July 2023

Page 1

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCV CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JULY 2023 VOL 15 • No 6 SIGNALSCV.COM/BUSINESS „ Santa Clarita Stock Index „ Keller „ Prang „ Econowatch and More!
SCV’s Summer Attractions
The

VALLEY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

6th Annual State of the State

The Valley Industry Association offers a special thanks to California State Senator Scott Wilk of the 21st district for joining VIA for our 6th Annual State of the State Luncheon. The Senator shared updates from Sacramento and answered question after question from attendees during the event.

Coming in HOT!

VIA’s 24th annual BASH event, an evening of celebration and recognition, is scheduled for Friday, November 3th at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. Join us as we present the FIRE & ICE BALL. Come help us celebrate our members and the business community and enjoy the extraordinary entertainment planned for the evening.

Ignite your senses and brace yourself for an extraordinary night at the VIA BASH, Fire and Ice Ball, Friday, November 3th at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. . Get your dancing shoes on and prepare for an unforgettable evening as we gather industry professionals, business leaders, and community influencers under one roof

And back by popular demand the amazing voice of Terrell Edwards that will get you on the dance floor. We are also excited to have D’Wilfri DanceArt & Entertainment back again bringing their passion for dance to the BASH this year.

Sponsors include: City of Santa Clarita, College of the Canyons, UCLA Health, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Jersey Mikes, Mellady Direct Marketing, Santa Clarita Magazine, The Signal, LBW Insurance Services, Mission Valley Bank and Advanced Audiology.

Sponsorships are available from $7,500 to $1,700. Individual tickets are $150 each. To reserve or for more information, visit www.via.org/via-bash/

Of special interest to many were the Senator’s comments regarding the increased dollars that will be allocated in this year’s state budget, $17 billion of which may be allocated toward homelessness, which continues to worsen statewide, and the hoped for allocation of real estate assistance funds that were approved last year to help homebuyers with the escalating costs of real estate in California Of the $500 million initially approved, only $200 million has been received as promised. Local real estate professionals asked for support in getting the remaining $300 million released and delivered as soon as possible. Questions also included whether the state is working on any relief for small businesses in terms of the continued increases in minimum wage and other onerous demands put upon small businesses in California.

The luncheon also allowed VIA to honor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook for 35 years of service to College of the Canyons and the Santa Clarita Valley. Her contributions to the college, the students that have built their careers through COC, the business community of the SCV and to those who know her as a friend and trusted advisor, are countless! Thank you, Dr. Van Hook, for your continuing support, guidance and vision!

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, 40th District, originally scheduled to join the Senator for the event, was unfortunately unable to attend when the Assembly was called into session. Staff members Andrea Rosenthal and Andrew Taban were on hand to offer updates from the Assemblywoman and share in honoring Dr. Van Hook.

VIA needs your help! Business Leaders, please join the Valley Industry Association and the VIA Education Foundation in mentoring today’s high school students to prepare them for their future through the VIA Connecting to Success Program.

VIA Connecting to Success is a workforce readiness program for high school students in the Santa Clarita Valley. Now in its 20th year, the program includes sections in navigating communication and and decision making skills, financial literacy, basic banking and credit, ethics in the workplace and much more. This program, delivered by local business leaders, makes a major impact on students, and builds a better workforce for the employers of the SCV. Event dates are September 8, 2023, September 22, 2023, September 29, 2023 and October 6, 2023. Become a Facilitator and make a difference!

Contact Kathy Norris in the VIA Office today: (661) 294-8088 or kathy@via.org

ADVOCATE • EDUCATE • INNOVATE A D V O C A T E . E D U C A T E . I N N O V A T E .
VISIT VIA.ORG
RESERVE YOUR SPONSORSHIPS & TICKETS NOW! Call for facilitators!
VIA.July2023BJ.indd 2 7/6/23 4:18 PM
JULY 2023 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL · 3 Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal (a Signal publication), © 2023, is published monthly by the Santa Clarita Valley Signal newspaper, Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc., 25060 Avenue Stanford, Ste 141, Valencia, CA 91355. The SCV Business Journal is intended to provide business executives with a cross-section of industry news and information, trends and statistics that impact our growing community. Information gathered in the pages of the SCV Business Journal has been collected from what are considered reliable sources, and is believed to be accurate, but cannot be guaranteed. Articles may not be reprinted without publisher’s written permission. For reprint requests, please call (661) 259-1234. A proud publication of SignalSCV. c om SINCE 1919 CONTENTS NEWS & FEATURES 6 Travel Trends 7 Remembering the SCV’s Treasures 8 Developing Stories 16 The Realtor’s Report The SCV’s Priciest Listing 21 The List: The SCV’s Oldest Businesses 21 The Santa Clarita Stock Index 23 Econowatch FROM THE EXPERTS 4 Ken Keller: Strategy 7: Accountability and Urgency 18 Paul Butler: Work Hard and Be Nice 22 Jeff Prang: Benefits for Veterans SCV BUSINESS VOICES 5 Henry Mayo 9 Pierson 11 Audiology Associates 17 SCV EDC CHAMBER SPOTLIGHTS 12 Local Advocacy in Action PUBLISHER Richard Budman rbudman@signalscv.com (661) 287-5501 BUSINESS JOURNAL EDITOR Perry Smith SALES REPRESENTATIVES Maureen Daniels Jennifer Ramos Barbara Ward July 2023 | Vol. 15 | No. 7 16 THIS WESTRIDGE HOME IS THE SCV’S PRICIEST LISTING FOR JULY 20 THE SCV’S OLDEST BUSINESSES 8 WHAT’S COMING AND GOING IN THE SCV

Strategy Seven: Accountability and Urgency

Having a great strategy is just 20% of winning; often overlooked is the importance of execution, responsible for the rest of what it takes to be successful (80%).

Watch any sporting event; it can be football, soccer, tennis, baseball, basketball, hockey, golf, bowling or racing, the winning team or the individual who is declared the champion, executes better than the competition.

One of my bosses left our mutual employer for another company. My company sold products with a long-shelf life and my former boss switched to company selling highly perishable products.

Each morning his CEO gathered everyone, in person or on the phone, and shared the daily company sales goals by category. The CEO then asked each sales person: “How much beef, chicken, turkey, pork and seafood are you going to sell today?”

Late each afternoon, the CEO asked, “How much beef, chicken, turkey, pork and seafood did you sell today?”

This process never changed. Because the accountability was public, and the sense of urgency at the level of a “Def Con 1” the turnover in sales was very high. But despite the turnover, the company was successful because the CEO understood, that to win, a system of formal accountability and a daily dose of urgency, was essential.

If you want a better year, both accountability and urgency need to become part of the culture of your company. I’m not just talking about the sales team.

Fresh out of college, my son went to work selling home security systems. Leads were provided and the office leader followed up on each lead. But things fell apart on installations and setting up the new clients to be billed.

The individual responsible for the critical follow-on tasks lacked urgency. This person was not held accountable by the office leader. Deadlines were never set; no disciplinary action was ever taken.

Accountability should be public with a high degree of urgency

The salespeople, being paid on a eat what you kill basis, were held hostage by a disengaged employee. Installations were late, so were commission checks.

This is a cautionary tale I share with every CEO. There are employees in your company, more in number than you think, lacking both accountability and urgency. That’s on you, CEO. You own it.

These individuals are usually supervised by managers more interested in being friends or being seen as “nice” than accepting the responsibilities of being a boss. You own this too, CEO.

I’ve seen this in more companies than I can remember. Employees are not held accountable for getting work done because their manager was afraid to upset or anger the employee, because the employee had been employed for many years and despite not providing quality service to either their fellow employees or clients, nothing less than a stellar performance review was given, assuming

that performance reviews were in fact, given to the employee.

If performance reviews were not given, the employee assumes that they in fact, walk on water because no one ever said anything differently.

If you want a better year, dear CEO, you need to address this situation. At the best performing companies, you will find a culture of Accountability and Urgency. The cure may mean letting people go. So be it. You own this too.

Ken Keller is an executive coach who works with small and midsize B2B company owners, CEOs and entrepreneurs. He facilitates formal top executive peer groups for business expansion, including revenue growth, improved internal efficiencies and greater profitability. Email: Ken.Keller@ strategicadvisoryboards.com. Keller’s column reflects his own views and not necessarily those of the SCVBJ. 

4 · SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2023
IMAGE BY RONALD CARREÑO FROM PIXABAY

What Men Need to Know About Melanoma

Heading outside for some fun or to get a job done? It’s always important to protect your skin and your health from ultraviolet (UV) sunlight, a main cause of melanoma (the most serious skin cancer). And since summer is here and the outdoors is calling, it’s a good time to learn about how melanoma affects guys.

A RISK THAT RISES FOR MEN

To be crystal clear, anyone can get melanoma. But it affects men and women differently, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports. After age 50, men are likelier to be diagnosed with melanoma. And men of all ages are more likely than women to die from the disease.

Why is this? There is not a definitive answer. According to the AAD, it could be that: Men aren’t as aware of melanoma as women are, as the group’s 2016 survey suggests. Women tend to use sunscreen more often than men do—as well as cosmetic products that sometimes contain sunscreen ingredients. Differences in men’s skin make them more vulnerable to UV damage.

DEFENDING AGAINST MELANOMA

Whatever the reasons for men’s increased melanoma risk, here’s what’s important to remember: Men (and everyone else) can do something about melanoma. To help prevent melanoma:

Wear sunscreen every day. Check the label to make sure you’re using a broad-spectrum (guards against UVA and UVB sunrays), waterresistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) number of 30 or higher.

Seek shade whenever possible. Do this especially during late morning and early afternoon, when sunlight is strongest.

Wear long sleeves and pants. When you wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts, your legs and arms may receive a lot of sun damage. Cover your skin to keep it safe. You can even buy UV-blocking clothing to cover your skin. Also, choose a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your head and face.

SPOTTING PROBLEMS

Check your skin regularly. This may help you find any melanoma that develops there as early

as possible.

When melanoma is found early, it’s often very treatable. But it can be deadly if it evades detection and spreads. Look for new, changing or bleeding spots or moles, which could be

melanoma or other skin cancers. Use a mirror or have someone help you check hard-to-reach areas, like your back. Report any suspicious skin changes to your doctor right away.

Enjoy your summer! 

JULY 2023 5 SCV BUSINESS VOICES

Top 10 Hospitality Trends to Watch for in 2024

Adventure Tourism, Purpose-Driven Travel Anticipated To Grow in Popularity

Signal

1. Mullet Travel

Coined by Wall Street Journal editor Jacob Passy and promoted by Hotel News Now Editor Stephanie Ricca, this is a new term for “bleisure,” the combination of business and leisure travel that has emerged from those who continue to work remotely. The use of remote offices has become commonplace for many industries and is not merely a passing trend. Hotel public spaces and hotels with restaurants and bars have a chance to capitalize on this trend by adapting their offerings to meet the needs and wants of this emerging segment. This means free high-speed internet, ample plug sockets and great coffee.

2. Customization and Specialization in Guest Interaction

How we interact with our guests will enable increased value creation in 2024. This requires us to genuinely think about the value proposition that our specific hotel offers. Identify what makes your market unique and tailor your efforts to reach this targeted guest segment by appealing to the guests that have grown to expect customized recognition and to be treated as individuals.

3. Adventure Tourism

This is something that Gen Z and Millennial travelers especially are passionate about. Even healthy Baby Boomers want to do more aggressive sports activities. Hotels situated near immersive nature experiences are well-poised to benefit from this trend in 2024.

4. Training!

It is clear that employees who stepped up during the pandemic are now supervisors or even managers, and many of them have received limited to no training. This must change, as what has occurred is the elimination of middle management and promotions from line employees to middle management.

5. Purpose-Driven Travel

This might include food and beverage extravagance, captivating escapes, cannabis travel and/or spiritual experiences.

Today’s travelers seek meaningful experiences that create stories worth sharing. Travelers seek to make a positive difference in the places they visit, from environmental initiatives to authentic cultural connections. Creating an immersive experience that identifies with the “why” of travel creates a huge opportunity to share options with guests who are traveling with a purpose.

6.

Mental Health and Sustainability

Sustainability and diversity are top causes for socially conscious travelers, but mental health is becoming a big focus. The Global Wellness Institute expects to see a 21% annual growth in the wellness tourism industry — that means more events focused on holistic health, including meditation, physical activity and farm-to-table food.

7.

Staycations

Many will continue to travel to destinations closer to home throughout 2023. Between airline price hikes and the complicated bureaucracy involved in going abroad now, many deem foreign travel too expensive or not worth the hassle. There are many reasons vacationers stateside may choose to stay closer to home, including budgeting or environmental reasons. Those who operate in tourism-rich, drive-to markets will reap the rewards of uninterrupted demand.

8. Essentialism and the Experience Economy

Travelers are decreasingly seeking lavish displays of wealth, and instead prefer to spend wisely. With the somewhat grim economic forecast for 2023,

the budget-friendly travel segment will increase. Minimalism has reinvigorated the age-old saying “less is more.” Limited and select service properties should keep a close eye on rates, especially during shoulder seasons, so they can capture a greater market share.

9. Digitized Guest Experiences

The trend toward digital and contactless services has gained new momentum. Make sure your check-in mobile keys and contactless payment processors are being monitored and maintained as complaints are frequent.

10. Wellness Travel

This is finally commonplace after being declared a trend years ago. Preventive medicine and self-care are undisputedly trending due to the fallout from the pandemic. Travelers will still indulge but will prefer a better fitness center, outdoor activities and healthy food options. The full-service segment should carefully watch this rapidly growing demand for personalized treatment plans delivered by experts when modeling their spa department revenue outlook.

By cultivating innovative responses to this ever-changing landscape, hoteliers can continue to reinvent themselves in the face of various disruptors expected over the coming year. There will always be increasing importance for bigger and better technology in the hospitality industry, but we are now seeing the importance of identifying our unique value proposition when developing our business plan. 

6 · SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2023

Remembering to Enjoy Some of SCV’s Treasures

When you have something all the time, it’s easy to take it for granted.

Santa Clarita residents are surrounded by natural beauty, open space and certain habitats renowned for their unique appearance, which can’t be seen anywhere else. The suburban proximity to nature not only provides unprecedented opportunity to explore, it also creates an environment that fosters wildlife found in few places.

And of course, there’s the history.

Santa Clarita wasn’t just home to one of the first oil boom towns and gold strikes, it’s also home to an incredible wealth of artifacts and scenes from throughout Hollywood’s history. That’s because the SCV isn’t just home to the Hollywood Western, it continues to play a vital role in the industry for decades, offering producers unique settings, locations in Hollywood’s 30-Mile Zone and a city that welcomes productions.

One of the many things Santa Clarita is known for is being the gateway to L.A., said Evan Thomason, “Those of us who’ve been here a long time sometimes forget to explore some of the treasures here,” Thomason said, adding a few of the popular draws in the area include enjoying the nature and wildlife of the area, touring some of its history and touring the SCV sites that have been enshrined forever in the legacy of the silver screen.

Hollywood Tourism

While some spots are known for a combination of having historical significance, natural beauty and prominence in Hollywood productions, like Vasquez Rocks, some are known for a combination or one or the other.

For example, if you decide to head out and visit the place known as a hideaway for the bandit Tiburcio Vasquez, as well as being in possession of a seemingly otherworldly landscape that also makes it a common setting for outer space, there’s a couple other spots in the area worth checking out.

For film tourism and a hearty meal, the Halfway House is perhaps the top

destination in the area — its menu noting the productions filmed there include “The A-Team,” “Knight Rider,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Gilmore Girls” — and movies such as “Heartbreak Ridge” and “Space Cowboys.”

And speaking of historic eateries, the Saugus Cafe, which is also L.A. County’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, is reported to have hosted Hollywood legends including Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Tom Mix, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, John Ford, D.W. Griffith, Harry Carey, Hoot Gibson and William S. Hart in its more than 130-year history.

Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, which opened in 1915 and hosted 750 “B” Westerns before being sold to singing cowboy Gene Autry in 1952, according to the studio’s website, offers tours of some of the history on the lot. These have to be arranged ahead of time, and information is available at melodyranchstudio. com.

Another location on historic Sierra Highway, Le Chene offers a destination dining spot and the finest in French cuisine you’ll find in the SCV. It also has the distinction of being featured in Steven Spielberg’s first feature-length film, “Dual” (1971).

Family-Friendly Draws

And once you’re back in town, just down the road is another attraction that’s much newer in terms of its latest design, but also a classic location for families. No, not Six Flags Magic Mountain — although that is also a familyfriendly classic, albeit a bit more of an investment than the one I’m referring to.

MB2 Entertainment, which replaced Mountasia, is an amusement park that offers go karts, traditional and drift racing, miniature bowling, a video game arcade, batting cages, axe-throwing, a virtual golf experience and laser tag on top of what Thomason referred to as “elevated food options” to go with a beer and wine menu.

“Mountasia was great,” he said, “but MB2 has really broadened what they offer there, so now they have a full complement of things to do that appeal to the adult crowd while still maintaining a kid-friendly environment.”

William S. Hart Park is another one of those local tourist attractions that’s often overlooked but provides options for all ages, and a chance to get outdoors. Hart Park, which is in the process of transi-

JULY 2023 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL · 7
See TOURISM, page 10
Visitors enjoy the go-kart racing at MB2 Entertainment, which replaced Mountasia off Soledad Canyon Road, during a Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce mixer last fall. The amusement park has grown in popularity by offering attractions that have drawn kids and adults. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

New Food, New Homes, New Warehouses

DEVELOPING STORIES

So much for a summer

The city of Santa Clarita’s Planning Division has been extremely busy these past few weeks, between discussing a variety of housing developments and looking at some of the new businesses coming to the SCV, there’s plenty to discuss and look forward to — especially if you’re a foodie.

Earlier this month, The Signal broke the news that there will be two new options moving into the Valencia Crossroads shopping center at Valencia Boulevard and McBean Parkway.

Philz Coffee is taking the place of the Starbucks that’s right next to the Corner Bakery, and that Starbucks is moving down the street, next to where Village Green, the miniature golf course, used to be.

The burgeoning coffee chain started inside a convenience store in San Francisco’s Mission District in 1978, opening its first store in 2003, according to the company’s website.

Also coming to the crossroads center, Mendocino Farms is moving into the location that was previously a Pei Wei.

“We are working with Mendocino Farms, which is planning to locate in the restaurant space that was formerly Pei Wei,” said Jason Crawford, director of community development for the city of Santa Clarita, in a previous interview. “We are excited to be adding them to our communi-

ty. They will be making some facade improvements to the building to freshen it up.”

The menu reminds me of a place I used to visit in a previous life, Sequoia Sandwich Co., so I’m looking forward to giving the place a try. The company’s site notes that it first opened its doors in 2005 as a family business, so it’s always nice to support one of those, too.

Just down the street from Valencia Crossroads, the Regal theaters at Westfield Valencia Town Center mall is getting a facelift. It’s not exactly clear when it might be happening, but the permits have been secured.

Speaking of, rumors regarding a pending sale of the mall involving a certain Dallasbased real estate firm that rhymes with Schmentennial, persist ... . Neither side has said anything.

The other new retail announcement that’s been circulating on social media is of course a pair of Chick Fil-A locations that are being slated for the west side and the east side — “Fried chicken for all.”

The county is in the middle of processing an application for a location on The Old Road, a location known for being so many things to so many people. A quick-anddirty chronology of the location indicates that prior to 27340 The Old Road slated for Chick-Fil-A’s, it first opened as Yin Yang’s Chinese restaurant. It became a Hamburger Hamlet, then Rio Rio, then Bella Cucina, then Beef O’ Brady’s, then Gameday Sports Grille, then Valencia Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation

The other Chick Fil-A location is slated for next to Valencia Lanes, which would be at 21613 Soledad Canyon Road.

It turns out the Bed, Bath and Beyond location in the Golden Valley shopping center anchored by the Target won’t be empty for long. The city confirmed that a Daiso has been approved for the area.

The Japanese dollar store offers more than 100,000 products, according to its website.

There’s also a pair of housing projects that are being looked at: one for Cinema Drive and another for Flying Tiger Drive.

As both projects involve housing, there’s not much review that the city’s Planning Division can do to impact either project, according to state law.

The first project is a fourstory apartment building with a roof level, which is being planned for right behind the International House of Pancakes on Bouquet Canyon Road. It will include 26 onebedroom units and four worklive units.

The other project is a lowincome housing project slated to be built off of Flying Tiger Drive and Sierra Highway, next to where the city formerly hosted its Canyon

Country Community Center.

The 128-unit complex is expected to have 20% of its units for very low income, which is defined as people making 15% to 50% of the average median income, and 80% or 102 units for those making 50% to 80% of the AMI, which is listed as being approximately $60,000 according to 2023 data from the California Housing and Community Development Department.

In terms of industrial space, a development known as the Springbrook project is expected to alleviate some of the local demand. Less than 3% of the area’s industrial warehouse space is vacant, according to local officials.

The plans, which are going to be built next to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station on Golden Valley Road, would include about 400,000 square feet of industrial space.

The first building would be a total of 260,000 square feet, including 10,000 square feet of office space. The other buildings would vary in size from about 50,000 square feet to 78,000 square feet. 

8 · SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2023
The former Bed, Bath & Beyond location in the Golden Valley shopping center anchored by Target is a popular Japanese discount store called Daiso. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

6 Steps to Achieving Financial Independence

As we commemorate Independence Day, Pierson Wealth Management is driven by a shared vision of helping you attain not only financial stability but also the fundamental principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We understand that true financial independence is achieved through careful attention to the following key areas:

Investments: Is your portfolio imbalanced or carrying excessive risk that could jeopardize your retirement plans?

Insurance: Regularly review your insurance policies as part of a comprehensive plan to avoid unnecessary fees and ensure coverage for catastrophic events.

Taxes: As taxes often constitute the largest retirement expense, it’s crucial to develop a strategy that minimizes your future tax burden, especially if your savings are primarily in tax-deferred retirement accounts.

Estate Planning: Due to ongoing tax law changes, estate plans necessitate regular critical reviews and updates as an integral part of a comprehensive plan.

Social Security: Whether Social Security will be your primary income source or used to fund other goals, it’s essential not to overlook optimizing your benefits through strategic planning.

Healthcare & Medicare: Healthcare expenses can significantly impact retirement savings, so it’s

important to regularly evaluate your coverage and explore available options.

Working alongside an experienced financial professional can provide you with the confidence and reassurance you need to secure your financial future. For support on your path to financial independence, contact us at (661) 297-7566 or visit www.PiersonWealthManagement.com.

Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGA Insurance Agency LLC CA Insurance Lic#0I32305), member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/ dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Ivy Pierson CA Insurance Lic#0C92500. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisors LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

SCV BUSINESS VOICES SCV BUSINESS VOICESSCV BUSINESS VOICES Are all the pieces of your financial future coordinated into one holistic plan? Prosperity with Confidence Contact us today to book a 20-minute introductory phone call to discuss your situation, goals and needs. We look forward to helping you pursue your goals and objectives.
Pierson,
& Investment Advisor Representative 28368 Constellation Rd Unit 396, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (661) 297-7566 (661) 263-9958 PiersonWealthManagement.com Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGA Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance Lic #OC92500
Ivy
CEP, MBA Founder
IVY PIERSON Founder and Investment Advisor Representative Pierson Wealth Management
JULY 2023 9

TOURISM

Continued from page 7

tioning to city of Santa Clarita control from L.A. County, is like Vasquez Rocks, a rare combination, more than 160 acres of history, nature and film history.

The facility has a small zoo that includes a herd of bison, and Hart’s mansion, the home of a silent film star that was donated. The park also includes Heritage Junction, the former name for a collection of historic facilities that are in the process of being refurbished for the public’s viewing by dedicated volunteers.

For the summer, in addition to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor is now open every day during the summer. More information is available at sixflags. com.

Embracing Nature

Thanks to help from shows like “Santa Clarita Diet,” and long-running series like “NCIS” and “SWAT,” it’s well-known that the SCV is a destination for filming — but many aren’t aware of just how much wildlife surrounds these suburbs.

However, there are a few well-known spots that draw interest from all over the globe with some only-in-Santa Clarita opportunities. It should be noted though that all of the locations have limitations on scheduling, and things you should know if you go — and some even require reservations, so it’s important to give them a call if you plan to stop by.

The Gentle Barn, for one, is not your run-of-the-mill rescue, with its more than 200 animals at its location (15825 Sierra Highway). And that’s not just because most rescues don’t offer cow-hug therapy. Visit GentleBarn.org for more information.

TGB, a 24-year-old nonprofit on a 6-acre property with a stated goal on its website to “open Gentle Barns in every state so that everyone in America can hug cows, cuddle turkeys, give pigs tummy rubs, and look into the eyes of these animals and know for certain that we are all the same, and deserving of the same rights, respects and freedoms.”

The Gibbon Conservation Center at 19100 Esguerra Road in Santa Clarita, is like few other places on Earth.

Created in 1976 by Alan Mootnick, the idea is to “promote the conservation,

study and care of gibbons through public education and habitat preservation,” according to its website. The facility offers a scheduled breakfast with the gibbons that offers visitors a chance to dine with the noisy neighbors and watch their calls up close and personal.

One of the best-kept secrets of the SCV is The Shambala Preserve, a sanctuary that opened in 1983.

“Up to the present, The Shambala Preserve has given sanctuary to over 235 exotic felines — lion, tiger, cougar, black and spotted leopard, serval, bobcat, Asian leopard cat, snow leopard, cheetah, lynx, tigon, liger and African elephant,” according to its website.

More information is available at Shambala.org.

And of course, in terms of experiencing nature up close and personal, the city has dozens of miles of trails featured on its HikeSantaClarita app, and Castaic Lake is also a popular summer stop.

Making Plans

The city of Santa Clarita is also proud to share its tourism website with residents and visitors alike, because you never know what you might discover.

VisitSantaClarita.com offers a tool for planning a stay in Santa Clarita, which is, as Thomason pointed out, the last city people will see when they head back north after a stay in L.A. County, and the first one that greets them when they’re heading into the area from the Grapevine.

As proof of its proximity, for example, the city offers the “Drive Within 25,” which is a list of tourist attractions with 25 miles of Santa Clarita, which includes museums, wineries, theaters, the L.A. Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, the La Brea Tar Pits and much more.

Thomason also highly recommended anyone who hasn’t explored downtown Newhall in the last couple of years do so, and enjoy some of the many new businesses that have come to the area, from tasting rooms that range from Main Street to a rooftop option.

And for those unfamiliar with some of the area’s history, the Newhall Walking Tour app offers an interactive opportunity to learn about the SCV’s past at oldtownnewhall.com/walking-tour. 

10 · SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2023
Many fans of “Deadwood” might recognize the scenes from the popular HBO series at Melody Ranch, where it was filmed. The movie ranch studio also offers pre-arranged tours to visitors. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO

3 Common Questions about Hearing Health, ANSWERED

When it comes to hearing loss, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. As hearing care professionals, we frequently have patients come in with questions about their hearing, hearing aids, different types of hearing loss, and how we can help them find a solution.

Q What causes hearing loss?

A Depending on the type of hearing loss you have there are many factors that could have contributed to your hearing loss. Some common causes of hearing loss include: ear infection, head/ear trauma, malformation of the outer/inner ear, aging, genetics, earwax build-up, perforated eardrum, exposure to loud noise, or medications that are toxic to hearing.

Q Can I talk on the phone with my hearing aids in?

A You can talk on the phone with your hearing aids in, and with today’s technology you won’t receive any distracting feedback or whistling. With Bluetooth compatible hearing aids, you can connect your devices directly to your smartphone. This allows you to stream phone calls straight to your hearing aids. Bluetooth hearing aids make listening to phone calls easier and less complicated.

Q What if I lose my hearing aids?

A If you lose your hearing aids and they’re still under warranty, contact us immediately. Many manufacturer warranties will replace a lost hearing aid within two years after you’ve purchased the device, but it varies depending

on the manufacturer and type of device.

The best thing you can do to make sure you are maintaining your overall health and wellbeing is receive regular hearing screenings in addition to your other doctor visits.

To schedule a hearing aid consultation today, please call Audiology Associates at 661284-1900. Kevin Bolder, Au.D, and John Davis, Au.D. are two of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www.AudiologyAssociates.net or stop by our office located at 25425 Orchard Village Road, Suite 220, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

We are hearing healthcare excellence! 

JULY 2023 11 SCV BUSINESS VOICES

SCV CHAMBER RANKED IN TOP 3 OF RESPONSES PRODUCED IN LA COUNTY BIZFED POLL

Members of more than 200 nonprofit business associations, serving employers of all sizes across 20 industries, participated in the 2023 Pulse Poll. The Pulse Poll, now in its fifteenth year, is BizFed’s largest annual data-gathering project and one of its most valuable advocacy tools. The SCV Chamber finished third out of 244 participants as it brought responses from a diverse network of businesses to discuss the state’s challenging business climate.

Employers who participated in the 2023 Pulse Poll conducted by BizFed cited high taxes and fees, unworkable labor costs and restrictive business regulations as top reasons for leaving the state –and taking jobs with them. Nearly 650 business leaders responded to the approximately 40-question annual survey. Approximately two-thirds of respondents reported feeling uncertain, pessimistic, or very pessimistic about business during the next 12 months. Respondent pessimism nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023, and nearly quadrupled from 2021 to 2023.

John Musella, who serves as the 2023 Chair of BizFed, was quoted as saying, “If you look closely at historical Pulse Poll data, you’ll see many of the same business issues coming out on top over the years. What jumps out at us this year is crime climbing to second place, higher on the concern scale than we’ve seen in 15 years. We need to be proactive with policy solutions. If employers, employees, and customers don’t feel safe, businesses won’t grow, and communities won’t thrive.”

Economic optimism dipped among Pulse Poll respondents for the second consecutive year, while business leaders also forecasted slower workforce growth in 2023. Inflation and supply chain disturbances could be contributing factors; 80% of respondents said the cost of business had increased more than they anticipated in 2023.

• Respondents pointed to taxes and fees as their most critical concern. Following a decade-long run as the top concern among BizFed Pulse Poll respondents, taxes and fees fell to second place in 2020 and 2021, and fifth place in 2022.

• Homelessness ranked first during those years; it fell to fourth place in 2023, perhaps reflecting the business community’s view that recent emergency declarations and improved coordination between cities, county agencies, nonprofit service providers and private sector partners are accelerating efforts to connect unhoused Angelenos with shelter and care.

• Crime ranked second in 2023, followed by inflation, homelessness, energy costs, government regulation, interest rates, energy reliability, legislative gridlock, and housing, in order of concern.

SCV CHAMBER RECOGNIZED ON BOTH SENATE AND ASSEMBLY FLOOR FOR 100TH-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

The SCV Chamber was recognized on both the Senate and Assembly floors for our Centennial recognition. It was an honor to be recognized by Senator Scott Wilk and Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo. We thank them for recognizing this milestone in the SCV Chamber history.

Left to Right: Senator Henry Stern, Peter Warda, Becki Robb, Ivan Volschenk and Senator Scott Wilk
12 · SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2023
Left to Right: Peter Warda, Marisol Espinoza, Becki Robb, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, Ivan Volschenk , Karen Bryden and Di Thompson.

SCV CHAMBER ADVOCATING FOR THE PASSAGE OF THE GOVERNOR’S $180 BILLION INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE

While the SCV Chamber was in Sacramento being recognized for our Centennial recognition, a delegation, led by President & CEO, Ivan Volschenk, advocated with elected officials on policy matters in support of business.

SCV Chamber members met with the office of the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker Anthony Rendon, Senator Scott Wilk and Assemblymembers Pilar Schiavo and Greg Wallis. The delegation advocated with elected officials on policy matters in support of business, such as transportation, filming, and education.

We voiced our support for the Governor’s Infrastructure Package with all elected officials. We are pleased to announce that a deal was successfully reached a day after the delegation held the advocacy day, which included $180 million in investments over the next decade.

A substantial victory that was achieved was a “shot clock” limiting the duration of certain lawsuits filed under CEQA.

Here are other items that were secured in the budget deal:

• New accountability measures for transit and homelessness programs.

• Fast-tracking for clean energy projects that help us meet ambitious climate goals.

• New tax credits for businesses that manufacture semiconductor chips, clean energy facilities, and other projects that create an estimated 400,000 good-paying jobs.

• $180 billion over the next decade for vital infrastructure projects.

This infrastructure streamlining package is essential to accelerate critical energy, water and transportation infrastructure projects we need to achieve California’s world-leading climate goals while also preparing our economy for the future and creating hundreds of thousands of good paying, union construction careers.

These proposals will streamline permitting, cut red tape, reduce time-consuming litigation and make other changes that will take years off of the time line of projects while saving taxpayers, state and local governments and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars.

14th Annual State of the County

In May, we were pleased to host our 14th Annual State of the County with Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Supervisor Barger addressed the Valley’s elected officials, prominent business leaders, and community influencers and discussed topics pertinent to our business community and the Santa Clarita Valley. From economic development to housing, mental health resources and job creation, Supervisor Barger engaged in a conversation about her vision for the future of the Santa Clarita Valley and Los Angeles County. The event provides the platform to be able to collectively pause and reflect. As the Supervisor’s office works to produce good public policy, the State of the County event sets the stage to examine what has been learned and use that information to inform future strategies. For the past 100 years, the SCV Chamber has been the leading organization in the Santa Clarita Valley, and it made this event that much more important to the full community during the Centennial year.

We thank Supervisor Barger who has been a great supporter of the business community and the SCV Chamber. Further, we thank UCLA Health for returning as the Title Sponsor for the seventh year. Thank you to the Gold Sponsors: City of Santa Clarita, Chiquita Canyon, FivePoint, New Urban West, Shadowbox Studios, Tejon Ranch Company, Trammell Crow and Williams Homes. Silver Sponsors included: Agua Dulce Airport, Burrtec Waste Industries, College of the Canyons, Integrity Property Group, Kaiser Permanente, SchlickArt Photography and Video, the SCV Water Agency, The Signal, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Bronze Sponsors: California Institute of the Arts, Logix Federal Credit Union, Mission View, SoCalGas, and Southern California Edison.

Chamber leadership meeting with Speaker Rendon in his office. Supervisor Kathryn Barger presents SCV Chamber President/ CEO Ivan Volschenk with Centennial reognition.
JULY 2023 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL · 13

Celebrating SCV Businesses

From celebrating new businesses opening or marking special occasions and achievements, we continue to be honored being part of your celebrations.

We encourage everyone to come and support our new businesses. All our grand opening/ribbon cuttings are free and open to everyone to attend.

out more at www.equityunion.com. Thank you to all that came to support

Congratulations to The

on your

opening and celebration in June! Find out more at www.theflyingyolk.com. Thank you to all that came to support them! Photo credit:

Do you have a grand opening or anniversary coming up?

Email us at hello@scvchamber.com for details about hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Please join us at these upcoming Grand Opening/Ribbon Cuttings.

Flying Yolk grand Joie de Vivre Photographie Mayor Jason Gibbs congratulates Daniela Koulakis and her family on the grand opening/ribbon cutting of The Flying Yolk.Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie Congratulations to Equity Union on your grand opening and celebration in June! Find them! Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie Field Representative for Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, Andrew Taban, congratulates leadership of Equity Union on their grand opening/ribbon cutting. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
14 · SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2023

UPCOMING EVENTS

Cafe con Leche

August 1 | 9:00 am

Come network with our Latino Business Alliance! Enjoy coffee and pastries and meet with other Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs.

Government Affairs Council

August 9 | 10:30 am

Our Government Affairs Council convenes monthly to discuss, review and take action on policy decisions at the local, county, state and federal levels. The SCV Chamber works on behalf of its members to maintain a healthy and vibrant business climate in what has been ranked one of the most business friendly cities in California. The Chamber takes an active role in shaping legislative policies in support of business. The Chamber represents its members before local, regional, state and federal governmental entities and provides a forum for its members to develop policy positions that impact the Santa Clarita Valley business community.

Business After Hours Mixer at Princess Cruises

August 16 | 5:30 pm

Join us for our August Business After Hours Mixer at Princess Cruises! Enjoy an evening networking with other business professionals as well as 2 exclusive performances at the Princess Cruises Entertainment Studios, where their talented cast members from all around the world learn and rehearse approximately 4 production shows as well as additional entertainment concepts in this world class facility that replicates the onboard Princess Theaters. PLEASE NOTE: You must register in advance in order to be eligible to attend the performances.

UPCOMING EVENTS - SAVE THE DATES

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

September 20 | 5:30 pm

Our Latino Business Alliance invites you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, with our annual celebration, where we gather to network and honor the achievements of Hispanic businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley. Sponsorships are also available! To sponsor or get more information, email us at hello@scvchamber.com.

Oak Tree Golf Classic

October 23 | All Day

Join us for our annual golf tournament as we head to Valencia Country Club. Join local businesses for a day on the course for some “friendly” competition. Awards will be handed out to the top three as well as last place! Sponsorships are available by emailing hello@scvchamber.com

Salute to Patriots

November 8 | 4:00 pm

In Partnership with the City of Santa Clarita we invite you to join us at our 13th Annual celebration where we salute veterans for their leadership in our business community.

To find out more information about these events or any other upcoming programming and to register go to:

www.SCVChamber.com/Events

JULY 2023 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL · 15

Home, Condo Median Listing Prices Reach Record High

The area’s largest real estate organization, the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, or SRAR, has reported that in May 2023, 289 homes and condominiums were sold in Santa Clarita Valley.

These figures represent a 34% increase from the previous year.

“This remarkable trend began in January 2023 when only 128 homes and condominiums were sold,” according to a news release from the SRAR. A leading real estate expert pointed out that while there might not be much in the way of supply, the shortage seems to have pushed the listing price to a new record.

“The housing supply remains incredibly tight, with an average of 1 month of available inventory on the market,” said Anthony Bedgood, chairman of the Santa Clarita Division of

the SRAR, in a recent news release. “ Additionally, the median list price of $875,000 is currently at an all-time high.”

Meanwhile, the median sales price of both homes and condominiums has remained relatively stable over the past two years, according to the SRAR’s latest data, which pulls from a variety of listing services. For instance, the median sales price in May 2023 was $770,000, reflecting a 3% de-

cline from the previous year. However, the median price of single-family homes increased by 1% year-over-year, reaching $860,000, according to the data.

The shortage seems to have had another significant impact: Houses are not staying on the market for long at all, according to the experts.

“On average, houses are selling within a month, which historically is a short period of

time due to low inventory,” according to Paul Cauchi, CEO of the Southland Association of Realtors. “Five years ago, there were nearly 1,000 active listings, whereas now there are only 302.”

Furthermore, the median list price of condominiums has reached a record high of $599,900, representing a 9% increase from May 2022. This contrasts with five years ago when the median price was only $415,000.

The Southland Regional Association of Realtors the leading advocate for home ownership, property rights, land use, water rights, parcel taxes and commercial real estate interests in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. SRAR local market statistics are compiled from all available data share partner information accessible through CRMLS and may not represent complete activity for the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley areas. 

The SCV’s Priciest Listing: 5 Bedrooms in Westridge

The Santa Clarita Valley housing market’s priciest listing this month comes from local Realtor/ broker Neal Weichel of The Neal Weichel Group.

The home on Meadowridge Drive in the guard-gated community of Westridge in Valencia at 25682 Oak Meadow Drive features five bedrooms and seven bathrooms in 7,814 square feet.

The listing price is $5.3 million and, according to Weichel, it’s the top of the line even for such an exclusive enclave.

“Easily the most impressive custom home available in Westridge for years,” the Realtor wrote in an email, “with true panoramic views of the valley and recent $2 million remodel that features the finest in current finishes and materials.”

The listing online notes the nearly 38,000 squarefoot lot represents only one of nine “grand estate” lots in Westridge, and it’s one of three homes on a private cul-de-sac.

The listing on Redfin points out that the property was the subject of a two-year remodel, from the new roof to the floorplan.

There are two full kitchens, a home theater, and a full gym with an attached bathroom.

The downstairs suite has private access from the outside for those seeking privacy for a guest.

“The enormous primary suite on the second floor captures the entire Santa Clarita Valley from the deck and with four bedrooms upstairs plus two loft areas, lots of flexibility for modern use,” the listing notes. There’s also a subterranean game room and a craft room.

There’s also an outside kitchen and a covered patio in the backyard.

A home on Meadowridge Drive in Westridge has been listed for $5.3 million, according to The Neal Weichel Group, which has the listing.

COURTESY THE NEAL WEICHEL GROUP

Those interested in the listing can contact Neal Weichel at 661-284-5080. 

16 · SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2023
The numbers from the Southland Regional Association of Realtors indicate that houses are moving extremely quickly, with experts saying a low supply is a factor. GRAPHIC COURTESY SRAR

Avon Rents Moves HQ to Santa Clarita Valley

Avon Rents, a one-stop vehicle rental company serving the greater Los Angeles area the Santa Clarita Valley. Avon operates one of the largest independently owned and operated fleet of commercial vehicles in Southern California. While their fleet primarily serves the film industry with production trucks and trailers, Avon also offers a new and improved variety of cargo vans, stake beds and cube trucks for small businesses and individual rentals.

“We are thrilled to welcome Avon to the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Holly Schroeder, President & CEO OF SCVEDC. “The general transportation resources they provide to our local businesses, and the specific services they offer to the entertainment industry are welcome additions to the growing Santa Clarita Valley business community.”

The new owners of the company wished to innovate and grow their current fleet and services, requiring them to find an ideal location with sufficient upfront space and potential room for expansion in the future. James Adcock, CEO, commented that “Our expansion to the Santa Clarita Valley is already benefiting our company. Avon’s operations are now more efficient, affording us time to innovate our products and services such as our new solar powered cast trailers for the entertainment industry.”

Previously based in Hollywood, Avon leased 12,000 square-feet at 25710 Springbrook Ave., in the industrial complex Saugus Station. This new headquarters offered them combined office and repair/maintenance space in one location, allowing their plans of revamping both their workforce and fleet to thrive.

In less than a year since their move they have more than doubled their staff, simultaneously training and upskilling their maintenance workers to retrofit certain vehicles to become one hundred percent electric. Avon plans to continue to expand within the Santa Clarita Valley and is a welcome addition to the SCV’s prosperous and expanding entertainment cluster.

In June Senator Scott Wilk announced the extension of California’s Film and Television Tax Credit to 2030. This crucial credit, which was set to expire in 2025, has now been included in the state’s 2023-24 budget. A recent study

by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) revealed that for every dollar allocated by the program, it generates an impressive $24.40 in output, $16.14 in gross domestic product, and $8.60 in wages.

By continuing to support and invest in our thriving movie and television industry throughout the state, we can ensure that productions stay in California and keep those cameras

rolling right here in the SCV. Santa Clarita Valley has expanded to over 40 total soundstages in recent years, with even more on the way!

It’s no surprise that Santa Clarita has become known as Hollywood North, and our area’s diverse topography, distinctive settings, and close proximity to the industry’s core make the SCV one of the entertainment industry’s sought after destinations.

JULY 2023 17 SCV BUSINESS VOICES

Going the Extra Mile: Work Hard and Be Nice

Ilove going to my gym. Well, “love” is perhaps too strong of a word.

Let me correct that: I really like going to my gym and love what it does for me. I always feel refreshed and revitalized after a good cycling class or swim.

Yes, that’s a good summary — I like my gym and love what I get from going.

Translating this to the workplace: I’ve found that most people like going to work and love the fruit that falls from the tree of their labor. There is something intrinsically satisfying about receiving payment for a job well done, regardless of whether you’re an employee or an employer. We each sleep well knowing we made a contribution to the economy.

There’s only one aspect of my gym that stops me short of loving it, and that’s the men in the locker room who refuse to wear shorts. Without putting too fine a point on it, I find it rather distasteful when trying to enjoy the sauna or steam room to have someone sitting next to me in their

birthday suit.

There’s only one thing worse than sitting together in the steam in silence, and that’s when the birthday boy starts complaining about this wonderful world or begins to criticize the place where we both just worked out.

Bringing this back to the workplace — I believe one of the reasons some people only like, and not really love, what they do is because of some colleagues making them feel uncomfortable.

We rarely get to choose the people we work with, and so we often have to learn to work with those we perhaps wouldn’t necessarily socialize with.

I remember a boss I had

years ago in a land far, far away who wanted his team to have a “Happy (3) Hours” after work on a weekly basis.

As a newly married man with a young family, the last thing on my mind was to waste three hours after a day’s work, talking mindlessly with my coworkers about subjects I neither cared about nor felt comfortable to actually hear about, when I could be home.

That’s exactly what goes through my mind when I’m sitting next to the dude, (and in my gym — often a very old dude) who wants to chat mindlessly about nothingness — all while wearing only the suit his Creator gifted him.

One of the aspects of human interaction that creates woe in the workplaces of the world is when people cast off a decorum of decency and gossip about others. To hear a coworker talk bad about the boss, criticize a colleague or laugh about the lunacy of a customer’s question keeps many from loving what they do every day.

People go to work to make money to do what they want to do with who they want to be doing it with. In the pro-

cess of all this doing, most reasonable people want to be treated in a way they themselves treat others.

This golden rule invisibly bonds us together and therefore deep down in our engines, we know it’s not right to gossip. Likewise, we don’t need to bare all of ourselves to those who, Wall we have in common is: We’re on the same payroll or membership roster.

There’s an increasing trend in the workplace that’s called “Psychological Safety,” which boils down to, “You do you.”

The trouble is when others have to work or workout next you, they’d actually rather you not be you, if all you’re going to do is complain and criticize by metaphorically sharing your junk.

One of the best pieces of advice a leader gave me early in my career was to “Work hard and be nice.”

Libraries are filled with books that expound upon those five words — “Work hard and be nice.” Whether it’s between office cubes, across the work benches or even on a group video call — “Work hard and be nice.” Refrain from gossip. There’s no need to wear your heart on your sleeve and in fact, do us all a favor and cover up, if your issues make others uncomfortable. If it’s serious — speak to a specialist.

In the meantime: Work hard and be nice.

Paul Butler is a Santa Clarita resident and a client partner with Newleaf Training and Development of Valencia (newleaftd.com). For questions or comments, email Butler at paul.butler@newleaftd.com.

18 · SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2023
 #1 NEWS SOURCE the SignalSCV. com SINCE 1919 CALL THE SIGNAL FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS! 661.287.5564

Slide On Over to The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center!

Experience the perfect blend of ice skating, entertainment and delicious dining at The Cube Ice and Entertainment Center, Powered by FivePoint Valencia. With its array of programs, on-site restaurant The Grille and the new addition of The Top Shelf, The Cube offers an unparalleled entertainment experience for all ages.

At The Cube, skating and hockey take center ice, captivating both beginners and seasoned skaters alike. Lace up your skates and glide across the pristine ice while creating cherished memories with family and friends. Whether you're an Olympic hopeful or just looking for some fun, The Cube offers public skating sessions for everyone to enjoy. The facility also hosts ice hockey leagues

and figure skating programs, providing opportunities for athletes to hone their skills.

After working up an appetite on the ice, head over to The Grille, the facility’s on-site restaurant. Indulge in a selection of dishes from Maria’s Deli and rink favorites, from spaghetti and eggplant parmesan to burgers and pizza, The Grille offers something to satisfy every palate. Located on the second floor, enjoy your meal with friends and family while watching a game or checking out the matches and practices down on the ice. This is the perfect space for a leisurely meal or a quick bite before hitting the ice.

The Cube recently introduced its newest addition, The Top Shelf, where you can raise your spirits to new heights. With its stylish décor, unique drink menu and lively

City Receives 29th Consecutive Finance Award

For the 29th year in a row, the city of Santa Clarita has received an Investment Policy Certificate of Excellence Award from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada for its Investment Policy. The city is being recognized for its Fiscal Year 2023-24 Investment Policy due to its success in developing a comprehensive written investment policy.

In order to receive certification, investment policies must be carefully reviewed by the association’s Investment Policy Certification

Committee. The committee is comprised of 15 public and private sector volunteers from across North America. For a policy to receive certification it must be approved by all reviewers on 18 areas spelled out in the Model Investment Policy. This policy includes elements the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada deems essential to a written investment policy such as policy, scope, delegation of authority, ethics and conflicts of interest. 

atmosphere, The Top Shelf is the ultimate destination for socializing and unwinding. Sip on crafted cocktails, sample local brews or try one of the signature drink specials. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to relax after a day of activities, The Top Shelf is the perfect spot to elevate your experience.

Looking to host a memorable event? The Cube offers versatile spaces that can be tailored to accommodate birthday parties, corporate meetings and private gatherings. The experienced event staff will work closely with you to ensure every detail is taken care of. Whether it's a

child's birthday party, a teambuilding corporate retreat or a lavish celebration, The Cube has the ideal space to make your event unforgettable.

Whether you're an ice-skating enthusiast, a food lover or just looking for a place to host your event, The Cube offers an exceptional experience for everyone. Plan your visit today and let The Cube be your destination for funfilled memories and unforgettable moments. To learn more about programs or to obtain information about renting a space, please visit TheCubeSantaClarita.com or call (661) 257-2823 

JULY 2023 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL · 19
News release
Visit us at www.lbwinsurance.com 28055 Smyth Dr. | Valencia CA 91355 CA Insurance License # 0785905 Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Advice & Investment Advisory Services offered through PFG Advisors. LBW, PFG Advisors, and Securities America are separate entities. LBW Insurance and Financial Services participated in and won the award for the Los Angeles Business Journal “Best Places to Work 2022.” LBW did not make any solicitation payments to any of the award sponsors in order to be nominated or to qualify for nomination of the award. Workers Compensation Business Insurance Employee Benefits 401(k) Qualified Plans Put 100 years of experience to work for you!

The List Oldest Businesses In The SCV

20 · SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2023
Name business type year est. #of employees top executive address phone number Saugus Café Restaurant 1888 22 Yecenia Mercado 25861 Railroad Avenue Newhall 91321 (661) 259-7886 Halfway House Café Restaurant 1906 9 Sally Moore 15564 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita 91390 (661) 251-0102 The Signal Newspaper 1919 34 Richard Budman 25060 Avenue Stanford Ste 141, Valencia 91355 (661) 259-1234 Santa Clarita Concessions Vending Machine Supplier 1955 12 Lisa Burke 21554 Golden Triangle Rd., Saugus 91350 (661) 259-7310 B & B Manufacturing Contract Manufacturing Services 1961 270 Fred Duncan, Jeff Lage 27940 Beale Ct., Valencia 91355 (661) 257-2161 Newhall Escrow Inc. Escrow 1963 11 Steve Corn 24010 Lyons Ave., Newhall 91321 (661) 259-3450 Santa Clarita Swap Meet Swap Meet 1963 34 Doug Bonelli 22500 Soledad Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita 91350 (661) 259-3886 Valencia Country Club Golf Club 1965 100 Mike Nix 27330 Tourney Rd., Valencia 91355 (661) 254-4401 Chi-Chi's Pizza Restaurant 1967 76 Paul Miccolis 23043 West Soledad Canyon Rd., Saugus 91350 (661) 259-4040 Backwoods Inn Restaurant 1968 29 Carol Ohler 17846 Sierra HwyCanyon Country 91351 (661) 252-5522 Gallions Corner Market Market 1969 10 Sam Elhilu 31515 Parker Rd. Castaic 91384 (661) 257-3523 Pleasantview Industries Work Activity Program 1969 20 Gerry Howard 27921 Urbandale Ave., Saugus 91350 (661) 296-6700 Green Thumb Garden Center Nursery 1970 25 Bud, Steve & Nancy Bergquist 23734 Newhall Ave., Newhall 91321 (661) 259-1071 Stay Green Landscape Services 1970 280 Rich Angelo 26415 Summit Circle, Santa Clarita 91350 (661) 291-2800 Edwards Outdoor Advertising Outood Advertising Signs 1971 Julie Edwards - Sanchez 21021 Placeritos Blvd., Newhall 91321 (661) 259-8777 Magic Mountain Amusement Park 1971 3,000+ Tim Burkhardt 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia 91355 (661) 255-4100 Way Station Coffee Shop Restaurant 1971 12 Eric Leeser 24377 Main Street, Newhall 91321 (661) 255-0222 AV Party Rentals Event/Party Supplies 1973 37 Rusty Parr 23800 Newhall Avenue, Newhall 91321 (661) 259-2151 Western Horizons Landscape Contractor 1973 18 Jim Keltner 25553 Via Paladar, Valencia 91355 (661) 618-3026 Douglas Furniture Furniture 1974 12 Doug Green 23661 Newhall Avenue, Newhall 91321 (661) 255-8421 Condie, Thomas & Harbo, CPAs Certified Public Accountains 1975 10 Jeffrey Thomas 28490 Westinghouse Pl. #140, Valencia 91355 (661) 257-2900 Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Hospital/Trauma Center 1975 1,580+ Roger E. Seaver 23845 McBean Pkwy., Valencia 91355 (661) 200-2000 The Werner Law Firm Law Firm 1975 4 L. Rob Werner 27433 Tourney Rd #200, Santa Clarita 91355 (661) 252-9022 Gymnastics Unlimited Gymnasium 1977 22 Courtney Starks-Bradshaw 28373 Constallation Rd, Valencia 91355 (661) 257-2GYM Owen, Patterson & Owen Law Firm 1977 11 Richard A. Patterson, Esq. Greg Owen, Esq./ Susan Owen, Esq. 23822 Valencia Blvd #303, Valencia 91355 (661) 219-7331 Stern, Kory, Sreden & Morgan Certified Public Accountants 1977 26 Ronald D. Morgan, Gregory C. Kory, Robert J. Stern 24961 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch 91381 (661) 286-1040 The Travel Bug Travel Agency 1977 9 Geri Jacobs 24300 Town Center Dr. #101, Valencia 91355 (661) 255-5030 Tiny's Submarine Sandwiches Restaurant 1977 5 Teri King 27251 Camp Plenty Rd.Canyon Country 91351 (661) 251-5885 AV Equipment Rental, Inc. Equipment Rentals 1979 18 Don Cruikshank 24933 Railroad Ave., Newhall 91321 (661) 259-2155 Brent's Carpet One Flooring 1979 8 Ben Griffiths 24220 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 91321 (661) 388-0687 Country Antique Fair Mall Antique Mall 1979 10 Mac McClure 21546 Golden Triangle Rd., Saugus 91350 (661) 254-1474 Santa Clarita Lanes Bowling Alley 1979 32 Tom Cristi 21615 Soledad Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita 91350 (661) 254-0540 Tartan Realty Real Estate Agency 1979 N /A Kathy MacIntosh 16654 Soledad Cyn Rd.Canyon Country 91387 (661) 259-7653 Vincenzo's Pizza Italian/Pizza Restaurant 1979 12 Steven Katz 24504 1/2 Lyons Ave., Newhall 91321 (661) 259-6733 Bouquet Canyon Florist Florist 1980 8 Yesenia Toledo 26859 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Saugus 91350 (661) 297-3100

Santa Clarita Stock Average

Santa Clarita Stock Average Below you will find a list of local Santa Clarita-based or prominent Santa Clarita companies used for our averages. Each month we will take the average of all these stocks and show that number. Tracking that number from month to month will give you a window into how our local company’s stocks are performing. Last month the index was 3,002.31 and the average price per share was $100.08. This month the index is 3,332.32 up 330.01 or 11%. for an average share price of $111.07

JULY 2023 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL · 21 Company TICKER industry 5/30/2023 price 7/7/2023 price 7/5/2022 price Amazon AMZN Retail 120.59  130.09  109.56  Auto Nation AN Auto dealers 137.31  171.34  114.81  Bank of SoCal BCAL Banking 13.88  14.05  15.09  Bioventus BVS Biomedical 2.80  2.91  7.11  Boeing BA Aerospace 203.63  212.35  139.84  Boston Scientific BSX Biomedical 51.06  52.29  38.01  California Resources CRC Energy 39.40  45.02  35.71  Carnival CCL Entertainment/leisure 11.24  19.04  8.82  CBRE CBRE Commercial real estate 75.51  81.87  75.69  Comcast CMCSA Communications 39.51  41.30  40.29  Costco COST Retail 507.15  524.80  485.76  Disney DIS Entertainment media 88.45  88.81  96.14  Five Point Holdings FPH Home developer 2.31  2.83  3.98  Home Depot HD Retail 293.39  302.81  279.08  IQVIA Holdings IQV Laboratory services 199.45  216.81  220.50  ITT Inc. ITT Aerospace/manufacturing 79.84  93.56  67.85  KB Homes KBH Home developer 44.12  48.23  18.01  Kohl's KSS Retail 26.01  24.16  28.68  Lennar LEN Home builder 107.45  120.21  74.60  Lowes LOW Retail 206.52  221.94  177.36  McDonalds MCD Restaurants 286.04  292.14  252.96  Otsuka Holdings OTSKY Pharmaceutical 18.62  18.29  18.01  Quest Diagnostics DGX Laboratory services 133.77  139.00  136.68  Six Flags SIX Entertainment/leisure 25.48  24.97  23.04  Sodexo SDXAY Home / Food services 21.82  21.03  19.17  Sonova Holdings SONVY Biomedical equipment 95.98  52.24  81.68  Textron TXT Industrial 62.81  67.53  61.11  Tri Pointe Homes TPH Home developer 29.14  30.57  17.67  Walmart WMT Retail 146.44  153.38  111.63  Woodward WWD Aerospace/manufacturing 107.86  118.42  93.48

A Veterans’ Tax-Savings Benefit

In honor of our Independence Day this month, I wanted to highlight a property tax-savings program for those special men and women who’ve served our great nation in the military.

These programs are designed to specifically benefit veterans and in some small way to honor their courage and valor.

In a nutshell, here’s how they work: Disabled veterans or the unmarried spouse of a deceased disabled veteran are eligible to receive a property tax exemption for their home.

The exemption reduces the property tax on the veteran’s primary residence, if they are rated 100% disabled or receive compensation at the 100% rate due to being unable to work. The unmarried surviving spouse of a qualified veteran can also claim the exemption.

To be eligible for the exemption, a veteran must have been injured during their military service. The injuries that qualify for the exemption include being blind in both eyes, losing the use of two or more limbs, being totally disabled according to the Department of Veterans Affairs or military service, or receiving a disability compensation rating of 100% due to inability to work.

The disability rating is issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If the VA determines that a veteran should receive a 100% disability rating, the exemption claim should be filed within 90 days of notification or before the next Jan. 1. There is an eight-year time limit to claim the benefit, and it starts from the effective date of the disability rating.

There are two levels of this exemption: the basic exemption and the low-income exemption. The basic exemption, also known as the $100,000 exemption, is available to all qualifying veterans. The amount of the exemption increases each year based on inflation. Once

approved, no annual filing is required.

The low-income exemption is for qualifying veterans whose annual household income doesn’t exceed a specified limit. The exemption amount and income limit increases each year based on inflation. To apply for the lowincome exemption, the homeowner must complete and submit the required forms annually, including providing information on household income. All income, including veterans’ benefits and income from others in the household, is counted towards the income limit.

Keep in mind that a property under current law can only receive one property tax exemption, either the Homeowners’ Exemption or the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption. I am working to change this. I believe it’s far too restrictive for our veterans. I am working with legislators with a bill known as California Senate Constitutional Amendment 6 or SCA 6. This measure would allow a dwelling that receives the Veterans’ Exemption or the Disabled Veterans’ Ex-

emption to also receive the Homeowners’ Exemption, increasing the benefits exponentially. It’s moving through the legislative process, and I will keep you posted on our progress.

My office offers other several tax-savings programs as well, and the Veterans Exemptions are just two examples. For additional property tax relief programs, visit assessor.lacounty.gov/ exclusions-tax-relief or call 213/974-3211.

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang has been in office since 2014. Upon taking office, Prang implemented sweeping reforms to ensure that the strictest ethical guidelines rooted in fairness, accuracy and integrity would be adhered to in his office, which is the largest office of its kind in the nation with nearly 1,400 employees and provides the foundation for a property tax system that generates about $19 billion annually. 

22 · SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2023
SignalSCV. com SINCE 1919 #1 NEWS SOURCE the SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER TODAY CALL (661) 259-1000

Economic DEvElopmEnt corporation

SCVEDC Outlook Offers Forecast for Business Community

Are you wondering where to get a sneak peek into the economy of the Santa Clarita Valley, the state of California, the United States and the world? Does your company rely on accurate and up-to-date demographic data for the region? Are you interested in how growth and development will shape Santa Clarita in 2023 and beyond?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to attend our 2023 Eco nomic Outlook Conference!

The Economic Outlook Conference, scheduled for Sept. 15, features speakers that will help business leaders prepare for the future. Economic forecasts are important for companies that need to have both short and long-term pictures of what the economic trends will be and how they will impact their decision making.

Designed to provide attendees with an economic analysis and outlook for the coming year, the conference will include national, state and global perspectives,

Econo Watch

but will focus primarily on the trends and issues associated with the Santa Clarita Valley and the surrounding business community. Attendees will hear about topics such as demographics, employment, residential and commercial real estate trends, new developments, and quality of life.

Our featured economist is Mark Schniepp from the California Economic Forecast, which provides economic analysis and forecasting for a wide range of clients including businesses, non-profits, cities, regional organizations, colleges, and universities. Dr. Schniepp will provide a forecast for the Santa Clarita Valley, along with State, National and Global trends.

The keynote speaker for the event will be leading global futurist and author Jack Uldrich, who will provide invaluable takeaways about future trends, innovation, change management, and emerging technologies.

Jack is a well-recognized global futurist, speaker, and author of twelve books, including award-winning best sellers. He is a frequent speaker on technology, change management and leadership and

has addressed hundreds of corporations, associations, and not-for-profit organizations on five continents. Jack is also an ongoing contributor on emerging technologies and future trends for a number of publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Wired Magazine and BusinessWeek.

As the go-to authority for helping businesses adapt to the rapid pace of transformation, Jack will share his invaluable perspective coupled with game-changing takeaways about future trends, innovation, change management, and emerging technologies. His eye-opening presentations help audiences harness the opportunity inherent in the future, gain the competitive advantage, pave the way for innovation, and turn the unexpected into organization-wide assets.

We are very excited for our lineup this year and invite all business leaders to join us at the 2023 Economic Outlook on Friday, September 15th at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center. To purchase tickets, or for more information about the 2023 Economic Outlook, please visit http://www.scvedc.org/outlook.

JULY 2023 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL · 23
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road | UCEN 263 | Santa Clarita, CA 91355 | (661) 288-4400 | www.scvedc.org
Santa Clarita Valley Q1 2023 Q4 2022 Q4 2022 Sq Ft Commercial Vacancy Rates Office Space 18.76% 17.77% 2,867,177 Industrial Space 1.40% 1.30% 25,340,191 Total Avail SF 28,207,368 Total Marked Sq. Ft. Vacancy Percentage: Office Space - as a % of Vacancy 10.16% 10.25% N/A Industrial Space - as a % of Vacancy 89.84% 89.75% N/A Building Permits Apr ‘23 Mar ‘23 Apr ’22 New Commercial/Industrial Building Permits 2 0 1 Commercial Tenent Improvements/Alterations 32 29 31 Unemployment Rates May ‘ 23 April ‘23 % Change Santa Clarita 4.5% 4.1% 9.76% Palmdale 6.2% 6.0% 3.33% Lancaster 6.3% 3.1% 3.28% Glendale 4.7% 4.4% 6.82% Los Angeles County 4.8% 4.5% 6.67% State 4.5% 4.0% 0.00% Housing Stats May ‘ 23 April ‘23 May ’22 SCV Average Home Price 928,7000 844,000 939,700 SCV Average Condo Price 583,500 550,800 624,200 SCV Home Sales 730 525 1,118 SCV Condo Sales 309 225 418 SCV Avg. # of Days on Market (SF) 31 32 75 SCV Single Family Home Inventory 311 321 444
Featuring Grab a bite to eat at Grab a drink at View the expanded menu at TheCubeSantaClarita.com or call (661) 259-6261 Follow us on @TheGrilleAtTheCube Monday - Friday 12:30 – 10:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. HOURS Monday - Friday 5:30 - 11:00 p.m. Saturday - Sunday 11:30 a.m.- 11:00 p.m. HOURS NOW OFFERING TACO TUESDAYS! NOW OPEN!

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.