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FAMILY   -   FAMILY FEATURES
Family Time
July, 2024 - Issue #232
courtesy of Shutterstock
courtesy of Shutterstock

That's Good News!
Saugus High School Senior Caitlyn Park Named 2024 US Presidential Scholar

Caitlyn Park, a senior at Saugus High School, has been named a 2024 US Presidential Scholar. This prestigious recognition is one of the nation's highest honors for high school students and reflects Caitlyn's exceptional academic achievement and dedication to career and technical education (CTE). Caitlyn is one of nine Presidential Scholars from the state of California and one of only 20 scholars selected nationwide for career technical education. Congratulations, Caitlyn!
Have "good news" you'd like to share with your community?
E-mail your good news to tedwards@insidescv.com.

"We have been going to Santa Clarita School of Performing Arts since August. In that time, my 7 year old daughter has helped co-write a song, has been in a couple department store runway shows and been signed by one of the top agents in Los Angeles! Since we joined, she has learned about voiceover acting, live acting and drama, too! SCSOPA will help you get started with everything - including resume help and professional headshots. They provide all the tools you could possibly need to get into the business; learn the skills necessary to be successful; and connect you with the people that can find you work. The teachers are established in their respective fields and the environment is friendly and casual. Things have been busy - in a good way! We've been getting calls for auditions every couple days - and it's thrilling! It's a great time to get into performing - and this is the place to do it!"
The Moses Family
courtesy of Shutterstock
courtesy of Shutterstock

Putting an End to Parental Dental Shame
Your child has a cavity - or four - and you feel absolutely awful... like you are personally responsible and have failed as a parent. "Not on my watch," says beloved Valencia dentist Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS. "In this practice, we talk to parents about all the reasons children can develop cavities - without shame and blame - and then we help them create a plan to improve their family's oral health... together." Dr. Tong shares that cavity development can be attributed to dental hygiene practices and nutrition, but also genetics, pharmaceutical use and other factors far outside the control of parents. "We don't believe that the 'goodness' of a parent can be measured by how many cavities a kid has or doesn't have," says office manager Becky Short. "I'm a mom, I work at a dental office - and my own kids have had cavities. It happens! What's most important is that we craft a plan to address today's cavities and prevent cavities in the future."
"A major reason that people avoid the dentist is that they've felt shamed in the past in dental spaces - and that just doesn't happen here," says Dr. Tong. "We understand that things can happen in life that temporarily distract from a regular flossing regimen or twice-yearly check ups. We want to get you back on track and feeling good - not make you feel worse about a bump in life that was likely already tough to manage." The takeaway: Don't put off your dental care because you're embarrassed or worried that your provider will make you feel bad about a delay in dental care. "We're here to partner with you for a lifetime of good health - and we do it with a big smile!," says Short.
Dr. Marvin Tong, DDS 268-6284

Don't Do this when Co-Parenting with your Ex During the Summer
Don't rock the boat about your ex's summer travel plans with the kids. Unless your custody agreement specifically prohibits it, what your ex does with the kids during their custody time is generally none of your business. Of course, if plans are legitimately unsafe or you're concerned that there is a real flight risk, contact your legal counsel and/or the court immediately. But, basically speaking, just because you don't "approve" isn't enough reason to file for a temporary order or create drama for your ex and your kids. Bite your tongue and make different plans for your custody time.
Don't speak poorly about the summer "rules" at your ex's house. They let them play video games all day - and you have a mandatory reading list? You require chores before tech - and they're "spoiling" the kids with daily fun excursions? You don't have to like it - but here's another time to keep quiet about it. Comments like, "I know it's all fun and games at your mom's, but here, we take care of our responsibilities," is only going to put your kids in the middle, causing unnecessary anxiety - and it could anger your judge. If you have a genuine concern and a good co-parenting relationship, a text to your ex that reads: "Can we talk about how much tech time the kids should have during break?" might be appropriate - but, usually, it's best to just focus on what you do with your time and let the other parent make their own decisions about theirs.
Don't feel obligated to pay for "extras" your ex signs up for. Unless your court order requires it, things like summer daycare are generally the financial responsibility of the parent who needs/wants it. Let's say you don't require childcare over the summer during your custody time because you work from home - but when your ex has the kids, they need them to be in an on-site camp from 9am to 5pm due to their work schedule. Unless your court order requires it, you are not obligated to assist in paying for childcare when your ex has your children.
Call to schedule a consultation with Certified Family Law Specialist Denise Lite. 877-317-8080


courtesy of Valencia Acura
courtesy of Valencia Acura

The Reviews are in for Acura's ZDX All-Electric SUV
The 2024 Acura ZDX marks a significant milestone as Acura's inaugural foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Setting a new benchmark for the brand, the ZDX offers an impressive EPA-estimated range of 313 miles, ensuring long-distance capability and efficiency. For those seeking heightened performance, the Type S model stands out, boasting a formidable 500 horsepower, the highest ever seen in an Acura SUV. This blend of advanced electric technology and potent power delivery positions the ZDX as a noteworthy contender in the rapidly-evolving EV landscape.
The reviews are in! Motor Trend praises the Acura ZDX, stating, "All in all, we really like the Acura ZDX. It's handsome, posh and packed with marvelous technology - and it seems like it'd be a lovely luxury SUV to live with." Edmunds highlights its competitive pricing and comfort, noting, "The Acura ZDX is reborn as a comfortable, powerful SUV... and it's priced competitively." Car and Driver commends the performance of the ZDX Type S, observing, "The ZDX Type S we drove exhibited satisfyingly quick acceleration... and we estimate it will hit 60 mph in as little as 4.0 seconds."
J.D. Power calls the ZDX a "game changer for Acura," emphasizing its advanced features like the Google Built-in infotainment system, Hands-Free Cruise and robust OnStar-based connected services, while also being "attractively styled, comfortable, practical and enjoyable to drive." The future of high performance EV's is here and available at Santa Clarita's Friendship Dealership. Visit the showroom and be one of the first to experience the long-awaited addition to the Acura line-up.
Valencia Acura 255-3000

Summer Sports Performance Programs for Young
Athletes Now Available

Many young athletes use summertime to prepare for fall and winter sports, either by participating in sports-specific camps or working to improve their strength and conditioning. Henry Mayo Fitness and Health Club offers summer sports performance programs tailored to specific age groups. All programs are held in the club's Performance Institute. A degreed and certified coach leads every group through a proper warm-up, speed, power, strength training and a stretching program. All of Henry Mayo Fitness programs focus on movement education, injury reduction through posture and motor control, acceleration and deceleration training, multi-directional top speed and agility, explosive power and proper functional strength and conditioning.
Parents can choose from the following programs.
Youth
The Youth Athlete Program is designed for athletes ages 8 to 12. The programs introduce young athletes to physical fitness and sport performance training.
Middle School
The Middle School Athlete Program designed for athletes ages 11 to 14. The emphasis is on a "Training to Train" model in which young athletes are taught the fundamentals of strength and conditioning in a safe environment.
High School
The High School Sports Performance Program is designed for athletes ages 14 to 18. This is a more structured program following a "Train to Compete" model, designed to improve strength, speed and power.
College
Summer college athlete groups are designed for current collegiate athletes or those transitioning to the college level. This is a high-level program centered on preparing athletes for their upcoming school year.
To sign up for a Sports Performance program, log on.
henrymayo.com/summer
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