SCV Business Journal June 2020

Contact: Perry Smith Business Editor Phone: 661-287-5599

S A N TA C L A R I TA VA L L E Y

BUSINESS JOURNAL BJ INSIDE SPOTLIGHTS B4 A message from the SCV

Chamber B5 SCV Chamber advocacy B5 SCV Chamber spotlight B8 VIA discusses business

advocacy B9 The List: SCV car

dealerships

NEWS & FEATURES B1 Businesses ready for

reopening B2 Getting the cameras rolling B2 Jobless claims create

challenges B3 An SCV real estate market

update

SCV BUSINESS VOICES B1 SCV Voices: Poole, Shaffery

& Koegle B3 SCV Voices: SCV Economic Development Corp.

B6 SCV Voices: Audiology Associates B7 SCV Voices: SunPower by Green Convergence B10 SCV Voices: Henry Mayo

FROM THE EXPERTS B6 Paul Butler: A few thoughts

about ‘fringe benefits’ B7 From the Assessor: 2020

property tax assessments B9 SCV Econowatch B10 Ken Keller: Don’t fail to

prepare

Email: psmith@signalscv.com Mail: 26330 Diamond Place Suite 100 Santa Clarita, CA 91350 SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 · WWW.SIGNALSCV.COM · B1

HOW BUSINESSES ADJUST TO OPENING UP

BY TAMMY MURGA Signal Staff Writer

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hairs stacked on top of tables that have been pushed far from the entrance at restaurants.

Hand sanitizer dispensers strategically installed at workstations and face coverings now donned along with uniforms.

This is the new normal businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley have recently or will soon apply, as California and Los Angeles County ease their lockdown restrictions that have kept millions at home and workplaces temporarily shut down in an effort to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

In Old Town Newhall, restaurants and other small businesses depend on each other to thrive, with Main Street attracting visitors from in and around the SCV to shop, grab a bite and drink and enjoy a live show at a local theater.

But that momentum has completely upended, leaving Old Town Newhall resembling a ghost town. Today, much of the foot traffic comes from delivery workers dropping off orders or customers picking up.

Among the businesses adjusting to change is Old Town Junction, known as a sit-down, take-your-time eatery, which is thanking the community for supporting them throughout its transition.

“We’re a sit-down, hang-out and enjoy your 2-hour meal kind of place and so this switch has been a really humbling experience to see how the community has switched gears to support us and allow us to keep feeding them,” said General Manager Mandy Meeks.

“Realistically, that’s why you go into the restaurant business, because you love the human experience and having that little bit of connection with them taken away because of the virus is so difficult.

So, it’s nice to still see people come in when they get their orders.”

With dine-in options still prohibited amid the “Safer at Home” county order, the restaurant has, like many others, put away their chairs and tables to create

Maintenance crew member Berta Ortiz, left, cleans one of the customer-safety shields as, from left, Sales Manager Kabir Bahroos, Internet Director Drew Katigbak and Internet Manager Belen Gonzales prepare for customers at Frontier Toyota in Valencia. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL a larger and more spacious area for customers to wait in line for their orders while adhering to physical distancing measures. Old Town Junction has also installed hand sanitizer stations, ordered masks for all employees that include the restaurant’s logo and is preparing protocols, such as not setting up tables and bringing silverware as needed when dine-in options are permitted.

Despite ever-changing lockdown restrictions, with some regulations easing faster than others across the state and county and with Santa Clarita looking to reopen faster than other communities, Meeks said safety measures will still remain in place and businesses must be ready as more people return to work and customers begin to shop more freely.

Over in the Valencia Auto Center, the car shopping experience has changed, according to Frontier Toyota General Manager Bob Corson.

“Test driving alone has changed.

They’re done with only one customer

and with one sales representative seated behind for everyone’s safety,” he said.

And in their showrooms and sales locations, which were only recently allowed to reopen in early May, car dealerships look a little different: There are plexiglass guards between masked and gloved customers and employees, an updated layout to provide sufficient distance between all those inside the buildings and enhanced sanitizing of anything anyone frequently touches, such as doorknobs, countertops and the cars themselves.

While sales have been low among several sectors, dealerships have seen an increase in their service department. “(Service) is picking up because more people are home and taking this opportunity to get their oil changed or other service needs. There’s also very important recalls that need to be addressed but often people don’t find the time,” said Corson.

See REOPEN, page B10

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

REAL ESTATE IN THE COVID-19 REALITY John H. Shaffery Partner, Poole Shaffery & Koegle

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ommercial Landlords are facing unprecedented government rules, as well as tenants who can’t operate — and therefore generate income to pay their rent.

Commercial properties should categorize their tenants. First are those not allowed to operate. These are primarily retailers in small centers and malls. While there have been some recent openings, only curbside pickup is allowed; and, even when regulated, small groups are allowed, their business will be reduced. Some restaurants have been generating business with their curbside pickup and delivery programs, but even the most successful have greatly reduced business with less employees and a challenge to pay rent. Malls and retail centers were already being challenged by Amazon and other providers of goods to homes. This crisis only makes more challenges for retailers.

Another category are office tenants, both those essential, or now being allowed to reopen with health guidelines. During this crisis, many businesses, including larger companies, have had their staff work remotely. It is important to note that even before COVID 19 office workers and self-employed professionals were working at least part time from home. If companies can ensure their remote employees’ performance, it should be expected that they will continue to have more employees work remotely due to the significant cost savings from less office space leasing. This could result in the significant decrease in the need for commercial official space.

Commercial landlords can take several steps as this crisis continues. Work with your tenants, considering any local ordinances, to make lease amendments which can work for both you and the tenant. This can include deferring rent to later in the lease term and getting an extension to the lease term. If your tenant received a PPP loan, up to 25% of that forgivable loan can go to rent, and you should work with your tenants on that program. For the longer term, you need to brace for the potential of tenants not renewing, or decreasing their space, as they find it cost effective for more employees to work remotely. You may have to provide new incentives and amenities that make a business understand the value of having their employees together, albeit safely.

John Shaffery is one of the founding partners of Poole Shaffery & Koegle LLP. headquarters are located at 25350 Magic Mountain Parkway, Second Floor, in Santa Clarita. You can reach the firm by calling (661) 290-2991 and more information can be found at www.pooleshaffery.com.

EMPLOYMENT LAWS HAVE CHANGED FOR 2020

Minimize Your Risk of Exposure Today!

Call 661-290-2991 today to schedule your consultation!

Santa Clarita 25350 Magic Mountain Parkway, Second Floor | Santa Clarita, CA 91355 661-290-2991 · POOLESHAFFERY.COM

SANTA CLARITA | LOS ANGELES | VENTURA COUNTY SAN FRANCISCO | ORANGE COUNTY | SAN DIEGO

B2 · SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 · THE SIGNAL

CITY AND NATION GRAPPLE WITH THE JOB LOSSES

BY TAMMY MURGA Signal Staff Writer

N

early 4.6 million Californians, among them many Santa Clarita Valley employers and employees alike, have filed for unemployment claims since mid-March, painting an unsettling image of the pandemic’s ripple effect with no clear end.

Statewide, Gov. Gavin Newsroom recently said California’s unemployment rate could reach more than 20% as the state grapples with a projected $54.3 billion budget shortfall as a result of stayat-home orders that have kept people in quarantine, forcing “nonessential” workplaces to shut down for months.

In Santa Clarita, the preliminary unemployment rate for April peaked just over 20%, according to the state’s Economic Development Department. The numbers also indicate Acton was at 15.9%, while Val Verde was at 31.4%.

“We are projecting in our documents that we’re putting out today in our May Revise of that January budget that unemployment will peak north of 24.5%,” said Newsom on May 14 during a live broadcast. “One could argue that we’re already there. We are at a time that’s simply unprecedented.”

For comparison, an estimated 2.2 million workers filed for unemployment during the peak of the financial crisis, falling 2.4 million short of what the state has recently seen since March 12, said Newsom.

And across Los Angeles County, with about 10 million residents, more than 1 million have filed to receive unemployment benefits since May 20 and of those

More than 20,000 people filed for unemployment benefits in Santa Clarita, according to data available from the Economic Development Department. (MC) projected job losses, more than 75% have an average annual earnings of less than $50,000, according to county Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose 5th District includes the SCV. “The economic impacts created by COVID-19 have hurt our most vulnerable populations, the most profound closure means that many small businesses may not be able to reopen and will cause permanent job losses for millions throughout this county,” she said during a recent live county briefing.

In the Santa Clarita Valley, many small businesses are working to stay afloat,

whether that means doubling down on online operations, reducing their number of employees or placing a freeze on hiring.

They make up a fraction of the SCV’s top sectors that help fortify the local economy, such as tourism and aerospace.

These industries are also suffering, echoing an increasing unemployment rate and revenue loss within the city of Santa Clarita.

Santa Clarita has projected a revenue loss of about $10 million, said Mayor Cameron Smyth, and is seeing its local unemployment rate gradually jump. In

February, before the pandemic took a hard hit on the city, the rate was at 4.3% and jumped to 6% in March, according to Communications Manager Carrie Lujan.

While April and May numbers have yet to be reported and are expected to be higher, employment numbers will recover but it will take time, according to an April employment report from the county Economic Development Corp. “(E)mployment figures will take time to recover, and when they do, the composition of the regional and national workforce may look significantly different. Businesses may be forced to close after an extended period without income, and many workers may not have jobs to return to as social distancing measures are kept in place or as residents change their consumption behaviors to even beyond the eventual easing of social distancing measures; or until a vaccine is approved and widely available.”

The good news: SCV businesses across the varied sectors are already looking at how to reopen in a safe manner to hit the ground running in recovering the local economy, according to Holly Schroeder, president and CEO of the SCV Economic Development Corp. “(Businesses) are buying equipment and touches technology and new PPE and plexiglass guards that can go between customers and cashiers or between workstations,” she said. “Companies are getting ready for what is to come. We certainly hope that we can progress and get people back to work because the fear is that the longer these businesses are closed, the harder it will be for people to come back to work and the less likely it’ll be those companies can survive.”

WHEN THE CAMERAS CAN START ROLLING AGAIN

BY PERRY SMITH Sunday Signal Editor

I

t was less than six months ago, but it seems like much, much longer.

The January issue of the Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal hosted a roundtable discussion with a few of the leaders in the SCV filming industry.

One of the topics was another recordbreaking year in terms of filming revenue for the city of Santa Clarita, which has prided itself on being a home to worldclass productions decades before the famed “Thirty Mile Zone,” or TMZ as it’s now commonly referred to, was created. The TMZ refers to the area stretching about 30 miles out from the intersection of West Beverly and North La Cienega boulevards, and Santa Clarita is included in this territory.

The following month, the Oscars celebrated a handful of SCV productions that were nominated, including “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Ad Astra,” which were both filmed locally.

And the following month, the filming industry, like countless others, came to a grinding halt.

“People are trying to come up with plans for filming,” said Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, who’s also hosted several productions at his home.

“When you have these large sets with 100-plus people at any given time, ‘How do you still function?’” he said, citing the issue all of the big-budget production managers are dealing with at the moment.

CHANGES COMING Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected Monday to announce new, long-anticipated guidelines for how safe filming can resume, although as of this past week, there’s been no date given for when it could reopen.

The impacts so far have been numerous, to people’s livelihood, to fresh content and to future productions, and that’s not expected to stop any time soon.

“There haven’t been any specific timelines, yet,” said FilmLA President Paul Audley, who also noted that as an agency contracting with the city and county of Los Angeles to permit, promote and retain filming, the agency would follow its cue from the Public Health Department.

He also acknowledged lots of conversations from the guilds and unions that are discussing their own guidelines, as well, during the hiatus.

“Everybody is looking at everyone else in the world in trying to figure out what’s safe and what’s best for reopening the industry,” Audley said.

LOOKING FOR EXAMPLES In terms of emerging industry standards for filming, the British Broadcasting Company released guidelines this past Monday for how filming could safely resume for the broadcaster, which operates through a royal charter in the United Kingdom from tax revenues.

The 15-page document covers everything from how information about fighting COVID-19 should be displayed to how to introduce and identify someone who might be at “high risk,” for the person’s protection to encouragement on limiting the number of people involved in a production.

Filming is an industry that city officials estimate had about a $36 million impact in 2019 alone for Santa Clarita.

Guidelines for safe filming are starting to be developed as the guilds and unions seek ways to get back on the set.

SIGNAL PHOTOS “Key considerations should be: minimize workers needed on site to complete the work activity; maximize technology to enable roles and activities to be done from home and remotely wherever possible; segregate people within the working area to minimize close contact and maintain social distancing as far as possible,” according to the initial BBC guidelines.

The guidelines can be found at bit.ly/ FilmingGuidelines.

And while one might expect the background scenes and support staff to notice a difference in operations, BBC officials are also asking for changes in the on-screen production, also, in the new guidelines.

“Changes to script and scenes to take into account social distancing,” according to the guidelines, which also call for a greater use of “‘green screens’ to ‘down the line’ to support minimizing numbers on production.”

The release also calls for boom or fixed mics to avoid contact and maintain a 6-foot distance, as well as call for performers to, when possible, do their own makeup, in addition to limiting the application of any on-set touch-ups of makeup. The document even mentions smaller details like not to “directly hand over outfits from wardrobe to actors/ presenters.”

Actors from “Reno 911” mill about the set in between scenes during a February shoot outside the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, down the street from City Hall. Less than six weeks later, the entire industry was shut down due to restrictions from the L.A. County Department of Public Health. The industry is now working to see how the industry could safely return.

AND IN SANTA CLARITA …

Evan Thomason, who took part in the now seemingly long-ago Business Journal roundtable as economic development associate for Santa Clarita, who oversees the city’s Film Office, has been leading a crew that was working from home for about two months of the county’s “Safer at Home” order.

Last year, the city brought in an estimated $36 million in revenue to city coffers through impacts associated with filming, which is one of the reasons his

team is looking forward to the safe return of the industry.

If the initial discussions bear out, what we could see on our streaming devices the same time next year could be very different indeed, based on what Thomason heard during a more recent roundtable call with agencies similar to his own from around the world.

In addition to the United Kingdom, China and Australia appear to be slightly ahead on the return to filming timeline.

“They’re not writing scenes where people have to be intimate or next to each other … They’re using camera tricks to cheat on proximity,” Thomason said, sharing a few of the suggestions that came from the international call.

“We’re waiting to see like everyone else,” Thomason said. “So when L.A. County allows that particular (permit) use again, we are fully prepared to start issuing permits.”

THE SIGNAL · SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 · B3

REALTORS DISCUSS HOME-BUYING IN A PANDEMIC

BY CALEB LUNETTA Signal Staff Writer

T

here is not a single industry in the United States that does not seem to have been impacted in some way by COVID-19.

The real estate market is firmly in that group, with Realtors affected in a number of ways that came as a surprise to experts in the real estate field.

There was a 42.8% drop in the number of single-family home listings between April 2019 and April 2020, or there was 311 in April 2019 and 178 in April 2020, according to numbers published by the Southland Regional Association.

However, the median price, according to the SRAR, for the Santa Clarita Valley, increased by approximately 3.6%.

Home sales within Santa Clarita had dropped by 54% when comparing April of this year against April of last year, according to Cherrie Brown, the broker-owner of NextHome Real Estate Rockstars.

“But what was interesting to me is that the amount of homes that sold at or above list price was 70% of those sales,” said Brown. “So while the number of sales are down, we’re still seeing a lot of competition on the market.”

Brown said this phenomenon, of a majority of sales coming in at above list price despite less homes being, is that for those who are still working during the pandemic, they’re looking at low interest rates and are eager to jump in the market.

“We’re seeing a lot of buyers in the market who haven’t lost their jobs in Santa Clarita,” said Brown. “Unfortunately in Santa Clarita, we have a high rate of unemployment, but we do have a lot of first responders, and I think that’s what’s carrying our market; a majority of our transactions have been first responders.”

In addition to the homes being snatched up at a slower rate but for a higher price, Brown said homes are on the market for less time.

While there has been a drop in listings, most of the homes that are selling are going for at or above the listing, according to a local expert. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

“

It’s a little bit more work, but the agents are now used to it. I think it’s not as scary for people as it was when it first came out.”

— Nicole Stinson, Realtor, chair of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors

“The average days on the market in Santa Clarita is 22,” said Brown. “(The normal average) can vary because we’ve been in such a low inventory market for so many years; yet, you’re looking at anywhere from 35 to 45 days.”

Specifically for her team, Brown said they’ve sold nine properties and the average day on the market for those homes was six days, when normally it’s more like 11 to 12 days.

Brown said that the combination of

opportunity and boredom at home, along with a confluence of other factors, has led to these statistical shifts.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN BUYING A HOME Nicole Stinson, a real estate broker working in the Santa Clarita Valley, said at the beginning of pandemic Realtors were suffering because they weren’t allowed to show homes to people.

However, after being deemed essential workers, new protocols for showing a

home have been put in place, she said.

“Luckily in Santa Clarita, the guidelines for showing property relaxed very quickly,” said Stinson. “Even though we’re restricted, we have a little bit more privileges.”

Stinson said typically people look at the virtual walk-throughs of the homes before deciding to visit.

Those looking to buy the home are then asked to set up an appointment with the Realtor, because open houses are no longer allowed, Stinson said.

“They can make an appointment to see us, and they have to fill out a special disclosure saying that they understand that COVID is going on and that they’re going to wear protective masks, and gloves and not touch anything in the house,” she said.

Additionally, the owner of the home is not allowed to be there when the showing is happening, as only two people and the realtor are allowed in the home at a time. For instance, a family of four would need to do two separate walk throughs, with two waiting outside waiting for the first two to be done.

Stinson said one of the big changes for the market, and what might make people hesitant to buy at times, is that they’re presently out of work, but will be receiving a paycheck once again soon.

“They’re not qualified; they were qualified but until they start getting their paycheck, they really can’t close alone,” said Stinson. “So we’re seeing things put on hold, escrows take a little bit longer to close because they have to get back on qualifying.”

However, despite the extra loopholes, and Brown believing that May will see a similar number of low house sales, Stinson says that the agents are becoming more optimistic about the market as the days go on.

“It’s a little bit more work, but the agents are now used to it,” said Stinson.

“I think it’s not as scary for people as it was when it first came out.”

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

THE 5 RS: ECONOMIC STRATEGY FOR RECOVERY HOLLY SCHROEDER President & CEO of SCVEDC

L

.A. County recently formed the Economic Resiliency Task Force with leaders from business, labor, government and education communities to develop actionable recommendations to improve the economy, create jobs and return to full employment.

The Task Force consists of the Board of Supervisors and a sector lead from 13 different industries. Each of these sector leads will facilitate working group discussions to help develop recommendations to leverage public-private partnerships to reopen our economy.

I have been invited by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to participate in the Business — Corporate/Manufacturing working group that will report to the larger Task Force.

It is an honor to be selected for this working group and I’m committed to finding solutions to get our economy on the road to recovery. SCV businesses are eager to open up quickly, but only if they can do so safely.

1. Reopening the economy and getting residents back to work The reopening has already begun and should continue to identify the near-term steps that can be taken, in a phased approach, to safely open businesses that remain closed. These steps should include establishing best practices for health criteria, social distancing and related operational and sanitation protocols. Once established, these practices and protocols should inform the progressive reopening of businesses that adhere to them.

The reopening of businesses should be prioritized by the sectors which can most easily adhere to the protocols, those that employ individuals hardest hit by the crisis, and those that have large multiplier effects that can stimulate the economy. Timeframes for opening successive waves based on successful implementation of health and safety protocols will allow other businesses to prepare.

2. Accelerate the jobs recovery The jobs recovery phase should add ongoing measures that increase consumer confidence and expand inclusive growth across the county, while ensuring that new health risks do not jeopardize reopenings that have occurred.

3. Engendering economic reinvention, resilience and resurgence Post-crisis, L.A. County must begin to rethink and reinvest in its economy to be more inclusive and resilient.

The county should develop incentives for commercialstage biopharmaceutical and medical device companies to locate in L.A. County in order to de-risk future supply chain disruptions, especially companies seeking to move production from overseas.

If you’d like more information, contact the SCV EDC at (661) 288-4400 or scvedc@scvedc.org.

IN THE MEANTIME, WE'RE HERE FOR YOUR COMPANY

FOR BUSINESSES scvedc.org/coronavirus scvedc.org/scalingup

FOR EMPLOYERS & JOB SEEKERS LiveWorkSCV.com

CONTACT US scvedc@scvedc.org 661.288.4400

2020 DIRECTORS

B4 · SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 · THE SIGNAL

A STORY OF COMMITMENT AND RESILIENCE Since the COVID-19 pandemic began the SCV Chamber of Commerce said to the en re business community, “We’re in this together. We’re #SCVproud!”

And working together with you, we met this moment head on.

What this meant for the SCV Chamber was staying ac vely engaged with our en re business community over the last 10 weeks. We deployed an immediate strategic communica ons campaign to keep businesses informed and educated as our daily lives began to rapidly shi and change.

CHAIR OF THE BOARD NANCY STARCZYK

Realty Executives

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HUNT BRALY

Poole, Shaffery & Koegle, LLP

MARISOL ESPINOZA

Southern California Gas Company

KEVIN HOLMES

Martini Akpovi Partners, LLP

TROY HOOPER

Kiwi Hospitality Partners

DR. CHRIS RAIGOSA

Kaiser Permanente

CHRIS SCHRAGE

LBW Insurance Financial Services

JOHN VANCE

Vance Wealth

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANDREA CARPENTER

Logix

STEVE COLE

SCV Water Agency

JASON CRAWFORD

City of Santa Clarita

JEFFREY FORREST

College of the Canyons

MONICA HARRISON

LA Film Locations

BRIAN HIGGINS

AAA Companies

PAM INGRAM

Re/Max of Valencia

ALEEN MANCHESTER

California Resources Corporation

PATRICK MOODY

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

BRIAN O’CONNOR

Princess Cruises

DAN REVETTO

AT&T

HENRY RODRIGUEZ

State Farm Insurance

SANDY SANCHEZ

FivePoint

LIZ SEELMAN

Southern California Edison

G. JESSE SMITH

California Institute of the Arts

DR. DIANNE VAN HOOK

College of the Canyons

DENNIS VERNER

Burrtec

KARINA WINKLER

Holiday Inn Express

You immediately saw a greater Chamber presence and a stronger support e ort for our businesses.

Some of what we accomplished for local businesses included: • Quickly launched a series of virtual programming to meet your needs • Created a COVID-19 Business Resource Center online • Worked together to promote open, essen al businesses • Iden fied and promoted funding sources for businesses in need • Boosted our pro-business advocacy e orts with City, County and State o cials And we did all of this while providing our members two months of complimentary membership to help businesses get through this crisis.

As businesses begin the process of reopening, we have pivoted our focus once again to help set the stage for the beginning of an economic recovery e ort. Working together in partnership with the SCVEDC, we launched a new webinar series, Back2Business, which is helping businesses be ready to successfully reopen.

And we’re proud that the head of the Chamber’s management team was appointed to the LA County Economic Resiliency Task Force’s Small Business Working Group to help develop a successful strategy to get businesses reopened and the economy moving.

In one of the most economically disastrous crisis’s of our me, your SCV Chamber stepped up with you to meet this challenge together. It’s a story we can all be proud of as we work to recover and move forward.

Thank you for helping us write a story of strength, commitment and resiliency.

We are with you. We are #SCVproud!

Sincerely, Nancy Starczyk

The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce has the following Business Councils:

Government Affairs The Government A airs council meets to discuss policy decisions on a local, county, state and federal level. As a member, you are encouraged to a end a mee ng and have your voice heard throughout the SCV and take a stance on per nent issues rela ve to the business community or your industry in par cular.

Industry & Technology The Industry and Technology council works to improve and enhance a strong business climate for Santa Clarita Valley based industry, manufacturing, processing and technology companies through pro-business advocacy to develop balanced laws, e ec ve regula ons and sound public policies to s mulate economic growth and create new jobs while safeguarding environmental resources.

Small Business Small Businesses are at the core of our Chamber’s membership and are the backbone of our economy. The Chamber o ers a variety of educa onal and networking programming to help your small business thrive. The council focuses on three main objec ves: Advises the SCV Chamber on small business related issues, programming and networking opportuni es; Supports the Chambe’s “Retail Walks” with elected o cials; and helps promote the na onwide “Small Business Saturday” program which highlights small businesses on the Saturday a er Thanksgiving.

Non-Profit The SCV has a strong philanthropic community with more than 100 locally-based non-profit organiza ons that help our community thrive. Our non-profits are a key reason why Santa Clarita is a great community and always looking towards a be er future. The council provides business resources for our local non-profit leaders to help them connect, grow and learn about valuable informa on so they can successfully meet their organiza ons mission and goals.

Latino Business Alliance Our LBA council works to promote La no-owned business as well as relevant issues facing our La no business community. In addi on the LBA helps to educate businesses on how to enhance a company’s business e orts with La no customers and other La no-owned businesses.

NextSCV NextSCV is our next genera on of leaders and the group aims to develop the next leaders of the Santa Clarita Valley through personal and professional development, civic engagement, and network building opportuni es that ul mately s mulate local businesses and support the mission of the SCV Chamber.

TheSignal_053020_B04-B05.indd B4

WEBINAR SERIES

The SCV Chamber of Commerce launched our webinar series on March 17 to equip all SCV Businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

As a member organiza on we saw the need to assist the en re business community and o ered these free of charge to all. Our ini al series tled “COVID-19 Resource Webinar Series” covered subjects that were cri cal during the ini al stages of the stay at home orders and covered everything from Legal, HR, Insurance, Cybersecurity, SBA and PPP loans and business resources on how to adapt and work in the new normal.

As we started approaching the relaxa on of some of the stay ay home orders, we partnered with the SCVEDC to bring the “ScalingUp Back2Business” Webinar series.

These have covered subjects from what essen al businesses learnt while adjus ng their business models to prac cal informa on on workspace layouts. This past week Supervisor Kathryn Barger broke the news on our webinar that she would be reques ng variances for Santa Clarita to open earlier than the rest of the County.

These webinars are available for all to view on our website under the COVID-19 tab. Go check them out and send any ques ons to hello@scvchamber.com

To find out more about the Chamber, the benefits of membership, its business councils and all its resources please email hello@scvchamber.com or visit

SCVChamber.com

5/28/2020 12:23:35 PM

THE SIGNAL · SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 · B5

As the largest business membership organization in the santa clarita valley, the scv chamber of commerce is the voice of business. the chamber actively advocates on behalf of our business community on important local, regional and statewide issues that have direct impacts on our local businesses

SCV CHAMBER SUPPORTS PROPOSED DELAY IN LA COUNTY MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE The minimum wage in LA County is scheduled to increase on July 1, 2020.

The SCV Chamber has expressed support of a mo on by LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger to study the delay of the increase by one year to help allow businesses to reopen and recover from the government mandated closure of businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

LA County is currently one year ahead of the State’s meline in which the proposed one-year delay will bring the State and the County onto the same meline which moves the minimum wage to an eventual $15/hour.

The Chamber believes that any burden of addi onal costs to employers will only result in fewer jobs and con nued higher unemployment claims.

ADVOCATING TO REOPEN BUSINESSES For the last several weeks, the SCV Chamber has been advoca ng for the safe reopening of our businesses. Our businesses closed to help fla en the curve and save lives. Now that we’ve successfully done that, it’s me to get our businesses reopened and our workforce back to work so we can begin recovering.

The SCV Chamber has been suppor ve of the “Safer at Work and Safer in our Communi es” plan proposed by LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and has been working with City leadership to successfully make the case for reopening.

John Musella represented the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce at the May 12th City Council mee ng to advocate for reopening.

Musella urged Council to open up, but to make sure it is done correctly. He discussed the need to protect the public from the virus but also noted business owners are willing to work with the minor inconveniences if it means reopening their doors and ge ng on the road to recovery. The SCV Chamber is looking to work with the City to ensure proper health guidelines are followed by the residents and businesses to avoid further economic damage. Musella closed his comments by sta ng, “Santa Clarita is a strong city and a strong community...

It’s me to get back to business.”

OUR ADVOCACY HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT. JOIN THE CHAMBER TODAY TO STRENGTHEN THE VOICE OF BUSINESS IN THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY

CHAMBER MAKES CASE FOR I-5 FUNDING APPROVAL The SCV Chamber urged the California Transporta on Commission to approve the alloca on of $247 million in SB-1 (gas tax) funds towards construc on of improvements to Interstate 5 in North Los Angeles County.

The funding was successfully approved on May 13th. The project design is complete, has received all necessary clearances, and is fully funded and shovel-ready.

PROP 13 INITIATIVE HEADED FOR NOVEMBER BALLOT WILL DAMAGE SMALL BUSINESSES As we look to build an economic recovery, the SCV Chamber con nues its long- me opposi on to changes to Prop 13 and strongly opposes any split roll proposal planned to appear on the November 2020 ballot.

Split-roll will increase property taxes on commercial buildings which will be passed on to small businesses and consumers.

The SCV Chamber knows that, “Faced with higher property taxes, commercial property owners with typical lease terms are likely to pass the increased costs on to their tenants.”

CHAMBER SUCCESSFULLY REQUESTS FIX FOR FLAWED REGIONAL GROWTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY ECONOMIC RESILIENCY TASK FORCE PLAN The Southern California Associaon of Governments (SCAG) was preparing to move forward with a new long-range transporta on and housing plan, which would have a substan al impact on Southern California communi es over the next 25 years, when the SCV Chamber and other organiza ons requested a delay to fix significant flaws in the plan.

The plan as proposed ignored local general plans and already-approved development projects. The SCV Chamber successfully urged the SCAG to delay and fix the plan and to respect already approved City/County General Plans.

Ivan Volschenk, Managing Partner of Evolve Business Strategies who manages the SCV Chamber, has been invited by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to par cipate in the Los Angeles County Economic Resiliency Task Force as a member of the Small Business sector work group.

The mission of the Task Force is the development of ac onable recommenda ons for the County to leverage public-private partnerships to improve the economy, create jobs and return to full employment.

The loss of regional recogni on of approved development projects could have significantly delayed economic development opportuni es in our region that will spur economic ac vity.

WHEN WE ALL SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE , WE AMPLIFY THE VOICE OF BUSINESS! Given the COVID-19 crisis, our advocacy work has never been more important. The SCV Chamber recently launched IMPACT SCV, a direct-message advocacy program to allow our members to make their voices heard. When we all speak with one voice and take ac on, we amplify The Voice of Business!

Through our new advocacy pla orm, we are able to provide innova ve and integrated approaches to mobilizing our membership into grassroots advocates for business. From mass advocacy emails, to social media campaigns and even phone calls to our elected representa ves, the SCV Chamber will now be at the forefront at deploying all types of campaigns with one click. Check out our IMPACT SCV page, under the Advocacy tab on our website, and take ac on on our current campaigns. IMPACT SCV is a comprehensive digital advocacy solu on for the Sant Clarita Valley business community that will take our strategic, pro-business advocacy to the next level.

TheSignal_053020_B04-B05.indd B5

5/28/2020 12:23:42 PM

B6 · SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 · THE SIGNAL

WORKPLACE WOES IN THE QUARANTINE ERA PAUL BUTLER Signal Contributing Writer

“

There’s always someone worse off than you.” This is a commonly known phrase that seems commonly forgotten, especially during these strange days of COVID-19. There are indeed, many workplace woes.

We’ve most definitely seen a downturn in our business, due to the virus, but in the big scheme of things — we’re OK. Yes, we’re seeing dates for onsite training being postponed; projects in-progress paused and contracts about to be signed, frozen in state. Organizations are pen-shy and reluctant to assign their dollars to anything other than the essentials right now. But by God’s grace, we’re OK. All around me, I’m hearing of furloughs — a phrase I’d never heard so much until lately. Furlough means, “leave of absence” — translated as time off without pay. It’s a temporal layoff. What could be worse than being temporarily laid off from work without pay — not knowing for certain when the furlough will end?

I guess what’s worse is to be laid off — period. It seems everywhere I turn — or more aptly, everywhere I click — I hear of a family member, friend or neighbor being furloughed or laid off. Surely it can’t get much worse?

Well, yesterday a close friend told us, he’d been “let go” after 30 years of faithful service to one company. He literally went from boy to man with this company. He got married; had children; raised those children and put them through college while working hard and picking up about 720 paychecks from one employer.

Then one day last week it all stopped. He wasn’t furloughed. He wasn’t laid off. He was let go.

What is the working world coming to?

How can our economy continue with all of this lost talent being put to the wayside, if only temporarily? If only we could find and fire the virus in corridor 19 — then we could all get back to work.

What could be worse than being “let go” after 30 years of service? How about hearing of families living in their cars because they could no longer make rent when jobs were lost? What do such unfortunate people notate as their “place of residence” on a job application — “my car”?

These uncertain times have countless workers frustratingly uncertain about their futures, as Paul Butler asks, “What could be worse than being temporarily laid off from work without pay — not knowing for certain when the furlough will end?”

(MC) Yes, there’s always someone worse off than us. I was watching a documentary last night about basketball legend Scottie Pippen and how he was berated for, and regretted, signing a contract for $18 million for seven years. In hindsight, he realized he could have demanded much more. It must be hard to get by on $2.6 million a year. He felt worse off than others.

As I am sure you’ve heard, the government has placed a freeze on publicly traded companies paying executive bonuses during this pandemic. According to an analysis conducted by the Wall Street Journal in May 2019, the average CEO base annual compensation was $12.4 million before bonuses. That’s six times more than Scottie Pippen back in the day, but I guess it must be hard to get by on merely double-digits in the millions without your bonus.

The government has also restricted those same companies from conducting stock buy-backs. This is when they use cash reserves to buy their own stock in the market at bargain prices, to then sell it at a much higher price later. The logic being: It seems inappropriate to hold a party paying out big bonuses and dancing the stock buy-back two-step while asking for government bailouts and tax breaks.

I get it.

Yes, it does indeed seem there’s always someone worse off. We looked into some grants that were available through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As mentioned, I believe we’re going to be OK, but I thought to myself — hey, if we can get a free grant for a couple of months to help us meet payroll and office rent more easily, we may as well. The problem was, as soon as I entered “91355” as our office ZIP code, we were considered

“ineligible.” I guess the system figured out the people over here in Awesometown are not considered economically disadvantaged enough.

As bad as economic loss is — whether it’s a business slow-down; a furlough; a layoff or a let-go, there are far worse tragedies to befall someone — and that is the loss of life. Let us never forget that as of this publication, there have been more than 350,000 deaths worldwide due to this horrid pandemic.

There’s always someone worse off.

Paul Butler is a Santa Clarita resident and a client partner with Newleaf Training and Development of Valencia (newleaftd.com). The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Signal newspaper. For questions or comments, email Butler at paul. butler@newleaftd.com.

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR EARS FROM LOUD NOISE DR. KEVIN BOLDER AuD, Audiology Associates

E

xposure to loud noise is a common reason why people develop hearing loss. At least 10 million adults in the U.S. have noise-induced hearing loss. While you can still enjoy loud music or fireworks, repeated exposure for long periods of time can potentially cause serious damage. Learn more on how to protect your hearing.

WHAT IS TOO LOUD? Sounds are typically measured in

decibels (dB). Exposure to sounds over 85 dB can cause noise-induced hearing loss. As the volume increases, your chances of developing hearing loss increases as well. Rock concerts and power tools are 110-120 dB while fireworks are 140-160dB. Prolonged exposure to these noises can cause serious damage to your hearing.

REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE The best way to protect your ears from loud noises is to avoid them. Some exposure is fine, but when you’re around loud noise frequently or for a long time, then your hearing can be affected. Be mindful of the volume around you. If you find

yourself in a situation with unexpectedly loud noise, try to give yourself some distance from the source.

WEAR HEARING PROTECTION Some exposure to loud noise is inevitable. When you’re around loud noise, it’s recommended to wear hearing protection, such as earplugs. There are different styles of earplugs available, making it easy to find an option that matches your needs.

HAVE YOUR HEARING EVALUATED If you’re concerned about hearing loss, schedule an appointment. People who work in loud environments or who

participate in loud recreational activities are at an increased risk. Watch out for warning signs, such as if you experience a ringing in your ears or frequently ask people to repeat themselves.

To schedule a hearing evaluation today, please call Audiology Associates at (661) 284-1900.

Kevin Bolder, Au.D., Patrice Rifkind, Au.D., and John David, Au.D. are three of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www.AudiologyAssociates.net or stop by our office located at 23838 Valencia Blvd, Suite 100, Valencia. We are hearing health care excellence.

THE SIGNAL · SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 · B7

THE SUMMER OF THE 2020 ASSESSMENT ROLL

BY JEFF PRANG Los Angeles County Assessor

S

weltering hot days of summer are here and so is the most significant item I do as your assessor: the 2020 Assessment Roll.

Some may be scratching their head and wondering what is the Assessment Roll?

Others are more than familiar with the comprehensive tally that values more than 2.5 million real estate parcels in Los Angeles County that results in the very tax dollars that go to pay for vital public services, such as police, fire, schools and even librarians, to name just a few.

Last year’s Assessment Roll came in at nearly $1.7 trillion, which put $17 billion in the hands of the county — to be used for those public services I just mentioned. This year, the roll has an added dynamic: the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the pandemic hit and we were all put under quarantine as required by the “Safer At Home” protocols, my force of nearly 1,400 employees went into a massive teleworking mode of operations.

We have 85% to 95% of our workforce teleworking and the transition has proved challenging.

“The Roll” as it is known, contains the assessed value of all real estate and business personal property in the County’s 88 cities along with the unincorporated areas. It also breaks down the number of single-family residential homes, apartments and commercialindustrial parcels.

Last year, the roll countywide consisted of 2,376,551 taxable real property parcels, 177,212 business property assessments, 27,720 boats and 3,114 aircraft.

As an example, Santa Clarita had an assessed value of $35.1 billion for 2019 that included 62,331 single-family homes, 491 apartments and 4,678 commercial-industrial parcels. That’s 67,500 total parcels.

That was a 7.8% increase over 2018, which came in at $32.6 billion and put Santa Clarita as the fifth-highest valued city in the county. The highest was Los Angeles at $652.916 billion.

Again for the 2019 Assessment Roll, the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Assessor’s Office processed 325,000 deeds, assessed more than 120,000 transfers, enrolled over 71,000 new construction, reviewed about 91,000

This year, Los Angeles County’s assessment roll has an added dynamic: the COVID-19 pandemic.

“

What could be worse than being ‘let go’ after 30 years of service? How about hearing of families living in their cars because they could no longer make rent when jobs were lost?”

decline-in-value parcels, and prepared more than 26,000 Assessment Appeals Board cases.

Moreover, in 2019 alone assessor business personal property staff canvassed more than 38,000 business locations and processed nearly 124,000 property statements.

All this effort goes into the Assessment Roll that is the foundation of Los Angeles County’s property tax system. Local property taxes are generated based upon the Roll and are used to fund critical

local government services, as mentioned earlier but deserves repeating, including education, public safety, infrastructure improvements (filling potholes) and, now more than ever, public health services.

The 2020 Assessment Roll will be released in the coming months and, yes, you can expect it will be affected by this unprecedented health crisis. We will know more in a few weeks.

As we move forward during this critical time, I hope everybody stays safe and healthy. This is a tumultuous time in our

history. No question about that, but as what has been said so many times before during emergencies that demand the best from us, this could be our finest hour.

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang has been in office since 2014. 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 1,400 employees and provides the foundation for a property tax system that generates $17 billion annually.

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

COOL ROOFING FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

BY MARC SALATA Director of Marketing, SunPower by Green Convergence

M

ost people think of a roof as something that protects from the rain, and a bad roof is referred to as a “leaky roof.” But in Southern California, there are other elements that beat down on the flat roofs of many commercial buildings more constantly and severely than rain: heat and sunlight. That’s where cool roofs come in. They protect structures from rain, but also greatly reduce heat — and consequently, air conditioning and utility expenses.

One important characteristic to look

for when choosing a cool roofing product is the material’s solar reflectance. This is a measurement of how well a surface material reflects sunlight. Not just the visible light we see, but also the infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths that heat up a building’s interior from above. Solar reflectance can also be called “albedo” (Latin for “whiteness”).

Another important term is emittance.

Once a roofing material is heated up by the intense energy of the sun, how long will the roof hold onto that energy? A material with a high rate of emittance will release heat and help keep a building cooler than a material with a low rate of emittance.

Cool roofs are measured by a

combination of solar reflectance and emittance — the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). The SRI demonstrates how hot a surface would be relative to standard white or standard black surfaces. Materials with the highest SRI maintain the coolest roof.

One high quality roofing membrane is made by Sika and is called Sarnofil.

Sarnofil has the best SRI in its class and is virtually impervious to water damage.

It is rolled out in large sheets and hot welded at the seams. Sika is so confident in Sarnofil, that they warranty it even in the presence of ponding — a common site on flat roofs. While other roofing warranties contain exclusions for ponding, it will not compromise the Sarnafil

roof system.

Of course, the right materials are only useful in the hands of the right installer.

SunPower by Green Convergence has been installing Sika Sarnofil cool roofs for years in locations such as medical device giant Medtronic, the Paramount studio lot, and other large-scale commercial jobs across SoCal. Green Convergence has an in-house sheet metal fabrication department, which gives them much greater flexibility to address unique challenges presented by any roof, and they can provide solar solutions to go along with roofing when needed.

Visit GreenConvergence.com for more information.

and Solar Solutions Grace Baptist Church

Medtronic, Inc.

Santa Clarita|49,096 sq ft Combined roof & solar

Santa Ana | 140,000 sq ft.

20-year roof warranty

HRD Aerospace Valencia | 306 kW Solar $87K yearly savings

The Total Solution

greenconvergence.com | 661.491.5111 GC Commercial Ad 10.5 x 9..indd 1

1/22/2020 11:28:27 AM

B8 · SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 · THE SIGNAL

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THE SIGNAL · SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 · B9

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SANTA CLARITA VALLEY

26455 Rockwell Canyon Road | UCEN 263 | Santa Clarita, CA 91355 | (661) 288-4400 | www.scvedc.org

SCVEDC, CHAMBER HOST BACK2BUSINESS WEBINAR SERIES

Mayor Cameron Smyth, with the latest information on the phases of reopening and getting ready for the “new normal” of business.

May webinars concluded with sessions “Work for Home” and “The Future of Telecommuting” by leaders of Resurgence IT, Scorpion and LBW Insurance; and “Managing Physical Space” with a look at adjustments needed for safety and social distancing in the workplace by SRK Architects, Fralock and Neotech Products.

The next webinar on “The New Economic Outlook Forecast” by Dr. Mark Schneipp, will be held June 3. To learn more about these informative sessions or to watch a replay of the webinars visit www.scvedc.org/scalingup.

BY HOLLY SCHROEDER President/CEO of SCV Economic Development Corp.

T

he Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp., in partnership with the SCV Chamber of Commerce, launched a webinar series in May to provide insights on many aspects that businesses need to consider as they plan strategies for rescaling and reopening.

This Back2Business series, supported by a grant from Wells Fargo Foundation, uniquely engages SCV business and community leadership in sharing their experiences to date, outlook in the coming months, and practical guidance to both business-to-business (B2B) and businessto-customer (B2C) businesses in the SCV. Seven webinars were held in May. The series launched with two sessions on “Getting Ready to Reopen — Lessons and Practices,” the first focused on B2B businesses and second on B2C. Essential business B2B executives from Shimtech Industries, AMS Fulfillment, and Bocchi Laboratories discussed their health and safety protocols and shifts in business practices, while B2C executives from Re/ Max of Valencia, Logix and Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewery shared their strategies in adjusting their retail operations,

their teams and continued services to SCV residents.

“Legal and Operations Considerations” was delivered by SCV’s expert employment law attorney, Brian Koegle of Poole Shaffery and Koegle LLP, providing a sobering look at the complex legal considerations businesses must consider and contend with as they reopen. The next “Workforce Readiness, Culture & Communication” webinar focused

on executive leadership in very diverse industries including Landscape Development, Inc., TA Aerospace and American Craftsman Restoration, in guiding both managers and employees in challenges of mental health, safety, confidence and in returning to the workplace and maintaining productivity as the economy reopens.

The series continued with city and county updates from L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Santa Clarita

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation is a unique private/ public partnership representing the united effort of regional industry and government leaders. The SCVEDC utilizes an integrated approach to attracting, retaining and expanding a diversity of businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley, especially those in key industry clusters, by offering competitive business services and other resources.

Contact the office at (661) 288-4400 or send us an email at scvedc@scvedc.org.

Econo Watch Santa Clarita Valley

Q4 ’19

Q3 ’19

Q4 2019 Sq Ft

Commercial Vacancy Rates Office Space

11.82%

11.54%

2,782,785

Industrial Space

3.40%

4.20%

2,485,565

Total Marked Sq. Ft. Vacancy Percentage: Office Space - as a % of Vacancy Industrial Space - as a % of Vacancy

Building Permits

Apr ‘ 20

Bank of Santa Clarita (BSCA) California Resources Corp (CRC) Carnival Corp. (CCL) FivePoint (FPH) Mission Valley Bank (MVLY) Six Flags * (SIX) Woodward (WWD)

8.6 2.8 15.9 5.64 9.65 20.1 62.96

Unemployment Rates

5,268,350 52.82%

Local Company Stock Prices

52.57%

N/A

47.18%

47.43%

N/A

Apr ‘20

Mar ‘20

Apr ’19

New Commercial/Industrial Building Permits

0

0

5

Commercial Tenent Improvements/Alterations

24

26

65

Mar ‘20

Santa Clarita Palmdale Lancaster Glendale Los Angeles County State

6.0% 9.1% 9.2% 5.9% 6.4% 5.3%

Housing Stats

Apr ‘ 20

SCV Median Home Value SCV Median Condo Value SCV Home Sales SCV Condo Sales SCV Avg. # of Days on Market (SF) SCV Single Family Home Inventory

674,800 402,300 166 62 69 167

Mar ‘20 7.4 1 13.17 5.07 9.85 12.54 59.2

Feb ‘20 4.3% 6.6% 6.7% 4.2% 4.3% 3.9%

Mar ‘20 668,800 413,000 184 80 43 197

% Change 16.22% 180% 20.73% 11.24% -2.03% 59.57% 6.35%

% Change 39.53% 37.88% 37.31% 40.48% 48.84% 35.90%

Apr ‘19 608,200 450,000 214 38 89.3 441

THE LIST: A UTO D EALERSHIPS I N T HE S ANTA C LARITA V ALLEY RANK

DEALERSHIP

NEW/USED

ON-SITE SERVICE CENTER

YEAR EST. IN SCV

TOP LOCAL EXECUTIVE**

CONTACT INFORMATION 23621 Creekside Rd., Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 255-7575 www.frontiertoyota.com

1

Frontier Toyota

Y/Y

Y

1986

Bob Corson, GM

2

Valencia BMW

Y/Y

Y

1999

Niko Karivunidis, GM

23435 Valencia Blvd. Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 254-8000 www.valenciabmw.com

3

AutoNation Honda Valencia

Y/Y

Y

1999

Dan Turner

23551 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 200-9110 www.autonationhondavalencia.com

4

Parkway Motorcars Valencia (General Motors, Hyundai, Volkswagen)

Y/Y

Y

1991

Steve Keefe, COO

24050 Creekside Rd., Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 253-4441 www.goparkway.com

5

AutoNation Chevrolet Valencia

Y/Y

Y

1978

Chuck Coia, GM

23649 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 877-4076 www.autonationchevroletvalencia.com

6

AutoNation Ford Valencia

Y/Y

Y

1978

Ara Princsian, GM

23920 Creekside Rd., Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 255-6600 www.autonationfordvalencia.com

7

Kia of Valencia

Y/Y

Y

2020

Chris Morris, GM

24095 Creekside Rd., Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 568-1350 www.kiaofvalencia.com

8

Lexus of Valencia

Y/Y

Y

2000

Mike Murray, GM

24033 Creekside Rd., Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 260-2000 www.lexusofvalencia.com

9

AutoNation Valencia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Y/Y

Y

2010

James Garwick, GM

23820 Creekside Rd., Valencia , CA 91355 (661) 259-8770 www.autonationchryslerdodgejeepramvalencia.com

10

Hello Nissan of Valencia

Y/Y

Y

1978

Ron Stettner, GM & Chris Morris, GM

24111 Creekside Rd, Valencia, CA 91355 (844)653-0900 www.hellonissanofvalencia.com

11

Infiniti of Valencia

Y/Y

Y

Ron Elkhoury, GM

24055 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355 (661)505-7800 www.infinitiofvalencia.com 23955 Creekside Rd., Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 255-3000 www.valenciaacura.com

12

Valencia Acura

Y/Y

Y

1989

Don Fleming, GM/ Owner

13

Audi Valencia

Y/Y

Y

2014

Mike Murray, GM

23923 Creekside Rd., Valencia, CA 91355 (661)735-1778 www.audivalencia.com

14

Mercedes-Benz of Valencia

Y/Y

Y

2005

Chris Paz, GM

23355 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 753-5555 www.mbzvalencia.com

15

Porsche of Santa Clarita

Y/Y

Y

2020

Joe Allin, GM

23645 Creekside Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 855-831-0268 PorscheSantaClarita.com

B10 · SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020 · THE SIGNAL

FAIL TO PLAN? YOU’RE PLANNING TO FAIL KEN KELLER

SCVBJ Contributor

D

wight D. Eisenhower said “In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”

As I write this, the “stay at home” and only go to work if you are running an essential business looks as if it will continue for a few more months.

The chaos that surrounded the March orders and the resulting uncertainty are now in the rearview mirror and many companies are looking beyond the initial panic and into the murky, hazy future.

Some level of stabilization has taken place, but many businesses are still in fire-fighting mode.

I can’t say whether any company is going to write 2020 off; there are plenty of businesses going strong while many still

REOPEN

Continued from page B1 Ahead of several others, Frontier Toyota in Valencia has implemented online orders and deliveries, which Corson said, “the timing (of online services) is amazing” to help businesses continue and keep customers safe.

And while many businesses today have seen an easier transition with online options to continue sales and services, not everyone has benefitted but they are making it work as restrictions ease. Among them is Rocket Fizz, a retailer with a selection of candy and bottled sodas in the hundreds, on Main Street in Newhall.

“Some stuff is online but really we have hundreds of items for selection so it’s not possible to have it all and do curbside pickup,” said owner Greg Stoddard.

The store, which saw a 40% drop in sales within the first month of the lockdown order and is now facing a 60% drop, is hoping to see a gradual increase in sales as more restrictions are lifted and more people return to Main Street.

While post-Safer at Home communities will still look different from pre-COVID-19 times, businesses said they are prioritizing the safety of their customers and workers over marketing and profit despite the financial shortfalls, of which the city of Santa Clarita has projected an estimated $10 million in revenue loss.

face great uncertainty.

It doesn’t matter if your firm is going gangbusters or barely surviving, having a plan, a roadmap, is still the best way to move forward.

Now in my own personal experience, I know that there are different CEO personality types with interesting approaches to planning.

The first type is the proud CEO with a plan only in their head who believes that they will never forget anything and refuses to share the goals, strategies or tactics.

The management team and employees are totally in the dark.

The second type simply doesn’t believe in planning. This CEO has a mission “to make money” and will come up with a dozen ideas or more each day in that fuzzy quest, not caring about the emotional rollercoaster that the staff goes through to try and keep up nor the resources wasted in hot pursuit of the next shiny penny.

The third type of CEO works with their team to create a written plan and then runs the business from it; changing

or updating as results come in from the actions taken and the results generated.

While a plan is a useful tool, the actual planning process, where the discussions, debates and time spent gaining clarity is where the true value surfaces for the CEO, the management team and employees.

But most plans are useless.

Why is this? First, most plans are too long. Second, most plans are not given a reality check; they are legends in the minds of those that compose them. Next, most plans cover strategy extensively, but ignore tactics. Fourth, there is often no follow up. Fifth, there is no accountability. So, sixth, once written, most plans are put on a shelf to collect dust.

The precise identification of the desired results are often not made clear.

Most companies try to do too much and fail at most everything they attempt.

I recommend three major objectives; five at the very most.

I also suggest creating a single-page plan summary, capturing bullet points of what the specific goals are, along with the

“We did not want to in the marketing business amid the pandemic. The priority is the safety and wellness of our staff and customers,” said Corson. “We certainly understand the (public’s) concerns. We believe that we have gone above and beyond to make them feel safe. We, as a community, have shown over the past couple of years how we can unite and come out stronger and we will again through this crisis.”

“As a restaurant and local business, we are doing our part to keep our guests safe — that is our priority,” said Meeks, adding that Old Town Junction has also been providing customers with groceries amid the pandemic. “We can do this; we can figure this out. I’m really confident in just seeing the community lean on each other and I think this will be an area where we will shine in.”

While COVID-19 developments continue and much uncertainty still remains, many more businesses will soon receive the green light to reopen but they will have to adhere to several requirements establishments issued by the county.

Here’s a brief look into the reopening protocol: BUSINESSES CURRENTLY ALLOWED TO REOPEN Under amended orders from the county’s Department of Public Health, officials have allowed additional “lowerrisk” businesses to reopen so far as they meet the county’s safety criteria.

Among those permitted to reopen include all retail shops that can offer curbside, outside and door-side pickup or delivery services, including indoor mall stores. Manufacturing, warehousing and logistics that supply to lower-risk shops can open. Those previously allowed to open, such as bookstores, florists and essential shops like grocery stores can remain in operation.

Gyms, theaters, bars, salons and barbershops remain closed under county orders.

PROTOCOL TO REOPEN • Workplace policies to protect employees Anyone who can conduct their work duties from home should be directed to do so, especially vulnerable staff.

All employees must be told to stay home if they are sick.

An employer should inform workers if one or more employees test positive for COVID-19 and should have a plan in place for the case(s) to self-isolate and for all those exposed to self-quarantine.

Workers are offered face coverings at no cost and must be worn at all times during the shift when in contact or likely to come in contact with others. Masks are not required when an employee is alone in an office or a walled cubicle.

• Measures to ensure physical distancing If the site-entry space permits, customers are directed to one of two lines at the door: one for pickup of pre-ordered

owner, deadline and resources needed.

Often companies make no attempt to engage front line employees in the execution of the plan. This just increases the odds of failing. When you can, tell people what the company is doing, where it is going.

The unique circumstances of this year require that CEOs take a different approach to getting through this turbulence.

What got you here, won’t get you there and you need to not only define “there” you need a plan to make the journey a successful one.

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.

Sales Consultants Bien Tarroza Jr. and Genardo Calzadillas stand next to a plastic customer-safety shield as they prepare for customers at Frontier Toyota. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL items, and one for on-site orders.

For establishments that offer onsite ordering, customers must remain in their vehicles or return in 15 minutes to obtain orders.

• Measures for infection control Contactless payment systems are in place or, if not feasible, payment systems are sanitized regularly.

Customers are instructed that they must wear a face covering to receive service. Those with medical conditions that make use of a mask hazardous are exempted.

For a complete look at the county’s protocol for retailers, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov/ media/Coronavirus/docs/protocols/ReopeningRetail.pdf.

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

HENRY MAYO IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS PATRICK MOODY Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

O

ur community has responded well to stay-athome and social distancing recommendations.

Thank you for doing your part to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of COVID-19. It’s because of your efforts that Henry Mayo has been able to reopen for elective surgeries and other procedures.

To ensure the safety of our patients and staff members, we have put new screening processes in place.

We also practice social distancing and universal masking throughout the hospital and in all our clinics. We encourage you to contact your physician if you have delayed necessary or preventive procedures.

Our Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center is seeing patients daily, again with safety processes in place. Please contact the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center at 661-200-1099 if you need to schedule your annual mammogram or other procedures. Our physical therapy clinics have always been open and are following strict patient safety protocols. For a full list of our services and their contact information, please visit henrymayo.com.

COVID-19 is having another impact: Here in the Santa Clarita Valley, and across the entire country, it’s clear that people are putting off needed visits to hospital emergency departments out of fear of the coronavirus.

Frankly, this worries us.

COVID-19 can be a frightening disease. It’s understandable why people are trying to stay home and avoiding areas where they fear the coronavirus could be spread.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is not such a place.

We have strict processes in place to isolate and treat suspected COVID-19 patients and to protect all others who come to our Emergency Department or anywhere else in our hospital.

If you have an urgent health care need, please do not delay a visit to our Emergency Department. If you experience symptoms that would have caused you to come to our Emergency Department in the past, please come in to be evaluated.

Henry Mayo is proud to be your community hospital.

Working with you, we are responding to COVID -19 in our community. Our mission though, is to improve the health of our community through compassion and excellence every day, and we want you to know all our vital services are open for emergency, non-emergency and preventive care.

Patrick Moody is the director of marketing and public relations at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. For more information about local community health programs, visit HenryMayo.com.