Self-direction gives people autonomy in how they live their lives. It helps people avoid institutional care and remain in familiar home and community settings.

Self-Directed Care for Disabled Adults or Those Aging in Place

Expansion of federal waiver programs and state plan services has increased access to self-directed services. More people who live with disabilities or age in place are turning to self-direction for the long-term services and supports (LTSS) they need. With self-direction, the person who needs care is in charge of who provides it, when and where.

From Previous issues

Learn a new skill like basket weaving, resin pouring or jewelry design during National Craft Month. Photo Credit Pixabay.

March is National Craft Month 

Remember when COVID-19 was raging all around us and we all took up sourdough bread baking and making vision boards from old magazines?  As life returned to the “new normal”

News Features

Set a goal to be more intentional with your savings by getting clear on your savings goals, ensuring your savings earn a competitive return and putting excess cash to work for your long-term financial goals.

Smart Strategies to Save With Intention

Savings can help meet unexpected expenses, fund short-term spending goals and protect against unanticipated life events. At the same time, leaving too much of your money uninvested can jeopardize long-term

As the tax deadline draws closer, taxpayers hoping to make the process as smooth as possible can consider these frequently asked questions and answers. ©ADOBE STOCK

FAQs About Taxes as the Filing Deadline Nears

Some people look forward to filing their tax returns, while others recoil at the thought of paying what they owe. Regardless of which camp taxpayers are in, come April most

City Council

Enjoy One Story One City Throughout March

By Ken Striplin Santa Clarita City Manager March 1 kicked off the Santa Clarita Public Library’s much-anticipated One Story One City Program. The 2022 program invites residents to read and

Health & Fitness

Binge drinking may not be a behavior people associate with individuals over 50, but this behavior is on the rise among aging men and women. ©ADOBE STOCK

What to Know About Alcohol Consumption After 50

Patients are asked several routine questions during annual wellness exams. Among those queries are a subsection of questions regarding alcohol consumption. Doctors ask these questions to identify how much alcohol

Studies have shown that older adults who socialized with people beyond their circle of family have greater positive moods and fewer negative feelings.

Tips for Seniors to Safeguard Their Mental Health

The wide-ranging impact and reach of mental health issues garnered considerable attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the virus as well as mandates designed to reduce its spread led to

Quality sleep is a foundation for your overall well-bring. ©ADOBESTOCK

Improve Sleep Quality for Overall Well-Being

Despite a rising number of people searching for the term “sleep” in 2023, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults report not getting enough of it, per the Centers for Disease

Entertainment

Enjoy Irish food, music and fun at several different locations around town on St. Patrick’s Day. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Make it a Weekend of St. Patrick’s Day Fun

St. Patrick’s Day falls on Monday, March 17 which means you can make it a three-day weekend celebrating the “wearing o’ the green.” ‘A Couple of Blaguards’ The MAIN, 24266

Enjoy a meet and greet with mermaids during Mermaid March. Photo Courtesy Ventura Harbor Village.

Mermaid Month in Ventura 

There’s something about mermaids that enchant not only children, but also adults of all ages.  Folklore, literature and film are awash with stories of mermaids, the sirens of the sea. 

You can easily save money and increase your nutrients by growing your own garden. ©ADOBE STOCK

Grow Your Own Salad Bowl 

It’s easy to grow your own “salad bowl.” Lettuce, radishes, tomatoes and other salad ingredients can be grown in containers in your backyard or on your patio. Add in a

One of the newest arrivals on the “food trail” scene is the Oxnard Taco Trail. ©ADOBESTOCK

Exploring the Oxnard Taco Trail

As culinary tourism increases nationwide, local tourist boards throughout California are finding that establishing food and drink “trails” are a tasty way to increase tourism. One of the newest arrivals

Valentine’s Day this year falls on a Friday so you can spend the entire weekend celebrating. ©ADOBE STOCK

Valentine’s Day Fun and Adventures

It’s the sweetest day of the year. This year romance blooms on a Friday, a perfect day for a romantic dinner, weekend adventure or a Valentine’s date night. This year

Home & Garden

Using outdoor spaces to improve your well-being is a top focus for many people today.

‘Back to Basics’ 2025 Outdoor Design Trends

Americans are spending more time in their outdoor spaces — and want to maximize those spaces. Studies show that nearly 90% of homeowners consider their outdoor areas to be important

Luxury homes of the future are exanding into smart glass that will automatically adjust to the sun and indoor water features. ©ADOBE STOCK

Luxury Design Features to Watch for in Custom Homes

Looking ahead to 2025, luxury custom homes are pushing the boundaries of design, offering innovative elements that blend functionality with high-end aesthetics. From cutting-edge technology to timeless materials, these features

Kids & Family

Enjoy a meet and greet with mermaids during Mermaid March. Photo Courtesy Ventura Harbor Village.

Mermaid Month in Ventura 

There’s something about mermaids that enchant not only children, but also adults of all ages.  Folklore, literature and film are awash with stories of mermaids, the sirens of the sea. 

Be Enchanted this holiday season at the annual Descanso Gardens holiday event. Photo Descanso Gardens.

First Look: SoCal’s Most Popular Holiday Events

It was surprising to walk into Costco two weeks before Halloween and discover that Christmas had already infiltrated the store. It was equally surprising to walk into Vons and discover

The Padre Hotel in Bakersfield reportedly is home to a child ghost who often leaves handprints in the hotel’s café. Photo Padre Hotel.

Looking For Haunted Locations? Try These.

Tis the season to explore the spooky, the scary and the extraordinary in creepy California. It’s fun to become a paranormal investigator in Southern California where numerous reportedly haunted locations

Tomorrow is International Dog Day 

Top Breeds rated by state  American families adore their four-legged companions. Approximately two-thirds of U.S. households own a dog, and a staggering 85% of dog owners consider their pets a

Seniors

Linda Crawford dances during a hoedown hosted at the SCV Senior Center in Newhall. Signal file photo.

Your SCV Senior Center

The “new” Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center Bella Vida will celebrate its fifth anniversary in April.  The center, which serves more than 15,000 SCV seniors annually offers a range of

Holiday

Enjoy Irish food, music and fun at several different locations around town on St. Patrick’s Day. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

Make it a Weekend of St. Patrick’s Day Fun

St. Patrick’s Day falls on Monday, March 17 which means you can make it a three-day weekend celebrating the “wearing o’ the green.” ‘A Couple of Blaguards’ The MAIN, 24266

Valentine’s Day this year falls on a Friday so you can spend the entire weekend celebrating. ©ADOBE STOCK

Valentine’s Day Fun and Adventures

It’s the sweetest day of the year. This year romance blooms on a Friday, a perfect day for a romantic dinner, weekend adventure or a Valentine’s date night. This year