The Value of Dialogue
by Teresa Todd, VIA Board of Directors and Advocacy Committee
As we approach the November 2024 elections, the importance of informed voting cannot be overstated. The choices we make at the ballot box will shape the future of our city, state, and nation. Yet, in an era where soundbites often substitute for substantive discussion, how can voters truly grasp the complexities of the issues at hand? This is where the Valley Industry Association (VIA) has stepped up, playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between voters and candidates through this election cycle’s Candidate Forums.
Forums provide an invaluable opportunity for the Santa Clarita community to engage directly with candidates vying for crucial local, state, and federal positions. These events aren’t just about listening to campaign promises; they are about dialogue, understanding, and accountability. Moderated by Ed Masterson, the VIA forums offered a structured environment where candidates present their visions, respond to questions, and address the concerns that matter most to the community. All candidates were invited to participate.
VIA hosted a City Council Candidate Forum, District 1 in September. Local governance impacts everything from zoning and public safety to economic development, making this forum an essential opportunity for voters to hear how each candidate plans to address the pressing needs of our city.
The California State Races Forum focused on the California State Senate 23rd District and State Assembly 40th District races. State legislators play a critical role in shaping policies that affect education, healthcare, and business regulation, among other areas. This forum gave voters a chance to understand where each candidate stands on issues that will influence California’s future.
In the final forum, candidates for the House of Representatives, California’s 27th District, were invited to present their platforms. The forum provided a significant opportunity for voters to engage on federal issues ranging from national security to economic policy, issues that will shape our nation’s trajectory in the years to come.
VIA, as an organization, has long been at the forefront of fostering such critical discussions. Representing a diverse array of businesses across the Santa Clarita Valley, VIA understands that the health of our economy, the well-being of our residents, and the success of our
community are all intertwined. This understanding is reflected in the thoughtful curation of events like the Candidate Forums, where the issues discussed range from local economic development to state legislative matters and national policy considerations.
By bringing together candidates for City Council, the California State Senate and Assembly, and the U.S. House of Representatives, VIA was not just presenting a series of forums—it presented a comprehensive view of the choices that will impact every aspect of our daily lives. This is particularly relevant in a time when voter turnout can be affected by apathy or disillusionment. VIA’s commitment to providing a platform for substantive engagement helps counter these forces, reminding us all that our voices—and our votes—matter.
Moreover, VIA’s role extends beyond election season. As a legislative advocate, a hub for business resources, and a supporter of educational initiatives, VIA consistently delivers relevant content and context to its members and the broader community. This is an organization that understands the nuances of local challenges while also keeping an eye on broader trends. Whether it’s through networking opportunities, advocacy efforts, or events like the Candidate Forums, VIA equips the business community with the tools needed to make informed decisions and take meaningful action.
In essence, VIA’s Candidate Forums are not just a series of events—they are a reflection of the organization’s broader mission to empower and inform. As voters, we have the responsibility to engage, ask questions, and seek clear answers. And thanks to VIA, we have the opportunity to do so in a setting that prioritizes dialogue over division, and substance over spectacle.
The hope is that every business leader and individual voter in the Santa Clarita Valley takes advantage of candidate forums. Attend, listen, and engage with the candidates. Let’s ensure that the choices we make this November are informed by knowledge, shaped by dialogue, and driven by a shared vision for a better future. And let’s recognize and appreciate the role of VIA in making this possible, not just during election season, but every day.
October 18, 2024 | VIA BASH
Join us on October 18th at the Hyatt Regency Valencia for an unforgettable night filled with fun, celebration, and vibrant energy! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this spectacular event—grab your tickets or sponsorships now and come celebrate with us!
Secure your spot today and let’s make this a night to remember! Tickets and Sponsorships are now available.
How Golf Applies to Your Company
BY KEN KELLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer
Dr. Bob Rotella wrote an article in Golf Digest titled, “10 Rules for how to win your major (golf tournament).”
The article was for golfers at every skill level, but it also applies to CEOs running companies.
This is not about golf as a business, but golf as a sport. How does that tie to business?
Golf is highly competitive; a golfer plays against others, plus against his or her own record. In a company, it means generating better than planned results; monthly, quarterly or annually and beating the competition in terms of revenue, profits and market share.
A second similarity is efficiency. Golfers use available resources to achieve the lowest score (fewest shots) to win.
It’s the same in business. If companies are reluctant to add staff, it is because people come at a cost. Payroll is often the single largest expense. Too many people create bureaucracy, slowing down decisionmaking and the ability to execute quickly.
The third similarity is that those who practice more tend to win. Talent is great, but even a not-so-great golfer knows that to improve from fair to good requires a commitment to ongoing.
In business, ask any solid sales person how he or she got that way, and they will respond that they practice, because without it, skills drift away, and then disappear.
In Rotella’s article, he explains what a golfer needs to do to win. These same rules apply to businesses.
The first rule is to believe that you can win. The second rule is that winning is clearly defined for your organization. The two are linked.
Rotella tells his own story about finishing third from last in the 1985 Charlottesville, Virginia city championship. He followed the leaders to compare his game to theirs, watching for 18 holes. Rotella noticed these individuals hit the ball farther and straighter, hit better bunker shots and chipped and putted well.
He left the course believing that if those guys could win, so could he — provided he practiced and improved. Rotella did just that, winning that same championship in 1993 with a 12-foot putt on the 18th hole. It took eight years, but all that time, he kept his eyes on the prize.
The third rule is not to be lulled into thinking that nothing matters but results. Why? Results aren’t the same as having a solid organization. Often results hide problems
that can kill a business.
Patience is the fourth rule. Golfers who get overly aggressive make mistakes. Those who take their time and play for the long haul succeed. Whether on the golf course or in the boardroom, patient play wins.
Everything counts is the fifth rule. On the golf course, the only true measure of success is when every stroke is counted. A “mulligan” isn’t real in golf. In business, there are very few, if any, second chances.
The sixth rule is to find peace. A golf course should be a sanctuary and the game is something to enjoy. The same is true in business. Those that dislike the industry, clients, vendors or the products and services being marketed need to find another place where happiness will prevail. They most successful enjoy what they do.
Embracing personality is the seventh rule. Successful people in golf and in business know who they are and they don’t try to be someone or something they are not.
From time to time, everyone gets unsolicited advice about how to play gold better. It might be a comment about how to grip the golf club, how to stand, swing, chip, or putt. In business it is the same. The eighth rule is to avoid these well intentioned people.
The ninth rule is to have a routine to lean on because having a foundation helps when tough times happen. This means having processes and procedures that work to achieve the desired goals.
Finding someone who believes in you is the 10th rule. Successful people have a coach who sees things in us that we did not see ourselves. They then teach us to take full advantage of those strengths, empowering us with belief.
Ben Hogan, one of the best golfers of all time, considered quitting several times early in his career because he did not feel he was providing for his wife the way he should. His wife, Valerie, wouldn’t hear of it, and she encouraged Ben on. The rest is history.
Improving Small Business Productivity
Businesses that run efficiently often find continued, longterm success. However, running a small business comes with a multitude of challenges that can hinder productivity.
Between hiring employees, managing payroll, handling customer relations, delivering products, meeting with staff and other tasks, it’s important to take steps to help your business work smarter, not harder, while maintaining productivity. More efficient workdays mean more projects or tasks can be completed, giving you an advantage in a competitive marketplace.
To help improve productivity and create a more efficient work environment, consider these tips from the experts at Pitney Bowes, a global shipping and mailing company that has worked for more than 100 years to provide technology, logistics, financial services and solutions that help enterprises thrive and small business owners operate right from their homes including the PitneyShip Cube, which simplifies shipping packages and e-commerce orders while saving time and space.
Set Goals
Setting goals for your operation is vital to building a productive business and ensuring your employees understand your vision and how they can actively contribute to the company’s success. Whether you’re a startup or an established business with multiple employees, set realistic, well-defined goals that are in line with your business strategy, like investing in office tools and solutions that can help you discover efficiencies. Periodically revisit those goals to ensure you’re on
track to meet them and make any adjustments as necessary.
Delegate Less Critical Responsibilities
Remember, you can’t do it all by yourself. In the same way it’s important to prioritize your list of tasks, delegation is key to improving productivity. Passing on some of the work, such as designing email templates, writing blog posts, creating white papers and more, to your employees allows you to maximize your limited time. Think through additional ways for others to lessen the load, like using a cloudbased shipping solution to streamline the process and ensure alignment in task sharing. Even if you’re a solo entrepreneur, look at what tasks you may be able to outsource to a third-party vendor to free up some of your time.
Simplify Shipping
If your business sells a product, shipping may be a time-consuming, expensive part of your operation. Leave the post office behind and save valuable time with an option like the PitneyShip Cube, an all-in-one, Wi-Fi-enabled thermal shipping label printer with a built-in scale. It includes companion software and can integrate with your current online store to automatically import order details then easily print the shipping labels and postage. You can weigh packages, compare discounted shipping rates and automatically share tracking notifications via email.
“One of the biggest barriers for small businesses are shipping costs,” said Shemin Nurmohamed, president, sending technology solutions, Pitney Bowes. “Our goal is to allow clients to
take advantage of what larger shippers get in terms of discounts while saving them the critical time they need to work on their core businesses. With the PitneyShip Cube, the first shipping label printer of its kind with a built-in scale and companion software, users are able to ship faster and smarter. This product is ideal for both e-commerce and office shippers looking to save time and space by streamlining their processes and eliminating unnecessary equipment. Plus, it can save users money as it provides a discount of 3 cents on First Class stamps, up to 89% on USPS Priority Mail and up to 82% off UPS standard rates.”
Streamline Software
A quick and easy way to increase productivity and efficiency is taking advantage of technology like software as a service platforms. Particularly true in this age of hybrid and remote workers, cloud-based communications software can keep your team members on the same page, regardless
of their location, to help your company keep up with important information such as ever-changing carrier rates to quickly identify the best shipping and fulfillment options. With available platforms that combine team messaging, video conferencing, task management, file sharing and storage, it can be simple to stay connected with your employees.
Learn from Your Customers
When looking for ways to improve, start by asking your customers for honest feedback. Creating customer satisfaction surveys provides you with a fresh perspective while giving customers a voice so they can feel valued. Plus, it can help you build a rapport with customers as they know their voices are heard while you discover what’s working, what isn’t and ways you can improve the business.
Find more solutions for improving your productivity and efficiency in the workplace at pitneybowes.com. (Family Features)
Historic Ranch Part of Big Changes in Store
DEVELOPING STORIES
BY PERRY SMITH SCV Business Journal Editor
There’s so much change on the horizon for the Santa Clarita Valley, sometimes it’s hard to keep track of it all.
One of the most exciting things that people are talking about is the new Trader Joe’s for the east side that was first reported by The Signal back in January.
The city is expected to get a second store for the popular grocer in the Golden Valley retail center anchored by the Target at 19037 Golden Valley Road. The space is next to the PetSmart location.
There’s also still been plans announced to a Chick-fil-A at that center, but we haven;t seen the final plans yet.
The city also has reviewed or is considering a number of residential projects and a pair of appeals.
Movie Ranch
An historic 400-acre movie ranch on Sand Canyon Road, Sable Road, is now on the market for $35 million, according to representatives from CBRE, the commercial firm sharing the listing with Christie’s.
A news release about the property notes that it includes “diverse sets, a green screen facility and entitlements for developing sound stages and office spaces,” so in addition to being a turnkey business opportunity, it’s also got room for expansion.
News of the sale does come as rumors grow that the film industry is on the ropes in Los Angeles because other cities and states are offering more competitive tax environments.
The family has been in the hands of the family of the current owner for more than 50 years.
Market-Rate Appeal
The Santa Clarita Planning Commission denied a plan for homes at the former Saugus Speedway site in September, but a City Council member has made the rare move to appeal the decision on behalf of the developer.
Based on the city’s code, Councilwom-
an Laurene Weste didn’t need to cite a reason for her appeal of the decision, but she wanted to explain.
“The state’s changing laws right and left, taking the planning and changing it right and left — so what I wanted to do was put an eye on an issue that I don’t think most people would think about,” she said.
“This was the first time I can remember in the history of this city,” she said, referring to the Planning Commission denying a plan because it didn’t have enough housing density.
The plan proposed by Integral called for 319 market-rate homes, which would have meant a special permit was needed, and the plans also didn’t call for any moderately priced homes, which also had the potential to affect plans for other properties.
The Planning Commission denied the project on a 2-2 vote after Commissioners Rene Berlin and Lisa Eichman stated the project failed demonstrably to meet the requirements of the city’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment, or RHNA.
Neither felt their concerns from the previous hearing on the project about density were addressed at last week’s follow-up hearing.
The RHNA is a plan mandated by state law for how many homes a city must be able to show it can provide, in terms of low, moderate and market-rate housing.
East-Side Condos
A housing development proposed for Soledad Canyon Road would add 150 homes and some new commercial development to a vacant lot in Canyon Country, according to plans submitted last month to Santa Clarita.
The Riverwalk project, which is being proposed by Chandler Partners, calls for 150 two-story townhomes, 8,500 square feet of commercial space and 2,500 square feet of recreational space, including a pool and community building, just east of Solamint Road.
Chandler Partners is a Burbank-based developer that lists Studio 77 in North Hollywood and The Montecito in Woodland Hills as some of its more recent projects on its website.
Tesoro Additions
The Santa Clarita City Council this month is expected to add more than 100 market-rate senior homes to the westside Lennar community.
The second phase of the Tesoro Del Valle project, Tesoro Highlands, calls for 820 homes, some of which are already under construction and for sale online with prices starting in the mid-$700,000 range. The first change would be so the developer can add another 108 market-rate senior homes to the existing 254 agreed to in the plan, and it’s because the developer is ready to build more of the units sooner, according to the city.
The property is located in the city of Santa Clarita’s Movie Ranch Overlay Zone, which has entitlements to build up to 80,000 square feet of sound stages and 20,000 square feet of office space, according to the Realtor. Courtesy
Will AI Transform Your Company and Its Workforce
The promise of AI has raised many questions about how it will impact the workforce. Should the speed of AI development be considered a threat to workers, or a source of opportunity to them in this rapidly changing environment?
Fundamentally, generative AI will help workers, according to Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S. His optimism is fueled by a deep understanding of the best ways this technology can be used.
How and where AI is adopted is what Cognizant focuses on — advising companies on the best deployment of these tools, tailored to the needs of each enterprise.
“One of the main effects of generative AI is that it will change how we assess expertise in various disciplines,” said Kumar. “It will also transform how different disciplines can communicate and collaborate, such as a software engineer and medical specialist using AI to translate their professional vocabularies into language the other can understand.”
Kumar answers commonly asked questions about AI, drawing on research Cognizant has conducted to better understand how it will impact the workforce today and into the future.
Why won’t AI replace humans in the workforce?
AI can automate many tasks, from generating emails to coding and more, potentially freeing up workers to spend more time creating and innovating. But most jobs at a variety of levels still need a human.
AI will never create a like-for-like replacement for a human position. For example, AI is never going to replace surgeons, but generative AI can perform administrative tasks that help doctors have more time to see and care for patients. Generative AI can also aid diagnostics, since there is too much data for any one doctor to know. AI opens access to more data and can identify patterns in that data most humans wouldn’t have the capacity to see.
Can you assess the potential impact industry-by-industry or job-by-job?
We quantify the impact of AI through what we call an “exposure score” and
a “friction score.” The exposure score estimates how likely a task is to be taken over by AI, while the friction score refers to how easily that employee can be retrained.
Consider a developer versus a fisherman. There are 21 million developers worldwide, but programming work can largely be taken over by AI — a high exposure score. However, developers are highly retrainable, giving them a low friction score. On the other hand, fishermen are unlikely to be replaced with AI, but if robots were created that could fish, what transferable skills do they have? That’s an example of a low exposure score and high friction score.
Cognizant and Oxford Economics partnered to develop what we’ve called our “New Work, New World” study, which analyzes how AI will affect the workforce. The study applied these scores to 18,000 tasks in 1,000 jobs, discovering that 90% of jobs could experience some degree of disruption by AI over the next 10 years.
Cognizant currently works with companies to assess exposure and friction scores of all their positions, among other crucial information, to help companies better understand how and when to retrain employees. Understanding what each company and their employees need
now and into the future is key to helping them optimize AI for growth and development.
How will AI impact business profitability?
We’re now in an era of hyper-productivity as enterprises fundamentally rewire their businesses for new levels of agility, productivity and innovation. In a recent analysis we did as part of our “New Work, New World” study, we found that more than three-fourths of businesses (76%) are looking to use generative AI to create new revenue streams. Companies also plan to invest an average of $47.5 million in generative AI this year. With our data showing generative AI tools potentially injecting nearly $1 trillion into the U.S. economy and even more globally over the next 10 years, it’s not surprising the survey identified generative AI as a core source of potential productivity and growth for most companies.
But to fully harness this hyper-productivity, we must expand the pace of training and upskilling around the world so that workers are prepared to participate in the digital economy. This is why we launched our Synapse initiative last year,
Lung Cancer 101: Risk and Detection
By Patrick Moody Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
WHAT IS LUNG CANCER?
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs divide and multiply haphazardly, eventually forming a tumor. The cancerous cells that make up the tumor can invade and destroy nearby healthy lung tissue. These cells can also break away from the tumor, travel to other parts of the body and establish new tumors.
There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. Small cell lung cancer is also called oat cell cancer. The three main types of non-small cell lung cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 80–85% of lung cancers. It usually grows and spreads less quickly than small cell lung cancer.
WHAT CAUSES LUNG CANCER?
Smoking cigarettes is by far the biggest cause of lung cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) says that about 8 out of 10 lung cancer deaths result from smoking. The risk depends on when a person begins smoking, how long they have smoked, how many cigarettes a day they smoke, and how deeply they inhale. Cigar and pipe smoking and breathing someone else’s smoke also increase the chance of developing lung cancer.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER RISK FACTORS?
Lung cancer risk increases with age, with 70 being the average age at diagnosis.
Breathing radon, an invisible, odorless radioactive gas found naturally in rocks and soil, can cause lung damage that may lead to cancer. Smoking makes radon even more dangerous.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can also increase a person’s chance of getting lung cancer, as can exposure to other industrial substances.
Lung diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and previous lung cancer are also risk factors. Scientists are studying a possible link between lung cancer and air pollutants.
HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISK OF LUNG CANCER?
Don’t ever start smoking. If you do smoke, stop right away. Quitting smoking greatly reduces your risk of lung cancer. If you’ve already had lung cancer, quitting may reduce
the chance of a new cancer. Stay away from people who are smoking and keep babies and children away from smoke too.
Also, you can check the radon level in your home with a simple test kit. Follow safety procedures if you work around asbestos or other dangerous substances.
HOW CAN I STOP SMOKING?
Your hospital, your doctor or a nurse can
give you ideas, as can the ACS, the American Lung Association, the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many local and state health agencies.
I used to smoke and I stopped. Should I be screened for lung cancer?
Maybe. To find out, go to library.henrymayo.com and type “lung cancer screening”
See HENRY MAYO, page 14
The SCV’s Booming Aerospace and Defense Industry: Growth and Future Potential
TBY ONDRÉ SELTZER INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
he Santa Clarita Valley has established itself as a vital player in Southern California’s economy, particularly within the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector. This development highlights the region’s deep-rooted connections to aerospace and the strategic benefits it provides to companies aiming to innovate and grow in these fields. New technologies, public investments, and workforce development initiatives converge in the Santa Clarita Valley, positioning us for continued success in this high-tech, high-impact industry.
The aerospace and defense industry has deep roots in the SCV, dating back to the mid20th century. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing, which have major operations across Southern California, helped establish the region as a critical hub for innovation in aviation and defense systems. The presence of these aerospace giants, coupled with proximity to key military installations such as Edwards Air Force Base, solidified SCV’s reputation as a strategic location for defense contractors and suppliers.
One of the region’s key strengths is its close proximity to the Greater Los Angeles area’s extensive network of aerospace companies, suppliers, and renowned academic institutions like Caltech, UCLA, and College of the Canyons. This geographic positioning allows SCV-based firms to collaborate closely with research institutions and government agencies, providing easy access to key players in defense technology and the space industry. Companies in SCV benefit from the region’s well-established supply chain, as well as its skilled labor force, which includes engineers, machinists, and defense specialists with decades of experience.
In recent years, the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector in Santa Clarita Valley has grown significantly, driven by advancements in satellite technology, space exploration, and military drone systems. The area’s business-friendly environment has attracted leading A&D companies like Woodward, Inc., Crissair, and ITT Aerospace Controls, specializing in critical components for aircraft, satellites, and space systems.
The region’s infrastructure, with easy access to major highways and the Port of Los Angeles,
further enhances the appeal of SCV for aerospace and defense firms. Looking ahead, the See SCVEDC, page 14
Chamber Endorsements
NOVEMBER ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS & POSITIONS
Our non-partisan endorsement process seeks to support probusiness, pro-economic development candidates that value the strength of our business community.
As The Voice of Business, the SCV Chamber remains dedicated to advocating for a strong and vibrant business community, while maintaining close partnerships with elected officials at all levels of government. We are proud to endorse candidates who support a pro-business agenda and are committed to fostering economic growth in our region. We also extend our gratitude to all those who have demonstrated a commitment to public service.
We look forward to working with each elected representative and making sure they hear from our business community on the issues that affect each and every one of us.
The following candidates have been endorsed by the SCV Chamber for the November 5, 2024, election:
Santa Clarita City Council – District 1
Patsy Ayala
Tim Burkhart
Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency
Gary Martin – Division 1
Dan Masnada – Division 1
Ken Cooper – Division 2
Piotr Orzechowski – Division 2
Ken Peterson – Division 3 (2 Year Term)
Holly Schroeder – Division 3 (Full Term)
Los Angeles District Attorney
Nathan Hochman
California’s 40th Assembly District
Pilar Schiavo
California’s 23rd State District
Suzette Valladares
California’s 27th Congressional District
Mike Garcia
The below ballot measures have been reviewed carefully and the positions taken align with our mission to advocate for a strong and vibrant business community. The recommendations reflect our dedication to supporting local businesses and promoting policies that benefit our region’s economy
SUPPORT
Proposition 2 - Borrow $10 billion to build schools and colleges
Proposition 34 - Require certain providers to use prescription drug revenue for patients
Proposition 36 - Increase penalties for theft and drug trafficking
OPPOSE
Proposition 5 - Lower voter approval requirements for local housing and infrastructure
Proposition 32 - Raise state minimum wage to $18 an hour
Proposition 33 - Allow local governments to impose rent controls
Measure G - County of Los Angeles – Ethics Commission Amendment
We encourage all our members and the broader business community to review the candidates and measures carefully and vote in the best interests of their businesses and our local economy.
PROMOTE THE VOTE
Promote the Vote California is a non-partisan initiative led by the California Secretary of State, aimed at encouraging civic engagement, voter registration, and turnout across businesses and their employees statewide.
We are proud to be an official partner and we support this effort, aligning with the mission to empower our community with the knowledge and tools to participate actively in elections.
Our Democracy’s strength is directly linked to our commitment to participation. As we approach the 2024 election season, ensuring our community has access to accurate, nonpartisan information about how to participate is more crucial than ever. Remember, being well-informed is a responsibility we all share.
Looking for key election dates? Visit sos.ca.gov
Need accurate info on the election process? Visit sos.ca.gov/ elections/election-cybersecurity/trusted-information
Go to promotethevoteca.sos.ca.gov to find out more
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.
Congratulations to Wild Fork Foods on your grand opening in September. Visit www.wildforkfoods.com to find out more and give them a visit. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them.
Celebrating SCV Businesses
Congratulations to Aroma
on your grand
tember. Visit www.aromaramen.com to find out more and give them a visit. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them.
Do you have a grand opening or anniversary coming up? Email us at hello@scvchamber.com for details about hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Isabell Yaralian, Assistant Field Deputy for LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger congratulates Wild Fork Foods leadership on their grand opening .
Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Ramen
opening in Sep-
Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Kris Hough, Field Representative for State Senator Scott Wilkcongratulates Steve and Lina Myung, owners of Aroma Ramen on their grand opening.
Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Hart and Main. Congratulations again to the three honorees for this year. Photo credit: SchlickArt
Some of our Board of Directors who attended our Hispanic Heritage Celebration last month at Hart and Main.
Connecting Community
Our Latino Business Alliance Chair, Patsy Ayala welcomes the guests and honorees for our annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration held last month at Hart and Main. Photo credit: SchlickArt
The Chamber hosted a roundtable with State Treasurer who provided great information and resources for our business community. It was an honor to have one of the highest elected officials in the state speak to us. From Left to Right: Chamber President/CEO Ivan Volschenk, State Treasurer Fiona Ma and Chamber Chief Advocay Officer John Musella
To view our full calendar and event details go to www.SCVChamber.com or scan the QR Code to the right.
From Left to Right: Darlene Trevino, Dr. Leticia Hernandez (honoree), Patsy Ayala, Carlos Orozco (honoree), Gloria Acevedo (honoree) and Mayor Pro-Tem Bill Miranda at our
From Left to Right: Karina Winkler, Dennis Verner, Sandy Sanchez, Rochelle Silsbee, Orlando Moreno, Marisol Espinoza, Andrea Carpenter and Lindsay Schlick. Photo credit: SchlickArt
SCV
HENRY MAYO
Continued from page 8
in the search box. That will take you to an online tool to help you determine if you should be screened.
HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER I HAVE LUNG CANCER?
Unfortunately, lung cancer often does not cause symptoms until it has spread. Symptoms may include a persistent cough,
SCVEDC
Continued from page 9
constant chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up blood, hoarseness, swelling of the neck and face, repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia, loss of appetite, weight loss or fatigue. See your doctor if you have any of these problems. They may not necessarily signal lung cancer. Rather, they may be caused by another condition.
HOW IS LUNG CANCER
future of SCV’s aerospace and defense sector is bright. The rapid expansion of commercial space travel, coupled with increased federal defense spending, suggests that demand for aerospace and defense services will continue to rise. SCV is well-positioned to capture this growth, particularly as the sector moves toward improved advanced manufacturing techniques.
The local A&D sector has more than doubled its number of local jobs since the beginning of the pandemic (2024 Economic Outlook Book - p.69, Employment & Workforce chapter), and workforce development will be critical
TREATED?
Certain tests are used to diagnose lung cancer and to determine its extent, or stage. Your care team uses this information to plan treatment, which also depends on the type of cancer and the tumor’s size and location. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy and photodynamic
to maintaining this momentum. With the assistance of local educational institutions like College of the Canyons, which offers specialized training programs in aerospace manufacturing and engineering, SCV is ensuring that its workforce remains competitive and capable of meeting the industry’s evolving needs.
The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) has been pivotal in supporting this growth, offering businesses assistance with site selection, workforce development, and navigating state and federal incentives. One of the ways the SCVEDC helps support our thriving A&D companies is through our sponsorship of the local Aerospace &
therapy, in which a combination of drugs and laser light is used to kill cancer cells.
WHERE CAN I GO TO LEARN MORE?
To learn more about lung cancer, visit library.henrymayo. com or the American Lung Association (lung.org) or American Cancer Association (cancer.org) websites.
Defense Forum chapter. This collaborative group continues to help us share information and mutual support among fellow A&D leaders, through communication, collaboration, and commerce.
As a hub of innovation and opportunity, the Santa Clarita Valley’s aerospace and defense industry is poised for continued expansion. By leveraging its historical strengths, supportive infrastructure, and highly skilled workforce, SCV will remain a leader in this critical sector, contributing to the broader regional and national economies in the years to come.
Economic DEvElopmEnt corporation
Continued from page 7
which is aimed at training one million individuals and creating employment opportunities in the future digital economy. What do companies need to help them optimize AI?
Rolling out any new technology enterprise-wide is complex and challenging. So far, only 26% of the companies surveyed have been able to implement AI company-wide, and many express concern these delays could give competitors an advantage.
Our data also points to a need for outside expertise to help them with AI adoption, with 43% of companies planning to work with external consultants to strategize using AI.
To provide this much-needed support, we’re finding more and more companies are tapping us to help them traverse the AI productivity-to-growth journey. We’re working with enterprises across indus tries to modernize their technology, rei
magine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead, including maximizing AI to their advantage.
I’m optimistic about the future and
thoughtfully, we can ensure generative AI is a positive force not just for economic productivity, but also for workers and society.
Realtors See Big Jump in Market Inventory
BY DAVID WALKER
For the SCV Business Journal
The active inventory of condominiums listed for sale in the Santa Clarita Valley during August jumped 80.4% while the single-family home supply rose 55.0%, the Southland Regional Association of Realtors reported for the previous month.
A total of 202 condominiums were on the Multiple Listing Service at the end of August, up 90 properties from a year ago and the highest tally since 2019.
The 448 active single-family home listings were 55% ahead of a year ago August and the largest supply since September 2022. The active inventory represents about a 2.5-month supply at the current pace of sales.
The 30-year historical average of about a five-month supply could yield a balanced market, where neither buyers nor sellers hold a clear advantage. “Today’s lower rates and the Fed’s promise of a series of additional rate cuts through 2025 clearly are enticing buyers and sellers back into the market,” said Bob Khalsa, the 2024 President of the 11,000-member Southland Regional Association of Realtors.
“The peak of this year’s summer homebuying season may have passed in July,” he said, “but the expanded inventory with its wider
selection may prove to be irresistible.”
Local Realtors assisted the close of escrow during August of 81 condominiums, an
increase of 15.7% from a year ago, plus 186 single-family homes, up 19.12% from August 2023. The national averaged mortgage rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage came in at 6.20% recently, Freddie Mac reported.
The last time rates were lower than that number was February 2023.
“It’s unlikely interest rates will return to the 3% range of the Covid Pandemic, but they may eventually settle around 5%,” said Valerie Biletsky, the association’s Chief Executive Officer. “Combining those declines with additional listings could make the second half of the year busier than usual.” The median price — meaning half were higher and half lower — of single-family homes that changed owners last month in Santa Clarita was $900,000, up 7.5% from a year ago. The condominium median price of $553,000 was down 7.7% from August 2023.
Both medians were down from record highs set earlier this year. Pending escrows — a measure of future resale activity — were down 13% for homes, and up 17% for condos year-over-year.
Chartered by the National Association of Realtors in 1920, the SRAR is the voice for real estate in San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. With nearly 11,000 members, SRAR serves as a trusted resource and partner to the real estate profession and the community at large..
Reyes Winery hits the market for $2.7M
BY PERRY SMITH SCV Business Journal Editor
Another popular Santa Clarita Valley winery has hit the market, according to the owner of Reyes Winery in Agua Dulce.
The property at 10262 Sierra Highway has plenty to enjoy with its $2.7 million price tag, which comes with a 4,392-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-bathroom home.
In addition to the land, the award-winning varietals planted there include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, chardonnay and muscat.
Robert Reyes of Reyes Win-
ery said the Main Street tasting room in Newhall is not part of the transaction, but the property he and his wife, Rosa, built from the ground up is.
A 16-acre vineyard the family started in April 2004 has been continually upgraded, according Jim Chikato of Pinnacle Estate Properties, who has the listing with his son Brady.
And of course the price also includes the tasting room and an upgraded second two-bedroom, two-bathroom home on the property.
There are also two working
wells, Jim Chikato said.
There are currently two other local wineries on the market, one located just down the road, Agua Dulce Winery, which is on the market for $10.88 million, and another, the Sierra Pelona Agua Dulce, which is for sale at $5.7 million.
The latter is a 40-acre property offering vineyards, the popular French restaurant, Le Chêne, and the Sierra Pelona Motel, which is five buildings and 12 rooms, less than 3 miles from Agua Dulce Winery.
Agua Dulce Winery at 9640
Sierra Highway includes a colonial-style manor home in the middle of a 90-acre vineyard property, a two-story barn, a 10,500-square-foot wine cellar and storage facility, a 10,000-square-foot bottling facility with a guest shop and tasting rooms.
Reyes also said while he was ready to close the chapter on the winery, he planned to stay local but keep busy and work on some projects he would like to complete, including assistance to children in need overseas. More information about the property is available at Reyesvineyardandwinery.com.
Six Success Tips for Young Professionals
Starting your career can be both an exciting time and a daunting experience. While there’s no secret formula to becoming successful in the workplace, there are steps you can take and skills you can build during the early stages of your career that can help you move toward your long-term goals.
Many young professionals face unique challenges, but with the right guidance and advice those obstacles may lead to opportunities for personal and professional development. Passionate about mentoring young professionals and sharing her methods for success, Morgan DeBaun, founder and CEO of digital media and technology company Blavity, partnered with Sharpie — makers of a wide selection of permanent markers, pens, highlighters and more for the classroom, office and home — to share these tips. Be proactive Take initiative and identify areas you can contribute beyond your assigned tasks. Instead of waiting to be asked to do something, draft an email, spreadsheet or project board that could benefit the team. Showing a willingness to go above and beyond may lead to additional projects or responsibilities being sent your way in the future.
Write everything down Putting your dreams and goals to paper can help you commit to them, track progress and stay on course to achieve them. Additionally, particularly in meetings, your brain is processing new information, ways of thinking and operational systems all while you are trying to come across as engaged and personable. Jotting down key action items and learnings along the way can save you later. Being an active listener and note-taker can increase your ability to retain information and contribute to your team. Featuring no-smear, no-bleed technology with best-in-class ink, an option like the Sharpie S•Gel
pen promises exceptionally smooth writing experiences. To put her best work forward, DeBaun uses the Medium Point (.7mm) White Barrel. The high-performance gel pen enhances handwriting with its sleek, professional look and offers a variety of ink colors, barrel styles and points to choose from, making it a must-have for professionals looking to make a statement.
Identify useful productivity tools Look for tools and programs that can help make you more productive and successful then leverage them in your personal workflow. Whether it’s an email scheduling tool, calendar software or favorite writing utensil, ensure you are taking advantage of things that can help you succeed.
Develop and strengthen your organizational skills Regardless of what role you are in, being systemized and structured in the way you work can help keep you on track as you grow in your career. Whether it’s a smartphone app, old-fashioned to-do lists or desktop reminders on your computer, find a system that works for you and stick with it — refining the approach as you go — for best results. For example, with a variety of available ink colors, the Sharpie S•Gel
company, you are likely working with bright, talented people who may have completely different skill sets and ways of working and thinking than you. Set up 15-20-minute virtual coffee chats to meet people not on your team during your first 90 days as a way to connect with your coworkers and learn more about not only them but the company and its environment as a whole.
Say yes to opportunities
can make it simple to color code calendars and to-do lists, which can make prioritizing tasks a cinch.
Embrace teamwork and learn from your peers Across your
Whether it is a work event, new project, meeting or class, take advantage of prospects presented to you. Taking advantage of opportunities to network, learn and grow in your career can help lead you on the trajectory you are aiming for. Find the must-have tools to set your career on the right path at Sharpie.com. (Family Features)
Regardless of what role you are in, being systemized and structured in the way you work can help keep you on track as you grow in your career.
There Is No Such Thing as a ‘Tax Assessor’
BY JEFF PRANG Los Angeles County Assessor
Whenever I have the opportunity to speak to members of the community, I always begin, importantly, by telling the audience what I do not do. I do this because the one thing I don’t do as assessor is the one thing almost everybody thinks I do — I do not collect taxes.
The person responsible for collecting taxes has a very intuitive title. Elizabeth Ginsberg is the L.A. County treasurer and tax collector.
Candidly, the property tax administrative system is very confusing. There are multiple departments that each have a different piece of the system. The assessor is the only one of those departments headed by an elected official, which may be why people gravitate toward my office with questions that actually belong to another department.
One reason for the confusion is the inexplicable yet universal use of the term “tax assessor.” I have been the assessor for 10 years, and to the best of my knowledge, the office of “tax assessor” does not, and has never really existed in the United States, except in a few very limited jurisdictions far from California. I find it fascinating that the term is so commonly used even though there is no history in this country of such a position.
Here’s where the misuse of the term tax assessor becomes problematic. The term tax assessor is actually a conflation of two separate offices, that of the assessor and that of the treasurer and tax collector (TTC).
In the assessor’s office, more than 50% of all calls we receive from the public are regarding tax collector issues. This can be very frustrating to a member the public who calls with an issue and then feels that they are getting the runaround as they are routed to a different department.
In my experience, property owners who call for the “tax assessor” are almost always routed to my office.
However, nine out of 10 of those calls
are actually for the tax collector.
This means that when we receive those calls, we regrettably have to inform the property owner that they reached the wrong department. If the questions are regarding basic information that we have knowledge of, we do try to answer them ourselves.
We also can provide tax bills to those who request them as a way of supporting our colleagues at the TTC. But often times, taxpayers end up getting transferred to the TTC.
Here is a very short primer on how the system works. When a property is sold, a deed is recorded with the county registrar recorder.
Or, when there is new construction, a permit is issued by the local city. Those deeds and permits are then transmitted to my office, the assessor, at which time we conduct an appraisal of value. That value data is then sent to the AuditorController, a department most are not familiar with.
The auditor-controller is actually the department that tells you what you owe — they add the tax rates, direct assessments, etc.
The auditor-controller then transfers the data to the treasurer and tax collector, who issues the bills and collects payments and handles issues such as late penalties, lost bills and payment plans.
As an elected administrator of a little known and understood public office, one of the biggest challenges I face is getting vital information about our services and how to access those services to the public. My office dedicates a great deal of effort to helping the public navigate the complexity of the property tax administrative system, but in a County with over 10 million residents and covering more than 4,700 square miles, this is a big task and requires an ongoing effort, which I am committed to providing.
While this missive may not solve the confusion over offices responsibilities, you now know that there is no “tax assessor,” but rather, there is an Assessor and a Treasurer and Tax Collector and which one does what.
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 about 1,400 employees. It also provides the foundation for a property tax system that generates about $20 billion for public services annually.
The Business Benefits of Empathic Listening
BY PAUL BUTLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer
Last Saturday evening, my wife and I had just settled in at home to watch a cozy movie — snuggled up when the temperatures had dropped to the mid-60s here in Santa Clarita — when there was a heavy knockknock-knock on our front door. We looked at each other and asked, “Who could this be at this time of night?” It was only 9 p.m., but still, “Who could this possibly be?”
The moment we start pretending to listen, selectively listening, or listening with the intent to respond rather than understand, misunderstandings arise.
When I opened the door, there stood a rather distraught neighbor. Her first words as she moved past me were: “I need a hug from your wife.”
Charming, I thought — what am I, chopped liver? Our latenight visitor was initially too emotional to speak, her anxiety coming out in gasps as she sat on our couch. We wondered what could have caused such distress.
My wife provided the hugs, and we gently asked why she was so upset. Slowly, our neighbor began to calm down, able at last to express what was weighing on her. We learned that a childhood neighbor from her hometown had just been diagnosed with an aggressive terminal illness. It was clear from our neighbor’s emotional state how close she was to this person from her past.
We just listened, and then we listened some more. Eventually, she collected herself, thanked us for being there, and left with sincere appreciation for interrupting our
serene Saturday night. In and out within 10 minutes. We weren’t sure what we had done, but she seemed to feel better.
This experience got me thinking about the workplace and the dynamics between colleagues. In many ways, our coworkers are like neighbors. Just as we rarely get to choose our neighbors, we don’t get to choose our coworkers. And just as good neighbors can make a great place to live, good coworkers can make a great place to work.
Reflecting on that night, all we really offered was empathic listening — we listened with the intent to understand. We didn’t try to fix, figure out, analyze, or evaluate. We simply listened. I’ve found that with empathic listening, one of two outcomes usually arises: the person will either say something like, “Thank you for listening,” or ask, “Do you have any advice?” Either
outcome strengthens the relationship.
In the workplace, people sometimes claim that empathic listening takes too much time, but in fact, it’s the fastest form of communication when there’s high emotion involved. The moment we start pretending to listen, selectively listening, or listening with the intent to respond rather than understand, misunderstandings arise.
Effective coworkers — whether supervisory or nonsupervisory — are effective listeners. Organizations use human resources to achieve business goals, and we have to listen well to each other to achieve optimal outcomes.
A colleague who feels understood, whether they are frustrated, angry, annoyed or even excited, is better equipped to move forward.
One caution: Be careful that listening doesn’t turn into gossip. If our neighbor
had come by to bad-mouth another neighbor, I’d like to think we would have played the role of peacemakers rather than stirring up trouble. Similarly, when a colleague vents to you about another coworker, I encourage you to offer the benefit of the doubt and seek workable solutions rather than adding fuel to the fire.
In summary, be a good listener — both our neighborhoods and our workplaces are better off when we seek first to understand, and then to be understood. It may not always be convenient, but the opportunity to listen is a gift that helps build stronger relationships with our workplace neighbors.
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.
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28338 CONSTELLATION ROAD UNIT 990
6,640 sf Office/Flex Condo. End Cap Unit Offering Views and Extended Window Line. Built Out as Office Space with Roll Up Door Access. Located in the Spectrum Business Park.
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2,400 sf Stand Alone Building Zoned BP. Former Showroom. Excellent Visibility on Highly Trafficked Street. Private Rear Parking Lot. Building Signage Opportunities.
26330 DIAMOND PLACE UNIT 110
2,153 sf Medical Office Condo located in the Sky Business Center off Centre Pointe Pkwy. Close to numerous retail and restaurant amenities and blocks from the Cross Valley Connector. Zoned BP.
For more information on any of these listings please visit www.SCVCommercial.com.
SCV Commercial Real Estate Services, Inc. P. 661-714-5271 | Pamela@scvcommercial.com | Broker Lic. #01815191
Disclaimer: No warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy of the information contained herein. This information is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, withdrawal without notice, and is subject to any special listing conditions imposed by our principals. Cooperating brokers, buyers, tenants and other parties who receive this document should not rely on it, but should use it as a starting point of analysis, and should independently confirm the accuracy of the information contained herein through a due diligence review of the books, records, files and documents that constitute reliable sources of the information described herein. SCV Commercial Real Estate Services, Inc. DRE Lic #01523815.