What to know about daffodils bulbs and when to plant them

• March 1, 2025

Q. How late is too late to plant daffodil bulbs? They are on sale, but I don’t want to buy them if they won’t survive.

Although right now (late winter/early spring) is not the optimal time to plant them, they will probably bloom next spring. Make sure they’re not all dried up since they’ve been sitting out for a while. If you decide to buy now, go ahead and plant them as soon as possible. I made the mistake of buying a couple of big bags of bulbs and promptly misplaced them. When I finally found them, they were completely desiccated. About 6 months after tossing them into the compost, some of them miraculously sprouted. I relocated them into the garden, and they’ve been fine ever since. Sometimes those “plant by” dates can be surprisingly flexible.

Q. I have a Christmas cactus that has finally dropped all its flowers. I’d like to put it outdoors, but I don’t want to kill it. Can it tolerate outdoor temperatures if there’s no frost?

There are two types of cacti – desert types and forest types. Desert cacti are very hardy and thrive in full sun, low water, and good drainage. Christmas (and Easter) cacti are forest cacti and are completely different from desert cacti.

Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera buckleyi) produce succulent, tooth-edged “leaves” (actually stem segments) on branched arching stems. Their flowers appear between November and January and can be pink, white, red, or purple. Once the flowers fall off, most people like to keep the plant around in the hope that it will re-bloom. Unfortunately, few will be successful.

If you want it to rebloom, wait until late June or early July and relocate the plant to a sheltered outdoor spot that gets part sun. Water regularly, but don’t allow the planting mix to become waterlogged. By the middle of September, bring the plant back inside, cut back on the water, and keep it in a cool spot. Think of this as “naptime” for the plant. By early November, resume watering and move to an east-facing window. By this time, buds should be visible, and the plant should not be moved (except for periodic rotation to encourage symmetrical growth). By late November or early December, it should be reblooming.

Q. I think I may have overwatered my pothos plant. Is there something I can do to prevent the roots from rotting?

You don’t have to wait until your plant starts showing signs of distress. Simply tip the plant out of its pot and nestle the root ball in a large container of dry potting mix. Leave it there for a few days (or up to a week, depending on how sodden the soil was). The dry potting mix will absorb any excess water while protecting the roots from drying out. Once the root ball is sufficiently dry, but still moist, repot the plant.

Los Angeles County

mglosangeleshelpline@ucdavis.edu; 626-586-1988; http://celosangeles.ucanr.edu/UC_Master_Gardener_Program/

Orange County

ucceocmghotline@ucanr.edu; http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/

Riverside County

anrmgriverside@ucanr.edu; 951-955-0170; https://ucanr.edu/sites/RiversideMG/

San Bernardino County

mgsanbern@ucanr.edu; 909-387-2182; http://mgsb.ucanr.edu

​ Orange County Register 

Larry Wilson: The current president undoes our place in the world, every day

• March 1, 2025

When everything exploding out of the White House as if from a busted sewer line is bad — and yes, letter-writers, I do mean everything — there can be a tendency to want to point to the smaller bad things, the ones that don’t make the front pages because of all the big, bad things.

For instance, out of all the lousy, I’ve been a bit fixated on the nutty firing of one of the most obscure major figures in the federal government, Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, on Feb. 7, a decision for which the current president gave no reasons.

He didn’t have to. While this is an apolitical post overseeing an apolitical agency, the current president when running for office didn’t like the fact that since the job of the the National Archives and Records Administration is to preserve and provide access to the essential records of the federal government, the agency was involved in the effort to reclaim classified records from his Florida home, in the same manner it was involved in reclaiming classified records from Joe Biden’s Delaware home.

“We believe the removal of AOTUS with no stated cause does harm to our nation and its people,” the gloriously nerdy Society of American Archivists said in a statement. The SAA went on to note the national archive’s job: “preserving and promoting our nation’s foundational documents, giving veterans access to their personnel records to secure benefits, connecting with your family’s history, teaching students about the history of the United States and studying and understanding the human experience.”

By keeping boxes of America’s stuff, in much better condition than you do your grandmother’s photos up in the dusty attic.

That’s all they do. It’s dull and very important. So after the boss was fired, just to kick sand in the archive’s face, the current president fired 27 employees across the presidential library system, which is part of the agency. To make it harder for Americans to understand their history? Just guessing, here.

So these big little things are vicious, and need to be called out.

But you know what’s really vicious, and if not turned around threatens the pre-eminence of our country in the world by reversing 80 years of standing up against first Soviet and now Russian tyranny and imperialism?

Cozying up to the latter-day czar who has installed himself permanently in the Kremlin.

And doing so with more of the lies the current president has such a genius for — his only apparent talent, making things up.

Vladimir Putin is a dictator who has installed himself for life, and who invaded a neighboring country whose breakaway from Russia was made possible by the steadfastness of Ronald Reagan and every postwar president who came before him.

So what does the current president say? He lies, saying that the president of Ukraine is a dictator, and that he started the war that Russia in fact began.

How, letter-writers,  do you stomach those lies, and continue to support the man who would undo the place we hold in the world thanks to Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Biden?

Those were presidents who, whatever their differences, supported democracy, and saw that the best way to spread the least-bad form of government ever created was to work with our closest allies in Western Europe and Canada to counter both the long despotism of Russia and the rising anti-democratic movements in China and India.

Whereas the current president says: “Look, let’s be honest, the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States.”

It was not. He’s lying. You know who’s going to get screwed by the current president’s newly announced — and literally insane — tariffs on imports from the EU? You and me.

And our current president sends his vice to Germany to support a neo-Nazi party that trivializes, for instance, Dachau.

We trivialize America every time we don’t call out the current president for the damage he does, every single day.

Larry Wilson is on the Southern California News Group editorial board. lwilson@scng.com.

​ Orange County Register 

Make your Oscars predictions — and see how they compare to expert picks

• March 1, 2025

By LINDSEY BAHR and JAKE COYLE, Associated Press

The Associated Press’ film writers have made their Oscars predictions in every category, ahead of Sunday’s ceremony. Now it’s time to make your own picks, and see how they stack up.

Below, you’ll find predictions from the AP’s Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle in all 23 categories.

Best picture

BAHR: “Conclave”

COYLE: “Anora”

Actress

BAHR: Demi Moore, “The Substance”

COYLE: Demi Moore, “The Substance”

Actor

BAHR: Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”

COYLE: Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown”

Supporting actress

BAHR: Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”

COYLE: Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”

Supporting actor

BAHR: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”

COYLE: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”

Director

BAHR: Sean Baker, “Anora”

COYLE: Sean Baker, “Anora”

Documentary

BAHR: “No Other Land”

COYLE: “Porcelain War”

International film

BAHR: “Emilia Pérez”

COYLE: “I’m Still Here”

Animated film

BAHR: “Flow”

COYLE: “The Wild Robot”

Original screenplay

BAHR: “A Real Pain,” Jesse Eisenberg

COYLE: “Anora,” Sean Baker

Adapted screenplay

BAHR: “Conclave,” Peter Straughan

COYLE: “Conclave,” Peter Straughan

Original song

BAHR: “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez,” Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard

COYLE: “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez,” Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard

Original score

BAHR: “The Wild Robot,” Kris Bowers

COYLE: “The Brutalist,” Daniel Blumberg

Cinematography

BAHR: “The Brutalist,” Lol Crawley

COYLE: “The Brutalist,” Lol Crawley

Sound

BAHR: “Dune: Part Two,” Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett and Doug Hemphill

COYLE: “Dune: Part Two,” Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett and Doug Hemphill

Production design

BAHR: “The Brutalist,” Judy Becker and Patricia Cuccia

COYLE: “The Brutalist,” Judy Becker and Patricia Cuccia

Costume design

BAHR: “Wicked,” Paul Tazewell

COYLE: “Wicked,” Paul Tazewell

Film editing

BAHR: “Conclave,” Nick Emerson

COYLE: “Conclave,” Nick Emerson

Makeup and hairstyling

BAHR: “Wicked,” Frances Hannon, Laura Blount and Sarah Nuth

COYLE: “The Substance,” Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon and Marilyne Scarselli

Visual effects

BAHR: “Wicked,” Pablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, David Shirk and Paul Corbould

COYLE: “Dune: Part Two,” Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe and Gerd Nefzer

Animated short

BAHR: “Yuck!”

COYLE: “Wander to Wander”

Documentary short

BAHR: “Incident”

COYLE: “I Am Ready, Warden”

Live-action short

BAHR: “A Lien”

COYLE: “A Lien”

​ Orange County Register 

The rise of dairy alternatives: What’s driving the shift?

• March 1, 2025

By Lisa MarcAurele, Food Drink Life

Dairy alternatives are becoming a go-to choice for consumers who want simple solutions for dietary restrictions. From creamy almond milk to rich oat-based yogurt, these alternatives replicate the taste and texture of traditional dairy, making them a convenient option for those following plant-based diets or managing dairy sensitivities. With so many delicious choices available, switching to dairy free doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods.

What are dairy alternatives?

These days, you can find alternatives for nearly every dairy product like milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Plant milks, such as almond, soy and oat milk, are among the most popular. These options offer creaminess for drinks like lattes and work well in baking.

Plant-based cheeses and butters are also in high demand. Cheese alternatives now come in various styles like shredded and sliced as well as spreadable soft cheese. Many brands rely on nuts, soy or coconut oil to replicate traditional cheese textures.

Vegan yogurts made from coconut, almond or soy bases are popular, too. They are available in various flavors, including vanilla and berry. You’ll also find a variety of non-dairy ice creams, puddings and cakes in grocery stores. These days, going dairy free doesn’t mean giving up your favorite treats.

Popularity of dairy substitutes

Thanks to their versatility and widespread availability, dairy substitutes have become a kitchen staple for millions. Plant-based options offer a delicious solution, whether you’re lactose intolerant, cutting back on animal products or simply following food trends. From vegan whipped cream for your morning coffee to oat-based ice creams for dessert, the choices are endless.

Health is a major motivator for many. Lactose intolerance affects a significant portion of the population, and dairy alternatives offer relief from discomfort without compromising on taste. Others choose dairy-free products for environmental reasons since plant-based options generally have a lower carbon footprint.

Beyond health and sustainability, the sheer variety and convenience of these products appeal to consumers. Grocery stores are stocked with options like soy milk, cashew cheese and coconut yogurt, making it easy to find something that suits your taste and dietary needs.

Types of dairy-free milk

Plant-based milk refers to a broad range of options, including soy, coconut and hemp milk. Soy milk stands out for its protein content. According to Very Well Health, coconut milk, while lower in protein, contains medium-chain triglycerides that may provide health benefits. Healthline also provides that hemp milk, though less common, is rich in omega fatty acids.

Nut milks are among the most popular due to their creamy texture. Almond milk is a favorite for its low-calorie count and versatility, while cashew milk is mildly sweet and often blended with oats for extra creaminess. Lesser-known options like pistachio and macadamia milks offer more choices.

Oat milk has soared in popularity for its thicker texture and mild taste making it a great option for creamy drinks like hot chocolate. Rice milk is another grain-based option, offering a naturally sweet flavor and lighter consistency, making it perfect for cereals and smoothies. Though lower in protein, rice milk is easy to digest and suitable for those with allergies.

Seed-based milks, such as flax and sunflower, are excellent alternatives for those avoiding nuts and grains. Flax milk is rich in omega-3s and blends seamlessly into recipes. Sunflower seed milk, with its nutty flavor and allergen-friendly profile, is gaining attention as a versatile option.

Blended milks combine multiple plant-based ingredients to create well-rounded alternatives. For example, a cashew-oat blend offers the creaminess of cashews with the thick texture of oats, making it ideal for cooking, baking or drinking on its own.

Cheese and yogurt

Finding good non-dairy cheese used to be a challenge, but today’s options are more sophisticated than ever. From tangy cashew spreads to firm almond-based slices, there’s a plant-based cheese for every preference and recipe. You can even make a dairy-free macaroni and cheese that tastes like the real thing.

Non-dairy yogurt is another booming category. Options made from coconut, almond, soy and oat milk provide a range of textures and flavors. Coconut yogurt is particularly thick and creamy, making it ideal for parfaits and smoothies, while almond and soy yogurts offer neutral flavors suitable for cooking or enjoying on their own.

Butter and cream substitutes

Butter and cream are essential in many kitchens, and thankfully, dairy-free alternatives deliver comparable results. Plant-based margarines work well for spreading and baking, while coconut oil excels in frying and adding richness to dishes.

Cashew cream is a popular choice for its mild flavor and creamy texture. It’s perfect for thickening soups, sauces or even desserts. Oat-based creams are also gaining traction, offering a texture similar to heavy cream. With these options, dairy-free cooking and baking have never been easier.

Ice cream without dairy

Non-dairy ice cream has come a long way, offering indulgent, creamy textures that rival traditional versions. Cashew, almond and coconut milk-based ice creams come in a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to decadent chocolate fudge.

The best part? These treats are now widely available in supermarkets. Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or need a refreshing treat on a hot day, non-dairy ice cream has you covered.

Dairy-free condiments and sauces

Creamy condiments and sauces often contain dairy, but plenty of dairy-free versions exist. Vegan mayo, made from aquafaba or soy, works perfectly in sandwiches and salads. Dairy-free ranch and Caesar dressings offer the same creamy satisfaction as their dairy counterparts.

In the kitchen, coconut milk and cashew cream make excellent substitutes for heavy cream in savory dishes like pasta sauces and curries. Plant-based queso and other cheese-based sauces are also available, ensuring you never miss out on creamy comfort foods.

Why people ditch dairy

The shift away from dairy appears to be more than just a passing trend. Many people switch due to health concerns, environmental reasons or personal preferences. With so many delicious and accessible alternatives available, ditching dairy no longer feels like a sacrifice.

Digestive discomfort is one of the top reasons people cut out dairy. Lactose intolerance is common, and eliminating dairy can dramatically improve symptoms like bloating and cramps. Additionally, some people report clearer skin and reduced inflammation after going dairy free.

Environmental and ethical considerations are also driving the shift. Dairy production requires significant resources, and those looking to reduce their carbon footprint find plant-based options to be a more sustainable choice. Moreover, with the wide availability of alternatives like almond milk, oat yogurt and cashew cheese, transitioning away from dairy has never been easier.

Ready to make the move?

Switching to dairy alternatives opens up a world of tasty options. Start with something simple, like almond milk in your morning coffee or oat cream in your next dessert. Coconut yogurt can elevate your parfaits, while cashew cheese spreads add a gourmet touch to your meals.

You don’t have to sacrifice anything when making the switch. Whether you’re fully plant-based or just exploring new dietary options, there’s a dairy-free alternative for everyone. Give it a try. You might just discover a new favorite.

Lisa MarcAurele is the original founder of Low Carb Yum and the author of two keto cookbooks. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is a long-time resident of Connecticut and enjoys hiking and taking scenic day trips around New England.

​ Orange County Register 

Losing a pet can cut deeper than many people realize. Here’s how friends can help

• March 1, 2025

By JOHN LEICESTER, Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — Even months later, the pain of losing a pet can still hit without warning.

The trigger might be noticing — again, for the umpteenth time — how empty the house feels since your cat died, without the pitter-patter of padded paws. Or stumbling across the leash of the dog you lost and remembering how it used to set off tail-wagging glee.

Grieving owners can feel doubly lonesome if the humans in their lives don’t quite know how to help, perhaps because they’ve not had pets themselves or feel awkward around grief.

How can owners and their friends cope better with pet bereavement? Experts in pet loss offer these ideas:

Recognize that feeling awful is normal

For some grieving owners, pet loss can feel worse than a human death. That doesn’t make them monsters. Instead, it reflects the potential depths of human-animal bonds.

For some people, a pet is their most important relationship, “the being that they see every single day, that maybe sleeps on their bed, that they cuddle with on the couch,” says E.B. Bartels, author of “ Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter.”

“There are people who feel more comfortable with animals than with people,” she adds. “So losing those relationships can be really, really difficult.”

Offer a sympathetic ear

People who haven’t experienced pet love may struggle to understand what it’s like to lose it. They may think they are being helpful by saying, “It was just an animal,” or “They were lucky to have such a loving owner.” But pat phrases, no matter how well-meaning, can make grieving owners clam up and feel alone.

“You feel like you can’t talk about it because people aren’t really empathizing,” says Annalisa de Carteret, who manages a telephone helpline and other pet-loss support services for Blue Cross, a U.K. animal welfare charity.

“Just allow that person to talk about how they’re feeling, and you don’t need to comment,” she says.

Avoid clichés like, “‘Oh, you can get another pet’ or ‘He had a good life, he was a good age,’” she says. For the owner, “that doesn’t make you feel any better, because you knew all of those things. You just feel sad and just want someone to listen and to understand.”

Bonds can run deep with any kind of animal

Another tip: Don’t assume that an owner’s grief is commensurate with the size or type of animal they lost, or the length of time they had them. The death of a pet lizard, for example, can be as painful for some people as losing the cutest of fur balls for others.

“My friend’s dad has a koi pond and he loves these koi. And he was so upset when a raccoon got in and killed all his koi one summer,” Bartels says. “Some people would be like, ‘Oh, they’re just fish.’ But he loved these fish, you know?”

She suggests that friends can offer practical help: A grieving owner who no longer has a four-legged reason to leave the house might appreciate the offer of a walk with a two-legged companion.

“People can really feel they lose their community,” Bartels says. “In the morning you get up, you bring your dog to the dog park and you get to know the group of people who are there every morning really well. And that’s your social community. And so then if you lose your reason for going … you’ve lost a lot more than just a dog.”

Guilt often compounds pet loss

Up to 30,000 people contact Blue Cross each year for pet-loss support. Many aren’t simply sad but also are fearful that they may somehow have been responsible for their animal’s death or disappearance, de Carteret says.

“Guilt is a really big part of pet loss,” she says.

“They maybe think, ‘Oh, if I’d done something differently, maybe they’d have stayed alive a little bit longer,’ or if they were stolen: ‘If I didn’t put them in the garden.’ Or, ‘What could I have done differently to change the inevitable?’”

For bereaved owners who feel more upset about the loss of a pet than about a family member, that can trigger more guilt, de Carteret adds.

“It’s really normal,” she says. But “it feels wrong to say, doesn’t it? And people don’t want to share that.”

Can a new pet help?

Possibly. But it’s not a magic bullet. Each animal has its own personality and a new one won’t necessarily fill the void left by another. And if your previous pet was full-grown, you may no longer have the patience for kittens’ litters or puppy-training again.

Bottom line: Grieving can’t be truncated. The sadness and memories can be lasting.

Bartels lost her dog, Seymour, last June.

“I’m sure I’ll have a hard time again in June when it’s the year anniversary of when we put him down,” she says.

De Carteret keeps her dog’s ashes by her fireplace, which was his favorite place to sit.

“Some people will think that’s weird,” she says. “But, you know, that’s how I deal with it … You have to find the right way for you.”

​ Orange County Register 

Consumer debt by gender: Is there a difference?

• March 1, 2025

By Michelle Clardie, Bankrate.com

Despite attempts at financial equality, gender continues to impact nearly every aspect of personal finance, including earning, spending, investing and consumer debt.

Men on average earn more than women, allowing them to spend, save, borrow and invest more. Women tend to be more cautious with money, which makes sense since they have less of it. Data is not as robust for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals, but emerging research shows a pattern of even greater financial strain for this marginalized group as they work to overcome prejudices and early setbacks caused by a lack of financial support that cisgender peers typically receive from family.

Whatever your gender, being aware of the role gender plays in personal finance can help you better understand your financial hurdles and those others are facing.

General differences in the finances by gender

Statistics only tell a small part of the story regarding finances by gender. Chromosomes, sex and gender expression do not affect someone’s ability to manage money, build good credit, use debt responsibly or invest for the future. However, external factors and societal pressure assigned to gender roles do have a financial impact.

On average, women are still responsible for the lion’s share of family caregiving and household labor, negatively impacting their lifetime earning potential. Women also tend to suffer more severe financial consequences of divorce. By contrast, men feel socially pressured to exude wealth and status regardless of their success and frequently go into debt to keep up appearances.

Transgender individuals typically take on more debt when starting out than their cisgender peers, likely due to a lack of financial support and living accommodations provided by family. This puts transgender or nonbinary individuals in a more financially precarious position than cisgender men or women.

Earning differences by gender

After decades of progress in narrowing the gender wage gap, 2023 saw the gap widen significantly for the first time in 20 years according to the annual Income in the United States report from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Women who work full-time were paid about 82.7% of a man’s salary in 2023, down from 84% in 2022. Full-time male workers made a median salary of $66,790, while full-time female workers made $55,240. This results in a difference of $11,550 per year — a gap that only widens further for women of color, women with disabilities and women working part-time.

The median income for all American men in 2023 was $56,280, while the median for all American women was just $42,110.

Earning information specific to TGD individuals is not available.

Spending differences by gender

Spending tends to be closely correlated with income, with higher earners spending more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’s latest Consumer Expenditure surveys found that the average single woman spends $42,174 annually, while the average single male spends $43,299.

The breakdown of spending by category is shown below.

Single men spend more than single women on food, transportation and entertainment. Single women spend more on housing, apparel/services and healthcare.

It is worth noting that the average age of single women from the survey is 60, while the average age of single men is 52. Age is an important factor in earning power and spending habits. Cost of living, dependents, disabilities, and other considerations also influence income and expenditures.

There is no data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics breaking down income and expenses for transgender or nonbinary individuals.

Borrowing differences by gender

Experian compared debt balances among men and women and found that men carry more debt in all categories except student loans.

On average:

• Men have 16.3% more auto loan debt than women.
• Men have 2% more credit card debt than women.
• Men have 9.7% more mortgage debt than women.
• Men have 20% more personal loan debt than women.
• Women have 2.7% more student loan debt than men.

Consumer debt information specific to TGD individuals is not available.

Credit score differences by gender

The Equal Opportunity Credit Act largely prohibits using demographic information, including gender, in credit reporting, so it is difficult to evaluate credit scores by gender.

However, the Federal Reserve analyzed the credit scores of thousands of men and women in 2018. Its findings indicate that gender has little impact on credit scores, although the average man’s score is slightly higher than the average woman’s, controlling for age. For example, the mean VantageScore 2.0 for men aged 31–40 was 793 while the mean for women of the same age was 785. While this data is older, it’s unlikely that this disparity has changed significantly.

There is no reliable data differentiating the credit scores of nonbinary individuals.

Investing differences by gender

Women are less likely to invest than men. A study commissioned by BNY Mellon Investment Management found that if women invested at the same rate as men, there would be more than $3 trillion in additional assets under management today.

BNY cites the gender pay gap, perceived risk of investing and lack of engagement as key factors for this disparity.

Anne-Marie McConnon, Global Chief Client Experience Officer at BNY Mellon Investment Management, said: “As women, we all have different hurdles to overcome to meet our individual financial goals. Some of these are influenced by demographics and personal circumstances but some are a result of how the investment industry has traditionally engaged with women.” In fact, 86% of asset managers acknowledge that their default target customer is male.

There is no information specific to the investment habits of TGD individuals.

Financial stress differences by gender

Women are more likely to report feeling stressed by finances than men. In a recent Bankrate study, 46% of women say money issues have negatively affected their mental health, prompting feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. Only 38% of men report feeling the same financial stress.

Recent research from the International Journal of Consumer Studies found that transgender college students experience greater financial strain than their cisgender peers. According to the study, “TGD students had significantly lower financial optimism, financial self-efficacy and financial socialization than their cisgender peers.”

Discrimination in lending by gender

Legislation has been implemented to prevent lending discrimination by gender.

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prevents discrimination in mortgage lending, specifically based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation, disability and family status. It wasn’t until 2020 that federal protections were put in place to prevent housing discrimination based on gender identity.

Additionally, The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 prohibits discrimination in all types of lending based on race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age or participation in public assistance programs.

Before 1974, lenders were allowed to require women to have a male co-signer before approving a loan. This made it nearly impossible for women to build credit, buy homes or take out loans to start a business without a man agreeing to help them. While the act did make this discrimination illegal, prejudices from this era still carry forward.

The bottom line

Gender has no scientific bearing on your ability to manage money, but societal expectations and gender norms still affect your income potential and can pressure you to spend or borrow in a certain way. We’ve come a long way from when women couldn’t get their own credit cards and when nonbinary people could be charged more for housing, but we still have a long way to go.

Frequently asked questions

• Do lenders consider gender when making decisions? No, a lender cannot consider your gender or gender identity when making decisions. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in mortgage lending, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits discrimination in other forms of lending.
• What should I do if I’m being discriminated against financially because of my gender? If you feel you’re being discriminated against financially because of your gender or gender identity, try to gather as much evidence as possible. Take notes and record conversations if you’re in a state that allows one-party consent for recordings. Try to keep communications to a written medium for better tracking. Once you’ve gathered your evidence, submit a complaint through the proper channels, depending on your situation:
  • For housing discrimination, including mortgage lending and rental price discrimination: File a complaint through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
  • For credit discrimination including loans, mortgages and credit cards: File a complaint through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
  • For any type of discrimination: File a report with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Your state, county or city may also have a civil rights division where you can file complaints.
  • Note: Some of these may be subject to change with the Trump Administration’s changes. You may need additional research to find the best place to get help.

Key takeaways

• On average, men carry more debt than women across all categories, except student loans.
• The gender pay gap affects women’s ability to earn, save, invest and build wealth.
• Even though women spend less and carry lower debt balances, they still feel more financial stress than men.

©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

​ Orange County Register 

See the stars in high definition at OCC planetarium

• March 1, 2025

With repairs and upgrades made to its projection system, the planetarium at Orange Coast College is welcoming visitors back to its out-of-this-world theater.

Visitors can tour the stars and beyond and go back in time to experience the birth of the solar system in high definition during screenings hosted in the domed theater on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Today, March 1, the planetarium will showcase some of the shows that will be available in the coming weeks during a grand reopening with free screenings hourly throughout the afternoon.

Most tickets for today’s screenings were snapped up quickly, but there will be a standby line available, Jessica Artinger, the planetarium’s project manager, said. There will be solar telescopes out for viewing, and the Dennis Kelly Aquarium will be open during the 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. community event.

The $24 million planetarium opened at Orange Coast College in 2019 but was soon a victim of the coronavirus pandemic and forced to close. It reopened in mid-2022, but Artinger said the digital projector for the 125-seat theater soon started having issues, likely from having sat dormant for so long.

But it has been repaired and had upgrades, she said, and now “the darks are really dark.”

“I’ve been here for three years, and I’ve never seen it so dark in there,” she said. “It is mindblowing how good everything looks.”

Along with the revolving schedule of films exploring space, the theater hosts laser light shows set to popular music. For example, next up is a show using the music of The Beatles on March 4 and then Metallica on March 5.

Friday night, the planetarium hosted a Planet Parade Star Party with telescopes available to see the alignment of six planets on the horizon.

And, on March 13, the planetarium will host a viewing party for the total lunar eclipse. That will go from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., with peak coverage starting at 11:26 p.m. There will be a special show in the theater that night.

RSVP for the eclipse viewing party at orangecoastcollege.edu/community/planetarium, and find more information on show times, tickets and the planetarium’s hours.

​ Orange County Register 

Here’s why everyone seems to love snapdragons in the garden

• March 1, 2025

Recently, while visiting Jerusalem, I noticed a snapdragon growing out of a brick walkway. It was clearly a volunteer from a windblown seed. Snapdragons are Mediterranean natives with a habitat that stretches from Portugal to Syria. The flowers of wild snapdragons are invariably pink to magenta in color.

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are perennial although most gardeners grow them as annuals. Each year, you can extend their bloom period by removing wilted flowers and cutting flowering stems for vase arrangement. To keep snapdragons blooming for several years, allow the flower stalks to remain after they finish blooming. Just cut them back to where a set of leaves is growing and they will rebloom again when the heat of summer has passed.

And I should also add that if you must water them, do so from below since moist snapdragon foliage in warm weather is highly susceptible to rust, a fungus disease, also seen on roses that is expressed as orange bumps on leaves and quickly spreads from one plant to the next. Downy mildew and powdery mildew can also be a problem when leaves, in warm weather, are kept moist for even a short period of time.

Every gardener has probably experienced planting beautiful snapdragons acquired at a nursery, only to see them wilt soon after planting. The problem is that hybrid snapdragon varieties, especially the dwarf types, have shallow roots and if you water too often, their roots will rot. Of course, it may also be the case that failing snapdragons, when planted in the garden, were rootbound, meaning roots were growing in a circular fashion in their plastic cells and when they were planted, the roots were constricted and could not develop properly. Always pull apart or prune clumping roots of rootbound plants so that they can grow straight.

It is safe to say that everybody likes snapdragons. Children appreciate your making puppets out of them. Pinch the funnel-shaped bottom of a snapdragon flower between thumb and forefinger, let go, pinch again, and voila: It’s the snapping jaws of a snapdragon!

Snapdragon plants can be tall, medium or dwarf-sized. They flower best during fall, late winter and early spring, in mostly pastel colors such as sulfur yellow, mauve, magenta and pale pink, although ribald red and intoxicating burgundy hues are also encountered. My preferred snapdragons, the Rocket series, are not seen in nurseries. Rockets grow much taller than other snapdragons, reaching a height of three feet. As a bonus, they have a spicy fragrance and when a bunch of their stems are cut for an indoor flower arrangement, their mellifluous scent will fill up the room. Snapdragons purchased from a florist or at the nursery, unfortunately, are generally not fragrant.

Another notable Mediterranean wildflower that blooms this time of year is florists’ cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum). I have seen it, too, growing opportunistically out of cracks and crevices in Jerusalem walkways. This tuberous perennial can live for decades as long as it is deprived of summer water. It blooms from fall until spring with irresistible silky blooms in pink, red, and lavender, the perfect antidote to slate-gray winter skies. There are miniature hybrid cyclamen varieties that are now available too, with flowers and leaves shrunk to about half the size of the familiar type. Cyclamen foliage is heart-shaped and always meticulously patterned.

Remember, in the manner of most fall-planted bulbs, rhizomes, tubers, and corms, keeping cyclamen’s soil dry in warm weather is the only way to guarantee its longevity in the garden. If you are concerned that the tubers may be watered due to proximity to other plants, remove them after flowers and foliage have disappeared and store them in a cool garage or shed in a paper bag. Once summer is over, plant them out in the garden.

Cyclamen cold tolerance is noteworthy. Although top growth may be killed in a severe frost, tubers ensure survival and more flowers in the future. It should be noted that there is seldom seen extremely tough cyclamen species (Cyclamen hederifolium) that is suitable not only for dry shade and every type of soil, but for the coldest winters you can imagine, including those in North Dakota; it grows with ease and makes a fine ground cover that creeps along speedily enough at a height of four inches. In the manner of the familiar cyclamen planted for winter color, hardy cyclamen’s soil must be kept dry during its summer dormancy period to protect its tubers from rotting. However, in the case of hardy cyclamen, if you can keep it alive you will be rewarded with new plants sprouting from seeds that it self-sows without human assistance. It is widely available through Internet vendors, especially those who specialize in bulbs.

Cyclamen’s one absolute requirement is excellent soil drainage. If drainage is even slightly impaired, tubers may rot. One other point: don’t fertilize cyclamen much, if at all, or you will get lots of leafy growth at the expense of flower bud development.

When it comes to propagation, snapdragon’s tiny seed is pressed gently into the soil but left uncovered since it requires light to germinate. With cyclamen, its large seeds must be buried below the soil surface since they only germinate in the dark. You can also propagate snapdragons from stem cuttings.

Last but not least, the Yeroham iris (Iris yeruchamensis), which is endemic to the Negev Desert, is just about to bloom. In late winter or early spring, if you find yourself hiking in Israel in the northern Negev Desert, you are likely to encounter a fair share of Yeroham irises. These are dwarf bearded irises, seldom more than a foot tall, whose vivid colors range from bronze and burgundy to purple and black. I have not found a source for the seeds or bulbs of this iris species, but if anyone knows of where they can be found, please advise. Keep in mind that bearded irises, whose flowers are as opulent as orchids, are probably the easiest bulb plants to cultivate in our part of the world. They are available in a plethora of colors and need a bare minimum of water to grow. Unlike most other bulb types, there are select remontant or repeat blooming bearded irises as well. Note: Bearded irises actually grow from rhizomes, which are thickened starch-storing semi-underground stems.

California native of the week: Nuttall’s snapdragon (Antirrhinum nutallianum), an annual or biennial, is a plant that grows best when it is located in close proximity to a shrub such as Ceanothus where it can express its vining tendency. Violet flowers appear in the spring. Tangled snapdragon (Neogaerrhinum filipes) twines its way up adjacent plants more readily, although it is hidden by their foliage. Tangled snapdragon is an annual whose blooms are yellow and they, too, are seen in the spring. Island snapdragon (Gambelia/Galvezia speciosa), on the other hand, is a versatile perennial that blooms nearly all the time. It will sprawl in open ground, reaching four feet tall and spreading to seven feet but may also be pruned into a low hedge. Finally, if you plant it at the base of a tree, island snapdragon may climb up the trunk to a height of 15 feet.

Do you have a snapdragon, cyclamen, or iris tale to tell? If so, please send it along to joshua@perfectplants.com. Your questions and comments, as well as gardening conundrums and successes, are always welcome.

​ Orange County Register