Community Pride 2016

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

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Business

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . D1

Community

Pride Business & Real Estate

SCV Community Pride • Business & Real Estate

Santa Clarita Draws Stars and Dollars with Local Filming

©Brook Photography 2016/Lisa Brook King.

Monica Harrison, owner, L.A. Film Locations.

D2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Business

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

L.A. Film Locations makes economic impact on Santa Clarita with Hollywood style

by Rubén J. Porras

I

t’s not difficult to tell when Monica Harrison and her L.A. Film Locations team is involved in a local film production project.

Simply be on the lookout for stunt men jumping off buildings, major stars involved in dramatic scenes on the streets of Santa Clarita or fiery car and helicopter crashes resulting in massive explosions.

L.A. Film Locations brings Hollywood to Santa Clarita by lining up locations for studios to film their productions.

Harrison started planning the business in the mid “90s” and business has boomed since Harrison opened the company in 2003.

TV programs including Supergirl, NCIS, Scandal, Modern Family, and Sons of Anarchy, brands such as Nike, Mercedes and Samsung, and movies including Love and Mercy, The Conjuring 2, and Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse have used the services of the company and the city has benefitted from their business.

“The economic impact (on Santa Clarita) is huge – over $30 million in 2015,” said Harrison. “I believe it will continue to grow especially since shows are now moving back to California with the new tax incentives.“ While California’s new tax incentives make sense financially, film production companies choose to film in Santa Clarita for a variety of reasons.

“We have varied looks and no other state can beat our weather – perfect combination for filming varied landscapes without the challenges of weather issues as we have seen in Chicago and Atlanta,

L.A. Film Locations/Courtesy photo

Commercial shoot at a film-friendly warehouse in Santa Clarita. etc…,” said Harrison.

Santa Clarita is also attractive to production companies because it is conveniently located inside the 30 Mile Zone — the area within 30 miles of N. La Cienega Blvd. and Beverly Blvd.

The zone was established to define the distance that union workers are expected to travel to get to work at production locations. The city’s location is also the perfect home for hundreds of industry workers who choose to reside away from the traffic

and fast pace of Los Angeles.

These industry workers support the local economy and form a rich talent pool that filmmakers can draw from.

“Commercials, still photography and features don’t really need to stay in the film zone but we get requests for the locations to be located within the zone more often than not,” said Harrison.

“Staying within the 30 Mile Zone allows studios and production companies to save money by not having to pay for hotel rooms, travel time,

mileage, and meal allowances once they leave the film zone.”

To keep the film production business thriving in Santa Clarita, the city has streamlined its permitting process and developed economic incentive programs.

“Santa Clarita is a very film friendly city with a film office that is great to work with and understands what the film business brings to a community – permits are quickly processed, permit fees are reasonable, film incentives are in place for studios and production companies to film out here, etc…The city gets it,” said Harrison.

What might be surprising to some is the variety of locations that are requested by L.A. Film Locations clients.

“One month we get more calls for warehouses and the next month it’s all about conference rooms and hallways and then residential proper-

ties,” said Harrison. “There is no pattern – we need everything including parking lots and mobile homes to mansions. More controllable locations and locations that have some decent parking get requested more often – but other than these two reasons – we get requests for all kinds of real estate on a daily basis.

This morning we received more calls for dealerships, golf courses, hotels and also mechanic garages. It’s different every day.”

Accommodating the unique requests of various studios and production companies requires Harrison and her team to manage a constantly evolving database of properties. Harrison relies on 15 years of experience managing a portfolio of commercial real estate that included over a million square feet of space in Southern California.

Local business owners, property owners, and man-

agers and residents are welcome to contact L.A. Film Locations to add their properties to the company’s database. This creates an opportunity for them to generate a new stream of income. Marketing properties is a service that the company provides at no charge.

“We have businesses that use the extra money to pay for not only varied expenses but also some put it into a fund for an employee party and/or bonuses, some home owner associations (HOAs) use this income to, offset costs for homeowners while retail centers use this income to offset common area maintenance costs for tenants,” said Harrison. “It’s easy, it’s fun and we do all of the work for our clients.”

Those interested in making their properties available can email info@ lafilmlocations.com or call (661) 253-FILM (3456).

Dan Watson / The Signal

L.A. Film Locations’ five-month-old mascot, Lewy, right, poses with staff members from left, Hannah Stanley, Trent Jackson, Chuck Aguirre, Mikaela Cimarusti, and Jose Zavala.

Dan Watson / The Signal L.A. Film Locations/Courtesy photo

Monica on set of a commercial shoot for a national cell phone provider.

L.A. Film Locations staff members from left, Chuck Aguirre, five-month-old mascot, Lewy (seated on floor next to Chuck), Monica Harrison, Hannah Stanley, Mikaela Cimarusti, Trent Jackson, and Jose Zavala

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

Business

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . D3

Couple stays close to home with the opening of their one-of-a-kind store

By Alicia Doyle

F

eaturing all organic yogurt, coffee and protein shakes, BrewLé is considered a one-ofa-kind establishment in the Santa Clarita Valley.

“So many people have come into the store saying there’s nothing like this in the valley,” said Sean Pieterse of Valencia. “That was one of our reasons for opening here – we wanted to offer something that no one else does.”

Brew-Lé celebrated its grand opening on Valentine’s Day in its location next to the Edwards Cinema at the Valencia Town Center. The family-owned business is operated by Sean and his wife, ZiZi, as well as their daughter, Sasha Pieterse, who is also an actress on the show, “Pretty Little Liars.”

Sean and ZiZi, who previously worked as a professional acrobatic dance team, immigrated to the United States in the year 2000 from South Africa.

The couple first moved to Las Vegas to perform, and later appeared on the Merv Griffin Show, before making their home in Valencia.

The couple chose to move to Valencia because the location is close to Los Angeles, where their daughter is immersed in her acting career.

“We wanted to open Brew-Lé in our own home town because we like this valley a lot,” Sean said.

“Plus, a lot of people here are health conscious so we

try to make everything as healthy as possible.”

The name of the business means “brew” for coffee, and “le” for crème brûlée.

There are 10 yogurt flavors, including dairy-free coconut and dairy-free vanilla, as well as a pomegranate-flavored treat that’s both vegan and dairy free.

“The rest are milk-based but all organic, gluten-free and cholesterol-free,” said Sean, noting that each flavor on the menu includes the ingredients.

The menu also includes salted caramel, cheesecake, and the signature tart-flavored plain yogurt.

“Most stores that have yogurt, if they do have organic, they’ll have one or two flavors,” Sean noted.

“But we’ve gone full organic which is unusual for a yogurt store.”

The coffee, both caffeinated and de-caffeinated, is made from organic beans from Guatemala.

“We’ve had excellent response to the taste of the coffee because it’s the purest,” Sean said.

The protein shakes are made with MRM protein powders, which are considered the most natural form of powders, he said.

“All the personal trainers recommend it to their clients,” Sean said. “We have a big menu of chocolate-based or vanilla-based shakes that can be made with almond milk, coconut milk or regular organic milk.”

The shop is also consid-

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Sean and ZiZi Pieterse stand in the doorway of their new coffee and frozen yogurt shop, Brew-Le, in the Valencia Town Center. ered unique for its décor, which features a rustic design with wood-paneled walls and industrial pipes for shelving.

“Typically yogurt stores are very bright with bright colors,” Sean said. “We wanted ours to be a little warmer for people to hang out. We’ve got a nice location next to the movie theaters which is a good thing because we have a lot of

people passing by.”

Above all, “we’re a mom and pop business and we just want to be warm and welcoming to anyone,” he added. “We want to make it more personal than your average yogurt store.”

Brew-Lé is located at 24415 Town Center Drive in Valencia. For more information, call 661-7539373 or visit https://www. facebook.com/BrewLe/

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Organic, GLUTEN-FREE, & Dairy-Free

Frozen Yogurt,Organic Coffees, & Health Shakes

24415 Town Center Drive (next to Edwards Theater)

(661) 753-9373

D4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Business

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

Rainbow Florist designers see continued growth one year after store opening

By Laurel Davis

O

wner Rose Arredondo recently celebrated the one year anniversary of Rainbow Florist Designers in Canyon Country.

The doors of this busy but quaintly appointed flower shop first opened on February 9, 2015, and on February 9, 2016, what did she do to celebrate? She handdecorated an assortment of beautiful custom-made wooden boxes, took lots of customer orders, purchased volumes of roses, and made other preparations for Valentine’s Day. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Rose says her shop, one of only three flower shops in Canyon Country, has had a positive first year.

“We were very welcomed in the community and have benefitted from good word of mouth,” she said. She is grateful to the City of Santa Clarita, the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Small Business Center at College of the Canyons.

“The City was very helpful with the opening of my shop here,” Rose points out. “They took the time to talk with me about my goals, and all of their departments gave me excellent direction every step of the way. The Small Business Center has so many free resources that got me started.”

Prior to opening Rainbow Florist Designers last year, Rose had been designing floral arrangements out of her home since

2000. She started with filling individual orders and doing small events. “It kept growing from there,” she said. Eventually, realizing there were only two flower shops in Canyon Country, “I decided to take the business to the public.”

Rose’s 20-plus years of corporate business experience has helped. She worked in Beverly Hills in commercial property management and investing, and then started her own investing. “I learned so much during that period,” she said, which she has been able to apply now as a small business owner.

The growth of Rose’s floral designing over the years has so far come primarily from weddings.

Rose believes everyone has a story and she appreciates those customers who have allowed her to be a part of theirs. “I could write a whole book of stories about customers who have grown with me,” she noted. “It feels good to be a part of customers’ special occasions.”

Rose is proud that 90 percent of her flowers come from local growers in Los Angeles and surrounding counties. Of course, she will import flowers if specifically requested.

She has designed floral arrangements for a variety of customers and events from San Diego to Santa Barbara.

Now that Rainbow Florist Designers has been open for more than a year, Rose is excited about her expanding plans for business growth, with affordable pricing being a top

Tom Cruze/The Signal

Rose Arredondo, left, and Karla Metz, right, at the Rainbow Florist Designers shop in Canyon Country. priority. She is putting the finishing touches on her website and has started tapping into more commercial customers.

In addition, Rose is getting calls from local schools for their events, and she has begun supporting student fundraisers whereby her shop will give a 10% discount to customers buying flowers on a school’s behalf. Also, churches will receive wholesale pricing.

Rainbow Florist Designers also recently began offering customizable, hand-

Fresh Flowers can make you happy, renewed, and improve your overall well being

rangements for funerals.

Plus, they offer rentals of other products to help complete an event, such as candy tables.

What Rose finds most rewarding about floral design is the effect flowers have on men and women alike. “Flowers make you feel good. They can literally change your whole mood,” she beamed. “You don’t need words.” Whether it’s a gorgeous small bouquet, an elegant center piece, or an elaborate arrangement, “flowers feed

decorated wooden floral boxes of various sizes, for all occasions and events.

All elements are U.S.-manufactured, and the decorating is done in the shop.

Combined with using local growers, these business priorities help reduce the shop’s operating costs.

Customers reap affordable pricing for beautiful floral arrangements made and delivered on time.

Rainbow Florist Designers also designs balloon bouquets, potted plants, gift baskets, and flower ar-

the soul.”

Rose looks forward to the continued growth of her shop. “I want to make people’s lives more beautiful.” Visit Rainbow Florist Designers at 18966 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, 91351. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed on Sundays).

Contact Rose at (661) 3609239, email RainbowFloristDesigners@yahoo.com, or visit www.RainbowFloristDesigners.com

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SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . D5

Business

Range offers safe sporting environment close to home

By Rubén J. Porras

N

ot everyone is aware that a safe and affordable outdoor shooting range exists in the Santa Clarita Valley, but that is exactly what A Place to Shoot is. Located at 33951 San Francisquito Canyon Road, A Place To Shoot sits on a vast parcel of land surrounded by mountains and hills that offer beautiful views to anyone heading out to the range.

A Place to Shoot was designed with safety and variety in mind. The site includes seven different ranges to shoot at including a members-only range, non-magnum handgun range, shotgun trap range, handgun and small caliber rifle range, high power rifle range, and a sporting clay stand. Military assault type firearms are allowed if they are California compliant and fully legal.

Various target types are also available to choose from. If interested in the satisfying sound of a thunderous shot hitting a steel target, choose a range with steel plate targets. Paper target ranges are also in place. Each range has different shooting distances with paper target ranges ranging from seven to 100 yards, pistol steel plate ranges ranging from 25 - 35 yards, and rifle steel plate ranges offering targets at up to 400 yards.

Education is an important factor at A Place to Shoot, and classes are available that focus on a number of skills

to ensure safety. New shooters can enroll in the range’s Safe Start: Introduction to Firearms course which is an orientation course for beginning shooters. Students completing the course will receive a Safe Start Course completion certificate.

According to the range’s official website, the Safe Start Course is for the individual who is unfamiliar with firearms procedures or who need to develop safe firearm-handling skills and a solid foundation of basic shooting skills. The threehour courses cover the four basic firearms safety rules, safety and etiquette on the range, an outline of California law regarding transporting, possession and storage of firearms, a brief overview of the use of deadly force in California, firearms nomenclature and function, an outline of various ammunition types, properly loading and unloading weapons and the elements of marksmanship.

Those interested in competition and broadening their overall skills are encouraged to participate in one of many special events that A Place to Shoot offers including high power tactical rifle matches, 4H-shoots designed for students, hunters safety classes and Apple Seed shoots conducted by Project Appleseed, an organization dedicated to helping both new shooters and experienced shooters develop their skills. Apple Seed shoots include weekend marksmanship clinics, known-distance workshops,

Dan Watson/The Signal

Instructor Bob Parrish, left, gives Mandy Lewis a lesson on the pistol range at A Place to Shoot. and an intensive week-long boot camp where participants shoot at various distances and receive personalized attention needed to advance their skills.

Regardless of whether you are new to shooting, curious about shooting, or interested in becoming a better shooter, A Place to Shoot has everything you need to attain your goals. You can buy ammunition and clay birds on-site and also rent items including spotting scopes, bench rests and target frames at nominal fees.

Start by visiting www. aplacetoshoot.net for infor-

mation on everything from classes to ammunition prices and a schedule of special events. The site also lists daily range fees and membership fees and offers a coupon good for $5.00 off one adult range entrance with proof of a new firearm purchase. (The coupon must be used within 60 days of the firearm purchase and a receipt is required.)

A Place to Shoot makes learning and gaining experience a non-stressful experience in a safe environment staffed by highly trained professionals.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Instructor Bob Parrish sprays the metal targets on the pistol range at A Place to Shoot.

HTTP://WWW.APLACETOSHOOT.NET

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D6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS

Clien

For a more com

Additional Cl

Studios and

While working with large studios and numerous production companies on feature films, television, commercials, still photography, and all other types of media, L.A. Film Locations is proud to have been a part of generating over $30 million dollars of filming revenue for the Santa Clarita Valley in 2015–which does not include the economic benefit from filming on local certified sound stages. L.A. Film Locations continues to attract more filming business every year, generating substantial revenue in our community.

Please contact L.A. Film Locations at 661.253.FILM (3456) if you would like to get your property on the filming radar.

Biscuit Filmworks Caviar

Columbia Picture Radical Media HSI Productions

Anonymous Con MJZ TNT FTP Productions

For more information call (661) 253-FIL

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . D7

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS

nt List

mplete list visit our website.

lients

d Production Companies

s

es

ntent

TV Shows and Features

Commercials

New Line Productions

Agent Carter

Scorpion

DirectTV

Oil of Olay

Open 4 Business Productions

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Planet Fitness

Epoch Films

Bones

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse

Farmers Insurance

Priceline

CSI

Recovery Road

First Bank

Samsung

Castle

Silicon Valley

Ford

SIRIUS

Chasing Life

Stitchers

Grainger

Steak & Shake

Criminal Minds

Sunset

Little Debbie

Toyota

Freaks of Nature

Supergirl

Mercedes

US Cellular

Last Man on Earth

Switched at Birth

Nissan

Wal-Mart

Modern Family

The Conjuring 2

My Crazy Ex Girlfriend

The Last Ship

NCIS

The Purge 2

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Westworld

Smuggler Hungry Man Tool of North America Beef Films Prodco Prettybird

LM (3456) • www.lafilmlocations.com

D8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Business

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

SCV Bail Bonds: People good to know, even though you hope you never need them

By David Heitz

L

anding in jail can put a pit in your stomach faster than a ride on Magic Mountain’s scariest of roller coasters.

So it’s good to know the wife-husband team of Robin Sandoval-March and Nuri March, operators of SCV Bail Bonds, are always around if you need help. No bail bond service can get someone out of jail faster in the Santa Clarita Valley, the Marches say, but SCV Bail Bonds serves all of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, as well as Santa Barbara.

They are licensed to do business anywhere in California, in fact.

Don’t expect to meet a couple of cliché, cigar-smoking, heavy gold-chain-wearing people if you call SCV Bail Bonds. The Marches and their employees are just hardworking family people like most of their clients.

“We understand there’s stress and the worry and the fear of the unknown in having to bail someone out, so we work really hard to help take the mystery out of what bail is,” Sandoval-March said. “We’re available 24 hours a day, and people wonder how we do that. Do we sleep at our office? Sometimes we have to…but it’s

pretty comfortable there.”

Most people who land in jail the first time never are to be seen by the jail again, Sandoval-March said. Maybe they had a ticket they forgot about and ended up being arrested on a warrant. Maybe it was a dispute with a spouse or partner, or an incident that arose from having “one too many.”

“We feel strongly about the level of care we offer, and are committed to those we help,” Sandoval-March said. “We go the extra mile by providing our clients with local information on family support or domestic violence counseling, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. We offer support before, during and after every bond we write.”

How do bail bonds work?

SCV Bail Bonds offers the lowest legal rates in California and flexible payment plans for those with decent credit. SCV Bail Bonds is located right across the street from the jail and isn’t hard for friends and family of inmates to find. SCV Bail Bonds accepts most major credit cards, personal and business checks, and also provides bail by phone/FAX/email services around-the-clock.

Consultations are free, and collateral is not always

needed. “We always take the time to patiently explain the bail process and personally work with people step-bystep,” Sandoval-March said.

“We set the highest ethical standards and stand by our commitment of confidentiality and privacy to our clients. We’ll always discuss their options, prior to moving forward with any bond we write.”

SCV Bail Bonds sponsors youth sports leagues, including ACTION Family Counseling, a drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program in the valley.

SCV Bail Bonds also supports non-profits including the SCV Domestic Violence Center, the Youth Project and Bridge to Home.

The Marches are committed to helping the community experience real change and reduce recidivism (a term for people ending up in jail repeatedly).

“Community outreach is very important to our agency, and we often talk to people about the issues that got them arrested in the first place,” Sandoval-March said. “We discuss behaviors which, in turn, can lead them in future trouble with the law, where they would require our services again. We don’t want to see that happen.”

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Operators Robin and Nuri March inside their Valencia offices.

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SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . D9

Business

Seafood restaurant gives back to its community

By Alicia Doyle

T

he Crunchy Crab, a Sylmar restaurant known for its wide range of unique menu options, is a great destination for seafood lovers in Santa Clarita seeking a dining option close to home.

The eatery opened in the community in April of 2015 to offer local residents seafood and shellfish options that weren’t available in town.

“The Crunchy Crab is around 15 minutes from the center of town in nearby Sylmar,” said Gerry Guzman, business manager. “Our menu is varied, but our specialty is seafood and shell fish. We encourage residents to stop by and check us out.

The food in general is pretty amazing – there isn’t quite anything like this in the Santa Clarita Valley.”

Victor Peña, a resident of Santa Clarita, is the executive chef and co-owner who learned how to cook from his godfather as a child.

The chef recently introduced the Crunchy Crab Burger, a pure Angus beef hand-formed patty on a toasted bun with a crunchy soft-shell crab, American cheese, and his signature Honey Boo Boo sauce.

He also invented the Surf N Turf Burger made with jumbo grilled shrimp and a halfpound of Angus beef on a brioche bun.

“These are my godfather’s traditional recipes that I put my own touch to,” Peña said. “I want people to come out and taste our flavors. The way we cook and our style is different from other seafood restaurants.”

Items on the boiling seafood menu include shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, king crab legs, whole live Atlantic lobster and Dungeness crab. Varieties of submarine sandwiches served with hand-cut fries include the soft shell crab sub, fried shrimp sub and fried fish sub. The restaurant also offers a range of appetizers, including jalapeños stuffed with shrimp and cream cheese, fried calamari, deep fried scallops and shrimp ceviche.

“What makes the Crunchy Crab really special is the flavor of our sauces,” Guzman said. “That’s what Victor’s specialty is – the ability to make really wonderful flavors.”

The Crunchy Crab also gives back to the community through a charitable effort in which the restaurant donates 15 percent of its proceeds to local schools or nonprofits.

“We recently had a school earn about $400,” Guzman said.

Above all, he wants the Crunchy Crab to be known as a great destination for family dining and especially great seafood and shell fish options.

“Even though we opened in Sylmar, we wanted to invite families from the Santa Clarita Valley to come out and check us out,” Guzman said. “We have a great family atmosphere and we are confident you will love the food and service. Stop by.

You won’t be disappointed.”

The Crunchy Crab is located at 13076 Glenoaks Blvd. in Sylmar. For more information visit www. thecrunchycrab.com or call 818-860-CRAB.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Crunchy Crab Executive Chef and co-owner Victor Peña displays the shrimp platter with sautéed shrimp, onions, bell peppers, corn, rice and potatoes and garlic bread in the Crunchy Crab dining room.

Now Open

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13076 Glenoaks Blvd, Sylmar, CA 91342

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Open Daily: Sun-Wed 11am-9pm Thurs 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

the r o f hing t e ly! m i m So a le F o h W

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D10 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Business

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

Designated Drivers gets you and your car home safely

By Rubén J. Porras

H

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Mark and Samantha Elsebusch stand with their vehicle.

A drunk driving arrest could subject you to a number of personal and financial issues.

You could lose your job, have your reputation tarnished, have to hire an at-

torney and be responsible for thousands of dollars in penalties. You could even face jail time. Why risk your life, the life of others that share the road and your livelihood when

you can pay just $20.00 to get yourself and your vehicle home safe and sound.

Help Mark and Samantha Elsebusch realize their goal of making San-

d e D t a r n i v g i e s e of Santa Clarita r

s

D

ave you ever been in this situation: You meet your friends at the bar for a “quick drink” and then by the time you realize it hours have gone by and many drinks have been consumed? One business in Santa Clarita understands and can help.

Designated Drivers of Santa Clarita is the brainchild of Mark and Samantha Elsebusch and was created to promote safety in the Santa Clarita Valley. The basic point of the service is to get you and your car home from wherever you happen to be if you have had one (or a few) too many drinks.

Sure, you could call a taxi or use an app, but what is the point of that when they only get you and not your car where it needs to go? Taxi fares can also be more than you are willing to spend. The high price issue is easily put to rest by Designated Drivers of Santa Clarita’s f lat fee service. For just $20.00 they will get you and your vehicle to anywhere in the Santa Clarita Valley.

If you are concerned about your privacy, have no fear. The Elsebusch’s

pride themselves on maintaining a strict policy of never giving out identifying information about their clients including where they were picked up and the reasons surrounding their need for the service. The company even promises not to write a book about their driving adventures.

One other reason for putting the phone number for Designated Drivers of Santa Clarita in your phone is that they won’t refuse you. This is spelled out on their quirky and informative website.

According to their website, “It does not matter if you just got thrown out of the bar for fighting, or threatened to break the liver of the next person you see, or if you have in the past treated us more condescendingly than a Republican treats a Sanders’ fan. It is a safety issue for you and the general public. We will always come get you and take you home. Even if you are upper management of a major bank who threatens to put us out of business if we do not break the law as you demand us to. I am not saying that actually happened. I am also not saying it did not happen. Just sayin’!”

661.313.8336 $20.00

will get you and your car safely and respectfully home anywhere within the Santa Clarita Valley At your service every night of the year

ta Clarita a sober driver city. A simple phone call is all it takes.

For more information visit designateddriversofsantaclarita.com or call 661.313.8336.

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . D11

Business

Husband-and-Wife Dentists offer all-in-one-office care

By Marcie Geffner

W

hen it comes to quality dental care, Daniel Iannotti, DDS, and Alexis Moore, DMD, offer their patients all the services they may need in one place.

Services include routine care for adults and children, crowns and bridges, cosmetic dentistry, decay prevention, specialty dentures, sedation dentistry, endodontics and periodontic surgery.

Depending on the need, the work may be performed by either “Dr. Dan” or “Dr. Alexis,” as the dentists are known in their office, or, if necessary, by both of them working together as a team.

Harvard, UCLA

Iannotti was born and raised on Long Island, New York, earned his doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine and completed two years of advanced comprehensive dental training at UCLA. Moore earned her doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and completed her specialty training in endodontics at UCLA. “Between the two of us, we are uniquely qualified to handle just about every type of dental procedure from surgical extraction of wisdom teeth, implants and periodontal surgery to root canals with a microscope, root canal surgery—we do

everything except orthodontics,” Moore says.

Education and options

The emphasis at the practice is on patient education and informed consent.

“We take our time and get to know our patients,” Iannotti says. “We review their x-rays with them, discuss our findings and give them options. There’s never just one option to solve their problem. We inform and empower patients so they can make an educated and informed consent to optimizing their health.”

Iannotti is certified in oral sedation so patients who are fearful or haven’t been seen by a dentist for a long time can schedule a longer appointment and have the work done under sedation.

Comfy blankets

Iannotti and Moore aren’t just in business together. The two dentists, who met at UCLA, got married in 2012, bought their first house in Santa Clarita in 2014 and opened their practice here in September 2014.

“It’s a fresh office,” Iannotti explains. “We opened it from scratch. It’s a relaxed atmosphere. We have a beautiful state-of-the-art office with all the technology we need.”

Patients can also take advantage of the practice’s beverage bar and, on request, comfy blankets to

Dan Watson/The Signal

From left, Dr. Dan Iannotti, DDS, Alexis Moore, DMD, Dental Assistant Lizette Menjivar, Receptionist Denise Soliz. stay warm while their dental work is being done.

Why Santa Clarita?

Both dentists were drawn to Santa Clarita because they liked the valley’s community pride, highly regarded schools and fam-

ily-friendliness.

Iannotti also mentions the beach, mountains and—as a former New Yorker—the daily sunshine.

Despite their short residency in the community, Iannotti and Moore have already made a mark and

contribution. Iannotti was named to the 2015 “40 Under 40” list by the Santa Clarita Junior Chamber International and he’s a volunteer at the local Bridge To Home shelter, which offers a dental clinic for people who are homeless.

The practice, Daniel J.

Iannotti, DDS, Inc., is located at 25880 Tournament Road, Suite 106, in Valencia. To make an appointment or get more information, call (661) 481-0884 or send email to daniannottidds@gmail.com. The website is at http://www. daniannottidds.com/.

Welcome to Your New Dental Home!

DAN IANNOTTI, DDS Comprehensive Dentistry

ALEXIS MOORE, DMD Microsurgical Endodontics

25880 Tournament Rd, Suite 106 Valencia, CA 91355

New Patient Specials

• $79 New Patient Exam, X-Rays and Cleaning!

• $149 Custom Teeth Whitening • $149 CBCT (3D x-ray) & Implant Consultation

*New patients only. Limited time only. Call for details. Scaling and root planing not

Dr. Dan Iannotti was selected as one of SVC’s top 40 under 40 for 2015!

included in new patient cleaning. Insurance programs billed at regular fees.

** Most PPO insurance plans accepted.

Call Us Today at (661) 481-0884 or Visit Us Online at

www.daniannottidds.com to conveniently request an appointment!

D12 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

California Properties

©2016 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Information not verified or guaranteed. If your property is currently listed with a broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Find us in a neighborhood near you.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is here.

That’s a good sign for the market and a great sign for you.

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California Properties Good to know.®

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS

SCV

Business

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . D13

Community

Pride Business

SCV Community Pride • Business & Real Estate

Scorpion grows along with the SCV

Dan Watson/The Signal

Garrett Schultz, Senior web designer at Scorpion Internet Marketing in Valencia.

D14 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS

Business

Scorpion Internet Marketing - Invested in the community, marketing worldwide

Dan Watson/The Signal

Melanie Hopper, senior web designer, right, at Scorpion.

By Diane Krieger Spivak

W

hen a new client’s online testimonial jokingly asks Scorpion Internet Marketing to “hold back on the campaign” because business is suddenly booming, it’s music to Scorpion’s ears.

“We understand putting money into marketing your business is an investment,” said Kylie Patterson, Scorpion’s director of public relations. “There’s the adage, ‘You have to spend money to make money.’ But for our clients we want to make sure that they’re doing so in the most efficient way possible. What they are getting with us is professionalism.

It is high quality products.

It is high quality service.

We see ourselves as part-

ners with every business we work with and we fully invest ourselves in their success.”

Scorpion’s online marketing expertise focuses on attorneys and law firms, hospitals and health systems, franchises, home services and small businesses. One of the fastest growing companies in the United States every year since 2011, Scorpion has to date generated more than 1 million leads and won more than 120 industry awards.

“We had one client who said he had to hire more people just to deal with the increased business that we got him in one month, which is great,” said Patterson. “It’s wonderful to help a small business expand because of Internet marketing.”

Scorpion provides everything a client needs to succeed online, including web design, search engine optimization, pay-per-click (PCC) advertising, online reputation management, content marketing, social media marketing, blogging and company updates, and video production.

“Our clients are our partners and we’re emotionally invested,” Patterson said. “When Google has an update and it affects our clients’ ranking, we take it personally. That causes an all-hands ondeck kind of response to make sure we get our clients back to where they’re supposed to be, because we care.”

While Scorpion casts its service net worldwide, home base is in Valencia.

“There are a little over

250 employees currently located at our Valencia office, our corporate headquarters,” Patterson said.

“Including our Dallas office and various satellite offices across the nation (in San Diego, Nashville, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Seattle) we have almost 300 employees.

“While we love our clients across the nation, we are especially happy to work with those within our community,” Patterson said. “The SCV has long been Scorpion’s home and we hope to call it home for many years to come. Most of our employees live in the SCV. This means that their family, friends, former coworkers, and former classmates are generally nearby as well.

Our referral rates are off the charts! We are a hiring

force to be reckoned with here and we are proud of that fact. The talent pool from the SCV and the Los Angeles area in general is incredible.”

Scorpion’s commitment to the community includes free marketing consultations to show local businesses what they could be doing differently to get the competitive advantage they need to succeed in their market.

“It’s a great resource for business owners,” Patterson said. “All they have to do is call or write in via contact form on our website.”

Scorpion supports local charities throughout the year through its charitable branch, Scorpion Cares.

Scorpion is a corporate sponsor of the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for

Children’s Cancer. It also sponsors Henry Mayo’s golf tournament and sends numerous volunteers to help man the event.

Every year Scorpion sponsors runners in the Santa Clarita Marathon.

One of its biggest internal competitions takes place during Scorpion’s fourth quarter when each team within the company raises money for a chosen charity, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars going to local non-profit organizations.

“We are invested in the community - hiring locally, giving to local charities, attending local events, helping local businesses,” said Patterson.

“We are game for all of it.”

For more than 97 years, The Signal has carried the banner of responsible community journalism in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Proud to be this community’s only local newspaper.

Total Access to Your Community.

Your news. 24/7.

SIGNALSCV.COM

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS

Business

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . D15

D.W. Cookie Company bakes up sweet goodness

By Kateri Wozny

W

alking into Devar Ward’s bake shop, the heavenly smell of fresh-baked cookies can tip off anyone’s nose.

“I love baking, it gives me joy,” he said.

It’s because of his passion for baking that Ward opened his business, D.W. Cookie Company, in September 2013 with his wife, Stacy.

Ward grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where his grandmother taught him how to bake and cook with love.

“Baking cookies is something I acquired over time,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Previously, he worked at AT&T for 15 years in the Los Angeles area and would indulge his co-workers with his homemade cookies.

“I would pray for my business to come. I never imagined being here,” the Santa Clarita Valley resident of eight years said. “God inspired me to leave my nine to five job and see what the world is truly about.”

Homemade cookie flavors include chocolate chip, triple chocolate, peanut butter, sugar, oatmeal cranberry raisin, walnut chip, toffee chip, M & M and white chocolate raspberry. Fresh churned ice cream is also available in chocolate, vanilla and raspberry cheesecake along

with ice cream sandwiches, cones, sundaes, milkshakes and a cookie cake.

Prices range from $1.50 for a single cookie to $39 for a large platter. Coffee, juice, tea, cocoa, milk and soda are also available for purchase.

Corporate orders are also welcome.

“The cookies are very, very good,” said Doreann R. of Canyon Country in an online review. “They taste very fresh and are very well textured and flavored. They definitely will have my business for as long as they’re open. Not to mention their customer service is great!”

It’s comments like this that make Ward’s day.

“I have a lot of repeat customers who enjoy the cookies,” he said. “It’s nice to bring a smile to someone’s day with a freshbaked cookie.”

Specials include $2 Tuesdays, free coffee with a purchase of a dozen cookies, and an opportunity to buy two cookies and get one for free with a 25 Score Discount Card. Student, senior, emergency services and military discounts are also available.

Ward also donates his baked items to various local churches, student scholarships and Bridge to Home, a homeless service agency in Santa Clarita.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Devar Ward, owner of D.W. Cookie Company, with a tray of signature cookies called “The Liz”.

“It feels good to give back and help out my community,” he said.

As for the future, Ward sees himself sharing his baking techniques with his two children and “wherever God takes it.”

D.W. Cookie Company, 18962 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, Calif. 91351, (661) 505-0781.

Store hours are Monday Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Closed on weekends.

Dan Watson/The Signal

D.W. Cookie Company’s white chocolate cranberry cookies.

Come visit us for

2 Cookie Sundaes on Tuesdays Cookie Cakes $

available for special occasions

Share the happiness with clients and customers.

Gift Certificates available.

Homemade ice cream, too ... yum!

New Hours M-F 10a-7p, Closed Sat & Sun 18962 Soledad Canyon Rd. Canyon Country 91351 661-505-0781 dwcookie@att.net

D16 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . D17

D18 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS

Business

Taking Action: Valencia moms make safety education their mission

By T.A. DeFeo

O

ne look at the statistics was enough for Rebecca Fisher and Dee Boudreaux. But, rather than sit on the sidelines, the moms from Valencia decided to take action.

Fisher and Boudreaux are fixtures of the community: They work, volunteer and hike throughout the community, and it was on one of those hikes they realized just how vulnerable many women are.

On that hike, they encountered a man speaking unintelligibly, who emerged from a blind turn and stumbled toward the two. Without cell phone service and no way to defend themselves, they returned to their car and discussed what they should do to ensure they never find themselves in that scenario again.

So, in March 2015, they joined Damsel In Defense.

Two moms in Boise, Idaho, launched Damsel In Defense in 2011 with the mission of equipping, empowering and educating women about personal safety.

The company offers a range of products geared toward women, including stun guns, pepper sprays, alarms and road safety products, all available in varied colors and styles.

They also host a number of events to educate on both personal and digital safety.

Damsel In Defense provides Fisher and Bou-

dreaux with a platform to address serious issues in a “fun and fashionable way.”

Both women have collegeaged daughters, and they know how crucially important it is to share safety information with women in this vulnerable demographic, especially in light of a September 2015 Association of American Universities survey that found 23 percent of female undergraduate students said they have experienced sexual assault since enrolling in college.

“The statistics on crime against women are alarming,” said Fisher, herself a survivor of rape and of domestic abuse. “There is really nowhere we won’t go to reach women of all ages.”

Fisher authored “All the Wrong Places,” a novel based on her experiences of leaving an abusive marriage and finding new life, love, faith and family while living with her daughter in a funeral home.

Some of the company’s most popular products are the Get A Grip stun guns and the Road Trip auto tool. The stun guns pack 7.5 million volts and are designed to be convenient and easy to carry and hold while the Road Trip auto tool is designed to help motorists cut their seat belts, break the glass and draw attention with multiple lights and an alarm.

“We hope that after meeting with us, women

Dan Watson/The Signal

Defense pros Dee Boudreaux, left, and Rebecca Fisher of Damsel In Defense demonstrate their products during a presentation at Kellar Williams offices in Valencia. are motivated to be more aware of their surroundings and less afraid of defending themselves with the help of our powerful protection products,” Fisher said.

“We have met with a lot of women and the number one mistake many of us make is just not paying attention to our surroundings,” Boudreaux said.

“For some reason there’s a false sense of securi-

ty when in reality, the statistics tell us we are not as safe as we’d like to think.

Damsel In Defense allows us to discuss a frightening and uncomfortable topic in a safe environment of friends, family or coworkers, and with our gorgeous and feminine products, women walk away feeling more confident and more aware.”

In addition to its mission of education, Damsel In Defense also gives back.

The corporate office gives to a number of local, national and international charities and also sponsors the Damsel House Project, which helps rescue girls from sex trafficking in Cambodia. For their part, Fisher and Boudreaux donate 10 percent of their monthly earnings to charities, including Destiny House and Circle of Hope.

While Damsel In Defense may be Fisher’s and Boudreaux’s business,

their primary goal is to share knowledge and empower women.

“It has become a ministry for us,” Fisher said.

“We travel all over to reach women in their offices, homes, and neighborhood meetings to make sure they all have the chance to gain awareness and a strategy for safety in their lives.”

For more information, visit www.damseldiva.com or call (661) 513-3488.

EQUIP. EMPOWER. EDUCATE. Stun Guns

Dee & Rebecca 661-513-3488

Pepper Sprays Security on the Go Digital Defense

www.damseldiva.com (661) 513-3488

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS

Business

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . D19

Customers benefit from Brent’s Carpet One retailers’ cooperative

By Laurel Davis

W

hen Brent Griffiths opened up his carpet and flooring store on Apple Street in Newhall in 1979, he came with a unique perspective, says his son, Ben Griffiths, who took over the business when Brent retired a couple of years ago.

“He wasn’t starting a typical ‘mom and pop’ store, or as a carpet installer turned store owner,” Ben says.

“He came in with a business acumen that changed the focus from just making sales to providing the right product for each client.” The result has been a 37-year legacy of loyal retail and commercial clients who have benefitted from the company’s focus on customer satisfaction.

That keen business sense was applied further when Brent accepted an invitation to join the Carpet One retailers’ cooperative in 1992.

He researched the group and decided it would enhance his products and services while also allowing him to offer more attractive pricing. Clients in the Santa Clarita Valley in particular have reaped the benefits.

A “retailers’ cooperative” establishes a central buying organization whereby a group of similar independently owned businesses can pool their resources together to purchase their merchandise in bulk. Since buying in bulk saves each

member business money, these savings are passed on to the customer. “Being a part of Carpet One gives us buying power on a national scale while we maintain our local focus,” Ben says.

In short, “volume purchasing equals lower pricing.”

The Carpet One cooperative gives member businesses additional advantages that benefit customers.

For instance, member businesses engage in joint marketing efforts, which saves on advertising, promotion and private branding costs.

These savings are reflected in affordable pricing, as well.

In addition, Brent’s Carpet One attends industry education and training meetings to maintain their employees’ level of expertise in consultation, product knowledge, customer service, installation, and flooring maintenance – all of which are key to client satisfaction.

While retailers’ cooperatives have some of the same advantages as franchising, they can be more attractive to both the member businesses and, ultimately, to clients. For one, Carpet One allows for only one store in every market so that member businesses are not competing against each other along with other companies in the community. This allows Brent’s Carpet One to guarantee the lowest price

Katherine Lotze/The Signal

Ben Griffiths of Brent’s Carpet One in Newhall stands in the front of the showroom. in the industry for the same or equivalent product and service. Not to mention that the company has an exclusive lineup of products manufactured for their store only.

Secondly, unlike a franchise, Brent’s Carpet One is independently owned and operated by Ben and his wife, Natalie. The company primarily targets the Santa Clarita Valley. This means the family business stays a family business, and all profits and city taxes stay

right here in our valley.

Ben started working with his father’s business about 12 years ago, taking on every position at one time or another, from cleaning the facilities to operating the forklift. What he likes most about the business is, as he puts it, “the ‘before and after.’ I like to flesh out the customer’s ideas and then make them a reality. The result is like a breath of fresh air. A new floor changes the whole feel of a home.”

Roughly 30 percent of Ben’s business is for commercial clients, including bank and healthcare facilities. The rest of his clients are residential. “Our customers are our family,” Ben insists, “and we treat them that way. We try to be as accessible as possible to make things happen as needed.”

In the mid-1990s, Brent’s Carpet One moved to their current location at 24220 Lyons Avenue, just east of the 5 Fwy. Their attractive,

wide-open flooring showroom is open Mondays, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed Sundays).

Ben and his expert team would love to hear from you. Call (661) 255-3337, or email Ben Griffiths at ben@brentscarpetone.com.

You can also learn about all of their products, services and more by visiting their website, www.brentscarpetonenewhall.com.

(661) 702-2222 Valencia, California 91355

Excellent leasing and development opportunities located within a spectacular Park of over 100 acres that offers many amenities including: • a brand new, fully fitted out gym just for our tenants • basketball and volleyball courts • renovated connectivity • central location • very close access to major freeways and airports

D20 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • BUSINESS

Business

The Beautiful

GUARANTEE™

*

Only one store has The Beautiful Guarantee™. If

Brent ’s Carpet One, born and raised in the SCV!  Since 1979  Family business – Brent and 2 sons, Ben & Derek  Member of Carpet One, the largest specialty flooring buying group in the world  Nationally negotiated prices  Locally owned & operated for 36 unbroken years

you don’t love your floor, we will replace it with another floor for free.

Labor, materials, you name it - we are so confident we can help you find the floor you love, that we Guarantee it!

Trust Experience * See store for details.

 Won every readers choice award ever run by Signal/Daily News in Santa Clarita  The last time the Daily News ran a Readers Choice here, we won 5 categories  Brent and sons have been heavily involved in local church and youth programs  Brent was a director in the Chamber

Thanks, Santa Clarita for voting us the:

Best Carpet Store & Best Flooring Store every year since the voting began.

We at Brent’s Carpet One appreciate your loyalty.

THE GRIFFITHS FAMILY

24220 LYONS AVE., NEWHALL • (661) 255-3337 Hours: Mon. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Tues. thru Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Closed Sunday

www.BrentsCarpetOne.com

Financing on approved credit.

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . E1

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

SCV

Education

Community

Pride Education

SCV Community Pride • Education

Santa Clarita Schools Rank with California’s Best

KatharineLotze/The Signal

Career Technical Education students from the William S. Hart Union High School District.

E2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

Education

STE(A)M powers today’s economy through career technical education

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Students show visitors to Arroyo Seco Junior High’s Makerspace the science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics projects they have completed in STE(A)M classes at the school.

By Dr. Mariane Doyle

T

he fuel behind the Maker Movement and the creative economy may well be STE(A)M. Over the past several years, great focus on careers and education in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math or STEM has generated support and interest by industry and government. Schools throughout the country began building engineering programs and districts nationwide are grappling with the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which have an emphasis on STEM careers.

However, the call to innovate has been a pronounced one from local industry to international business to the White House. Henry Mintzber identified a void left by the singular emphasis on STEM in the Globe and Mail, “the excessive focus on analysis, targets and number crunching, and the absence of introspection and imagination has resulted in a crisis in management which is partly to blame for our current financial crisis” (2009).

Without art and design, even international economies are left without a necessary element for success.

STE(A)M reintroduces the Arts in a different light – one focused as much on application as it is on culture and theory. With an eye on design, engineers can solve 21st century challenges presented by the rapid iterations of technological advancement.

Multimedia Design artists not only are capable of expertly using software to create, but also find ways to help businesses position themselves among their competitors and meet the needs of consumers. Product designers must use the arts to innovate not only what they want to produce, but also how to do so efficiently and with the packaging necessary for successful and economical delivery to the client.

On February 1st, the William S. Hart Union High School District unveiled its first Makerspace at Arroyo Seco Junior High. This classroom incorporates technology of many kinds and puts art at the center of the creative process. Students use computers, robotics materials, wood, and plastic to materi-

alise their ideas. The Makerspace is one of many lessons in the Creative Economy; individuals are valued for their unique contributions and can find success in this economy by investigating, problem-solving, and creating unique solutions or products.

“Making” and creativity are central to the success of our country’s economic recovery. According to the 2014 Otis Report on the Creative Economy in California written using 2013 data, $294 billion in revenues, spending, and economic activity in our State can be attributed to the creative economy with nearly one in ten jobs being in these industries. Further, nearly one in ten jobs in California are connected to industries like entertainment, publishing, engineering, and design -that’s nearly one in ten jobs in the State!

From engineering to advanced manufacturing, career opportunities that are driven by the creative industries are varied and plentiful.

Some other career fields include architecture, digital media, video production, industrial design, multimedia arts, and computer science.

The Hart District offers courses and pathways in each of these fields and many more. In collaboration with College of the Canyons, a grant supporting five pathways was obtained last year. These include Advanced Technologies (manufacturing), Construction Technology/Management, Computer Networking, Legal Studies, and Administration of Justice. The majority of the pathways lead to creative careers where individuals contribute their own ideas to make solutions for complex problems or tasks, meeting the definition of the Creative Economy as described in John Howkins book, The Creative Economy (2001).

Hart District students have the opportunity to investigate careers as makers and innovators through career pathways offered during the day at Saugus High and Arroyo Seco Junior High. Canyon High School is building a Makerspace this year as well, and students throughout the district can take advantage of these programs after school through the Career and College Readiness Program offerings (former-

ly ROP or Regional Occupational Program).

To learn more about these courses and the pathways available at each high school, go to www.PathwayToMyFuture.org. The courses available through the after school Career and College Readiness program are open to all students enrolled in the Hart District regardless of home school site. Students do provide their own transportation to these classes.

In addition to making, creating, and building, some of the current career pathways offered at the William S. Hart High School District include Business, Pharmacy Assisting, Fire Technology, Photography, Sports Medicine, Culinary Arts, Medical Assisting, Automotive Technology, Dental Assisting, Computer Science, and Education. In collaboration with College of the Canyons, we are offering our first dual enrollment course in Career Technical Education at Valencia High School in Paralegal Studies. This class allows students to earn college and high school credits simultaneously! Please see the Career and College Readiness (CCR) Specialist at your school site to enroll.

Last year, the Hart District unveiled its Hybrid Online Career Technical Education courses through the Career and College Readiness program after school.

Students meet with their teachers for the first three weeks of the semester and then just every other week thereafter with the rest of the course delivered online!

This exciting new program provides additional access to our pathways for students who have challenging

schedules or who want to try pathways not offered at their home school site. Again, see your CCR specialist or www.PathwayToMyFuture. org for more information.

Laura Fleming, an educator and author of Worlds of Making (2015), described the maker movement as being “about moving from consumption to creation and turning knowledge into action.” The Hart District is leading by providing students with opportuni-

ties to innovate, learn about STE(A)M, and explore career pathways leading to success. By building a pipeline into the high demand, high wage, and high skill local career pathways, the Hart District aspires to meet the needs of both career and college readiness for students and workforce preparation for local businesses and industry. The Hart District Career and College Readiness Department is here to serve your students!

Katharine Lotze/Signal.

Students in the culinary arts program at Arroyo Seco Junior High serve lunch to attendees of the Makerspace open house.

Katharine Lotze/Signal.

The Arroyo Seco Junior High School band plays as guests of the Makerspace open house arrive in the multipurpose room.

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . E3

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

Education

School of Rock is rocking Santa Clarita!

By Alicia Doyle

T

he School of Rock in Santa Clarita is literally a place where students learn to rock their worlds through a performance-based approach to music instruction.

Launched in November, the School of Rock offers the best combination of instructors, instruments and captivating programs to get students strumming, drumming, playing or singing their way to rock star status.

“For a child, the benefits of learning music are endless,” said Andrew Klein, owner of the business franchise located at 24515 Kansas St. “Through its performance-based approach to music instruction, School of Rock students are more inspired to learn, more motivated to excel and more confident as a result.”

The Santa Clarita School of Rock is among more than 170 of its kind all over the world.

“This is not just a place to take music lessons,” Klein said. “If a kid loves playing music and furthering himself with his instrument, we want this to be his hangout. We have a student lounge and we want kids to hang out in there – it’s that kind of environment.”

The School of Rock – which teaches guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards and drums – combines weekly private music instruction and group band rehearsals to prepare students to take the stage in front of live audiences in an authentic concert setting.

“Our performance program puts our students frontand-center on a real stage for real performances,” Klein said. “We teach and perform music that our students love to play and our audiences love to hear.”

For instance, School of Rock students across the globe have played thousands of concerts at venues including CBGB’s, The Trocadero, The Knitting Factory, The Whiskey, The Roxy, The Experience Music Project, The Big Easy and BB King’s Blues Club in Times Square.

“Our immersive method inspires our students to be their best,” Klein said. “We get them playing music as quickly as possible because we know that is what they want to do. As a result our students become more interested in the theory of music.”

Music instructors at the Santa Clarita location are experts in the field. They include music director Christian Nesmith, the eldest son of Michael Ne-

smith, who was a member of the pop rock band The Monkees. Christian has toured and played with a variety of artists such as Air Supply, Debbie Peterson of the Bangles, Doug Pinnick of King’s X Poundhound, Led ZepAgain as Jimmy Page, and Circe Link.

“Our instructors live to play and play to live,” Klein said. “They are experienced professional musicians that can instruct students on the finer points of their instrument, while at the same time educating them on everything that goes into putting on a great live show.”

Music in a team-based environment is today’s gateway to education, confidence, fun, friendship, and so much more, Klein further emphasized.

“At School of Rock Santa Clarita, we believe as much in the power of the band as we do in the thrill of a killer solo act,” he said. “We bring our kids and the community of Santa Clarita together to create excellent performers who learn from cool, real life experiences in the world of music.”

For more information visit http://locations.schoolofrock.com/santaclarita or call 661-268-6029.

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

School of Rock staff, from front to back, Andrew Klein, Rob Sobol, Lauren Dair Owens, Jessica Nesmith, Robert Anderson, and Christian Nesmith in the lobby of the school in Newhall.

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

School of Rock students practice playing The Kinks’ “All Day and All of the Night” with instructor Christian Nesmith at the music school in Newhall.

E4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

Education

College of the Canyons preparing for the future

By Ruben J. Porras

P

reparing for the future is the primary goal of many local students and adults looking to enhance their education to put them in a better position in the workforce. With two campuses and a wide variety of programs, College of the Canyons is able to help locals achieve their goals by keeping up with local demand and growing to accommodate new generations of students.

Established in 1969 with just a few hundred students, the college has experienced a large amount of growth over the course of the past 47 years. So much growth in fact that the college, which operates within the Santa Clarita Community College District, had to build an additional campus and plans for even more growth are currently in progress.

The fast pace of growth has created demands for new academic, occupational and athletic programs, training partnerships with businesses and new modernized facilities.

“Our student enrollment continues to grow— in the past ten years, enrollment has increased to about 20,000 students and is expected to reach 30,000 students within the next decade,” said

Vice President of Public Information, Eric Harnish.

“Accommodating that growth will require facilities improvements at both campuses.”

According to Harnish, the college is in the process of designing a 24,250-square-foot science lab facility at the Canyon Country Campus that will include eight labs, a classroom and three faculty offices. In addition to designing that facility, the college is also drafting an educational and facilities master plan that will outline the growth of academic and career tech offerings and the facilities required to accommodate them.

Currently College of the Canyons offers associate of arts and associate of science degrees in 58 academic programs and 39 credential and certificate programs.

The list of available programs the college offers includes audio and radio production, biotechnology, child development, dance, film and video production, fire control technology, industrial manufacturing, music, nursing, paralegal studies, television production, theatre arts and video game animation.

In-demand skills in the workforce are considered in an effort to pro-

mote an easy transition for students from college to work.

Technology is a key focus of the college in preparing students to find work. A networking/telecommunications associate’s degree program is available as is a media and communications associates degree program.

These programs and a variety of certificate programs focus on the use of popular applications including Microsoft Office Professional 2010 which includes Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint and Adobe CS6 which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and Indesign.

To support students enrolled in technology-based programs, the college offers computers for use that are networked to Hewlett-Packard laser printers and technology such as 6-in-1 memory card readers compatible with most cameras, a Paragon braille printer, photocopiers, headphone check-out, free wireless Internet access, and designated areas for laptop use complete with charging station. Computer labs are available for any enrolled College of the Canyons student.

Information about the college’s offerings and future growth plans can be found at www.canyons.edu.

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Students look at College of the Canyons’ plans for the Canyon Country campus in Canyons Hall.

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Biology 205 students listen to Professor Rosales during a lecture before their lab begins at College of the Canyons.

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS

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canyons.edu

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . E5

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

Education

Santa Clarita’s bestkept artistic secret The Master’s College has grown to offer nearly 100 different music majors, a Disney-level professional studio and 50 concerts annually

Tom Cruze/The Signal

Orchestra rehearsal at The Master’s College.

By Alicia Doyle

T

he Department of Music at The Master’s College continues to inspire students toward excellence in every way as the Christian liberal arts campus prepares to celebrate its 90th birthday in 2017.

“Excellence in music is our passion, because glorifying God with our best offering is what drives us,” said Dr. Paul T. Plew, Music Department Chair.

“We believe that music fulfills what nothing else can satisfy,” Plew said. “It fosters creativity, confidence and community responsibility, while promoting diligence and multicultural understanding.”

Music equips the mind and the spirit and produces skills that transfer to all areas of life, he continued.

“Our department, which is large enough to provide a variety of performance opportunities but small enough to grant individual attention to each student, seeks to develop musicians who have the desire to excel for the glory of God,” Plew said.

The Master’s College, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, offers extensive opportunities for students to pursue their interests including live performances year-round.

The vocal and instrumental ensembles, for instance, perform various on- and off-campus concerts each semester, including two largescale productions each year at Christmas and during Passion Week.

“Our vocal ensembles have traveled worldwide, performing at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and St. Anne’s Cathedral in Jerusalem,” Plew said. “Our instrumental ensembles have traveled nationwide, performing at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center and Disneyland.”

The Department of Music features a state-of-the-art recording facility that is integrated into the recital hall.

This all-digital room is anchored by a 32-fader ICON D-Control work surface and features an industry standard Avid Pro Tools HDX2 system with a variety of plugins and outboard processing.

“The studio is used for classes as well as department ensemble projects, giving audio technology students the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test in a real-world studio recording context,” Plew said.

Opportunities in the theater arts include acting, stage managing, lighting, sound, scenery, design, costuming and makeup.

“Theater productions at The Master’s College strive to glorify God and impact our community through their excellent presentations and to encourage the enjoyment of human creativity as a reflection of the Creator,” said Plew, noting TMC Theatre is scheduled to present the musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” during the first two weekends in April.

The Master’s College also offers a summer camp, “Songs of Summer,” which has drawn more than 40 students ages 8 to 18 for the past several years.

“We focus on the performance side of singing, giving students the tools they need to grow in confidence on stage in their singing technique and portraying the emotions and texts of their songs,” explained Sarah Dixon, camp director and an Adjunct Instructor of Voice at The Master’s College. “We meet for one week in the summer and have classes focusing on voice technique and exercises, music theory, acting improvisation and ensemble performance. The students all participate in a final concert featuring their prepared solos as well as a few choral numbers.”

California students who pursue a bachelor’s degree

in music from The Master’s College are provided with a professional degree, featuring courses designed for those with a strong music background who anticipate a vocation in music. It prepares candidates in comprehensive musicianship and performance skills for graduate school and a variety of music careers.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music degrees are designed for students with a musical background who desire to achieve a solid education in music along with a significant amount of study in other areas.

Music scholarships are awarded to music majors who demonstrate superior music ability and who are committed to the college’s ministry focus of its music programs. These scholarships are obtained by performing a live audition as well as taking a theory placement exam.

“Students seek us out because of the music program,” said Plew, noting students come from all over the United States as well as foreign countries. “Some of the places our graduates are currently working include various opera companies, as faculty at various colleges and universities, as film score composers and music producers and as music pastors or church musicians, to name a few.”

“Most of our students were involved in choirs or bands in their schools, or took piano or other instruments in private instruction when they were young,” Plew said. “They’re looking for a school where they can continue their education and learn. The students in our department have many opportunities to experience and hone their musical gifts.”

For information about the music program visit www. masters.edu/music. For information about the summer camp, visit www.masters. edu/songsofsummer.

Tom Cruze/The Signal

The Master’s College choir, led by Dr. Paul Plew, during rehearsal.

Experience Fine Arts at The Master’s College

www.masters.edu/music fo r a co mp let e l i s t of c onc ert s & ev ent s

Box Office: 800.568.6248 x2262

2016 Season Includes: TMC Theatre Arts Production

“Fiddler on the Roof” April 1-2 & 8-9, 2016 8:00 pm nightly & 2:00 pm Sat. matinees

Dept. of Music Spring Concert Featuring various ensembles & soloists May 5, 2016 | 7:00 pm

TMC Theatre Arts Production

October 21-22 & 28-29, 2016 8:00 pm nightly & 2:00 pm Sat. matinees

Come ChristmasSing Concerts December 1-3, 2016 7:30 pm nightly & 2:00 pm Sat. matinee MacArthur Center

E6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

Education

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THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . E7

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

Education

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E8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

Education

Legacy Christian Academy’s STEM programming makes the grade

Courtesy photo

Olivia Stevens and Sophia Falabella were just a few of Legacy’s competitors at the regional Science Olympiad, held at Occidental College. The Academy has earned gold multiple years in a row.

L

egacy’s expansive science lab is wellstocked with professional-grade equipment and advanced curriculum directives, but the most important elements to the success of the Academy’s STEM program lie not in what, but in who, calls the space “home” – three dedicated Science teachers, volunteer Robotics coaches and a record-breaking 425 students eager and prepared to learn.

Legacy’s differentiated curriculum puts remarkable emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as is evidenced by the resources dedicated to STEM at the Academy. “In primary science education, it is usually done by someone who doesn’t love science and/or is ill-equipped to

teach it beyond having students read from a textbook.

I am impressed that Legacy devotes such a significant chunk of time and resources to its science program during and after school,” says Erik Chou, Legacy’s second-to-sixth-grade science teacher, who graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor’s in Integrative Biology and holds a Master’s of Divinity from The Master’s Seminary.

With Science taught as a distinctive course to every grade level, the kinderthrough-eighth Academy has no shortage of willing participants in their STEM programming. Says Principal Dr. Matt Northrop, “Each year, we host two excellent annual events our Family Science Night and a STEM Expo. We also have several gold-med-

al-winning Science Olympiad teams and a championship robotics team, too.”

Legacy’s academically-accelerated STEM curriculum is not just state of the art; it’s Christ-centered. “My goal is to convey a Biblical passion and purpose for learning science in an environment that is exciting, rigorous, connecting to the real world and driven by curiosity. If I can excite my students about science and connect it to their lives, it becomes meaningful and they will invest in it. I want to train and enlighten my students to not only be confident in school, but also become good, Godly citizens in a world that runs on science,” says Kate Zegan, Legacy’s middle school science teacher. Zegan graduated from The Mas-

ter’s College and holds two credentials - one in Biological Science and another in Earth Science. She taught at a public high school for five years and is now in her third year at Legacy.

Every Legacy Lion participates regularly in labs, performing experiments and observing vital scientific principles. “Our students learn through handson investigations. Instead of just coming to know through textbooks, they personally observe and experience the different scientific concepts. This leads to a better, deeper understanding,” says kinderthrough-first-grade Science Teacher Abby Del Rosario. “Legacy students are eager to witness chicken eggs hatch and observe the chicks as they grow; to interact with mealworms

and darkling beetles, caterpillars and butterflies, sow bugs, pill bugs, brine shrimp, milkweed bugs, silkworms and waxworms; and to ‘get their hands dirty’ doing STEM!” Because Legacy students begin learning scientific principles in differentiated instruction as early as Kindergarten, by the time they are in LCA’s Middle School, they’re well prepared for Advanced Placement high school courses and beyond. “Coming from a public high school background, I teach many of my high school lessons to my middle school students,” explains Zegan.

“The curriculum I teach is at a high school level and many of the assessments are at the 10th-grade level. I have also added units that are not in the text-

book that I feel will help students as they move forward to AP/Honors classes in high school, like DNA, enzymes, biotechnology, stoichiometry, stem cell research and more.”

“LCA accelerates its academic expectations in the core skills of reading, writing and mathematics,” explains Legacy Co-founder and Superintendent Tim Borruel. “A primary focus of academic enrichment is the acquisition of advanced technological and science skills. STEM learning is promoted through MIND math, the computer lab, and FOSS science labs. Characteristics like these are what helped our Academy earn the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award in 2015.”

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Jack Millett experiments with chemical reactions at Legacy’s annual Family Science night.

Alexander Patrus, Chase Hwang, Zach Johnson, Irie Cooper, Cole Raschke and Selena Dahabreh - members of Legacy’s RoboLion team - won the Southern California FIRST Tech Challenge Qualifying Tournament in Perris, California, in January. The tournament hosted 23 high school teams from So Cal; Legacy was one of the only participating middle schools at the competition. Legacy is the only middle school - public or private - in Santa Clarita and Agua Dulce to have a competitive First Tech Challenge robotics team.

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . E9

E10 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

Education

A classical Christian education

By Daphne O’Neal

T

rinity Classical Academy was founded in 2001 with just 28 students and three faculty members. Now in its 15th year, the Academy boasts “500 students and 120 faculty and is one of the fastest-growing classical Christian schools in the country,” according to founder and Managing Director Wally Caddow.

Classical Christian education is based on centuries-old precepts intended to develop discerning, informed citizens who can reason well and express themselves effectively, both orally and in writing.

“It’s really kind of an integration of faith and learning,” Caddow offers. “[Students] get a thorough understanding of their own faith but also the Christian influence on history, literature and really all the disciplines.”

Studies at the Academy are organized into three levels, according to a structure termed the Trivium.

In “the grammar stage, [pupils in Grades K through 6] learn fundamental rules and a core knowledge of each subject,” states Caddow. “The logic stage (grades 7 and 8) is where students really start to ask why, so they need to be schooled in formal logic. The third (grades 9 through 12) is the rhetoric, or poetic stage, where students synthesize the grammar and logic.”

Latin studies are crucial to the program and begin in third grade. “In addition to just being a great cognitive developmental

model..., [Latin] also helps them with English grammar,” states Caddow.

What’s more, “We start the Great Books in seventh grade, and by the time our students leave us, they’ve read about 80 of the Great Books.”

Such a rigorous academic approach might sound taxing or oppressive, but there is plenty of opportunity for self-expression.

“Our arts program has really grown over the years.

We have a couple of bell choirs -- handbells and also chimes. In fact, one of our seniors is pursuing a music degree with an emphasis on handbells. Our orchestra has filled out [and even includes] some 4th and 5th graders,” says Caddow.

Trinity third graders can participate in theatre clinics, while grades 9 through 12 can take advantage of advanced classes, as well as performing opportunities.

Moreover, “Our sports programs continue to excel at a very high level,” notes Caddow. In fact, both the varsity men’s and women’s high school basketball teams have earned high state rankings and are headed to the 2016 playoffs.

Trinity also offers football, cross-country, volleyball, wrestling, among other sports.

Still, it’s the academic program that sets a school apart, and Trinity has recently received a notable distinction.

Via its Dual Credit Program, students can earn high school and college credits simultaneously for 11 of Trinity’s existing Honors and AP Classes. The college credits may transfer to over

Dan Watson/The Signal

The Crimson Bells practice at Trinity Classical Academy.

650 colleges and universities around the country. Students who take advantage of this program may be able to accelerate their baccalaureate studies, at significant tuition cost savings.

For any parent, preparation for college is paramount in the choice of a K-12 institution.

Though the Academy has so far produced only five graduating classes, Trinity seniors have been accepted to such prestigious institutions as Stanford, UC Berkeley and West Point.

A full-time college director, along with an assistant, offer juniors and seniors abundant personal attention

as they approach the application process.

Personal attention is the experiential norm throughout, as Trinity boasts a class size of 40 to 50 and a 20:1 student-teacher ratio.

Indeed, Trinity has developed such a reputation, it has no trouble recruiting teachers.

“Every year, we have stacks and stacks of applications. We attract people from all over the world.”

The faculty includes both Ph.D’s and active college professors who are, in the words of parent Carthel Towns, Sr., “‘vested’ in our children’s success, both academically and spiritually.”

You might think the cost of a classical education taught by a roster of international scholars would be extremely high.

But, says Caddow, “Our tuition right now is about $12,000,” around a third of the expense of Los Angeles area schools, comparable relative to test scores and college acceptance.

“We always wanted to have an elite school, but we never wanted to be elitist,” states Caddow. “We want to make this opportunity available for everyone.”

Consequently, about half of the students receive needsbased tuition assistance.

Trinity has even devel-

oped a special education school — Imago Dei — that fully integrates special-needs children into the Trinity experience. In the words of parent Sandra Oshiro, Imago Dei inspires in Academy students “compassion and understanding … for ALL people.”

“The whole point is to graduate a student who can think well, read well, write well, speak well, know what they believe and why they believe it and communicate in such a way that someone will want to listen.” So far, Trinity Classical Academy seems to be meeting — if not exceeding — this lofty goal.

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . E11

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

Education

Hiring a tutor led to a business opportunity

By T. A. DeFeo

W

hen Steve Grill’s now eight-year-old son needed help, he turned to a tutor. But, little did he realize that decision would result in a new business opportunity for him, not just help for his son.

“I really liked the idea of one-on-one learning,” Grill said of the tutoring experience.

So, in December 2014, the Los Angeles native formally launched his franchise of Tutor Doctor. His business has been an immediate success, serving more than 100 students in its first year alone.

“I learned two things,” Grill said of the experience.

“One is that there is a need out there. And, secondly you have to really listen to the kids. You learn a lot from the kids.”

That need starts because many tutoring companies treat students like a commodity. Together, Grill and Director of Education Dawn Oliver take a different approach, and the path to success begins long before a tutor ever starts working with a student.

Grill and Oliver personally interview all potential tutor candidates to ensure they are both qualified and that they espouse the mission of Tutor Doctor. They are looking for the “gold standard of customer care,” as Grill puts it.

Once hired, tutors must then attend an all-day orientation session before they are ever sent out to start instructing students.

“A lot of tutors work as bro-

kers,” Oliver said. “Whereas we hire everyone as a company employee. They’re held accountable for the progress of their students.

“I strongly believe that everyone who tutors has to be invested in their students,” Oliver added.

That’s why Tutor Doctor is focused on one-on-one, inhome tutoring. The process begins with an in-home assessment of students, which helps Oliver and her team of tutors understand a student’s strengths and areas for improvement.

That initial meeting is also about establishing a baseline against which Oliver and the tutor can monitor progress.

With that information, Oliver can build a program path tailored to each student’s needs.

From there, Grill hopes to make what he calls a “magical match” between tutor and student — one that allows the student to thrive. “I think we’re very successful in putting someone in the house who is a good fit,” Grill said.

The process has been a success, parents say.

“I have been using tutor doctor for the past year to sharpen my daughter’s math and writing skills,” parent Christin Jorgensen said.

“My experience using tutor doctor has been exceptionally great! The director of the program, the staff, and the tutor are all very professional. My daughter’s tutor shows up on time and enthusiastic to teach.

“One aspect I really like about tutor doctor is that they reevaluate the student to determine the areas that

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Aaliyah Clark, 8, works on her math homework with Michelle Harbich of the Tutor Doctor at Clark’s home. need attention, which changes as the year progresses and keeps them working on relevant topics,” Jorgensen added. “Tutor Doctor also refers me to online activities that she can use on a daily basis to help sharpen her skills between tutor visits.”

Just as important as helping students succeed in school, Grill, Oliver and their team of tutors are focused on ensuring students have the life skills that will help them succeed later in life. That includes organizational and time management skills.

“They understand their education is so critical and

vital to their achieving their goals,” Grill said. It’s also about helping build up students’ self-confidence.

Tutor Doctor caters to students in first through 12th grades and those who attend public or private schools or who are home-schooled. The company also helps students in college and adults who are continuing their education journey, whether pursuing a GED or looking to return to school for a higher degree.

All tutors have at least a Bachelor’s Degree, and many are pursuing graduate degrees. Tutors, with the permission of parents, can reach

out to a student’s teacher as part of the instructing process.

“One of the great things about this company is that tutors can take as few or as many students as they want.

Since I am a mom of multiple special-needs children, I have a lot of demands on my time, but I still need to work,” tutor Michelle Harbich said. “I currently only have four students that I spread out over six hours per week. These students are scheduled around my family’s hectic therapy and school activity schedules.

“The students I have tutored have been long-term

www.santaclaritatutoring.com

assignments,” Harbich added. “As such, I have ample time to figure out their diverse learning styles and habits. This helps Dawn and me to come up with programs tailored specifically to them, which in turn helps them to have the best chances for academic success.”

While Tutor Doctor doesn’t have a physical location, it is very much a part of the Santa Clarita community. That includes a membership in the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call (661) 219-0770 or visit santaclaritatutoring.com.

E12 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • EDUCATION

Education

Santa Clarita Christian School preparing tomorrow’s leaders

By Ruben J. Porras

A

ccording to its official website, Santa Clarita Christian School is committed to developing young people to be extraordinary 21st century influencers for Christ to our community and world.

To make this commitment a reality, the school offers a rounded education consisting of a variety of academic and athletic programs.

Santa Clarita Christian School is officially registered as a private school in the state of California, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

In 1982 when the school was founded to serve grades K-12, 110 students and 12 faculty members were in place. Today, 45 faculty members serve 500 students. Since being founded the fully accredited school has graduated over 600 students.

The motto of Santa Clarita Christian School is “Teaching Minds, Training Hearts for God” and this is something that is taken very seriously and adhered to according to school administrators.

When asked what he’d like the public to know about the school, administrator Kirk Huckabone explained, “We would like to convey citizenship, character development and high academics.” “We are a very family centered school that

emphasizes Christian discipleship and service. In our secondary program developing student leaders is a big focus.”

Preparing students to become leaders starts early at Santa Clarita Christian School. Students start preparing for college in kindergarten and then follow a comprehensive, systematic path throughout their education that is designed for collegiate success.

Students graduating from the school have gone on to top-notch universities including UC Berkeley, Cornell, USC and Brown among others. An average of 97 percent of students that graduate from the school continue their education to college.

Santa Clarita Christian School graduation requirements exceed those of any other school in the Santa Clarita Valley. Requirements for graduation include four years of English, four years of social studies, three years of lab science, three years of math, four years of Bible education, two years of a foreign language and a year of fine arts.

Overall, the school’s student body consistently scores near the 80th national percentile ranking on yearly achievement tests.

School administration attributes that success to not being limited by state guidelines as their curriculum is designed to prepare students for successful testing while also providing them with critical thinking skills for successful learning.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Santa Clarita Christian School Administrator Kirk Huckabone.

Families interested in enrolling students at Santa Clarita Christian School can start by attending “Getting to Know Us Tours” on the second Tuesday of every month beginning every November.

During these tours parents will learn about the school’s tuition and fees schedule, tuition assistance programs and options, and about its award-winning athletic programs (the school holds league titles in almost all sports and has also won six CIF championships) that begin in kindergarten.

More information can be found at http://www.sccs.cc.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Santa Clarita Christian School Administrator Kirk Huckabone visits a 1st grade classroom at SCCS.

SCV Community Pride • BANKING & FINANCE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . F1

SCV

Community

Pride Banking & Finance

SCV Community Pride • Banking & Finance

Santa Clarita’s Finance Professionals Provide Guidance and Insight

Dan Watson/The Signal

Fred Kreger, left, and Fred Arnold with members of the American Family Funding team.

F2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • BANKING & FINANCE

Banking & Finance

American Family Funding prides itself on helping community residents reach their financial goals of owning a home

Dan Watson/The Signal

American Family Funding Associates meeting.

By Anne Freedman

“I

f you can coach borrowers to help them realize their dream of buying a home, that is the gratifying part of our job,” said Fred Arnold, who is co-branch manager of the full service mortgage banking firm along with Fred Kreger.

“People seek out information on the home buying process and we want to help them understand the process from start to finish. Many clients today are not only looking at property as their new home, but are investing with the goal of purchasing a home as a sound investment to build wealth,” he said.

Everyone’s financial situation is different, but American Family Funding – a division of American Pacific Mortgage, a $6 billion a year direct funding company – has several programs that make it easier for individuals to purchase a home.

“We think that is a big part of giving back to the community that is so loyal to us,” said Kreger.

American Family Funding is especially proud of various programs targeted to veterans, teachers, first responders, those who are recovering from financial hardship, and older homeowners wanting to remain in their homes.

“We do the typical 15, 20 and 30-year fixed mortgages in addition to other options that most people see advertised in the paper, but we are very proud we can represent veterans with VA loans,” Kreger said. “Veterans give so much when they serve our country and many of them are unaware that a VA loan is something they have earned.”

VA loans offer unmatched benefits to veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses.

With a VA loan, they can purchase a home with no money down, borrow 100 percent of the value of the home or more, qualify

with lenient guidelines and avoid mortgage insurance requirements.

“The eligibility never expires,” said Arnold, who was in the ROTC at UCLA and served in the U.S. Air Force. “We are proud to promote that product.

“The program,” he said, “is near and dear to both of our hearts.”

The company’s STAR loan program is designed for two other groups of unsung heroes: teachers and first responders.

Those that qualify for the program save $500 in reduced lender fees, can use gifted funds for 100 percent of the home purchase down payment and can take advantage of lender paid mortgage insurance options to reduce the monthly mortgage.

In addition, there is a one-time interest rate renegotiation option if mortgage rates improve.

American Family Funding also guarantees those who are preapproved as part of the “Keys on Time”

loan program if closing doesn’t occur within 21 days, the company will refund some of the closing costs.

The company’s “Back in the Game” program is geared for community residents who have suffered a financial hardship and have been unable to obtain financing due to a bankruptcy, foreclosure or other unfortunate events.

“A lot of people suffered financially through the latest recession,” Arnold said. “Many of those borrowers have corrected their financial challenges and are looking for an opportunity to get back in the game and provide housing for their families.”

“It’s one way to help those in the community who are not necessarily qualifying for the right programs to help themselves,” Kreger said.

The “Back in the Game” program offers loan amounts as low as $150,000 and up to $1.5 million, for up to 85 percent of the val-

ue of the home. You can be just two years out of foreclosure or bankruptcy, and can qualify with a FICO score as low as 600.

Financial challenges can also be a burden for older homeowners who wish to remain in their homes. A reverse mortgage can help with those financial challenges.

“There are a lot of old myths about reverse mortgages,” Arnold said.

“Some people believe they will lose control of their home or all of the equity goes to the bank. We try to communicate the opportunities that reverse mortgages offer them and dispel the myths about reverse mortgages.”

Reverse mortgages allow homeowners who are 62 or older to borrow against the equity established in their home. In most cases, a reverse mortgage provides the homeowners with tax-free funds, and instead of making mortgage payments, they receive them.

It’s available to home-

owners who own their homes, or whose remaining mortgage balance can be paid off by the reverse mortgage. The funds can be used to supplement retirement income, plan for long-term care needs, cover health care expenses, pay property taxes, reduce high-interest debt or remodel or repair the home.

“We have a reverse mortgage specialist, Steve Schaefer who works with homeowners to look at the pros and cons, and decide if this is a good option for them,” Arnold said. “It’s often a great opportunity for the consumer.

“Everyone’s financial situation is so dramatically different,” Arnold said.

“The gratifying part is determining what we can do to help consumers meet their financial goals, to answer all of their questions and help them not only own a home, but build wealth in a home.”

For more than 97 years, The Signal has carried the banner of responsible community journalism in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Proud to be this community’s only local newspaper.

Total Access to Your Community.

Your news. 24/7.

SIGNALSCV.COM

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . F3

SCV Community Pride • BANKING & FINANCE

Banking & Finance

Liberty Tax Service - Professionals who stand behind their clients those new laws every year it’s always better to go to a professional to get your taxes done.”

Some of Khadiya’s employees have been with her from day one.

“I’m very proud of my people,” she said. “They’re a very ethical and professional team.”

Liberty Tax Service guarantees its accuracy, Khadiya said.

“We have a double-check system because there’s always a chance for human error,” she said. “If you have received an IRS letter and are being audited and you need help we stand with you to get that audit done. We do not charge for any assistance since we’ve prepare your taxes. If we prepared your taxes we will stand by you.”

It’s easy to spot Khadiya’s Liberty Tax offices by the “wavers” out front.

“My wavers, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, stand outside. I hire high school and college students so they can make a little extra money. My current clientele in Santa Clarita tell me they wait for the wavers to come out in January so they know tax season has started.”

Liberty Tax Service is located at: 26775 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. 661-296-1000 and 24152 Lyons Ave., Newhall, 661259-1040.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Liberty Tax - From Left, Ritu Khadiya, owner, Amanda Lozano, lead tax preparer, sign waver Luis De La Cruz and Suzie Nguyen, office manager at the Newhall location.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Liberty Tax sign wavers Luis De La Cruz and Kevin Waschak stand on the corner of Lyons Avenue and Wiley Canyon Road in Newhall.

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For most people, leading a busy life with jobs and family leaves little time to decipher those changes in time to minimize their taxes paid and maximize their refund.

Liberty Tax Service, with two franchises in the Santa Clarita area, takes the burden off taxpayers, walking them through those changes so they can get the most money they’re entitled to.

“The benefits of having a professional prepare your taxes is you don’t miss all the deductions and income you have to report,” said owner Ritu Khadiya, who has been with Liberty Tax for 12 years. Khadiya has a location in Santa Clarita and opened a new location, in Newhall, in January, to serve both ends of town.

“We go into detail with your taxes,” Khadiya said.

“You can do them online these days but sometimes you miss out on things.

For instance, a hairdresser might not know her scissors can be taken as a deduction. But they are her tools for her business. And with Obamacare you have so many forms to fill out you need a professional to fill out your taxes. Also, if you have any kind of 1099 income you need a profes-

sional to help you because you don’t know what deductions you have.”

With a team of 28 professional tax preparers Liberty Tax is open seven days and even open on holidays during tax season. Hours are 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday,” Khadiya said. “Saturdays are our busiest days now.

“We are open on Easter because last year we got a lot of traffic on Easter Sunday,” Khadiya said.

“Around the first week of February is one of the busiest weeks, as well as the last three weeks of tax season. That’s when we have lines outside the door. ” Liberty tax will be open till midnight during those peak times.

Good news for taxpayers is that the tax deadline has been extended to Monday, April 18 this year due to Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C. so Liberty Tax will be open all weekend.

“Many people who did their own taxes have actually come to us, saying, ‘I don’t know why my taxes are higher.’” Khadiya said.

“The tax codes change every year and we as professionals have to train every year and keep up with certifications every year and we know the tax codes because we study them. With

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F4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • BANKING & FINANCE

SCV Community Pride • BANKING & FINANCE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . F5

F6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • BANKING & FINANCE

Banking & Finance

For partner at Corporate Strategies, Inc., success is a duty

By Laurel Davis

M

ost people strive for success simply because they, well, want to be successful. They desire the benefits and advantages that come with success, such as financial freedom, long-term security, being a role model, leaving a legacy for their children, the sense of accomplishment, recognition, and the sense of self-worth, to name a few.

For Santa Clarita Valley resident Scott Zimmerman, one of three Agency Principals at Corporate Strategies, Inc. in Encino, add to that list his strong sense of accountability. “My duty, obligation and responsibility are to be successful.”

“Achieving success is my duty because of all the people who have helped me throughout my life,” Scott explains. “My parents, who raised me and pointed me in the right direction. My children, who are my greatest support and my greatest responsibility. My colleagues at Corporate Strategies, who expect everybody to work together at the same level of commitment to our business goals. And even my clients, who look to me to do my very best on their behalf.”

Even after 20 years of proven success with the company, Scott’s sense of duty to be successful remains as strong as ever.

Corporate Strategies, Inc. is a full-service employee benefits and insurance agency that provides employers and professionals with tools

and products that will help them protect their assets and run their businesses efficiently, Scott says.

They specialize in insurance products as well as employee benefits packages, human resources technologies, payroll administration, risk management, business and estate planning, and life and disability protection for business owners and professionals.

The firm was founded in 1995 and has 19 employees. They are a top insurance broker in Southern California and a leading producer for several major insurance carriers, Scott says. Also, he and the two other Agency Principals, Martin Levy and Matthew Tayor, are Life and Qualifying members of the Million Dollar Round Table, a designation for the top 1% of all life insurance producers in the United States.

Corporate Strategies’ mission is to “create long term advisory relationships, provide consistent and proven strategies, focus on client objectives, while delivering exceptional service.” As Scott says, “We work hard to help get people covered where they need to be covered.” He insists their emphasis is not on commissions but on finding the right products, plans and programs for each client’s needs.

“We make sure to go over and above for clients, and we rarely lose business,” Scott points out.

Corporate Strategies handles all of Los Angeles but has clients across the country, and some international

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Scott Zimmerman of Corporate Strategies, Inc. in Encino stands in his office in front of a map of all the places he’s traveled. business owners for life insurance.

One of their biggest specialties is handling all aspects of employee benefits – medical, dental, vision, 401k plans, etc. – including enrollment, regardless of the number of employees.

In addition, they developed their own HR package that integrates human resources, payroll and employee benefits together.

They take a “21st Century” approach to building client

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relationships based on innovative and comprehensive strategies and technologies to streamline clients’ HR functions.

Scott, who has been in the insurance industry for 26 years, specializes in longterm care, disability and life insurance strategies and, as a partner in the firm, manages these departments. “I work with an amazing team.

We’re like a family.”

Scott says he really enjoys helping business owners ful-

fill their goals for their employees and protect themselves and their families.

“It’s rewarding when a client trusts me enough to ultimately go with my recommendations.”

For Scott and his fellow executive team, it’s all about building those types of lasting relationships, which is the ultimate measure of their success. As he points out, “We want to cover their needs just once,” meaning taking the time to do it right

the first time for every client.

Besides being a single father raising two daughters, ages 19 and 17, Scott has hiked Mount Kilamanjaro in Tanzania and the Inca Trail in Machu Picchu, gone white water rafting in Chile, and taken a bike tour through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, among many other exotic world travel adventures.

Corporate Strategies, Inc. is located at 16255 Ventura Blvd., Suite 320, Encino.

I help people plan for the What If’s in life: • Life Insurance – What if you were to pass away prematurely?

• Disability Insurance – What If you became sick or hurt and couldn’t work?

• Long Term Care Insurance– What If you needed assistance or care in your home or nursing home?

Scott Zimmerman 1.818.377.7260 1.800.914.3564 www.CorpStrat.com Scott@CorpStrat.com

License #0781467

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . F7

SCV Community Pride • BANKING & FINANCE

Banking & Finance

Real estate firm riding wave after Buffett handpicks friend

By David Heitz

G

ino Blefari not only has been a friend to Michael Rescigno and Alex Woltman for many years, but also served as their broker when Rescigno and Woltman co-owned Intero Real Estates Services of Santa Clarita.

Blefari worked out of the Silicon Valley Intero office but assisted the Santa Clarita team until Woltman got his broker’s license.

When Warren Buffett handpicked Blefari to head up Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices after acquiring Intero in 2014, Blefari asked Rescigno and Woltman if they would like to directly transition and rebrand as Berkshire Hathaway.

“The volume and professionalism of the company had risen them up to national sales records, and Buffet wanted the leadership of Intero, particularly Gino Blefari, to run Berskhire Hathaway and turn it into the biggest and best brand of real estate on the planet,” Woltman said.

Woltman and Rescigno

excitedly made the switch when Blefari reached out.

“The tools and resources that Berkshire Hathaway offer are really second to none to any company in the industry,” Woltman said. “It is a mind-boggling system. Warren Buffett has spent a fortune to build the brand.”

Rescigno said he believes the Berkshire Hathaway brand will position the agency for the future. “We felt it would give us a much greater presence. This area is really growing. There are more jobs, and this is a very good avenue for us to take. The brand really resonates with people. We’re eager to capitalize on the brand’s name recognition and grow our brokerage in the marketplace.”

Blefari called Rescigno, Woltman and their team “top-notch professionals who will represent our brand well,” in a news release. “We’re pleased to welcome California Properties to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.”

The brokerage recently moved to a new corporate headquarters at 25060 Avenue Stanford in Valencia. Woltman and Rescig-

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

The staff of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties in their Valencia offices. no still independently own and operate their brokerage despite their new brand affiliation.

Woltman and Rescigno want clients to know that they still can expect the sort of personal service that has resulted in their moving countless Santa Clarita Valley properties, even though they’re now with a brand that has the

backing of huge business magnate Buffett.

“Warren Buffett buys for the long term and aligns himself with high-level professionals, which is what Gino is,” Woltman said.

Berkshire Hathaway uses its might to give back to the communities it serves and is heavily involved in Sunshine Kids,

an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with cancer.

Locally, Woltman and Rescigno donate clothes to a homeless shelter in Santa Clarita Valley and also sponsor a Soroptomist club.

Woltman said their firm proudly serves Santa Clarita Valley residents in the market to buy or

sell anything “from condos to castles,” adding, “We believe people seek out Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices yard signs as symbols of quality service, integrity and innovation. We’re confident our area’s top real estate agents will want to advance their business representing Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.”

Find us in a neighborhood near you.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is here.

That’s a good sign for the market and a great sign for you.

California Properties

Contact us for more information. www.bhhscalproperty.com

info@bhhscalproperty.com 661-362-6760 661-362-6762

California Properties ©2016 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Information not verified or guaranteed. If your property is currently listed with a broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Good to know.®

F8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • BANKING & FINANCE

Southern California’s Premier Community Bank Since 1945.

When we founded our own community bank in 1945, it was out of need. Banks weren’t lending to businesses, so we built our own. We now stand with more than $3.6 billion in assets and 17 business centers—and counting. We’re no longer just a community bank.

Partnering to be YOUR Community

Santa Clarita Business Banking Center Cal Naulls SVP/Business Center Manager 28470 Avenue Stanford, Ste 110 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Office (661) 295-2850; Cell (818) 257-3430 cnaulls@cbank.com

cbank.com SBA Preferred Lender | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

SCV Community Pride • AUTOMOTIVE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . G1

SCV

Community

Pride Automotive

Valencia Auto Center Magic Mile of Cars

ValenciaAutoCenter.com SCV Community Pride • Automotive

Santa Clarita’s Automotive Professionals

G2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Automotive

SCV Community Pride • AUTOMOTIVE

Shopping local keeps our city thriving

T

wenty-five years ago we didn’t have many options on where to shop or dine out. Times have changed and we now have the opportunity to keep our spending local.

We hear the term “shop local”, but why is that important? It’s simple. If we want our community to continue to grow, we must support our local businesses. By shopping local, we are helping to create more jobs and we are keeping

Patrick Kennedy

the revenue and taxes local.

There are several reasons why we should all consider shopping local first.

It’s convenient. Most anything you want or need can be found in the Santa Clarita Valley. Staying close to home saves gas and takes less time out of your day.

Let’s admit once we return home from the daily commute, we don’t want to leave again. Why fight traffic if we don’t have to? We have

just about everything we need close to home. Many services offer hours that fit your schedule.

Local businesses are less susceptible to national and regional downturns and are more likely to work harder to get your businesses and stay open. By choosing local, you are helping to support your neighbors.

Local businesses give our community its flavor.

By spending your money

locally, you are helping to ensure we keep the uniqueness of the community we call home.

It’s also easier to follow through on warranty and extended service contracts.

Your local business owners and auto dealers are eager to build a relationship with you. Take advantage of their desires to fit your needs and win your business.

Keep your dollars in your local economy. You may

commute to Santa Monica for work, but buying your new or used car close to home puts money right back into the city’s economy. This leads to funding for emergency teams, street repairs, upkeep of city parks, improvement of school grounds and classrooms and helps produce more local jobs.

When thinking “shop local” we easily think of local retail stores and family owned restaurants. But

Where the magic happens

INFINITI of Valencia 24055 Magic Mountain Parkway Valencia, CA 91355 www.infinitiofvalencia.com

661.505.7800

we don’t always think of big ticket items such as autos.

Valencia Auto Center is the largest auto center in Southern California. It is the number one sales tax revenue source for the city. Valencia Auto Center offers 25 brands and thousands of new and pre-owned vehicles.

Why drive 30 miles when you can get the same great deals close to home? Shop local and keep those dollars in our community.

Automotive

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . G3

Premier America takes the hassle out of buying a car bin, the “car buying guy,” helps its members get the hen you open a car they want at a price Premier Ameri- they can afford, and withca Credit Union out all the hassle of a dealshare account with a $5 de- ership. posit, you get a whole lot “We’re interested in more than a shoehorn or a building relationships with balloon. our members,” said ChrisPremier America, with tina Madaras, marketing nearly 100,000 members manager for the Chatsand 18 branches in South- worth-based credit union. ern California, is a full-ser- “After buying a car somevice credit union with the one may get married or buy a house, and we want to be their go-to financial partner for life.”

– Christina Madaras, As for Marketing Manager for the purchasing Chatsworth-based credit union a new or used vehimotto, “Bank Where You cle, having Kobin on your Own the Place.” Cred- side is a game changer. Preit unions such as Premier mier America’s car buying America have a rich history services eliminate most of evolving from the idea that the dealership red tape, inpeople working together cluding sitting in the showcan create better financial room for hours and being solutions, especially when pitched expensive add-ons as owners, members have a by “the finance guy.”

“We can offer sweet vested interest in their coldeals to all the members lective success.

Many people first get of the credit union, who to know Premier America sometimes pay thousands when they are in the mar- less than people who just ket for a new vehicle. Pre- walk onto the car lot,” Komier America’s Chris Ko- bin said. “We will find the

By David Heitz

W

We’re interested in building relationships with our members.”

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SCV PRIDE •

SCV Community Pride • AUTOMOTIVE

car they want, at a great price, and deliver it to the member at the Premier America branch location of their choosing.”

Also, Kobin notes, the professionals in Premier America’s lending department ensure the financing process is simple, easy and convenient.

Rates vary on car loans, but Premier America will finance everything from brand new vehicles to 20-year-old classics. Refinancing is also available.

Some people choose to get cash back when refinancing with a lower rate to help make those first few payments. In addition to great rates, members receive added discounts when taking advantage of convenient features such as direct deposit and autopay.

“We hope you will buy a car and stay for life, because member experience is everything,” Madaras said. “It’s our number one focus.”

Premier America is located at 27550 Newhall Ranch Rd., #203 in Newhall.

Mike Tercero, branch manager can be reached at 800-772-4000, or email Mike.tercero@ premieramerica.com.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Premier America Credit Union Branch Manager, Mike Tercero, left, and Shelia Jones, Regional Director, North Valley at the Valencia office.

Dan Watson/The Signal

From left, Premier America Credit Union Regional Director, North Valley, Shelia Jones, Branch Manager, Mike Tercero, and Operations Supervisor, Laura Avalos, use a selfie-stick to take a photo in front of the One Small Step Investment and Retirement Service promotional display at the Valencia office.

Galpin Santa Clarita is Conveniently Located at

23645 CREEKSIDE ROAD, VALENCIA, CA 91355 FOR ALL YOUR AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS, PLEASE CONTACT GALPIN SANTA CLARITA GENERAL MANAGER DAN STERKEL AT 661-288-6901 OR DSTERKEL@GALPIN.COM.

MEMBERS OF THE GALPIN MOTORS FAMILY

661.255.7703 • GALPIN.COM @galpinmotors

@galpinsantaclarita

@galpinmotors

G4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • AUTOMOTIVE

Y L P P A !

Y A TOD

Your first payment is on us!

We will make your first payment, 1 $ up to 1,000, when you purchase or refinance

your vehicle loan through Premier America!

PremierAmerica.com | 800-772-4000 APR=Annual Percentage Rate. 1Offer ends June 30, 2016. Not valid with existing Premier America vehicle loans and may not be combined with any other Premier America promotional offer. First payment is paid upon the first payment due date of the new loan and is to be repaid in full to Premier America if the new loan does not remain open and in good standing for a term of at least 6 months. Member responsible for any net balance of first payment and for any accrued interest in excess of funds contributed by PACU toward first payment. 2Rate above is for new auto refinance loans up to a 66-month term and reflects 0.25% discount for automatic payment via direct deposit and a 0.25% discount for auto or homeowners insurance through Premier America. Example: For a $25,000.00 new auto refinance loan for a term of 66 months with a 1.24% APR, the monthly payment will be $392.07. The rate may increase based on creditworthiness and is subject to change or end without notice. Qualification is based on an assessment of individual creditworthiness and our underwriting standards. Certain restrictions apply. Equal Opportunity Lender.

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . G5

SCV Community Pride • AUTOMOTIVE

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G6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Automotive

SCV Community Pride • AUTOMOTIVE

G&M Auto Repair putting honesty at the center of business

By T. A. DeFeo

J

ohn Wright has always been around cars and gear heads.

So, it was no surprise he jumped at the opportunity 18 months ago to purchase G&M Auto Repair, a staple in the community for more than three decades.

The Chicago native hasn’t looked back since.

“Working for myself has allowed me to do things my way,” Wright said.

That means treating customers fairly from the moment they walk through the door, being honest about the work that is needed and providing customers with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on all ASE-certified repairs. In an industry often defined by flyby-night companies with little regard for customers, Wright prides himself on being a beacon of honesty.

After all, Wright feels “personally responsible” for making sure every repair is done right the first time.

That simple approach of putting honesty and ethics at the forefront of his business has produced phenomenal results for Wright. In a short period of time, he has tripled the volume of business at G&M Auto Repair.

“They know I’m not like some of the other shops,” Wright said of his customers. “I’m here for the long haul. I’m not going any-

where. I’d love to be doing this for the next 30 years.

I’d love to pass this down to my kids.”

G&M Auto Repair first opened in 1981, but closed shortly before Wright purchased the shop. Wright started working at G&M Auto Repair by himself, but now has a staff of seven to help service customers.

Wright’s passion for his work and his customers is evident among his customers. And, that has translated to positive reviews on sites like Yelp.

“John & his team truly set the standard for what an auto mechanic/repair shop should be,” one customer wrote on Yelp. “Have been here a handful of times for the past 2 years & will remain a loyal customer considering the great service I’ve always received.”

Said another on the review site: “He’s the only mechanic I trust to work on my car. He’s always explained what’s going on in a way I understand and his pricing is always affordable.”

Wright amassed his knowledge of cars during a 20-year career working for car manufacturers and dealers. Because of that knowledge Wright and his team can readily work on any car — whether domestic, foreign, hybrid or electric.

He prides himself on his team’s ability to diagnose problems that many of his

competitors are unable to find. His tools match or exceed the tools the dealers have to diagnose problems.

“I’m straight forward,” Wright said of his approach.

“It’s not trying to pull the wool over someone’s eyes.

It’s just saying, ‘this is how it is.’ I want to make sure that I fix it right.”

To ensure he’s able to fix whatever rolls into the shop correctly, Wright is constantly adding tools to his collection.

“If I come across something I don’t have, I make sure I have it next time,” Wright said. “Or, if I need it to complete a job, I go out and buy it.”

To ensure customers’ cars are fixed correctly, all of the mechanics at G&M Auto Repair are ASE Certified Technicians. In addition, G&M Auto Repair is a member of a number of industry associations, including the Automotive Service Association, the most prominent auto repair association nationwide with more than 13,000 members, and the Automotive Service Council of California, the largest independent repair shop owner’s association in the Golden State.

G&M Auto Repair is located at 27260 Camp Plenty Rd. in Canyon Country.

For more information, visit gmautorepair.net or call (661) 251-6736.

Dan Watson/The Signal

G&M Auto Repair, Owner John Wright, right, with the team in Canyon Country.

Dan Watson/The Signal

G&M Auto Repair mechanics work on vehicles in the shop.

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THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . G7

SCV Community Pride • AUTOMOTIVE

All roads lead to

Pho Sure Pho Sure

World Famous Vietnamese Noodles & More www.phosurevalencia.com

23876 Copper Hill Dr., Valencia, CA 91354 • (661) 257-3888 1st authentic Vietnamese restaurant in the Santa Clarita Valley.

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G8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • AUTOMOTIVE

THE LARGEST AUTO CENTER in California Magic Mile of Cars

1000’s of New and Pre-Owned Vehicles to Choose From Shop Local

25 BRANDS ONE LOCATION CREEKSIDE ROAD, VALENCIA

ValenciaAutoCenter.com

SCV Community Pride • HEALTH CARE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . H1

SCV

Community

Pride Health Care

SCV Community Pride • Health Care

Quality Health Care, and Love for the Community

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Santa Clarita Little Leaguers at the Facey Medical Group baseball clinic held on The Travel Village baseball fields.

H2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Health Care

SCV Community Pride • HEALTH CARE

Facey prepares players for a great second year of Little League

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Dr. Emily Schwartz watches a pitcher’s form at the Valencia Travel Village baseball fields.

By David Heitz

N

Family run and operated since 1982 DTC has built a team of professionals that specialize in Healthcare systems application.

We can handle everything from a single doctor shop to national multi-site healthcare clinics.

DTC is a Full Systems Integrator • Cloud Communications • Voice Applications • Data Networks • Network Security • Wireless Infrastructure • Structured Cabling

Contact DTC (661) 964-2500 www.dtc4you.com

ow in its second year supporting the Santa Clarita Little League, Facey Medical Group wants to make sure its ball players enjoy the game and don’t end up in the emergency room unless they have to.

That is why Dr. Emily Schwartz, who specializes in primary care sports medicine at Facey Medical Group in Valencia, offered a clinic Jan. 22 at the Travel Village Baseball Fields in Castaic. About 25 to 30 kids and their families turned out to hear the advice of Dr. Schwartz.

“The fact that the majority of injuries I see are from overuse and from not having enough rest, I asked a lot of them about how many teams they are playing on and are they playing every day and do they at least have one day off for complete rest,” Schwartz explained to a reporter after the clinic.

She saw about what she expected. “When I asked how many kids are pitchers more than half raised their hands, and obviously there are not that many pitchers on a team, but many kids are trying to be a pitcher,” Schwartz explained. “The amount of velocity and torque on an

arm is different from just throwing a ball.”

Her central message during the workshop was to follow little league guidelines regarding proper pitching and adequate rest days, which can be found here.

Youngsters need to have at least one month off from playing one sport before beginning another sport. Dr. Schwartz said. There are more and more recommendations coming from youth sports experts against the idea of sub-specializing.

Youngsters who play the same types of sports over and over and over again are the most likely to develop injuries, Schwartz said.

“It’s important to stay on pitch counts and pay attention to that,” Dr. Schwartz said. “Players ages 10 to 12 who have more than 70 pitches in a day require four days of complete rest,’ Schwartz said. “When they may say it was just over 40 pitches, it is a lot more than people think, because be aware that pitch counts are not just during a game, but also during practice.”

Schwartz also talked curveballs during the camp. “Don’t start practicing curveballs until they get into puberty,” she told parents, leaving a few boys disgruntled.

“A lot of people came up

and thanked me,” Schwartz said. “I didn’t seem to get any dirty looks or anything. They seemed very receptive and were nodding in agreement with what I was saying. What people were surprised about was the amount of rest that is needed. I heard a few people say, ‘Oh yeah, on off days they are taking pitches less or batting lessons. That all counts. Rest days are for them to act like a normal kid. Everyone wants their kid to be the best and the pressure to do that is definitely there.”

Dr. Schwartz said she saw the whole range of pitches during the clinic, from “quite good” to “horrible form.”

“Not everybody’s bodies are made to throw pitches,” she said. Poor pitching techniques coupled with not enough rest between pitches leads to Little Leaguer Shoulder and Little Leaguer Elbow, Schwartz said. Those are conditions which cause a widening of the growth plates because of repetition. Rest and learning proper pitching from is the best way to get over those injures and to get back into the game.

Spots are still available in the Santa Clarita Little League. For info. Call (661) 513-1544.

Partners Dan Watson/The Signal

Dr. Emily Schwartz answers questions from parents at a meeting at the Valencia Travel Village baseball fields.

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THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . H3

Summerhill Villa celebrates 15 years of focusing on ‘the good work’ for seniors

By Kateri Wozny

T

he energy and compassion is alive at Summerhill Villa, an assisted living center for seniors that is part of the Japanese owned MBK Senior Living Group, a division of Mitsui & Company, LTD. The center is now in its 15th year and has many reasons to celebrate.

“We continue to be a leading service provider in the assisted living industry because of our quality care and dedication to our seniors,” said Cyntia Drachenberg, executive director for Summerhill Villa. “We believe in Yoi Shigoto (Japanese for ‘the good work’) and focus on having our hearts in the right place.”

Summerhill Villa not only focuses on the health and well-being of its residents, but making sure their life is fulfilled. On average, the center has between 125 to 130 residents ranging from homemakers, professionals and retired professionals, with the oldest resident being 102-years-old.

“The term ‘assisted living’ is still new in this generation. Summerhill Villa is not a nursing home where the seniors can never return to their residence,” Drachenberg explained. “Residents come here to live, thrive and retire without having any life worries.”

According to the Summerhill Villa website, before a resident can move in, they are assessed by the director of health services so that a customized care and service plan can be made to meet their needs. The communi-

ty team of 15 then dedicates themselves to providing support and assistance 24 hours a day as well as offers support and ongoing communication with the resident’s family members.

“We have a hardworking staff that has a passion for working with seniors,” Drachenberg said. “Our longstanding associates and clients are our family. We invest a lot into them.”

Assisted living services include housekeeping, laundry services, daily living activities, transportation, an emergency alert response system, MBKuisine dining that features three meals a day and the MBKonnection programs that includes social and cultural events, lectures and physical fitness classes.

Summerhill Villa residents are also active through volunteer and community outreach opportunities, such as helping at the Santa Clarita Senior Center and hosting yearly fundraisers for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We have many enriching programs that our seniors can participate in,” Drachenberg said. “A lot of our programs are designed around many types of music genres.

These programs enhance the mind, body and spirit of our residents.”

Summerhill Villa also offers the Connections for Living program, which helps residents and their families deal with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

“This is a very special program that helps residents with their physical wellness, provides a healthy environ-

ment, enrichment activities and family involvement through educational programs,” Drachenberg said.

Apartment homes are available in a studio, one and two bedroom and private room settings, with prices ranging from $4,200 to $6,600. Amenities at Summerhill Villa include a library, craft and games rooms, a beauty salon and barber shop, pianos and a courtyard.

“We have a variety of options where a senior can rent month-to-month or begin with a short term, respite stay,” Drachenberg said. “The environment is very warm and inviting with a homelike community. It’s very rich with culture.”

One resident, Charlene Sweeney of Valencia, summed up her positive experience at Summerhill Villa in an online review.

“For the last 15 years I have called Summerhill Villa home. Not home like the wonderful residents that live in the Summerhill community call it home, but my home away from home,” she wrote.

“I can honestly say that my life would not have been as fulfilling if it wasn’t for my time at Summerhill.

I have built relationships through the years with the staff and residents and I love them all.”

Summerhill Villa 24431 Lyons Ave. Santa Clarita, CA 91321 661-388-0777 http://www.mbkseniorliving.com/senior-living/ ca/santa-clarita/summerhill-villa

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Residents Thelma Ross, left, and Marie Wylan, right, and Wylan’s dog, Triva, sit near the fireplace as driver Margo Popiel and executive director Cyntia Drachenberg stand nearby at Summerhill Villa in Newhall.

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

The entrance of Summerhill Villa is off of Lyons Avenue in Newhall.

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H4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

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Lyons Pharmacy customizes its service with Compounding Lab

By Daphne O’Neal

L

yons Pharmacy & Compounding Lab represents the best of past and present: Traditional, mom- and-pop, personalized service combined with 21st-century, cutting-edge delivery capabilities. Add to that couture-like, made-toorder fulfillment practices, and you’ve got a prescription for extreme customer satisfaction.

Founder Dr. Pete Farzadfar got his start as a pharmacist working in chain drugstores, but soon became disenchanted with the rote, cookie-cutter approach to serving customers.

“Because of the love I have for my job, [I wanted to give] personal attention to my patients as my clients. That was missing…

That was absent in a chain setting,” states Dr. Pete.

Envisioning an establishment that offered “one-onone, family-based service,” he started Lyons in 2012.

In just three short years, the business has gained an enthusiastic customer base.

(The pharmacy’s Yelp reviews alone might be the envy of any business owner, large or small.)

PRICING

Lyons offers a remarkable degree of flexibility and customer accommodation when it comes to prescription fulfillment and delivery.

But if you think that means paying higher prices, you’re in for a surprise.

“A lot of people [are afraid] independent pharmacies are more expensive

than [chain pharmacies].” says Dr. Pete. “They are wrong, and we can prove it to them. Consider us a chain pharmacy without the pain.”

Dr. Pete and his team work directly with drug manufacturers to get the lowest prices for their clients.

“We have [manufacturer] coupons that are sometimes not available to the public,” Dr. Pete reports.

As an example, “Say your co-pay is $60. We [might] have a coupon that could bring your co-pay down to as little as $10 or even a free trial.”

Moreover, he provides, “If your medication is not covered [by your insurance]… we work with your doctor to change to a medication that is covered, so you can pay less out of pocket.” The pharmacy accepts all insurances.

Lyons will also match, within reason, prescription prices of area pharmacies.

COMPOUNDING

Drug formulation is likewise tailored to the individual via compounding.

“Compounding is the art of making a medication from scratch,” explains Dr. Pete. “Some patients [might] have allergies to an ingredient. Or [perhaps] they can’t swallow a tablet.”

Dr. Pete and his team can accommodate such special needs by delivering the prescription in capsule, cream, gel, ointment, liquid, suppository — or even lollipop form.

Dosage is another area where Lyons will go the extra mile.

“The medication might come in 5, 10 or 15 [mg tablets], and the right dose for you is 12.5. We have the capability to make you a 12.5 mg capsule.”

The pharmacy’s extraordinary degree of customer accommodation extends to fussy children — and even pets.

“We flavor the medication if your pet or your child doesn’t want to take [it],” enthuses Dr. Pete.

“It’s a cool science.”

Lyons further specializes in compounding bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

DELIVERY

Physical delivery of the final product is also adapted to customer need. Lyons pretty much promises walk-in customers a wait of no more than 10 minutes to process and pick up a prescription. Free home delivery provides another layer of convenience. Then, there’s medication synchronization.

“In one delivery, you can [receive] your prescriptions for the entire month,” says Dr. Pete.

Married with two kids, Dr. Pete declares, “I love Santa Clarita and hopefully will be serving the community for a good long time.”

With so many satisfied customers to spread the word, it appears Lyons Pharmacy will continue to grow, providing optimal service with a personal touch to area clients.

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

From back to front: Lissette Arevalo, Corine Tejada, Melissa Corrales, Pete Farzadfar, Matt Lee, and Juan Orozco stand in the Lyons Pharmacy.

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Melissa Corrales, a pharmacy technician, compounds a formula in the Lyons Pharmacy compounding lab.

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Dr. David Wong of Kaiser Permanente

By Anne Freedman

D

r. David Wong is proud of Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the Santa Clarita Valley community. “I really feel that I’m very fortunate to be in this community,” he said. “We should give back to the community where you live. I have a good reason for that.”

It is a legacy from his parents, who escaped China in the 1950s as the Communists came to power. Although they were teachers there – a treacherous position since teachers were being killed by the new regime -- they had to work as farmworkers when they came to America.

He did as well, starting as a 10-year-old, getting paid $3 for a box of apricots.

“They said you’ve got to work hard to pursue what you want and give back to the people who helped you along the way. I truly believe that,” said Dr. Wong, physician-in-charge, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clarita Medical Offices.

“I’m fortunate to work for a nonprofit organization that’s willing to give to the community.”

Kaiser Permanente, one of America’s leading health care providers and not-forprofit health plans, awarded $62,626 in community benefit grants to 10 community nonprofit organizations that expand access to health for lower-income, uninsured

and vulnerable residents in the area.

Dr. Wong serves on the board of one of those organizations, the Child and Family Center. For nearly 10 years, he has worked with the organization, which provides school-based mental health support and counseling for children showing early signs of behavioral health problems in elementary schools.

Among the variety of community events he participates in was last year’s Santa Clarita Valley Habitat for Humanity effort to build 78 homes for low-income veterans and their families. Kaiser Permanente partnered with Habitat for Humanity in celebration of National Volunteer Week in April 2015.

“I don’t swing a hammer very well,” he chuckled, but noted that “when people ask, I try to volunteer.”

He also serves on the advisory board of the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, another grant recipient of Kaiser Permanente’s last year, in addition to supporting the Santa Clarita Marathon and the Final Mile Challenge, which the health organization sponsored.

Along with other physicians and Kaiser Permanente staff, Dr. Wong also participated in the Special Olympics World Games last year, including participating in a welcome breakfast for athletes sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

Involvement in the vari-

ous kinds of community organizations is so important, Dr. Wong said, because “physicians can only do so much.” These organizations and others help support the health and well-being of older adults, parents, teenagers, children and others with challenges they face.

“I believe in yin and yang,” he said. “The mind affects the body. The body affects the mind.”

That’s why he is so committed to Kaiser Permanente’s Thrive program, which endeavors to educate and support community residents in their efforts to eat healthy and stay active. Several Kaiser Permanente employees routinely volunteer in walks and runs, serve on the boards of community health organizations, and volunteer their time and expertise to nonprofits and schools to demonstrate what it means to truly Thrive.

“It’s a way to encourage patients to take care of themselves,” Dr. Wong said. “You need to walk, dance, do marathons, whatever. Whatever we can do to stay active.

That’s the Thrive campaign.

Don’t just sit and take a pill.

That’s not the answer.”

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care.

Founded in 1945, its mission is to provide high quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of its members and the community it serves.

CHOOSE THE DOC FOR YOU AT EVERY TURN.

We all want to make healthy choices.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Kaiser Permanente medical providers from left, Dr. David Wong, Debra Wallace, RNP, Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, and Dr. Mikael Brisinger.

At Kaiser Permanente, you’ll get a wide selection of doctors to choose from. So you can find the one with the experience and the personality that best fits you and your needs. And if you ever change your needs or your mind, you can change your doctor at any time. Call 1-888-778-5000 or visit kp.org/santaclarita today because together we thrive.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Kaiser Permanente medical providers from left, Dr. David Wong, Dr. Rafael Rosado-Cosme , Dr. Patrick DiMartini, Dr. David Lee, Dr. Tammy Yao-Hong, and Debra Wallace, RNP.

H8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • HEALTH CARE

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Newhall Pharmacy is family owned old-time pharmacy

By Alicia Doyle

O

n March 1, Newhall Pharmacy opened a new location at 24239 Main St. from its previous site at 23768 Newhall Ave. “We will be operating in downtown historical Newhall, and adding services like compounding,” said pharmacist Moazzem H. Chowdhury, a resident of Santa Clarita since 1994 who has been living in the United States for more than three decades.

Chowdhury, who graduated from the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh, has 40 years practicing as a pharmacist and vast experience as the owner and manager of Desert Drug Pharmacy in Canyon Country and Desert Drugs in Lancaster. He also is a staff pharmacist at other pharmacies including Crown Valley Pharmacy in Acton.

In 1999, he was one of the first pharmacists to give flu shots in the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys.

At Newhall Pharmacy, Chowdhury is working with his dedicated team of pharmacists and pharmacy staff to grow the family pharmacy to the next level of success.

“It is a difficult time for a small business to survive; we struggled so many years and we are still operating,” Chowdhury said.

“Our goal is to continue to provide the much needed

healthcare services in this community. The new location surely will attract lots of new customers.”

Newhall Pharmacy opened in the community in August of 2012 with the goal to provide personalized health services – especially for customers who were tired of non-individualized service found in chain pharmacies and mail order pharmacies. Chowdhury speaks from his managerial experience in numerous chain pharmacies such as Walmart, Rite Aid, K-Mart and Longs Drugs.

From that, he realized that the best services are provided by small home town pharmacies like Newhall Pharmacy.

“We are a family-owned, old-time retail pharmacy,” he explained. “We are committed to providing individualized service with care and compassion by a very knowledgeable pharmacist.”

Newhall Pharmacy accepts most health insurance plans, and will match or beat other pharmacy prices, Chowdhury noted.

“We offer the lowest price on over-the-counter medication and vitamins,” he said. “And we offer free delivery with some restrictions.”

Some of Newhall Pharmacy’s most popular services include flu shots, free delivery services, health information and consultations. We are particularly sensitive to the wellness

needs of our seniors.

Newhall Pharmacy also offers services that cannot be found elsewhere, including home service for the elderly who need a flu shot by a pharmacist, hospice pharmacy services, and a quarterly free blood pressure and other health related clinics.

One of the biggest accomplishments at Newhall Pharmacy is establishing one-on-one relationships with each customer, Chowdhury said.

“We know our customers by name,” he said. “Our customers are a big family.”

Chowdhury addressed the importance of the pharmacist’s relationship with the patient when he was interviewed in 2014 on KHTS AM 1220. At the time, he was speaking about his role at Desert Drugs Pharmacy, but his sentiment applies to his current endeavors at Newhall Pharmacy.

“Healthcare is so important to everyone’s life,” Chowdhury told KHTS. “When you are sick it is important to feel comfortable with your doctor and your pharmacist. “You know who to reach, who to contact, your Newhall pharmacist.”

Newhall Pharmacy is located at 24239 Main Street, across from the Canyon Theatre Guild at 6th Street in Newhall. For more information call 661-799-7017 or e-mail at newhallpharmacy@gmail.com.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Newhall Pharmacy owner Moazzem Chowdhury, wife, Jeenat.

Dan Watson/The Signal

From left, Newhall Pharmacy owner Moazzem Chowdhury, wife, Jeenat and Pharmacy Manager Bill Henderson.

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Doctors Serving the Community They Treat

Dan Watson/The Signal

Robbie Bailey, RN, left, and Dr. Philip Ngo, M.D., back, with patient Tina Gonzales at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

H10 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • HEALTH CARE

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Outpatient Surgery Center at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

By Maria Orem Operating for more than 25 years, the Joint Commission Accredited Outpatient Surgery Center at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia currently performs approximately 2,700 surgeries a year ranging from the simplest carpal tunnel repair to the most complex arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) repair utilizing human tissue bank tendons.

With a winning combination of experience and innovation, Henry Mayo’s Outpatient Surgery Center is continuing to make bold strides in providing world-class healthcare to patients in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond.

In addition to its existing list of available procedures, two interventional pulmonology procedures have been added to the Outpatient Surgery Center’s long line of services: EBUS (endoscopic bronchoscopy under ultrasound) and Navigation Under Fluoroscopy.

“Henry Mayo is the only facility in a 35mile radius to offer this new advanced diagnostic equipment,” said Donna Ferguson, Outpatient Center Director. “This procedure is crucial to en-

abling early detection, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.”

Another fairly recent procedure being offered at the Center is bronchial thermoplasty, a groundbreaking procedure which can improve the quality of life for patients over the age of 18 with severe persistent asthma.

As explained by Mike Collins, director of respiratory care services at Henry Mayo, each patient receives three treatments, spaced at least three weeks apart, from specially-trained pulmonologists. Each procedure lasts 60 to 90 minutes and is performed at the Outpatient Surgery Center.

Breast cancer reconstructive surgeries are among the top procedures performed at the Center, which inspired the Pink Rose Program. Once breast cancer treatment is complete, the patient receives an uplifting card signed by staff and a longstemmed pink rose donated by Steve’s Florist.

“It’s a way of celebrating the patient’s recovery, which we all feel we play a part in,” Ferguson said.

The average time for each outpatient procedure is two to three hours, including pre-op assessment, surgery, and postop care to discharge. The

staff, which has an average of 12 to 15 years of experience, is attuned to each individual case.

“Our RNs and techs know this can be a traumatic event, so they treat each patient as they would want their family or loved one to be treated,” Ferguson said. “It’s all reflected in the quality of the care they provide and level of respect they have for each other and the physicians.”

A pre-assessment nurse was added to the Outpatient Surgery team in 2015. The RN makes phone calls three days in advance to each patient to review his or her history and answer any questions.

“This paves the way for a smooth process once the patient is here. There are no surprises the morning of surgery,” Ferguson said. “It really allows us to step it up a notch when it comes to quality care.”

Conveniently located in the Ambulatory Care Center on the hospital’s campus at 25751 McBean Parkway, the Outpatient Surgery Center features four operating rooms, plus recovery and special procedures rooms. The center is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

For more information, please call 661-200-1322.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Donna Ferguson, Senior Director, Outpatient Services.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Surgery Tech Betty Hamill, left, and Donna Ferguson, Senior Director, Outpatient Services.

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . H11

SCV Community Pride • HEALTH CARE

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Volunteers have been a critical part of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital for 40 years

By Diane Krieger Spivak When Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital opened in Valencia 40 years ago, volunteers were there to help out.

Today, they’re still there, more than 300 strong, greeting visitors, assisting at events, delivering magazines, driving a shuttle or bringing a visiting dog to the ER to ease a young patient’s fears.

“Whether it’s just walking someone down to the lab, knowing they made an impact, no matter how small, on someone’s life, makes a difference,” said Volunteer Services Director Maria Strmsek, who has held her position for 24 years.

Today’s volunteers bring with them more skill sets to share than ever before, including some who have started working with the arts in the hospital’s behavioral health units.

“I have a couple going around playing music for the patients,” Strmsek said, sharing the story of a volunteer who was going through the hospital, playing her guitar when a father asked her to come in his daughter’s room and play. “He literally videotaped her experience.”

New programs are being consistently added, “Because you want to make sure that patients think about more than just their pain level,” Strmsek explained.

“You don’t want them staring at the clock waiting for food or for their next medication. Some of those aspects of support take their mind away from that.”

One very successful aspect of volunteer support is pet visitation (formerly called pet therapy), started in the mid-1990s. “The physical therapy director wanted to work with some dogs so their patients would be willing to throw a ball and be more active in their therapy,” Strmsek said. It worked, and personnel soon found that pets were therapeutic in other areas, as well.

Now, said Strmsek, “We pretty much have visitations all the time. Dogs come here every week. We had a child in the emergency room who was really, really afraid when hospital personnel attempted to start an IV. All children know is they’re being poked and prodded and they don’t know why. A nurse knew there was a visitation dog down the hall and had it brought in the room. The child calmed down immediately.”

Volunteers assist nurses setting up rooms for programs like Parent Preview which talks to new moms about the birthing experience, and with the Tyke Hike program where kids find out what it’s going to be like to be a big brother and big sister and how they can help out.

“Volunteers greet people

with the employees at the front desk, they push magazine carts around to visit patients,” Strmsek said. “It’s so active, I can’t imagine a hospital not having that support.

When they’re in a hospital people are vulnerable and in need of comfort.”

The Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Auxiliary, a branch of Volunteer Services, actually preceded the volunteer services, starting in 1962, in several smaller hospitals preceding Henry Mayo. In addition to their regular services and running the hospital gift shop, auxiliary members also organize major fundraisers for the hospital’s foundation, pledging $250,000 just last year for a new tower.

Volunteers come in all ages, from teens testing the waters for a possible future in medicine, to dedicated volunteers in their 90s.

“I’ve had teens and college students volunteer, go on and come back and get hired here,” Strmsek said.

“That shows a lot of loyalty to the organization; the commitment they started here as a volunteer, then pursued careers and returned to the community.

It’s satisfying to know we offered that something they could grow on.”

Strmsek has seen a common thread among volunteers throughout the years - their generosity and optimism.

“Studies show that people who volunteer have a

tendency to live longer,” Strmsek said. Case in point: Rose Stoffer, who celebrated her 90th birthday in October, and, sadly, passed away in January.

“Rose began volunteering in 1988,” Strmsek said.

“She helped with the hospital’s golf tournament, with donations for Auxiliary luncheons, helped create the Flame of Life Volunteers whose funds were donated to Trauma Services, helped the Marketing Department and remained active in the Patient Experience Department, making calls to discharged patients. She was still active when she passed away,” Strmsek said.

“The biggest thing about volunteering is you do it because you want to, not for a paycheck,” Strmsek said.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Volunteer Kathy Butler and therapy dog Annie at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Maria Strmsek, Volunteer Services Director, center, chats with volunteers Vidya Ratan, left, – Art Therapy, and Kelsea Knight - Music Therapy

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decompression will be your sciatic and back degeneration.

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x-ray findings so we can start mapping out if somebody could just pull me apartâ&#x20AC;ŚI would Do You Have A Disc Problem? +DYH $ 'LVF 3UREOHP" your plan to being pain free. feel a whole lot better.â&#x20AC;? Yes, we know [ UD\ ILQGLQJV VR ZH FDQ VWDUW PDSSLQJ RXW \RXU you have.

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QHFN the ASPCA or Doctors Without Borders. Âť Searing pain radiates into your arm <RXÂśOO VLPSO\ OLH FRPIRUWDEO\ RQ \RXU VWRPDFK Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll simply lie comfortably on your ÂśW WXUQ RYHU LQ EHG ZLWKRXW KXUWLQJ The normal price for this type of evaluation is 8QWLO 0DUFK VW \RX FDQ JHW HYHU\WKLQJ ,ÂśYH Âť Prickling in your leg or toes RU EDFN DQG WKHQ D VSHFLDOL]HG EHOW LV JHQWO\ stomach or back and then a specialized belt $250, so youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re saving a considerable amount is gently put around your waist. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll OLVWHG KHUH DW QR FKDUJH KRZHYHU ZH ZLOO EH set the by taking me up on this offer.

GRZQ \RXU OHJVFinally, Some Good News... SXW DURXQG \RXU ZDLVW :HÂśOO VHW WKH PDFKLQH DFFHSWLQJ D GRQDWLRQ FDVK RU FKHFN WR WKH machine to focus on your problem area â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then WR IRFXV RQ \RXU SUREOHP DUHD Âą WKHQ WKH If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been suffering with back pain or arm/ LQJ SDLQ UDGLDWHV LQWR \RXU DUP Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what to do now: system leg pain caused by a disc bulge,DGYDQFHG GHFRPSUHVVLRQ FRPSXWHU V\VWHP ZLOO disc herniation the advanced decompression computer$63&$ RU 'RFWRUV :LWKRXW %RUGHUV 7KH NOLQJ LQ \RXU OHJ RU WRHV will do the rest. Most patients feel better with Due to the expected demand for this QRUPDO SULFH IRU WKLV W\SH RI HYDOXDWLRQ LV GR WKH UHVW 0RVW SDWLHQWV IHHO EHWWHU ZLWK MXVW D or squashed or compressed discs: just a few treatments, and best of all there will treatment, VR \RXÂśUH VDYLQJ D FRQVLGHUDEOH DPRXQW E\ IHZ WUHDWPHQWV DQG EHVW RI DOO WKHUH ZLOO EH QR Until recently, the only advice for many of you be no dangerous drugs, no invasive procedures, 6RPH *RRG 1HZV I suggest calling my office at once.

WDNLQJ PH XS RQ WKLV RIIHU GDQJHURXV GUXJV QR LQYDVLYH SURFHGXUHV DQG suffering in pain was to try what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been and no painful exercises.

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G ď ° Just live with it Sincerely, ZLWK KHUQLDWHG GLVFV DQG GHJHQHUDWLYH MRLQW Another study presented at the American If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re like most, none of these have GLVHDVH Âą ZLWKRXW WKH VLGH HIIHFWV H[HUFLVLQJ VALENCIA SPINE & NERVE worked for you or you are afraid of what could Academy of Pain Management in 2007 showedâ&#x20AC;Ś SK\VLFDO WKHUDS\ happen if you do try some of these. Exercising

CALL TODAY!

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INSTITUTE &DOO 2XU +RXU +HOS /LQH Dr. Linda Chenaur, D. C.

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THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . H13

SCV Community Pride • HEALTH CARE

Health Care

Valencia Spine and Nerve Institute is committed to healthy living in the SCV

By Laurel Davis

A

sk Dr. Linda Chenaur what she likes most about what she does and she will say, without hesitation, “I love improving people’s quality of life.” It’s that level of genuine interest in the overall wellbeing of patients that underpins her 24 years of success in the fields of chiropractic and alternative medicine.

“I am empathetic to patients,” she says. “Each person who comes in for treatment is not just another patient, and I do not provide cookie cutter health care.”

She adds, “I spend time with each patient and listen to their issues, giving them personalized attention so that I can then give them a personalized health program.”

Dr. Chenaur considers herself and her team as Preventive Health Care Specialists. Her ultimate goal with all of the various services she provides is to not only relieve pain but also restore overall vitality and promote longevity.

To that end, Dr. Chenaur specializes in Alternative Medicine. Notably, Valencia Spine and Nerve Institute may be the only health care clinic in the Santa Clarita Valley that integrates professional chiropractic therapies with a unique combination of certain highly specialized holistic treatments that require extra training and skill. Dr. Chenaur utiliz-

es these services and treatments to not only treat the whole body but says they are also effective in finding the source of underlying health problems.

These specialized holistic treatments are: • Applied Kinesiology, which evaluates the nervous, vascular and lymphatic system, nutrition, acupuncture points and cerebrospinal fluid, and helps indicate the most effective treatment; • Total Body Modification, which analyzes the body’s structural, physical and nutritional needs to help correct existing and prevent future health problems; • Process Oriented Medicine, which utilizes recent advances in laboratory medicine to detect diseases early on in their progression; and • Clinical Homeopathy, which employs medicines that encourage the body’s natural healing capabilities.

Dr. Chenaur has the credentials, extensive experience and progressive training in all of these areas. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in human biology as well as her doctorate in chiropractic from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, consistently placing on Dean’s List throughout her education. Her varied skills include musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment, radiology, and nutritional counseling on top of her professional training and

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Dr. Linda Chenaur stands in the lobby of the Valencia Spine and Nerve Institute. expertise in advance alternative health care.

Valencia Spine and Nerve Institute’s various therapies offer benefits for sports, work-related or personal injuries, back and neck pain, fatigue, and headaches. In addition, Dr. Chenaur says that patients have reported relief from allergies, fibromyalgia, hormonal imbalances in both men and women, sugar metabolism imbalances, and other physical complaints.

Dr. Chenaur notes that approximately 20 percent of her patients are children.

She treats them primarily for allergies and sports injuries and also says, “I love teaching them how to make good health choices.”

For all of her patients, she believes that, “The more you use your body, the more you need to keep it tuned up.”

Notable among Dr. Chenaur’s list of specializations are two specific treatments she employs.

One is Spinal Decompression to address herniated disks. The other is Neuro-Analgesia Stimulation for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy, which is most often caused by diabetes or chemotherapy. Both treatments are non-surgical and drugless, Dr. Chenaur points out.

Call Dr. Linda Chenaur today for more information, at 661-799-0644. Valencia Spine and Nerve Institute is located at 25060 West Avenue Stanford,

Suite 290, in Valencia.

To learn more, visit their website at www.HealthTrendsSCV.com.

During her off hours, Dr. Chenaur researches on nutrition and enjoys swimming, fine art, and the art of food & wine. She donates to ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and to Doctors Without Borders, and also does what she can to support sports, arts and other student programs at local schools.

H14 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride â&#x20AC;¢ HEALTH CARE

Health Care

Denise - Community Pride.indd 1

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . H15

SCV Community Pride â&#x20AC;¢ HEALTH CARE

Health Care

3/1/16 4:14 PM

H16 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • HEALTH CARE

Health Care

Action Family Counseling understands the origins of the ‘accidental addict’

By David Heitz

I

t used to be that kids would say, “When I grow up, I’m never smoking cigarettes.”

Then it was “When I grow up, I’m never smoking weed.”

And now it’s “I’m only smoking pot, that’s not really bad, it’s not even a drug.”

Those “drugs of opportunity,” as Cary Quashen calls them, still land people in rehab. Someone tries a little booze or weed, falls in love, and eventually realizes “Bang, now I’m in trouble.”

But now there’s also the “accidental addict,” as Quashen calls them.

Quashen operates Action Family Counseling Drug & Alcohol Treatment. There are residential treatment centers, intensive outpatient programs and mental health treatment services in Santa Clarita, Piru, Bakersfield, Simi Valley, Ventura and Pasadena.

“The face of an addict has changed dramatically,” he said, “and we’re treating a lot of them.”

Many of these accidental addicts include heroin addicts who, after a routine surgery, may have developed a painkiller addiction. They ultimately progress to using heroin, and not to get high. They use it to keep from getting sick from opiate withdrawals,

and they don’t identify as the typical addicts.

“These are people who may have had no track record of drug abuse period,” Quashen said. “They accidentally got addicted.”

Quashen said his clients include everyone from kids smoking pot to moms who are prescription drug addicts. Quashen himself is 35 years sober from prescription drug abuse, he said, with more than three decades in the business of helping others get sober.

“Drug abuse starts innocently almost always,” Quashen said. “If you think your kid has a problem, or if you have a problem, go with your gut – you have a problem.”

All drug abuse starts innocently, said Quashen, who has appeared as an expert on several national television programs, including “The Doctors,” “Good Morning America” and others. “Nobody wakes up and says ‘I’ll be a drug addict.’ It usually turns out to be a contract people break with themselves.”

Clients at Action Family Counseling Drug & Alcohol undergo a rigorous assessment to determine what type of treatment is needed. Sometimes intensive outpatient therapy can get a person back on the right path. This keeps people in their homes so they are able to go to work and to school. Other times a

KATHARINE LOTZE/The SIgnal

Cary Quashen of Action Family Counseling works the intake room phone. short, 30-day residential stay in a treatment facility is needed, he said.

Action Family Counseling encourages its clients to change their behaviors and works to reinforce those changes so they can remain abstinent and stable for life. Treatment may include individual counseling, group therapy, family counseling, toxicology screenings, pharmacotherapy, education about co-occurring mental health

issues, case management and more.

“We treat the whole family,” Quashen said. “Sending someone back to the same old same old is setting them up for failure.”

Quashen said he frequently explains to parents that the way to keep their kids off of drugs is to get them involved in other activities.

With the advent of the SmartPhone, kids wake up with their friends, they go

to sleep with their friends, they even go to the bathroom with their friends.

Some children only have actual face time with their parents, meanwhile, about 10 minutes per day, Quashen said.

“Please spend time with your kids,” Quashen said.

“We used to say please spend quality time with your kids. You want to talk about peer pressure today? These kids don’t have a chance.”

Quashen has worked with Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Behavioral Health Unit as well as with behavioral health care programs at Loma Linda Hospital, Anacapa Hospital, Van Nuys Hospital, Ingleside Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital.

Action Family Counseling accepts most major insurance programs.

Learning how to L.O.V.E. yourself

By Rubén Porras

T

hroughout history hypnosis has been the subject of a long list of myths. Some worry about issues such as forgetting what occurred during their session, being controlled to do something they don’t want to do, revealing secret details about their lives or even getting stuck in a hypnotic state.

One business in Santa Clarita is focused on dispelling the various myths surrounding hypnosis by showing their clients how hypnotherapy can promote weight loss, reduce anxiety and help them find potential within themselves that they didn’t know existed.

The key, according to certified hypnotherapist and owner, Abi Caruthers of L.O.V.E. Weight Loss, is to develop a personalized program for each client.

“I’ve noticed that usually programs are designed to be generic, kind of a one-sizefits-all type of thing, whereas L.O.V.E. acknowledges that because everyone has a different blood type and different ancestry, that we all process food differently, need to exercise differently, etc.…,” said Caruthers.

“While high energy exercise is great for one set of people, it’s actually detrimental for another set and each of them has a different set of DNA codes which dictate what their body does with food.”

L.O.V.E Weight Loss advises prospective clients to choose carefully when selecting a hypnotherapy program and to treat the decision the same way they would when selecting any other healthcare provider.

Caruthers and the hypnotherapists she hires are trained at HMI College of Hypnotherapy in Tarzana.

HMI — the only nationally accredited college of hypnotherapy — offers a one-year

Dan Watson/The SIgnal

Certified Hypnotherapist, Abi Caruthers, C.Ht., left, begins the hypnosis session with her class in Valencia. program that is known to attract students from all over the world.

“When it comes to hypnotherapy, because there are no state regulations, you want to be very careful about where a hypnotherapist learned how to practice and who certified them,” said Caruthers. “That’s why L.O.V.E. Weight Loss only hires certified hypnotherapists who graduated from HMI. That way we know they are already trained by the best, and then they have to go through the rigorous L.O.V.E. Certification training to be a trained L.O.V.E. Weight Loss facilitator.”

L.O.V.E Weight Loss offers a six-month program designed to address the underlying root of a client’s weight gain. A personalized plan is developed for each client to learn and practice new behaviors to keep their weight off. The length of the program is meant to allow students to experience the ups and downs of life while being guided through dealing with the challenges and changes that inevitably come with it.

Caruthers and her staff work with small classes of four clients at a time. The goal of small classes is to promote comfort, camarade-

rie, and motivation in an intimate setting without making anyone feel vulnerable or exposed.

L.O.V.E. Weight Loss’ motto is “Love yourself, L.O.V.E. Weight Loss”.

The slogan is based on the underlying concept of the program which is healing, growth, cultivating self-love and building self-esteem.

“We are often taught as we grow up (by example) that to take care of yourself is selfish, and that you must first do for those around you,” explained Caruthers.

“We are taught (again by example) that having a healthy appreciation for who you are

and what you are capable of is arrogant and greedy. We teach our students the exact opposite. Like the airplane metaphor, you first have to put your own oxygen mask on before you can help others. When you love yourself and your body so completely and respect yourself as if you were your most precious child or loved one, you naturally and unconsciously make better choices, do things that make you feel good physically, etc.…”

Caruthers also pointed out that weight loss has become almost like a foe to some, putting a bad taste in people’s mouths because of the

disappointment that often comes with it.

“People treat their bodies with disdain, being prepared to ‘win’ over it,” she said.

“But it goes so much deeper than that. It begins with selflove, complete self-acceptance. L.O.V.E. Weight Loss believes in the possibility of loving the process of falling in love with yourself and losing weight at the same time.”

To learn more about Caruthers and L.O.V.E. Weight Loss tune into her “Becoming Your Best Self” YouTube series or visit hypnosiswithabi.com.

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . H17

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Teen and Adult Substance Abuse Inpatient and Outpatient Services

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Health Care

Valencia Pharmacy, serving the Santa Clarita Valley for more than 40 years

By Alicia Doyle

V

alencia Pharmacy, serving the Santa Clarita Valley for more than 40 years, is considered the longest standing independent retail pharmacy, surviving two devastating fires and a major earthquake.

Located in Plaza Posada on Peachland Avenue in Newhall (off Lyons Ave.), Valencia Pharmacy offers convenient access to both the 5 and 14 freeways, and has been serving the Santa Clarita Valley with pride since 1974.

“We are unique in that we can meet the demands and needs of our customers through multiple services such as specialty pharmacy, compound prescriptions, medical supplies and equipment, wellness and homeopathic items, all conveniently located under one roof,” said Fred Elam, regional manager of Valencia Pharmacy. “We place a strong focus on ensuring that we continuously meet the needs of our customers and provide the best service possible.”

At Valencia Pharmacy, “we think of our customers as family,” Elam continued. “Great, personal customer service has been our trademark for over four decades. We offer a full range of products and services to meet the needs of our customers, including home delivery.”

Over the last few decades, Valencia Pharmacy has become the recognized one-stop source for the community’s healthcare needs.

KATHARINE LOTZE/The SIgnal

(L - R)Tami Oddone, certified fitter mastectomy; Crystal Blair, wellness center manager; Stephen Hom, pharmacist in charge; Frank Autran, medical supply manager; and Karlet Vazquez, pharmacy manager, stand in the wellness center of Valencia Pharmacy.

“As a full service pharmacy, we provide compounded medications, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, veterinary medications, injectable medications and more,” Elam said.

The medical supply department has the most complete selection of medical supplies in the Santa Clarita Valley, including products to aid in mobility such as walkers, wheelchairs, power scooters and lift chairs, as well as bath-

room safety items, orthotics, compression stockings and post mastectomy.

Bath safety is one of the fastest growing categories in medical equipment because this space is often one of the most dangerous areas in a home, Elam noted.

“Bathroom safety products such as elevated toilet seats, grab bars, and bath seats can all minimize the risk of fall for patients,” Elam said. “Mobility products such as power chairs, scooters, canes and walk-

ers can help patients maintain their independence.”

The medical supply department also has a knowledgeable repair department that is open six days a week. “The staff is extremely knowledgeable and can assist customers in finding the right solution for their medical needs,” Elam said.

The Wellness Center offers a wide variety of holistic herbs, vitamins, homeopathies and aromatherapy, as well as expert advice on

supplement and medication interactions.

“In addition, our Wellness Center often hosts educational seminars to help educate the public about ways to treat health related issues from a homeopathic/natural approach,” Elam said.

Valencia Pharmacy’s healthcare boutique, staffed by certified orthopedic fitters, carries a full line of breast cancer supplies, diabetes supplies, wound care supplies, com-

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pression garments, nursing supplies, and other unique health care items.

This is a very exciting year for Valencia Pharmacy, Elam added.

“In February, our newest location, Valencia Pharmacy at Henry Mayo, will open, located right on the campus at Henry Mayo Hospital,” he said. “Our customers can expect the same great customer service and knowledge that they have always experienced, and we deliver.”

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . H19

SCV Community Pride • HEALTH CARE

Health Care

UCLA to expand health care services in Santa Clarita

By Marcie Geffner

U

CLA Health provides a full suite of medical services to patients throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

With five locations in Valencia, UCLA Health’s medical services include primary care, specialty care, cardiology, digestive diseases, pain management, colorectal surgery, hematology, oncology and many other areas.

“We’re extraordinarily excited to be in the community,” says Dr. Matteo Dinolfo, medical director at the UCLA Department of Medicine’s Community Offices.

High quality local care

Accessing care through UCLA Health means patients can access the system’s high-quality care locally with no need to travel a long distance before or after a medical appointment or procedure.

“All the care of UCLA Health is in their community,” Dinolfo says. “We’re using local hospitals and local services. They don’t have to travel outside of the community to have UCLA physicians and faculty care for them both in primary care and all the internal medicine specialties. It’s no different

than if they came to Westwood or Santa Monica.”

All of the UCLA Health physicians are also faculty members at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “We deliver UCLA–quality care in their local community and the local hospitals,” Dinolfo explains. “If you’re a patient in our health system, you’ll be cared for by our specialists. You can be admitted to our hospitals if you need to be admitted, and you’ll be cared for by our primary care physicians and specialists as an outpatient as well.”

primary care, medicine and pediatric services and more.

“The specialties that will be represented there are cardiology, rheumatology, pulmonary, endocrinology, allergy, infectious diseases and dermatology with dermatological surgery,” Dinolfo says.

Beyond Westwood

The UCLA campus and medical school are located in the Westwood area of Los Angeles. But UCLA Health

has expanded far beyond that home base and not just in Santa Clarita.

Dinolfo says the expansion, which started in 2012, is “fairly large.”

Altogether, the system has approximately 17 community sites with about 55 individual practices.

“Our system has expanded as far north as Santa Clarita, as far south as Palos Verdes, as far east as Alhambra and as far west as Ventura. We’ve expanded pretty

rapidly to become this health system that serves patients in their local communities with our physicians,” Dinolfo explains. “It’s all part of the same system.”

Why should patients make UCLA Health their top choice for medical services in the Santa Clarita Valley?

“We have a national reputation,” Dinolfo says, “and we bring that reputation to all the local communities where we now have offices.”

Courtesy photo

Dr. Matteo Dinolfo, medical director at the UCLA Department of Medicine’s Community Offices.

Expansion plans

UCLA Health first opened in the Santa Clarita Valley in 2014.

Now the system sees Santa Clarita as a place where it plans to expand over the next few years.

“We intend to place a fairly robust number of physicians in that area to service that entire valley,” Dinolfo says. “Those services are accessible now—we’re simply expanding on our footprint there.”

The new facilities planned to open in the area this year will give patients even more choices to receive UCLA Health care close to home.

The new facilities will offer full radiological services,

Courtesy photo

Prominent cosmetic surgeon brings his ‘art’ to the SCV

By Laurel Davis

D

r. Mark Youssef, medical director of YOUnique Cosmetic Surgery in Santa Monica, recently expanded his services to the Santa Clarita Valley. The prominent cosmetic surgeon, whose existing clientele includes celebrities, entertainers and business executives in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, and who has been featured in several television shows and magazines, specifically chose the SCV for its strong sense of community and family values.

“YOUnique is very family-oriented,” Dr. Youssef explains. “We treat our patients like family, and we’re welcoming and fun.

We’re not so interested in making money as much as making people happy.”

This is why he sees the SCV as a perfect fit for the type of experience he and his staff provide. Four of his 20 employees live here.

The experience is what Dr. Youssef says makes YOUnique different from other cosmetic surgery providers. “It’s about the experience, not the Botox.”

He adds that clients walk out feeling good, not just because of the aesthetic results but also because they were treated like family.

YOUnique’s mission is “to provide cutting-edge, results-oriented cosmetic

procedures with the highest level of customer service,” Dr. Youssef says.

To that end, he considers himself a surgical artist.

“When I walk into the office every day, it’s not a job but another opportunity to use reshaping or re-sculpting as a way to bring out the best version of a person. That’s the reward.”

A musician and true visual artist who draws and paints, Dr. Youssef says cosmetic surgery is where art and science meet for him. “I love making people feel better, which is why I went into medicine. Cosmetic surgery allows me to change a person’s outlook on life just by making a minor enhancement in the way they look.”

That’s the experience Dr. Youssef desires to bring to SCV residents. He gives the example of how high schoolers often come in with low self-esteem due to being teased about a flaw they try to hide with excessive bangs and a downturned head, but they walk out with restored confidence, holding their heads up high.

Another example is middle-aged men and women who want to look as young and attractive as they still feel on the inside. As Dr. Youssef points out, “Getting older is not optional, but looking older is.”

That’s where YOUnique comes in, he says.

Courtesy photo

“We make the outside match the inside. Much of what we do is permanent, which is especially empowering. We help clients bring back their sexy.” That’s why he calls YOUnique the cosmetic surgery version of Disneyland. “It’s a happy and magical place,” he says.

YOUnique’s medical spa in Santa Monica is where all cosmetic surgery procedures are performed, including laser liposuction, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, eyelid surgery and anti-aging treatments.

Non-surgical procedures

include skin rejuvenation, Botox®, facial fillers, chemical peels and varicose vein treatments. Dr. Youssef is a pioneer of the “liquid facelift,” a non-surgical face contouring procedure requiring little if any down time.

Every Thursday, Dr. Youssef comes to Priscilla’s Salon in Valencia to provide non-surgical treatments and surgical consultations to local residents.

YOUnique Cosmetic Surgery was founded in 2004 and has a full staff of nurses, surgical technicians, anesthesiologists and administrative professionals. Dr. Youssef is a

Diplomat of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and is also Board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from UC Irvine, did his residency at UC Irvine’s School of Medicine, and then at Kaiser Permanente’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

A frequent guest speaker and clinical trainer, he has appeared on “Access Hollywood,” “Extra” and “The Doctors” TV programs, as well as InTouch, Us, Savoir, Indulge, GenLux and Star magazines, among others.

YOUnique Cosmetic

Surgery is located at 1551 Ocean Ave., Suite 200, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

Their hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturdays by appointment. Thursday consultations at Priscilla’s Salon, located at 27644 Newhall Ranch Road in Valencia, are by appointment only, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, call 310-4340044, or visit YouniqueCosmeticSurgery.com.

Dr. Youssef and the YOUnique family say they would love to hear from the SCV community.

H20 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

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Schedule a time little

See UCLA doctors in your neighborhood Experience UCLA’s renowned primary and specialty care, located conveniently nearby. We offer a variety of specialties, all with one focus — U. • Family Medicine

• Digestive Diseases

• Nephrology

• Internal Medicine

• Endocrinology

• Pain Management

• Cardiology

• Hematology/Oncology

• Pulmonary Medicine

• Colorectal Surgery

• Infectious Diseases

• Rheumatology

1-800-UCLA-MD1 (1-800-825-2631) uclahealth.org/santaclarita

uclahealth.org/getsocial

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THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . I1

SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY

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SCV Community Pride • Industry

SCV Industries Supply Thousands of Local Jobs

Dan Watson/The Signal

H.E.R.O.S. front from left, CFO Raffi Kajberouni, Founder Heros Kajberouni, and Melody Kajberouni join employees around a turbine engine in the machine shop at H.E.R.O.S. in Valencia.

I2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

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H.E.R.O.S. Inc. makes Valencia its home as it provides customized service for clients

By Alicia Doyle

W

hen Heros Kajberouni established Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services, Inc. in 1988, his main vision was to create a unique opportunity to enjoy one-on-one customized, quality engine repair and overhaul services for the Rolls Royce Model 250 Series Engines.

Ever since, both single as well as multi-ship operators have grown to depend upon the company’s quality workmanship, competitive pricing and attention to customer service.

“His vision was to create that ‘one-stop’ shop for private operators as well as commercial operators,” said his son, Raffi Kajberouni, Chief Financial Officer and Human Resource Director at H.E.R.O.S., Inc. “Today, we can offer a customer an opportunity to send his engine to us to have overhauled, A to Z.” At H.E.R.O.S., Inc., “we control the quality of our products because we control the processes,”Kajberouni explained.

“We will remove and carefully route each of your engine components through our facility where they will be thoroughly cleaned then dimensionally inspected using our state-of-the-art measuring tools and equipment including our automatic Coordinate Measuring Machine,” he said. “Our engine shop

technicians combine factory training with decades of overhaul and field experience to recommend customized repairs or address your specific maintenance concerns.”

The company, located in Valencia, has built a reputation for its quality one-onone customer service, Kajberouni noted.

“We have well over 200 years of man experience to offer our customers,” he said. “We treat customers as family. We don’t have to go through the ‘red tape’ as other companies need to.

We are very open-minded and can offer assistance on all levels.”

Recently, H.E.R.O.S., Inc. purchased an engine test cell which enables the company to test an engine after repair.

“This has allowed us to go after certain contracts which have required such a machine,” Kajberouni explained. “We are the only private operator on the west coast to have such a capability. We are very proud of this purchase and capability.”

H.E.R.O.S., Inc. was formerly headquartered in Glendale, until Kajberouni suggested the business relocate to Santa Clarita in August of 2015.

“We had discussed expansion, however, we were not ready to make such an investment into property in other areas,” Kajberouni recalled. “We didn’t feel we would get the right value for our investment.”

Because he has been a

Dan Watson/The Signal

H.E.R.O.S. Facility Manager Victor Avanosian, left, and Director of Sales and Service Blake Davies do a pre-check on a turbine engine in the test cell. resident of Saugus since 2004, he recommended the company consider moving to Santa Clarita.

“We saw several properties and were happy with the sale price of properties,” Kajberouni said. “During our purchase, the Enterprise Zone Credit was a major reason for the move. Our work

force also lives in this area.

It was a beneficial move for everyone involved.”

“We are very happy to be here,” Kajberouni further emphasized. “We have some things to do in-house to settle in, however, once we do, we look forward to being active in the community. We feel it is import-

ant for businesses to be involved. It is the backbone of a successful business.”

Meanwhile, the staff continues to settle into its new building at 24834 Avenue Rockefeller in Valencia.

“We expanded big,” Kajberouni said. “Our new building is over three times the size of our previous lo-

cation. Once we settle in and find our new ground, we look forward to expanding into other areas and focusing on what we do best.”

H.E.R.O.S. Inc. is located at 24834 Avenue Rockefeller in Valencia. For more information visit http://herosinc.com; or call 661-3697147 or 866-503-5802.

Dan Watson/The Signal

H.E.R.O.S lead machinist Esraeil Navasartian inspects a gear box housing in the machine shop.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Dan Watson/The Signal

H.E.R.O.S machinist Serje Konarki prepares to work on a gear box housing on a CNC milling machine.

H.E.R.O.S lead machinist Reza Kasravi, left, and shop tech Andrei Gatbonton discuss turbine wheels in the engine shop.

SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY

Industry

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . I3

Local family business has global reach in the performance boat industry

By Laurel Davis

T

eague Custom Marine is one of the few family-owned businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley with worldwide name recognition in its industry. This is quite an accomplishment for a company born out of one man’s recreational love for offshore and endurance inboard boat racing.

But it’s no accident.

Teague Custom Marine has established itself as the premiere full-service solutions provider for all things performance boat related for both local and international enthusiasts, because it’s run by a whole family of enthusiasts themselves. They have a “Passion for Performance and Perfection,” as the company’s website says.

So, they understand every facet of the sport.

Cherilyn Noack, vice president of marketing for the company and daughter of founder, owner and president, Bob Teague, explains, “We are retailers, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, and servicers of custom, high-performance marine engine parts and accessories” that also runs a professional race team.

Their services include custom engines, engine rebuilds, custom rigging, fabrication and technical support. As a full-service company, they handle product research, parts service and repairs – “from oil changes to complete engine overhauls,” says Cherilyn – parts sales, and worldwide mail order and shipping.

“We also will install

any product we sell,” Cherilyn notes. “Not many mail order warehouses can do that.”

In fact, the mail order and shipping arm of Teague Custom Marine is a key part of the business’ global success. The company is housed in a 30,000-squarefoot mega-store and shop that allows for a full warehouse and shipping operation. This is in addition to Teague’s service and repair bays, and retail and administrative space.

As the website states, “We probably have what you need. If we don’t, we’ll get it. If we can’t get it, we’ll make it. If we can’t make it, we’ll help you find the right solution for your problem.”

Teague Custom Marine will work with any budget to help people find solutions.

The boats they service come from customers nationwide. “We have a large and very loyal client base,” Cherilyn says. “We’ve seen the evolution of their boats over the years because of the relationship of trust we’ve built.”

Cherilyn points out that Teague offers a better custom engine product because they are certified every year by the California Air Resources Board, or C.A.R.B. “We are one of only two high-performance marine engine builders to have the C.A.R.B. certification,” she says.

Bob founded Teague Custom Marine in 1972 in Burbank. He and his wife, Andrea, eventually moved the company to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1994, where they’ve been located ever

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

The whole staff of Teague Custom Marine with one of their racing catamarans at their Valencia retail location and workshop. since. According to their website, he started it as a means to fund his hobby of high-performance boat racing. Bob is a several-time World and National Champion offshore powerboat racer and holder of powerboat speed and endurance records, and represents Valencia, as his hometown.

Teague Custom Marine currently has 20 employees.

Truly a local family business, in addition to his wife and daughter, Bob’s broth-

er Norm is an engine builder, son John is a rigger and mechanic, and so is Cherilyn’s husband, Josh Noack.

All employees are residents of the Santa Clarita Valley who love the community, Cherilyn says.

Teague Custom Marine is a major sponsor of the Desert Storm Poker Run at Lake Havasu, Arizona, which supports charities such as Soldier Angels and Wounded Warriors.

The event also supports

the New Horizons Center, allowing Teague and volunteer participants to give free boat rides to people with special needs.

Locally, they sponsor the Lake Castaic Lifeguards team’s participation in the “Baker to Vegas” run relay event. They are also the title sponsor in support of the Lake Castaic Junior Lifeguards Program, giving money for the purchase of uniforms, supplies, plaques and awards,

technology and other needs specifically for activities in this youth program.

Teague Custom Marine is located at 28115 Avenue Stanford in Valencia, facing Interstate 5. Their hours are Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bob or Cherilyn can be reached at 661-295-7000, or email her at cherilyn@ teaguecustommarine.com.

For more information, visit their website at TeagueCustomMarine.com.

I4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride â&#x20AC;¢ INDUSTRY

24834 Avenue Rockefeller, Valencia, C raffi@herosinc.com

SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY

CA 91355

Industry

WE’RE HIRING A&P Technicians

APPLY AT:

jobs@herosinc.com

Our New Home

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . I5

I6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

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SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY

AMS Fulfillment changing the lives of its employees

By Diana Marszalek

A

t 14, Raul Domrique faced a range of pressures, some of which were tough enough that they could have derailed him.

The eldest of five kids, Domrique didn’t have a dad at home, meaning he had to navigate those rough teen years without a father figure. While his mom did everything she could to take care of the family, money, not surprisingly, was tight. Domrique felt compelled to help his mom however he could.

“It’s important that I set a good example for my siblings,“ the Castaic resident says.

But rather than succumb to the challenges, Domrique took a much different tack: He got a job working for AMS Fulfillment, the Valencia-based warehouse and fulfillment services provider.

Now 20, Domrique – who today is an AMS account manager, has oversight of the company’s charitable giving, and will be heading to Fisher University in Boston this fall – says the experience literally set his life on course.

The job with AMS provided Domrique the means to help his family (he bought a car to help drive around his siblings), and the encouragement to succeed at work and school.

“I have received praises from my colleagues for overcoming adversities that could have prohibited me from fulfilling my dreams,” he says. “The difficulties that have been placed before me have only made me stronger.”

Domrique is one of a number of both youths and adults who, over the last seven or so years, have been hired by AMS through its partnerships with local agencies that help individuals, including those with limited opportunities, find jobs.

Domrique found the job with help from the Santa Clarita chapter of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Youth Activities League (specifically Deputy Brian Rooney) and was among the first wave of hires.

In the time since, the program has since expanded to the point where, today, roughly 30% of AMS’s daily workforce of roughly 300 has been re-

cruited through partnerships with agencies including the YAL; Pleasantview Industries, whose clients are individuals with developmental disabilities; the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, which helps former inmates find work; and Bridge to Home, the homeless shelter, says AMS CEO Ken Wiseman.

Wiseman says the inception of the program dates to roughly the 2008 recession, when, as president of the local Sheriff’s Foundation chapter, he saw the toll tough financial times were taking on families, putting kids more at risk than before.

At that point, the organization set a jobs-training program in motion, teaching kids everything from interview and job skills to how to dress for work.

The kids hired by AMS, primarily for warehouse jobs, were given the flexibility to work around their school schedule, with some staying on after graduating high school and moving on to places like College of the Canyons.

“We picked up on how important these jobs were for families,” Wiseman says. “These kids weren’t getting jobs to buy a car or a skateboard. These jobs were going to help put groceries in the refrigerator.”

The effort proved so successful for both the kids and AMS (Wiseman says “they were great workers”) that Wiseman, along with AMS President Jay Catlin, expanded their partnerships to agencies that work with hard-to-place adults, such as Pleasantview and Twin Towers.

AMS also gives those agencies the arena to provide job training to clients who aren’t quite ready for the workplace. Pleasantview, for instance, uses the company’s warehouse facility as a training ground for small groups of individuals.

The results are stellar, Wiseman said. One Pleasantview client got his first job at age 56 “and he’s doing great,” he says.

Jennifer Zimmerman, Pleasantview’s employment coordinator, says that by hiring clients, AMS is giving people with disabilities the chance to be independent and contribute to the community.

AMS has recognized that people with disabilities

Dan Watson/The Signal

Jay Catlin, president/managing partner, left, and Ken Wiseman, CEO managing partner in the lobby of AMS Fulfillment in Valencia. are an untapped, valuable resource in Santa Clarita, Zimmerman says.

Zimmerman says that, in providing people with disabilities work, Wiseman and Catlin “have empowered them.”

“AMS has enriched their lives and allowed them to be productive and contributing citizens in our Santa Clarita Valley,” she says.

Yet Catlin says there is certainly an upside for AMS as well.

Partnering with agencies provides AMS access to employees who are committed to working as a means of getting back on their feet, and who have been vetted by the agencies they work with.

Wiseman says, as a result, AMS has built a workforce of individuals who aren’t turned off by the idea of a warehouse job, but instead are committed to excelling at it.

“It’s a big win for us,” he says. “They might be doing assembly work or building boxes all day long, and when they leave work they feel extremely positive and fulfilled and they are happy to be part of the team.”

“Their attitude is fan-

tastic and that resonates at AMS,” he says. “People really appreciate having these jobs.”

Domrique says, for him, working at AMS has “been an absolute blessing,” one

that will stick with him in the fall when he starts Fisher to pursue a degree in healthcare management.

“The naysayers look at my life and don’t understand what it means to ful-

fill your dreams,” Domrique says.

“My day-to-day life is not what your average 20-year-old envisions. But I would not trade it for the world.”

Dan Watson/The Signal

Jay Catlin, president/managing partner, left, and Ken Wiseman, CEO managing partner with community awards in the lobby of AMS Fulfillment in Valencia.

For more than 97 years, The Signal has carried the banner of responsible community journalism in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Proud to be this community’s only local newspaper.

Total Access to Your Community.

Your news. 24/7.

SIGNALSCV.COM

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . I7

SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY

Industry

Financial Considerations for Adults Mulling a Return to School (MC) – As the economy has struggled, many adults have found themselves heading back to school.

Mass layoffs contributed to high unemployment rates and left many adults without work wondering if going back to school is a good way to weather the storm and, once that storm is over, stand out among a crowded pool of job seekers.

In 2009, 100 community colleges were surveyed by the American Association of Community Colleges, which, based on the survey, reported that community college enrollment had increased from 2 percent to 27 percent in just a year’s time. Displaced workers played a significant role in that spike in enrollment, as men and women who lost their jobs increasingly decided to find a new career path that might offer more security.

Though the economy has slowly started to recover, many adults are still considering a return to school.

Of course, school can be expensive, and it helps to explore your financial options when mulling a return to school.

Where will the money come from?

Determining the cost of graduate school is not easy, as tuition varies greatly depending on a student’s course of study. Public graduate schools are typically more affordable than private schools, but tuition will be expensive regardless of the university. Even

adults who don’t want to pursue a graduate degree but a new field of study entirely should expect tuition to be substantially higher than it was when they were students years ago.

That said, adults must decide from where the money for their continued education is going to come.

Paying out of your own pocket will require some sacrifices in other areas of your life and could also deplete your personal savings. Financial aid, grants and private loans are other options, and each of these should be thoroughly explored before making a final decision.

to school will qualify for financial aid (though all adults who can’t afford to pay out of pocket should still apply), while others will not qualify for enough financial aid to cover the costs of their education.

In such instances, you can go directly to the bank and apply for a private loan.

Adults with strong credit histories should not have too much trouble securing private loans. However, loans from private lenders almost always come with higher interest rates than government loans.

Will your employer help pay?

Tapping into retirement savings to pay for your education is a potentially costly maneuver. In addition to substantially reducing your nest egg, withdrawing money from a retirement account might incur penalties and taxes.

What’s more, if your retirement account has tax-deferred growth, then you’ll be missing out on potentially significant earnings once you remove money from the account. It’s typically a bad idea to tap into your retirement savings until you’re actually retiring, so resist the temptation to do so when establishing your plan to pay for continuing your education.

Thanks to the recession, many adults have returned to school to counter a layoff or advance a stagnated career. Before making such a decision, explore if it is financially prudent.

For those men and women who are still employed and want to continue their careers, it’s quite possible your employer will help pay your tuition. Employer-funded tuition programs might earn your employer a tax deduction, so don’t just assume your employer won’t help cover some of the bill for your education. Some employers who help pay their employee’s tuition will ask an employee to commit to the company for a certain number of years after they have earned their degree, while others will only provide assistance to employees who are not training for another career.

Can I go directly to the bank?

Not all adults returning

Should I tap into my retirement savings?

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Adults considering a return to school must explore their financial options before making such a substantial commitment.

Money-saving tips for working professionals (MC) – Working professionals know that going to work every day can be costly. From commuting costs to the expenses necessary to maintain a professional wardrobe, going to work can be hard on the pocketbook. The following are a few ways workers can save some cash.

• Embrace direct deposit. If your company offers direct deposit, take advantage of that offering.

Having your paycheck directly deposited into your savings or checking account can eliminate some unnecessary spending, and your bank may even waive monthly fees if you have a certain amount of money directly deposited into your

account each month.

• Get creative with kid care. According to a report by the National Conference of State Legislatures, concerns about child care cause more problems in the workplace than any other family-related issue. Child care can be quite expensive. If your employer does not offer on-site child care, find out if a parent or another family member can care for your child at no cost.

• Bring your lunch.

Bringing your lunch to work each day can save you a considerable amount of money. Limit lunches out to one day per week.

• Enroll in pre-tax savings plans. Explore the various programs that enable

you to set aside pre-tax dollars for expenses like child care, medical expenses or commuting costs. A certain portion of your paycheck is withdrawn before it is taxed, saving you money when it comes time to file your income tax.

• Share your commute.

Carpooling is an easy and economical way to get to work. Split the expenses with your coworkers who live nearby. A company carpool can save you money on fuel and add years to the life of each participant’s automobile.

• Shop smart. Take advantage of sales or shop consignment stores when supplementing your work wardrobe.

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I8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • INDUSTRY

Industry

Camelot Movers celebrates 30 years in Santa Clarita

By Jennifer Maxine

T

he history of Camelot Moving and Storage closely matches the history of the City of Santa Clarita.

Camelot Moving and Storage began in the garage of its founding family, the Kornfelds, little more than a year before the city incorporated. Situated in such a time and place and taking on the literal business of moving people into and within the fledgling city,

the Kornfelds have enjoyed a unique perspective on the growth of its community in which they chose to raise their family.

Like Santa Clarita, Camelot Moving and Storage is rooted in family. After Billy had spent years on the road, away from his family for a month or so at a time driving for a van line, the couple began taking steps to start their own business. Some years later, in April 1986, they proudly began their family busi-

ness. Billy was still driving for the van line while the new company found its feet. Wearing many hats – bookkeeper, salesperson, and dispatcher, Carolyn operated the company out of their home office. It was not long before Billy severed his contract with the van line and stayed home with his family, growing the family business alongside his wife.

The growth of the family’s business has followed the growth and demands of their community.

Camelot’s growing family of clients began to include those moving across state lines. Camelot rose to the occasion and expanded into interstate moving, providing an uncommon interstate service that did not involve a network of subcontractors. In other words, the belongings of Camelot’s clients were only in Camelot’s hands from origin to destination. This was truly a unique niche in the moving industry filled with van lines and subcontractors.

“The only way to guarantee our high standard of service and care was to handle our clients’ belongings for the entire journey. So that is how we set up our interstate moving services,” describes Billy. By this time, the company, which had begun with only one moving van, owned and operated a fleet

of three trucks.

Not many years later, Camelot expanded its services again to meet the needs of families with houses hard hit by the Northridge earthquake of 1994. Suddenly there was high demand for storage while families temporarily relocated and fixed their homes. Camelot grew to match the demands of its community. As a result, Camelot Movers became Camelot Moving and Storage, and currently operates out of a 20,000-squarefoot, state-of-the-art warehouse in Valencia. The company’s fleet has expanded to 12 trucks.

Not just serving as a witness to the city’s history, Camelot has quite literally put its stamp on the city’s historical landmarks. The company logo, a knight in armor with lance in hand,

Courtesy photos

marks the tabletops at Saugus Café, one of Santa Clarita’s first businesses and one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles County. The same knight could be seen on the side of a car speeding around the famous Saugus Speedway, one of the city’s original and most popular entertainment venues.

The Kornfelds have seen the city’s commerce and infrastructure grow exponentially throughout their company’s history, and are proud to have helped facilitate the area’s growth.

Their family of clients includes the Chamber of

Commerce, local school districts, and the City of Santa Clarita itself, not to mention local businesses of all types—industrial, commercial, and retail.

Born from a desire for a better family, Camelot has roots similar to that of Santa Clarita. For 30 years, the Kornfelds have seen their company grow alongside their city with pride. The city continues to grow, and Camelot remains ready to meet the changing needs of the expanding community.

The Kornfelds are eager to see what the next 30 years hold.

Thanks

FOR BEING WITH US THROUGH OUR FIRST 30 YEARS.

HANG ON! WE'RE JUST STARTING OUT ON OUR NEXT 30!

CamelotMovers.com

(661) 255-3112 28040 Industry Drive Valencia 91355

MC258193

PUC T150296

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . J1

SCV Community Pride • FAITH

SCV

Community

Pride Faith

SCV Community Pride • Faith

Churches get involved with their community

John Lopez

Parents, students, Principal Rick Drew and Sanctuary Church volunteers at Valley View Community School in Newhall.

J2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Faith

SCV Community Pride • FAITH

Church reaches out to Santa Clarita Valley community

By Marcie Geffner

T

he Sanctuary Church isn’t only about reaching out to the Santa Clarita Valley community. But community, whether that means kids, adults or everyone, is a crucial aspect of the church’s mission and programs.

“We’re not just a house of worship that keeps to ourselves,” says Worship Pastor Andy Gregory. “We pride ourselves on making a difference, whether it’s giving away food and other necessities for people in need, to providing grief counseling and relationship counseling and other services.”

Located at 26444 Friendly Valley Parkway in Santa Clarita. The Sanctuary Church was established in the community in 1939.

In addition to helping others, service to the community helps to sustain participants’ relationships with God, Gregory explains.

“We believe that church is one of the ways to find and develop a relationship with God through Jesus, but that relationship with God is also sustained and developed in community with others,” he says.

For kids

Children of all ages are a key aspect of the church’s community focus.

The church has an existing relationship with nearby Valley View Community School, thanks to a rapport

between Outreach Pastor Julie Sandeen at the church and Principal Rick Drew at the elementary school.

“A big focus for us this year is our relationship with Valley View Community School and reaching out to their families, bringing them together,” Gregory says.

Volunteers from the community are welcome to join this program, known as Project SCV. “There are a lot of ways to get involved in Santa Clarita,” Gregory says. “We believe this is a powerful one because it touches kids.

When kids are in need, it doesn’t matter your religion, race or ethnicity. Kids matter.”

Gregory himself grew up as a member of the church and has been on staff five years. When he was a teenager, the church’s youth pastor was Marty Walker, who has lived in the Santa Clarita Valley and pastored at the church since 1989 and is now the lead pastor.

“He’s committed to the community,” Gregory says.

“He’s been here and wants to stay here and see our Valley View program expand to other schools.”

Currently the elementary schools in Sulphur Springs school district must travel to the district office and pay for laminating services out of each of their budgets.

Principal Rick Drew said, “We are just blown away by the ongoing support of The Sanctuary. When I shared

with my teachers that we would be receiving our own laminator paid in full by The Sanctuary, you could hear the sighs of joy and gratitude.”

Friends for life

Community connections keep longtime members coming back to The Sanctuary Church week after week and year after year.

“They’ve found community, made friends and developed relationships that extend outside the walls of the building. And they’ve found a way to serve God and the community with the abilities and skills they have. Whether it’s cooking a meal, reading a story to a kid, playing music or whatever, there’s a place for people to share that with the community,” Gregory explains.

Skeptics might think churches generally are inward-focused and only interested in promoting themselves and their own narrow interests. Gregory says self-serving is not on the agenda at The Sanctuary Church.

“Our core is what Jesus has called us to do,” he says.

“I know the heart of our lead pastor and leadership and it has never been about getting people through the doors. It’s about meeting people where they are and meeting their needs.”

To find out more about the church or to get involved with Project SCV, check out their website at ProjectSCV. com.

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SCV Community Pride • FAITH

Faith

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . J3

Developing an organically growing faith in the SCV

By Alicia Doyle

T

he Santa Clarita Valley Church of Christ has earned a reputation for its family-friendly atmosphere that fosters a relationship with God – not only on Sundays.

“What we’re not is a worship service experience and then you leave,” said Cheryl Hammer, women’s ministry leader.

“It’s more centered on our relationship to God and relationships with each other so when church is over, literally an hour later, we’ll still have people talking and hanging out,” she said. “There’s no rush to leave – people enjoy being together.”

The congregation is known for practicing Christianity together throughout the year.

For instance, members participate in an annual service project for Carousel Ranch, a charitable nonprofit organization in Santa Clarita that provides therapeutic horseback riding for children with special needs. Additionally, the church partners with a benevolent organization called HOPE worldwide, a nonprofit that provides community-based services to the poor and needy around the globe.

The congregation also supports foster children through the Department of Children and Family Services.

“These are some of the most needy families in Santa Clarita,” Hammer said.

“At Christmas we do a huge toy drive and Christmas party for DCFS in which our members donate hundreds of toys. It’s one of our signature events working with the community.”

In related efforts, congregation members create food baskets during the Thanksgiving holiday for families in need, and donate food, blankets and other needed items to Bridge to Home, a local homeless shelter.

“We love being involved in the community and meeting real-life daily needs, making our faith authentic within the community and making it real with each other,” Hammer said. “Christianity needs to be helpful. It needs to be more than an experience – it needs to transform your heart otherwise it’s an event versus a Christian lifestyle.”

While the church’s primary goal is to help people with their spiritual lives, “we really want to roll up our sleeves and help the poor and needy,” Hammer said. “Whether it’s through Carousel Ranch or a homeless shelter, we are making Christianity real every day in our lives.”

Efforts that take place throughout the week include bible study, marriage and parenting classes, which take place at the Santa Clarita United Methodist Church on Bouquet Canyon Road on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m.

“You can only do so much on a Sunday morning, so it’s deeper in the sense of meeting specific needs,” Hammer said. “We also do an an-

Courtesy photo

Youth Ministry Serving at Carousel Ranch. nual marriage retreat for one weekend in Indian Wells every November with about 800 people. We meet a lot of marriage needs that weekend.”

The church offers counseling in other areas on a regular basis.

“We help people deal with other things going on in their lives, whether it’s financial or educational,” Hammer said.

“It’s practical help for people to excel in their spiritual lives, but it affects all areas of their lives. We care about the individual and if someone really wants help, we’re there for them.”

Above all, the Santa Clarita Valley Church of Christ is a church family with a pas-

sion for moving people toward Christ.

“Our dream is to be used

by God to change thousands of lives for eternity,” Hammer said. “Individually and collectively, we’re on a spiritual journey in which we are actively seeking God and his guidance for our lives.

We believe that God’s word teaches, inspires and convicts us to develop an organically growing faith.”

The Santa Clarita Valley Church of Christ is located at Rancho Pico Junior High, 26250 W. Valencia Blvd. in Stevenson Ranch. The Sunday service takes place at 10 a.m. For more information visit http://scvcoc.com/index. php/10-static/i-m-new

Courtesy photo

Ron and Cheryl Hammer, Evangelist and Women’s Ministry Leader.

J4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride â&#x20AC;¢ FAITH

SCV Community Pride â&#x20AC;¢ FAITH

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . J5

J6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • FAITH

Faith

Crippen Mortuary offers personalized, compassionate service for community

By Alicia Doyle

I

n an age where large corporate funeral homes offer overpriced service, Crippen Mortuary is independent, family-run, and has earned a reputation for offering personally tailored programs that are administered with compassion.

In 2007, Crippen opened an arrangement office, chapel and tribute center at 16653 Sierra Highway in Canyon Country, to give families a choice of mortuary services in the Santa Clarita community.

A direct cremation costs $1,595 at Crippen, compared with up to $2,500 at other funeral establishments. A burial package including a casket, complete chapel service, and embalming is priced at $3,700.

Arrangement counselor David Redlus explains, “Our goal is to simplify this process, which is commonly a difficult time for families.

We contact their cemetery of choice, and handle burial arrangements with them directly, so there is less worry for the family.”

Crippen Mortuary was founded in La Crescenta

by William and Ethel Crippen in 1928. It is now owned

by Funeral Director Robert Hanson, who has been with the mortuary for over 40 years.His nephew, Cordero Hanson, a U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sergeant,

is also a managing funeral director with Crippen.

Others on staff include Louis Brousseau, a licensed funeral director and embalmer, and former owner of Bade Mortuary in Tujunga.

A 95 year-old World War II veteran, and resident of Santa Clarita, Brousseau is one of the reasons Crippen Mortuary opened an office in the area.

Santa Clarita is also an ideal community for Crippen to exhibit local philanthropy through the York Children’s Foundation with donations to the Santa Clarita Boys and Girls Club.

In addition, the mortuary is now offering educational pre-arrangement and living trust workshops. These guide people through the advantages of setting up details ahead of time, relieving their family members from the overwhelming task of making difficult decisions at an already challenging time.

Their next event is scheduled for April.

Whether at their flagship mortuary in La Crescenta, or the new Santa Clarita establishment, Crippen is dedicated to providing the finest, most compassionate care to each and every family it serves, Redlus added.

“We have proven that it is possible to provide affordable funeral and cremation services without sacrificing quality.”

Dan Watson/The Signal

Crippen Mortuary Arrangement Counselor, David Redlus, with the casket display wall at Crippen’s Santa Clarita Valley location in Canyon Country.

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Pre planning gives you, family, and friends peace of mind by providing loved ones direction of your wants and desires.

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THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . J7

SCV Community Pride • FAITH

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J8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • FAITH

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THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L1

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

SCV

Lifestyles

Community

Pride Lifestyles

SCV Community Pride • Lifestyles

Santa Clarita Organizations Focus on Health, Kids and Community Service

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Dr. Patrice Rifkind and Dr. Kevin Bolder of Audiology Associates in Valencia.

L2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Audiology Associates - Improving quality of life by better hearing

Dan Watson/The Signal

Patrice Rifkind, Au.D., chats with a patient.

By Diane Krieger Spivak

T

here’s a reason Audiology Associates has been voted best in the valley by the community for seven years running.

“Our office works really hard with customer service to make each person happy, with their hearing aids and with us,” said owner Dr. Patrice Rifkind, who has been with Audiology Associates since 2001 and its owner since 2010. “They can live a better quality of life if they can hear better.”

Rifkind has seen it time and again.

“There are people who are really struggling to

hear, we fit them with a hearing aid and their eyes light up or they tear up,” Rifkind said. “They’re excited that they can hear better. That’s why we do what we do. Or the ninety-something year-old couple where the wife was not able to hear the husband and the family came back and said how excited they were that they would sit and talk and talk after she got a hearing aid and could hear again.

It’s pretty neat.”

The vast improvement in hearing aids has made a difference in many people’s lives, Rifkind said.

“Now people can even connect to wireless devic-

es. When they can hear well they feel so much better about their lives and can continue to be able to work at their jobs and communicate with their family members. It makes relationships better. There’s also a lower incidence of dementia with people who are hearing well.”

Audiology Associates is a full-service audiology office, seeing patients for hearing evaluations, treatment, hearing aids, cochlear implants and other types of hearing assistance devices to help them hear on the phone, hear the television, and even microphones that they can put on

another person so they can hear better in a restaurant.

The practice also adjusts hearing aids and makes custom earplugs and earmolds to protect musicians and shooters from loud noise. It’s also the only office in the valley owned by a doctor of audiology.

“We have a contract with Tricare and are able to see some patients from the Veterans Administration who need hearing aids,” Rifkind said. “That’s something that’s new to our area too. The VA is not able to keep up with the vast amount of veterans so we’re able to help with the overflow. We’ve recently

Dan Watson/Signal.

Rifkind, displays a cochlear implant processor.

been seeing a lot of patients who would normally have to wait a long time for an appointment with the VA or do without. Now they’re able to come to us and be seen a lot sooner. They can stay in our valley rather than drive down to the next area to get their hearing care. It can be at least a half hour away or further and they have to get on the freeway. It’s not close for that 85-year-old veteran.”

Rifkind was also awarded The Santa Clarita Valley Leadership Award for 2012 Minority/Women Owned Business of the Year.

Audiology Associates also volunteers its time of-

fering bi-monthly hearing screenings at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, Summerhill Villa, and Sunrise Senior Living.

Santa Clarita Valley residents are welcome to visit the office for a hearing screening, regardless of insurance status.

Rifkind is a member of Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, a local service organization of executives in business working together to advance the status of women, creating local service projects and grants, and offering scholarships that benefit local women and girls through service advocacy and awareness.

Dan Watson/Signal.

Rifkind, examines a patient.

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L3

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Assistance League changes lives in the Santa Clarita Valley

By Diane Krieger Spivak

I

t’s a heartbreaking story, but one that drives home the reason Assistance League Santa Clarita exists.

“We had a family move into the district and the kids in school were making fun of them because they were wearing the same clothes every day,” said Jackie Hamby, chapter president. “It’s tough enough moving to a new district and to be made fun of is even harder.”

Through Assistance League’s Operation School Bell, the family’s children were outfitted in new school clothes.

Operation School Bell has been the main program for Assistance League Santa Clarita since the chapter of the philanthropic organization formed 27 years ago. Assistance League, which started more than a century ago, has 120 chapters nationwide.

“I love the organization,” said Hamby, a 15year member. “It does so much good in our community. It’s a great group of people.”

Last fall Operation School Bell provided $180,000 for new school clothing, shoes, eye exams and eyeglasses for underserved students in every school in Santa Clarita.

“There are about 15,000 kids on the free and reduced lunch program here in Santa Clarita,” Hamby said. “Our goal is to give new school clothing for as many of those that may

need it. Last fall we clothed more than 2,100 students.”

When Operation School Bell started it was just shoes only, Hamby explained. “That’s all we could afford to buy for children in need. We used to do only a couple of elementary schools before.

Now we serve upwards of 65 schools in Santa Clarita.

It’s a big undertaking. Our members are liaisons in every school. We send out an invitation and take the kids to shop at Old Navy where they can pick out their own clothes and start school on an even footing. They’re not having to worry about how they look. They can focus on their studies.”

That’s important for student retention, Hamby said.

“We’ve heard from teachers and administrators for many, many years that part of the key to success for these kids is just showing up. Time and time again we’ve heard how some kids just won’t show up because they don’t have proper clothing,” she added.

The program is largely funded by a thrift shop Assistance League runs in Newhall, plus a wine event in November that features local artisan vintners.

“And we get a lot of community donations and grants from businesses and individuals,” Hamby added.

The Teddy Bear Patrol program also started with the chapter’s organization.

“We purchase teddy bears that go into fire trucks, sheriff’s cars and in emergency rooms,” Ham-

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Volunteers at the Assistance League resale shop in Newhall stand near the front of the shop prior to opening. by said. “They’re given to children who have had a traumatic experience to comfort them.”

Another program is Family Ties. Members make home cooked meals at home and serve them to residents of The Santa Clarita Convalescent Hospital once a month.

“Some of these people don’t get a lot of visitors so it’s always nice to have a home cooked meal for them,” said Hamby.

“It’s rewarding for every-

body involved. Sometimes we play bingo or sing karaoke with them and have a little entertainment during dinner.”

Assistance League Santa Clarita is 220 members strong, including 45 7th through 12th graders called the Assisteens who have their own governing board and run their own meetings.

“They run a foster care backpack program,” Hamby said. “They fundraise and purchase items to go

in backpacks for children removed from their homes through child services.

They also help us with a lot of our endeavors and work in our resale store. They’re very active and a great part of our group. We’re really fortunate to have such an enthusiastic group of kids.

Assistance League is 100 percent volunteer, with no salaries. Rent and utilities on the thrift shop comes from sales.

“We raise all our funds ourselves and spend it

on programs we want,” Hamby said. “Assistance League across the country is really all about handson. All the money we raise in Santa Clarita stays in Santa Clarita, and when we ask for support they know their donation stays right here.

“We can pretty much tell them 100 percent of their donation supports our philanthropic program. It’s not like that in many other groups. We’re proud of that statistic.”

Assistance League would like to thank our Community Partners for all they do to support our programs including our signature program Operation School Bell(R) Assistance League would like to thank our Community Partners for all they do to support our programs including our signature program Operation School Bell(R) Assistance League would like to thank our Community Partners for all they do to support our programs including our (R) Assistance League would like program to thank Operation our Community Partners for all they do signature School Bell Assistance League would like to thank our Community Partners for all they do to support our programs including our signature program Operation School to support our programs including our signature program Operation School (R) Bell(R) Assistance League would like to thank our Community Partners for all they do to support our programs including our Bell signature program Operation School Bell(R) PLATINUM PLATINUM PLATINUM PLATINUM PLATINUM PLATINUM

GOLD

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L4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Aquatic Club helps build, nurture winners

By Rubén J. Porras

I

f you are looking to dive into the sport of competitive swimming and you live in the Santa Clarita area, you are in the right place.

One local aquatic club has attracted over 10,000 swimmers to local pools while making a splash big enough to be felt by national and international competitors.

Santa Clarita’s Canyons Aquatic Club has been the go-to training facility for college-bound, Olympic-bound and other competitive level athletes for nearly 40 years and shows no sign of slowing down. On any given day at the club you might see an Olympic medal winner or Olympic prospect training with head coach Coley Stickels and members of the club’s elite program. While this is great for the athletes who are visiting, it is also great for local members of the club.

“We find visiting athletes jumping in with our best high school age swimmers to be a huge motivation for our college prospects,” said Stickels.

The college prospects that Stickels mentions are an important focus for the club.

Every year the club sends a number of swimmers to colleges prepared to succeed.

“Canyons (Aquatic Club) swimmers have earned millions of dollars in scholarships swimming at DI, II, III and NAIA programs. Canyons athletes have earned more scholarships than any other club sport in Santa Clarita,” said Stickels.

Among the top-level swimmers who have inspired and continue to inspire college-bound athletes training at Canyons are Anthony Ervin, 2000 Olympic gold medalist and 2012 Olympic team

member currently training for the 2016 Olympics; Gabe Woodward, a 2004 Olympian; Canadian Santo Condorelli, who is currently the third fastest 100m sprinter in the world and is training to hopefully earn a spot on his country’s 2016 Olympic team; and Abbey Weitzeil, who is considered a top prospect to make the 2016 United States Olympic team. Weitzeil, who is considered one of the best sprinters on the planet, also coaches some of the club’s youngest members.

According to Stickels, the success of the club on a national level is only one part of its overall focus.

“While Canyons elite swimmers have made their impact known on a national level, we are extremely proud of our success here in Southern California,” said Stickels.

“In the past four years Canyons has broken more Southern California swim records than any other club. Southern California is the national hotbed of swimming, so breaking a record here is a statement on a national level.”

Based on the number of elite athletes it has attracted and the accolades and awards that it has garnered, one might think that Canyons Aquatic Club is solely focused on being highly competitive. According to Stickels, club members can choose to be as competitive as they want to be.

“Our swimmers compete in USA Swimming (the national governing body of swimming) sanctioned events, which tends to be competitive,” said Stickels. “However, the nature of the sport is that a swimmer only has to be as competitive as they want to be. Swimmers of all ages only com-

Dan Watson/The Signal

From left, Gavin Glaess, 9, Tanner Olson, Santo Condorelli, Coach Coley Stickels, Abbey Weitzeil, Nikol Popov, and Kira Elarton-Selig, 10. pete against other swimmers of equal age and talent. As a swimmer progresses upward, they move into a division that is more competitive.

This allows swimmers who cannot train as much as their peers the opportunity to have success and enjoy the sport.”

The club’s mission statement further explains that the coaches and staff of the club focus on the athlete first and competition second.

“It is very important to us that our swimmers and parents understand that Canyons Aquatics is concerned about the ‘whole’ athlete,” said Stickels. “By that, we mean their grades, their wellness and their goals.

We are a large club, but we never allow our size to let swimmers get lost in the shuffle,” said Stickels.

Dan Watson/The Signal

Canyons Aquatic coach Griffin Scott, left, works with age group 1 swimmers at College of the Canyons pool.

CANYONS.ORG 661-362-3210

info@canyons.org

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L5

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Flooring store gets solid foundation in community

By Anne Freedman

B

arry and Larry White, twin brothers, and their partner Jack van Boheemen decided nearly four years ago to open a flooring store in Santa Clarita.

Now called Santa Clarita Flooring, the trio’s store has increased sales to over $2 million and won prestigious awards from the California Legislature two years in a row, including Finest Flooring Center and Outstanding Customer Service for the Santa Clarita Valley.

The partners were building on the long-standing success of the Carpeteria store in Lancaster, which is owned

by Barry White and Boheemen. That store has won the Antelope Valley’s Best Flooring Center two years running.

On Feb. 13, both stores participated in the Santa Colorita 5K run for charity, benefitting Jack’s Angels Foundation, Wish Education Foundation and the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The participation is part of the owners’ plans to be involved members of the community, by joining in at local events and by donating to charity.

“You can’t take it with you so why not give part of it back,” Barry White said.

He said he regularly donates between $25,000 and $50,000 to charitable endeavors.

Santa Clarita Flooring,

at 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road, in the retail center next to the IHOP restaurant, is looking at doing up to $3 million in sales next year, White said.

The store offers a wide variety of quality carpeting products that are provided with exceptional warranties; the very best hardwood flooring products from Bruce Hardwood; ceramic tile to add texture and dimension; top-notch laminate flooring that is beautiful and long-lasting; and vinyl flooring that offers a wide spectrum of exciting choices and unusual design options.

Santa Clarita Flooring has long time, experienced flooring sales people who can handle any question.

They are available to help with home decor choices and offer their opinion on any style or color.

Santa Clarita Flooring also sells stone granite countertops, shower remodels by tiling from scratch, custom hardwood staircases, custom shutters and more.

“We have all the licensed contractors to do the work,” White said.

When he was doing some flooring jobs in the area before opening Santa Clarita Flooring, Stainmaster Ultra Life approached him and van Boheemen to buy a defunct flooring business located at the retail center because their Lancaster store was already a Stainmaster authorized dealer.

“What happened is a lot of companies went out of

Tom Cruze/The Signal

Owners Carolyn and Larry White of Santa Clarita Flooring. business during the recession; they couldn’t make it,” White said. “That opened the door for people who would be a little bit stronger businesswise.”

Santa Clarita Flooring is also an authorized dealer of Stainmaster-brand carpet, which has a 20-year stain warranty on its carpets. Authorized dealers must qualify via a good reputation and reputable installers.

Santa Clarita Flooring, at 26111 Bouquet Canyon Road in the retail center next to the IHOP restaurant, can be reached at (661) 799-8088.

Tom Cruze/The Signal

Owners Carolyn and Larry White of Santa Clarita Flooring.

Check us out at:

www.santaclaritafloors.com facebook.com/santaclaritafloors

661-799-8088

Your trusted local flooring professionals Santa Clarita Flooring is the Santa Clarita Valley’s only full-service Stainmaster Flooring Center. We pride ourselves on providing unmatched customer service and superior craftsmanship.

Come in and check out our monthly specials on wood, laminate, carpet, vinyl flooring and tile. We will price match most offers.

We offer free in home estimates and will remove and recycle your old carpet at no cost.

L6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride â&#x20AC;¢ LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L7

SCV Community Pride â&#x20AC;¢ LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

L8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Six Flags Magic Mountain delivers thrills for 45 years

Courtesy photo

Twisted Colossus Zero Roll.

By Kateri Wozny

D

riving along Interstate 5 into the Santa Clarita Valley, one can’t help but notice the tall rollercoasters in the distance and possibly hear exciting screams.

Six Flags Magic Mountain – known as the “Thrill Capital of the World” – has 19 of these roller coasters, which is more than any other theme park on the planet, along with having the most kid roller coasters. The 260acre theme park, which includes Hurricane Harbor Water Park, has been a part of the Santa Clarita com-

munity since 1971.

In 2014, Six Flags Magic Mountain saw an average of 2.8 million visitors, according to the 2014 Themed Entertainment Association’s Global Attractions Attendance Report. During the summer months, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor Water Park hire more than 2,500 seasonal employees in order to provide their customers with a memorable experience. Employees also obtain a foundation and skill set that will enable them to be successful in their future careers.

“I give them five stars for their continuous effort to providing a fun experience for visitors and their commitment to satisfying their customers,” said Joe C., resident of Castaic, in a Yelp online review.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is also celebrating its 45th anniversary this year by reintroducing The New Revolution, the world’s first 360-degree looping steel roller coaster. More than 45 million visitors have ridden the roller coaster over the past 40 years and it will be painted in red, white and blue with a silver eagle hood adornment. Shoulder

harnesses have also been removed and the ride is expected to be smoother with more airtime.

Other Six Flags Magic Mountain roller coasters that hold Guinness World Record titles include Full Throttle as the “World’s Tallest and Fastest Looping Roller Coaster,” Tatsu as the “World’s Tallest and Fastest Flying Roller Coaster” and X2 as the “World’s First Fourth Dimensional Roller Coaster.”

Other firsts include Superman Escape from Krypton as the first roller coaster to break the 100 mph speed barrier and Twisted Colos-

Courtesy photo

Tatsu over Valencia Falls.

sus, the longest and fastest dual track wooden roller coaster.

In addition, Six Flags Magic Mountain also offers dining, shopping and entertainment. According to Yelp online reviews, the theme park’s funnel cake is the biggest hit among visitors.

“It tastes so good with ice cream!” “Don’t forget to end your day with those amazing funnel cakes!” wrote Donna C. and Aryo S., both residents of Los Angeles.

Six Flags Magic Mountain also plays an important role by giving back to nonprofit organizations throughout the Santa Clar-

ita Valley and Southern California, including the Boys and Girls Club and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

The award-winning theme park has also taken top industry honors, including the 2015 “Best Theme Park Halloween Event” for Fright Fest and “America’s Best Theme Park” in 2014, according to USA Today Readers Polls.

For Six Flags Magic Mountain hours and ticket costs, visit https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

Courtesy photo

Twisted Colossus drop.

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L9

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

BUY A DAY, GET THE YEAR FREE For the price of a one day ticket, get unlimited visits all year with a 2016 Season Pass. Buy four or more Season Passes online and get a free upgrade to a Combo Pass which includes free Hurricane Harbor.

Season Pass Holders can purchase a Gold Dining Pass and get lunch, dinner, and a snack on every visit, plus a free Sports Bottle with unlimited soft drinks all season. And if that’s not enough, the Gold Dining Pass can be used at all Six Flags Theme Parks.

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L10 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Local coin dealer offers only live bid board within 55-mile driving radius

By Laurel Davis

C

oins Plus Newhall is the only coin dealership within a 55mile driving radius to host a “bid board”, says owner and expert numismatist, Jeff Butler. “The nearest bid board to us is in La Verne,” he says. The city of La Verne is slightly more than 55 miles driving distance from Coins Plus.

A “bid board” is an open auction displaying collectors’, investors’ and dealers’ coins and bullion on consignment, which buyers can bid on every Tuesday at the shop.

The Coin Plus bid board displays nearly 600 individual items for auction, which change weekly. These items include U.S. coins and currency, world coins, ancient coins, World Bank notes, metals, decorations, and gold and silver bullion, according to the business’ website. As the bid board host, Coins Plus charges a 10% fee on items sold.

The bidding closes each Tuesday at 7:30pm, when the store is often packed with buyers and sellers hoping for the best profit or investment deal. Butler notes, “We have over 1,600 registered members. Approximately 150 look at the bid board weekly, and 30 to 40 are present at the auction closing.” Given the shop’s space-efficient but comfortable size, that is a lot of people.

Besides the weekly bid board, Coins Plus Newhall is open six days a week and buys, sells and appraises silver and gold coins as well as bullion for collectors, other dealers and investors. They

also sell coin collection and other numismatic supplies.

Since the shop deals strictly in coins and bullion, its nearest competitor is in Van Nuys, Butler says, adding that the biggest competitor is really the Internet.

Still, he has seen customers and coin dealers come from all over the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valleys, plusmany from Orange County, Bakersfield and Las Vegas.

While the weekly bid board helps to set Coins Plus Newhall apart, Butler notes how often both new and repeat patrons express their appreciation for the friendly, patient and quick customer service. “I’m told I have a knack for making collectors feel relaxed and comfortable doing business with us,” Butler says.

“I think it’s because I’m a good listener.”

A quick look at the shop’s reviews on Yelp.com also reveals customers’ praise for Butler’s expertise and consistent track record of fair and on-market pricing.

His website includes up to the moment gold and silver “spot prices.”

A “spot price” is the price of an ounce of the metal at the current moment in time. Coins Plus Owner Jeff Butler with premier items for sale.

Butler recommends buying silver right now; in particular, the American Silver ber of investors who real- half coins. Butler had al- was phased out by 2002.

Almost 30 years since Eagle coin, currently val- ize that coin and bullion in- ready been working there ued at $18 to $19 as of the vestments will help hedge since age 17, quickly learn- he acquired the shop, Butwriting of this article. Sil- against future inflation. In ing the business and grow- ler still loves what he does. ver and gold investing, es- contrast, Butler says, pric- ing into store management Whether it’s the weekly bid board, helping a seller who’s pecially when starting at a es for collectible coins have responsibilities.

When the opportunity to in a delicate situation and young age, is a great way to been stagnant for the past presented it- needs the cash, or transactsupplement future costs for five years.COLOR AD PRODUCEDbuy BY the THEshop SIGNAL Butler bought Coins Plus self, with his father’s en- ing with other dealers, Butfamilies, such as funding a ORDER-IMG#.: 27747_1 282 COINS PLUS SALESdecidREP: TONI SIZE: 1/2 ler says, “It’s fun to surButler Newhall inADVERTISER: 1988, when he - couragement, child’s future first car. ed it wouldARTIST: be worth And wasPRIDE 20 years old. DATE: At the Also, the low prices of PUB: • RUN 08-28-15 EL it.

CRX: XXX prise people when they find gold bullion and silver time, the business was one- he was right. The baseball out the value of their coins cards side of the business is more than they expected.” and one- 2016/FEB mean a growth in the num- half baseball cards DIRECTORY:

Dan Watson/The Signal

Coins Plus Newhall has been at 23332 Lyons Avenue for more than 30 years.

Hours are Mondays, 12 – 5 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Wednesdays – Fridays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Jeff Butler at 661-2595734 or email Lyons23332@ aol.com; or visit www.CoinsPlusNewhall.com

Highest Prices Paid!

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23332 Lyons Ave., Newhall 661.259.5734

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . L11

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

Wellness spa offers clinical-grade skincare Local spa serves up complete menu of services and lots of pampering

Dan Watson/The Signal

From left, Christina LaFayette, spa supervisor; Eric Smith, owner; and Wendy Whitehead, spa director at Ivy Day Spa.

By Daphne O’Neal

N

o one can accuse the folks at Ivy Day Spa of resting on their laurels. Despite being voted best spa

by SCV readers four years in a row, both management and staff maintain a laser focus on enhancing product and treatment offerings and improving the client experience. A recent facility acquisition in Brea promises to grant North Orange County residents access to the same superb spa experience.

Memberships

Ivy Day Spa offers a three-level membership program.

Two of the three include either a free massage or a free facial each month.

The third membership level grants both a facial and a massage every month,

along with two free Grotto treatments (see below) per year. All memberships entitle the client to a discount of 10 percent off the entire menu of services, as well as open, all-day access to the amenities Monday through Thursday.

“Our members are like family,” says spa director Wendy Whitehead.

In fact, optimal personal service standards are key to Ivy Day Spa’s success.

“What really makes us the best spa is our staff,” states Whitehead. “The people who work here… love what they do. They do what they love. They really care…They go the extra mile. And I think that’s really the deciding factor that sets us apart.…”

menu is ever expanding.

Among the more luxurious skin care offerings is the Fire and Ice Facial. At the core of this branded treatment are a pair of professional-only masques, one for intensive resurfacing, and the other for rejuvenating. Together with a complement of creams and serums, the masques act to reduce wrinkles, smooth and soften skin and encourage cell turnover.

“It’s exfoliating, hydrating, and leaves your skin glowing,” reports Christina Lafayette, spa supervisor.

“It’s what you consider a red-carpet-ready facial,” relates spa owner Eric Smith. “Great for any special occasion,” it requires no post-treatment downtime.

Fire and Ice Facial

Hydra Facial

Treatment standards are also exemplary, and the

The spa can boast local exclusivity relative to its

latest skin care menu addition, the Hydra Facial.

“It infuses serum to the skin,” says Whitehead.

“We are the only spa in the area that has it.”

Performed at the spa only by esthetician Amy Stewart, the five-step procedure includes a mild exfoliation, a dual-acid peel, and a deep pore cleansing. Manual extractions (of pimples and clogged pores) and application of an antioxidant serum follow. The final step is a calming, soothing mask.

“It’s great for all skin types,” states Stewart.

“It’s… not only highly effective in improving overall skin health, but is also excellent for fine lines, wrinkles, elasticity, firmness, skin tone, texture, oily skin, enlarged pores and advanced signs of aging. The response has been

very, very positive.”

Take-home products intended to extend the life of the treatment include a serum to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and a nutrient-rich moisturizer formulated for ease of absorption.

The Grotto

Finally, Ivy Day Spa’s signature body treatment — the Grotto — is a true crowd-pleaser, promoted as a shared experience for friends, family, even an entire wedding party, for example.

The treatment takes place in “a cave-like setting with waterfalls, and flowers,” states Smith.

“It’s a four-chamber experience that starts with an exfoliating shower,” along with a Dead Sea clay facial mask and full-body exfoliating scrub.

Clients are then painted with a warm aloe vera-shea butter-coconut mixture.

Next, they are guided into the hydration chamber, and then the rain shower chamber. In the final, cooling chamber, clients are treated to a pH-balancing mist, as they revive themselves with fresh fruit, hot tea, coffee and spa water.

The Grotto is a co-ed offering, so clients must wear swimsuits throughout. For large parties, the experience can be made private.

“Your body will feel refreshed, hydrated and relaxed after this unique treatment,” declares LaFayette.

State-of-the-art face and body treatments, a serene ambience and dedicated staff have earned Ivy Day Spa raves from ongoing clients and one-time visitors alike.

For more than 97 years, The Signal has carried the banner of responsible community journalism in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Proud to be this community’s only local newspaper.

Total Access to Your Community.

Your news. 24/7.

SIGNALSCV.COM

L12 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • LIFESTYLES

Lifestyles

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THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R1

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

SCV

Community

Pride Real Estate

SCV Community Pride • Real Estate

Augusta Financial in it for the long term with clients

Dan Watson/The Signal

Augusta Financial Inc. staff members with the Augusta Treat Suite ice cream truck at Augusta Financial Inc. in Newhall.

R2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Real Estate

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Augusta Financial leads the way to financial freedom

Dan Watson/The Signal

Augusta Financial Inc. professionals from left, Rachael Cleveland, Andy Boron, Augusta Financial Inc. President Mike Meena and Chelsea Rollins discuss a file at Augusta Financial Inc. in Newhall.

By Laurel Davis

USDOT 72029 CAL-T 189585

P Serving the Greater Los Angeles area Serving the Greater Los Angeles area

USDOT 72029 CAL-T 189585

art of the fallout of the 2008-2009 housing bust was a decline in the rate of homeownership.

Not only did people lose their homes but over the ensuing years since then, potential first- and second-time home buyers have been gun shy or hindered with looming student loan or other debt, and have turned to renting.

Compounding these obstacles are the stricter government guidelines imposed on the mortgage industry, along with the lack of thorough education being imparted to potential buyers and Realtors.

Fortunately, these obstacles can be overcome. Homeownership remains part of the American Dream and is “the most important ingredient to financial freedom,” according to Mike Meena, president of Augusta Financial, Inc., a mortgage company in Newhall. He insists that, when people understand the home buying process and the short- and longterm advantages of buying over renting, it becomes a more positive experience.

Providing that understanding has been a cornerstone of Mike’s success. He insists, “Honesty and good advice are what make a business grow more than just closing a loan deal. It’s not just a mortgage but a means to building each client’s long-term financial growth.”

Mike should know. He has been in the mortgage business for 25 years and has established himself and his company as the most trusted lender in the Santa Clarita Valley, says Amy Atkins, vice president of marketing

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and brand development for Augusta Financial.

That trust generates from Mike’s keen ability to explain the home loan process well and going above and beyond the loan to look at the client’s bigger financial picture. “It’s not just a transaction but a potential long-term relationship whereby I take on an advisement role without charging a fee for it.”

Client trust also comes from delivering as promised. “Clients get what we say they will get from the beginning of the process. And if we make any mistakes or if other problems show up in spite of our best efforts to predict or avoid them, we eat the mistakes.”

In considering the client’s bigger financial picture, another key factor is the education Mike provides to Realtors. With his great knowledge of the industry, “Mike empowers Realtors to be better at what they do,” Amy says. “This, in turn, allows for a smoother loan process for the client, and garners more referrals from real estate agents based on their trust of our service.”

Furthermore, Augusta Financial is a mortgage banker whereby the entire home loan process – from originating to underwriting to funding – is all executed under one roof. This ensures good communication, close file tracking, smooth processing, and time-efficiency at every step of the transaction. It also means that Augusta Financial takes the risk, which Amy notes few mortgage companies in the SCV do.

Risks are minimized when a company takes pride in what they do and in their

consistent success at doing it. “Clients and Realtors can feel at ease with us because we do this every single day,” Mike says.

Mike started Augusta Financial in 1995 with two people, and it has grown to 85 employees at two offices.

The company does not specialize in any particular type of home loan, he says. “All loans are treated the same in terms of that ultimate goal of putting people in a better financial place.” They serve all of California but are all local SCV residents.

As a local company, Mike and his team donate to several local charities, including Tidings for Teens and Spark of Love, among other local causes. In addition, they’ve developed a unique mobile marketing vehicle, a “Treat Suite Truck,” to engage loan officers and real estate agents with the community through face-to-face outreach with clients at their place of business, with complimentary ice cream and other treats to say “Thank you!” for past and future business.

Mike Meena (NMLS #241370) and the Augusta Financial (RML #01212262, NMLS #241911) team invite you to learn more about how they can help your financial future through their home loan programs and personalized attention.

Their main office is located at 24018 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 91321, with office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 6:30pm.You may also call (661) 2602970, email mike@augustfinancial.com, or visit www.mikemeena.com.

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R3

Real Estate

Santa Clarita Valley’s friendliest Realtors

By Marcie Geffner llie Lacy and Jim Frank just might be the friendliest Realtors in the Santa Clarita Valley.

They’re not only sociable and congenial. They also happen to live, work and play in a retirement community known as Friendly Valley.

Lacy, a broker-associate, has been involved in real estate since 1970. Her business partner Frank, a U.S. Air Force veteran, got his license in 1991.

The two work as a team at Kellar-Davis Real Estate in the Newhall area of Santa Clarita. Their office is located at 19310 Ave of the Oaks, Suite C, Newhall, CA 91321. Lacy’s phone number is (661) 341-6226. Frank can be reached at (661) 713-5761.

E

Friendly Valley

Most of Lacy’s and Frank’s realty business is in the Friendly Valley retirement community, which has approximately 1,200 homes. The earliest phases were built in 1962–1973. Later phases were added in the 1980s and 2005.

Living in the community gives Lacy and Frank an advantage in helping their clients.

“We always have the inside track on what’s going

on in Friendly Valley,” Lacy explains. “Many of the homes are sold before they come on the market.

We are very active and well-known in the community.”

One of only two retirement communities in the Santa Clarita Valley, Friendly Valley has “a lot to offer in terms of security, recreation and reasonable fees for owners,” Frank explains.

Those benefits matter to the community’s buyers and sellers. Lacy and Frank work with both types of customers whether they’re local, out of the area or in another state.

“We’re hands on with sellers and offer them all that they need in getting a home prepared to sell,” Frank explains. “We have the contacts with the cleaning people, painters, window cleaners and others to get things done.”

Loyal customers

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Repeat customers and referrals from existing customers make up much of Lacy’s and Frank’s business. That strong client loyalty proves they have high standards and offer excellent service for buyers and sellers.

“We have a lot of repeat customers,” Lacy says. “They trust Jim, and they trust me. They trust

Realtors Ellie Lacey and Jim Frank sit in their Friendly Valley location. our skills and our ability to negotiate for them and keep their transaction smooth.”

Lacy and Frank also value doing business in a way that’s consistent with their personal morals.

“All I have is my good reputation,” Lacy says. “I will never do anything to

damage or harm that.”

Big-screen TV

Lacy and Frank aren’t all work and no play. In addition to their business activities, they are also generous donors to their Friendly Valley community.

“If a club needs a sponsor, we are there for

them,” Lacy says. “We also put on Mardi Gras and Halloween dances for the community every year.”

As many as 200 people have attended these fun and festive events. Decorative Mardi Gras masks and spooky Halloween costumes help everyone

get into the spirit.

Lacy and Frank’s latest project is sponsoring a new big-screen TV and protection system for the Friendly Valley community’s auditorium.

What could be friendlier than that?

– presents –

Friendly Valley Adult Community

The only senior resort of it’s kind in the L.A. County at affordable prices with two golf courses.

ellie lacy CA BRE # 0040871

(661) 341-6226

ellieclacy@yahoo.com

James t. Frank CA BRE # 01106335

(661)713-5761 jfrnkv@att.net

What Friendly Valley

has to oFFer:

• Two golf courses – 9 hole • Basic cable TV executive and an 18 hole • Trash collection pitch & putt • Year round heated pool and spa • Courtesy tram to area market places

• Clubs galore • Travel Groups • Broad price range, something for everyone

19310 Ave. of the Oaks, Ste. B, Newhall, CA 91321 • (661) 252-9000

R4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

Poseidon Pools sticks with you as you transform your property

By Rubén J. Porras

I

magine a company so focused on customer service that they care enough to work on your project for as long as you need them, and not just one time. This is the oldfashioned customer service that you can expect from Poseidon Pools. You can count on being consulted and informed from the start to the finish of your project to ensure that you are happy.

Poseidon Pools is a company that will keep you updated and informed while handling all your needs and, not pawning you off on outside contractors that may not fully understand your situation.

When you first contact Jason Stauffer and his team you may have a particular need in mind, but if you don’t you shouldn’t worry. Poseidon Pools handles everything you could ever need in regard to turning your backyard from a place to hang out with your family and friends, to a resort-style destination that you can be proud to share and enjoy for years to come.

Think of the last resort that you stayed at, and about your favorite features there. Poseidon Pools can bring those features to life on your property whether they upgrade an existing outdoor area or completely take

it down to make way for a brand new design concept.

According to Stauffer, working closely with customers and treating them right has kept many customers returning to the company.

“I’ve been working with a lot of my clients for a while,” said Stauffer.

“On one project in particular we built the pool with safety in mind to cater to their small children.

As the children got older we actually remodeled the pool and made it more adult friendly. Doing this made the look of the pool much nicer.”

In addition to designing and building swimming pools, Poseidon Pools can also plan the area around the pool to give your yard a finished look.

Custom barbecue and outdoor kitchen installations with a variety of options including features such as your choice of cooking surfaces and refrigeration and beer taps are available as are inground and above-ground fire pits that can also be built into furniture. The company also designs and builds custom tile and concrete installations that include driveways, retaining walls, planters, patio areas, and flagstone walkways.

Your imagination can be brought to life by

© Poolcorp

A customized infinity pool and spa designed by Poseidon Pools.

Stauffer and company.

One recent installation featured an infinity pool and attached spa lit with underwater color changing LED lighting. The design also featured a series of arched illuminated fountains. The location of the project on the client’s property was chosen to take advantage of pan-

oramic views overlooking the Santa Clarita Valley.

Energy efficiency and protecting the environment are also important to Poseidon Pools. Stauffer is happy to offer tips on saving money and leaving less of a carbon footprint with new and existing swimming pools and outdoor features. He can also

(855) 661-POOL (818) 430-6661 Locally owned and operated • Lic. #838031

Swimming Pool and Hard Scape Design Construction, Repair, and Maintenance Facebook.com/SCVPoseidonPools

explain what rebates that you may qualify for from your particular electricity provider to make your whole build more affordable when installed and in the future.

For Stauffer, building swimming pools and fantasy outdoor spaces is about much more than pouring concrete and add-

ing water. Making families happy in their space is very important to him and his company.

“I really like seeing the joy my clients’ families get out of their pool and backyard,” Stauffer explained. “It really does bring family together having something they can enjoy at home together.”

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R5

Real Estate

Couple is big help to animal lovers

By Anne Freedman

B

rooks and Kim Blaquera first learned about the ChemDry system of carpet cleaning when Kim watched a neighbor’s dog while they were on vacation. Unfortunately, the dog used her carpet as a bathroom.

Not wanting to bother the neighbors, Kim rented a carpet cleaner and cleaned the carpet herself. Within three weeks the carpet looked as bad as before she had cleaned it.

When she mentioned it to the owner, who owned Chem-Dry of Santa Clarita Valley, the neighbor explained how the Chem-Dry process works and cleaned her carpet at no charge.

When the neighbors went on vacation again, Kim and Brooks ran the business for them and were able to see its value and potential. The company Brooks worked for was moving to a distant location; not wanting to move with the company, Kim and Brooks offered to buy Chem-Dry from the neighbors in 1988. They have owned it ever since.

One of Chem-Dry’s main offerings for carpet cleanings is P.U.R.T®, a proprietary Pet Urine Removal Treatment that not only removes the smell, but extracts the residue. The carpet can then be sanitized.

Kim states that pets are a major part of many people’s lives and sometimes pets (and people) have accidents. “Urine in the carpet is a big concern,” she says.

“It’s unsanitary, it looks bad, and it smells. It’s got everything going against it.

This process is really good at removing urine. We can also do upholstery.” Chem-

Dry of SCV also has an excellent anti-allergen treatment, another benefit for pet owners.

Pets and other animals are a big part of Kim’s professional life. She also works as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at a local clinic and is very involved in the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound.

“That’s my real passion,” she says. She is a long-time volunteer with the breeding compound and also works on the fundraising committee, currently preparing for an important event in April.

Kim is also passionate about animals in her personal life. She and Brooks have travelled extensively to enjoy exotic animals. Last year, they spent nine days in South Africa, spending time in Kruger National Park and other areas on a photographic safari. “It was amazing,” Kim says. They saw elephants, giraffes, hyenas and more. “It was only wild dogs and cheetahs that we didn’t see.” They enjoyed it so much, they will be going back to more countries in Africa this year.

Back in Santa Clarita, their animal loves are Loki, an old pit bull, and Herman, an adopted cat “who doesn’t know he’s a cat.”

Brooks has a passion for riding motorcycles and often rides along the coast for the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Brooks brings that same passion for motorcycles to his business and takes great pride in his work.

Kim and Brooks live and work in Santa Clarita, managing Chem-Dry of Santa Clarita Valley. In addition to carpets and upholstery, Chem-Dry of Santa

Dan Watson/The Signal

Brooks and Kim Blaquera with their Chem-Dry van in Canyon Country.

Clarita Valley also cleans tile, grout, flooring, and countertops.

All work is done on the homeowner’s premises using the most powerful truck-mounted system and expertly trained Five-Star master technicians. ChemDry of Santa Clarita Valley also has available exclusive protectants for carpet and furniture.

Chem-Dry is independently owned and operated. It is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 661-251-6051 or visit http://www.chem-dry. net/santaclaritavalley.ca

Dan Watson/The Signal

Brooks and Kim Blaquera with their dog, Loki, and cat, Herman, and their Chem-Dry van in Canyon Country.

Of Santa Clarita Valley

661-251-6051

www.chemdrysantaclaritavalley.com

            

Locally owned and independently operated by Brooks and Kim Blaquera. We have been proudly serving the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas since 1988.

Superior carpet and upholstery cleaning Tile and grout clean and seal Upholstery cleaning P.U.R.T® PET URINE REMOVAL TREATMENT Allergen Removal Area Rug Cleaning Expert stain removal including blood and wine 5 Star Certified Technicians Many of the products we use are “GREEN” Certified Safe for children and pets Open Monday –Friday Available most weekends and often same day RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL

alize al i v c o e p m s e Re We n i r tU in Pe

Chem-Dry’s hot carbonated cleaning method uses the natural cleaning power of carbonation to lift dirt and grime to the surface of the carpet or upholstery where it can be easily extracted. Our process uses 80% less water than typical “steam” cleaners.

At Chem-Dry of Santa Clarita Valley, we use the strongest most powerful equipment . This allows us to give you a superior cleaning. A clean home is a healthy home.

Call or click today 661-251-6051. www.chemdrysantaclaritavalley.com

R6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Santa Cl H

Some of the loan programs you will find at Augusta Financial: 3.5% down up to $625,500

With as little as 3% down on loans up to $417,000 and 3.5% down to $625,500

For a unique property or a unique buyer, private money loans are usually our last resort, but it is something we specialize in.

Loans above $625,500 with as little as 15% down and loan amounts up to $5,000,000.

Up to $1,000,000

5% down up to $625,500

80/10/10

For 1st time buyers, move up buyers and investment buyer loans.

No mortgage payments for as long as you live in your home. Must be 62 or older.

If you need money for your next home and you haven’t sold your current home, a bridge loan may be the loan you need.

We can refinance your current loan with a low interest rate. Most of these loans can be done with no points and no fees!

Loans For Investment Properties You can get a loan on an investment property with just 15% down. This is a great way to jump start your retirement.

OUR BUSINESS...

Augusta Financial is a service-oriented mortgage broker and mortgage banker specializing in residential financing. Mike Meena opened Augusta Financial in 1995 in the Santa Clarita Valley. In today’s tough lending environment you need a company that is well versed in all areas of lending.

They must understand the intricacies of the business including underwriting and what an underwriter looks for to get a loan approved. Here at Augusta Financial our Loan Professionals go through extensive training to make sure they understand the loan programs that are available to their clients. When you are making what is usually the largest purchase of your life, you want to make sure you are in good hands and that your loan will close in a timely manner.

24018 Lyons Avenue - Newhall CA 91

Augusta Financial, Inc. is Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight und Real Estate Broker - CA Bureau of

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R7

larita’s Hometown Home Loan Source Since 1995 “It’s more than just a home loan. It’s an investment to creating long term security and wealth. Get the best advice.”

TOP 100

MORTGAGE COMPANIES

In America 2015 Mortgage Executive Magazine • Spring 2016

“Call us today to go over your situation and see what we can do to help you or anyone you know that needs a home loan.”

1321 | www.AugustaFinancial.com

der the California Residential Mortgage Lender Act. #4131305 & NMLS #241911 Real Estate #01212262 v3 .0316

R8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Real Estate

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Marine turned Realtor works like a trooper but is a softy with kids

By David Heitz

W

hen homebuyers and sellers in the Santa Clarita Valley choose Realty Executives, they can rest assured that the force is with them.

Albert Rodriguez, a partner in the agency, even has been known to dress up as Darth Vader. A Marine Corps veteran who also designs costumes, Rodriguez posed as the force of darkness during the holidays to bring light, happiness, and 4,000 toys into the lives of children during Toys for Tots.

Rodriguez is a recognizable face around town, as his double-exposure yard signs show him dressed as both a Realtor and a Marine. After 12 years in service to his country, he brings the same sort of discipline, hard work, and dependability to his real estate business.

Rodriguez’s business partner, Stephanie Danyluk, is the other half of Realty Executives. A Santa Clarita Valley native who has been in the real estate business 30 years, there aren’t many people, places or things in the valley that she doesn’t know a lot about.

Together, Rodriguez and Danyluk make a real estate team that’s hard to beat. “We work very hard and we treat all of our clients the same, whether we’re selling a $90,000 condominium or a $2 million custom estate,” Danyluk said. “We dress and act the same for every appointment.”

Even though he’s no longer in the Marines, Rodriguez’ dedication to his fellow servicemen and women is unending. He takes special care of military clients and even has been known to encourage and advise them on how to cut through the red tape of the VA when they are in need of health care.

Beyond the VA and the Marines’ Toys for Tots

program, they support UCLA Children’s Hospital, where Rodriguez has worn his movie-quality costumes. He has dressed as Santa Claus for Carousel Ranch, a nonprofit organization in Santa Clarita that provides equestrian therapy to disabled children.

They are known as the “A-Rod” team, serving many different types of clients with a variety of interests. While Rodriguez was born and reared in New York and graduated from the High School of Art and Design, Danyluk graduated from Saugus High School and joined Realty Executives as a receptionist while attending College of the Canyons. They bring a bicoastal sensibility to doing business.

“We have lots of repeat business,” Danyluk said.

“Maybe somebody’s mom passed away and (the children selling the home) know nothing about the area, but they don’t care because they trust us.”

Danyluk said Rodriguez runs the office “like the military,” adding, “he dots all the ‘I’s and crosses all the ‘T’s and no man is left behind.”

Realty Executives’ comprehensive website includes a search engine for MLS listings, a regularly updated blog with helpful information about home ownership, and much more.

But it’s the personal interaction that makes the A-Rod team so popular.

Rodriguez this past holiday season enjoyed dressing up as Iron Man and participating in the Michael Hoefflin Foundation Walk/Run for Kids with Cancer, UCLA’s run to bring awareness to children with epilepsy, and many other events.

“We are mindful and determined not to let technology take over touch,” Danyluk said. “Personal connection and service to our clients will always remain a hallmark of our service.”

5 1 0

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IT’S A NEW DAY

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661.799.8089 RGWINTER.COM Contractor’s License# 395715

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R9

The Few...

The Proud...

The Best That Real Estate Has to Offer.

Albert Rodriguez 26650 The Old Road, Suite 300 Valencia CA, 91381 661-993-5831 CALBRE# 01443727

arod@realtyagent.com www.ARod4RealEstate.com

®

where the experts are™

R10 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Real Estate

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Husband-wife realty team keeps homes moving, helps clients move

Photo by Thomas James Photography

Matt and Meray Gregory of the Gregory Real Estate Group.

By David Heitz

W

hen it comes to selling a home today, it’s always open house.

That’s because busy Southern Californians generally look to buy a home first on the Internet. Most people don’t want to spend time driving around town only to wind up at properties that don’t serve their needs, according to real estate broker Matt Gregory.

APRIL 9, 2016 Go to scvTICKETS.COM to sign up before all the slots are filled!

Tournament Location: Boys and Girls Club-Newhall

Do you have what it takes to be crowned the “King of Santa Clarita”?

orys want getting from point A to point B to be as easy and financially rewarding for their clients as possible.

“We work with clients from beginning to end by helping to get their property ready for sale, getting top dollar for their home, and paying for the seller to have professional movers move them,” Gregory said. “When it comes to moving, nobody likes to bug their friends for that.”

We work with clients from beginning to end by helping to get their property ready for sale, getting top dollar for their home, and paying for the seller to have professional movers move them.”

– Matt Gregory Gregory and his wife, Meray, own Gregory Real Estate Group. Matt Gregory’s dad, Pete Gregory, also is a part of their team. Pete Gregory plays an important role in making sure a client’s home moves at the best possible price, Matt Gregory said.

And once the Gregorys sell a property, they help their client ease into the next chapter of the American dream, even paying for a professional move that includes de-cluttering and packing. Whether it’s an empty nester looking to downsize or a growing family seeking a larger home, the Greg-

Gregory jokes he does not own a truck for that very reason.

Selling the house beforehand not only results from the hard work of Matt and Meray. The Gregorys embrace technology and use an innovative marketing approach.

That’s where Pete Gregory comes in.

Pete Gregory harnesses the power of the Internet and social media to get the “sold” sign in the yard as quickly as possible. “We use professional photographers so the pictures will be top-notch for online marketing,” Matt Gregory said, explaining

the importance of quality images for the “24/7” online open house. “Some agents snap a photo with their cell phone. We came across a listing online the other day with upside down photos.”

The Gregory listings include a variety of properties, and they enjoy working with clients in all phases of home ownership. “We work with everyone from first-time home buyers, resale, and new home construction to luxury homes,” Gregory said.

Each month, the Gregorys find a way to give back to the community to help keep the Santa Clarita Valley strong.

They have collected food for the Santa Clarita Valley Food Drive, adopted a family during the holiday season from the Santa Clarita Valley Domestic Violence Center, and sponsored ice cream socials at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. At Valentine’s Day, they give each mother at the senior center a rose.

Gregory said customers are sometimes surprised to learn that the elder Gregory handles the online end of things. He said his dad is a retired football coach who always “did stuff that works” and has no problems making deft changes to properly market a property, just like he strategized winning plays.

“He always has been one to learn and adapt,” Gregory said. “I think a lot of it comes from having worked with kids.”

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R11

SCV Community Pride â&#x20AC;¢ REAL ESTATE

Contact your local experts Matt & Meray with the Gregory Real Estate Group at iRealty for a FREE home value report and learn more about how you can move for FREE!

Contact us!

AV E

NU

STE VEN SO N

E

RA NC H

HEMINGWAY

PA RK W AY

info@GregoryRealEstateGroup.com (661) 977-9728 www.GregoryRealEstateGroup.com

ST AF FO RD AD

LD THE O

ON R O NY CA

D ROA

Matt & Meray Gregory

info@GregoryRealEstateGroup.com (661) 977-9728 www.GregoryRealEstateGroup.com

POE PAR KWA Y

N ROAD CANYO PICO

*If your home is currently listed with another broker, please disregard this notice. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of another broker.

Certain limitations and restrictions apply to our Move for FREE program, but there are very few. Call for details.

CalBRE# 01463326 / 01831112

R12 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

Green Thumb Nursery marks 46 years of friendly service, environmental commitment

By Kateri Wozny

G

rowing plants to life takes dedication and no one understands the root of this better than Green Thumb Nursery.

The nursery - owned and operated by the Bergquist family since 1946 - has five locations throughout Southern California, with the Santa Clarita location opening in 1970 and managed by Bryan Payne. “[We have a reputation for] being one of the longest lasting businesses in Santa Clarita,” said John Windsor, spokesperson for Green Thumb Nursery. “We have earned the respect and business of customers throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley and San Fernando Valley.”

On average, Green Thumb Nursery has 21 plant and garden experts who are certified by the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers to ensure customer satisfaction. In the garden shop, the nursery has a certified arborist and employee, Alberta Martinez, who has been with the company since the beginning. Classes are also taught by the nursery’s educational expert at Golden Oak Adult School and through the City of Santa Clarita Parks, Recreation and Community Services department.

“We are proud to em-

ploy some of the most knowledgeable plant experts in all of Southern California,” Windsor said.

The nursery’s plants grow out of a yard in Canoga Park in order to help keep the prices low and maintain superior quality, according to the company’s website. The nursery sells popular flowers such as Cyclamen and Primrose during the winter season while Petunias, Marigolds and Vincas are some of the most popular flowers sold during the spring season.

Green Thumb Nursery also carries a variety of Perennial flowering plants and the largest assortment of succulents and pottery in the area.

Prices range from $1.99 for an individual flower or vegetable to $2.99 for a six-pack of flowers or vegetables. As a commitment to the environment, the nursery also carries a large selection of natural and organic fertilizers and insecticides as well as many beneficial insects such as Ladybugs, Praying Mantids and Predatory Snails.

“Green Thumb prides itself on the quality of the products it sells and the broad selection of merchandise,” Windsor said.

With the California drought being in its fifth year, Green Thumb Nursery also specializes in drought tolerant plants

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

John Windsor of Green Thumb International in Newhall stands with a selection of perennials. and trees.

“We continue to help our customers with the problems involved in surviving this drought,” Windsor said. “By providing a large selection of water-wise plants we are able to keep our customers’ yards looking beautiful while using reduced amounts of water.”

Windsor also helps by teaching water conservation classes for the Casta-

ic Lake Water Agency at the Rio Vista Water Treatment Plant.

“We support the governor and the local water districts in their attempt to educate the public regarding water conservation,” Windsor said.

Green Thumb Nursery also supports the community by donating to clubs and societies such as the Santa Clarita Garden Club, High Desert Garden

Club and the Santa Clarita Rose Society.

The nursery will also be celebrating its 46th anniversary on Saturday, March 26 with refreshments, hourly drawings, vendor demonstrations, seminars and a 10 percent savings on all purchases made on that day.

“It’ll be a fun time,” Windsor said. “We are able to create a peaceful and beautiful place for

Green Thumb Garden Center’s

n i v n e r A s a 6 4 Serving Santa Clarita 1970 - 2016 ry Spring Opening th

Saturday, March 26, 2016 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Come celebrate with us Saturday, March 26th • Refreshments • Hand Tool Sharpening by Accurate Edge (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

• Hourly Drawings • Vendor Demonstrations • Seminar - Garden Design (9:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.)

• Special one day pricing throughout the store (3-26-16)

Green Thumb Garden Center 23734 Newhall Ave., Old Town Newhall (661) 259-1072 • OPEN DAILY 9-5:30PM

our customers to shop.

Many of our customers are lifelong customers who come in to see the constantly changing merchandise and speak with staff that treats them like family and friends.”

Green Thumb Nursery 23134 Newhall Ave. Newhall, Calif. 91321 (661) 259-1071 www.greenthumb.com Open Sunday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

SCV Community Pride • TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . T1

SCV

Community

Pride Technology & Science

SCV Community Pride • Technology & Science

DTC Makes Santa Clarita Valley its Communications Hub

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

General manager Michael Maccani, left, and CEO Gordon Maccani, right, in their engineering room at DTC in Valencia.

T2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

Family run and operated since 1982

DTC is a Full Systems Integrator • Cloud Communications • Voice Applications • Data Networks • Network Security • Wireless Infrastructure • Structured Cabling Contact DTC (661) 964-2500 www.dtc4you.com

Partners

SCV Community Pride â&#x20AC;¢ TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . T3

T4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

Technology & Science

DTC now making its name in Santa Clarita offering communications services

By Alicia Doyle

D

TC, a leading communications system integrator in Southern California, is now serving the Santa Clarita community with a new corporate headquarters located on Rye Canyon Road.

“With DTC’s move to the Santa Clarita Valley, we have invested in our transformation and future in being not just a voice provider, but a total systems integrator, providing our customers with the best solution for their voice and data needs,” said Gordon Maccani, CEO and Founder, who has more than 35 years of experience in the telecommunications industry.

DTC is a family-run operation overseen by Gordon Maccani as well as his son, Michael, and brother, Ray. The company’s success is attributed to its team of experts, including Ed Regan, Vice President of Operations, whose career responsibilities have covered major PBX systems, Key systems, Voice Processing systems, and outside cable plant systems.

The DTC staff is also comprised of employees from College of the Canyons.

“DTC’s commitment to excellent customer service starts with hiring and retaining the best people in the industry,” Gordon said. “The DTC service team has an average of over 10 years with DTC. Our customers receive service from the same skilled people time and time again.”

Since 1982, DTC has been providing businesses in Southern California commu-

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

DTC CEO Gordon Maccani takes a phone call at his desk in the company’s Valencia offices. nications solutions that address their specific business needs. From the single office small business to the multisite hospital, DTC has the expertise to implement and maintain any solution.

“DTC is a systems integrator specializing in voice applications – meaning we sell, service and maintain equipment for business communications, whether on the

phone or data communications,” Gordon explained.

In recent years, DTC has expanded its offerings to include data networking.

“DTC has brought on top engineers in the data networking world to provide our customers with the best in class service they have come to expect from DTC,” Gordon said.

DTC specializes in NEC

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voice communications and complex data networks, as well as implementing all aspects of today’s most intricate communication solutions. DTC is the largest NEC dealer in the California market, and one of the 10 largest partners in the world outside of Japan.

“DTC has been known for its NEC voice offerings,” Gordon said. “Over the years

we have developed a specialized engineering team that is one of the top teams.

The DTC team has kept our overall customer satisfaction higher than 95 percent over the last decade.”

Above all, DTC can create a solution to optimize communication needs, including voice integration, unified communications, data networking, wireless infrastruc-

ture or structure cabling.

“At the core of DTC’s values is our belief of giving our customers premiere service,” Gordon said. “DTC builds strong relationships based on expertise and honesty.”

DTC is located at 25709 Rye Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. For more information visit http://www. dtc4you.com/ or call 661964-2500.

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

DTC Warehouse Manager Sandro Medina places merchandise in the company’s Valencia warehouse.

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Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Dave Abbey, operations manager, left, works with Dan Foster in DTC’s engineering room at the company’s Valencia offices.