Depression is one of the common symptoms of adrenal stress ...

Parents Must Be Parents, Not Pals

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:58:11 +0100

Joanne and Tony throw the best keg parties in town.Â The beer flows and a designated teen collects car keys at the door.Â Teens mill around, shouting over the pounding music, hugging and âhigh-fivingâ Joanne and Tony.Â They are so popular; they could have been voted Prom King and Queen. Whatâs wrong with this picture?Â Joanne and Tony graduated high school 25 years ago, and this is their sonâs party and the family is planning a few more beer bashes during the summer. Some parents see ...

May Flowers!

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:55:53 +0100

After working in the same company for decades and expecting to work for many more years, mom inherited a supervisor who was unkind, exploitive, and just plain mean.Â Reluctantly, and with a heavy heart, she escaped this tyranny by retiring in 1991.Â Soon thereafter, the company announced a change to retiree benefits that would discontinue free lifetime medical coverage for anyone retiring after 1991.Â Hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical benefits for my parents is a silver lining behin ...

How to Properly Prepare for Pregnancy

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:53:45 +0100

Almost every woman is blessed with the capacity to bear a child at least once in her lifetime. It is considered to be one of the greatest gifts that a woman can give her husband. Bearing a child would make the couple more closer together, and at this certain point in their lives they can actually call themselves a family. Upon learning that the woman is pregnant, most couples enthusiastically start planning for her pregnancy and eventual childbirth.

Break the Cycle

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:51:12 +0100

Sometimes awful things happen in our lives, andÂ weÂ may feel stuck.Â When those horrible things happen, you may have several choices.Â WeÂ may continue to suffer, feeling there is no hope, believing that life is just a âValley of Tears.â
Alternatively, you may get a little better, function relatively free of conflict and then again back to the old rut, feeling frustrated, hopeless, helplessâ¦ thenÂ get a little better and the cycle begins all over again.

Maybe It's Not What You Think

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:46:07 +0100

At the ripe old age of two, my son became a huge fan of olives.Â He tasted an olive one day, fell in love, and never looked back.Â Anything that even remotely appears to be compatible with olives must contain them.Â Whether it is a salad, a slice of pizza, a taco, or some type of pasta, if it seems like it can handle an olive, then by all means bring on the olives.Â He loves olives so much that eating them directly out of the jar has become one of his favorite pastimes.

Creative Ways to Show Love for Mom and Grandma!

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:44:58 +0100

Dreams are Good to Think With

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:43:52 +0100

âDreams are impartial, spontaneous products of the unconscious psyche, outside the control of will.Â They are pure nature; they show us the unvarnished, natural truthâ¦.â â Carl JungWhen asked why so many indigenous cultures have animals in their creation myths, anthropologist Claude LÃ©vi-Strauss famously replied that âanimals are good to think with.âÂ And because, as Jung says, dreams are âpure natureâ and âthey show us the unvarnished, natural truth,â I contend that dream ...

Can You Sell Your House in the Middle of a Dissolution Proceeding?

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:35:32 +0100

When you file for Dissolution, certain restraining orders automatically go into effect. These are commonly referred to as standard family law restraining orders. These restraining orders can be found on the back of the Summons. One in particular, states neither party is to dispose of any real property without written consent of the other party or an order of the court.

The Timing of a Divorce

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:33:56 +0100

To divorce or not to divorce, that is the question. So what’s the answer? When a client comes to my office for a divorce consultation, one of the first issues to be considered is whether the marriage can be saved. For me, both parties should be willing to go for marriage counseling. They must also be willing to consider how their own behavior has contributed to the failed marriage. If they want to exclusively blame their spouse and feel that they are unwilling ...

City of Santa Clarita Sees Increase in Filming in 2009

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:33:21 +0100

Local & State Incentive Programs Attract & Retain Productions

The City of Santa Clarita is maintaining its position as one of Southern California’s most filmed communities, recording a 14 percent increase in economic benefit in 2009 as a result of location filming when compared to 2008. Location filming alone contributed more than $22 million to Santa Clarita’s local economy in 2009.

Who Gets Cash Hidden in a House by a Deceased Former Owner?

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:32:26 +0100

Imagine you bought a house and, a year and a half later, you discovered bundles of cash that had been hidden away by the deceased former owner. Who would he entitled to the money — you or the former owner’s estate? Confronted with just such a case, an Oregon Appeals Court determined that the new owner can keep the windfall.

How to Manage Risk

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:29:25 +0100

One of the primary reasons for comprehensive financial planning is protection from financial risk. I don’t know many people who like to talk about insurance; but the truth is that without insurance financial resources are unprotected. Even with the discipline of setting financial goals, increasing net worth, having a properly diversified portfolio and carefully managed finances, one can be wiped out by an unforeseen event.

Spring Brings New Beginnings

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:28:42 +0100

Spring is a time when we think of growth, change, and new beginnings. At this season, I often find myself amazed at the sudden bursts of colors, sounds, and smells in the natural environment. Each day, I start the morning by walking through my garden and am overwhelmed by the new shoots of green that sprout up overnight. In observing them, I am reminded of the new start that every day offers us in our roles as parents and professionals.

Ask the Voicecat -April 2010

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:27:23 +0100

Great questions continue to roll in from The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers about the voiceover business. This month, a voice actor writes in about producing a V-O demo at home.
Q: I went to a workshop for voiceover and I was told by the instructor (Voice Manager and Agent) to never send in a CD to a voice agent. So I guess the only way is Mp3? What if you don’t have an email address?

Oh, My Achin' Feet!

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:25:22 +0100

And why shouldn’t our feet hurt? We cram them into ill-fitted shoes with inadequate support; we gain weight and expect them to carry it; and we run them into the ground. Foot pain means something is wrong and feet are more complex than you may realize. Did you know that 25 percent of the bones in the body are in your feet? Our feet are a complex system of 52 bones, 66 joints, 214 ligaments, 38 muscles and tendons. It is no wonder that 75 percent of North Americans w ...

Estate Planning Questions

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:22:47 +0100

Everyone’s estate planning situation is unique. “One Size Fits All” usually doesn’t apply. Nevertheless, some questions keep cropping up. Here are two of the most common:
Q: The value of my house has declined significantly since I bought it several years ago. My stock portfolio has shrunken, and my net worth has decreased dramatically. Do I still need a Living Trust?

Addiction and Intervention

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:22:12 +0100

What should you do if you or someone you love has a drinking or drug problem? Dealing with addiction is complicated, even for trained professionals. Too often, family members feel they can contain the situation, but typically the behavior only spins further out of control.
Any recovering addict will tell you, it is rarely a one person job to achieve abstinence or sobriety.

Homeowners Insurance Questions and Answers

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:21:27 +0100

If you are in the process of buying a home, you probably have questions concerning your coverage. Here are a few of the most common questions we receive as well as their answers.
Does your homeowners insurance cover against losses due to fire, lightning, tornadoes, windstorms, hail, explosions, smoke, vandalism, earthquakes and theft? Your homeowners insurance will usually cover a large number of threats, including all of the above with the exception of earthquakes.

The Trustee's Role in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:20:45 +0100

In all Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, the court appoints a Trustee to administer the case. In many cases, the Trustee’s role is limited because the debtor has no assets and there is no reason for the Trustee to object to discharge or try to dismiss the case. The court also sets a meeting date at which time and place the debtor and Trustee must appear. Creditors are allowed to appear at the meeting to ask the debtor questions, but most creditors do not appear at the meetings. ...

Go Green, Get Green City Launches New Green Energy Incentive Program

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:16:28 +0100

The City of Santa Clarita is gearing up to launch its new Green Energy Incentive Program, which offers grants to local businesses of all sizes that undertake projects designed to achieve eligible “green” objectives. The incentive program was created as part of the City’s 21-Point Business Plan for Progress and will hit the streets on Thursday, March 18 with a series of informational workshops provided to local businesses interested in applying for funding.

The Marriage Contract

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:15:22 +0100

Marriage, in its origins, is a contract of natural law.Â It is the parent, not the child of civil society. â Dalyrimple
When you said âI do!â did you have any idea you were entering into a contract under California law?Â To many, the vows are spiritual, emotional, or merely ritualistic.Â But marriage creates legal rights and obligations.Â What is the contract you are creating when you tie the knot in California?

Is Your Relationship Affected by Clutter?

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:14:50 +0100

Even though the old saying “opposites attract” is frequently true, living with someone who does not share the same values regarding clutter and disorganization can be a very stress inducing issue for those people who are orderly. There are many studies that highlight the potential for conflict between people with dissimilar organizational habits. Even Dr. Phil addressed the situation on his show when a wife thought she was a bad spouse because she was unable to organize h ...

Why Should You Become a Foster Parent?

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:12:46 +0100

All children need stable, caring families with nurturing parents who can provide a safe home and good role models.
Foster and Adoptive children need parents who can:

Myths Surrounding Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:11:25 +0100

Myth 1: Drug addiction is voluntary behavior.
You start out occasionally using alcohol or other drugs, and that is a voluntary decision. However, as times passes, something happens, and you become a compulsive drug user. Over time, continued use of addictive drugs changes your brain in dramatic, toxic ways at times, more subtly at others, but virtually always in ways that result in compulsive and even uncontrollable drug use.

Your Brain on Good Nutrition Proper Diet Can Protect Against Dementia

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:10:33 +0100

Good nutrition is beneficial at any age. Benefits worth noting are increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness/disease, higher energy levels, a more robust immune system, faster recuperation times and better management of chronic health problems. Now, however, proper nutrition for older adults is even more important, with research revealing that poor nutritional decisions can eventually lead to cognitive decline and dementia.

Michael Hoefflin Foundation Spotlight on Our Supporters

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:09:44 +0100

Ken Striplin, a long time community advocate, was approached five years ago and asked to serve on the MHF board of directors. The Executive Director at the time saw passion, commitment, and a call to action within Ken. Since that first moment, Ken has continued to assiduously support and advocate for the Foundation.

Girls, Zontians Learn About Robots in Challenge

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:08:32 +0100

Girls from the Boys & Girls Club and women from the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley united for a friendly robotics challenge on February 26 at the Club’s Newhall site. The girls, ranging from 11 to 16 years old, worked with the ladies to build robots within a 95-minute timeframe. “As the competition was coming to a close, the teams were still making adjustments to their robots’ programming. Then at the last minute, one robot took a final run and made it thro ...

Dreams Are the Bridge to the Soul

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:07:30 +0100

“There is a loving in dream-work. We sense that dreams mean well for us, back us up and urge us on, understand us more deeply than we understand ourselves, expand our sensuousness and spirit, continually make up new things to give us—and this feeling of being loved by the images permeates the analytical relationship. Let us call it imaginal love, a love based wholly on relationship with images and through images, a love showing in the imaginative response of the partners ...

Gardening and Keeping Fit!

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:06:07 +0100

With spring upon us, gardening can be a healthy, stimulating physical activity that
can be enjoyed by seniors.
Seniors can get particular benefit because gardening:

Don't Be a Fool ÃÂÃÂÃ¢â¬â Pick Up the Free Tools!

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:05:28 +0100

I have a theory about life. I believe it is designed to be a series of learning experiences. The goal is to reach life’s end more enriched than when we began and with the world better than when we found it. According to my theory, we can enrich ourselves and others by navigating through each in a series of life challenges/opportunities. I call these tests ‘learning simulations.’ Here is how I think it works:

Academy of the Canyons Named One of America's Best High Schools

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:04:31 +0100

Academy of the Canyons, the Wm. S. Hart High School District’s middle college high school, has been named one of America’s Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report, placing it in the top 10 percent of high schools across the nation. In selecting its America’s Best High Schools award recipients, the magazine analyzed nearly 22,000 public high schools in 48 states plus the District of Columbia. The award is based on the key principles that a great high school must ...

Addiction and Compulsion Treatment Options

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:09:48 +0100

There are a lot of choices when it comes to help for an addict. There are many expensive out-patient and in-patient recovery centers that offer little more than pre-fab formulas and stylized babysitting of those who truly need to be helped before they are lost forever to the disease of addiction.

Bankruptcy Qualifications: What Counts as Income?

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:08:52 +0100

When Congress enacted the new bankruptcy law in October of 2005, they created a Means Test, which was designed to determine (in most cases) which Chapter of bankruptcy an individual or couple qualifies for. Because there are many variations on how people receive income, and the types of income they receive, the Means Test was left open to interpretation in many areas, which has created confusion among judges, trustees and attorneys, and which has promoted litigation and opinions to try to ...

To Divorce or Not To Divorce That Is The Question

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:08:05 +0100

There are two ways of being rich.Â One is to have all you want, and the other is to be satisfied with what you have. â Unknown
How do you decide that you are ready for a divorce?Â Making this decision is one of the most difficult struggles we face in life.Â Am I making the right choice?Â Am I choosing for the right reason?Â Is hope to salvage the marriage truly gone?

Living Trusts The Trustee

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:07:10 +0100

The Trustee of a Trust performs a valuable service, both to the grantor (trustor) and to the beneficiaries. By accepting the position of trustee, you will be accepting responsibility for the administration of the grantor’s trust estate.
Here’s what you can expect to do:

California Common Law Marriage A Misconception

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:06:29 +0100

As a family law attorney, I find that many people are misinformed about California family law. Perhaps one of the most common misconceptions I come across is regarding “common law marriage.” I have heard people say that they are married by “common law” because they have been living together for a certain number of years. I would like to clear up this misconception once and for all and state that in California, there is no “common law marriage.&rdqu ...

How to Make Managing Your Insurance Easier and Save Money at the Same Time

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:05:41 +0100

Whether it’s for your business or personal life, or a combination of both, the answer to simplifying the management of your insurance policies and saving money is far from complicated. All you need to do is find one agent who is trustworthy and knowledgeable, and provides great service. If he represents one leading insurance company and provides all or most of the coverage you need through that entity, all the better. Here’s why.

What is a Foster Family Agency?

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:05:08 +0100

What is a Foster Family Agency? A Foster Family Agency, or FFA, is a private, community based, nonprofit organization licensed by the State of California to provide foster family care. With this license, FFAs are contracted to recruit, train, and certify quality homes that are able and willing to provide the love and nurturance that children need.

The Kiss of Death in Family Law Cases

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:04:02 +0100

Everyone has the right to appeal. Keep in mind that about 98 percent of all cases settle at some point.
A small percentage of cases do go to trial, and a percentage of those cases will be appealed. Family law cases are different from civil appeals because in family law trials, there is no jury. You have either a judge or a court commissioner. That person will make all of the determinations of facts and law.

Your Small Business and Financial Planning

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:03:19 +0100

If you are like most small business owners, your personal life and business life are practically inseparable. That is why it is so important to take a look at your business in the same way that you would look at financial planning for yourself.
Financial Planning – Financial planning for your small business is a process that recognizes the interrelationship of the following six components:

Postural Changes in Pregnancy

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:02:00 +0100

During the course of pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes innumerable changes biochemically and structurally which can create postural strain, neck and back pain. A brief look at the anatomy of the spine provides insight as to why chiropractic adjustments can facilitate a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy.

Children Need Safe and Loving Homes

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:01:07 +0100

Every child deserves to have a safe, loving and permanent home. With 129,000 children currently in foster care, Children’s Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adoption. The agency is holding a monthly information meeting for those interested in learning more on Thursday, March 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Six Flags Magic Mountain Administrative Offices located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:00:23 +0100

The decision making process has the potential of being a very stressful one; particularly when the decision that needs to be made has the ability to directly affect or alter your everyday life or what you perceive to be normal. There are times in our lives where decisions are made very easily, without any difficulty or apprehension.

Braille InstituteÃ¢â¬â¢s Mobile Solutions Van Visits SCV Senior Center

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:59:18 +0100

The Mobile Solutions Van from the Braille Institute will be available for the visually impaired at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following up-coming date of Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

Free Wills and Trusts Seminar

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:58:39 +0100

As many of you know, one of my areas of practice is estate planning which involves protecting oneself and one’s family with solid legal documents such as living trusts, wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, guardianship nominations, and much more. Since this is often regarded as a mysterious area of law, I really enjoy “demystifying” it through education.

Ask The Voicecat - March 2010

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:57:48 +0100

Readers of The Magazine of Santa Clarita continue to submit great questions about the voiceover business. This month, a voice actor writes in about mouth noise.
Q: I’ve been listening to some of my readings from the V-O class I’ve been taking, and I always have that dry mouth “crackly” sound going on.

You Are Never Too Old To Exercise Use It or Lose It!

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:56:07 +0100

We have all heard the saying, “Use it or lose it” when it comes to exercise programs. It couldn’t be truer! Regular physical activity can help the human body maintain, repair, and improve itself. Anyone, regardless of his or her age, can benefit from an exercise program. In fact, most seniors – even those with illnesses or disabilities – can take part in some form of an exercise program! People who exercise regularly will benefit in man ...

CanÃ¢â¬â¢t Afford a Long-Term Care Policy? Consider Cutting the Length of Coverage

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:55:21 +0100

Most people can’t afford to buy a gold-plated long-term care insurance policy that offers a large daily benefit and that will continue paying indefinitely. If premiums for this type of Cadillac plan are not in your budget, what should you cut — the daily benefit amount or the number of years of coverage?

Creating Unique Nicknames Out of Baby Names

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:54:34 +0100

Parents usually invest time and effort in finding the perfect name for their babies. It is common that once a name is given to a baby, an appropriate nickname also follows. While there are a lot of uncommon and unique names for babies, the idea of combining two names for a baby is also common. Sometimes, one of these two names or the initials of the two names become the nickname.

You Would Be Surprised

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:53:35 +0100

Drug and alcohol abuse is a serious workplace issue. Of the 16.7 million illicit drug users aged 18 or older, 12.4 million (74.3 percent) were employed either full or part time, according to the U.S. government. More than one in three (38 percent) workers between the ages of 18 and 25 are binge drinkers. By occupation, the highest rates of current illicit drug use and heavy drinking were reported by food preparation workers, waiters, waitresses and bartenders (19 percent); constructi ...

Renovate It!

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:52:22 +0100

It’s not where most expect to find it. It’s in the workplace, the military, and in government. It knows no borders or boundaries. It transcends age, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual preference, race, religion, and medical condition. While most complain bitterly about how unfair, unjust, and intolerable it is, many create it for themselves and others in the privacy of their own homes.

Dreams Call Out to the Imagination in All of Us

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:51:31 +0100

If we think back on any dream that has been important to us, as time passes and the more we reflect on it, the more we discover in it, and the more varied the directions that lead out of it. The depth of even the simplest image is truly fathomless. The unending, embracing depth is one way that dreams show their love. –James Hillman

Award WinningÃ¢â¬Â¦Life!

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:50:07 +0100

On March 7, dozens of stars will walk the red carpet at the 82nd annual Academy Awards at Kodak Theatre. Each one hoping to take home that coveted golden trophy—the ultimate industry symbol of a “work well done.”
Ideally, the Oscar itself will be given to the film that connected most with the American movie going audience—the one that best tapped into transcendent themes that move us.

Is Now The Right Time To Buy A Home?

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:49:27 +0100

This is the question many homebuyers are asking. It seems that most buyers are waiting for the Real Estate market to bottom out. The problem with waiting for the bottom is, you never really know you are at the bottom until you pass it. Home prices may continue to go up or they may decline a little, but here are few reasons to consider buying now.

When Faced With Care Needs Take a Closer Look at In-Home Care

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:47:21 +0100

Deciding what type of long-term care loved ones need when they are no longer able to live totally independently is an important decision that should not be considered lightly. If given the option to live one’s golden years in an institutional setting or in one’s own home, the majority of people would choose their own homes. There are many instances when home care is a perfectly appropriate and less expensive care choice.

Celeb Deaths and Prescription Meds Is Someone You Know Next?

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:59:35 +0100

Michael Jackson dies from complications brought about to a large degree by overtaking and misusing prescription meds. Brittany Murphy dies from conditions that are yet to be disclosed. Coroner’s office needs more time (possibly a request from family members to stall the release of info so the media can move onto the next sorry story), but there are indications that her prescription meds are partly responsible too.

Children Needing a Safe, Loving Home

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:58:44 +0100

Now is a time to raise the awareness of the need for every child in America to have a safe, loving and permanent home. With 129,000 children currently in foster care, Children’s Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adoption. The agency is holding a monthly information meeting for those interested in learning more on Thursday, February 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Six Flags Magic Mountain Administrative Offices, located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway in Valenci ...

Automatic Restraining Orders in Family Law Cases

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:57:44 +0100

Did you know that by simply filing a petition for dissolution of marriage and signing where indicated on the form, you become bound by four automatic restraining orders? The person you are divorcing will be bound by the same orders once he or she is personally served with the summons or waives service. The actual restraining orders are set forth on the back of the summons.

Evaluating Assets For Bankruptcy

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:56:59 +0100

When filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a debtor must disclose all interests in any assets, including assets that have not yet been received, but which the debtor is entitled to receive. Assets that are often overlooked by debtors include:

How Does One Become a Certified Foster Parent?

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:54:28 +0100

Have you ever wondered what it would take to become a foster parent? Fostering is a wonderful experience but many people don’t know how to get started. Here is an abridged list of what is required for foster parent certification.

Court Ordered Custody Evaluations: What You Should Know

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:53:52 +0100

In any divorce or other proceeding, which involves child custody issues, the Court may appoint a child custody evaluator to perform a custody evaluation. The court makes this determination if it decides the evaluation will be in the child’s best interests. The evaluator must be a mental health professional (MHP), but could be a domestic relations investigator, or any other court-appointed evaluator who meets the judicially prescribed qualifications. Family Code Section 31 ...

What to Do If You Are in A Car Accident

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:53:10 +0100

No matter how safe we are behind the steering wheel, auto accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Therefore, for our safety, and for legal and insurance reasons, we should be prepared.
The first action you should immediately take is to place a pad and pen in your glove compartment and keep them there. Leave a disposable camera in the compartment as well. These will enable you to provide invaluable information and evidence.

How to Revoke a Power of Attorney

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:52:41 +0100

If for any reason you become unhappy with the person you’ve appointed to make decisions for you under a durable power of attorney; you can revoke the power of attorney at any time. But you must take a few steps to ensure that the document is properly revoked. First, you should put the revocation in writing. This revocation should include your name, a statement that you are of sound mind, and your wish to revoke the power of attorney. You should also specify the date the original pow ...

Creative Gift Ideas

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:52:09 +0100

Creative gift ideas are the best types of gifts. These can show your originality and provide a great bond with the gift recipient. Not only does finding just the right gift work out well for the gift receiver, it also can be a source of pride for the gift giver. We know how valuable this can be which is why we are providing some tips to help you get this same benefit.

You'll Have to Learn to Live With It

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:51:44 +0100

Happy Valentine’s Day from Unruh Chiropractic!
Everyday millions of Americans are turning to chiropractic as a last resort approach. “You’re my last hope,” they tell us as they enter our office. Too many people believe their doctor to be infallible - “If he can’t help me, nobody can.” They believe their body has condemned them to a lifetime of misery and they have to try to grin and bear it.

A New Era for the Roth

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:50:58 +0100

It’s the opportunity most people have been waiting for. With the lure of tax-free distributions, the Roth IRA has become a popular retirement savings vehicle since its introduction in 1998. But in the past, if you were a high-income taxpayer, chances are you have not been able to participate in the Roth revolution. Well, that’s now changed.

Let's Talk About Asking for Help

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:50:20 +0100

Did you realize that an attitude of helplessness can lead to anxiety and depression? As you might expect, people who are generally passive and “let life happen to them” are at a higher risk for feeling helpless than those that believe they have some control over their own destiny. Seeing yourself as a “loser” or a failure can lead to an attitude of helplessness. Given the stressors of 2010, feeling powerless may be more common than you think, but reachin ...

Divorce Advice! Tell Me What To Do

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:49:36 +0100

Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didnât. â Erica Jong
There is a distinction between advice intended to provide knowledge and advice intended to recommend action.Â In either case, the product of advice is an opinion.Â To better understand the value of advice, we might consider the needs of the seeker of advice.Â

New Budget Eliminates Domestic Violence Funding In California

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:47:49 +0100

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s newly proposed budget for fiscal year 2010/11 completely ignores funding for California’s domestic violence programs, directly impacting the residents of Santa Clarita. Under the proposed budget, the Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley, which is the only agency providing comprehensive domestic violence services in the 200-square mile Santa Clarita Valley, will continue to experience significant losses in funding.

Are You Doing 'Love'?

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:46:46 +0100

She went to bed early New Year’s Eve. He fell asleep on the sofa. He says, “She doesn’t care.” She says, “He can’t be bothered.” Most days, one works late and returns to find the other preoccupied in a computer game or watching television. He says, “It doesn’t matter if I come home, she doesn’t notice.” She says, “I expect him to ignore me, he doesn’t care whether I’m dead or a ...

ASK THE VOICECAT - FEB 2010

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:46:06 +0100

A reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita wrote in about breaking into voiceover and I promised to lay out the skill-sets that most people in the areas of stage, film and television, singing, instructing, public speaking and on-air talent possess, and show how they apply to voice acting. Last month I addressed public speakers. This month, it’s on-air talent.

Albert Einstein Academy Opens in Santa Clarita

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:45:01 +0100

Institute will be first Hebrew Language Charter High School in United States A new chapter in SCV education begins this year with the establishment of the Albert Einstein Academy for Letters, Arts and Sciences. Opening in fall 2010 for grades seven to nine, the publicly funded charter school will eventually be adding grades kindergarten through sixth and 10 to 12. “This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our children,” said Rabbi Mark Blazer, AEA&rsqu ...

Paying for Long-Term Care Resources Available to Help with the Cost of Home Care

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:43:44 +0100

Nearly one third of all adults in the U.S. are unpaid family caregivers for a loved one needing assistance, and with the expanding senior population, this number only promises to grow. Additionally, two out of five Americans will need long-term care at some point in their lives. When the cost for this care falls directly on the individual needing care or on the family, which in many cases it does, these statistics prove significant. Many people believe that Medicare will pay for long-term care, ...

Preserving Precious Memories Simple Ideas to Help Seniors Retain and Recall Memories

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:43:02 +0100

It can be very difficult to watch our beloved seniors lose precious memories and mental capacity, forget those they love, and even sometimes lose their own unique personalities.
How can important memories be kept alive, and these precious minds kept active? Here are some simple ideas for everyday activities that can help with memory and recall:

What's Love Got To Do With It?

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:42:12 +0100

The title of this article may send your mind racing back to Tina Turner’s 1984 classic hit or to the 1993 blockbuster motion picture documenting her struggle and rise to success in the music industry. However, this question is far more than a classic music tune or memorable film.

What Makes Inner Circle Different?

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:59:17 +0100

Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoption Services, Inc. address the growing deficit of services to troubled children and families in our community. Our foster children are children age zero to 17, of all ethnicities, that have been removed from their birth families and placed into foster and/or fost/adopt homes. These children remain in foster care while their parents are offered services by the County of Los Angeles, Department of Children and Family Services to help them correct probl ...

Electromagnetic Therapy An Amazingly Effective Advancement in Pain Management!

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:58:36 +0100

Electromagnetic Therapy (EMT) has, through numerous studies, been proven an effective technique in healing soft-tissue wounds and suppressing inflammation at the cell membrane level, which helps to alleviate pain and increase range of motion. EMT has been proven beneficial for a wide range of conditions by medical trials carried out by hospitals, rheumatologists, and physiotherapists. EMT re-energizes damaged cells by inducing electrical changes within the cell, restoring it to its n ...

What To Do After A Car Accident?

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:57:08 +0100

Many people know that I practice estate planning (wills and trusts) but some don’t know that I also handle personal injury law. I used to be a lawyer for the insurance companies. Now I represent the victims of accidents. My personal injury website is www.ValenciaLawyer.com . If you’ve been involved in a car accident, here are the top five things you should do:

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:56:24 +0100

What is it like to be an addict, caught in the seemingly endless cycle of using, recovering, shame and failure? The non-addict might think an addict is having fun, doing whatever they want and indulging themselves at everyone’s expense. In the beginning stages, there is some truth to this. But as abuse continues, it becomes a prison for the individual as well as others.

Tiger Woods and Premarital Agreements in California

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:55:37 +0100

Every once in a while I, like most people I know, enjoy listening to the talking heads. Not David Byrne and Company, but rather the pundits, espousing upon the topic Du Jour. This week that topic is Tiger Woods. The pundits I have listened to have uniformly come to the conclusion that Tiger’s prenuptial agreement (premarital agreement here in California) would no longer be enforceable because of his alleged infidelity.

Children Needing a Safe, Loving Home

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:55:02 +0100

The holiday season is a time to raise the awareness of the need for every child in America to have a safe, loving and permanent home. With 129,000 children currently in foster care, Children’s Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adoption. The agency is holding a monthly information meeting for those interested in learning more on January 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Magic Mountain Administrative Offices located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia.

Car Accidents Happen to the Best of Drivers, So Why Not be Prepared?

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:53:54 +0100

No matter how safe you are behind the steering wheel, auto accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Therefore, for your safety, and for legal and insurance reasons, there is no legitimate reason not to be prepared. The first action you should immediately take is to place a pad and pen in your glove compartment and keep them there. Leave a disposable camera in the compartment as well. These will enable you to provide invaluable information and evidence. If you are involved in an a ...

2010 Financial Calendar

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:52:57 +0100

If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to get your finances on track for 2010, you have probably also heard the question, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is, “one bite at a time.” This metaphor applies to achieving any big goal. How do you achieve a big goal? You accomplish it one step, one task, one measure at a time. Here’s a monthly financial calendar of important planning and execution tasks to help you reach yo ...

In Divorce, It's Better to Pace than to Race

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:51:08 +0100

âDo not be in a hurry to tie what you cannot untie.â â English Proverb Developing a divorce agreement is a process that has significant impact and a lingering effect.Â Decisions you will have to live with for a long time may make more sense if you exercise a little patience and a lot of common sense.Â There are mediation models that advertise (and deliver) single session divorce agreements.Â A marathon session can go on for hours and hours.Â In the end, there is an agreement.Â But, is ...

A Lover's Playground

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:50:27 +0100

Beautiful ocean breezes, stunning sunsets, dancing under the stars and romantic ports of call, what a better place to renew your vows than on a cruise ship! In the past vow renewal ceremonies were only considered for big anniversaries, 10th, 20th or 50th. Nowadays it has become an exciting way to celebrate your love every year! Young couples, mature couples, even newlyweds are playing this romantic game! Why not pledge your love to each other as often as possible?

Trouble with Driving and Update on the Sunset of Estate Taxes

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:49:43 +0100

The last vestige of independence for many elders is the loss of their ability to drive. The efforts to take the automobile away to protect the elder and other drivers on the road can be met with tremendous resistance. A physician can assist in notifying DMV of a patient’s inability to use an automobile so the driver’s license is revoked. The fact remains, when the automobile is physically removed, battle lines are drawn between the elder and the caregiver and/or fam ...

Ask the Voicecat - Jan 2010

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:49:00 +0100

A reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita wrote in about breaking into voiceover and I promised to lay out over the next few months the skill-sets that most people in the areas of stage, film and television, singing, instructing, public speaking and on-air talent possess, and show how they apply to voice acting. Last month I talked about instructors. This month I’ll talk about public speakers.

Exercise at 80 A Little Goes a Long Way Towards Maintaining Independence

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:47:54 +0100

A healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and fitness is highly emphasized in today’s society. The National Institute on Aging released startling statistics after a physical health study performed on elderly aged 75 and older. The study revealed that 40 percent of those studied could not walk two blocks.

Pitfalls, Pratfalls and Shortfalls

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:46:33 +0100

Joe and Joanne Client had a revocable living trust. It was prepared many years ago by an experienced attorney. At that time, it was fully funded: their house and financial accounts had been re-titled to Joe and Joanne as trustees of their Trust. Recently Joe and Joanne died (on different days) as the result of injuries they suffered in an auto accident. In the weeks that followed, their adult children discovered, to their dismay, that all was not well in Inheritance Land: ...

Going Back to the Warzone

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:45:58 +0100

Vets Back To War Zone (VBTWZ) and Veterans History Project (VHP) are winding down the year after multiple accomplishments and events. VBTWZ’s utmost mission and desires are to have Vietnam and Korean veterans and others assist in mentoring veterans returning form the Middle Eastern Wars. The one jewel of the final part of this year was meeting Bill Reynolds, a long time Valencia resident and Vietnam veteran who made a return trip to the war zone in 2007 to retrace his, and his unit’ ...

SBDC hosted by College of the Canyons Named "Overall Highest Performer"

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:43:13 +0100

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by College of the Canyons was recently honored with three ‘“highest achievement” awards at the annual Los Angeles Regional SBDC Award and Recognition Dinner — including the organization’s prestigious “Overall Highest Performer” award. The awards ceremony, which was sponsored by the SBDC Lead Center at Long Beach City College and attended by members of the Los Angeles District Small Business Admini ...

Beware of Homeowner's Association Fees After Bankruptcy

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:41:17 +0100

Due to the decrease in home prices, many debtors in the past few years have filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy while owning real property that they plan to surrender to their lender. Some debtors have owned more than one house or condo for which they can no longer make payments.

Bring in the New Year - Balanced

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:40:14 +0100

As we welcome a New Year, many of us are pondering the positive changes we’d like to make to improve our lives. Consider making your home a safe place again.
There are many situations and conditions that can throw us off-balance. Whether it’s a medical condition such as diabetes where we can lose feeling in our feet, or changes in our eyesight, it’s never too soon to consider placing “helpers” such as grab bars around the house.

Creating a Family Recipe Scrapbook

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:39:49 +0100

Recipes are among the most treasured family air looms handed down from one generation to the next. They become especially important during the holidays when even the most infrequent of cooks strive to produce the most tantalizing, mouth-watering dish at the annual get-together. Every year, family members rush around to find that particular recipe that has been a favorite for generations, and every year, that person inevitably calls everyone who just might have it. What better w ...

Old Lessons for a New Year

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:39:10 +0100

One of the most valuable things that you can take into 2010 is all of the wonderful lessons that you learned in 2009. The reality is, it’s not important whether or not everything turned out the way that you wanted it to or whether or not you achieved all of your goals for 2009. The important thing is discovering whether or not you came out of 2009 better or bitter. For some of us, we have spent too much of our lives asking the wrong question.

When Your Loved One Needs Memory Care

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:38:23 +0100

If you are one of the many family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be very rewarding, but at times also be very frustrating. It is so important that you not only provide care for your loved one, but that you also take proper care and time for yourself. You may come to a point where it may be necessary to reach out to others for support. Family members, friends and neighbors may want to help.

Are You Too Late?

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:36:59 +0100

“I love deadlines,” said English humorist/novelist Douglas Adams, “I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” He would have loved my December! I felt as if I were a driver competing in a high-speed contest, only without my racecar! Can you believe it’s 2010 already? It was only yesterday when we worried about that turn-of-the century Y2K threat which was supposed to render useless everything from toasters to computers – and my toa ...

Ask the Voicecat - Dec 2009

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:31:28 +0100

A reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita wrote in with this question about breaking into voiceover and I promised to lay out over the next few months the skill-sets that most people in the areas of stage, film and television, singing, instructing, public speaking and on-air talent possess, and show how they do and don’t apply to voice acting. Last month I talked about singers. This month I’ll talk about instructors.

The Santa Clarita Artist Association

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:30:32 +0100

Canyon Theatre Guild (CTG) will feature the art of Laurie Morgan, Santa Clarita Artists’ Association (SCAA) president, in their hallway gallery from November 27 to December 19, 2009. The exhibit will run concurrently with the performance of the holiday classic, Miracle on 34th Street, based on the movie of the same name. A free artist’s reception will be held at the theater on December 9, between 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm. The public is invited with RSVP to 661-259-6789. ...

Questions About Foster Care

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:29:50 +0100

1. What are the children in foster care like? Children in foster care are like all other children in many ways. There are boys and girls, single children and siblings. They range in age from infants to teenagers. Children in foster care come from varied backgrounds and different family situations, but all are in foster care because, for some reason, their parents are unable to care for them.

Addiction: Families in Pain

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:29:14 +0100

As an addiction counselor I see a lot of families in tremendous pain. It is the hardest part of my job and the only comfort is knowing that if I work hard and get them to work hard, the pain they experience can be transmuted into joy and healing and an even more profound appreciation for life than they ever had before. Often when I meet them they are exhausted from trying to help their addicted loved one and want to give up.

Hart Marching Band Wins Top Awards

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:27:27 +0100

Hart High’s award-winning marching band and colorguard, Hart Regiment, received top awards in its first three marching band competitions of the season. On October 10, the band competed in the West Ranch Wildcat Classic at Valencia High and was tournament sweepstakes winner and earned high music, high visual and high general effect honors from the judges. The colorguard was also sweepstakes winner. It was the first time Hart Regiment performed its winter-themed show, &ldqu ...

Navigating the College Life

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:26:42 +0100

College marks the beginning of a person’s future as an adult. It is a time of new possibilities, independence and responsibility. However, that independence means the student is on their own in navigating a new educational system, setting a course, and coping on a college campus. Parents are not welcomed to ask questions or give input to their child’s counselor or professor and suddenly the student is fully on their own, whether they are at a local community college ...

Starting a Divorce and the UCCJEA

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:25:47 +0100

Divorce is commonly thought of as a state law issue, which means that each state promulgates its own laws regulating divorce. We live in a highly mobile society and it is relatively easy for people to move from state to state. A child may be born in New York and move to California with one of its parents. Questions often arise as to where the divorce action should be filed and in legal terms, which court has jurisdiction to make custody issue determinations.

City Launches Short Survey to Help Residents Determine Eligibility for Grant Program

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:24:50 +0100

The City of Santa Clarita recently launched a five-question survey to help residents determine their eligibility for its Residential and Property Rehabilitation Grant Program. The short “Are You Eligible?” survey, available at santa-clarita.com/housing, allows prospective applicants to determine grant eligibility before completing a longer, more in depth questionnaire.

Divorce: The Final Solution

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:23:50 +0100

Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart.Â Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.Â â Carl Jung
More than half the numbers of marriages in California end in divorce.Â The rate of divorce in second and third marriages is even higher.Â The average length of first marriages is about eight years, second marriages about seven years and third marriages a mere three years (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000).

How to Make Managing Your Insurance Easier And Save Money at the Same Time

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:23:18 +0100

Whether it’s for your business or personal life, or a combination of both, the answer to simplifying the management of your insurance policies and saving money is far from complicated. All you need to do is find one agent who is trustworthy and knowledgeable, and provides great service. If he represents one leading insurance company and provide all or most of the coverage you need through that entity, all the better. Here’s why.

Raise Awareness of Children Needing a Safe, Loving Home

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:22:39 +0100

The holiday season is a time to show compassion and raise the awareness of the need for every child in America to have a safe, loving and permanent home. With 129,000 children currently in foster care, Children’s Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adoption. The agency is holding the following monthly information meetings for those interested in learning more: December 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran church located at 27265 Luther Drive ...

Braille Institute's Mobile Solutions Van Visits SCV Senior Center

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:21:50 +0100

The Mobile Solutions Van from the Braille Institute will be available for the visually impaired at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2009.

It's Your HouseÃ¢â¬âEnjoy It!

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:20:54 +0100

While assisted living facilities can be the right decision for some, it may not be the right choice for homeowners who prefer the comforts of home. And while caregivers can make a big difference, affordability and privacy may be a challenge. Our goal at Adapted Living is to give individuals and families their independence back.

Fight the Holiday Blues with a Rainbow of Possibilities

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:20:10 +0100

Helping Seniors Experience the Joys of the Season

For most people, the holidays represent a wonderful time of year to share the joys of family and friendship. But for some older adults, this time of year can be extremely difficult.

Holidays With Loved Ones, Made Easier

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:19:27 +0100

Well, here we are in December! What a year it has been for us all. I think that as we bring this year to a close, we truly need to take some time to enjoy each other. It seems that all too often, we get ourselves into a frenzy trying to meet the false expectations of other at this time of year. Now, in the case of young children, this can hardly be avoided. However, for the adults and seniors in our lives it does not have to be that way.

The Power of a Power of Attorney

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:18:54 +0100

One of the most useful, easy to access, inexpensive and misunderstood legal documents is the Power of Attorney.
This document is used to vest another person with the right to do business on behalf of the grantor (i.e., the person who “gives” someone else his/her Power of Attorney). It creates this right, for either limited or unlimited purposes.
For example:

Mobility

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:18:21 +0100

Imagine waking up one morning with a frozen shoulder where you couldn’t move your upper arm more than a few inches in any direction. How much would that impact your ability to do your job? How much would that affect your ability to drive your car or even to dress yourself? How much would that affect your ability to concentrate on anything other than your shoulder?

A Muddy First

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:17:41 +0100

She ran the Santa Clarita HalfMarathon and finished first in the “old lady division” as she calls it, taking 12th overall out of 727 women. She was also the first overall female finisher in the Castaic Mud Run held a few months back. Dr. Clare Macaulay Lintereur, a Valencia dentist for nearly 15 years, supports numerous athletic and charitable events. As a mother of six, she still finds time to enjoy the outdoors running and even get a little dirty at the Mud ...

2009 Last Minute Tax Tips*

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:17:11 +0100

Set aside time now to evaluate your tax situation before the window of opportunity closes on December 31. There are many tax savings moves that can still be done to affect your bottom line for 2009.

How Much Self-Focus is Too Much?

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:16:26 +0100

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the midst of the “giving season.” The time of year, more than any other, when frenetic giving reaches a fever pitch and we are invited, pressured, obligated, and even shamed into spending beyond our means, giving business gifts, bringing treats to parties, hosting holiday events, contributing coats and blankets for the homeless, food for the hungry, toys for the children, care packages for the troops, and volunteering time to wo ...

Planning For Your Pet's Welfare Upon Death or Disability

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:15:32 +0100

What happens to your pet if you become incapacitated or die? To protect your pets, consider including a provision for your agent under a power of attorney to not only pay your bills while you are incapacitated, but care and pay for the needs of your pet. The following language can be inserted in your power of attorney:

New Auditoriums Support Performing Arts Education

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:14:59 +0100

Students and staff at West Ranch and Golden Valley high schools are happy to be using their newly completed performing arts centers, which were dedicated in recent ceremonies with performances that clearly showed off the state-of-the-art visual equipment and surround sound technologies incorporated into the design.

Thoughtful, Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Seniors

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:14:16 +0100

All of us at one time or another have had to face the challenge of what to give an aging loved one. With the holidays just around the corner, finding an inexpensive, yet meaningful gift just requires some creative thinking!
Most of us delight in the holidays because we are surrounded by our families.

Setting New Financial Habits

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:44:24 +0100

No one can say for sure when the economic upturn will start to relieve the pressure on our nation’s households, but one thing is certain – the landscape for consumer spending and borrowing will be different for years to come.

What is Fostering?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:42:33 +0100

Fostering is an amazing way to help change a child’s life. Fostering means caring for children in a safe and secure environment. It is about families who open up their homes and their hearts to a child in need. It is the job of the Los Angeles County, Department of Children and Families Services (DCFS) to protect children. DCFS removes children from their own families, most typically, due to abuse and neglect. Currently, in Los Angeles County, there are 6,951 chi ...

What is Child Custody?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:41:05 +0100

Clients often tell me they want custody of the kids, or that they are afraid because the other parent is seeking custody. It is important to understand exactly what custody is. There are two types of child custody legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to making decisions for the child’s health, safety, and welfare. An example of such decisions would include; where the child goes to school; when the child gets a drivers license; if the child goes to the ...

When is Your Divorce Really Over?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:39:45 +0100

Your divorce is done and everything has been finalized. It’s all over, right? Maybe and maybe not. It may depend upon whether you have minor children. Under California law, child support orders are modifiable “at any time as the court deems necessary.” The practicality of the situation is that the judgment can never be considered a “final” adjudication of the extent of the parents’ obligation to support their minor children. ...

Dangers in Your Car

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:37:26 +0100

Traveling at just 35 miles per hour, a head-on collision can cause a one-pound article to strike at someone with about 100 pounds of force. This can break bones and even cause life-threatening injuries.

Books, cell phones, and eating utensils can all become deadly weapons. Buckling up kids in the car seat is great. But, what do with miscellaneous items on the floor or the seats, or even the family dog?

Prescription Addiction

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:36:04 +0100

Ask the Voicecat - Nov 2009

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:33:41 +0100

Mix It Up Day Breaks Down Barriers

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:32:31 +0100

What do popular candy bars have to do with helping students break down the social barriers that exist on school campuses around the country? During the annual Mix It Up day in Hart District schools, candy bar preferences are just one way of getting students to “mix up” their usual pattern of sitting at a “staked out” location each day at lunch.

Movin' On

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:31:32 +0100

âThe reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will beâ â Marcel Pagnol Divorce is among the most traumatic experiences people face in their lives.Â Divorce is not merely an end, but also a beginning.Â To welcome new chapters in your life you have to leave the past behind and learn to move on.Â Although many resources can help, the process is generally easier said tha ...

The Siblings of Children with Special Needs

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:30:30 +0100

Siblings of children with special needs face unique challenges and opportunities that are sometimes overlooked by parents and school personnel. Oftentimes, the special needs sibling requires the lion’s share of family resources in time, attention, and money. The non-disabled sibling may experience feelings of anger, resentment, and guilt. But he or she may also develop compassion, tolerance, and acceptance for others. There are a number of roles, which may emerge, t ...

Mine! Mine! All Mine!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:29:36 +0100

You’ve heard the adage “He who dies with the most toys wins.” Have you asked yourself lately how much stuff have you collected and accumulated over the years. And with the holidays fast upon us, we’re about to give and receive more stuff. But there is another adage we’ve all heard, “You can’t take it with you when you die.” And that is so true.

Diabetes Prevention

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:28:30 +0100

The rate of Type II diabetes has almost doubled in the past 10 years, according to the results of a recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Alarmingly, the actual number of people with diabetes is probably higher, because the survey relied on people to self-report—and many are diabetic and don’t even know it!

Lessons From Michael Jackson

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:27:30 +0100

Lesson One: Michael had his legal documents in order. Around 66 percent of Americans have absolutely no plan whatsoever. As a result, much of his affairs will likely remain private, and his wishes will likely be followed.
Lesson Two: Michael avoided misunderstandings by naming each of his children and specifically excluding the mother of his two older children, Debbie Rowe, from any inheritance.

Leaving It to the Kids

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:26:27 +0100

Jared Client, age 45, was divorced. He shared custody of his two daughters, age 10 and 12, with his ex-wife. She was a loving mother, but Jared didn’t trust her with money. Her well-developed talent for spending was not matched with a talent for budgeting or saving. Jared was still paying off the credit card bills she had acquired during the marriage.

National Adoption Month Set Aside to Recognize Compassion of Adoptive Families

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:24:44 +0100

National Adoption Month in November is a time to recognize and thank adoptive families for their compassion while also raising awareness of the need for every child in America to have a safe, loving and permanent home. With 129,000 children currently in foster care, Children’s Bureau is seeking caring families to consider adoption. The agency is holding the following monthly information meetings for those interested in learning more:

Alzheimer's Disease Update

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:23:42 +0100

In October, I attended my RCFE (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly) re-certification classes to update my Administrator’s certificate. My choice of classes included a 10-hour course entitled Alzheimer’s Care Progress Report. Although the thought of being in class for 10 hours on a Saturday was not a thrilling one, I was eager to get an update on this important subject. Coincidentally, this class coincided with the opening of our Memory Care Neighborhood here ...

Online Services Offer Estate Planning for Digital Assets

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:22:08 +0100

Once upon a time, the key to a safe deposit box was all loved ones needed to unlock the secrets of a life recently ended. Today, many aspects of our lives, both financial and personal, are lived in places accessible only by a password. We have e-mail addresses, online brokerages and banks, Facebook and MySpace profiles, and accounts with PayPal, eBay, and more. In addition, many people have formed relationships with people they know only through game or social networking sites. ...

Be Thankful For What You Have

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:21:31 +0100

There is a major difference between what we want and what we need. The reality is, we may not have everything we want, but thank God we have everything that we need. The key words in the model prayer are, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Instead of stressing out over what you may or may not have tomorrow, thank God for what you do have today.

Adapted Living is the Most Trusted Name in Property Adaptations It's All We Do

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:20:32 +0100

For more than 15 years, we have been offering practical solutions to physical barriers that can limit mobility in the home or in places of business.
We often receive questions from individuals, caregivers, family members, business owners and Occupational Therapists about attractive building solutions that can meet unique needs.

Special News From the Domestic Violence Center of the SCV

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:17:38 +0100

For more than 25 years, the Domestic Violence Center of the Santa Clarita Valley (formerly Association to Aid Victims of Domestic Violence) has quietly gone about providing services and education to women and families, helping to not only end a family’s cycle of violence, but also to prevent future violence. The Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley is the only non-profit organization in the 200 square mile area that comprises the Santa Clarita Valley, providing services t ...

Thou Shalt Not Commit Gossip

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:16:33 +0100

Are you tired of the character assassination that dominates today’s news? When did it become fashionable to substitute name-calling for facts? Well, before we criticize others, maybe we should take a look at ourselves. Do you use derogatory words to describe colleagues, competitors, customers, or others? Do you talk behind the backs of friends and family members to others? Do you spread rumors or pass along emails about people or issues you know nothing about? ...

Maintaining Proper Nutrition in the Golden Years

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:15:20 +0100

Healthy eating is an important issue throughout our lives, but good nutrition in our “golden years” is especially valuable. Good nutrition can help lessen the effects of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, gastrointestinal ailments and chronic malnutrition. Studies have shown that healthy eating in later years helps in reducing the risk of these diseases as well as helping to manage the signs and symptoms. This contributes to a higher quality of life w ...

Visiting Angels to Hold Free Memory Screenings

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:14:18 +0100

National Event Stresses Importance of Proper Detection Individuals can take advantage of free, confidential memory screenings as part of National Memory Screening Day, an annual initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) to promote proper detection of memory problems. The screenings are taking place on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are by appointment. Visiting Angels is located at 24001 Newhall Ranch Road, Suite 270 in Valencia. ...

Attorneys for Everyone in Family Law Cases

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:46:50 +0100

Sometimes overlooked by family law judges is the legislative policy that each party has attorney representation in family law proceedings. This often becomes an issue in low- and middle-income families and was recently addressed in a Court of Appeal Decision in a case entitled Alan S. versus the Superior Court. In Alan S, the Court noted that the purpose of §2030 was not the redistribution of wealth from the greater income party to the lesser income party, but rather to provide parity, a fa ...

Finding Guidance and Support - Fast

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:08:13 +0100

When individuals are seeking therapy and support services, they are often emotionally distressed and anxious to quickly find the right match. This is particularly true when a child has a problem. The parent is often overwhelmed with worries about finding the right help, questions about whether the problem can be fixed, and how much it all will cost. The choices are many and confusing.

Ask The VoiceCat - Oct 2009

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:49:52 +0100

Last month a reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita wrote in with this question about breaking into voiceover, and I promised to lay out over the next few months the skill-sets that most people in the areas of stage, film and television, singing, instructing, public speaking and on-air talent possess, and show how they do and don’t apply to voice acting. Last month I talked about stage actors. This month I’ll talk about television and film actors.

Keep Believing Ã¢ÂÂ Part One

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:48:51 +0100

At times it can be hard to keep your head up and stay positive in the midst of an extremely stressful situation. There are times that even though you know the right thing to do, you don’t feel like doing it. You know you should pray, you know you should believe, you know you should trust God, but you just don’t feel like it. I know that you try to keep up the outer happy persona to protect your inner stressed-out self. I know there are times when the only part ...

Estate Taxes: What is a Taxpayer to Do?

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:45:50 +0100

We have had over a decade of change in the Federal Estate Tax laws. In 1987, the government increased the amount an individual could transfer before Estate Taxes were owed to $600,000. This exemption is now at $3.5 million. We are supposed to be looking at Estate Taxes being repealed for one year in 2010. Thereafter, the estate tax rate in 2011 is slated to revert to the first $1 million with the highest estate tax rate being 55 percent.

Improving Employee Safety

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:45:08 +0100

Accidents in the workplace result in higher workers’ compensation and insurance costs, lost workdays, and lower employee morale. Thus, it makes good sense for employers to provide safety education for their employees to reduce the likelihood of injuries. All employers should develop a plan for medical emergencies. They need to anticipate what could happen, have a plan for what to do if something does occur, and train their employees so they will respond appropriately during ...

Avoiding Colic

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:43:06 +0100

Colic is a condition in young infants characterized by an unusual amount of crying. When they cry, they may draw their arms and legs toward their bodies as though they are in pain and may even turn bright red. Colic usually appears between the third and sixth week after birth and is typically resolved by the time they are three months old. Although no one is certain what causes colic, there are a number of things that likely contribute, such as an immature and irritated nervous ...

City's Community Services Grant Program Provides Valuable Funding to Local Non-Profits

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:42:06 +0100

The City of Santa Clarita invites local non-profit organizations to apply for the City’s Community Services Grant Program, designed to assist community-based, non-profit organizations with providing services to, or directly benefitting, Santa Clarita residents. The Community Services Grant Program awards grants up to $7,500 per community organization to fund one-time projects and program enhancements, pilot programs, capital expenditures and special supplies. All community-based non-pr ...

My, How They Grow

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:41:03 +0100

At Stork Vision, we are in the business of capturing your baby’s development in the most rapid growth period of their lives. It sounds so cliché to say that babies and children grow so quickly. The sad thing is…how true this is. Stork Vision helps you capture your baby on DVD starting at 16 weeks. At this point he or she may only weigh eight ounces. By the time he or she is 32 weeks they may weigh three to four pounds. At twelve months they ...

Family Fall Festival and Festivities

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:36:49 +0100

Have you thought about what you will be doing with your family to celebrate the Fall season? Have you thought about doing something a little different for Halloween with your family this year? Well, at First Presbyterian Church of Newhall we understand the importance of spending time with your family, as well as understand how hard it is do something safe and fun for Halloween.

How Do I Make Sure I Can Keep My Car after Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:36:16 +0100

When filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a debtor may have several tough choices. One of those choices is whether to “reaffirm” a car/truck loan, or surrender the vehicle. If the debtor surrenders a vehicle, the entire loan is discharged (eliminated), even when the loan balance exceeds the value of the vehicle. However, if the debtor wants to retain a vehicle that has a loan secured by that vehicle, he must reaffirm or redeem the loan in order to keep the vehicle.

Domestic Violence Awareness Event Slated at College of the Canyons

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:35:39 +0100

The College of the Canyons Social Science and Business Division will host its second annual Domestic Violence Awareness event on Wednesday, October 21 outdoors on the college’s Valencia campus. Proceeds from the event will benefit local domestic violence shelters.

Outta Control?

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:33:42 +0100

Are you nostalgic about a time when you felt you had more control over your life? I have a theory about why this may be so. Unless I relinquish my power to others, I theoretically have total control over myself. It’s all the control I have ever had. I choose my thoughts, behavior, values, beliefs, priorities, and feelings. I decide who to spend time with, what gets my attention, and where to go. If I drew my circle of control, it would resemble a bull’s ...

What Is Foster Care and What Support Services do I Receive as a Foster Parent?

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:32:51 +0100

What is foster care? Foster care is the opportunity to provide a temporary home to children who are under the custody of the county and cannot live with their birth parents. These children are in the care of the county because they have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Every child wants and deserves a permanent home and family. The goal of foster care is to reunify children with their birth families whenever possible but sometimes that cannot happen. When childr ...

Opportunities Unlimited

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:30:35 +0100

On any given day, most of us have unlimited opportunities to choose what we wish to do during our leisure time. Here in the Santa Clarita Valley, we have easy access to the mountains, beach, parks, amusement parks, malls, libraries, college classes, restaurants, sports centers, movies, etc. We can hop in our cars to visit our friends and family members. However, teenagers and adults who are disabled are often confronted with a daunting array of challenges in their efforts to le ...

Welcome to a New Pacifica at Santa Clarita

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:29:25 +0100

It has been a long time coming! Our extensive remodeling of our community is just about complete. Over the past 10 months, the community has undergone a great deal of construction. The project included: a new driveway, complete refurbishing of the lobby, renovation of our library, sitting room, dining room, activities room, hallways, a number of remodeled rooms, and our Memory Care neighborhood. We are extremely pleased at how our community has turned out, and more excite ...

Opiate Epidemic in SCV

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:28:23 +0100

Opiates have become epidemic everywhere and our suburb is no exception. It’s important to know what opiates are, how they work and what to do if you suspect a family member of using them or if you yourself need help. All opiates are highly and severely addicting, both physically and psychologically.

Start with the Heart: The Parenting Seminar

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:26:32 +0100

If you are a parent, I am sure you would agree that being a parent can be one of the most challenging jobs you will ever have in this lifetime. Whether you have a child in diapers, one who is going through the terrible two’s, one who will not talk because he has an iPod stuck in his ear, or one that you’re running from one event to the next — parenting is hard work!

Halloween, Divorce and the Art of Negotiation

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:25:51 +0100

âI would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion.ââHenry David Thoreau

Isnât divorce a bit like Halloween?Â Each party puts on a mask â to frighten or hide.Â Sometimes the mask changes from intimidating to the intimidated.Â One might ask for treats to fill the bag with riches or let loose with tricks to punish, stymie or confound the other.Â

Senior Community Gives Back to Seniors

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:24:53 +0100

I recently learned of the potential closure of the adult day care program that is offered at the Santa Clarita Senior Center. The article stated that due to the current financial situation in California, programs that are related to seniors will most surely be cut. As Executive Director at Summerhill Villa, an independent and assisting living community in the Santa Clarita Valley, seniors have a special place in my heart, the staff at Summerhill and everyone was saddened to hear that ...

Are You Getting Married?

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:22:11 +0100

Let’s see, you’ve got the wedding chapel and the caterer booked, the dress selected, the cake designed, the wedding invitations mailed, vows written, finances talked about — oops, forgot the last item?

Why Should You Become a Foster Parent?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:40:35 +0100

All children need stable, caring families with nurturing parents who can provide a safe home and good role models.
Foster and adoptive children need parents who can:

Custody Awards Ã¢ÂÂ What Are the Choices?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:39:39 +0100

Before we talk about the types of awards, it is important to understand the legal framework behind them. The child’s best interest is the paramount consideration for any custody award. In order to fashion custody awards consistent with a child’s best interest, courts must consider, and effectuate, two critical public policies. The court’s “primary concern” is to assure the child’s health, safety and welfare.

Welcome to the Family of ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Bureau

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:39:09 +0100

Adoptive parents provide permanent homes for children who can no longer live with their birth families. For many children, adoption can be their only chance of experiencing a loving, caring family life. Often foster parents choose to adopt their foster child when it is not possible for the child to return home safely.

How To Get Someone Off Drugs

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:38:42 +0100

Anyone who has been unfortunate enough to have to deal with a family member or loved one who is an addict can tell you how unbelievably hopeless and frustrating it can be. Even when you think they’ve quit they can relapse and slip back deeply into their addiction making it seem as though everything you did (or thought you did) was useless.

High Holy Days Observance

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:38:04 +0100

The High Holy Days are once again on the horizon. This year, Temple Beth Ami is proud to announce that our services will, once again, be held at the beautiful Hyatt Valencia. Along with ample seating, TBA also provides full-day children’s programming so parents are free to participate in services.

What is Assisted Living?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:37:18 +0100

Although the assisted living industry has been around for over 20 years, there are still a number of consumers who are unfamiliar with the concept. Not only are the consumers confused on the various senior living options, but a number of professionals are as well. Rarely have I come across a potential resident or family member who did not need clarification of the services offered. A while back, I had the opportunity to speak to this point on KHTS AM 1220 radio’s “T ...

Solve Your Problems Today So that You May Enjoy Your Tomorrow

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:33:55 +0100

Do you find yourself sweeping your problems under the rug? Do you try to forget about them or hope they’ll just resolve themselves if you wait long enough? You are not alone. However, these tactics don’t work to your advantage. In fact, small problems end up creating or causing even bigger problems that are more difficult to solve. Why not tackle these problems head on before they grow?

Taming the Green Monster in Divorce: Can One Household Budget Support Two Households?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:33:21 +0100

âIâm an excellent housekeeper. Every time I get a divorce, I keep the house.â
âÂ Zsa Zsa Gabor

Todayâs economic climate has impacted rocky marriages in unusual ways.Â

My Child Can Have an Attorney

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:32:00 +0100

Generally in divorce or paternity cases (cases where there is a child/children but no marriage), the parties battle over custody and/or visitation. Oftentimes, it is very difficult for the bench officers to make custody/visitation orders based on the “he said/she said” paperwork filed by the parties. Under Family Code, Section 3042, if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to reason so as to form an intelligent preference as to custody, the court shall consider and ...

Burglaries: How to Safeguard Your Home Against Them

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:31:00 +0100

Here in the Santa Clarita Valley we enjoy one of lowest crime rates in the country.
Still burglaries do occur here. My advice is never think that it can’t happen to you. Although no actions you take can definitely prevent your home from being burglarized, there are some simple proactive measures that work well as deterrents. These include the following:

Be Aware of the Dangers of Joint Accounts

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:30:17 +0100

Many people believe that joint accounts are a good way to avoid probate and transfer money to loved ones, and such accounts are sometimes referred to as “the common person’s estate plan.” While joint accounts can be useful in certain circumstances, they can have dire consequences if not used properly.

City Launches Updated Trails Map

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:26:44 +0100

The City of Santa Clarita launched a new and updated online trail map, now available at the City’s Trails website at santa-clarita.com/trails . Residents can view the map, which allows users to zoom and scroll throughout the City’s extensive trail system and print desired views.

Why We Struggle So Much with Grief and Loss

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:25:04 +0100

“I’m sure I have unfinished business in many of my relationships, but I would rather just let sleeping dogs lie.” Many people feel this way when it comes to loss, trauma and unresolved grief events from the past. The past is over and done with, move on, keep going, the brain says.

Can a Debt be Discharged in a Bankruptcy? Even After The Creditor Obtains a Judgment?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:16:45 +0100

When an individual with debts can no longer afford to pay on their accounts, creditors have a variety of collection options. Most creditors begin by sending past due notices or demands for the delinquent amount. Some creditors will attempt to coerce payment through phone calls, often harassing the individual at inopportune times.

Be A Safety Psychic

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:05:55 +0100

No need to gaze into a crystal ball or consult a Ouija board. It hardly requires any mystical talents to predict and avoid your next household mishaps. Just plan and think ahead. For example, that throw rug that warms and brightens your hallway, you know the one that slides a little when you walk across it? A dab or two of double-sided tape and poof – it won’t even move. While we’re talking about rugs, fraying edges and loose ends can trip you up, too ...

Time to Join a Group

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:05:24 +0100

In this financial climate why is it that one of the first things we cut out is self-care? Why do we cancel our therapy appointments, or doctor appointments or give up the gym? For some reason people have come to believe that self-care is selfish. It’s not! There is a great opportunity out there to help build you up and get you through the rough times.

Do You Need Comprehensive Financial Planning?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:04:47 +0100

Whether you would value your wealth at $10,000 or in the millions, it is important to take a look at your whole financial picture. Financial issues are interrelated and, in fact, act like a balancing scale. In essence if you adjust one area it can affect the other components. During your lifetime you may be challenged by financial concerns, but how you face them can determine the quality of your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Ask The VoiceCat - Sept 2009

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:37:00 +0100

A reader of The Magazine of Santa Clarita wrote in last month with this question about breaking into voiceover and I promised to lay out over the next few months the skill sets that most people in each of these areas possess, and show how they do and don’t apply to voice acting.

Kiddie Craft

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:35:45 +0100

As the beloved summer break begins to dwindle, children and parents alike seem to be caught in a limbo between summer activities and the start of school. Boredom can set in, which is not a great alternative for either party. Crafts are a perfect way to hone in on a child’s creative potential, at the same time allowing parents and children to spend quality time together.

Why Did my Lender Deny my Home Loan Modification?

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:35:09 +0100

Lenders have no obligation to modify a loan. However, they may do so if, under the circumstances, it is best for them. Likewise, the borrower should determine if a loan modification is what is needed. To determine that, borrowers should look at the following factors:

Oh, My Achin' Feet!

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:33:44 +0100

City Offers Fall Child Development Classes for Community Kids and Parents

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:30:52 +0100

The City of Santa Clarita is offering two fall child development classes designed to help prepare community kids for preschool and kindergarten. The classes, My Buddy and Me and Terrific Tots, begin the week of September 14 and last for 14 weeks.

Starting Your Child On An Exercise Program

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:28:48 +0100

In today’s world, it would seem that more and more people tend to put exercise on the backburner in favor of more fast paced results to our desires. In recent years, there have been a significant number of diet pills claiming the “true” scientific way to lose weight and gain muscle definition. Unfortunately, it would seem that this kind of mentality has been passed on to our kids, and that they are finding less motivation to exercise.

A New Local Resource for New and Expectant Parents

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:24:31 +0100

Stork Vision is proud to be a member of The Santa Clarita Baby Network. We have formed a unified group of businesses that provide expert service to new families in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Trusting in Turbulent Times

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:23:44 +0100

Are you more careful, cautious, or suspicious than usual? Slow to make commitments? Preoccupied about what lies ahead? On the other hand, are you throwing caution to the wind? Making choices with no apparent concern about what tomorrow may bring? Feeling increased levels of fear, anxiety, sadness, or depression?

Grow Through It

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:22:59 +0100

In contemplating the highs and lows of your life, it is important to remember that nothing lasts forever. People will come and go. Money will come and go. Problems will come and go. Understand that every test and every trial is only temporary. Think about it. How many times have you been stressed out about something, only to get through it and over time forget that it was ever a stressful situation?

Eat Well, Live Well The Importance of Good Nutrition for Seniors

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:22:11 +0100

Los Angeles County Approves New Fire Station for the Santa Clarita Valley

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:17:14 +0100

To enhance fire service for the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley, Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich announced that the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the construction of Fire Station 128 at 28450 Whites Canyon Road in Santa Clarita.

Group Psychotherapy for Teens

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:13:20 +0100

Does your teenager need help socializing with others? Is he or she having difficulty finding the right coping skill to deal with stress? Are you considering taking your teenager to a mental health professional for help, but are worried about the cost?

Saving for College

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:10:03 +0100

It is hard to believe that September is almost here. This means that it is back-to-school time. But even if your child is in primary school, sooner rather than later, the big college tuition will loom over you. Most parents expect their children will attend college, but many of these parents have saved no money at all for college.

Live Life on Purpose

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:09:38 +0100

Over the course of the last month or so, we have had the idea of death placed in front of us seemingly more frequently than usual. Together, we have witnessed the passing away of celebrity after celebrity. Many of us have had increased exposure as we have experienced the passing of loved ones connected to us either biologically or spiritually.

What Are Little Mediators Made Of?

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:07:56 +0100

âThe measure of choosing well, is, whether a man likes and finds good in what he has chosen.âÂ âÂ Charles Lamb
What are good mediators made of?Â Maybe some sugar and spice.Â Perhaps even a puppy dog tail.Â Choosing a mediator for your divorce is a crucial step during an emotional storm. Dreams of smooth sailing are far in the distance.Â The mediator is tasked with finding order in chaos, hope in despair, and reason in the face of fear and anger.Â

Ask the Voicecat

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:05:10 +0100

A Magazine of Santa Clarita reader writes in about breaking into voiceover:
Q: I’ve been a public speaker for a number of years now, and have always wondered if I have a shot at being successful in the field of voiceovers.

Say Ã¢ÂÂHappy AnniversaryÃ¢ÂÂ With These Gifts!

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:03:06 +0100

Here are some fantastic ways to say, “I love you,” to your husband or wife with some ideal wedding anniversary gift ideas.
Remember when you said, “I do.” Now fast forward to the present. Does she still look as beautiful as she did that day she walked down the aisle and took your hand in matrimony, guys?

Don't Forget About You

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:01:43 +0100

In this day and age, we have so much going on in our lives. Most families require both parents to be working. All the while, there are kids to care for, meals to prepare, activities to attend, shopping to do, and grandparents to look after. Does it ever seem like there is time to breathe? More importantly, are you caring for yourself well enough to care for the others around you?

Cooling It This Summer

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:00:20 +0100

With the summertime temperatures hovering around the century mark, it is of utmost importance that we create a safe environment for our seniors. The number one guideline is fluid intake. Along with the recommended eight glasses of water per day, it’s a good idea to add fruits — especially citrus — to your diet to replace the electrolyte lost in sweating.

Navigating the Web, Wisely

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:59:02 +0100

If you have ever used the Internet, then you have undoubtedly stumbled onto uncouth websites by accidentally typing in the wrong web address. Perhaps you were trying to research, but you didn’t know which key terms to put in the search engine and now your computer is filled with annoying ads. Some people, out of sheer confusion, end up giving away their e-mail address to unreliable websites, and then their e-mail inboxes are bombarded with spam mail.

When Your Child Isn't Keeping Up

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:58:24 +0100

Your child begins to learn pre-reading, writing and math skills as early as preschool. When a child struggles to learn these beginning skills, it may be an indication that they do not process information in the way it is being presented. If the child continues to lag behind their classmates in attaining any of their academic skills, they may experience a sense of defeat and lose confidence in themselves as a learner.

The Right Choice

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:56:33 +0100

As the High Holy Days approach, many Jewish people are deciding that this is the year—the year they join a synagogue and get involved in the local Jewish community. Determine what you and your family want out of your synagogue experience. Temple offers a great deal above and beyond Shabbat and High Holy Day services, including religious school for your kids, social events and education for adults, a sense of belonging and so much more. The temple you eventually choose should provide ...

Car Accidents Happen to the Best of Drivers! Why Not Be Prepared?

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:54:51 +0100

Inner Circle Welcomes New Director

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:48:21 +0100

Foster families and adoption families will benefit from Inner Circle’s new executive director, Pam Jordan, who joins the center with her 35 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. “There is nothing more meaningful than to provide safe and secure homes to children who have experienced life’s harshest realities. Parenting the next generations may be challenging, but never more rewarding,” says Jordan.

Are You a Victim?

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:47:19 +0100

Times are tough. Staying cool during Southern California summers is challenging. Driving in L.A. is challenging. The threat of fire, earthquake, and other natural disasters is challenging. Getting up in the morning is challenging. Employment and unemployment are challenging. Change is challenging. Falling in or out of love is challenging.

When Is the Right Time to File Bankruptcy?

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:42:08 +0100

The timing of a bankruptcy is often the most important decision to insure that a debtor gets the full benefit of the filing and the discharge. In a Chapter 13 case, where a debtor is restructuring their debt, the time to file may depend on how close a lender is to foreclosing on the home, or repossessing the car. Often, a Chapter 13 case is designed to stop creditor actions while there is still time to set up a plan to pay back missed payments on a secured loan. If an individua ...

"ItÃ¢ÂÂs 'CHan-ning', not 'SHa-ning'!" The Art of Choosing Baby Names

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:40:32 +0100

After you realize that you are expecting, the “to-do” list suddenly seems to grow by leaps and bounds. Your free time is often spent shopping for maternity clothes, choosing a theme for the nursery, getting daily care items, car seat(s), blankets, and more. As you prepare, you are frequently asked a few common questions: “When are you due?” ,“Is it a boy or girl?” and “What are you going to name the baby?” This last question can be one that r ...

Drugs: Why Rehab Rarely Works

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:39:12 +0100

There is no debate about minor drugs leading to bigger drugs, but not everyone who smokes pot and parties with alcohol in high school turns into an addict. We need to keep things in perspective, because no matter how much a parent may feel these behaviors are ultra dangerous, most teenagers feel it is a normal part of their young lives.

Surviving Debt: An Educational Seminar August 17

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:38:20 +0100

In these economic times, people in all walks of life have to face the consequences of accumulating debt. It is always easy to get into debt, but never easy to get out. When seeking professional advice on how to cope with existing debt, it is best to be prepared with the following information:

Getting Your Ex to Pay More Child Support

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:37:55 +0100

In these tough financial times, support is becoming even more important. Courts are facing tough challenges with parties losing their jobs. In my experience, the courts have been cutting parents who lose jobs some slack to give them time to find another job. And that only seems fair. The larger problems are the cases where the supporting parent stops working the overtime that you were accustomed to, or even worse, is simply working less hours per week.

Hart District Joins the Twitterverse

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:37:12 +0100

The Hart School District is making use of the latest technology to keep in touch with parents and the community. We’ve recently added a Twitter account and an electronic message system that allows parents and community members to choose the kind of information they want to receive from the district through e-mail messages.

How Long Do I Have to Support my Former Spouse?

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:35:53 +0100

There are three distinct components relating to the issue of payment of spousal support to a former spouse: amount of support, duration of support, and the court’s continuing power over the issue after judgment. While child support is calculated using the statewide uniform guidelines, allowing a court to use programs such as the “DissoMaster” to calculate child support obligations, spousal support calculation is not formula driven. In fact, it is reversible error for a co ...

Stork Vision on "Having Your Baby"

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:34:21 +0100

Just recently, Stork Vision was invited to be a guest on a KHTS’s radio special “Having Your Baby,” hosted by KHTS owner Carl Goldman. What an amazing experience. As a guest along with Dr. Roscoe Marter, an obstetrician with Facey Medical Group, and Laura Gracia, a certified doula and parent educator, we discussed many of today’s pregnancy hot topics.

Estate Planning Isn't Just for the Elderly

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:33:08 +0100

Many people in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s view estate planning as something for elderly people to do. “There’s plenty of time,” they reason. They equate estate planning with dying — which they’re not likely to do for many years to come. Statistically, they may be right. But what about Michael Jackson, who died at 50? What about Billy Mays, who died at 50? Farrah Fawcett, who died at 62?

Erase Boredom with Board Games

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:32:31 +0100

If we think about having some quality family fun, board games can be a solution to engage the whole family playing together at the same table. While in this tough economic recession, many families can’t really afford to go out. Besides, the benefits of learning through these activities are enormous. Children’s board games invite much in the way of social interaction.

Children's Bureau Seeking Parents to Nurture

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:30:56 +0100

At-Risk Children in Foster Care and Adoption Program

With nearly 85,000 children in California removed from their parents’ homes due to abuse or neglect and 9,000 foster children in California waiting for adoptive homes, there is a great need for caring adults to provide loving, nurturing homes as either foster or adoptive parents.

The Benefit of Support Groups

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:29:11 +0100

If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed by a crisis, illness or the task of care giving, then a support group may be able to help you through your difficult time. Support groups exist that help with very specific problems, such as weight loss, the loss of a spouse or the effects of care giving for a family member with dementia. Other groups may be more general, focusing on a broad range like depression or coping strategies.

"Parentgiving" Website Offers Assistance to Adult Children Caring for Elderly Parents

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:28:09 +0100

Parentgiving.com is a new website created to help time-starved caregivers of aging parents. Its “Learning with Parentgiving” section provides checklists at your fingertips for securing caregivers, preventing falls, steps to take if a parent is denied Medicare coverage, legal documents you may need and information needed in emergencies.

SCV Artists Help ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Art Centre in Africa

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:41:21 +0100

The Santa Clarita Artists’ Association (SCAA) board voted to support an art school in Karatu, Tanzania. Most of the students attending Tloma Art Centre are from the Orphanage Centre, some are from the streets, while others are from very poor families in the village. The Centre provides art education free to 17 children, along with lunch for an afternoon of art fun, according to Shirley Checkos, who visited the Tloma Art Center in August 2008. Since then she kept an ongoin ...

The Positive Effects of Pet Therapy in Assisted Living

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:40:32 +0100

The advent of old age brings diminishment of family and friends, loss of earning power and responsibilities and an increased sense of dependence upon others. Pets can provide an inexpensive method of allaying the negative psychological manifestations of these factors. The older person continues to feel important in caring for the pet. An animal companion provides solace in bereavement, attenuates the pain of social isolation and depression and actively serves a role in preventi ...

Dream Vacation

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:38:58 +0100

Summertime is upon us, and it’s time to take that long awaited dream vacation. However, summer vacations can be surprisingly expensive. Vacations and weekend getaways are something to look forward to and with careful planning they can fit into your spending plan.

Tragedy: How Little Drugs Lead to Big Drugs

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:37:12 +0100

I work with a lot of kids and families. Parents are worried when they see their kids “partying” and afraid this behavior will lead to worse things. While its true that many kids will grow out of it with only a few losses, others may experiment until they try something they truly like and then get hooked.

What Types of Debts are Discharged in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:35:51 +0100

Individuals considering Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection often wonder exactly which debts will be eliminated (discharged), and which debts may still have to be prepaid.

Should Foster Parents Consider Adoption?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:34:12 +0100

In April 2009, Los Angeles County had 20,252 children in placement because their parents abused or neglected them. Until recent years, it was believed that foster homes could adequately meet the needs of children who were unable to safely return to their birth families.

The Do's and Don'ts of Premarital Agreements

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:32:14 +0100

A “premarital” or “antenuptial” agreement is a contract executed between prospective spouses in contemplation of marriage. The purpose of the agreement is to fix marital property rights and financial responsibilities upon consummation of the marriage. While some people would argue that such an agreement is a bad thing for a marriage, these agreements are typically intended to foster or perpetuate conditions, which will help preserve a forthcoming marriage.&nbs ...

Perception Is Everything

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:31:21 +0100

I have discovered that one of the main differences between happiness and the lack thereof is perception. The same can be said about the difference between one who experiences a feeling of success and one who experiences a feeling of failure. Personally, I do not believe in failure.

Avoiding Car Accidents

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:30:35 +0100

Too often we receive calls from clients who have just been in a car accident. This is very upsetting to us. Thus, we want to do whatever we can to help reduce accidents for our clients and for everyone who reads this magazine. Here are a few tips and reminders that can prevent an accident from happening.

Welcome to the Family of Children's Bureau

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:29:45 +0100

In July our focus is on how to adopt a child. Our adoptive parents provide permanent homes for children who can no longer live with their birth families. For many children, adoption can be their only chance of experiencing a loving, caring family life. Often foster parents choose to adopt their foster child when it is not possible for the child to return home safely.

Hot Weather Help for Older Adults

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:26:58 +0100

When the heat is on it’s time for everyone to take extra precautions to avoid heat related illnesses and even death. Each year approximately 200 die of heat related issues. Now is a critical time for preventing heat related health issues in older adults. As we age, physical changes take place and older adults lose the ability to cool down whereas younger ones have the ability to cool themselves faster.

State Bar of California Updates Major Public Education

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:26:21 +0100

The California State Bar has updated its guide for consumers, “Seniors & the Law: A Guide for Maturing Californians.” More than four million California residents are age 65 or older, making California the most senior-populated state in the nation. A special section is devoted to Senior Housing Options answering questions regarding whether a landlord can evict a senior for any reason at all, if an eviction can be stopped if it leaves a senior homeless, what hap ...

Estate Planning: What Happens to My Business If I Die?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:25:26 +0100

A friend, whom we’ll call Charlie, has assets in excess of $100,000, including his own business, a sole proprietorship. He asks, “If I die, what will happen to my business?” If his estate is subject to probate, everything will be tied up for eight months to a year. His personal representative won’t even be officially appointed for at least four weeks after filing a Petition for Probate. Meanwhile, the business decisions anyone makes will be without le ...

Postural Changes in Pregnancy

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:24:52 +0100

Ask the Voicecat - July 2009

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:23:02 +0100

Here’s an interesting voiceover question from a Magazine of Santa Clarita reader about voice quality: Q: I’ve been recording voiceovers for about five years, but I wonder about my voice quality. The question I keep asking myself is, “Do listeners enjoy listening to my voice?” My voice is okay, but not as pure and clear and beautiful as I want. How can I improve my voice tone quality so that people love to hear my voice? Can I ever have a &ld ...

Opportunities for Learning Congratulates Our 2009 Graduates

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:21:53 +0100

One hundred and forty deserving students achieved their goal of high school graduation this year, earning their diploma after working hard to overcome unique obstacles to make their dreams come true. These students are diverse in their background and interests, but they now have something important in common — they are high school graduates ready for their next step in life, whatever they choose that to be. Congratulations, graduates!

I Used to Work for the Insurance Companies Ã¢ÂÂ Now I Work for You

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:21:13 +0100

I recently read a great book on marketing that said, “Don’t assume your clients know what you do. You must tell them!” I took that advice to heart. Most people know that I handle estate planning, probate, and trusts. However, most people do not know that I also practice Personal Injury Law.

The Benefits of Group Psychotherapy

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:05:02 +0100

Group Psychotherapy consists of meeting with an experienced mental health professional in a group of no more than 12 other individuals. Usually the meetings are once a week for either an agreed upon number of weeks or they can be continuous. There are various types of groups.

Shopping for Healthcare

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:04:21 +0100

During these inflationary times, everyone is looking for a bargain, a sale, a percent off sign. But is there such a thing when it comes to healthcare?

Absolutely! Now you don’t want to set your sites on a bargain basement surgeon or unorthodox medical treatments. But there remains a lot less drastic opportunities to save and still receive topnotch care and products.

Is this a Final Child Custody Order?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:03:33 +0100

Clients often ask if their child custody order is the “final” order. The answer to that question can be yes and no. While the Court may refer to custody orders made after the Judgment for Dissolution is entered as “final” or “permanent” it is important for parents to understand that no order is “final” in that it can never be changed. Child custody orders may always be modified if certain criteria are met.

Independence? Or Just a Bunch of Firecrackers?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:01:16 +0100

âNone of us is as smart as all of us.â - Ken Blanchard

Weâve often heard, âIf getting married was as complicated as getting divorced, there would be fewer marriages â and fewer divorces.âÂ Divorce requires decisions about finances, taxes, real estate transactions, child development, and many other areas of need.

Fast Track Paramedic to RN Program Introduced at College of the Canyons

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:56:51 +0100

Paramedics looking to jump into the high demand field of nursing will be able to quickly make that transition through College of the Canyons’ new “paramedic to RN” program.
Providing yet another potential solution to California’s statewide nursing shortage, the recently introduced “paramedic to RN” program will fast track qualified students through the process needed to obtain licensing as a registered nurse — in as little as 15 months.

Let's Celebrate Inter-Dependence Day Instead

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:53:50 +0100

In the United States, the Fourth of July is set aside to celebrate our independence. Many of us will mark the day by attending firework displays, enjoying barbecues, watching parades, waiving American flags, going to baseball games, eating apple pie, and listening to theatrical recitations of the Declaration of Independence. Our country will be decorated in red, white, and blue. We’ll sing patriotic songs.

Find Your Place at NorthPark

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:51:59 +0100

Dr. David White is not your typical doctor; “Pastor Dave,” as his congregants call him, is a doctor of people’s spiritual, rather than physical, hearts. As an avid reader, traveler, and family man, Pastor Dave sees his duty as an Evangelical Christian as a way to minister to hurting or lost people, and he believes NorthPark Community Church is a great place for people to receive vital Biblical grace and truth that will heal their broken spirits.

Refreshing Fitness, Aquatic Style

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:50:50 +0100

After hosting aquatic exercise classes for over 20 years, Linda Bennett knows how to wade in the water. Her enthusiasm is apparent to anyone who watches the class, and the students credit Linda’s effervescent personality to their continual participation in the classes. Some courageous students have stayed with Linda’s classes for 28 years! Bennett’s certifications from the ACE, as well as Arthritis, Aquatic, and CPR certifications, accent her professionalism a ...

Is It Time for a Change?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:49:34 +0100

Making the decision to move our parent or loved one into an assisted living community doesn’t need to be difficult if we approach the challenge in a positive way.

For our parents, they are accustomed to being independent and maintaining their own homes. The thought of leaving a beloved home that holds many years of memories can bring sadness and grief.

Follow the Money

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:47:26 +0100

Many people associate “estate litigation” with contesting someone’s Will or Trust after that person has died. In my law practice, I investigate financial fraud that happens in many different places. It often only comes to light after a death, when it is revealed that all the money is gone or the Trust says it goes to someone who shouldn’t have it.

The Sandwich Generation

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:27:55 +0100

You’re rushing out of the office on a weeknight, hoping to get your daughter to soccer practice on time, cook dinner and help your other child with their homework. Just as you hit the road, your cell phone rings. It’s the pharmacy telling you that the two prescriptions your father needs immediately are ready for pick up. Or you’re off to your son’s school play just as your mom’s neighbor calls to inform you that she has fallen again and needs you r ...

Facing Tough Times

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:27:24 +0100

Right now many are facing tough financial times and may be thinking of raiding their retirement accounts. But no matter how tough circumstances get, it’s important to try and keep one’s hands out of the retirement funds.

Restructuring the Post-Divorce Relationship

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:26:47 +0100

âThe universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.âÂ â Marcus Aurelius Antoninus At the precipice of divorce one can look back and probably follow a trail that led from courtship to marriage and parenthood, fueled by the desire to connect through warmth, understanding and shared intimacy.Â This âpositiveâ intimacy engenders love, compassion and trust.Â Somewhere along the road âpositiveâ intimacy shifted to ânegativeâ intimacy.Â Motivation is then fueled by di ...

How Can I Tell If I Qualify for Bankruptcy?

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:25:29 +0100

Many individuals and couples considering bankruptcy wonder whether they qualify for bankruptcy, especially with the confusion brought on by the massive overhaul of the bankruptcy code in 2005.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Helping the Mentally Ill

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:24:39 +0100

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the United States, with self help, support, and advocacy groups in every state, including Puerto Rico. NAMI has many programs to help families, including the following:

DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:23:26 +0100

DivorceCare–The class format is a weekly DVD seminar with discussion and then a support group time. There is also a daily workbook for you to go through that will enhance what you saw on the DVD seminar.

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:22:22 +0100

How to Recognize Warning Signs of Dementia We often joke about being forgetful and misplacing the car keys or the television remote control. I know people that even routinely call their own cell phone at home just to track down the ringing sound to locate where it was misplaced. However with seniors, forgetfulness can be frightening and even dangerous. Sometimes it may even be signaling a more serious underlying issue —Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. ...

Offering Employees Health Insurance Is a Choice

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:20:54 +0100

Under California law, employers with two or more full-time employees, including the owner are guaranteed group coverage should they choose to purchase it, regardless of the health status of the employees. To qualify, employers need only have been in business longer than two months, comply with insurer requirements regarding the employer’s contribution and employee participation, offer coverage to all eligible full-time employees, have not committed fraud against the insurer and conti ...

Trustees Have a Tough Job

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:19:42 +0100

If a person has a living trust, and successfully transferred his assets to his trust during his lifetime, then no probate is necessary to transfer his assets to his heirs at his death. The successor Trustee will take over management of the decedent’s assets immediately so that she can pay the decedent’s debts and distribute his assets to the proper beneficiaries.

Addictive Personality

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:18:23 +0100

Many people who aren’t addicts suffer from addictive personality. An addictive personality describes someone who has a high vulnerability to participate in behaviors they may, or may not, consciously know are wrong for them. These are often called bad habits or negative behavioral patterns. The most common ones are:

What to Do When a Parent's Income Changes

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:16:54 +0100

California’s legislature has told us that, “the mother and father of a minor child have an equal responsibility to support their child in a manner suitable to the child’s circumstances” (Cal. Fam. Code section 3900). They have developed the child support guideline, a strictly applied formula, which looks at parental timeshare and financial circumstances to direct the courts about how to impose that responsibility. As parents navigate the family court system, t ...

Compassionate Healthcare with Limelight

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:16:03 +0100

Limelight Healthcare is dedicated to treating patients like family in a supportive and caring environment. Their goal is to provide quality homecare using full-time, part-time and live-in position caregivers. For 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Limelight wants to help. With an extensive list of services offered, you won’t be disappointed.

Children's Bureau Seeks Families

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:14:25 +0100

to Adopt Older Children and Sibling Sets as Part of Child Specific Recruitment Project with Los Angeles County

When an individual or family decides to adopt a child, most people request a newborn or toddler-aged child. However, there are more than 10,000 youth, ages 14 and older, in Los Angeles County who desperately need and want a permanent, safe and loving place to call home.

In Celebration of Fathers

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:13:20 +0100

At Santa Clarita Christian Fellowship we believe that as the father goes and as men go, so goes society. The Christ-centered father is the backbone and the foundation upon which successful families are raised and the key to developing the next generation of leaders, husbands and providers. Society is experiencing rapid changes and men are often frustrated and confused regarding their place, purpose and role within this new dynamic.

Message from the City Manager Ken Pulskamp -June 2009

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:11:53 +0100

Greetings!
Here it is, halfway through the year already. Things have been very busy at City Hall and I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of our recent activities and give you a preview of what’s coming up.

How Does One Become a Certified Foster Parent?

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:10:00 +0100

Have you ever wondered what it would take to become a foster parent? Fostering is a wonderful experience, but many people don’t know how to get started. Here is an abridged list of what is required for foster parent certification.

When to File for Divorce

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:08:42 +0100

When a client comes to my office for a divorce consultation, one of the first issues to be considered is whether the marriage can be saved. Generally, in order to try to save the marriage, both parties should be willing to go for marriage counseling. They must also be willing to consider how their own behavior has contributed to the failed marriage. If they want to exclusively blame their spouse and take the position that they are not willing to change, the prospects of saving ...

When Times Get Tough, the Tough Keep Talking

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:08:06 +0100

Have you ever noticed that when you keep things bottled up inside you feel more stressed, less productive, more anxious and depressed? Have you also noticed that when you talk about those things with someone it feels like a load has been lifted off your shoulders?

It's Always Too Soon To Quit

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:07:24 +0100

It is important to understand that quitting is actually a sign of success. Quitting is a sign that you are actually doing something. How do I know? Because in order to quit something, you have to have something to quit. People who aren’t doing anything, what are they going to quit — the couch? The very fact that you have something to quit means that you are doing something.

Where Will You Be In Five Years?

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:06:14 +0100

Are you happy in your relationships with others? Do you value your work? What parts of your life aren’t perfect yet? More importantly, how much do you care? Enough to get healthy? Learn to communicate more effectively? Better yourself? By allowing poor habits to continue, we keep ourselves from happiness and success, and can damage our relationships without meaning to. Change is a matter of choice. Doing nothing is also a decision. ...

A Special Father's Day Gift

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:05:27 +0100

June 21 is Father’s Day. Stork Vision has the perfect gift for the dad to be – A 3D/4D ultrasound session is such a tangible bonding experience.
It is such an emotional experience for dad to get to see his unborn child in live motion. Just imaging the look on his face when he realizes that his baby bears his likeness.

Learning How We Learn

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:03:50 +0100

The brain is a complicated biological processing machine. Weighing about three pounds, it is capable of the most amazing things – language, emotions, dreams, and plans. Our understanding of the world around us is filtered through our senses and interpreted by our brains. And although each human brain is similarly organized, there are often major differences in the way each individual brain uses information to solve problems.

Heroes Honored by the Anti-Gang Task Force

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:02:58 +0100

On Wednesday, April 29, thirty-two local youth from various Santa Clarita Valley Junior and Senior High Schools were honored at the Hero of the Week Recognition ceremony hosted by the City of Santa Clarita’s Anti-Gang Task Force. Youth were recognized for displaying leadership qualities, having the strength to overcome obstacles and showing perseverance in their lives. The event was held at the Santa Clarita Activities Center and over 100 people attended.

The Value of Respite Care: A Gift of Time

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:00:40 +0100

Respite refers to short-term, temporary care to allow caregivers and family members a break from their daily routines. It can also be used for those individuals who require short-term assistance while recovering from an illness or accident.

Are Headaches Making You a Futilist?

Wed, 27 May 2009 10:59:34 +0100

Doctor, I’ve tried everything! “Doctor, I’ve tried everything for my headache and nothing has helped. I’ve had still x-rays, EEG’s, brain scans and CAT scans. I’ve been to two neurologists, and to a neurosurgeon. I’ve had my eyes tested and glasses checked. I’ve been to a dentist to check my teeth and an ENT specialist to have my sinuses examined. Nobody has found a thing wrong with me. I keep getting these excr ...

Ask the Voicecat - June 2009

Wed, 27 May 2009 10:58:26 +0100

Here’s the latest question from a Magazine of Santa Clarita reader about the voiceover business:
Q: I’ve been thinking about getting into voiceovers, and was wondering what it takes to get into the areas of animation or audiobooks. Do you think someone without any training could break into that part of the industry? —Marlene W., Saugus, CA

Money and The Problem Child

Wed, 27 May 2009 10:57:28 +0100

If your child is mentally disabled, has a substance abuse problem, or is just plain irresponsible, you may be thinking about how to protect your child from himself or herself and how to set up your estate to minimize the risk that your whole legacy will fly out the window.

I Hate To Admit It, But It's True

Wed, 27 May 2009 10:56:12 +0100

Lately, I’ve been approached by a lot of people who have never been in therapy before. Many are under the misguided impression that therapists are somehow exempt from the same day-to-day challenges, disappointments, screw-ups, and set-backs that plague mere mortals. Truth be told, when I feel the anguish and humiliation of falling face first into an all-too-familiar puddle, I hear myself saying the same thing, “Debbie, you’re a therapist, you should know better.&rdq ...

Types of Adoption

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:25:29 +0100

There are many ways to form a family. Many people are discovering adoption as a wonderful way to expand their families and help children in need at the same time. However, there are different types of adoptions and it is best to know your options before making this very important decision.

Keep Divorce Affordable

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:24:37 +0100

In today’s economically challenging times, the last thing you need is a costly divorce to add further financial stress to your plate. A Family Law case is similar to any other legal case, with two ways to resolve: reach an agreement or go to court. Fortunately, family law somewhat differs from other legal suits, in that court would much rather adopt resolutions than hear days of trial.

Performing Arts Centers Underway for Golden Valley, West Ranch

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:23:04 +0100

After years of anticipation, Golden Valley and West Ranch high schools can finally look forward to the day when they will be able to take advantage of their new state-of-the-art performing arts centers.

Money for Vets Financial Resources for Senior Care

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:22:19 +0100

Memorial Day is a time when we honor those who served on behalf of our nation’s Armed Forces. Many of the veterans we think of during Memorial Day are those who served in World War II, coined The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw’s book of the same name.

May Is Better Speech and Hearing Month

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:19:44 +0100

Because May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, I want to bring awareness to this invaluable service. Who benefits from speech therapy? In one of my first college courses in speech pathology, the professor asked, “What is a speech problem?” He then answered the question himself, saying “anything is a problem if it is a problem for you.”

Creating Scrapbooks

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:19:06 +0100

Preserving a photo album or photographs is one novel method of having an essence of freshness in your mind. Every time a picture album is seen, values and feelings associated with memories are brought in front as snapshots in our minds. Pictures do utter more than any word could express. Going a step ahead and painting complete stories by developing picture albums into scrapbooks would make your recollections still better.

How to Get Out of a Lawsuit Early

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:16:45 +0100

When representing a defendant at a jury trial, I always emphasize the fact that the keys to the courthouse steps are free. This means that anyone can sue for any reason. And, just because you sue somebody does not mean that your claim has any merit.

What Can I Keep If I File Bankruptcy?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:14:55 +0100

One of the most common questions asked by individuals who are considering Chapter 7 bankruptcy as an option for eliminating debt is, “What property will I be able to keep?” The answer is not always a simple one. In California, there are two code sections that can be used to protect (exempt) property when a bankruptcy is filed. One of the code sections is more generous with the amount of protection for a home if there is equity in the home (which means the home is wo ...

Santa Clarita Christian Fellowship, Where We Dance for the Real "Star"

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:13:48 +0100

Just about everyone knows of the successful and highly rated television program Dancing with the Stars, which has captured the attention of Americans everywhere who are very excited, engaged and enthused at the incredible display of dancing prowess and showmanship of the “stars” and their dancing partners.

Going Up!

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:12:07 +0100

This article is not for you if:

You have nothing; or
You have no one to leave anything to; or
You don’t care whatever happens to your money
and real estate and stuff after you die; or
You like the idea of paying money (lots of money)
to lawyers; or
You have a properly funded living trust.
That leaves lots of you.

New Credit Score Method

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:11:36 +0100

It has always been a good idea to keep tabs on your credit score. But for 2009, you may want to monitor your credit behavior more closely.

Message from the City Manager Ken Pulskamp - May 2009

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:10:32 +0100

Greetings! I hope this spring finds you outside, enjoying the beauty of the season in Santa Clarita.

City Hall is a busy place these days with our employees working on a number of programs and projects aimed at improving our quality of life here in Santa Clarita.

Ask the Voicecat - May 2009

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:09:31 +0100

The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers send me questions every day about the voiceover business. Here’s a good one: Q: I’m a film actor who wants to be behind a microphone instead of being in front of a camera. Some of my friends have made the switch, but I hear that it’s just as competitive as film acting. But do I need to study voice acting? Should I start at the beginner level and work my way up the “technique” ladder? Do they ...

What To Do If You Are In a Car Accident

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:08:14 +0100

No matter how safe we are behind the steering wheel, auto accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Therefore, for our safety, and for legal and insurance reasons, we should be prepared.

Congratulations! You Inherit Nothing

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:06:45 +0100

Did you know that you could unintentionally disinherit your loved ones? Part of the estate planning process is making sure your loved ones are protected. If you don’t have a plan, or your plan is bare bones, your loved ones could be left out in the cold. There are several ways this can happen, but here are two quick stories based on actual cases that have come across my desk.

Newhall Redevelopment Committee Appoints New Members New Members Added, Some Return with Reinstateme

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:05:57 +0100

The City of Santa Clarita is proud to announce the new installation and reinstatement of seven members to the Newhall Redevelopment Committee. After careful consideration, the Santa Clarita City Council voted two new community members and reinstated five returning members to the Committee. City Council also recognized Susan Shapiro for her previous service to the group.

Who, What, Where, Why, When and How Telling Children You're Getting Divorced

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:05:02 +0100

âDivorce begins with too many unspoken words and things at the end of the day.âÂ â Anon. For many parents deciding to divorce, informing their children is among the most difficult and worrisome parts of the process.Â There has been so much written, depicted in movies and television, and spread through anecdotal stories about the damage children suffer in divorce, parents are frightened about handling the divorce âwrongâ for the children.Â It can add to more stress and tension betwe ...

Advance Care Planning for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:03:28 +0100

All individuals should have a Power of Attorney for Health Care. Recently, the California Coalition for Compassionate Care has participated in the creation of Thinking Ahead: My Life at the End, which is a workbook and DVD designed specifically for people and by people with developmental disabilities. This workbook enables them to make their own decisions regarding healthcare treatment and related decisions at the end of life.

Sports Complex Offers Open Play Pickleball Recreational Classes for Local Seniors

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:02:10 +0100

Adapted Indoor Tennis Game UtilizesBrainpower over Brawn

The City of Santa Clarita invites residents 50 years of age and older to participate in Open Play Pickleball on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the City’s Sports Complex Gymnasium. The classes will be held weekly beginning May 6, 2009.

Stop and Smell the Roses Ã¢ÂÂ Be Stress Free

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:00:44 +0100

Losing sleep, worrying? Feel like there are too many pressures or demands? Feel anxious, afraid and uptight? You may be suffering from stress.

Long Term Care Planning For Mother and Me

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:57:10 +0100

Long-term care planning for our aging family members is not simple. All of us, including our parents, hope to “age in place.” To “age in place” means that we want to live in our own home until we die. My mother often jokes that if I find her unresponsive on the kitchen floor, I need to make sure she is “really dead” before I call for help.

Stop and Smell the Roses Ã¢ÂÂ Be Stress Free

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:56:35 +0100

Losing sleep, worrying? Feel like there are too many pressures or demands? Feel anxious, afraid and uptight? You may be suffering from stress. What causes stress? Stress is caused by the body’s instinct to defend itself. Stress is a response to signals called “stressors” that your brain interprets as a call to action. In response to a stressor your body releases adrenaline and stress hormones to activate your body for either “fight or ...

Are You Missing Out on Life?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:56:05 +0100

Are you in a rut? Feeling helpless? Struggling to get from point A to B? Maybe you can’t seem to lose those last few pounds; you’re struggling at work or dealing with a mid-life crisis of some sort. Maybe you can’t seem to get past a break-up or divorce, or you desire a more active social life. Perhaps you don’t really know what it is that you want just yet or maybe you know exactly what you want, but you’re not quite sure how to get th ...

Snap Out of It

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:55:22 +0100

First question: Have you ever said to yourself, “Snap out of it.” I don’t know anybody who, from time to time, hasn’t found him/herself feeling stuck, unmotivated, uninspired, or unproductive. Uncertainty, loss, pain, anxiety, and fear can impact all of us. This is normal. For those in the midst of one of these personal ‘power failures,’ we can be reasonably certain it will pass, and we’ll be up and at it again soon. W ...

Your Brain On Drugs

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:54:10 +0100

It’s a common misconception that a little can’t hurt you. Like having a donut for breakfast. While that donut for breakfast may not be that bad, it interferes with the body’s resources to function at maximum capacity. It’s just a little donut, but, unbeknownst to you, your body’s chemistry is working feverishly to compensate for this toxic invader. So, one donut won’t kill you, but if you eat just one donut every day for a month – ...

Stork Vision Would Like to Make This a Mother's Day to Remember

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:53:16 +0100

Mother’s Day is upon us! A Stork Vision 2D, 3D or 4D ultrasound session is the perfect gift for expectant mothers. Whether she is a mom-to-be or an expectant mother with other little ones this is a moment for her to cherish.

Why Does Life Have So Many Rough Edges?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:52:15 +0100

Imagine going out to the desert and seeing a very high mountain in which the ultimate goal is to conquer this mountain by reaching the top. If one side of the mountain was completely smooth and the other side of the mountain was rough, which side would you use in order to get to the top? You could not use the smooth side because you would slide right off.

Porter Valley Country Club Something for Everyone

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:50:45 +0100

Porter Valley Country Club is the leading family-friendly private country club in the San Fernando Valley. It is the proud home to a Ted Robinson-designed 18-hole golf course weaving through the homes in Porter Ranch, six tennis courts, a full fitness center with group exercise classes, a heated junior Olympic-size pool, clubhouse with dining and an extensive social calendar. At Porter Valley, you will find friendly members, memorable experiences and a home-away-from-home.

Estate Administration Ã¢ÂÂ It's Not For Wimps

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:02:57 +0100

Estate administration can be a very complicated and emotional process. A loved one – your spouse, parent, sibling, friend – has died and you are now faced with unfamiliar responsibilities. You also have an official new title: Executor, Trustee, or Administrator.

Real Property Disputes and Marriage

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:02:15 +0100

Often during a marriage, the opportunity arises to purchase a house. It could be a first house, a vacation home or an investment property. It really doesn’t matter. Ordinarily, the property will be titled in the names of both spouses. The fights arise when the property is titled only in the name of one spouse.

Is There a Need for Foster Parents?

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:00:47 +0100

Is there a need for Foster Parents in Los Angeles Country? Absolutely! It is the job of the Los Angeles County, Department of Children and Families Services (DCFS) to protect children. DCFS removes children from their birth homes to protective foster homes every day.

In Tight Economic Times, What is Your Best Investment?

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:59:58 +0100

Your personal relationship might be the best place to invest your money in these difficult economic times. At times of great stress, where do human beings go for refuge? Of course, we know the answer: into the arms—or, onto the lap—of that loving being closest to us. This current economic crisis is placing such stress on couples that instead of resting safely in each other’s arms, they are reacting to each other in increasingly tense and angry ways.

Center for Cooperative Divorce Building Bridges in the Separation Process

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:59:10 +0100

Kids Smoking Pot

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:58:07 +0100

By 13 years old, 9.9 percent of kids have tried pot. That’s one out of ten. That’s alarming. How do you stop it? Can you stop it? When you try, it seems to go in one ear and right out. You tell them, “You’re making bad choices,” “You’re throwing away a perfect life,” “You’re ruining your opportunities – all that you’ve worked for.”

Recently Divorced? Estate Planning Can Help

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:57:03 +0100

Some clients think that estate planning is only for the wealthy - to help them save on taxes. However, there are many reasons to implement a solid estate plan, most of which have nothing to do with estate taxes. There are innumerable practical reasons, but I wanted to touch upon one of those reasons that occur more often than you think.

Teaching Kids How to "Eat their Words"

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:56:14 +0100

The Newhall Community Center is now offering “Eat Your Words,” a class specifically designed for Kindergarten through second-graders who are struggling with reading. The class, which will be held Mondays from 4 p.m. to 4:50 p.m., is designed to join books and recipes, allowing for increased reading ability, creativity and exploration.

Recurring Gifts are Income for Child Support Calculation

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:54:31 +0100

As examples of annual gross income, Family Code section 4058 lists more than a dozen possible income sources. The list includes wages, rents, workers’ compensation benefits, disability insurance benefits, and business income. The section gives the court discretion to include employee benefits as income, and even allows courts to consider a parent’s earning capacity in lieu of actual income for purposes of calculating support.

Home Care or Assisted Living Community? Weighing the Pros and Cons of Senior Care Options

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:53:46 +0100

When a senior needs help with their activities of daily living, or ADLs, often the first reaction is fear of leaving their home. So strong is the urge to “remain home” that often the first solution is to identify a home care agency to meet the senior’s needs. While this is certainly one option, a second and often overlooked option is relocating to an assisted living community. Weighing the pros and cons of the different options will help to best identify the r ...

How to Make Managing Your Insurance Easier and Save Money at the Same Time

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:52:36 +0100

Whether it’s for your business or personal life, or a combination of both, the answer to simplifying the management of your insurance policies and saving money is far from complicated. All you need to do is find one agent who is trustworthy and knowledgeable and provides great service. If he represents one leading insurance company and provides all or most of the coverage you need through that entity, all the better. Here’s why.

New CADRE Program Fights Drug, Alcohol Abuse in Teens

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:51:54 +0100

Given that alcohol- and drug-related suspensions and expulsions in the Hart School District have doubled since 2003, the William S. Hart Union High School District is proud to offer parents and students a tool/deterrent to deal with the issue of alcohol and drug use.

Anatomy of a Probate

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:51:01 +0100

What is probate? Probate is the court procedure whereby we establish the authenticity and sufficiency of a decedent’s will, if any, identify and evaluate the decedent’s assets, pay administrative expenses and approved claims of creditors and distribute the remaining estate to the beneficiaries.

LetÃ¢ÂÂs Talk About Forgiveness

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:50:20 +0100

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” – Mahatma Gandhi
As we move through our lives we are constantly faced with the dilemma, “Can I forgive and move forward?” Remember, forgiving the person is different than forgiving, excusing or approving of the act.

Ask the Voicecat - April 2009

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:49:36 +0100

Santa Clarita Magazine readers send me questions every day about the voiceover business. Here’s a good one:
Q: Marc, I’m taking a beginner voice acting class now, and I feel as if everyone in the class has something to offer except me. There’s one guy who has a very believable and friendly voice. And a young girl who has an amazingly hip, cool voice for announcing.

What Protection Does Bankruptcy Provide During the Case?

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:48:20 +0100

When a bankruptcy case is filed, the bankruptcy code provides a protection that goes into effect automatically. That protection is called the “automatic stay.” The automatic stay stops most creditors from continuing or starting any action against the debtor to collect on a debt incurred prior to the bankruptcy filing. Such actions include lawsuits, collection letters, phone calls from collectors, wage garnishments, bank levies, and any other similar efforts to initi ...

Benefits of a Close-Knit Community

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:47:28 +0100

Everyone enjoys the feeling of close friends surrounding them. Good friends and a community that is there for you can make a huge difference. Large apartment complexes sometimes make it difficult for seniors to meet new people. Many times, the complex is so big, it makes it hard to participate in every activity and find a close-knit group you can connect with. For people who have a difficult time walking, traveling to the main activities and meeting center of the complex can o ...

The Money Diet

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:43:39 +0100

When it comes to overindulgence, money and food really aren’t all that different. Both satisfy basic needs in our lives. Yet without boundaries, they can get us in a lot of trouble.

4D Prenatal Imaging a Valuable Bonding Experience

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:42:58 +0100

Stork Vision realizes how important it is for families to bond with their baby. For many mothers this comes naturally. They can feel their baby moving and growing. Their bodies are very aware of their unborn child. For fathers, it is not so easy. They may not have such a close bond early in pregnancy.

Don't be an April Fool

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:41:47 +0100

As if maintaining self-esteem isn’t challenging enough, here comes April Fools’ Day – that annual ritual that gives friends and foes alike a license to entertain themselves by playing practical jokes and perpetrating hoaxes at the expense of others. Fortunately, most adults have the ego strength to survive this one sanctioned day of widespread deception. So you’ll feel a little stupid, naïve, gullible, and vulnerable. If you’re lucky, it will ...

The California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:41:07 +0100

When a senior is staying in a long-term care facility, the family may need the services of the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The primary responsibility of the program is to investigate and endeavor to resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, individual residents in long-term care facilities.

Make Sure Your Assets Don't End Up in the Wrong Hands

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:40:29 +0100

Don’t think that your will and/or living trust will necessarily determine who receives your assets after you are gone. Generally speaking, changing beneficiaries in your will and/or living trust does not override the beneficiaries you have listed on beneficiary designation forms for your retirement, annuity, transfer on death brokerage accounts, pay on death bank accounts, and life insurance policies.

Gain Control with the Defensive Driving Academy

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:39:55 +0100

At 9 a.m. I pulled into the wide-open parking lot. Orange cones set up in different patterns scattered the pavement. At 10 a.m. I was going 40 mph swerving in and out of cones in my white Toyota pick-up truck. By 11:30 a.m. I was speeding up to about 45 mph and in a split second I applied maximum pressure on my breaks initializing my Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) while coming to a quick, complete stop. And this was only two of the many defense drills I put my truck through. No ...

Tips for Healthy Skin in Your Senior Years

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:39:13 +0100

Did you know that your skin is your largest organ, weighing between 9 and 11 pounds! Your skin is a barrier between the inside of your body and the outside world and how your skin ages depends on a variety of factors – your lifestyle, diet, heredity, exposure to the sun and other personal habits.

Are You in an Emotional Recession?

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:38:45 +0100

Every day we hear about our economic recession. In an emotional recession people feel anxious, depressed and a sense of being powerless in the world. Meanwhile, life continues to dish out losses such as death of a loved one, divorce, breakup, loss of health, loss of career, loss of job, or any of the 40 other losses we can encounter during a lifetime.

Addiction and Intervention

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:25:42 +0100

What do you do if you, or someone you know and love, has a drinking or drug problem? Dealing with addiction is a complicated matter, even for a trained professional. Too often, family members and individuals feel they can contain or control the situation, but the inevitable result is that the behavior only spins further out of control. This is why there are over 15 million addicts in America today.

What Makes Inner Circle Different?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:25:00 +0100

Reaching Your Potential in Uneasy Times

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:24:11 +0100

What has been holding you back from the career of your dreams? Are you unsure that you have the skills, the talent, or the tenacity? Do you need additional education, but lack the confidence to go back to school? The current economic tide has forced many adults into considering their options in order to cope with the changes looming over them. Unfortunately, few know where to turn for help.

Good Things Are Happening Amidst Budget Cut Issues

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:23:40 +0100

With all of the headlines trumpeting the state’s budget crisis and its impact on local schools, sometimes it helps to focus on the many good things that are still happening in Hart District classrooms. Students in four Hart District schools have taken six of the top 10 slots in the Stock Market Game for both the middle school and high school divisions, beating the S & P 500 index in a difficult market and outscoring more than 600 other teams from Southern California. While enjoy ...

Divorce and the Hearsay Rule

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:22:50 +0100

That’s hearsay! Non-lawyers love throwing around the word “hearsay,” but do they really know what it means? Probably not. Hearsay is an out of court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter being asserted. Try explaining that to your nine-year-old — maybe you will have better luck than I did. With that kind of definition, it is easy to understand why most non-lawyers are clueless. So let me try to explain it a little better. I ...

Oh Baby!

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:22:14 +0100

On January 13, 2009 proud parents Johnny and Lelien Gonzales along with siblings Samantha, Jonathan and Ashlynn welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. Jenna Leeshin Gonzales was born weighing eight pounds four ounces and was 20 inches long. Please join The Magazine of Santa Clarita in welcoming Jenna to the Santa Clarita Valley.

Giving To Instead of Giving Up

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:21:51 +0100

The Lenten season is here. Forty days of fasting and penitence, ending with Easter celebration. Because of this, many Christians give up chocolate, meat, or wine. Is this what God really wants? When do we give God more of our most precious possession – our time? The foundation of Christian life is prayer, and finding the time and ways to pray appears to be hard.

Message From the City Manager Ken Pulskamp March 2009

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:21:23 +0100

As we approach the spring season, there is sure to be an abundance of wildflowers and foliage, making for a beautiful backdrop here in our Valley. What a great time to get out and enjoy a few spring events here in the City of Santa Clarita! I want to encourage you to attend the AT&T Golf Classic being held at the Valencia Country Club March 9 to 15, 2009. This nationally renowned golf event, part of the PGA Champions tour, will feature champion golfers right here in our communit ...

The Possibilities are Endless When We Envision our Endpoint

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:20:09 +0100

Wouldn’t life be grand if it came with an illustrated map to get us where we want to go? I think this each time I work on a jigsaw puzzle using the box cover to figure out where to put my next piece. Imagine if we had to put one of those 1,500 piece puzzles together without the cover to guide us? What a chore; it would seem next to impossible and we may give up after a few fruitless tries to fit one piece into another.

Burglarizing Your Own Home? It Can Happen During a Divorce

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:18:52 +0100

Divorce presents many traps for the unwary, as illustrated by the recent case, People versus Gill, which has some interesting implications for people going through a divorce. The Court in Gill convicted Mr. Gill of burglarizing his own home. Mr. Gill was a title owner of this house and his wife had no court order for exclusive use of the residence. The Gills were experiencing marital difficulties, and Mr. Gill chose to move out of the residence. The next day Mr. Gill retu ...

Knowing When to Place An Overview of Assisted Living for Seniors

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:18:05 +0100

One of the most challenging decisions a family may face is when a loved one is no longer safe to live alone. This situation confronts our seniors nearly every day, and identifying when is the right time to make these decisions is usually the first hurdle in getting our seniors the care they need. Seniors may no longer be safe at home for a variety of reasons, including memory loss, increased fall risks, transportation needs, malnourishment and even depression due to lack of socializa ...

ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Bureau Seeking Parents to Nurture At-Risk Children in Foster Care and ...

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:17:14 +0100

With nearly 85,000 children in California removed from their parents’ homes due to abuse or neglect and 9,000 foster children in California waiting for adoptive homes, there is a great need for caring adults to provide loving, nurturing homes as either foster or adoptive parents. A parent information meeting will be held Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church located at 27265 Luther Drive, Canyon Country, for those interested—adul ...

Things to Consider Before Filing Bankruptcy

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:16:31 +0100

In tough economic times, many people find themselves with more debt than they can handle due to job loss, unexpected expenses, or other unforeseen events. Many of these families or individuals may consider bankruptcy as a solution to resolve their debt issues. While bankruptcy is a good option for many, there are some basic things to evaluate prior to filing:

Do You Qualify for a Home Loan Modification?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:15:51 +0100

The first step in determining if a home loan modification is right for you is to look at the big financial picture not just the home loan issues.

Where There's a Will, There's a Probate

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:15:08 +0100

When someone dies with a valid will, but without a Living Trust, their estate is subject to Probate. This can also happen where there is no will at all. Probate means, “to prove the will.” The probate process was designed to prove that the decedent actually had died, and that the will in question was the actual will belonging to the deceased. Today, probate is best described as a court-supervised process by which a decedent’s assets are gathered, valued, ...

The Power of Unity Part 7 - The Conclusion

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:14:07 +0100

It has certainly been a fun journey over the past seven months discussing the power of unity. I believe that a greater awareness has been brought to the need for us to come together and join forces toward a common goal as opposed to getting sidetracked and trapped in competition and tearing each other down.

Parallel Parenting

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:13:19 +0100

And stand together yet not too near together:Â For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each otherâs shadow.
â Kahlil Gibran

Most of our clients are familiar with the concept of âco-parenting.âÂ It implies that after divorce, the separated parents continue to parent together.Â While it is true that they continue to parent, it is often not together.Â

Ask the Voicecat - March 2009

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:05:08 +0100

The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers send me questions every day about the voiceover business. Here’s an interesting one:

Keep Your Home Safe: 20 Actions You Should Take - Part 2

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:03:22 +0100

As an insurance agent, we’re too often saddened by client losses that could have been prevented. Last month, I discussed 20 actions you can take to prevent serious injuries and fires. I would like to share another 20 things that you can do to help prevent accidents and disasters in your home.

Don't Wait for a Layoff to Plan for One

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:02:44 +0100

According to the Associated Press, “Officials in Sacramento say a jump in the number of people losing their jobs is pushing California’s unemployment rate to its highest level since 1994.” What might that mean to you? As Harry Truman once said, “It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose yours.” Even if times are good with your employer, here are some tips to plan for a rainy day:

Steve Martin's Wildlife Educational Programs

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:01:39 +0100

For the past 12 years Jeff Lee, education director at Steve Martin’s Working Wildlife, has help develop and establish one of the most unique and diverse wildlife education outreach programs in the country. Attending schools, churches, civic events and fundraisers to enlighten and entertain audiences that now number in the tens of thousands.

Trusts and Subtrusts

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:46 +0100

When a person dies leaving gross assets in California in his/her name alone, and the aggregate value of such assets exceeds $100,000, those assets must be subject to probate. Many people avoid probate by creating and funding a revocable living trust. Thus, the first purpose of a revocable living trust is probate avoidance.

The Safest Way to Compensate Children Care Contracts

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:00:03 +0100

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) have conducted studies that conclude adult children of older parents are providing dramatically more care to their parents and they are making significant financial sacrifices to do so. Elders are typical of all Americans; they abhor unfairness and do not want to see their life’s savings go down the drain just because they had the bad luck of needing to be in a nursing home.

Is Your Pet a Member of Your Family?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:59:15 +0100

Did you know…

• 70 percent of Americans allow their companion animals to sleep in bed with them.

• 37 percent of Americans carry photos of their companion animals in their wallets.

• 80 percent of Americans brag about their companion animals to others.

The Value of a Home-Cooked Meal

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:58:28 +0100

Delicious and nutritious meals make a big difference in our health. There is something about a home-cooked meal that makes every dish taste extra special. For people in need of assisted living, it is often difficult to plan and receive meals designed specifically for them. Meal services are great because there is no cooking involved and they are delivered straight to you, but they aren’t always designed with specific needs in mind. A great option for anyone that has ...

Stork Vision Partners with CAPPA for Operation Special Delivery

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:57:05 +0100

For most expectant mothers, pregnancy is an experience that they blissfully share with their partners. For many of our military families, the call to duty leaves expectant mothers behind to face delivery alone. Stork Vision together with CAPPA has a plan to provide “A Hand to Hold ‘til They All Come Home.”

Suicide: An Irreversible Commitment to a Temporary Problem

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:56:30 +0100

Is it my imagination, or are there more economy-related murder/suicides in the news? Decades of data suggest that deaths by suicide increase when unemployment increases. Crisis hotlines are reporting a surge in calls from people citing financial reversals and job loss as reasons for their despair. Believe it or not, those in the highest income brackets may be the most vulnerable during times like these.

Seniors Staying Healthy Ã¢ÂÂ Flu Season Is Upon Us

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:54:04 +0100

The flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus, which spreads easily from person to person. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can also lead to pneumonia. The flu can be very dangerous to the elderly, so it is important to understand what you can do to keep yourself healthy.

Teen Driver Safety Training Automobile Accident or Car Crash?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:53:16 +0100

Is a car accident an “accident” if it is avoidable? By definition, an accident is “an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss.” As leaders in the driver training industry, we know many car accidents are avoidable and preventable, which makes them a crash not an accident.

Porter Valley Country Club Offers Variety of Memberships

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:51:05 +0100

Porter Valley Country Club is the leading family-friendly private country club in the San Fernando Valley. It is the proud home to a Ted Robinson-designed 18-hole golf course weaving through the homes in Porter Ranch, five tennis courts, a full fitness center with group exercise classes, a heated junior Olympic-size pool, clubhouse with dining and an extensive social calendar. At Porter Valley, you will find friendly Members, memorable experiences and a home-away-from-home.

Which Debt is Discharged in Bankruptcy?

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:19:36 +0100

The bankruptcy code allows for the forgiveness (“discharge”) of all debt of an individual, except for 19 types of debt specifically listed in the bankruptcy code. However, the exception is not automatic for all types of debt excepted from discharge. Here we will cover some of the most common automatic non-dischargeable debt and some of the non-automatic non-dischargeable debt that require action by the creditor.

Attorney's Fees in Family Law Cases

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:16:28 +0100

A level playing field. That is what the legislature had in mind when it came to attorneys’ fees in family law cases. Each party has the right to legal representation. And since the monies from the marriage are community property anyway, the working spouse in a single income family should not be permitted an unfair advantage over the non-working spouse.

Ask the Voicecat - February 2009

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:15:40 +0100

Santa Clarita Magazine readers send me questions every day about the voiceover business. Here’s an interesting one: Q: Hi Marc: I’ve admired the articles you’ve written on voice acting, and as someone who is contemplating exploring the voice acting arena I’ve appreciated your valuable insights, wisdom and candor. I noticed that you said to a singer, “the strength of your voice comes from your diaphragm and not your lungs.” I’m ...

Foster Care Common Questions

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:48:26 +0100

Who are Foster Children? Foster children are children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, abandonment or neglect. In addition, infants who test positive for drugs at birth are detained and placed into foster homes.

Free Estate Planning Audio CD and More!

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:47:17 +0100

Before making any decision, you need “information.” When it comes to estate planning, I want my clients to truly understand what they are doing, not just sign a bunch of documents. In order to understand what you are doing, I think information is key, which is why I offer the following information to anyone who asks for it. Armed with this information, you can better make the choices you need to make when it comes to properly planning your estate. Also, with th ...

Broken Valentine

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:45:52 +0100

How can you mend a broken heart?Â

How can you stop the rain from falling down?

How can you stop the sun from shining?

Troubled and Troubling Teens

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:45:04 +0100

Over the years I have worked with so many teens I am now a specialist and expert in treating them. Let’s face it: Teens are a pain in the expletive! They’re selfish, unappreciative, ungrateful, loud, messy, mean, mouthy, reckless and destructive and I better stop here because this article is limited in space. I know this because not only do I work with them each and every day; I have one myself who is 15 (Ugh…driver’s license is next… oh, the humanity ...

Who Owns the House in Divorce The Next Chapter

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:43:20 +0100

This economy has seen courts dealing more frequently with the question of which spouse receives the house or sale proceeds, or bears the loss of equity. In the lending frenzy of the last few years, couples eager to get low interest rates accepted recommendations of brokers who suggested that they could get the best loan by only listing one spouse on the loan and title.

The Kerness Family

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:42:06 +0100

Lani Kerness met and married her husband, Bryan, after she graduated from Whittier College. The couple had tried to have a child for one year and were told that in vitro fertilization would be the next approach to try. They both thought this procedure was too invasive and decided instead to adopt a child or siblings from the foster care system.

Elder Law: A Growing Area of Law

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:41:09 +0100

Elder Law is an area of law that caters to the needs of the disabled, the incapacitated, seniors, and the elderly. Most people think Elder Law only involves the frail elderly – that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Elder Law issues confronted my husband’s 52-year-old cousin, when he recently suffered a major stroke. His issues were not defined by his age, but rather by his situation.

Leading for the 21st Century

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:40:13 +0100

We are definitely in the midst of a shift in perception; our perceived notion of success is changing. It is no longer enough to be successful at one’s job. Success at climbing the corporate ladder didn’t prevent thousands from losing their jobs in the current state of our economy. Nor is it enough to attain the material successes that were prescribed in the past. Possessions such as real estate have become disposable as we have seen this past year with the bus ...

Tax Tips for 2009*

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:39:26 +0100

The federal tax landscape has undergone a series of changes in the past years. Prior legislation has left a complicated array of changing tax rates and benefit phase-out levels – to expire in 2010. The new administration and Congress are quite likely to change all of this. That leaves taxpayers with considerable uncertainty even before 2010, which makes planning difficult.

Keep Your Home Safe: 20 Actions You Should Take

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:38:01 +0100

As an insurance agent, we’re too often saddened by client losses that could have been prevented. For example, there are several concerns homeowners commonly neglect that can lead to fires and serious injury. I would like to share some of the things that you can do to help prevent accidents and disasters in your home.

God-Given Creativity Dance as a Key to 'Fully-Alive' Living

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:36:08 +0100

“The glory of God is a human being fully alive.” - Iraneus
Artistic expressions like dance, music, sculpture, all the visual arts and the like are great teachers, teaching us rich and varied lessons about God, His intentions in creation and His gift of creativity as it intersects the realm of human experience.
One of the great lessons that dance teaches us is the lesson of form and content.

Safe Teen Drivers: Preparing Your Teen Driver for the Highway

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:34:52 +0100

Getting a driver’s license is an exciting time for any teenager; it represents a transition into freedom and independence for the teens and their families. It can also represent a stressful time as studies show teens are the most distracted and dangerous of drivers.

Elder Abuse Website Offers Resources and Contacts

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:33:44 +0100

As our population ages, abuse of the elderly is becoming a growing problem. Elder abuse can take many forms: physical, emotional, sexual, financial or material exploitation, abandonment, or neglect. If you suspect elder abuse, an outstanding resource for professionals and public alike is the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) website, www.elderabusecenter.org. More than two-thirds of elder abuse perpetrators are family members of the victims, typically serving in a c ...

The Hurried Family

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:33:07 +0100

Many child-centered families are making extraordinary sacrifices to provide their youngsters with the best education and enrichment opportunities. Children may be scheduled in classes or sports activities from the time they get home from school until bedtime. Parents’ schedules are as impacted as their children’s due to the press of these activities. The whole family races through life for at least six days out of seven! This frenetic pace increases stress lev ...

Advantages of a Board and Care Home

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:32:31 +0100

As we get older some of us are faced with the dilemma of where to live. Do we move from our big house? Do we go to a senior living center? Some of these questions can get quite difficult for everyone, and we all want to make sure we’ve made the right choice. A residential board and care home may be the best option for some. Here are some of the advantages of living in a board and care home.

It's the Little Stuff that Counts

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:31:05 +0100

Some people leave their affairs in nice, neat packages: They consult financial and legal experts, do estate planning, and execute well-drafted Living Trusts. They fund their Trusts, placing title to their assets in the proper form to avoid probate and possibly Federal estate taxes.

Will You Feel Loved this Valentine's Day?

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:30:08 +0100

Contrary to popular belief, Valentine’s Day may be one of the most unloving days of the year for singles and couples alike. Many singles feel totally left out of the equation on February 14. Those not in committed relationships (good, bad, or otherwise) feel especially lonely and unloved on a day when it seems that everyone else is in love.

The Power of Unity Part Six

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:29:09 +0100

So, here we are — part six! If you have been following this particular editorial since part one, then you have seen the connection between unity and encouragement, unity and hope, unity and comfort, and unity and love. Together we have walked through exactly why it is so important to have unity within our community.

Stork Vision Opens in Valencia

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:28:11 +0100

Imagine inviting some of your closest friends and family members over to your home to watch a video; only this is not your usual “made in Hollywood video” but instead a video of your unborn child as he/she develops in the womb. Her due date is still 12 weeks away, but you will see her kick, wiggle her fingers, stick out her tongue, and suck her thumb!

Anatomy of a Trust Contest

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:16:07 +0100

Stop me if you’ve heard this story before: A widow with three grown children needs help as she gets older. She wants to stay in her home for as long as possible, and she is more comfortable with her family than with outside caregivers. One of her children never married, and has had financial and personal (read: drug) problems over the years. This child agrees to live with Mom and take care of her. Mom agrees to leave this child her house, which, it turns out, is mos ...

The Holiday Drink

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:15:26 +0100

A show of hands for those who drank and ate more than they wanted to over the holidays. Well, that’s just about everybody. Do you ever feel that you would like to put drinking behind you… like you’ve sort of grown out of it, but find it difficult to fully stop? Most people quit several times for a few days or weeks or even months, but eventually a casual drink with dinner or at a social event begins it all over again.

Wealthy People Aren't Wealthy By Mistake!

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:14:42 +0100

Wealthy people are wealthy for a variety of reasons. However, there is one thing I can say for sure: They know how to preserve their wealth and make sure it passes from generation to generation without losing unnecessary amounts to the courts and to the government. They engage in proper “Estate Planning.” Want to get wealthy? Then you should take a page from their playbook and employ the same tools they use. They aren’t wealthy by mistak ...

God-given Creativity Ã¢ÂÂ The Key to a Truly New Year

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:13:58 +0100

“The arts are not the pretty, but irrelevant bits around the border of reality. They are the highways into the center of a reality which cannot be glimpsed, let alone grasped, any other way. The present world is good, but broken and in any case incomplete; art of all kinds enables us to understand that paradox in its many dimensions.” N.T. Wright.

The Secret to Winning a Family Law Appeal

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:13:01 +0100

Appellate practice is different from trial court practice. Different rules apply. Family law cases are different than civil appeals because with family law, there is no jury. The court makes all of the determinations of facts and law. In a civil action, the court decides questions of law while the jury makes findings of fact. The judge instructs the jury on the law.

Five Myths About Bankruptcy

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:12:27 +0100

With all the economic troubles individuals and businesses face today, myths about bankruptcy seem to be circulating. Here are a few of my favorite:

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:11:59 +0100

13-week course at Crossroads Community Church

Debt is all around us. With credit cards, school, car, and home loans, it’s no wonder more than 70 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. In America, close to 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, and money problems are the number one cause. Financial Peace University(FPU) has a long history of helping families successfully confront these problems head on.

Workers' Compensation Insurance Basics

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:11:01 +0100

California Law states that all employers are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. Failure to do so makes a business vulnerable to penalties and fines. When employees suffer injuries on the job, they usually file claims for workers’ compensation. Once filed, employees receive payment in lieu of the wages they would have received. In addition, employees are entitled to medical treatment at no cost to them.

The Power of Unity Part 5

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:10:04 +0100

As we look toward 2009, I believe that one of our main objectives for the year should be making up, in our minds to do our part in society to promote unity and peace among the people around us. If each of us determined within ourselves to just promote peace and unity to the people around us, I believe we would see something very awesome begin to happen right in our community.

Planning for the Future?

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:09:08 +0100

Everyone agrees that our country is in turmoil. We all have high hopes for our new administration in Washington and will undoubtedly see significant change in estate taxes, long term Medi-Cal and Medicaid benefits, social security, and Medicare benefits. Our current laws and laws to be enacted in the years to come will have a direct impact on the need for proper estate planning. Everyone should plan for several possibilities, including: 1) long-term care and the possible need f ...

Thriving in 2009

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:08:36 +0100

Happy New Year! If you’ve made financial resolutions to keep better track of your finances in 2009, then this is the year to “Just Do It.” The payoff is the start of financial independence. Here are four important steps to get you thriving:

Are Your Personal Assets at Risk?

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:07:53 +0100

Are you a business owner? If so, you probably consulted with an attorney when you decided to open your business. You were given options for the structure of your particular business and likely opted to set up a corporation or a limited liability company (“LLC”) to protect your personal assets from being used to satisfy your business debts. Your attorney prepared the required papers and filed the necessary documents with the state. You feel comfortable that you ...

ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Bureau Seeking Parents to Nurture At-Risk Children in Foster Care and Adoption

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:06:45 +0100

Matching an adoptive child with a potential family isn’t easy. There are factors to consider including the child’s age, gender, health history and special needs as well as how the child might fit in with a family’s interests, activities and beliefs. Children’s Bureau developed a “matching team” approach for placing adoptive children with families and has noticed a higher success rate of children staying with families.

If 2008 WerenÃ¢ÂÂt Crazy Enough

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:06:08 +0100

Imagine having these economic conditions while having major life changes in your own life such as a divorce, loss of a family member, retirement, or job change. These changes are difficult enough, let alone during such unique and trying financial times. If you are going through one of these changes, you know how difficult it is to deal with both life and finances. As a financial planner who also holds a Ph.D. that combines business and psychology, I have come to understand that ther ...

Why Should You Become a Foster Parent?

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:05:09 +0100

All children need stable, caring families with nurturing parents who can provide a safe home and good role models.
Foster and adoptive children need parents who can:

Things You Should Think about Before Getting Divorced

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:02:30 +0100

If you are considering getting divorced, you may want to consider going to couple’s therapy first. Often, a good therapist will help you address the core issues that have led to your feelings. Also, a good therapist will provide you with the right tools for communication. These tools will be important whether you remain together or ultimately decide to separate or divorce. If you have children, and end up getting divorced, you will need these tools to communicate wi ...

Dissolution - Resolution

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:01:42 +0100

âAll experiences of life seems to prove that the impediments thrown in the way of the human advancement may for the most part be overcome by steady good conduct, honest zeal, activity, perseverance and above all, by a determined resolution to surmount.â â Samuel Smiles (1812 â 1904)

Emotions Must Take a Back Seat

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:57:25 +0100

Everyone knows that being involved in any legal process, even Small Claims Court, involves emotions to some degree. Divorce is likely the most emotional of all legal proceedings. After all, you are dealing with your children — where they are going to live, what is the visitation plan, how much support is going to be paid or received. Is the support going to be enough for them? What about spousal support and debts that have to be divided? And what happens to th ...

Ask the Voicecat -Jan 2009

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:56:44 +0100

Magazine of Santa Clarita readers send me questions every day about the voiceover business. Here are a couple of those letters:
Q: I’d like to get into voiceovers. My family and friends tell me I have a unique voice and I can do a bunch of characters. How do I get started? -- Jerry B., Newhall

New YearÃ¢ÂÂs Resolutions

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:55:46 +0100

It’s New Year’s resolutions time, an ideal opportunity to get our legal and financial houses in order. Here are some resolutions we can all accomplish.

Update Your Beneficiary Designations

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:54:56 +0100

As this is the beginning of the New Year, one of your tasks should be to make sure your plan beneficiary choices are up to date. While many people periodically update their wills or other estate plans, they don’t remember to update the designation of who will receive distributions from their retirement plans, such as an IRA or 401(k) fund. You should also review any and all life insurance beneficiary designations.

Her Home

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:54:16 +0100

Was it the homemade crème puff, the peaceful pristine environment, or the warmth of Emma’s personality that convinced me that day? Finally, I had found an assisted living facility that my 80-year-old mother would soon call her home. With tears filling my eyes, I discussed with Emma what kind of care my mother with Parkinson’s disease would need. And with relief, each one of my concerns faded as Emma shared her heart, skills, and detailed attention in preparing and ...

Update Your Beneficiary Designations

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:53:42 +0100

Yes You Can!

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:52:24 +0100

It’s already 2009 – the start of the tenth year of the 21st century. If you’re like most of us, you’re looking forward to a year of challenge, change, opportunity, and hope; you’re flirting with the idea of making a New Year’s resolution that has something to do with health, wealth, or relationships; this won’t be the first time you’ve made that promise to yourself; and, in your heart of hearts, you expect your resolution to be broken before ...

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:45:36 +0100

Perhaps that white-haired man with the cane, the one who holds up traffic because he can’t get across the street before the light changes, is the senior citizen I know who walks a block every morning to watch the grocery store employee raise the American flag up the flagpole. He likes to start each day saluting the flag of the country that gave him refuge when he fled persecution in Eastern Europe 90 years ago and immigrated to the United States. Do you hear the patriotism I he ...

What is Fostering?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:44:51 +0100

Child Custody and the Move Away Case

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:43:37 +0100

In a divorce proceeding, a “move away” proceeding is when one parent wishes to move away with the kids. Moving away can entail leaving the county, state or country. It is a very difficult decision for a judge to have to make. These types of custody disputes take their toll on everyone. They are expensive, take a long time, and usually result in one party being very disappointed.

Five Options When You Are in Default With a Home Loan You Control Four of Those Options

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:43:04 +0100

When borrowers have fallen behind on their home loan payments, there are five basic options:

1. Loan Workout: This is when you work out with a lender a reinstatement of the loan. This could mean paying back the arrears (overdue payments) over a period of time or adding the arrears to the loan balance. This does not alter the terms of the original loan.

Children's Bureau Seeking Parents to Nurture At-Risk Children in Foster Care and Adoption

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:42:09 +0100

With nearly 85,000 children in California removed from their parents’ homes due to abuse or neglect and 9,000 foster children in California waiting for adoptive homes, there is a great need for caring adults to provide loving, nurturing homes as either foster or adoptive parents. A parent information meeting will be held Thursday night, December 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church located at 27265 Luther Drive, Canyon Country, for those interested&mdash ...

Separated with Children: The Holiday Coin Toss?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:40:37 +0100

As the holidays approach, the stress of last minute gift shopping isn’t the real issue for many separated and/or divorced parents — this is the season of who gets what time with the kids. But there are ways to avoid the last minute stress of these situations. 1. Try to settle as far in advance of holiday time as possible. It can be hard to decide months in advance as to what holiday is important to you, but having a first and second choice in mind can make negotiation ...

Hart District Diversity Program Wins Golden Bell Award

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:39:12 +0100

We have known for some time that the Hart District’s diversity program is outstanding. The California School Boards Association has confirmed our opinion by awarding the program its Golden Bell Award, which honors outstanding programs in school districts across the state.

The Holidays and Elder Law

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:37:40 +0100

The holidays are associated with happiness and family gatherings. But, if you ask any attorney who handles after-death issues, that attorney will tell you that the holidays are associated with a rise in the number of deaths among our elderly. I cannot say why, but it does happen, year after year. Maybe its because the cold and flu season takes its toll on those whose immune systems are already weak. Or, maybe its because our widows and widowers find themselves depressed o ...

The Gift of You

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:37:10 +0100

2008 has been a year of challenges. We have struggled through adversity, been asked to check our morals, ethics and beliefs. Many have had their livelihoods and homes threatened, and many of us have had to realize that the status quo is not so solid and things change. But there is a great realization that is coming from this.

Prescription Addiction

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:36:35 +0100

Whether it is for physical, emotional or psychological healing it is easy to get a prescription for your problem. However, the medical industry has become overly reliant on medications to solve problems and doles them out irresponsibly as well.
Let’s clear something up right away: Medications are almost always going to give you more problems in the long run and the negative consequences almost always outweigh the positive ones and this goes for almost everyone!

Dividing Family Possession Before Death

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:35:34 +0100

Who should have grandma’s dining room table or diamond ring? How should family photos be distributed? Dividing up heirlooms can be a touchy subject. If you leave the decision until after you die, your children may end up fighting over possessions. If your will or trust divides up belongings without an explanation as to why one child gets one thing and another child gets something else, your children could end up with hurt feelings. To avoid these scenarios, plan ahead and talk ...

A Good Night's Sleep is Not a Luxury, it's a Necessity

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:34:47 +0100

The most concerning issue children are struggling with today is the inability to sleep. This epidemic is having devastating effects on many families. If one of your children is not sleeping, chances are no one in the home is getting the sleep that they need and deserve.

Living Trusts and Small Estates

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:33:46 +0100

Here’s an all-too-typical situation: A family, consisting of Mom, property owner, and her two adult sons, comes to the office. They tell the attorney their story:

Ask the Voicecat - Dec 2008

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:33:00 +0100

Santa Clarita Magazine readers keep sending in great questions every month asking about the voiceover business. Here’s a letter I got from a voice actor who’s seen his income fall recently due to the economy.

Think Again Naming Minor Children as Beneficiaries to Life Insurance Proceeds?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:31:33 +0100

Naming a beneficiary of your life insurance policy is not as easy as it seems. You may want to give this “easy” task some extra thought.

Tough Decisions

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:30:21 +0100

Every year many adults face the difficult decision of when and where to relocate their parents once it becomes clear that independent living is no longer possible for the parent. Residential Care Facility also referred to as “Assisted Living” or “Board and Care” facilities are non-medical facilities that provide a high level of care and include assistance with activities of daily living.

MSA! MSA! MSA! What?

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:29:29 +0100

Could we forbear dispute and practise love.Â We should agree as angels do above - Edmund Waller (1606â1687) The MSA, or Marital Settlement Agreement, is the culmination of a negotiation process that substitutes your ideas of a fair divorce for one imposed on you by a judge.Â Some research has estimated that 30 percent of divorce cases wind up back in court, often because it wasnât done ârightâ the first time.Â Many experts in law would agree that the best agreements are ones that neve ...

Real Estate is the Best Investment of All

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:27:48 +0100

Yes it’s true. For a variety of reasons real estate is an incredible investment for the long term. I was reviewing the recent publication of Forbes Magazine that listed the 400 Wealthiest Americans (1.3 billion to qualify) and real estate was a major part of the holdings of these individuals. Just think back for a moment as to what your parents or grandparents paid for their homes and what those homes might be worth today.

Selling At Market Lows*

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:27:15 +0100

Unprecedented events in the history of the U.S. economy have taken place in the past few months. We have witnessed the biggest bank failure in American history, a drying up of the credit markets, the Dow swings of nearly 800 points to the downside and upside swings of more than 600. With these events it’s easy to succumb to the urge to panic in an economic crisis.

New Year's Eve Bon Voyage Ball "After-Dinner Party"

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:25:53 +0100

Cruise into 2009 at LETMESAIL’s 2nd Annual New Year’s Eve Bon Voyage Ball, title sponsored by Poole and Shaffery Attorneys at Law. Since this gala extravaganza sold out last year, you won’t want to ‘miss the boat’ by delaying in making your reservations!

The Importance of Revisiting Your Estate Plan in Changing Economic Times

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:24:08 +0100

Your estate plan needs to reflect your current financial situation. If your financial status has taken a downturn due to the current economic situation or if your financial status has dramatically improved, you may need to revise your estate plan.

When Hard Times Hit, How Do We Stay Positive?

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:19:09 +0100

Pleasantly positive thoughts and ‘rah-rah’ rantings aren’t working anymore. I recently read a book by Michael Burlingame, professor of history at Connecticut College, called The Inner World of Abraham Lincoln. It described a six-year soul-searching period of Lincoln’s life where he was struggling with “a sadness so profound that the depths of it cannot be sounded… by normal minds.”

Ask the Voicecat- Nov 2008

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:16:45 +0100

Terrific questions continue to come in every month from the Magazine of Santa Clarita readers asking about the voiceover business. Here’s a letter I got from a radio deejay:

Is My Will Still Valid if I Move to Another State?

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:15:50 +0100

Is my will still valid if I move to another state? Among all the changes you must make when you move to a new state — such as driver’s license and voter registration — don’t forget your will. While your will should still be valid in the new state, there may be differences in the new state’s laws that may make certain provisions of the will invalid. In addition, moving is a good excuse to consult an attorney to make sure your estate plan in general ...

Make Sure You Have the Right Coverage

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:11:56 +0100

Liability insurance provides coverage that protects your business if it is sued for something that resulted in property damage or injury to someone. Given the number of attorneys offering contingency fees for their services, this type of claim is common. A typical example is a customer slipping and falling in your store or parking lot and suing your business for medical problems and loss of income due to not being able to work. Your liability insurance should cover costs relate ...

Watch Out For Thanksgiving Day

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:11:17 +0100

You really can’t stop them. They’re bound to happen. I’m talking about those autumnal feelings that arise as we enter into a season of holiday celebrations. Yet it seems with the busyness of our lives we tend to be caught blindsided every time those feelings come our way.

What is a Foster Family Agency?

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:09:32 +0100

Compassionate Solutions

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:08:35 +0100

Compassionate Solutions therapists make their new home in a little house on Walnut! Sometimes it’s hard for people to seek the help they need in the first place. And, then walking into the sterile environment of an office building, well, that makes it even harder. That’s why Ramona Hall, Laurie Adachi, Susan Kasdorf, Shauna Hoffman, and Ann Hausman chose to move their offices to a classic Newhall 1940s house on Walnut Street in Newhall. From the minute the cli ...

Celebrate National Adoption Month

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:07:40 +0100

November is National Adoption Month! Children’s Bureau is having an Information Meeting at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church located at 27265 Luther Drive, Canyon Country from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday night, November 20. Children’s Bureau offers an innovative and supportive adoption program that is appealing to prospective parents who have made the decision to help a child in need.

Estate Planning Brings Peace of Mind

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:06:54 +0100

One of my clients recently told me how great she felt that her estate plan had been completed. All her affairs were in order and her family was prepared in case anything ever happened to her. What if you did the same for your family? You, too, would feel great.

What's Happening

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:05:37 +0100

Thurs., Nov. 13, 10 a.m. — The Great Shakeout. Join the City of Santa Clarita for the Great Shakeout, the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history, organized to inspire Southern Calfornians to get ready for big earthquakes. All you have to do is Drop, Cover and Hold. You can also tune into KHTS AM 1220 at 10 a.m., as Mayor Kellar does a count down for Santa Clarita to do the Shakeout drill. Get your business, school, club, and family to participate.

The Pleasure Principle

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:03:09 +0100

Human beings are pleasure principled beings. This means that we are pre-programmed, genetically, philosophically and spiritually, to seek pleasure and avoid pain. This seems elementary, yet it is this pain/pleasure principle that makes kicking a habit or addiction so difficult. I see all walks of life in my office; young teenagers who have difficulty regulating the role that pot should play in their youthful lives, soccer moms who just want to stop recreational, casual drinking ...

The Power of Unity Part 3

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:02:08 +0100

Last month we talked about the fact that unity brings encouragement. We discovered that encouragement provides an incredible amount of strength and support. That strength and support now becomes the driving force behind one’s determination to succeed at whatever it is they put their hand to.

New Hope for Homeowners Will the New FHA Program Help You Refinance a More Affordable Home Loan?

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:01:09 +0100

The Federal Housing Administration has recently adopted a new program, Hope For Homeowners, “H4H”, to help homeowners facing difficulty in paying their home mortgages. The program became effective October 1, 2008 and it will end on September 30, 2011.

Thoughtful, Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Seniors

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:00:06 +0100

All of us, at one time or another, have had to face the challenge of what to give an aging loved one. With the holidays just around the corner, finding an inexpensive, yet meaningful gift just requires some creative thinking!

Resolving Questions of Child Custody During the Holidays

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:58:50 +0100

The holidays are quickly approaching. A walk down the aisles of your favorite retailer surely has reminded you, the Halloween costumes and candy are being packed up, replaced by paper turkeys and cornucopias, then rows of green Christmas trees and aisles filled with toys. In the rush of holiday preparations, you’ve shopped for gifts and sent out cards with the annual update letter, you’ve planned the holiday party schedule and menu for the family dinner. Everything ...

The Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association Honors Local Heroes

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:55:26 +0100

Last month, the Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association held its annual Law Appreciation Day at the Valencia Hyatt Hotel. I was privileged to serve on the planning committee, and thrilled with the success of this highly anticipated event. The Bar Association honored local heroes who have made significant contributions to our community. Speakers included Supervisor Michael Antonovich, our State Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, our Mayor Bob Kellar, Sheriff Leroy Baca, and others. I ...

Long Term Care

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:54:06 +0100

For America’s 77 million baby boomers, paying future long-term care costs remains their largest looming expense. With longevity increasing, according to the Bureau of Census, by 2020 the number of Americans 85 or older will double to seven million and double again to 14 million by 2040. According to US News & World Report, by 2050 we can expect for the first time in our history to have about one million Americans over age 100.

What Happens When the Partnership Ends?

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:53:25 +0100

It is not necessary to file any paperwork with the state to form a general partnership. You and your best friend can start that business you’ve always dreamed of owning, and the only legal requirements you will need to comply with are those imposed by the city and county in which you do business. However, operating a partnership without a formal agreement, even with close and trusted friends and family, can lead to significant problems.

Living Trusts: The Trustee

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:52:55 +0100

The Trustee of a Trust performs a valuable service, both to the Grantor (Trustor) and to the Beneficiaries. By accepting the position of Trustee, you will be accepting responsibility for the administration of the Grantor’s Trust Estate.
Here’s what you can expect to do:

Relocating Your Loved Ones Ã¢ÂÂ Should They Move in With You?

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:51:46 +0100

Not that long ago only one in 10 people lived past the age of 65, now nearly eighty percent live past the age of 65! Currently 71 percent of today’s baby boomers have at least one parent that is still alive; where as in 1989 just 60 percent of people who were ages 41-59 reported they had at least one living parent. This trend shows an increasing number of older adults that will eventually need to be cared for in our society.

Parenting Plans and Adult Children in Divorce

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:51:00 +0100

In previous articles we have addressed consideration of parenting plans for young children and teenagers.Â What about young adult children?Â The law in California imposes a responsibility on divorced parents vto provide for their minor children (generally under the age of 18) and disabled adult children.Â But many parents continue to feel responsible for their children during the young adultâs transition to independent living.Â We should note there is a philosophical divergence between tho ...

Passing On More Than Just Your Financial Wealth

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:50:22 +0100

When it comes to estate planning, it is relatively easy to pass on your financial assets. What about who you are, your values and what is important to you? These are things that are often far more valuable than any amount of financial wealth you could leave your loved ones. There is a way to pass on more than just your financial assets to your loved ones through your estate plan. You can pass on your intellectual, spiritual and emotional assets.

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get a Therapist!

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:49:45 +0100

You’re not a wimp if you’re willing to tame the lions and tigers and bears in your life. If you’re like most of us, you’re living with any number of the following challenges, and are doing your best to:

Think Inside the Box The Power of a Simple Gift

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:48:51 +0100

The winter season is upon us and we all know what that means — Christmas is almost here. This winter why not participate in bringing hope and joy to a child somewhere in the world? How about purchasing $10 worth of little gifts to be sent in a shoebox to another country? Operation Christmas Child is a branch of Samaritan’s Purse that does exactly that. Since 1993, 61 million shoeboxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe. It’s ...

Santa Clarita's Biggest and Best New YearÃ¢ÂÂs Eve Party LETMESAIL's 2nd Annual Bon ...

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:47:35 +0100

Although last year’s inaugural LETMESAIL New Year’s Eve Bon Voyage Ball was the sold-out “talk of the town”, this year’s gala promises to be even bigger and better! With only about sixty days left until New Year’s Eve, you won’t want to delay in making your party plans to ring in the New Year!

Santa Clarita Aktion Club News

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:46:38 +0100

In September, the Santa Clarita Aktion Club went to the inaugural Aktion Club Convention in Wonder Valley. Thirteen Aktion Clubs from California were represented and all of them had a great time swimming, canoeing, fishing, going on hayrides, singing around the campfire and making s’mores. More importantly, they enjoyed learning about other ways to help their communities and making new friends. The Santa Clarita Aktion Club did a great job presenting one of their fundrais ...

AAUW Honored for 40 years of service to the SCV

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:46:09 +0100

The Santa Clarita Branch of the American Association of University Women celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a Member Brunch on September 20th at the home of Louise Schultz. Ed Masterson, SCV Field Representative for Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, recognized the group with a special certificate while LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and the Santa Clarita City Council conveyed congratulatory messages.

Marriage and Life Insurance

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:35:10 +0100

When wedding bells ring, it may be time to revamp your insurance coverage. Marriage can be one of the most exciting and significant events in a couple’s life. As you promise to love and cherish your spouse, it’s also important to be sure you have enough protection so that both of you are taken care of.

The Power of Unity-Part 2

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:34:42 +0100

Last month we started our series on unity. We talked about the fact that we need each other in order to make it through this thing called life. We discovered that unity brings power. When we make up our minds to come together, we will discover that we have power that surpasses anything we could ever imagine. We have the power to be effective. The power to succeed. Most importantly, we have the power to change negative situations into positive situations.

Free Estate Planning Info Package!

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:33:56 +0100

Test Scores Up Across the Board

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:33:01 +0100

The recently released STAR test results are good news for the Hart District. Our students have increased their scores in nearly every subject and at nearly every grade level, and the percentage of Hart District students scoring proficient and above on all STAR exams is consistently 20 to 30 percent higher than their county and state peers. These outstanding results came despite challenges posed by the state budget cutbacks.

Taximony! How the Government Shares in Your Divorce

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:32:26 +0100

âEverything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.âÂ So said Benjamin Franklin.Â While sometimes marriage also fails to meet the promise it will last, the taxman is eternal.

Pastor Appeciation Month

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:30:15 +0100

The month of October brings about many changes. This month we are celebrating our clergy. October is Pastor appreciation month. As members of the church, we sometimes forget the time commitments and sacrifices a pastor makes. This is even more true if they have a family.

Special Problems with Insolvent Business Entities

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:29:40 +0100

Individuals engaged in business can be personally liable for business creditors’ claims even when the business is a separate legal entity, such as a corporation. One way to be personally liable for corporate debt is if the individual signed a personal guarantee. Shareholders of the corporation also can be personally liable for the debts of the corporation even if they did not sign a personal guarantee under an “alter ego” theory. Shareholders are often also th ...

Let's Talk About Enjoying Our Minutes

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:28:38 +0100

According to Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements, “Attention is the ability we have to discriminate and to focus only on that which we want to perceive. We can perceive millions of things simultaneously, but using our attention, we can hold whatever we want to perceive in the foreground of our mind.” What kinds of things do you attend to in your life? Are you the type of person who assumes the worst without testing the evidence? Or, are you able to ...

Children's Bureau Seeking Parents to Nurture At-Risk Children in Foster Care and Adoption

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:27:20 +0100

Creating Life Long Success With Richard W. Newman, Ph.D.

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:25:50 +0100

Planning is where it all begins. Whether you realize it or not, life and finances are intertwined and dealing with money requires a plan. Let Richard W. Newman help you reach your life’s goals.

Addiction and Compulsion Treatment Options

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:24:20 +0100

The recent scandals at the Pasadena Recovery Center have been tragic. As a drug and alcohol counselor myself, it is difficult not to have strong opinions about this; to understand how several patients could overdose, commit suicide and be raped at a high profile facility and within a short period of time. This is the same facility that is featured on the reality show “Celebrity Rehab” with radio and television personality Dr. Drew Pinsky.

About S Corporations

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:23:33 +0100

If you are planning to open a small business or operate one as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you should consider incorporating your business. An S corporation is ideal for a small business as it provides pass-through tax status for its shareholders and, in most cases, protects its shareholders from personal liability for business debts and obligations. One person is all that is needed to form S corporation.

What Every Family Member Should Know

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:23:01 +0100

Our longer life expectancy is a mixed blessing. As the average age of our population increases, so do the incidents of stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other catastrophic illnesses. These terrible diseases take their toll on the victim as well as the family members who must make important decisions regarding the care and welfare of the ill person. In addition, due to death or illness of a parent or spouse, many of our clients are thrown unwillingly into the posi ...

Dissolution of Marriage: Important Factors to Consider

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:22:24 +0100

When a marriage comes to an end, many people either fail to seek legal advise and proceed blindly or rely on the well meant but erroneous advise of friends and family, thereby unknowingly leaving themselves open to consequences that could be avoided by seeking advise from someone who knows the law.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:21:36 +0100

It only takes a few weeks of school for parents to realize that their lives are consumed with driving, picking up, sports meetings, dance recitals and study time with their kids. So why add one more thing, right? To add one more event to your busy schedule is asking a lot of an already busy family schedule.

How to be an Effective Health Care Agent

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:20:22 +0100

Being a health care agent isn’t a job to be taken lightly. When the time comes for you to step in, your job will include asking questions and getting solid answers, developing and adjusting care plans, selecting care settings, and following through. You will need to adjust as things change. You must be an advocate.

Can You Ensure You Have the Best Insurance Agent?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:18:54 +0100

You want to make sure that you always maintain the lowest rates possible for your insurance. However, you also need to make sure that you have the right coverage and will receive great service should you ever have a claim. If you use the seven points below when evaluating your current agent or in shopping for a new one, you’ll have the greatest chance to receive the best value for every dollar you spend on insurance.

Soroptimist International Seek Women's Opportunity Awards Applicants

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:17:36 +0100

Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to go back to school can now obtain applications for the Women’s Opportunity Awards, Soroptimist International of Santa Clarita Valley’s major service project. Applications are available by contacting Carolyn Brimer at 661-254-6739. Completed applications must be returned to 23734 W. Valencia Blvd., #300, Valencia by December 15.

Estate Planning: Refinancing Trust Assets

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:17:03 +0100

With interest rates so attractively low, many property owners are refinancing their homes. What happens when we want to refinance property which we have previously transferred to the trustee of a revocable living trust?

Running For Dad

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:16:26 +0100

It’s time to blow the dust off my running shoes and start training for the 2008 Santa Clarita Marathon! Each year I run the marathon with the help of my running support group, The Ice Cream Dream Team. They follow me through the course in the official support vehicle. They make sure that I’m still on my feet and they cheer me on as I run the race “for ice cream.” This year I’m having mixed feelings about what is usually a fun and exciting eve ...

Ask the Voicecat-October 2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:15:56 +0100

The Magazine of Santa Clarita readers have sent in great questions, asking about the voiceover business. Here’s a letter I got about voice acting from a working voice actor:

Q: My voice acting coach tells me I’ve got great articulation and projection, but a detached delivery. How do I find the emotional hook in copy? — Mike S., Valencia, CA

What is Foster Care and What Support Services do I Receive as a Foster Parent?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:14:42 +0100

How Does One Become a Certified Foster Parent?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:10:02 +0100

Multi-tasking Mania: Getting a Grip With Only Two Hands

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:07:57 +0100

You sit down to make a note about a project. The phone rings. While you’re talking, someone pops in with a question as the computer dings the arrival of an important email and you remember that you forgot to make dinner plans.

Temple Beth Ami Gets Ready for the High Holy Days

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:07:21 +0100

As Temple Beth Ami begins its 21st year in the Santa Clarita Valley, we are looking forward to the next 21 years in the community.

Who's Using Drugs?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:06:50 +0100

Some of the most abused drugs today are prescription medications. Xanax, Prozac, Oxycontin, Depakote, Adderol, Vicodin and all other types of anti this and that’s.

Centered?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:05:58 +0100

To believe in God, do you have to attend church? With our daily hectic schedules, it’s easy to succumb to a leisurely Sunday. But what separates churchgoers from non-churchgoers?

Retirement Planning Excuses

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:04:53 +0100

Every eight seconds an American turns 50; that is more than 10,000 people every day per AARP. As more people enter the second half of life, many are worried about retirement. Many believe that they will not have enough saved. Because of this, some may use excuses to reconcile their perceptions with reality.

Preparing for Kindergarten

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:04:06 +0100

Kindergarten can be a scary time for a five-year-old. Even with the brightly colored carpet and smiling teacher it is a brand new experience that includes four hours of no cartoons, no favorite stuffed animal and no mommy. Project-Based learning is a great way to help children thrive in the kindergarten classroom while having fun.

The Best Music Store in SCV

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:03:10 +0100

For the last two years, the people of Santa Clarita have voted Lowe’s Music as The Best Music Store in Santa Clarita. With a knowledgeable staff and friendly atmosphere, let the professionals at Lowe’s Music Store help you. With over 250 students a week, Lowe’s is committed to offering fun and educational lessons on just about every instrument possible, from piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, guitar, drums, bass, trumpet, violin, voila, cello and vocals. ...

Short Sale or Foreclosure?Ã¢ÂÂ¨

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:02:27 +0100

In today’s housing market, many people are upside down with their mortgages. Not to mention, many homeowners have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) with a skyrocketing payment. As a result, there are people who approach me with this basic of question:

Lake Hills Community Church

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:02:15 +0100

In an era when the latest fad is old in about a month and the staying power of various marketing gimmicks is less than that; to speak of the ministry of the local church must seem to some as a quaint notion bringing to mind a Norman Rockwell and an era long gone.

Playwriting Class Offers Students the Chance to Write and Workshop

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:00:13 +0100

This fall, students interested in developing original theatrical works, and subsequently having them read and work-shopped by both peers and professionals, are invited to enroll in the College of the Canyons Theatre/English course “Introduction to Playwriting.”

The Power of Clean Water

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:59:23 +0100

A cool, refreshing drink of water is something many people take for granted. But what if we didn’t have access to safe drinking water? Up until 100 years ago we did not. In fact, it was often dangerous.

Living in Earthquake Country

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:57:30 +0100

We were shakin’ and bakin’ the other day. As if three digit temperatures were not sufficient, nature chose to further demonstrate her powers by reminding us that we reside on a living planet. As I watched people duck and cover on live television, I thought about how often natural disasters such as earthquakes create emotional adjustment problems for children. Children’s reactions vary depending upon the event’s impact on family life, the child’s de ...

Special Needs Trusts for the Disabled

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:56:55 +0100

Many parents in our community have disabled children. Often, when planning for their own deaths, these devoted parents realize that they are the only advocates for their disabled child. Once they are gone, who will advocate for all of the necessary services for their child? Who will make sure the child maintains their public benefits, is properly educated, has proper living arrangements, necessary medical care, and is fulfilling their potential? This is where a “thi ...

College of the Canyons Visual Arts Faculty Exhibition at the Art Gallery

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:55:33 +0100

The art displayed at the College of the Canyons Art Gallery will be from professional artists who all have one thing in common: they have continued to practice their discipline while teaching it to others.

Ask The Voicecat- Sept 2008

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:54:38 +0100

Santa Clarita Magazine readers send me questions every day about the voiceover business. Here are a couple of those letters:

Do You Understand Your Estate Plan?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:53:19 +0100

When the issue of estate planning comes up, some people tell me, “Oh, we’ve already taken care of that.” Then I ask them some specific questions about their plan, and the answer is almost always, “I don’t know.” What kind of a plan is that? That’s like saying you just had surgery, but you’re not sure what surgery it was.

Man, Woman, Divorce, Recovery

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:50:55 +0100

In this era of political correctness and gender blindness, it is sometimes easy to lose sight of real world experience. The trauma of divorce and rate of recovery should be the same for men and women. But, the hard facts reveal that it is not. Perhaps because of how women are raised, or something in the genetic coding for females, women seem to be better equipped to deal with both the process of divorce and recovery from it.

Looking Inward to Make Ourselves and the World Better

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:50:09 +0100

Recently, Tisha B’Av, considered the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, passed. This day marks the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem and other painful events dating back to the ancient Israelites. I bring this up, not to depress anyone, but to make two points that are poignant to me.

The Power of Unity Part 1

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:47:14 +0100

It has been said that there is power in numbers. Belief in this theory has been derived from detailed research on elections, major historical conflicts, and major historical advancements. However, more than numbers, I believe greater accuracy is found within the belief that there is power in unity.

Children's Bureau Seeking Parents to Nurture At-Risk Children in Foster Care and Adoption

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:46:28 +0100

With nearly 85,000 children in California removed from their parents’ homes due to abuse or neglect and 9,000 foster children in California waiting for adoptive homes, there is a great need for caring adults to provide loving, nurturing homes as either foster or adoptive parents. A parent information meeting will be held Thursday night, September 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 pm at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church located at 27265 Luther Drive, Canyon Country, for those interested &mdash ...

Parenting with Leadership

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:45:07 +0100

As the days grow shorter and we ready ourselves for a new school year, it is a good time to take inventory on our children’s behavior. A measure stick or reality check that I often give to parents is this: Imagine that you are a teacher in a classroom with twelve (preschool) to thirty (high school) children. Now imagine your child’s behavior times 12, 20, 30 or whatever the case may be. Is your child’s quirkiness still cute and endearing?

Need Advice on How to Deal with Mounting Debt?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:43:14 +0100

Gather Some Basic Information Before Seeing an Advisor

When the pressure of dealing with debt is too much to handle alone, it would be wise to seek competent advice from a trusted advisor. But the advice you will receive is only as good as the information you provide. The basic information needed can be categorized as follows:

Amazing Results for Teenagers and Children

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:42:23 +0100

It’s true. Hypnotherapy has yielded great results for teenagers and children. It has helped them increase their focus and concentration, improve in school, improve athletically, increase confidence and self-esteem, and overcome fears just to name a few life issues. I love working with kids because they are the most suggestible group when it comes to responding to hypnosis. What this means is that they are more quickly tapping into the most powerful part of their mind, the ...

Are You in Control of Your Life and Finances?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:37:42 +0100

Are you a “Terry” or are you an “Alex”? Terry: Cruising right along, it’s a day-to-day grind. Before you know it, it is September. Most of the year is gone; the holidays and 2009 are right around the corner. No worries, right?

IRA's, 401K's and Bears, Oh My

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:36:25 +0100

Many taxpayers have IRA’s, 401-K’s and other deferred-compensation accounts as part of their financial planning strategy. Such accounts enable taxpayers to defer the payment of income tax until they retire – when they supposedly will have less income and withdrawals will hopefully be taxed at a lower tax rate.

Hart Board Approves Bond Measure for November Ballot

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:35:32 +0100

Local voters who go to the polls on November 4 will find a bond measure on the ballot to fund construction of new facilities in the William S. Hart Union High School District and complete modernization programs at the district’s existing schools. The bond was authorized by the district’s governing board at its July 16 business meeting, following a presentation of the district’s needs by Chief Operating Officer Rob Gapper.

What are they Building in the Bridgeport Marketplace?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:34:46 +0100

Any time I see new construction I’m immediately curious as to what is being built. And if you’ve driven by Bridgeport Marketplace on the corner of Newhall Ranch Road and Mc Bean in Valencia, you’ve seen constant construction for several months now. Everything from Red Mango to Kabuki to Walgreen’s are quickly opening. But what is being built behind the fence on the northeast corner of the property? That is the future home of Real Life Church! ...

Macy's helps "Bag Hunger" at the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:33:42 +0100

This year’s Macy’s West 2008 Bag Hunger Food Drive collected over 3.5 million pounds of food for local communities throughout the nation. In Santa Clarita, Macy’s Valencia exceeded its goal and through the generosity of the associates raised $1,709 which will be matched through Macy’s Employees Match Funds Program with another $1,360 plus an additional $500 for reaching “goal.” The total donation from Macy’s Valencia through the Macy&rs ...

You May Have "Your Day in Court" - But at What Cost?

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:20:08 +0100

Everyone knows, even in a general sense, that when you are involved in a legal dispute, you are entitled to “your day in court”. It is no different in divorce court. However, what is often very shocking for participants is that the “day in court” is really spent as a spectator rather than an actual litigant. If you go to any family law courtroom, before you even walk in the door, you will find a list of cases to be heard that day hanging outside the door. ...

Children's Bureau Seeking Parents to Nurture At-risk Children

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:18:49 +0100

With nearly 85,000 children in California removed from their parents’ homes due to abuse or neglect and 9,000 foster children in California waiting for adoptive homes, there is a great need for caring adults to provide loving, nurturing homes as either foster or adoptive parents. A parent information meeting will be held Thursday night, August 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church located at 27265 Luther Drive, Canyon Country, for those interested—adults singl ...

The Power of Attorney in Estate Planning

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:17:44 +0100

One of the useful devices in the estate planning toolbox is the Power of Attorney. This document gives another person the grantor’s authorization to act on his/her behalf in either limited or unlimited transactions.

Sailing Separate Property through the Community Sea

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:16:55 +0100

Much has been written about community property, a characteristic that causes an equal division between divorcing couples.Â But, just as important is the identification of property that is owned by one of the spouses which will not be divided in the divorce.Â Separate property is property acquired before marriage, after the date of separation or during the marriage if acquired by gift or inheritance.Â Included are the rents, profits and income from the separate property.

Dealing with Finances after a Loss in the Family

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:15:54 +0100

There are as many different kinds of loss as there are people on the planet. Sometimes, it happens fast. Other times, it’s excruciatingly slow. Sometimes it’s a complete surprise. Other times, you can see it coming a mile away. Either way, life still goes on. You need to get up in the morning, go to sleep at night, and do a lot of things in between. The emotional roller coaster may make it difficult to do even the most elementary of tasks.

Case Study -Five Year Old Tortured and Abused by Mother and Partner

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:14:28 +0100

Recently a five-year-old African American little boy came to the attention of the authorities after suffering horrendous abuse at the hands of his parents. This abuse included cigarette burns to his entire body, including burns to his genitals, a hand that at this time he cannot fully open due to having it burned on the stove, a broken tooth with an exposed nerve, and finally, it is understood that he was made to sit in his own urine and feces.

Break Into Voice Acting, Now's the Time!

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:13:24 +0100

Have you dreamed of becoming a voice actor? Want the inside info on what it takes to be successful? Let a professional help you. Cashman Commercials is one of the few production companies in the country that offers comprehensive courses in voice acting. Specializing in commercial voice acting, Creative Director and owner Marc Cashman creates, casts and produces copy and music advertising for radio and television clients such as Kroger, Charles Schwab, ...

"Stripping" Junior Real Estate Leins in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:12:14 +0100

With the value of real estate property down significantly from just a couple of years ago, many homeowners find themselves underwater with their real estate loans. The value of the real estate may be less than the balance on the first home loan. In these cases, it is possible to “strip” the second, and any other junior lien, on the home in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and be left with just the first loan.

Please Do Not Do Any Estate Planning!

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:11:22 +0100

Ok. I’ve been reading up on this reverse psychology stuff, and it seems that since childhood, we are more likely to do something if we are told not to do it.

Now brace yourself, because I am going to use this advanced and powerful “reverse psychology” technique on you! It is so powerful that you may not even realize that I’m doing it! Now, let’s see if this works:

Fun in the Summer Sun

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:10:15 +0100

Temple Beth Ami is gearing up for a sizzlin’ summer in Santa Clarita! Join us for our annual Havdalah at the Beach, gear up for our Park Havdalah and Sports event, or stop by an open house and meet Rabbi Mark Blazer and other members of our TBA family.

Are We Teaching Our Children To Think?

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:09:08 +0100

Are we teaching our children to think? In today’s changing world of the global economy, what has been referred to as critical thinking, and problem solving skills are of more importance than ever.

Food Issues and Eating Disorders

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:07:43 +0100

When we think of food issues or eating disorders, the common person doesn’t typically group them with addiction problems. But the characteristics of an eating disorder are so similar that they are actually a form of addiction. The individual with an eating disorder, such as bulimia, actually experiences a euphoric rush from the act of binge eating, similar to that of a drug user. The same brain chemistry and pleasure principles are involved in both drug use and binge eati ...

Taking Responsibility For the Dangers in Your Car May Save the Life of a Loved One

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:06:33 +0100

Traveling at just 35 miles per hour, a head-on collision can cause a one-pound article to strike at someone with 100 pounds of force. This can cause life-threatening injuries. Stopping abruptly can also turn cell phones and books into deadly weapons. Buckling up kids in the car seat is essential. But, what do you do about items on the seats or the family dog? Most SUV’s and minivans lack a containment area for cargo. People usually place items into open cargo ...

Teaching Children Responsibility

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:05:28 +0100

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone took responsibility for their possessions, followed through with their commitments, owned up to their mistakes, and apologized when wrong? We all know that human beings are imperfect creatures that make mistakes and yet taking responsibility for those mistakes is so hard for us to do. What causes us to put so much energy into defending our position but makes it so difficulty to say a simple “I’m sorry”? Before an individu ...

Santa Clarita Attorney Earns Prestigious Designation

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:04:44 +0100

Valencia based estate planning attorney, Lisa S. Golshani, was recently honored with the coveted “Personal Family Lawyer” (PFL) designation. The PFL designation is awarded to estate planning lawyers who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their communities by providing sound legal advice that helps individuals and families make the best decisions in their personal, business, legal and financial affairs throughout their lifetime.

Fence Sitters Procrastination in Today's Real Estate Market

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:03:37 +0100

It’s a common condition in today’s housing market. Buyers seem to be glued to the procrastinators fence and they let opportunities pass them by in the fear that prices will continue to decline. The 2008 “Summer of Opportunity” is passing them by. Buyers wait for the market to hit bottom and then “lo and behold”, all of a sudden, it’s behind them. It has passed them by.

Questions and Answers Regarding Medi-Cal and Estates

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:02:31 +0100

There are many changes to Medi-Cal which will occur when the “Deficity Reduction Act signed into law by President Bush in February, 2002 is implemented in California:

Q. Under the old Medi-Cal rules, a Medi-Cal applicant could freely transfer his or her home to a child who had lived in the parent’s house for at least two years and had provided care allowing the parent to avoid a nursing home stay. Does this still apply under the new law?

Give that Closely Held Business Stock to your Kids Now!

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:59:40 +0100

If you own a family or small business, you hold one of the best opportunities out there for minimizing or eliminating estate taxes upon your death. This move isn’t for everyone. It means giving up some of your control over the business and it is not cheap to put the plan into place. But with the right plan, you can gradually give control and ownership of the business to the next generation and save your family hundreds of thousands of dollars in estate taxes.

Ever Had an Encounter that Totally Changed Your Life?

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:53:28 +0100

I didn’t believe in God for a long time. I had a lot of good reasons not to, I thought. Christians were hypocritical, judgmental, church was uptight, out of touch and not relevant.

Oh Baby!

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:49:12 +0100

On April 17 of this year, proud parents Jen and Nick Robideau along with big brother Tyler welcomed a handsome little boy into the world. Jake Robideau was born weighing five pounds five ounces. Please join The Magazine of Santa Clarita in welcoming

Opportunities for Learning Congratulates Our 2008 Graduates!

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:48:06 +0100

Ninety-five deserving students achieved their goal of high school graduation this year, earning their diploma after working hard to overcome unique obstacles to make their dreams come true. These students are diverse in their background and interests, but they now have something important in common, they are high school graduates ready for their next step in life, whatever they choose that to be.

The Parenting Plan and the Young Child

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:47:01 +0100

In a previous article, The Parenting Plan and the Teenager, we discussed the impact of divorce on teens with thoughts on providing plans that promote the normal developmental cycle.Â Today we look at the needs of younger children.Â The younger child is experiencing the most critical stages of psychosocial development.Â They are learning how to thrive in their environments, make and maintain connections with others, and adapt to changing worlds.Â

Ask the VoiceCat

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:45:31 +0100

Santa Clarita Magazine readers continue to send in pertinent questions about the voice-acting business. This is the seventh and last part of my answer regarding voice-over demos, and in this case, a few things not to do:

The Worried Child

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:43:07 +0100

Almost everyone worries sometimes. Children worry about things they see or hear on the news. They worry about how they look, how smart they are in comparison to others, and whether they are liked by peers. During the spring school semester students worry about tests, failure, year-end grades, and transition to new schools or classes. Feelings of anxiety or uncertainty are normal reactions to stresses that children experience every day.

White Ribbon Week Encourages Graduating Teens to Make it Safe and Make It Home

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:41:15 +0100

During White Ribbon Week, May 29 to June 6, a Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s deputy visited Santa Clarita Valley’s high school senior class assemblies and distributed white ribbons attached to cards listing the names of Santa Clarita Valley youth ages 14 to 20 killed in traffic collisions in the past five years.

Estate Traps for the Unwary

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:38:19 +0100

Think about your investments. Do you have assets such as Certificates of Deposit (CD’s,) United States savings bonds, stocks, or retirement accounts? Have you considered the potential pitfalls that may occur when these assets are transferred to your heirs? Consider the following: • Savings bonds may not be an attractive investment from a tax liability standpoint. When you pass away your heirs may be responsible for any tax liabilities on the accrued bond int ...

LLC Ã¢ÂÂ An Alternative to Incorporation

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:36:00 +0100

There are several business forms that protect business owners from responsibility for the business’ obligations. Corporations and limited partnerships are commonly formed to limit the owners’ personal liability. However, the Limited Liability Company, commonly known as an LLC, is gaining ground on these forms as it offers greater structure and operating flexibility.

Ladies, Get In

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:34:56 +0100

Have you accepted the stereotype that money management is a man’s game? One that women are not suited to play or be good at? Many of us have. Why? It may have something to do with the fact that many of us grew up watching our fathers handle the family money. I know that I did.

Avoiding a Medi-Cal Estate Claim Against the Family Home

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:32:11 +0100

There is a common misconception that persons who are on Medi-Cal or applying for Medi-Cal cannot protect their homes from Medi-Cal estate claims or that Medi-Cal benefits will be terminated if they transfer the interest in their homes. This is not true.

Can My Family Stop Me From Leaving My Estate the Way I Want?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:30:47 +0100

It used to be that when a person died and the will was read, it was the last word. The kids could rant about how unfair it is; the spouse could be indignant that restrictions were put on his or her bequest; the lawyer could revel in the control he or she would have over the Estate, not to mention the fees to be collected through the probate. But a testator could at least know that in the end, the Estate would be distributed exactly as set out in the will.

Ever had an Encounter that Totally Changed Your Life?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:28:30 +0100

She didn’t look sick the Sunday she walked in. She just introduced herself and declared, abruptly and honestly, that she was ‘not a normal church person.’ But she believed in prayer. Mostly, she explained, because she saw a scientific study in Newsweek Magazine and the statistics were in, prayer changed things. And sometimes, she said, sick people got better. Or, at least they got better more quickly. And, “Oh yeah,“ she said, &ld ...

Where Are Your Teens Tonight?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:26:59 +0100

It’s past your children’s curfew and once again you’re pacing the floor, looking out the windows. Again, you’re wondering where they are and what they’re really doing. They don’t call and they don’t answer their cell phones. Who are they with, really? Your heart skips a beat when the phone rings or with passing sirens. You’re sick with worry. “Will I get a call from the police station again”? ...

Are You Looking for that Parenting Textbook?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:25:26 +0100

Liz Hodson Has Found It! Do you ever ask yourself, am I qualified to be a parent? I find it very interesting that we need experience to work in the corporate world, yet no one asks us when we go to the hospital and find out we’re pregnant “Do you have any experience with parenting? Do you need some help?” As we grow and mature through life, we are met with new challenges such as friendships, intimate relationships and parenting. While some of these sk ...

Are You Sure You Really Have a Living Trust?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:23:43 +0100

Over the years, many people have asked me to review their older estate plan. Usually, they say something like, “I need you to review my trust to make sure it’s still good.” When I review their plan, I find they don’t even have a trust. They think they have a trust, but they do not. It is remarkable to me how many people out there are walking around with simple wills, all the while believing they have a living trust. However, people commo ...

Is Drinking a Habit or Something More?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:20:52 +0100

For many people, drinking alcohol can enhance a social event or add something special to a good meal. The majority of people are able to drink casually and socially without ever developing any sort of problem. Alcohol is an accepted part of our society and can be fun and harmless when it is used responsibly and controlled.

YouÃ¢ÂÂre Still Worth It

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:18:14 +0100

Several weeks ago I shared an analogy with the congregation at Valencia Christian Center that proved to be incredibly encouraging. Since then, I’ve been feeling led to share it here as well. I just feel as if someone reading this magazine is going to be led right here to this article and walk away with the encouragement and hope they’ve been looking for.

SCVi Charter School Opening Fall 2008

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:17:04 +0100

Many families find themselves looking for alternatives when existing options don’t seem to meet their children’s particular needs. The Hart district estimates there are over 2,000 homeschoolers in our area. This network of families is gradually expanding educational choices, the latest of which is SCVi Charter School, opening Fall 2008. This classroom-based alternative will appeal to many homeschoolers, using hands-on instruction to engage students actively in real ...

WhereÃ¢ÂÂs the Line Between Discipline and Abuse?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:15:43 +0100

As parents, we sometimes question where the line is drawn between discipline and abuse. We want to help our children learn to behave properly but we don’t want to ever cross a line where we have caused physical or emotional harm to our children. The word discipline, according to Webster is “training to act in accordance with rules.” Its purpose is to encourage moral, physical and intellectual development and a sense of responsibility in children. Ultimat ...

ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Bureau Seeking Parents

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:13:53 +0100

Nurture at-risk Children in Foster Care and Adoption Program With nearly 85,000 children in California removed from their parents’ homes due to abuse or neglect and 9,000 foster children in California waiting for adoptive homes, there is a great need for caring adults to provide loving, nurturing homes as either foster or adoptive parents. A parent information meeting will be held Thursday night, July 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church located ...

Yoga: Ancient and Modern

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:12:20 +0100

The word yoga first surfaced in India in 1500 B.C. However, evidence suggests that yoga existed as early as 5,000 years ago. Early yogis (practitioners of yoga) found that breath work (pranayama) improved their ability to sing and yoga poses (asanas) kept their bodies healthy.

What Happens to the Family Home in a Divorce?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:11:01 +0100

As a family law attorney, I find that often one of the first questions a client poses is about what will happen to the family home. I’ve been asked “Does the wife always keep the home?” and “Do you always have to sell the house?” Unless you and your spouse have entered into some prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, your home, much like your other assets and debts, will be divided according to California Community Property Law. Thus, if the home is ...

Estate Planning: Do You Know Where Your Trust Is Tonight?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:08:24 +0100

Periodically (and unfortunately all too often) we get calls from clients: “Do you have our original, signed living trust documents?” “No, I’m sorry.” “Are you sure? “Yes. We make it a practice not to retain clients’ original documents.” “Could y ...

Improving Employee Safety

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:04:37 +0100

Gateway Village Comes to Life

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:01:41 +0100

It’s been almost a year since Gateway Village has been under new ownership and managed by CB Richard Ellis. This property is considered the “younger sister” to The River, in Rancho Mirage, California, said Ms. Carol Ann Zale; Asset Manager. When Gateway Village was purchased, the owners wanted to make significant changes, all positive.

Divorce and Enemas Ã¢ÂÂ A Not-So-Graphic Comparison

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:59:19 +0100

Okay, I’ll confess, neither of these are easy subjects. However, if you have gone through either a divorce or an enema procedure you know that both are distasteful and very uncomfortable, they make you feel vulnerable, no one wants to watch them happen, and when you are in the middle of one they seem like they last forever. During each process, it is difficult to look ahead and see what positive outcomes are likely to occur. In both, you may feel humiliated, awkward, nauseou ...

Nurturing a Healthy Sense of Trust in Your Child

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:54:31 +0100

Gone are the days when children rode their bikes to the open field behind the neighborhood to climb trees, build forts, play baseball, and ride back home before dark to find supper on the table. When our daily life had a built in simplicity and predictability, our children felt that the world was a safe and stable place, and from this a healthy sense of trust in their environment, their community, their friends and their family emerged. This allowed children to develop good judgment ...

Start Looking Better, Now!

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:51:32 +0100

Health centers around the country are starting the next round of “The Biggest Winner” competitions. Participants are given the tools to lose 10, 20 even 30 pounds of fat and gain lean muscle mass in only 12 weeks. The result is looking hotter, getting stronger, increasing metabolism and getting fit for life.

Family

Post-Bankruptcy Issues

Santa Clarita Valley Chamber to Hold Mixer in Canyon Country

Why People Hate Lawyers

Do You Know Where Your Original Estate Planning Documents Are?

The Advance Health Care Directive

My Wife Got Remarried, Can I Terminate My Obligation to Pay Spousal Support?

Inner Circle Foster Care and Adoption Agency

Teen Drinking Itâs a Killer

Voice Over Demos

The Best-Kept Secret in Adult Day Health Care

Qualified Individuals Should not Wait to Apply for Existing Immigrations Benefits

Post Divorce Dating

Foster Care and Adoptive Families Needed in the Santa Clarita Valley

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VA Benefits and the Cost of Wartime Service

You Can Change Your Future in 71 Days!

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Are We There Yet? Making Summer Plans When You Are Divorced or Soon To Be

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Creative Ways to Show Love for Mom and Grandma!

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Your Home and Your Divorce

Get It in Writing!

How to Avoid the 3 Deadliest Mistakes When Applying for College Funding

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Car Loans and Bankruptcy

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Confidence: What Is It and How Do I Get It?

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Tax Deductions for Long-Term Care Insurance are Increased

Creating A Parenting Plan

Bruising As You Age

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The Benefits of Pet Therapy in Senior Living Communities

Hospital Discharge? Too Soon? Not Appropriate? Know Your Rights!

Time is Money, Ask Anyone Involved in a High Conflict Divorce

Success in Foster Care and Adoptions

Five Top Asset Protection Mistakes Made By Seniors

Depression in the Elderly

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New Family Unity Provisional Waiver to Go Into Effect

Goodbye Sweet Heather

Estate Planning: Spring Cleaning

Top Five Mistakes Made by Parties â Part II

Family Law-First To File?

Social Security Announces New Online Services

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Voice-Over Demos

The Health Benefits of Gardening for the Elderly

College Planning Expert Solutions for the New Years 6 Steps Every College Bound Junior Needs To Know

Counseling and Life-Coaching: Are You Ready to Change?

Start A Career You Can Smile About

Foster Families Needed for Infants and Toddlers!

Time Is Money Ask Anyone Involved in a High Conflict Divorce

Addiction Intervention and Treatment Work

Financial Support and Protection Against Abuse

2013 Celebrate Life Festival

Romance at the Rancho

Worksource Center Hosts Recruitment Events

Investing in Your Future

911 Good Samaritan Law Saves Lives

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Creative Gift Ideas

Estate Planning: The Care and Feeding of Trusts

Are We Born to Suffer?

Planning for Bankruptcy

Teen Drinking Itâs a Killer

A Checklist of Things You Should Be Doing Right Now If Youâre the Parent of a ...

Spring â A Time for Renewal

The Childrenâs Therapist in Divorce

Top Five Mistakes Made by Parties â Part II

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Immigration Policies â Do You Really Need a Lawyer?

Thereâs Something for Everyone Super Fresh Marketplace

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A New Yearâ¦A New Life

Be Careful if You Plan to Name More Than One âAgentâ

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