SCV Community Pride 052023

What to do in Santa Clarita THIS SUMMER

THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE SUMMERTIME

in Santa Clarita. It is the season to splash, groove, skate, hike and generally enjoy our beautiful City with family and friends. With eight sparkling pools, 37 picturesque parks, thousands of acres of beautiful open space along with exciting events like Concerts in the Park and City Cinemas – this vibrant City is the ultimate place to soak in the summer vibes.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Are you ready to rock with your family, friends and neighbors this summer? Concerts in the Park, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, are back at Central Park with another incredible lineup of cover bands that will have you dancing and singing from start to finish. On Saturday nights from July 8 through August 26, jam to your favorite songs with thousands of your fellow Santa Clarita residents at this FREE concert. Headliners of Concerts in the Park this summer feature a wide range of genres and eras, including Hard Day’s Night (The Beatles), Wild Shot (Guns N’ Roses), A Twist on Taylor (Taylor Swift) and Queen Nation (Queen). See the full lineup by visiting santa-clarita.com/Concerts

THE CUBE - ICE AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

As the temperature continues to rise outside, head on over to The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center Powered by FivePoint Valencia and stay cool this summer! From ice skating classes and hockey to public skating sessions and more, you and your loved ones can find the perfect spot to escape the sun and enjoy a day out on the ice. While you’re there, make sure you stop by the on-site restaurant, The Grille, for all of your stadium favorites as well as recipes from Maria’s Deli! We are also excited to announce the grand opening of the Top Shelf, a brand new beverage center attached to The Grille. This new amenity features local brewery taps, TVs, luxury seating and more. Be sure to follow The Cube on social media for updates and events throughout the summer at @thecubesantaclarita

For more information on programming and ice time, visit TheCubeSantaClarita.com. See you on the ice!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Break out the red, white and blue – the hometown favorite Fourth of July parade will take over the streets of Newhall. Enjoy seeing your friends and neighbors as the parade dazzles spectators with a wide range of entries, from custom cars and fire trucks, to scout troops and your favorite local organizations. Then as the sun sets behind the hills, the skies over Westfield Valencia Town Center will light up with a sparkling display of fireworks for the City of Santa Clarita Fourth of July Fireworks Show.

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND AT CITY HALL

Did you know that You’ve Got a Friend at City Hall?

Whether you need help at the Permit Center, Library or one of our other City facilities, you can always count on the assistance of dedicated staff members. With over 400 fulltime employees, in 20 divisions and eight departments there is always someone ready to take on the next request. Our friendly, energetic and helpful staff is accessible both in-person and online. The next time you need assistance, be sure to reach out to your “friend” at City Hall.

CITY HALL CEREMONIES

Say “I do” at Santa Clarita City Hall! The City Clerk’s Office is ecstatic to offer wedding services to loving couples. City Hall Ceremonies offers residents the chance to make their special day memorable and hassle-free. Whether you choose to have an intimate ceremony or get a confidential marriage license, the City has everything you need to make it a one-stop trip. For more information about City Hall Ceremonies please visit santa-clarita.com/Weddings

TRASH TALKS

On July 1, 2023, City of Santa Clarita residents will see changes when it comes to their weekly trash service.

In addition to transitioning to a new waste hauler, residents will also begin implementing a state-mandated organics recycling program, which will help support the City’s commitment to preserving the environmental quality of Santa Clarita through sustainable actions. To help break down the nuances of these changes and show residents what they can expect starting in July, the City has launched a new video series called Trash Talks. These short videos answer frequently asked questions about the organics recycling program, as well as what to expect when waste services begin with Burrtec Waste Industries. Connect with @GreenSantaClarita on social media and visiting GreenSantaClarita.com to view new episodes of Trash Talks as they become available.

SANTA CLARITA AQUATIC CENTER

Jump on in, the water feels great! The Santa Clarita Aquatic Center is excited to invite residents back through the doors and into the pool this summer. With renovations closing the 50-Meter and Dive Pool during the off-season, both pools have been completely renewed and are ready for residents to get back into the water and join us in a variety of aquatics programming all year long. With brand-new pool shells, underwater LED lights and refinished stadium seating, visitors can enjoy checking out some of the upgrades located throughout the facility. From lap swim and underwater hockey, to H2oga and our recreational swim, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Whether you join us at the Aquatic Center or any of the five pools scattered throughout the City, our community can beat the summer heat and cool off right here in Santa Clarita. To check out aquatics programming, pool locations and hours, visit santa-clarita.com/Aquatics

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Find Your Voice at the Santa Clarita Public Library! Get your bookmarks ready as the 2023 Summer Reading Program officially returns with a myriad of programs, activities and summer fun for the entire family! This year’s theme is Find Your Voice, which invites the community to explore books about history, social justice and STEAM fields, as well as empowering all of our readers to express themselves through their voice and through literature! This sevenweek program engages residents of all ages with a variety of activities like online reading challenges, arts and crafts, park adventures and more. To register or browse all of the activities, please visit SantaClaritaReads.com

WITH SO MUCH TO DO IN SANTA CLARITA, you won’t have any trouble staying busy this summer. Stay up-to-date on the latest news, as well as event and program information by connecting with the City of Santa Clarita on social media.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

SENSES BLOCK PARTY

Let loose and party the night away with friends and family each month at the SENSES Block Party! Every third Thursday through the end of October, Main Street in Old Town Newhall transforms into a different themed night filled with endless fun, featuring live music, food trucks, adult beverages and incredible activities. You won’t want to miss any of these fun and FREE block parties. An array of exciting themes will take over Main Street, including The Renaissance Faire, Game Night, Tropical Summer and a Monster Mash. See the full list of themes and dates for the remainder of 2023 at santa-clarita.com/SENSES

CELEBRATE

As you arrive at the Canyon Country Community Center, step into another world with the Celebrate event series. On the first Friday of the month through September, experience new food, music, dance, art, educational adventures and more with a different culture each month. Celebrate offers a diverse lineup of featured countries, cultures and customs and brings the community together to learn about and experience them all. The remainder of Celebrate features West Africa, Peru, Spain, the Tataviam and China in this expansive and unique event series. For more information, visit santa-clarita.com/Celebrate

“Who knew that locking my doors would unlock my full potential? ” -

Stops Theft Cold!

Sean

Audiology Associates

The Doctors at Audiology Associates enhance quality of life through improved hearing.

Audiology Associates is Dedicated to the Community’s Hearing Healthcare

Audiology Associates is dedicated to assisting adults and children with all of their hearing healthcare needs to improve communication and, ultimately, quality of life. The providers and staff are proud that the office has been voted “Best Audiology Practice” in the Santa Clarita Valley Signal’s annual “Best of” competition for the past 14 years. This is truly a reflection of their commitment to excellence and demonstrates a great sense of respect by our community.

“Our doctors of audiology provide a variety of services including comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, ear wax removal, custom ear molds and ear plugs and tinnitus management,” explained Kevin Bolder, a Doctor of Audiology who began working for Audiology Associates in November of 2011, and became the practice owner in 2018.

“Our providers have a genuine interest in helping everyone hear better,” Dr. Bolder continued. “Some people are reluctant to pursue our services because of cost. Hearing aids are offered at various price points and we accept most insurance plans. Fitting hearing aids is a very personalized experience based on many factors. We treat our patients like family and help them choose the most appropriate products within their budget.”

Additionally, Audiology Associates is a Medi-Cal provider and contracted provider for the Veterans Healthcare Administration and the California Department of Rehabilitation.

“The main focus of our daily work is improving the quality of life for our patients and their families,” Dr. Bolder emphasized. He added “Hearing well is important for countless reasons including social interactions, personal relationships, occupational success, just to name a few.”

The practice is also home to John Davis, a Doctor of Audiology who worked as an audiologist in Ventura County for five years dispensing hearing aids and performing diagnostic testing of hearing and balance function, and who coauthored several research studies in the areas of hearing loss and vestibular evaluation.

While occasionally a person’s hearing loss can be “cured” with an in-office ear cleaning, most hearing losses are permanent and progressive over time, Dr. Bolder noted.

“When hearing loss is significant enough to cause communication difficulties, hearing aids are recommended,” Dr. Bolder advised. “Much like all electronics these days, hearing aid technology has made significant advances in the last decade.”

For instance, rechargeable hearing aids are becoming much more commonplace, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacement. Most all of today’s hearing aids come equipped with Bluetooth capability and patients really enjoy the ability to wirelessly connect to their various devices. Along with this connectivity comes the ability to control the hearing aid settings with smart phones and tablets.

“Hearing aids have also evolved

into much smaller devices over the years,” said Dr. Bolder, adding that many patients are surprised to see that modern hearing aids are so small, and pleased that they are very comfortable.

He noted that while all audiology practices are able to see the typical adult patient with hearing loss who needs hearing aids, “sometimes special populations of hearing-impaired individuals may have difficulty finding a clinic that can provide services to meet their specific needs.”

For instance, not all audiology practices offer services for infants and veterans. “We are pleased to routinely offer services for these specialty populations,” Dr. Bolder said.

Most patients at Audiology Associates reside in Santa Clarita and its surrounding areas, with many others coming from the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley, and Bakersfield.

“We see patients of all ages, including infants,” Dr. Bolder said. “We have performed hearing aid fittings on babies as young as four months old and adults over 100 years old.”

The practice serves anyone who has a hearing loss, suspects they have hearing loss, or wants to rule out a hearing loss. “The majority of our patients come to us for hearing aid fittings and adjustments” said Dr. Bolder, adding that some mild hearing difficulties can be managed with

the use of assistive listening devices instead.

“Most people use visual cues to supplement communication to some degree,” Dr. Bolder explained. Because hearing loss typically occurs gradually, untreated hearing loss is actually fairly common. We hope that anyone struggling to hear well will schedule an appointment to see us.”

As previously mentioned, Audiology Associates aims to significantly improve their patients’ overall quality of life. In addition to improving communication, improved hearing can positively influence other aspects of a person’s health.

“It is well documented that hearing loss is associated with other health conditions such as depression, falls, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, anxiety, and cognitive decline such as dementia” Dr. Bolder warned. “We truly believe that better hearing begins now, and encourage evaluation for anyone who suspects an ear or hearing problem, no matter how mild.”

We are Hearing Healthcare Excellence!

Audiology Associates is located at 25425 Orchard Village Road, Ste 220, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. For more information, call 661-284-1900; email cs@audiologyassociates.net; or visit www.AudiologyAssociates.net. 

John Davis, Au.D Doctor of Audiology

Kevin Bolder, Au.D Doctor of Audiology/Owner

SCCS Congratulates its Forty-first Graduating Class!

Since 1982 Santa Clarita Christian School (SCCS), a ministry of Santa Clarita Baptist Church, has discipled students with the gospel of Jesus Christ to prepare the next generation to impact the world for God. Being accredited by both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) demonstrates the rigor and integrity of our K-12 academics. Recent CIF championships in Basketball (2018), Volleyball (2021), and Swimming (2023) testify to the ongoing pursuit of athletic excellence. Our primary objective, however, is “to partner with Christian parents of like faith to challenge students’ minds and train their hearts for God through a distinctively biblical education.” Thus, our motto is: Teaching Minds and Training Hearts for God!

Ultimately, the evidence for our effectiveness is seen in our students!

With nearly one thousand graduates deployed to make a difference in the world for God, each has been prepared to…

Love God (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

Knowing and loving God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the critical foundation for education. A Christian’s love for God and the knowledge of God’s love for them prepares students to have both confidence and joy in a world that desperately needs help for today and hope for eternity.

Seek Truth (Matthew 6:33)

Students who not only love God, but remain in pursuit of Him through His Truth, have purpose. We aim for every student to have the skills necessary to be life-long learners of truth for God’s glory and their good.

Discern Error (Hebrews 5:14)

Thinking critically is an absolute necessity for survival in this world

of information overload. Now that ‘common sense’ is not very common, students must be prepared to collect, evaluate, and analyze information with discernment in order to not be caught up in worldly philosophies.

Live Wisely (Colossians 1:9-11)

Living a life in service to God and others is how Christians express their faith and gratitude. Wisdom is found in the Word of God. Wisdom is practiced by the Spirit of God. Those who live wisely bring glory to God…and that is why we exist!

We thank God for the opportunity to disciple and deploy graduates who continue to make a difference in the world for God. May He grant us the grace to continue this work until He returns!

Please join us in congratulating the graduating senior class of 2023!

College of the Canyons: Making High-Quality Education Accessible to All

When it comes to attending college, who says you can’t have it all? Flexible class options. A focus on affordability. And high-quality instruction taught by committed professors on two beautiful campuses. College of the Canyons delivers all of that and more.

Students can choose from a variety of flexible class offerings to find the option that best fits their circumstances. The college offers classes that meet in person at the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses. Fully online classes are available too, along with hybrid formats where some meetings are held on campus and some online. With classes held mornings, afternoons, and evenings, students can successfully balance work and family life with their class schedule.

Plus, short-term classes enable students to focus on one course at a time while maintaining their academic progress. Beyond the traditional 16-week semester format, the college features four-week, five-week, and eight-week classes. Students can enroll any time and begin taking classes when they’re ready, and if they choose, start a new class almost every month.

The college’s flexibility is also seen in the variety of academic and career education programs available – everything from Animation to Welding. Currently, COC offers more than 250 associate degree and certificate programs.

Many students choose COC to earn an associate degree and transfer to a four-year university. But just as many enroll to gain specialized training that quickly leads to a well-paying job. With a strong focus on career technical education, COC’s career technical education programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a variety of careers, such as healthcare, land surveying, and public safety. The college has stateof-the-art facilities, including a nursing simulation lab, a computer networking lab, a firefighting training center, and a culinary arts institute to provide students with hands-on experience.

Those looking to transfer can take advantage of Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) programs to streamline the process for students interested in enrolling at California State University campuses. Known as “a degree with a guarantee,” ADTs provide students with guaranteed admission to a CSU — and select private colleges — if they earn an associate in arts transfer (AA-T) or associate in science transfer

(AS-T) degree and meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements.

Students planning to transfer to a University of California campus can achieve their goals with the help of the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. Six UC campuses offer guaranteed admission to students from California community colleges who fulfill the TAG program requirements: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz.

For students interested in free classes in personal and professional growth, the School of Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) at COC is a program designed to provide lifelong learning opportunities. PPL courses are designed to meet the needs of individuals at all stages of life, in a variety of areas, including business, health, wellness, creative arts, and personal growth. These courses are taught by experienced professionals who are experts in their respective fields. Some PPL courses can also be taken online, making it convenient for individuals who have busy schedules to attend.

In addition to traditional degree and certificate programs, COC also offers a variety of specialized programs. For example, College NOW! and concurrent enrollment programs allow high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit while still in high school. This program provides students with the opportunity to get a head start on their college education and save money on tuition. COC waives enrollment fees for high school students taking college classes.

College of the Canyons is committed to making education accessible and affordable to all students. To that end, the college offers a range of financial aid options to help students pay for their educations. These include grants, loans, work-study programs and scholarships.

One of the college’s most popular – and cost-effective – programs is Canyons Promise. Students accepted into the program attend full-time and pay no enrollment fees. They also receive free parking, or bus passes, and have access to program-specific counselors.

To further ease the financial burden of college costs, COC offers a variety of scholarships to eligible students. Students can apply for scholarships online through the COC Foundation, which awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to COC’s students in 2023.

Textbooks can represent a signif-

icant cost to students, so COC promotes the use of Open Educational Resources (OER), otherwise known as Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC). These educational materials are freely available online, including textbooks, videos, and course materials. By enrolling in classes with the ZTC designation, students have saved more than $2 million in the past year on textbooks and other course materials.

To help meet the needs of food insecure students, College of the Canyons hosts the Basic Needs Center (BaNC) in the Student Center at the college’s Valencia campus. The BaNC provides currently enrolled students with free food, clothing, personal hygiene items, shower kits, on-site microwave access, and specialty items.

While College of the Canyons is affordable, it is also widely recognized for delivering the highest quality education. Each year, graduates transfer to UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Irvine, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Diego State, University of Southern California and more. And, students who completed career education courses in 2022 saw their median wage increase by 23 percent.

Many graduates choose to stay close to home and enroll in one of the 34 degree programs offered by five partner universities in the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center. In fact, more than 4,100 students have graduated from the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs offered at the University Center.

What surprises people the most about College of the Canyons is its beautiful campuses. Whether visiting the Valencia campus on Rockwell Canyon Road, or the Canyon Country campus on Sierra Highway, they often say they had no idea the two sites are home to state-of-the-art classrooms and labs rivaling many four-year university campuses. College of the Canyons is committed to creating a welcoming environment built to enhance student learning, and the campuses reflect that dedication.

Whether students are interested in earning a degree and transferring, completing a certificate that leads to a rewarding new career, or taking courses for personal development, they can find it all at College of the Canyons.

For more information about College of the Canyons, please visit www.canyons.edu. 

My wife made me come in to Advanced Audiology because she kept complaining the TV was too loud and she had to repeat herself all the time. They told me I had a loss in the range where my wife’s voice was and I would have problems in noisy situations. I still didn’t believe it but they said I could do a trial at home with the hearing aids. After just one week my wife was so happy and I couldn’t believe what I was missing. These hearing aids have changed my life and saved my marriage because I thought I’m too young to wear hearing aids.

Thanks to Advanced Audiology. D.M.

Are These Things Happening to You?

• The TV is blasting

• You’re frustrated because you have to repeat yourself?

• You feel left out of the conversation when you’re out with friends.

• You’re missing important information in meetings at work.

• You fight with your spouse because there was a misunderstanding about what was said.

• You stop wanting to go out and do the things you love because it takes too much effort to hear?

No Problem.. Advanced Audiology has a solution for you. We save relationships through better communication with better hearing.

Call Now to Experience Our Exact Match Hearing Process™

With our exclusive “Exact Match Hearing Process™” that guarantees you will be happy with your results. Your advanced hearing specialist will program them to meet your hearing needs, and make sure they fit comfortably. The goal of the hearing aid is to make every day sounds audible along with being clear and pleasant.

Advanced Audiology has Served Santa Clarita for More Than 36 years

grammed just for you. Today they’re small and hardly visible. We offer them for every price range, and we work with you and your budget, such as zero percent financing for 12 months. Remember our goal is to only help you understand what people are saying to you.”

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology not only strives to help patients with the problems they come in for, “we give you the solution, and we make sure it works. And if it doesn’t, you don’t have to get it. There is a full, money-back guarantee for 45 days, so you’re test driving these. How else can you see how much better you are doing with the problem you came in for?”

findings — some take no more than 20 minutes,” she said. “So, it’s a quick process where you can expect to understand your condition straight away.”

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology also features an exclusive “Exact Match Hearing Process™” which guarantees patients will be happy with results. Over the years, Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology has developed a process of evaluating a hearing problem and selecting the correct hearing device for optimum results in sound clarity and comfort.

BY ALICIA DOYLE

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology has been the original hearing center serving the Santa Clarita Valley for 36 years. The business has changed names three times. In 2017, Nola merged the original business Audiology Services of Newhall into the practice at the current location 23822 Valencia Blvd. #103.

“We are called and named the community audiologists,” emphasized Nola Aronson, Founder. The title was given to us by the SCV chamber in 2015. We are known for supporting our community by providing free hearing screenings and then educating the person about hearing.”

“We want the person to understand any issues having to do with their hearing, balance and tinnitus. When you come to us we help you find solutions, whether it is for a medical referral, such as an ENT or it is a hearing device, we help you in making a decision to solve what you came to us for.”

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology not only helps people hear better, “we give part of the money you’re spending back to one of the 100 nonprofits in the Santa Clarita Valley – there’s nobody else that does that,” she said. “So if you want a person who you can trust and rely on, to know more about your hearing, and whether it’s medically treatable or the only solution is a hearing device, we’re the place to come.”

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology is always on the front line of all the newest and latest technology.

“We have a new device that just came out — nobody else in a large radius has this — called the Whisper,” she said. “It’s a hearing aid with a brain, and the brain is separate from the hearing aid. So you don’t have to wait to update your hearing aid with the latest technology. It does it for you every six months.” With the Whisper, “you pay a very low subscription – it’s a monthly fee and very affordable.”

She also offers hearing devices that are really bluetooth headsets “that allow you to communicate with the world.”

“You can answer your phone through them, listen to music, listen to podcasts, and watch T.V. through them,” Aronson explained. “Everyone wears some type of bluetooth to be hands free, but this is like a personal headset because it is pro-

As the pandemic continues, “we’re following CDC guidelines,” she said. “We disinfect everything every time a patient leaves. There’s not more than two people in the waiting room at a time. And we’ve pivoted to some webinars online. We’re adding more information on our website, and we’re adding videos to help educate people.”

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology has also earned a reputation over the years for offering hearing aids that fit any budget.

“The cost of a hearing aid is a big issue right now,” she said, adding that some people buy hearing aids online, or from a big box store, to save money. “Our patients that have tried to go less expensive have ended up in our office with more problems, and throwing away their money.”

Part of the cost of the hearing aid is the service that goes along with it, “and the quality of the service of being able to adjust the hearing aid for your lifestyle, clean them, and make sure they’re working so you can use them properly. When you buy it online, you don’t have any service — you don’t have anyone teaching you how to take care of it.”

She noted that most people are reluctant to visit an audiologist because “they feel we are only trying to sell a hearing aid. However, that is one of the biggest solutions when you have a hearing issue. Did you know that hearing loss is the third largest medical problem after the heart and cancer? Hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline, because it is your brain that hears, not your ears. There are also many other health issues related to hearing such as diabetes, and heart disease. So why do people come in and say, ‘let people talk louder, I can hear just fine — I can’t afford to hear better.’”

“But if all your teeth fell out, would you make sure you got to the dentist? If you were going blind, would you have surgery? What if you broke your arm?” A person’s hearing is just as important, “like what Helen Keller said — ‘vision connects you to things; hearing connects you to people’.”

If you’ve never experienced a trip to the audiologist before, you may be wondering what it’s really like, and what takes place once you get inside the consulting room.

Aronson explained that this process is carried out via some simple, practical tests by a trained professional who has extensive experience in evaluating, diagnosing and treating hearing loss and hearing related issues, such as balance problems or tinnitus.

“Your exam is likely to take no more than an hour, including time for your audiologist to explain their

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology is the only audiologist in Santa Clarita that offers the “Exact Match Hearing Process™ “ and backs it up with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Aronson largely attributes the success of Advanced Audiology to business philosophies she’s implemented from the beginning.

“We give more than what’s expected — We exchange in abundance with people,” she said. “Our philosophy and purpose is to help people hear better so they can lead better social lives and communicate better in society.”

The Santa Clarita Valley community has also made Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology successful.

“We live in a very small community, even though we have a population of 300,000 people, my philosophy has always been to get involved,” she said.

For instance, Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology has been the title sponsor for many events put on by local nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Club and Alzheimer’s Association and Circle of Hope. In other charitable endeavors, Aronson is a member of Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley, a woman’s organization focused on improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world; and also serves The Chancellor’s Circle, which is the College of the Canyons Foundation’s most prestigious leadership support group. She is vice chair of the Circle of Hope board and on the Valley Industry Association board of directors. She has many awards over the years to show her business as being the most trusted and best business for hearing in the SCV. In the last two years alone she was nominated 2019 best business by the SCV Chamber, 2020 best business by Valley Industry Association, Empowering hearts Honoree and #19 of the 51 most influential people in SCV by the Signal newspaper.

In April of 2019, she sponsored a room at the new 30,000-squarefoot SCV Senior Center, which was named in her honor; and she was one of the Cover Stars for the center’s celebrity waiter’s dinner in February of 2019, in which funds raised were used to help support the center, as well as build its new facility.

“The main thing I would like to get across is that I am a philanthropist, and that when you buy a hearing aid from us, you’re not just buying something, you’re actually getting a solution to your hearing problem,” Aronson emphasized. “And because we give back to the community, our patients also get to give back – so they not only hear better, they get to give back to their community.”

For more information, call (661) 302-4483, or visit scvadvanced audiology.com. 

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Serving the Community

At Heritage Sierra Medical Group (HSMG), we believe that health is more than just physical wellness; it’s also about fostering strong bonds within our community. That’s why we’re proud to serve the Santa Clarita area by providing quality care and building relationships with our patients. Located on the Henry Mayo campus, we have positioned ourselves at the core of our community.

Our 5-star rated family and internal medicine doctors not only share the value of immediate and quality medical care but are also Santa Clarita Valley residents themselves. Partnering with over 25 local primary care physicians and an extensive roster of medical specialists, Heritage Sierra Medical Group thrives in being the answer to our community’s medical needs.

As a part of Heritage Provider Network since 2008, we’re committed to adapting to the ever-evolving needs of our patients and the healthcare industry. We offer a range of programs and services to meet those needs, always with a focus on personalized care and the patient experience. Having said that, we are constantly evolving and creating new tools to keep our members

better informed, well-educated, and well-taken care of. Our new patient portal is one example of our commitment to innovation and convenience. This user-friendly tool allows patients to connect with their doctors more quickly, get answers to health questions in a timely manner, and

stay informed about their health like never before.

At HSMG, we believe that quality care starts with getting to know our patients and their unique medical history. We strive to provide the highest quality care possible. With locations in Santa Clarita, Lancaster, and Palmdale, we

make it easy for patients to access our quality care no matter where they are in the area.

At HSMG, we’re not just a medical group — we’re a family within this community. We’re dedicated to providing quality care from our family to yours. 

Over the last three years many of us have put off important routine medical screenings. Please discuss with your physician what screenings you may be due for. These routine medical tests can be life-saving.

For more information, call 661.200.1332 or visit henrymayo.com/screenings

Insight Treatment Addresses Long-Term, Outpatient Teen Care

BY ALICIA DOYLE

Founded more than two decades ago, Insight Treatment was initially inspired by recognizing a need for an intensive outpatient program for teens battling addiction.

“At the time, very few programs were available to teens that included longterm intensive care other than residential programs,” said Karissa Provost, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is the Clinical Director of Insight Treatment in Santa Clarita. “Insight provides opportunity for teens and their families to receive intensive services while keeping families intact, and has expanded into providing more mental health care.”

Designed for ages 13 to 19, Insight Treatment is an intensive outpatient program for teens struggling with mental health and/ or substance abuse issues who may need more support than one time weekly therapy sessions — but are not in need of living in a residential treatment facility.

Typical mental health concerns may include — but not be limited to — feelings of depression, anxiety, and unresolved trauma.

“Teens act out in a multitude of ways and some

examples include addictive behaviors, aggression, isolation, self-harming,” explained Provost, further adding that relationship difficulties, academic challenges, and family discord may be bi-products of underlying and untreated emotional pain.

“Insight Treatment programs are effective and appropriate for families facing some of these issues and who are willing to take a more life encompassing approach to treatment.”

Insight incorporates “a fun and creative” clubhouse-like atmosphere for teens to be able to safely express their emotional pain and challenges with their peers and staff, and engage in fun pro-social activities.

“Teens act out in various

ways, however, underneath those behaviors emotional pain exists,” Provost said. “Since there is not a quick solution, Insight offers longterm support services with a multidisciplinary team to heal families for lasting results.”

When considering the pressures teens and their families are facing in today’s times, it is more important than ever to have programs like Insight available, Provost emphasized.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what day-to-day life looks like for everyone,” she said. “Anxiety, stress, and uncertainty are more prevalent than ever before and has wrecked-havoc on the lives of teens and has exacerbated existing emotional health issues.”

Peer groups and social interactions are a critical part of development during adolescence, and Insight provides treatment and healthy opportunities for teens to build community at a time when community building has become more important and simultaneously more difficult than ever before.

“As our communities begin to re-open, teens continue to be faced with emotional distress and Insight provides intensive treatment for long lasting healing,” said Provost. What’s next for Insight?

“Our Executive Director Frederik Schulin, is always seeking new opportunities for Insight to expand and deepen the work … through fostering new relationships in the communities of Insight locations, opening additional locations, and/or creatively providing opportunities for families to receive additional care and support,” Provost said. “As a clinical director at Insight’s Santa Clarita location, I look forward to continuously evaluating our programs and incorporating additional services for our Insight families.”

For more information, call (888) 295-9995 or visit insighttreatment.com. 

Action Family Counseling Creates a ‘Safe Place’

BY ALICIA DOYLE

With the objective of passing the wisdom and expertise he has obtained in his decades of sobriety, Cary Quashen has dedicated his life to helping troubled teens and their families as well as adults struggling with drug abuse tendencies.

“I was driven by my passion after getting sober and saw the incredible need,” said Quashen, the developer of Action Family Counseling who celebrates 42 years of sobriety this year, and has been a nationally recognized mental health expert in the drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation industry for more than three decades.

“We create a safe place where people feel loved and empowered,” he said, further emphasizing that “my ultimate goal is putting myself out of business.”

Established in 1997, Action Family Counseling has assisted countless families in Southern California as well as the entire United States. The parent and teen support program currently operates in Santa Clarita.

Quashen developed and operates the Action Family Counseling Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers with two adult rehab treatment centers, and three intensive outpatient treatment centers in Santa Clarita and Bakersfield. In January 2018,

Action launched an adult Sober Living in SCV, called the Action Sober Living & Extended Care Santa Clarita Ranch.

On a community level, Action’s involvement includes partnering with the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Department and the City of Santa Clarita on many on-going preventative programs.

“We also have a daily partnership with our local school system for the Training, Intervention and Drug Education program, established in cooperation with the William S. Hart School District.”

Since Quashen launched his effort, former President George Bush, Governor Pete Wilson, former Senator

Alan Cranston, former Mayor Tom Bradley, city council members and countless school districts have acknowledged Action.

Over the years, the program has been featured in several public interest articles in the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Daily News and other local newspapers, as well as national television news broadcasts.

In related endeavors, Quashen is the host of the Cary Quashan Hour and the Real Deal podcast with The Signal.

He largely credits support from the Santa Clarita community for Action’s ongoing success.

“Even though it is the third largest city in Los Angeles County, it is very

much like a small town,” Quashen noted.

The small town feel allows Action’s success to be shared throughout the valley through personal experiences, stories on the radio, newspaper, magazines, websites and social media.

“Our relationships with all our public officials, law enforcement, local school districts and the positive awareness we have created through our successful interventions have established us as the go to authority when a family or individual is in crisis,” he said.

For more information visit www.actiondrugrehab. com, or call (800) 3678336.

ACTION Founder Cary Quashen prepares for a group therapy session. PHOTO BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

Insight Treatment team members Luther Graves, Kara Long, Sarah Contreras, Alexa Aversano and Clinical Director Karissa Provost at Insight Treatment. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

‘Discover Your Brightest Smile with Go Dental — Santa Clarita’s Premier Dental Practice’

At Go Dental, we are more than just your local dental practice; we are your friends and neighbors. It has been our honor and privilege to serve the Santa Clarita community, providing exceptional dental care for over 23 years. Our commitment to delivering comprehensive, personalized dental care has not only earned us a five-star Google rating but also prestigious accolades including the Signal Newspaper award for Best Dental Office in Santa Clarita and Elite Magazine’s award for Ultimate Dentist five years in a row.

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Christopher Go (DDS, Northwestern University), Dr. Ryan Monti (DDS, UCLA), and Dr. Derek Frump (DDS, UCLA), our practice provides a wide range of dental services. From routine check-ups and cleanings to complex procedures like dental implants, we cater to every aspect of your oral health needs with precision and care.

Our patients’ testimonials speak volumes about the quality of our care. “I’ve been going to Dr. Go since he first opened his practice. Always a positive experience!” says one long-term patient. Another patient, praising Dr. Monti, shares, “Estimate difference for implants and work (not needed) saved me ... close to $40,000.”

At Go Dental, we utilize cutting-edge technology, including state-of-the-art 3D tools, to educate our patients about their oral health. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of dental research ensures our patients receive the most advanced, efficient treatments.

Dr. Derek Frump (DDS, UCLA) encapsulates our approach to patient

care, saying, “We strive to make our patients as comfortable as possible through clear communication and a friendly environment.”

We understand the apprehensions associated with dental visits and have designed a warm, welcoming atmosphere to put you at ease. Our team excels at making patients feel relaxed and comfortable throughout their visit. We offer various sedation options and assist with insurance claims and paperwork, reflecting our belief that quality dental care should be accessible to all.

At Go Dental, we treat people, not just teeth. We recognize your uniqueness and strive to understand your dental goals and concerns.

This personalized approach enables us to design treatment plans that fit your lifestyle and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Join our dental family today. Experience the difference of comprehensive, personalized dental care that’s more than just a service - it’s a journey towards your healthiest, brightest smile. At Go Dental, we’re not just creating beautiful smiles; we’re building lasting relationships, one patient at a time. Discover the smile of your dreams with us.

For more information or to book an appointment, call us at (661) 257-0880 or visit our website at www. thedentist.com. 

Dr. Frump

Dr. Oh

Dr. Monti

Five Steps to Find the Right Doctor

Whether you’re rarely sick or have conditions that require frequent visits to the doctor, having a trusted and skilled health care provider is an important step in protecting your health.

Any number of reasons can result in needing to find a new doctor, such as moving to a new community, changes to your insurance, your old doctor retiring or needing a specialist.

These suggestions from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can help you be more efficient and thorough as you look for a doctor who is right for you.

Ask for Recommendations

Talk to people you know about whether they have a provider they like. If you’re looking for a new provider because of a move or retirement, ask your current doctor for a recommendation. If you need to make a change with your primary care doctor but see specialists or other medical professionals you like and trust, you can also request referrals from them.

Check with Your Insurance Company

If you have health insurance, you may need to choose from a list of doctors in your plan’s network. Some insurance plans may let you choose a doctor outside your network if you pay more of the cost.

To find a doctor who takes your insurance, call your insurance company and ask for a list of doctors near you who are in-network or use the insurance company’s website to search for a doctor. It’s also a good idea to call the doctor’s office and ask for confirmation they take your plan. You should have your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid card handy in case the office needs your plan details.

Narrow Your Options

Some of the providers you consider may not be viable options for simple reasons, like their practice isn’t currently taking new patients or they don’t have office hours matching your schedule. You can also consider questions such as hospital affiliations and whether other providers can help if you need emergency care and your doctor isn’t available.

Take a Deeper Look

Online research can tell you a great deal about potential doctors, from biographical information and credentials to ratings by former patients.

When searching for a new provider, another important area to consider is financial relationships. One resource patients can consider is Open Payments, a national disclosure program within CMS that provides visibility into financial relationships between drug and medical device companies and physicians, and teaching hospitals. The government requires pharmaceutical companies, device manufacturers and group purchasing organizations to report funds they give health care providers in the form of meals, entertainment, travel, gifts, consulting fees, research payments and more, promoting transparency and helping uncover potential conflicts of interest.

An initial appointment with a new provider can be intimidating. You’re meeting someone for the first time and likely have several topics to discuss. Help keep your nerves under control and get your questions answered with these steps:

Introduce yourself. When you see the doctor and office staff, introduce yourself and let them know by what name you prefer to be called.

Ask how the office runs. Learn what days are busiest and what times are best to call. Ask what to do if there is an emergency or if you need a doctor when the office is closed.

Share your medical history. Tell the doctor about any illnesses, operations, medical conditions and other doctors you see. You may want to ask the doctor to send you a copy of the medical history form before your visit so you can fill it out at home, where

you have the time and information you need to complete it. Make a list and prioritize your concerns. If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them in order and ask about the most important ones first. Take information with you to the doctor. Some doctors suggest you put all your medications in a bag and bring them with you. Others recommend bringing a written list. You should also have your insurance cards, names and phone numbers of other doctors you see and your medical records if the doctor doesn’t already have them.

Consider bringing a family member or friend. Your companion can remind you what you planned to discuss with the doctor if you forget. He or she can also take notes for you and help you remember what the doctor said. 

It’s important to know most health care providers receive payments. Just because financial ties are reported does not mean anyone has done anything wrong. However, patients can use the information to talk with their provider about why they recommend certain medications or treatments, including asking about generic options, which are equally as effective as name brands but typically less expensive. It’s also an opportunity to start a discussion with a provider about areas of professional interest and expertise based on research or consulting.

Listen to Your Gut

If you’re undecided, request an introductory appointment with a provider you’re considering. Look for a clinic where you are treated with respect and the medical team listens to your opinions and concerns. You should feel comfortable asking questions, and the doctor needs to be able to explain things in ways you understand.

Find more resources for your health care needs at cms.gov. (Family Features) 

The Importance of Routine Cancer Screenings

On May 11, 2023, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared an end to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. While the pandemic has taken center stage during the last three years, many people have put off routine cancer screenings. The consequences of delayed or canceled routine cancer screenings can be severe. According to the National Cancer Institute, this unfortunate situation may lead to over 10,000 cancer-related deaths in the next decade.

Cancer doesn’t often exhibit symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage, making early detection through routine screenings all the more important. These screenings have the potential to identify abnormalities before symptoms manifest, increasing the chances of successful treatment and cure. By waiting until symptoms become apparent, cancer may have already progressed or spread, making treatment and a complete cure more challenging.

Screening tests are not generally diagnostic tests for cancer; instead, they serve as a means to identify potential abnormalities that may require further investigation. Diagnostic tests are then performed to determine if cancer is present. The exception is screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancer in which polyps, if present, are removed and may either diagnosis cancer or even treat very early cancer by removal.

Certain individuals have a higher risk of developing specific types of cancer. These risk factors include

personal and family history of cancer, exposure to cancer-causing substances, and advancing age. Cancer screening frequency, degree and start age should be nuanced based on how high risk you are for cancer. However, even those deemed low risk can still be susceptible to cancer. Therefore, it is important to consider routine screenings, even if deemed to be at lower or standard risk.

Various risk factors are associated with specific cancers such as breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers. These factors can include genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. For instance, smoking tobacco products accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancer cases, while a family history of prostate cancer significantly increases the chances of developing

the disease.

Now is the moment to reintegrate regular cancer screenings into your healthcare routine. It is strongly advised to consult with your doctor to discuss the appropriate screening options based on your personal and family medical history, lifestyle factors, and age. Early detection remains one of the most effective strategies in the battle against cancer, and by prioritizing screenings you are taking positive steps toward maintaining good health and well-being.

To access further information or guidance regarding routine cancer screenings, visit henrymayo.com/ screenings, where you will find comprehensive resources to assist you in understanding the importance of regular screenings.

1 out of 6 Americans will have an alcohol or drug problem in their lifetime. Many won’t seek help.

“There is help available.”

I’m Cary Quashen — writing not only to shine light on the amazing Action programs & team but also to develop relationships with community leaders, families, and local advocates who are also on the front lines defending families in our community from the horrors of alcohol & drug addiction. Action is a drug rehabilitation center that has been serving families in & around Santa Clarita Valley for the past 20+ years.

The Action treatment programs have helped countless young people & adults to turn their lives around for the better.

ACTION DRUG REHABS

Beginning w/ a cost-free confidential assessment, Action offers inpatient RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTERS, INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT & FULL DAY TREATMENT.

Client’s struggling with substance abuse are provided with the tools needed to maintain sobriety and to manage the co-occurring mental health challenges associated.

Alcohol and Drug Treatment. Action’s programs are contracted with nearly all HMO & PPO Health Insurance plans, covering up to 100% of treatment costs.

If you or a loved one is in need of help, or if you would like to discuss how we may be able to work together towards a common goal of decreasing drug abuse in & around our community, please don’t hesitate to call Action (800) 367-8336 or call me anytime (661) 713-3006.

Sincerely,

Founder, Action Family Counseling

Customers Choose Green Thumb Nursery Because of Quality, Cost

Known as the home of the garden experts, Green Thumb

Nursery in Santa Clarita is a second-generation, family-owned nursery and garden center that offers quality, experience and expertise unmatched by big box stores.

Customers are the priority, “and giving the best customer service is our goal,” said Bryan Payne, General Manager.

Customers choose Green Thumb Nursery for the quality of plants at an affordable cost. For instance, they offer a wide variety of landscape plants, flowers, fruit trees and vegetables, including common and more unique plants that are compatible with the climate in Santa Clarita, such as evergreens, ferns, drought-tolerant varieties, bonsai trees, annuals and perennials.

Best sellers include roses, fruit trees, citrus, and flowers that go into your flower beds and hang from your patio cover, as well as cactus and succulents. Green Thumb Nursery also offers house plants, sod, pottery, soil amendments and fertilizers, both traditional and organic, as well as lady bugs and other beneficial insects.

Their wide selection of up-scale patio furniture includes bistro-style tables and chairs, designs made with wrought iron and wrought aluminum, adjustable chaise lounges, and tables that can be customized with a variety of materials, such as copper, aluminum, like-wood porcelain and like-tile porcelain.

They also carry items for the home, including candles, pillows, doormats, wreaths, silk plants, lanterns, placemats and decorative baskets. For outdoor décor, choices include foun-

tains, birdbaths, wind chimes, decorative stakes and garden gnomes.

Green Thumb Nursery — which has been serving California since 1946 — opened its Green Thumb International Garden and Patio Center in Santa Clarita in 1970.

“Green Thumb Garden Center is an extension of the original owners’ desire to offer a premier garden center to the residents of the San Fernando Valley,” Payne explained.

Since the beginning, Green Thumb Nursery has taken pride in its consistent effort to better the environment through moral business practices by always making the environment a priority, and continuing to provide products that are safe and responsible. Their environmental commitment includes striving towards becoming 100% “green” and leaving only positive impacts on the community and the world; and maintaining a commitment to sustaining the environ-

ment by only selecting products that meet rigid eco-friendly criteria.

As far at the future is concerned, Green Thumb Nursery will continue incorporating technology and social media.

“However, even in today’s on-line world, this does not replicate the joy of walking into our stores and experiencing the peace and beauty that comes from nature concentrated in our outdoor and indoor spaces,” Payne emphasized.

Ultimately, “we hope to impact the world by providing products and services that bring people back to nature and into the garden where humans have been designed to labor from the beginning of time,” he added. “Gardening is therapeutic.”

For more information call (661) 259-1071 or visit www.greenthumb. com. 

PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Investing in our Community

BY SUPERVISOR KATHRYN BARGER

In the Santa Clarita Valley, our community’s economy is making a comeback because of the dedication of local organizations, businesses, and neighbors who have lent their support to residents’ recovery and rejuvenation.

I’m a proud supporter of this important work. In the past two years, my office has invested more than $6.3 million in the Santa Clarita Valley to support residents of all ages and at all stages of life.

I awarded the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club two grants so youth can learn, play, and grow through a summer camp program at Val Verde Park and at the new clubhouse at Castaic Middle School.

I’ve invested in the quality of life of our seniors at the incredible Bella Vida senior center, dedicating funds to build their gorgeous facility and provide 600 meals for clients every day.

To combat the local homelessness crisis, I’ve also allocated funding to the new Bridge to Home permanent shelter and to the new Family Promise resource center and affordable housing units. These projects will collectively add dozens of new beds along with health, mental health, career readiness, and housing navigation resources.

These are just a few of the dozens of organizations I am committed to investing in throughout the year. Hope and opportunity are on the horizon thanks to these strong partnerships and our collective ded-

ication to support the Santa Clarita Valley community.

A special thanks to just a few of my many nonprofit partners: Boys & Girls Club, Bridge to Home, Carousel Ranch, Child and Family Center,

Circle of Hope, COC Foundation, Family Promise, Samuel Dixon, Santa Clarita Sunrise Rotary, SCV Chamber of Commerce, SCV Senior Center, SCVEDC, Salvation Army, and Valley Industry Association.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger addresses a group of veterans at the 2021 Veterans Golf Tournament. SIGNAL FILE PHOTOS

Supervisor Barger can be found all around Santa Clarita participating in several community events.

Elevating the Human Spirit for More Than Two Decades

BY ALICIA DOYLE

For more than two decades, Comfort Keepers has been “elevating the human spirit” through its award-winning in-home care network for seniors and other adults by empowering them to maintain their independence.

“Our uplifting care services focus on physical, mental and social wellbeing to help seniors live the highest quality of life in the sanctuary of their home,” said Myles McNamara, owner and president of Comfort Keepers of SCV.

“Our ultimate goal is to allow our seniors the ability to stay in their home as they age,” he emphasized. With a Comfort Keeper at their side, “we are giving our seniors the option to age in a place where they created all their memories.”

McNamara noted that with older adults, short-term memory typically declines before long-term memory if cognitive issues become a challenge.

“So if they’ve been in their house 40 years, they can navigate their surroundings,” he explained. “But if you put them in a facility somewhere, they become disoriented…their deterioration is exponential if they can’t stay in their own home.”

Comfort Keepers aims to provide the ideal solution with an informed process:

● We provide a free in-home consultation if home care might be a solution.

● We assess each client prior to beginning service to provide personal recommendations. We consider the client’s unique needs and create a customized “Plan of Care.”

● We present our clients with options to choose the perfect package. The frequency of visits can vary between a few hours a week to 24/7 around-the-clock care.

Additionally, Comfort Keepers build friendships and provide emotional support. To keep loved ones company, they offer companionship—but focus on activities of daily living that includes meal preparation, medication reminders, assistance with personal hygiene, and transportation to doctor’s appointments.

Also, “we branch off into what we call instrumental activities of daily living,” McNamara said. Depending on the cognitive level of clients, “we may help them organize mail, pay bills, take them grocery shopping— anything that encompasses that entire scope of staying in their home independently and safely.”

That said, “we’re always on the search for great caregivers,” said

McNamara, noting that there is a caregiver shortage across the nation. “People don’t realize we’re non-medical; we do anything that doesn’t require a medical license, and we have a training system we put our Comfort Keepers through.”

Above all, “Comfort Keepers InHome Care strives to be compassionate and respectful in all aspects of our business,” McNamara added. “It is this dedication to the welfare of our clients that enables our award-winning organization to be an industry leader and attract the talented team members that shape Comfort Keepers.”

Comfort Keepers is located at 23900 Lyons Avenue in Santa Clarita. For more information, call 661-2874200; or visit www.comfortkeepers. com. 

A Locally-Owned and -Operated Endeavor

BY ALICIA DOYLE

In business for more than two decades, Furniture Design Center is a locally owned and operated endeavor where the expert design team members are constantly updating their stock and training to provide customers with the most up-to-date furniture and knowledge.

“This helps make your purchase decision as informed as possible — we really know our stuff, and all enjoy our products,” said Scott Grundy, store manager.

“We are happy to offer our furniture expertise, but also trust our customers know best to decide the look that is perfect for them,” he continued. “Our understanding and dedicated design experts are here to listen to all your furniture needs and help you find exactly what you want — at the best possible price.”

Grundy emphasized that

“we take a lot of pride in carrying domestic products—a huge percentage is made here in the U.S. We have other items that are made overseas, but if you walk through the store, 80 percent or more is made here in the United States.”

Furniture Design Center offers furniture for the living room, bedroom and dining room, as well as furniture for home entertainment, such as home theater seating, media consoles and wall units.

There are also numerous home accents available, including ceiling lights, lamps and wall lights; as well as pillows, throws and rugs. Additional home accents include clocks, sculp-

tures, vases and lanterns.

A wide variety of furniture brands include La-Z-Boy®, OMNIA®, England, Ashley® and Sunny Designs; while mattresses by brand include Sealy®, Stearns & Foster®, and Tempur-Pedic®.

Customers are encouraged to try out their favorite furniture directly in a comfortable atmosphere.

“We are here to help make you truly feel at home and to help make your home be exactly as you want it,” Grundy said. “Our floor is stocked with the variety you need to make the most informed decision. If you are looking for people who know furniture, then look no further

than Furniture Design Center. Your satisfaction and comfort is our number one goal.”

He pointed out that online customer reviews say it all. Customer Diana C. noted “The staff were over the top nice … and they worked with me on the budget I had.” Customer D.P. stated that “Scott helped me from my first call to ringing me up, and every stop in between. He was knowledgeable, patient, thorough and easy to work with.”

“If you check out our reviews, people have had a really pleasant experience — we’d like to grow that,” Grundy added. Above all, “at Furniture Design Center, we work together to make your home vision a reality.”

Furniture Design Center is located at 24955 Pico Canyon Road in Stevenson Ranch. For more information, call 661-259-7072 or visit www.furnituredesign. net.

The Friendly Valley Country Club is an active community for SENIORS 55+. We are located a few miles from the San Fernando Valley and about 35 miles from Los Angeles.

The community is guard gated and patrolled 24/7 and features a 9 hole executive course and an 18 hole pitch and putt. There is a lawn bowling court, picnic areas with BBQs, a year-round heated pool and a spa. There are many club and card rooms as well as a billiard room.

You can be as active as you want or just relax and enjoy your home.

There is an RV parking lot and a tram that goes to area market places.

Ellie Lacy or Jackie Kovacs will be happy to give you a tour of this terrific community and show you the homes that are currently for sale.

CBC Cleaning and Restoration has been in Santa Clarita for More Than Four Decades

CBC Cleaning & Restoration was founded by Gordon Glasnow. Gordon and his wife Debbie have owned and operated CBC for over 40 years.

We have incredible staff that have been with CBC for as long as 35 years!! It has been a pleasure serving SCV and giving back to our wonderful community throughout the years.

We are now pleased to announce the merger of CBC and Scope and welcome Gene & Veronika Kucherov and their staff to the CBC — Scope family. This merger will continue to provide the same excellent service, same great office staff, talented technicians, and the same office location!

Nothing has changed-

except we are bigger, can respond faster and go to farther locations! Okay, so we have to admit that this also allows Gordon and Debbie to have more play time to enjoy their “golden years” while still working part time! Thank you SCV for 40 great years! Here’s to 40 more! 

CINEMA PARK

BY ALICIA DOYLE

The concept of Cinema Park began almost 30 years ago in 1993 when a group of small business owners/entrepreneurs banded together to build their dream center. The building was a mixed-use project with retail on the first floor and professional offices on the second floor.

Cinema Park prides itself on having a unique variety of noteworthy tenants who are considered leaders in their fields, namely StoneFire Grill, Tranquility Salon & Spa, 20-20 Optometric Eyecare, Alexander Villar DDS, and A Chorus Line Dancewear & Costumes, which is celebrating its 40th year in business.

It is with great pride that we welcome our three new tenants—Emina Beauty & Med Spa, Illumi, and Katharine’s Massage Studio.

Illumi’s philosophy is to enable their patients to pursue a lifestyle of wellness through various healing procedures, namely Red-

Light Therapy, Infrared Salt Cave, cupping and more.

Should you have issues with your skin, Emina Beauty, with a medical approach to skin care and rejuvenation, has a solution for you. They specialize in lip enhancements, chemical peels, and plasma fibroblasts, all by using the latest technology.

Now that you look better, how about feeling better?

It’s time to give Katharine’s Massage Studio a try. Katharine believes in catering to the individual needs of each patient, and she will be bringing her special expertise with her.

I dare to say that one of the most unusual tenants is Candle Corner, where you can create your own candle masterpiece as you celebrate your special event, such as a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or?

Whichever tenant you may wish to patronize, we’re sure you’ll be delighted! 

Whether informal and cheerfully chaotic, or elegant & formal, a successful garden is the result of careful planning-rich tapestries of colors, textures, & shapes in natural harmony. Let our experts help you to reawaken your garden. Select from top quality trees, shrubs, ground covers, annuals & perennials, as well as unique garden art and exquisite outdoor casual furniture from America’s top manufacturers.

The Center At Needham Ranch — Right Place. Long Time

A Success Story Thirty Years in the Making

BY CRAIG PETERS Vice Chairman, CBRE

It was a brisk winter morning on December 2017 as I huddled with my leasing team (and about 70 others) around heated lamps under a massive tent overlooking gorgeous tawney land stretched out for acres at the official Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Center at Needham Ranch (CANR). Presently the award-winning 11- building, 1.7-million-square-foot industrial park in Santa Clarita, California is fully leased ahead of delivery, but on this frigid morning we had no idea how unfathomably successful this project would become, we could barely fathom this bitter cold right now. So thankful we ordered the outdoor heaters.

We propped up poster boards on easels with site plans and renderings of architecturally stunning buildings with expansive warehouses, soaring ceilings and flexible office spaces. The CANR was envisioned as the premier professional business campus in the region, a veritable ecosystem both nurturing and benefiting from surrounding industry leaders- a vision that started decades ago. That astute visionary was Mark Gates Jr. This project has been a nearly 30-year journey since our initial meeting, and I am honored to have worked with him on this amazing project.

Mark desired to invest excess land that had been in his family through generations. His father, Mark T. Gates Sr. purchased the land from the heirs of Newhall prohibitionist Henry Clay Needham in 1957. Mark Gates Jr. and his team worked tirelessly through the entitlement process and later brought in the Trammell Crow Company, a global real estate developer, to realize his concept. Trammell wanted to develop a project that would be the premier business park in southern California and able to accommodate a wide range of tenants.

So, in 2017 in the bustling city of Santa Clarita, a remarkable hub of innovation broke ground and captivated the attention of a vast array of users- from the entertainment industry to e-commerce companies and more. In this way, the tenants themselves embody Mark’s own ethos, a place where visionaries come to test their limits, break through barriers, and transform their dreams into tangible realities.

Nestled within the vibrant Valencia landscape, just north of Los Angeles, The Center at Needham Ranch spans over 250 acres and offers an unparalleled workplace experience. It has become a magnet for businesses looking to thrive in a dynamic, high-end environment. Construction on the final phase will be completed by year-end 2023. Once finished, the campus will include 11 Class A indus-

trial buildings and four Class A parking and outdoor storage lots.

DrinkPAK, a beverage manufacturer, has leased the last two buildings in the final phase of the development, expanding its footprint at CANR to 965,000 square feet. The rapidly expanding company will occupy the 107,522-square-foot Building 17 and the 85,802-square-foot Building 18 at CANR. DrinkPak had previously preleased the entire 198,451-square-foot Building 14, following its leasing of 172,324 square feet of space in Building 2 in October 2020 and 400,095 square feet in Buildings 3 and 4 in April 2021. Other tenants include Illumination Dynamics, LA North Studios, Tires Warehouse and a major e-commerce company.

The location of The Center at Needham Ranch is another element that sets it apart. Situated in the City of Santa Clarita, the CANR benefits from its proximity to a vibrant corporate community, acting as a catalyst for creativity and inspiration.

It wasn’t always easy terrain. We were met with our share of challenges, doubters, and the ever-changing landscape of modern business. Things can change on a dime. The global 2020 pandemic and accompanying lock down and business restrictions provided unexpected perspective on that.

As our living rooms, kitchens and patios became our “new offices,” we needed to quickly embrace change and get to work as our clients needed us now more than ever to help them navigate through the uncertainty. During that time, we provided a steady hand to clients reeling from the emotional toll of an uncer-

tain future and polarizing politics. I have always embraced the motto of “when it rains, you learn to work in the rain.” My team and I have always shared a strong work ethic, but I’ve never worked as hard in my life nor consumed so much hand sanitizer. My incredible team pulled together and delivered over 9.7 million SF in building and land sale and lease transactions throughout Southern California in that year alone, discovering something extraordinary within ourselves- a spark of Mark Gates Jr., a spark of unflinching resolve. We met the “unprecedented times” with unprecedented stamina and provided outcomes for our clients that maximized the value of their real estate portfolios. My old baseball coach used to call it the Four D’s – Dedication, Determination, Discipline and Desire.

Mark Gates, Jr. and The Center at Needham Ranch are the embodiment of the principles that drive human progress, both embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, believing that success lies in the ability to adapt, learn, and forge ahead. In this way, The Center at Needham Ranch is not just an award-winning business campus—it’s a testament to the unwavering spirit of human ambition.

Congratulations to Mark, the Trammell Crow Company, Clarion Partners and the entire leasing team, along with all of our partners, for boundless collective resolve to transfer a vision into a reality. We are now fully 100% leased. We’re done. 