SCV Business Journal February 2023

Heart Healthy Kids

PATRICK MOODY Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

The habits your children learn now could affect their heart health later in life. February is American Heart Month. Every year more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease.

Do you think heart health is solely an adult topic? Think again. Research suggests that the risk factors for heart disease begin to develop during childhood years.

HEART DISEASE RISK FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT KIDS

Some conditions that increase heart disease risk can actually begin in childhood. Among them:

„ Unhealthy cholesterol levels. American children and adolescents have higher blood cholesterol levels than young people their age in most other developed countries. The rate of heart disease tends to keep pace with cholesterol levels, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). One study found early signs of hardening of the arteries in 7% of children between the ages of 10 and 15 years. The rate was twice as high among those between the ages of 15 and 20.

„ High blood pressure. An estimated 3.5% of all children and teens in the U.S. have high blood pressure, according to the AAP. Because it often has no symptoms, the AAP recommends children have blood pressure checks every year, starting at age 3.

„ Overweight and obesity. By age seven, more than half of high blood pressure is due to obesity, according to the AAP. This number rises to as high as 95% by the teenage years. Nearly one in three kids or teens in the U.S. are overweight or obese, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

There are a variety of steps parents can take to help kids establish good heart health at an early age.

To start with, be a good role model. Not only will your kids likely follow your lead, your heart will benefit as well. Also:

Play every day. Exercise can strengthen the heart and help with weight management, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Health experts

generally recommend children and teens do 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day.

Eat heart-smart foods. Like exercising, eating well can help kids maintain a healthy weight and control cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Foods like low-fat dairy products, skinless chicken, fish, lean red meats, whole grains and

fruits and vegetables.

Avoid tobacco. Smoking is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital sponsors a number of free educational events during Heart Month. To see a list of events visit henrymayo. com/heartmonth. „

Your Second Step: Set Five Top Priorities, Max

KEN KELLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer

I’m continuing my columns on “what” the CEO needs to do to build a better business as opposed providing “how-to” advice. This month I’m focused on helping to define what your real business priorities should be.

Do you lead a company where someone has the courage to actually say, “In my company, you get shot down before you stand up?”

You probably don’t, so let me be that person. Let me be the naysayer to bad business plans and allow me to be the bearer of truth.

Most CEOs force their teams to have too many conflicting priorities with limited resources, yet insist on having a plan that shows nothing but growth. The plan looks great on paper. Then, in Q1, reality hits and the plan, rightfully so, belongs in the shredder.

Most companies would be wise to have not more than three very clear and realistic priorities. These are the priorities for the entire company.

However, up to five priorities might be achievable, at a maximum, depending on the caliber of your team and their ability to perform. Be real: Most teams do not perform well.

Depending on how the company has done the past few years, the priorities would depend on what needs to be fixed.

Is revenue has been flat or declining? And you want five priorities, I recommend three internal challenges as top priorities, and the last two would be addressing external opportunities. If opting for setting three priorities, two would be internal and one external.

If revenue has been growing, and you want to have five priorities, three should be for external opportunities and two for internal challenges. If you opt for setting three priorities, two would be external and one internal.

The CEOs I know have laser beams on external opportunities. The talk is always about partnerships, new products and services, new technology, followed by

Up to five priorities might be achievable, at a maximum, depending on the caliber of your team and their ability to perform. Be real: Most teams do not perform well.

Depending on how the company has done the past few years, the priorities would depend on what needs to be fixed.

Five Priorities

if Revenue is Flat or Declining

Top Five = Internal Challenges

Last Two = External Opportunities

Three Priorities

Two = Internal • One = External

talk about more clients, better clients, and higher profits. For the CEO, it’s all about growth.

However, the priorities that, if met, would most likely positively impact execution, performance, productivity and profits are internal, involving your employees. CEOs nod their heads at hearing this and I’ve heard some say, “That is why I have managers on my team … to deal with that stuff.”

That “stuff” is what companies win and lose on having the right people in the right roles; correctly on-boarding new employees; having managers who actually manage; and policies and procedures that are followed. Compensation that is competitive; strong core values that are enforced up and down the entire company, no exceptions; every employee with goals that they will be held accountable for achieving. Putting the customer first; honoring deadlines made to others inside the company and doing so consistently. Addressing disengagement and

not being afraid to let people go who are not performing and of course, training and cross-training.

In these first 2023 columns, I have addressed how your company can move forward quickly, through competitive analysis and a unique strategic advantage. Now, with the setting of a small number of priorities, your company will be focused on key priorities that will gain alignment, build momentum and use your limited resources wisely. You should soon see traction and coming your way soon.

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

Planning Ahead Can Save Your Beneficiaries A Lot

BY PERRY SMITH SCV Business Journal Editor

The idea of a will dates back to Roman times, but it’s a document that’s just as relevant today in terms of protecting one’s interests.

Nowadays, if someone dies without a will or a trust, the court has a process that spells out how that person’s property will be distributed.

But as an estate planning attorney will be quick to point out, that system may not distribute the assets the way the person would like. Known as probate, it’s a process that can be costly, take months and, in general, be a hassle that you’d like the loved ones you’re leaving behind to avoid, if possible.

The way to do that, says Michael Yeager of Yeager Law on Cinema Drive, is to plan ahead.

“Estate planning is really about giving people legal authority to act on your behalf when you cannot, which might be incapacity, it might be death, it could be a lot of different situations — you just might not be available,” Yeager said. “So that’s really what estate planning is — you’re getting that authority without having to go to court.”

Traditionally, most people think of a will as end-of-life planning, and a trust as a tool for the “ultra-wealthy,” said Yeager.

And while those are scenarios when it’s especially important to have these documents ready, it’s also a good idea to have these documents prepared long before then, just in case.

And estate planning at a younger age might look a little different, but it’s no less important, he added.

“When you’re young, you might not have not have a lot of assets and think, ‘I don’t

need to do estate planning,’ but if you have children, who’s going to take care of those children, who’s going to take care of the money for them, those sorts of concerns,” are all important things for parents to think about, Yeager said. “Whereas estate planning at an older age tends to focus on, ‘I’ve got assets, I might be having some health issues, maybe I have some genetic disease or a diagnosis that I’m worried about,’ which tends to be more focused.”

“But people will think about it for years before they’ll call and do it,” he added, “and the unfortunate ones never do it all.”

To transfer or inherit property after someone dies, you must usually go to court, according to state law in California, and dealing with the courts and the property of someone who has died is very complicated. Sometimes, however, family or relatives may be able to transfer property from someone who has died without going to court. This is where proper estate-planning documents become critical.

Poole Shaffery, the SCV’s largest law firm, offers a few bits of advice for when one is thinking about planning his or her will, on its website: “An important part of will planning is deciding on a fiduciary who will pay off your bills, take stock of remaining assets, and

assist in distributing them to beneficiaries,” according to Poole Shaffery. “This person will have the most important job, which is why they need to be someone you completely trust. Your attorney can also act as your fiduciary.”

There are also a few important factors in estate planning that an experienced attorney can help with, which include: will revisions to account for new assets; setting aside money to pay for estate taxes, if applicable; setting up long-term care for a disabled beneficiary under your care; inserting proper language to prevent accusations of fraud; and naming a trustee to hold assets for beneficiaries who are under the age of 18.

Beyond these basic considerations, there are also countless nuances where a legal expert can help, notes Steffanie Stelnick, owner and attorney with Stelnick Law.

While California law sets a threshold of value for when an estate must go to the courts to undergo the probate process, there are also state and federal tax laws that your attorney can help you navigate as well.

How your counsel helps you navigate these waters can make a big difference in your bottom line for your beneficiaries, particularly in their tax bill.

“For anyone who hopes to pass down assets to future generations, a basic knowl-

edge of federal (and sometimes state) gift and estate taxes is essential,” Stelnick said. “When you die, you will leave behind an estate made up of tangible and intangible assets. The value of that estate combined with the value of any qualifying gifts you made during your lifetime is subject to federal gift and estate taxes at the rate of 40%.”

Of course, you want to avoid forcing your loved ones to forfeit that much of your hardearned assets to Uncle Sam, Stelnick said, which is where the lifetime exemption can come into play.

Each taxpayer is allowed to use this exemption to reduce the amount of taxes owed, she added.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 set the lifetime exemption amount at $5 million, to be adjusted annually for inflation. In 2018, however, tax legislation was signed into law that increased the lifetime exemption amount for 2018 and for several years thereafter. In 2026, these amounts are scheduled to revert to the previous $5 million exemption adjusted for inflation.

For 2023, the individual lifetime exemption amount is set to increase to $12.92 million, an increase of almost $900,000. A married couple can shield a total of $25.84 million from federal gift and estate taxes, representing an increase of $1.72 million.

“To put those figures in perspective,” she said, “the increase prevents the loss to Uncle Sam of $344,000 worth of assets for an individual and $688,000 for a married couple.”

For more information on estate planning, contact Michael Yeager of Yeager Law at (661) 471-2177 or visit Yeager. law. 

Home Sales Fall; Experts Discuss Unemployment Rates

BY SCV BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF

Recent data released by the leading organization for Realtors in Southern California and the Employment Development Department could portend problems ahead for the economic picture.

The Southland Regional Association of Realtors reported sales for December were down about 31% over the same time the previous year, according to officials, which also indicated the number of active listings has surged to the highest point in three years.

“Sellers are slowly coming to grips with the fact that current market realities mean they need to be flexible in their pricing, willing to offer concessions and willing to consider repairs or improvements requested by buyers,” said Anthony Bedgood, 2023 chair of the Santa Clarita Division of the 11,000-member Southland Regional Association of Realtors.

The “market realities” that Bedgood refer to include the increases in the Fed’s key benchmark borrowing rate, which has gone up from 0.25% to 0.50% in March 2022 to 4.25% to 4.5% with the most recent hike on Dec. 14.

Even a small rate hike can have a significant impact on the bottom lines for buyers and sellers in a relatively short period of time, as Realtor Bri WatermanKing explained in a recent interview.

“Well, now that the rates have gone up, my sellers are going, ‘Here’s the comps — my neighbor sold for $1 million.’ And I’m like, ‘I know, but that was four months ago.’

“And we can go back six months for an appraiser,” she said. “But the problem is the rates were 2% less then, which means that your buyer’s payment is $1,500 more today than it was two months ago.”

The SRAR’s data also reported that there were 3,286 escrows closed in the year-end data, which generated an estimated $2.7 billion, not including the dollars generated through home repairs, landscaping and furniture purchased, the release notes.

The good news for potential buyers is that there is more inventory available on the market than there has been in recent months.

The inventory for the Santa Clarita Valley indicates there are 419 active home and condominium listings at the end of December. That was up 43.4% from a year ago, though still below the 483 listings of 2019 and the 761 listings of December 2018.

“At the current pace of sales, the 419 listings represented a 2.4-month supply,” the release notes.

Homes are also staying on the market longer, perhaps as homeowners are dealing with the adjustment of their expectations.

“Buyers are still out there, and sales are still happening, though it takes longer than just a short while ago,” said SRAR CEO Paul Cauchi.

“A year ago, it took about 26 days for a home to receive a purchase offer,” he said. “During December, the days on the market average came in at 43 days.”

The median price of single-family homes that closed escrow during December was $799,000. That was down 1% from a year ago. The median price of condominiums that changed owners in December was $540,000, up 11% over December 2021.

Employment figures

In the job market, data released last month indicated the jobless rate ticked up above 4%, while there were almost 61,000 new and reopened claims filed for the week ending Jan. 7, which amounted to about $125 million in benefit payments.

“The seasonally adjusted unemploy-

ment rate in Los Angeles County decreased over the month to 4.7% in December 2022, from a revised 4.8% in November 2022, and was below the rate of 6.8% one year ago,” according to a news release from California’s Employment Development Department.

In Santa Clarita, the rate was 3.9%, according to EDD data, compared to 6.3% in Palmdale and 6.5% in Lancaster.

However, a message from Robert Lee, a labor market consultant for the Employment Development Department, noted the unemployment rate could be much higher depending on what formula one decides to use to measure it.

“The gold standard is the U-3 unemployment rate, which is used throughout the nation at all geographical levels,” Lee noted in a report titled “The Unemployment Rate — There’s More Than One.”

As Lee notes, this is a relatively basic overview that takes the number of unemployed as a percentage of the labor force (employed plus unemployed).

This doesn’t include those who are no longer in the labor force or working parttime involuntarily who are not included in this measure. The U-6 unemployment rate takes these workers into consideration, he writes.

“The unemployed and involuntary parttime workers are still part of the labor force, but the discouraged worker and other marginally attached worker are no longer part of the labor force,” Lee notes. “The ‘part-time for economic reasons’ worker would like to work full time, but his or her employer has cut back work. That worker is involuntarily underemployed and counted as employed in the U-3 rate. Each measure has a different unemployment rate because each level adds workers to the ranks of the unemployed. In essence, the growing pool results in a higher rate.”

As a rule of thumb, the U-6 rate is generally about double the U-3, or traditional, rate.

“Over the last 19 years, the U-3 rate has averaged 7.8% compared to the U-6 annual average of 15%,” Lee writes. “As the only county in the nation to have access to a U-6 unemployment rate, we in Los Angeles County get a unique look at the local economy.” 

Multiple order tickets remain on the ticket belt while Ricardo Sanchez prepares a pizza at Vincenzo’s Pizza in Newhall during last year’s Super Bowl Sunday rush. Santa Clarita’s workforce numbers stayed about a half-percent better than the rest of LA County in December. PHOTO BY CHRIS TORRES/THE SIGNAL

Five Tips for Taking Care of Your Hearing Aids

DR. KEVIN BOLDER AuD, Audiology Associates

Hearing aids are designed to help you hear better even in the most challenging listening environments. In order to keep your hearing aids functioning properly it’s important to take care of them. Bringing your hearing aids in for regular check-ups and deep cleanings is important for the longevity of your devices.

TIPS FOR HEARING AID WEARERS

1. Handle your hearing aids with care

2. Turn your hearing aids off when you’re not using them

3. Store your hearing aids in a dry, safe place

4. Remove any earwax from your hearing aids

5. Change the filters and wax guards regularly

Although hearing aids are designed to be durable, they should be handled with care and properly maintained. In order to ensure the technology keeps performing it’s best for you it’s important to have your hearing aids serviced on a regular basis.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANING YOUR HEARING AIDS

Earwax, dirt, and other debris can accumulate in your hearing aids. Every time you take your hearing aids out of your ears you should wipe them down with a dry cloth. If you don’t feel comfortable changing the filters or wax guards, then be sure to come in for an appointment.

BRING YOUR HEARING AIDS IN FOR REGULAR CHECK-UPS

Taking care of your hearing aids can be easy

with these tips and will ensure they provide you with better hearing for the years to come.

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

To schedule a hearing aid consultation today, please call Audiology Associates at (661) 284-1900. Kevin Bolder, Au.D. and John Davis, Au.D. are two of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www. AudiologyAssociates.net or stop by our office located at 25425 Orchard Village Road, Ste 220, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

We are hearing healthcare excellence!

The Re ape-Ricket t Law Firm RR

BY JIM WALKER SCV Business Journal Staff

Founded in the Santa Clarita Valley in 1998 by James P. Reape, Esq. and David E. Rickett, Esq., the ReapeRickett Law Firm has grown to be Santa Clarita’s largest family law firm, and expanded into offices in Calabasas and Westlake Village.

“Our service area has dramatically increased, with our attorneys able to provide the same high-quality legal representation throughout California,” said shareholder Matthew Breddan, Esq., who joined the firm in 2013. Here Breddan enlightens us on the firm’s mission, methods, history and achievements, as well as its connections to the SCV community.

“Our mission is to provide family law legal services that are second-to-none,” Breddan said. “We conduct ourselves in accordance with the highest ethical standards and are committed to providing quality services. Each firm member takes special care to understand the unique and individual concerns of our clients. Our team approach to each case ensures efficient and timely responses to simple or complex issues. We empower our clients with knowledge and information, enabling them to make reasoned and results-oriented decisions.”

History and Shareholders

James Reape established his practice in Santa Clarita after several years of practicing law in Encino.

“After law school, around 1984, I relocated to Santa Clarita,” Reape said. “For several years, I worked outside of Santa Clarita, but in 1992, I established my firm in Valencia.

“David Rickett, having grown up and attended Saugus High, returned to Santa Clarita not long after he began practicing in 1995. I knew him as a lawyer in the community as he worked across the hall from my office.

“When he left that lawyer, I offered

him an office in exchange for assisting me on cases. He then acquired a family law caseload, and we merged our practices to establish The Reape-Rickett Law Firm (in 1998).

“We both understood and recognized that many people chose to live in Santa Clarita for the community feel and as an ideal location to raise their family. However, so often when people were seeking legal services, they were forced to go outside of the valley to find an experienced attorney.

“David and I understood the court system, the struggles families face when dealing with a family law matter, and wanted to provide local representation and assistance.”

Reape added, “As dads, David and I were both very active in youth athletic leagues with our children. In the early years of our firm, I also served as chairman of the Los Angeles area for UNICEF, pro bono attorney for domestic violence clinics.

“David (who passed away in 2016)

was a dedicated father, husband, member of his church and the Santa Clarita community. He was a pillar in our legal community as well, with a longstanding membership to the Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association. In addition to his steadfast representation for his clients, he also became Minor’s Council to represent and advocate for the best needs of children with high-conflict parents in divorce or paternity matters.

“His wife, Dee Rickett, was also a prominent figure in Santa Clarita. His loss was deeply felt not only by our firm, but by the entire family law community. David was a true leader, an exemplar of the honest and ethical practice of the law and we continue to honor his memory and legacy.”

Breddan established and successfully managed his own firm in the San Fernando Valley before joining Reape-Rickett in 2013. He currently resides in the

Reape Rickett Law Firm Shareholders Jim Reape (right) and Matthew Breddan. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

Supporting the SCV ‘family’

Conejo Valley and is active in his community church, often organizing blood drives, and was a wrestling coach for many years at his children’s high school.

Throughout his career, he has been very active in the legal community. After several years serving on the San Fernando Valley Bar Association’s Executive Committee, he is now the organization’s president. In addition to providing community and member services for the San Fernando Valley Bar, Breddan is engaged with the Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association to strengthen the ties between both organizations.

In addition to his leadership in the legal community, he serves as vice president of the board for Haven Hills Domestic Violence Agency, to ensure their mission to continue advocating and supporting survivors and their families. He has provided educational workshops for domestic violence survivors and advocates in Santa Clarita.

Services and Team

“As the largest family law firm in Santa Clarita, we have developed an extensive practice, including divorce, legal separation, mediation, divorce coaching, establishing parentage (also known as paternity), child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, postjudgement, property issues, pre- and post-nuptial agreements and domestic violence restraining orders,” Breddan said. “We also have the expertise to provide representation for high-net worth divorce, property division matters, and our team is adept at resolving matters with highly compensated individuals, business owners, complex compensation schemes, and complex or multiple asset matters.”

He added, “Though we have been helping families navigate the complexities of family law for decades, we recognize that the outcomes of divorce and other family law matters have a tremen-

dous impact on the lives of our clients and their children. We are committed to working with our clients to understand their family’s needs and to achieve the best possible results for our clients while ensuring that, throughout the process, children are not used as ‘pawns’ or bargaining chips to accomplish a goal or agenda of either party.”

Regarding the advantages ReapeRickett offers, Breddan said, “The team we have developed provides a wide range of experience and expertise. In addition to myself and fellow shareholder Jim Reape, our attorneys include: of Counsel members Donald R. Klahs, Esq., Philip A. Wasserman, Esq., Rand E. Pinsky, Esq., and Larry Epstein, Esq. Our of counsel members have, on average, over 40 years of experience, which provides our clients with a wealth of knowledge and technical acumen.

“Our senior associates, Steven L. Weiss, Esq. and Melanie Gardner-Pawlak, Esq., both joined our firm after decades as solo practitioners. Additionally, Steven L. Weiss is a Certified Family Law Specialist as certified by the State Bar of California.

“Our associates Matthew J. Chung and Samantha Essayan both have several years of family law experience and are focused on client-centered resolution.

“Throughout our offices, our legal and supportive staff are highly trained and experienced to help our clients navigate the intricacies of family law, and each firm member is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate support. Further, many of our staff members at our Valencia office not only work in Santa Clarita, but they also call this valley home. Many have a strong connec-

‘Our mission is to provide family law legal services that are second-to-none.’

— Matthew Breddan, Esq

“As the largest family law firm in Santa Clarita, we have developed an extensive practice” that includes divorce and legal separation, parentage, child custody and support, post-judgement, property issues, pre- and postnuptial agreements and domestic violence restraining orders, said Breddan.

Wiley Canyon, New Restaurants Coming Soon

DEVELOPING STORIES

BY PERRY SMITH SCV Business Journal Editor

Welcome to Developing Stories, a column that discusses the new businesses, developments and other projects that are either on their way or have recently been approved in the city of Santa Clarita.

Another sandwich shop, a new Greek restaurant chain and for sports enthusiasts, a new golf simulation spot are just a few of the offerings coming to the SCV.

One of the more exciting projects, which is still in the environmental review phase that’s expected to be completed this month, is the Wiley Canyon Project.

The Wiley Canyon Project is a mixed-use nearly 32-acre site located east of Interstate 5 and west of Wiley Canyon Road, between Hawkrbyn Avenue and Calgrove Boulevard.

Included in the plans are a 277,000-square-foot, fourstory senior living facility with 130 independent living units, 61 assisted living units and 26 memory care beds; 379 apartment units, ranging from two to four stories; and nearly 9,000 square feet of commercial space.

There are also plans for roundabouts: at the entrance of the project on Wiley Canyon Road, the intersections of Wiley Canyon Road and Canerwell Street; and at the intersection of Wiley Canyon Road and Calgrove Boulevard. A bike lane and a publicly accessible recreational area are also slated for Wiley Canyon Road, in the area around the

project.

Westsiders might enjoy learning there are a few new features coming to the Gateway Village shopping center, which is off Rye Canyon and Newhall Ranch roads in Awesometown and anchored by LA Fitness and Smart & Final Extra locations.

Apola Greek Grill, which, as you might imagine, specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, currently has locations in Irvine and Yorba Linda, but this would be the first one in the SCV.

The restaurant’s website claims to offer “The most authentic Greek gyro you can get without buying a plane ticket.” Apola occupies the space that was previously a Catch 21.

In the same shopping center, a barbecue place which is fittingly calling itself Copper Hill BBQ, is slated for the old Pieology location, at 28295 Newhall Ranch Road.

The third addition to the center will be for those driving hybrid and electric-only vehicles: 24 new Tesla superchargers are going in at 28273 Newhall Ranch Road, near the corner of the Rye Canyon and Gateway Village roads’ intersection.

The city has received interest in the addition of the new super chargers, with the growing number of electric cars on the road, because they can charge a vehicle in up to an hour or two, as opposed to a 10- to 12-hour wait.

Jason Crawford, community development director for the city of Santa Clarita, said one of the advantages of the chargers is that they’ve been a great draw for businesses in areas like Bridgeport Marketplace. If someone is parked somewhere for an hour or two

for the charge, they’re also likely to visit a nearby business, and Gateway Village has a growing number of options.

For days when it’s too rainy to hit the links, Golf Valencia offers a new outlet for aficionados of the links in Santa Clarita.

The new recreational location at 22945 Soledad Canyon Road is in the same center as Schooner’s and a range of restaurants, from California Bakery to Life Thai to Wingstop, to name a few. And you don’t have to track down a bad hook or a slice.

There are also a few locations coming to Santa Clarita that have been recently permitted or are under construction.

Home Partners is looking to build a three-story selfstorage building that Crawford described as “probably the nicest looking self-storage building that you’ve ever seen,” based on the plans he’s seen, at 26676 Valley Center Drive.

The location of the selfstorage spot is the vacant piece of land north of Soledad Canyon Road and south of the Santa Clara River.

Directly across from the Valencia Country Club’s golf course, located on what could

be called “Medical Office Row” on Tourney Road, a new dentist’s office is slated to move into about 4,000 square feet of space. In addition to Tourney Medical Plaza, there’s also a Kaiser Permanente and UCLA Health medical offices nearby.

The building where the dental office is going, which is owned by Jim Backer of JSB Development, is distinguished by its large wooden columns on the outside. Mechanix Wear, the renowned glove maker, is the building’s topfloor tenant.

Those who enjoy their sandwich “Mike’s Way,” will be happy to know that a new Jersey Mike’s just opened on Jan. 11 at 24802 Orchard Village Road, Ste B, in Valencia, in the shopping center that’s anchored by an Aldi’s grocery store.

The location is the eighth Jersey Mike’s in the SCV and franchisee Steve Youlios has plans to open a ninth location on Feb. 8, which will be off Golden Valley Road near the shopping center that has a Rattler’s inside. 

Apola Creek Grill is set to open soon in the Gateway Village shopping center, a Greek restaurant touting the best gyros this side of the Atlantic. MOLLY MEREDITH FOR THE SIGNAL

Show Your Loved Ones You Care This Valentine’s Day

IVY PIERSON Founder and Investment Advisor Representative Pierson Wealth Management

Consider a unique way to say “I love you” this Valentine’s Day by providing those close to your heart with estate planning essentials. Planning in advance may ease the burden when your time comes and can help avoid your hard-earned retirement savings from winding up in the wrong hands.

Create a will to offer clear guidance as to how you want your possessions distributed after passing. You should provide an inventory of your assets, including bank account information, investments, life insurance policies and retirement accounts. Any titled property is passed directly to designated beneficiaries and bypasses the will — so ensure these are kept up to date! It is also important to include a financial power of attorney, a health care proxy and a living will to avoid your loved ones from dealing with the pressure of making a difficult decision. Make sure to note where these legal documents are located and the

contact information for your financial professionals and attorney.

Working with an experienced financial professional can help maximize your legacy. For more information on comprehensive planning for you and your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, contact us at (661) 297-7566 or visit www. PiersonWealthManagement.com.

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

Join us at the Centennial Celebration on February 23rd, to honor Senator Wilk, Leon Worden and other business leaders. For more details and tickets visit www.SCVChamber. com.

We thank all our generous sponsors for being part of this historic moment! Sponsorships are still available if you would like to be part of our celebration, email us at hello@ scvchamber.com.

Congratulations to Senator Scott Wilk for being honored with the SCV Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award!

Congratulations to Leon Worden for being honored with the SCV Chamber Cheri Fleming Heart of the Community Award!

2023 Board of Directors

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

BECKI ROBB - PRINCESS CRUISES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

HUNT BRALY - Poole Shaffery

ANDREA CARPENTER - Logix FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

MARISOL ESPINOZA - Southern California Gas Company

Michael Grisanti - Hedman Partners, LLP

DR. CHRIS RAIGOSA - KAISER PERMANENTE

SANDY SANCHEZ - FivePoint

JOHN VANCE - Vance Wealth

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JENNIFFER ABBOTT - HUMAN ELEMENT COMPANY

KIARA BROWN - CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS

KAREN BRYDEN - SCV Locations

STEVE COLE - SCV Water Agency

Tom COLE - City of Santa Clarita

Allie Dierckman - Scorpion

MATT DIERCKMAN - Colliers International

TROY HOOPER - Kiwi RESTAURANT Partners

PATRICK MOODY - Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

DR. IZU OKPARA - Omni Wound Physicians

HENRY RODRIGUEZ - State Farm Insurance

LINDSAY SCHLICK - SchlickArt Video & Photography

CHRIS SCHRAGE - LBW Insurance Financial Services

ROCHELLE SILSBEE - Southern California Edison

DI THOMPSON - THOMPSON REALTY ADVISORS/eXp REALTY

DR. DIANNE VAN HOOK - College of the Canyons

DENNIS VERNER - Burrtec

KARINA WINKLER - Holiday Inn Express

BUSINESS COUNCILS

As the third largest city in Los Angeles County, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce represents over 65,000-member workforce. We realized we can better serve our business community by having six Business Councils, allowing members to work on issues specific to their area. Our Councils provide a channel for our members to be involved in solving problems, discussing issues, and implementing special projects and events for the benefit of the area being served. Participation offers members the opportunity to prioritize and bring a focus to the business needs of the area, and to take community leadership roles in addressing these needs. It can increase members’ business network, and provide stronger representation on area issues. Also, since area councils exist as industry-specific, participation provides an opportunity for area-specific networking with others doing business.

LATINO BUSINESS ALLIANCE

Our LBA council works to promote Latinoowned business as well as relevant issues facing our Latino business community. In addition the LBA helps to educate businesses on how to enhance a company’s business efforts with Latino customers and other Latinoowned businesses.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

The Government Affairs council meets to discuss policy decisions on a local, county, state and federal level. As a member, you are encouraged to attend a meeting and have your voice heard throughout the SCV and take a stance on pertinent issues relative to the business community or your industry in particular.

SMALL BUSINESS

Small Businesses are at the core of our Chamber’s membership and are the backbone of our economy. The Chamber offers a variety of educational and networking programming to help your small business thrive. The council focuses on three main objectives: Advises the SCV Chamber on small business related issues, programming and networking opportunities; Supports the Chambe’s “Retail Walks” with elected officials; and helps promote the nationwide “Small Business Saturday” program which highlights small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

BLACK BUSINESS COUNCIL

Our Black Business Council works to inspire, empower, and promote the economic growth and sustainability of black businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals within the Santa Clarita Valley. In addition it serves as a catalyst for engagement, awareness building and consultation; eliminate barriers to opportunities and addresses issues unique to black owned businesses, professionals, and their families.

NON-PROFIT COUNCIL

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

NEXTSCV

NextSCV is our next generation of leaders and the group aims to develop the next leaders of the Santa Clarita Valley through personal and professional development, civic engagement, and network building opportunities that ultimately stimulate local businesses and support the mission of the SCV Chamber.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 8 | 10:30 am

Join us to hear about what issues our business community are facing. Elected officials and their staff will give updates from federal, state and local offices. This is a great opportunity to hear what advocacy the Chamber is doing for you and also to find out how you can bring the issues you care about for us to assist you with. Our massive grassroots alliance is comprised of organizations locally and throughout the country who help strengthen our advocacy efforts and ensure our advocacy efforts are successful. Email hello@scvchamber.com to find out how to attend or submit an issue you are facing.

To find out more information about these events or any other upcoming programming and to register go to: www.SCVChamber.com/Events

Business After Hours Mixer at Mercedes Benz

March 15 | 5:30 pm

Join us at one of our regular mixer hosts, Mercedes Benz of Valencia, as more than 150 business representatives from across the Santa Clarita Valley join for an evening of networking.

This is your opportunity to make new connections and catch up with friends.

Remember to bring your business card for the chance to win some great prizes.

Government Affairs Council

Celebrating SCV Businesses

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

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

SCV Chamber & Coalition Partners granted 60 day extension for Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map

On December 14, 2022, the Office of the State Fire Marshal released its updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for all of California with an unreasonably short 45-day comment period over the holidays/new year.

The agency has spent the better part of a decade developing an updated wildfire map impacting approximately 31 million acres of California territory. CalFire did not release its methodology nor underlying data used to build the updated map, frustrating the public’s ability to even meaningfully comment.

Due to the truncated comment period noticed over the holidays, coupled with the fact that analysis is constrained without the agency methodology, we joined CalChamber and partners asking for a 60-day extension and the methodology in order to allow the public sufficient time and data to analyze and provide meaningful comment back to CalFire.

We were successful in extending the comment period for an additional 60 days which will now close on April 4, 2023 instead of February 3, 2023. We will continue to press on the Department to release methodology associated with how they built their updated wildfire map.

Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail to the following address:

Office of the State Fire Marshal

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

P.O. Box 944246

Sacramento, CA 94244-2460

Attn: Scott Witt, Deputy Chief

Written comments can also be hand delivered or sent by courier to the contact person listed in this notice at the following address:

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Office of the State Fire Marshal

C/O: Scott Witt

California Natural Resources Building

715 P Street, 9th floor

Sacramento, CA 95818

Written comments may also be delivered via e-mail at the following address:

fhszcomments@fire.ca.gov

Congratulations to Moriah Medical College on your grand opening and celebration in January! Thank you to all that come to support them! Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie

Mayor Jason Gibbs congratulates owner Meagan Jackson on the grand opening/ribbon cutting.

New Laws to Impact the Workplace in 2023

BY PERRY SMITH SCV Business Journal Editor

Of the nearly 1,000 new laws that were passed by legislators in 2022, dozens affected the Santa Clarita Valley business community.

In fact, in the last 12 months, 997 laws were chaptered, or signed into law with the governor’s signature, according to the secretary of state’s website.

For industry, laws that impact everything from leave of absence to discrimination to pay scale were mentioned in a recent briefing from CalChamber, the statewide Chamber of Commerce.

The statewide business-advocacy organization’s “white sheet,” looks at the laws as well as how they can impact employers big and small.

Here are some of the policies most likely to impact business owners and managers in 2023:

Minimum Wage/Transparency

The law that might impact the most employers and their workers in California is the new minimum wage law, which was passed through Senate Bill 3 in the Legislature.

Starting Jan. 1, the minimum wage is set for $15.50 per hour, regardless of the size of the company. The state passed a series of graduated pay increases starting in 2017, which steadily raised the rate over several years from $10 per hour.

The law also raisese the minimum salary in California to approximately $64,480 per year, or twice what minimum wage is.

When the bill was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown, there were approximately 7 million hourly workers in the state, with roughly 2.2 million of them earning the minimum wage, according to a legislative analysis by the Assembly’s Appropriations Committee.

Starting Jan. 1, employers with at least 15 employees now have to disclose a pay range for a job posting, according to Senate Bill 1162.

The law also requires an employer to maintain records of a job title and wage rate history for each employee for a specified timeframe, to be open to inspection by the Labor Commissioner, according to Leginfo.org

The (law) also requires an employer, upon request, to provide to an employee the pay scale for the position in which the employee is currently employed, according to the text of the legislation

Paid Sick Leave

Assembly Bill 1041 expands the class of people for whom an employee may take leave to care for to include a designated person, according to the text of the law.

The bill defines “designated person” to mean any individual related by blood or whose association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship. The law also authorizes a designated person to be identified at the time the employee requests the leave.

The bill would authorize an employer to limit an employee to one designated person per 12-month period. The Requires an employer with at least 5 employees (rather than at least 50 employees) grant an employee request to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for family care and medical leave if the employee has had 180 days of service with the employer.

AB 1949 makes bereavement leave a protected leave of absence, meaning an employee is entitled to five days of leave upon the death of a family member.

SB 951 prolongs the wage-replacement rate for the state’s paid family leave, which were scheduled to end in 2023. The new law also increases the rate from 70% to 90% in 2025.

Workplace Discrimination

While AB 2188 was passed last year, it won’t actually start being enforced until 2024.

Starting Jan. 1 of that year, an employer can’t discriminate against a person in hiring, termination or any term or condition of employment, or otherwise penalize a person, if the discrimination is based upon the person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace — except for preemployment drug screening, as specified, or upon an employer-required drug screening test that has found the person to have nonpsychoactive cannabis metabolites in their hair, blood, urine or other bodily fluids, according to leginfo.org.

Workplace Safety

SB 1044 would prohibit an employer,

in the event of an emergency condition, from taking or threatening adverse action against any employee for refusing to report to, or leaving, a workplace or worksite within the affected area because the employee has a reasonable belief that the workplace or work site is unsafe, except as specified.

The bill would also prohibit an employer from preventing any employee, including employees of public entities, as specified, from accessing the employee’s mobile device or other communications device for seeking emergency assistance, assessing the safety of the situation or communicating with a person to confirm their safety.

1. In terms of looking ahead, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce also identified a few of its top legislative priorities for 2023, which include the following, among others that can be found at SCVChamber.com:Oppose attempts to raise the statewide cap on local sales and use taxes.

2. Promote a clean energy resource mix to support consumer choice, ensure reasonable, and reliable energy service.

3. Oppose legislation that would prohibit or limit local governments’ ability to contract out for the provision of services.

4. Support legislation that will preserve or enhance the tools, incentives, and programs utilized by local governments and the state that will promote filming in California.

5. Call for the reinstatement of the flexible work week that allows individual employees to request deviation from the 8-hour, five-day state mandate.

6. Support increased career technical, vocational, computer science and STEAM funding in schools.

7. Advocate for the protection of independent contractors and the gig economy, allowing Californians to work independently for many reasons: flexibility, quality of life, more control over their work, more economic security, or extra money on the side. 

The Big Idea SCV

HOLLY SCHROEDER President & CEO of SCVEDC

Do you have a big idea, product, service or concept that will set the world on fire? This February, the Baker Family Foundation, in partnership with the SCVEDC, is putting on an entrepreneurial competition called “The Big Idea SCV.”

The Big Idea SCV provides a unique opportunity for young adults ages 16 to 22 to submit their business idea, concept or product. No Idea is too big or too small.

This contest is designed to engage and inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth in our community. Yet even with a great idea, entrepreneurs need to have a well-developed business description, marketing research, defined strategy and a thorough financial framework. Imagine you’re on “Shark Tank” — how will you get the attention of the judges? You need a solid business plan.

The Big Idea SCV will challenge young adults to unleash their creativity, problemsolving, critical thinking and presentation skills, developing a mindset for 21st century careers, regardless of whether they become an entrepreneur.

The competition runs from Feb. 1 to April 26 in 3 phases. Applications are available at www. thebigideascv.com. There is no charge to apply, and we will be awarding prizes valued at over $25,000 throughout the course of the competition.

Young adults will pitch their “big idea,” and engage with experienced entrepreneurs and business people, receive critical feedback and mentorship on their ideas, join a community of like-minded young adults and compete for cash prizes. The Final event will be a “live” pitch event in front of an audience at LA North Studios in Santa Clarita on April 26th where we will present the winner a check for $7,500.00.

We encourage every student to throw their hat in the ring after all: Everything begins with an idea. Ready, Set, GO!

We would like to thank our “Presenting Sponsors” The Waschak Family, AllBRiGHT Painting, and DrinkPAK, as well as our “Workshop Sponsor” Sharpe Interior Systems and all our other amazing sponsors for supporting this

event. And a special thank you as well to Hillary Broadwater at QM Design Group for contributing all the graphics and design work for the project!

Sponsorship opportunities are now available! Please contact us if you are interested or have

any questions regarding the event. contact@ bffofca.org

**The Big Idea SCV is a signature project of the Baker Family Foundation (BFF of CA), in partnership with the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation. 

Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita to receive $675,000 in Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Funding for “Connecting to Success” Program.

The Valley Industry Association is thrilled to announce it will receive $675,000 in Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Appropriations funding to expand its popular educational offering, “Connecting to Success,” a highimpact workforce preparation program for youth in a business conference format.

“Congressman Mike Garcia was absolutely instrumental in securing these dollars specifically to support the Connecting to Success Program,” VIA CEO/President Kathy Norris said. “His dedication to the students of the Santa Clarita Valley is unparalleled and will allow us to create a program that serves not only the students of our valley but also the SCV business community through a well-trained and appropriately skilled emerging workforce.”

VIA Vice Chair of Workforce Development Ed Masterson echoed the sentiment, saying “I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Congressman Mike Garcia and his staff for their dedicated efforts in securing this most important funding for VIA’s Connecting to Success program.”

The Congressman commented, “I am proud to have helped the Valley Industry Association (VIA) secure $675,000 in community project funding for their ‘Connecting to Success’ program. This funding will go towards training thousands of students in the Santa Clarita Valley to develop their skills and workforce preparation, and connect these students with potential employers. Work like this that VIA does is a large part of the reason why so many of our students are finding success upon graduation, securing good-paying jobs, and continuing to bless our community by settling down in the Santa Clarita Valley to raise a family and live a meaningful life.”

The funds provided will allow for expansion of the program, an immersive education/business experience for local high school youth.

Knowing numerous appropriations requests are made each year, Norris said, “We were so fortunate our request was supported and

approved for 2023. Seeing this come to fruition has been amazing!” It is anticipated the funds will be received within the next 60 days and will be put to use immediately.

“The program works because the presenters and facilitators are business professionals,” Norris said, “individuals who could actually be the future employers of the attending students. We work with more than 80 local business professional each year to deliver the program. The enhanced offering, thanks to the appropriations funding, will require additional volunteers, instructional videos, follow-up sessions, internships, mentorships, forums, special events and more.”

The new funding will also allow VIA to include the teaching of additional professional skills identified by the SCV Business Community as critical for a successful career future for program participants.

VIA has been serving the business community since 1981, and for the last two decades has worked to provide high school students in the Santa Clarita Valley an ability to think about their future and connect to potential careers. More than 35,000 students have participated in the program, which has helped steer them on a pathway to success.

David Cantrell Solarverse CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Hillary Broadwater QM Design Group IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Ed Masterson Michael Elliott & Associates VICE CHAIR WORKFORCE & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Kim Thomson eXp Realty TREASURER

Tim Burkhart Consultant CORPORATE SECRETARY

Sue Tweddell Primerica VICE CHAIR EDUCATION

Kim Kurowski A-1 Party VICE CHAIR EVENTS

J.C. Burnett Courier-Messenger VICE CHAIR ADVOCACY

Justin Veyna Barkley Risk Management & Insurance VICE CHAIR MEMBERSHIP

Steve Nunez Mission Valley Bank EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE

Nola Aronson Advanced Audiology

Claudia Dunn-Martinez UCLA Health

Monica Fawcett City of Santa Clarita

Mike Garrison KKAJ, LLP

Beau Goodrick Owen, Patterson & Owen

Carolyn Hoffman

William S. Hart Union High School District

Laura Kirchhoff Circle of Hope

Kathie Martin Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency

Jill Mellady Mellady Direct Marketing

Randy Moberg LBW Insurance & Financial Services

Teresa Todd Point of View Communications

Omar Torres College of the Canyons

Maria Vartanian

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

Steve Youlios Jersey Mike’s Subs

Mark Young Donahoe, Young & Williams, LLP

VIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023

SCV Bar Association to Host Charity Golf Tournament

The Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association is hosting its second annual Charity Golf Tournament in April, with the proceeds benefitting the nonprofit WiSH Education Foundation, which supports local junior highs and high schools.

“Through the generosity of the car-

ing community and corporate partners, WiSH funds programs and initiatives that go beyond what tax dollars provide and help elevate and prepare our students for life,” according to a news release from the Bar Association. The foundation specifically helps schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District.

The cost to enter the tournament as a player is $225.Sponsorship opportunities

The List: Largest Law Firms

are available, according to the event’s organizers.

The competition will take place at The Oaks Club Valencia, which is located at 26550 Heritage View Lane in Valencia.

Golfers can sign up to play at www. scvbar.org/golf. For more information, contact Sarah Hunt of the Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association at 661-505-8670 or info@scvbar.org. 

Law Group, APLC 24801 Pico Canyon Blvd., Suite 300 Stevenson Ranch 91381 • (661) 367-1699 www.odomlawgroup.com

Ortega & Associates 25876 The Old Road Suite 181 Stevenson Ranch 91381 • (661) 237-0732 www.ortegaandassociates.com

Owen Patterson & Owen 23822 W. Valencia Blvd. Suite 303 Valencia 91355 • (661) 799-3899 •

Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate, Business Law, Employment Law, Contracts, Real Estate Law

Healthcare, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury

No Relief In Sight For Use Of Independent Contractors For Trucking Industry

BY JOHN H. SHAFFERY, ESQ. Poole Shaffery

Ongoing efforts are being made in an attempt to shield the trucking industry from AB5 enforcement.

AB5 is the rule adopted by California that makes it much more difficult to hire an independent truck driver and have them classified as such. It was adopted in 2019 and codified the “ABC test” for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. The biggest thorn in the side of the trucking industry relates to the “B” prong of the test, which says that a worker can be considered independent if “the worker performs work that is outside the usual

course of the hiring entity’s business.” So a trucking company hiring a driver to haul product presents a clear challenge.

Efforts have been made to impose a preliminary injunction to stay the enforcement of AB5 until the substance of the case can be resolved through the normal trial calendar, including a request that made its way to the United States Supreme Court. However, each of these requests have failed, to date. A preliminary injunction was temporarily put in effect on the grounds that AB5 appeared to be in conflict with federal law, but this was overturned on further appeal.

A new request for injunction has been made, however, a hearing on that matter will not occur until May 2023. Ultimately, it is looking less likely that a preliminary in-

junction will be issued and that the hopes of striking down AB5, as it applies to the trucking industry, will need to wait until a case can be heard on at trial on the merits. Stay tuned for further updates

on this issue in May 2023. As always, contact legal counsel with experience in this area, such as Poole Shaffery, when making independent contractor status determinations for your workers.

REAPE-RICKETT

Continued from page 11

tion with our community, have grown up here and even raised their family in Santa Clarita.”

Community Involvement and Recognition

“Our mission of empowerment extends beyond our clients and is an important foundation of how we interact with our community,” Breddan said.

“We understand that, very often, families in need of family law representation have other compounding needs that can extend beyond our office, and that there are many in our community who require additional support from nonprofit organizations. For years we have developed direct support and engaged members of our community who may otherwise not have access to essential family law information regarding divorce, custody and domestic violence — and we have partnered with nonprofit agencies to provide educational workshops and outreach.

Additionally, we have provided direct support to groups that serve single parents and domestic violence survivors, as well as food and housing for insecure individuals. We also feel it is important to give back to the next generation of leaders and have participated in scholarship events for law school students as well as high school students in Santa Clarita through the annual Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association’s high school speech competition and Judge’s Night. We are passionate about engaging with our community in Santa Clarita and beyond.”

A list of organizations the firm has supported in the SCV includes: the SCVBA, Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, Child and Family Center, Bridge to Home Shelter, Single Mother’s Outreach and SCV Food Pantry. Outside the SCV, involvement includes Haven Hills, Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, LevittQuinn, Langston Bar Association, and the Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank.

The firm’s recognition includes hav-

ing Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers — James P. Reape (2015-2023), Matthew A. Breddan (2010, 2012, 2015-2023), Steven L. Weiss (2006, 2013-2023), Larry Epstein (2012-2023); US News Best Law Firms (2021-2023); US News Best Lawyers — James P. Reape (2021-2023); The Signal’s “Best of” Best Family Law Firm in SCV (2013-2022); Martindale Hubble AV Preeminent Rating — James P. Reape (2022), Matthew A. Breddan (2018-2022), Donald R. Klahs (2000-2022); elite Magazine Ultimate Family Law Firm (2016-2023); elite Magazine Ultimate Lawyer James P. Reape (2019); Santa Clarita Valley Leadership Awards (2012).”

For more information visit divorce digest.com The Reape-Rickett Law Firm Santa Clarita office is located at 25152 Springfield Court, Suite 100, Valencia, CA 91355. The phone number of that office is (661) 288-1000. 

Tax Relief is Available for Winter Storms

BY JEFF PRANG Los Angeles County Assessor

This has been a challenging year when it comes to our weather, because until recently the region has had no noticeable rain whatsoever.

In its place, there have been extreme heat warnings with triple-digit temperatures the common denominator. Since we’ve been experiencing extremely dry conditions this fall, there’s always the concern now with flooding — especially since we’ve experienced torrential winter rain storms.

Along those lines, I want to remind property owners that tax relief is available in the event of damage to property not only by fires and other natural disasters but rain damage and/or flooding. By filing a claim for “misfortune and calamity relief” within one year of the incident, properties that have sustained a minimum of $10,000 in damage or destroyed may be eligible for a refund of taxes already paid and lower annual tax bills until the property is repaired or rebuilt.

You must file the Application for Reassessment — Misfortune and Calamity claim, which is available online at https://assessor.lacounty.gov/taxrelief/disaster-relief or by phone: 213-974-8658; by social media at @ lacassessor.

Again, the claim has to be filed with my office within 12 months of the rain damage or flooding or any other natural disaster. The savings can be for a total loss of the property or a percentage of the damage as long as it’s $10,000 or more. Sometimes, the tax relief may not be a significant amount but it most assuredly helps in a time of need and can come in handy when you are planning on rebuilding or replacing. The percentage is calculated by the appraiser using a standard formula, oftentimes in conjunction with other factors such as existing insurance.

As just one example, our reassessments led to more than $3 million in tax relief a few years back during the Woolsey Fire. This relief was by way of refunds and ad-

County offers help for property owners with $10,000 or more in damage.

justments to the 2018/2019 tax bills. The Woolsey Fire had 1,328 homes and businesses affected. Of those, 797 were entirely destroyed.

We believe that every property was identified. Dozens of appraisers were at work around the clock to ensure people received the required reassessment of the property that led to the tax relief. I estimate for that fire alone my staff logged more than 2,500 hours on the job. We are on the job again this winter.

I’m going to be sharing with your several other savings programs that we offer. Those programs include the Homeowners’ Exemption and Senior Replacement to name just a few of those we offer.

The recent rains were a welcomed relief from the extreme heat and dry weather conditions but they proved to be too much for a parched land as there

has been significant damage and even loss of life.

Again, the M&C claim forms can be obtained online at https://assessor. lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief or by phone at (213) 974-8658. If ever needed, please avail yourself of this tax relief program.

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang has been in office since 2014. Upon taking office, Prang implemented sweeping reforms to ensure that the strictest ethical guidelines rooted in fairness, accuracy and integrity would be adhered to in his office, which is the largest office of its kind in the nation with 1,300 employees and provides the foundation for a property tax system that generates $17 billion annually 

Santa Clarita Stock Average

Below you will find a list of local Santa Clarita-based or prominent Santa Clarita companies used for our averages. Each month we will take the average of all these stocks and show that number. Tracking that number from month to month will give you a window of how our local company’s stocks are performing. Last month the index was 2,979.69 and the average price per share was $99.32 This month the index is 3222.43 up 242.72 or 8.3% for an average share price of $107.41

Economic DEvElopmEnt corporation

SCVEDC Welcomes New Board Members and Co-Chair

BY HOLLY SCHROEDER President and CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp.

The 52-member Board of Directors for the SCVEDC comprises dedicated community members from the private and public sectors across numerous industries and organizations, including: aerospace and defense, commercial and residential real estate, utilities, finance, education, film and entertainment, advanced manufacturing and more. This unique publicprivate partnership represents a united effort of these regional industries and government leaders, working together to attract, retain and expand a diversity of businesses in our valley.

Although many of our board members are long-time participants, occasionally there is some shuffling of seats as space opens up or the point of contact is changed for an organization. On Jan. 19, the board of directors approved longtime board member John Shaffery, managing partner of Poole Shaffery, to step into

Econo Watch

the role of board co-chair as successor to Roger Seaver. Seaver has served as co-chair for the SCVEDC alongside Calvin Hedman, president of Hedman Partners, since early 2018 and previously announced his plans to retire sometime in 2023.

Stepping into the role after a unanimous vote, John Shaffery brings over 30 years of civil litigation experience and was a founding principle in creating the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp. over 11 years ago. Shaffery’s strong business development experience and passion for regional economic development continue to be vital to SCVEDC’s efforts and brings an ideal background to step into this critical role of co-chair.

Our board is also pleased to welcome five more members to the board. The first inclusions to the board are new faces – Jeff Warmoth, partner at Island View Ventures LLC. and Dennis Verner, general manager of the recently citycontracted Burrtec Waste Industries. Senior Vice President of Global Banking and Markets David Molnar has stepped in

as the representative for Bank of America. We are also thrilled to welcome back to the board Bruce Munster, managing director at Merrill Lynch. The final and newest addition, Stephanie Wallace, was also confirmed at last week’s meeting. Stephanie is the director of business development at local print and direct mail marketing firm Mellady Direct Marketing, which has served the businesses of our valley for over 30 years.

The SCVEDC’s overarching goals are to support the creation of high-paying jobs for our trained workforce, stimulate economic activity that grows the regional tax base, and strategically position the SCV and its businesses to better compete in the global economy. SCVEDC offers many services and resources to local businesses to help the access tax credits and incentives, workforce development and training, provides vital data and information, and connects companies for networking and peer support. For more information or assistance, contact us at 661-288-4400 or email info@scvedc.org.

The attorneys at Poole Shaffery understand the importance of every legal detail, so you can focus on doing what you do best: Running a successful business.

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