Top 51 2019 by Signal

15th Annual Issue Special Section to The Signal â&#x20AC;&#x201D; October 2019

CONGRATULATIONS

To All of the Top 51 Nominees on This Awesome Achievement

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Table of Contents PAGE 5

PAGE 20

No. 1

No. 25 Holly Schroeder

Peggy Rasmussen

PAGE 6 No. 2

Scott Wilk

No. 3

Ken Striplin

PAGE 8 No. 4

Kathryn Barger

No. 5

Larry Rasmussen

No. 6

Don Kimball

PAGE 10

No. 28 Robert Newman No. 29 Joe Caso No. 30 Mike Kuhlman

PAGE 24 No. 31 Marlee Lauffer No. 32 Bill Cooper

No. 8

Bob Kellar

PAGE 26

No. 9

Steve Sturgeon

No. 34 Steve Kim

No. 12 Vicki Engbrecht

No. 35 Rick Patterson No. 36 Dale Donahoe

PAGE 27 No. 37 Todd Stevens No. 38 John Shaffery

PAGE 14

No. 39 Marsha McLean

No. 13 Hunt Braly

PAGE 28

No. 14 Capt. Robert Lewis No. 15 Katie Hill

No. 40 Linda Storli-Koontz No. 41 Carrie Lujan

PAGE 16

No. 42 Michele Jenkins

No. 16 John Musella

PAGE 30

No. 17 Matt Stone

No. 43 Tom Cole

No. 18 Don Fleming

PAGE 18 No. 19 Christy Smith No. 20 Cheri Fleming No. 21 Sandy Sanchez

PAGE 19 No. 22 Roger Seaver No. 23 Bill Miranda

Signal Publisher/Owner No. 24 Joe Messina 4 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

PAGE 22

No. 33 Michael Berger

No. 11 Laurene Weste

Richard Budman

Wayne Crawford

Dr. Dianne Van Hook

No. 10 Cameron Smyth

Welcome to The Signal’s list of the “51 Most Influential” people in the Santa Clarita Valley for 2019. I would like to congratulate all 51 who made this year’s list. You are the driving forces that help to make this city great and all of your contributions to the Santa Clarita Valley are greatly appreciated. The list is to recognize you and all of your combined contributions for this valley. We especially would like to congratulate the 12 new members to this years “51 Most Influential” list. To our honorees, in honor of you and all that you do to make Santa Clarita the best place to live, we are having a “Thank You” celebration. Please save the date and time of noon to 2 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Salt Creek Grille. ( Lunch will be served at 12:45 p.m.) We will be sending you an invitation shortly. Congratulations again, and we look forward to seeing you.

No. 27

No. 7

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From the Publisher

No. 26 Jason Crawford

No. 44 Joan MacGregor No. 45 Kevin MacDonald

PAGE 32 No. 46 Cary Quashen No. 47 Stephanie English No. 48 Ivan Volschenk

PAGE 34 No. 49 Brian Koegle No. 50 Brian O’Connor No. 51 Kathie Martin

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“Santa Clarita Valley seniors are so lucky to have an advocate like Peggy Rasmussen, who volunteers tirelessly on their behalf. Few would take on the monumental task of fundraising for a new senior center, let alone be able to successfully lead the effort.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner As the president of the board of directors for the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging, Peggy Rasmussen spearheaded the effort to bring the more-than $11 million, state-of-the-art Bella Vida senior center to meet the expanding needs of our growing senior population. This new center adds a 30,000square-foot senior center built with

Peggy Rasmussen those changing needs in mind. It’s been built on a 2.5-acre site near the intersection of Golden Valley and Newhall Ranch Road, making it more centrally located relative to the valley’s population. Due to the support Rasmussen has coalesced, there’s now a brand new center that delivers hundreds of meals to seniors in need, as well as offering them a place to get together and socialize, which experts say is just as important as a mental health component. Resources like Bella Vida help families in our community stay closer together, and the SCV owes a thank you to Peggy Rasmussen who played a pivotal role in making that happen. In fact, in retrospect, it’s also significant to consider Peggy Rasmus-

sen took over a senior center that was experiencing financial challenges, and helped find the people and lead the effort to completely turn around the Santa Clarita Committee on Aging. Peggy took on the responsibility of the massive fundraising effort it took to get the more than $12 million necessary to build the 30,000-square-foot, state-of-theart facility for seniors. Perhaps the most impressive accomplishment of the feat was coordinating on behalf of the community’s elders to have city, county, state, federal and private resources all coordinated under one roof. Such a feat is a rare achievement in and of itself, but to have it done on behalf of a legacy of service to the Santa Clarita Valley

community is an incredible feather in the cap for anyone to be able to achieve. Peggy Rasmussen’s commitment, generosity and dedication are just part of why she’s been able to get so much done on behalf of the community she lives in and loves, and for her work over the last few years, she’s owed a debt of gratitude that would be difficult to repay. Peggy earned the top spot on the list for her work on behalf of others, a legacy literally in the center of the Santa Clarita Valley that people can point to for years as an example of what can be accomplished when a community sets its mind to achieving a goal and has the right person in place to do so.

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Scott Wilk “State Sen. Scott Wilk has shown time again and again to be an individual who has the patience, dedication and leadership abilities to serve the people of the Santa Clarita Valley. His character, understanding and care for his hometown make him an example for all public officials.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner State Sen. Scott Wilk identified his goal of holding office at a young age, on a field trip to the state’s capitol in Sacramento. And, to anyone who knows him, his ability to relate to people and understand the concerns of his constituents make him a perfect fit. Wilk was appointed to the Santa Clarita Community College District in 2006, with the voters send-

ing him back in 2007 and 2011. After helping COC grow and expand, he went on to serve two terms as an assemblyman for the 38th Assembly District. In 2016, Wilk was elected to represent the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas in the state Senate for the 21st District seat. This year, Wilk serves as vice chair of four Senate committees, including the Education Committee, Agriculture, Rules and Governmental Organization. He’s also a member of the committees on Business, Professions and Economic Development; and Veterans Affairs. While he’s taken a no-nonsense, fiscally responsible approach in a number of areas of governance, one of the biggest parts of his legacy will be the creation of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency

6 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

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Ken Striplin “Santa Clarita City Manager Ken Striplin manages an incredible staff and an amazing number of resources. His nonstop work on behalf of the city has made this community a better place to live for the last seven years.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner City Manager Ken Striplin has led the City of Santa Clarita for seven years, but his work with the city dates back to 1996. Since then, he has led every city department, making it hard to find an area of governance or operations that he hasn’t influenced in some way. Considering that, it’s hard not to commend his work as the city consistently wins awards for its regional and statewide excellence, and is frequently looked to as a model for

how things should be done. Three of the most important priorities for the city are public safety, great schools and transportation, and under Striplin’s influence, the city is doing well by all metrics in these areas. He has a positive, symbiotic relationship with the public schools. It is easy to see the difference in the city’s transportation system compared with surrounding communities. And as far as public safety goes, the city is consistently ranked nationally among the safest in the country. But Striplin’s work continues. While Santa Clarita consistently meets the current needs of its residents, it also works to provide all of the future needs through a 2020 plan that includes a new library, new community center and new Sheriff’s station.

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Kathryn Barger

Larry Rasmussen

Don Kimball

“County Supervisor Kathryn Barger is the type of leader the Santa Clarita Valley needs. Barger is not afraid to be the lone voice on L.A. County’s Board of Supervisors if that’s what it takes to represent the best interests of the residents in our community.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Larry Rasmussen of Spirit Properties never seeks out credit or attention for community service, but he’s someone who’s always willing to help out and give back to an area he’s helped develop from the ground up, with many of the Santa Clarita Valley’s best developments.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Newhall Land, and its successor agency, FivePoint, has been the most significant factor in the shaping of Santa Clarita’s development for decades, and Don Kimball has played a major role in FivePoint.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger represents the 5th District, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley. Despite having more than 2 million constituents, Barger always has time for Santa Clarita Valley residents. Barger is a longtime representative of the 5th District. This experience imminently qualifies her to make decisions on behalf of the SCV’s populace, whether she’s authorizing transport vans to assist those with mental health issues or introducing an effort to get the Santa Clarita Valley more money to help with the statewide homeless crisis. Last year, Barger focused heavily on homelessness, calling for collaboration between government agencies, nonprofits and faith-based groups. Her work has directly benefited the SCV in the form of grant funds for the nonprofit Bridge to Home to transition operations from seasonal shelter to a year-round shelter. Whether it’s dealing with a statewide housing crisis, mental health concerns or a public safety issue, we know our county supervisor has our best interests in mind.

With decades of experience in project management and construction, developer Larry Rasmussen, owner of Spirit Properties, has time and again been responsible for some of the most significant projects in the Santa Clarita Valley, as well as Ventura County. One of his many notable developments in the SCV includes the Centre Pointe Business Park, a 3-million-square-foot, 240-acre development near the middle of the SCV and, most recently, Castaic High School, a state-of-the-art facility that just opened its doors after decades of community effort. This project is providing for not only the future of the district’s students, but likely will also be a resource that will support the entire Castaic community, bringing residents brand new equipment and fields, in addition to dozens of pristine classrooms for students. Castaic High School, which opened its doors for the first time in August, will be a part of the legacy Rasmussen will leave behind in this valley for decades.

FivePoint is set to create thousands of homes in Valencia West, formerly known as Newhall Ranch, which will be part of Valencia for decades to come. This new community comes from years of analysis, planning and outreach with Santa Clarita Valley residents, an effort led at the local level by Don Kimball. As someone who’s played a major part in the two companies that have been the SCV’s biggest developer for more than 30 years, first at Newhall Land & Farming and now at FivePoint, Kimball’s influence can be seen throughout the west side of the SCV. His accounting background has been an important asset for the developer in a competitive marketplace. He’s also part of the community and company tradition of giving back, working as a partner for one of the SCV’s most important organizations, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, which Kimball has served on the board for the last dozen years, in addition to numerous committees and fundraising efforts.

8 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

M I K E V E ST Living the American Dream

This is a book about Steve Kim, who in 15 years from 1985 to 1999 successfully formed two startups and garnered sensation in the U.S. IT industry as Asia’s Bill Gates. It includes the life of a young Korean who started with his bare hands and his experience of trials and errors during the process of founding his startups. Moreover, the book encompasses the management strategies he implemented and the hardships he endured as a businessman until he elicited unprecedented results in Nasdaq.

In 2007,

he closed the chapter of his life in American and left behind his fame and splendor to return to his homeland in Korea. Then through a chance opportunity, he released his book, “Asia’s Bill Gates, Steve Kim’s Dream Hope Future.” After its publication, the book was in the spotlight of the press and the media, leading him to lecture throughout the country for the next 10 years. Then, through his Dream Hope Future Foundation (Korea) and the Steve Kim Foundation (U.S.), he began scholarship and education businesses both home and abroad and has been implementing noblesse oblige through a variety of ways.

In 2016, he took over Sand Canyon Country Club, 35 miles north of Los Angeles, and poured all of his time into the operations of the golf course. Since then, he has beautifully restored the course while also creating an elegant, accommodating events venue. Originally a 36-hole course, he decreased it to 27 holes and began developing the Sand Canyon Resort and Spa where the remaining nine holes were located. He revised his book that had already been published in Korea to include the passion he has recently been pouring into managing the golf course and the process of resort development. Additionally, his vision, philosophy of life, and worry for the next generation will be better understood through the newly revised book. In particular, this book will provide a more concrete understanding for those interested in the Sand Canyon Resort and Spa development. It will be made available at the Sand Canyon Country Club Pro Shop and the e-book can be downloaded free of charge on the Sand Canyon Country Club website. Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 9

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Dr. Dianne Van Hook

Bob Kellar

Steve Sturgeon

“College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook is a leader’s leader in the Santa Clarita Valley, and someone whose lasting power and continual ability to deliver top-notch results for COC makes her work there an invaluable asset for our community.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“It would be hard to find someone who’s worked harder than Bob Kellar on behalf of city of Santa Clarita for things like veterans support, public safety and small businesses, among other issues, over the last 20 years.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Steve Sturgeon has been a longtime supporter of Santa Clarita Valley schools, as well as a successful entrepreneur in our community. His support of the nonprofit community is also part of what makes this community so great.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook has stood for three decades as a leader in our community, through her development of all aspects of the college, including a second campus, which has dramatically increased access for COC students. For evidence of this, look no further than the fact that COC has granted a record number of degrees each year for the last 10 years. This is a truly remarkable accomplishment for a college that has served this community for five decades. College of the Canyons also stays on the cutting edge because Van Hook has been an unflagging force in expanding the number of programs offered at COC. The aptly named Dianne Van Hook University Center at the Valencia campus also dramatically increased the number of four-year degrees accessible to SCV residents. It’s expanded well beyond being an academic environment, too, as it’s an economic driver for the entire region through its involvement in hosting the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp.

One has to look no further than Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar’s five successful elections to the dais to recognize his longterm impact in this community. Kellar, a former Green Beret, served as a Los Angeles Police Department officer for 25 years, which instilled in him an understanding of both groups that he carried to his municipal work in the SCV. A Sand Canyon resident, former Planning Commission member and president of the then-Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce, Kellar also has more than a quarter-century of experience in the local business community. This includes his leadership of an agency, Kellar-Davis, which has approximately three dozen Realtors. A supporter of a number of local nonprofit organizations, Kellar’s community service also extends to involvement in the Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial Committee and the Salvation Army, among numerous other organizations he and his wife, Kathy, support.

Steve Sturgeon, a local small-business owner and entrepreneur, served as board president for the William S. Hart Union High School District while school officials made the final preparations for their state-of-the-art new campus in Castaic. An active member of the business community, Sturgeon has also been a noted philanthropist, earning one of the SCV’s most time-honored recognitions, the SCV Man of the Year Award, in 2013. His support has also extended to the SCV Child & Family Center, the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, Boys & Girls Club and the Betty Ferguson Foundation, to name a few. While he can point to two decades of leadership of the Hart School District overseeing the educational outcomes for tens of thousands of junior high and high school students, Castaic High School is a school campus that’ll be part of his legacy of educational leadership in the SCV for decades to come.

10 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

Congratulations to all of the Top 51 winners who help make this valley the greatest

place to live.

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661.799.3899 Santa Claritaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Influential 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ The Signal 11

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Cameron Smyth

Laurene Weste

Vicki Engbrecht

“Cameron Smyth, a second-generation leader in the Santa Clarita Valley, understands the importance of keeping Santa Clarita one of the best places to raise a family, and he’s demonstrated a dedication to keeping it that way for decades.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Santa Clarita City Councilwoman Laurene Weste has been an advocate for keeping the Santa Clarita Valley’s natural setting as pristine as possible, while also balancing the needs of the business community. Santa Clarita residents are better off for her work on their behalf.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Superintendent Vicki Engbrecht has been a real asset for the William S. Hart Union High School District as school leaders navigated through the challenges of opening a state-ofthe-art high school from scratch in Castaic.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

A regular on this list, Cameron Smyth has been involved in public office for much of his adult life. His father, Clyde Smyth, was a former superintendent of the William S. Hart Union High School District, and imparted countless lessons that Cameron would take with him throughout his ongoing career in politics. Smyth was elected to his most recent term in 2016, his third time being sent to the dais by city of Santa Clarita voters. No stranger to politics, Smyth became the city’s youngest City Council member ever back in 2000, after running a successful Assembly campaign for the late Pete Knight a few years earlier. Smyth won election to the state Assembly, where he served until 2012, earning a reputation for reaching across the aisle and crafting bipartisan legislation that addressed issues for his SCV constituents. Upon leaving the Legislature, he took a job as vice president at Molina Healthcare.

Councilwoman Laurene Weste was first elected to City Council more than 20 years ago. Since then, she’s remained a staunch supporter of the environment, with Santa Clarita’s Open Space Preservation District clear evidence of that. Santa Clarita has three dozen parks and miles of trails thanks in no small part to her work on residents’ behalf, in addition to her work with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. She’s been a part of the fight against Cemex for decades, and just as important, a longtime member of the Sanitation District that’s managed multiple multimillion dollar projects on behalf of SCV water users. A Newhall resident, she’s put countless hours into her community’s revitalization effort for Old Town Newhall, which has made a dramatic difference in a neighborhood that continues to improve. This type of sustainable growth and investment are part of what continue to make Santa Clarita an amazing place to live.

12 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

The William S. Hart Union High School District announced its plan to introduce a new superintendent to succeed Vicki Engbrecht earlier this year, which wraps up a career that has largely been spent in service of Santa Clarita Valley students and classrooms at every level of the K-12 spectrum — from elementary schools to junior high and high school. Engbrecht started her career in teaching in 1976 at Sierra Vista, where she earned Hart District Teacher of the Year and Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year. Her career also included teaching English at Saugus High and, in 1991, she moved into administration when she became dean of students at Canyon High School. She was promoted to assistant principal at Canyon two years later, and was named principal of Canyon High School in 1997. She moved into the district office in 2002, when she became the district’s director of curriculum and assessment. She became superintendent in 2014, and is expected to step down when her current contract expires in 2020.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SIGNAL TOP 51 www.SCVchamber.com | hello@scvchamber.com

Congratulations 2019 Signal Top 51! Thank you for your contributions and dedication in positively shaping the Santa Clarita Valley. WWW.MUSELLAGROUP.COM Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 13

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Hunt Braly

Capt. Robert Lewis

Katie Hill

“Hunt Braly has long been a respected dealmaker in the Santa Clarita Valley, who’s been responsible for helping a number of developments along, as well as being a noted figure in political circles. For decades, he’s also used his influence to support a number of causes.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Faced with one of the most difficult jobs in the Santa Clarita Valley — keeping an entire community safe — Capt. Robert Lewis of the SCV Sheriff’s Station regularly makes sure we live in one of the safest communities in the entire country.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“In a very short time, Congresswoman Katie Hill has made a national name for herself, and able to position herself in several high-profile roles in Congress, which continues to bring national attention to the 25th Congressional District.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Hunt Braly, a partner for the largest law firm in the Santa Clarita Valley, Poole, Shaffery & Koegle, has been involved in numerous projects that shape our business community. As head of the land use and governmental affairs practice group, Braly’s experience ranges everywhere from the members of the dais at Santa Clarita City Hall to those who roam the halls under the rotunda in our nation’s Capitol. Particularly in Council Chambers and with county officials, Braly has been effective in garnering support for Golden Valley Ranch’s commercial and residential development, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Vista Canyon Ranch, among many others. Braly has the client list and experience — whether it’s advocating on behalf of local housing like the Tesoro Del Valle development, a local nonprofit like Bridge to Home or for regional nonprofits like Homes 4 Families.

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Capt. Robert Lewis has been an extremely busy man since taking the helm, in April 2017, of one of our two main local law enforcement agencies. In addition to leading a team of deputies, detectives, sergeants, lieutenants and more in an effort that’s kept crime to record lows for our area, he’s also overseen the construction of another state-of-the-art project expected to serve the SCV’s citizenry in 2020: a brand new sheriff’s station. He frequently meets with members of the community, concerned citizens and anyone who turns out to one of the Coffee with a Cop events, and makes sure deputies have open lines of dialogue with the people they serve. As we head into an era of unprecedented growth for the Santa Clarita Valley, public safety will very much be at the forefront, which is why it’s important to have experienced local leaders like Lewis.

As a freshman member of Congress, Rep. Katie Hill, D-Agua Dulce, has taken her passion for community service to the national level with her election to the 25th District seat in November 2018. In just 10 months in office, Hill quickly raised her profile with a leadership position in a caucus for first-year members. She was also named vice chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, a body that has gained recent attention for its ability to “investigate the subjects within the committee’s legislative jurisdiction, as well as ‘any matter’ within the jurisdiction of the other standing House committees.” Her areas of focus have included veteran advocacy, which is one of the most important areas where there’s significant work to be done. In addition to a number of caucuses, Hill sits on the following committees: the House Armed Service Committee, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

14 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

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C300 C300 of Valencia C300 GLK350 Mercedes-Benz C300 C300 C300 GLK350 CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED

E350 E350

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Plus2015 tax and license. 2014 $1,095 tax and JU249850. this$1,095 offer - MB VIN# WDC0G4JB8JV027643. at offer this, acquisition - VIN#WDDZF4JB3JA339978. this offer -PlusVIN#4JGD MB MB MB ,VIN#acquisition ,<ADDRESS> 2015 MB FNAME>, , MB <ADDRESS> ,offer 9850. thisat2016 offer -2016 WDC0G4JB8JV027643. at 2015 this$1,095 -offer VIN#WDDZF4JB3JA339978. at 2014 thisatacquisition - fee. VIN#4JGDA5JB to receive a $20miles Starbucks STK 56484/VIN FU014836 56604/VIN FU049332miles STK No 56613/VIN FU008707 ed 10,000 No security deposit.STK Based on 10,000 security deposit. Based on 10,000 miles STK No security on 10,00 STK 56658E/VIN FG347296 56668E/VIN FB088352Based ive aon$20 Starbucks Offer expires 11/26/17. Offer expires 11/26/17. Offerdeposit. expires 11/26/17. <CITY> <STATE> <ZIP> Offer expires 11/26/17. Offer expires 11/26/17. Offer expires 11/26/17. STARBUCKS GIFT CARD <CITY> <STATE> <ZIP> nly. Offer expires 11/26/17. 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Offer expires 11/26/17.

$27 988 $27 $27 988 $27 $27 988 $30 $30 998 $35 $35 998 $27 988 988 988 998 998 $27 988

E350 E350

$27 988

E250 E250

$27 988

Premium Pkg, Panorama Roof, Navigation, Rear View Camera, Heated Seats, Keyless Go, 19” Wheels

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$35 998

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SE>, CARD ,988 $37,988 FTGIFT CARD $37,999 $39,998 $66,988 Different$37 Experience <FNAME> <LNAME> <FNAME> <LNAME> <ADDRESS> *BY!* <ADDRESS> UCKS GIFT CARD <FNAME> <LNAME> STK 56607/VIN GB181586

STK 56478/VIN FB095754

STK 56705L/VIN FA590533

STK 56734L/VIN FA476119

STK 56472A/VIN EA119953

MANAGER SPECIALS

$20 Starbucks MING BY!* aeive $20aStarbucks 1999 JAGUAR

2015 MB 2007 Bentley 2007 Bentley 2008 TOYOTA 2014 AUDI2013 JEEP 2008 TOYOTA 2013 JEEP 2015 MB 2008 TOYOTA 2014 AUDI 2008 TOYOTA fer CONTINENTAL xpires 11/26/17. <CITY> <STATE> <ZIP> GRAND CONTINENTAL ip to receive a $20 Starbucks GRAND 2015 MB 2007 Bentley “FLYING SPUR” 2014 AUDICHEROKEE 1999 JAGUAR 2008 TOYOTA 2008 TOYOTA 2013 JEEP CHEROKEE New Ownership, “FLYING SPUR” wonly. Ownership, Offer expires 11/26/17. 43,413 Low Miles Carfax 1 Owner, Immaculate CONTINENTAL AMAZING CONDITION, Must Must See! Must See! 43,413 Low Miles Carfax 1 Owner, Carfax 1 Owner, Recent Carfax Arrival!1 Owner, GRAND Immaculate AMAZING CONDITION, Must Carfax 1 Owner, Carfax 1 Owner, Recent Arrival! Carfax 1 Owner, and inCondition Immaculate Condition Experience PRIUS C A4 Carfax 1 Owner, Condition Condition and in Immaculate see to believe!see to believe! rent Experience ! Different “FLYING SPUR” CHEROKEE New Ownership, 43,413 Low Miles Carfax 1 Owner, Immaculate AMAZING CONDITION, Must Must See! Carfax 1 Owner, Carfax 1 Owner, Recent Arrival! Carfax 1 Owner, Condition and in Immaculate Condition see to believe! Different Experience 1999 JAGUAR expires 11/26/17.

2500 2500

XK8SIENNA SIENNA PRIUS XK8 PRIUS C C A4 A4

2500 XK8 SIENNA $23,998 $32,998 $48,998 $7,998$9,998 $9,998 $13,998 $23,998 $32,998 $48,998 $17,998 $7,998 $13,998 $17,998 $7,998

$9,998

STK 25979B/VIN XC035595

STK 26089A/VIN S105246

$13,998 $17,998 $23,998 $32,998 $48,998

/VIN DC592395 /VIN 78044614 /VIN F5948956 /VIN XC035595 /VIN S105246 /VIN E1567609 STK 25991ASTK /VIN25991A DC592395 STK 26146ASTK /VIN26146A 78044614 /VIN N043304 STK 56650PSTK /VIN56650P F5948956 STK 25979BSTK /VIN25979B XC035595 STK 26089ASTK /VIN26089A S105246 /VIN56689P E1567609 STK 56689PSTK STK 26074ASTK /VIN26074A N043304 STK 56689P/VIN E1567609

STK 26074A/VIN N043304

STK 25991A/VIN DC592395

STK 56650P/VIN F5948956

STK 26146A/VIN 78044614

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661-753-5555 www.MBZvalencia.com www.MBZvalencia.com 661-753-5555 www.MBZvalencia.com 661-753-5555 www.MBZvalencia.com www.MBZvalencia.com www.MBZvalencia.com 23355 23355 Valencia Valencia Blvd., Blvd., Santa Santa Clarita, Clarita, CA CA 91355 91355

23355 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, CA 23355 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, CA Valencia Clarita, CA 91355 91355 2335523355 Valencia Blvd.,Blvd., SantaSanta Clarita, CA 91355 91355

All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, dealer document processing charge, electronic filing charge and any emission testing charge. All advertised pricesofexclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge and any emission testing charge. Offer expires close business, date of publication. LAA5188397-1 Offer expires close of business, date of publication.

LAA5192002-1 All advertised prices government exclude government fees and taxes, any charges, finance charges, dealer document processing charge, electronic filingand charge and any emission testing charge. All advertised prices exclude fees and taxes, any finance dealerany document processing charge, charge, electronic filing charge any emission Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018charge. • testing The Signal 15 All advertised pricesof exclude government fees and taxes, anycharges, finance charges, dealer document processing any electronic filingand charge and anytesting emission charge. All advertised prices exclude government fees taxes, any finance any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge any emission testing charge. Offer expires close business, date and of publication. Offer expires close of business, date of publication. LAA5188397-1 expires close of business, date of publication. Offer LAA5188397-1 Offer expires close of business, date of publication. LAA5192002-1

SANTA C LA

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

19 AL 20 NTI

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

19 AL 20 NTI

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

John Musella

Matt Stone

Don Fleming

“John Musella of Evolve Business Strategies is someone who’s helped build a network of support for Santa Clarita Valley businesses when one almost didn’t exist. He then turned it into something stronger than ever, which is one of the many reasons why he belongs on this list.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“The jury’s out: The merger of the various water districts in the Santa Clarita Valley has been a huge success, thanks to legislative work and water board leadership. A big congratulations for that goes to SCV Water Agency General Manager Matt Stone.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“As a leader for an industry that makes up one of the city’s largest economic drivers, Don Fleming of Valencia Acura has been a longtime supporter of Santa Clarita Valley businesses, using his influence to try and make his community a better place to work and live.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

When John Musella was first tabbed as leader of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, it was an organization in peril. Financial problems abound due to past decisions, and forced the chamber out of its previous space. Enter John Musella, Ivan Volschenk and Evolve Business Strategies. The team is now the representation for the growing chamber, while The Musella Group remains the voice for a number of major corporations that play important roles in the SCV. Under Evolve’s leadership, the SCV Chamber also fosters a next generation of up-and-coming members of the business community with NextSCV, a separate leadership group. The SCV Chamber of Commerce also is extremely active in working with a number of nonprofit organizations that serve those in need, and regularly holds events through its members to support these efforts. Through a huge growth in outreach and awareness, the Chamber is once again on the rise in the SCV.

In managing the water resources for hundreds of thousands of Santa Clarita Valley residents and ratepayers, Matt Stone is faced with decisions that daily impact our lives. The development of a community that could as much as double in size over the next 30 years means that we must have a steward that will make sure we manage our water resources responsibly. Stone joined what was then known as the Castaic Lake Water Agency in 2015, not long before it began the process of merging with the Newhall County Water District. He led the merger of the two agencies into what we now know as the SCV Water Agency, which was created by legislation authored by Sen. Scott Wilk. Whether it’s making sure that these future developments have an adequate supply of water or that we have the facilities, projects and outreach in place, Stone makes sure the SCV Water Agency is always running smoothly.

Don Fleming, who started Valencia Acura with his wife, Cheri Fleming, presides over the SCV Auto Dealers Association, which is one of the area’s largest revenue drivers. As a watchdog for one of the area’s most important retail sectors. The Flemings, who run their “friendship” dealership, got into the car business in 1984, and since coming to the Santa Clarita Valley, they’ve become very involved in the Santa Clarita Valley nonprofit organization scene. Don is involved in the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation, the SCV Child & Family Center, the SCV Chamber of Commerce and the SCV Boys & Girls Club, just to name a few of the many organizations he supports. Like several other influential citizens, the Flemings were recognized for their generosity with each earning the Man and Woman of the Year Award, respectively. They’ve both also earned the Silver Spur, which is given by COC for extraordinary service.

16 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

Congratulations to Santa Clarita’s Most Influential of 2019

from

Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 17

SANTA C LA

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

19 AL 20 NTI

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

19 AL 20 NTI

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

Christy Smith

Cheri Fleming

Sandy Sanchez

“Assemblywoman Christy Smith seems to be learning her way around Sacramento very quickly, as evidenced by some of the work she’s already been able to accomplish on behalf of Santa Clarita Valley residents. We look forward to her building on a successful first year in office.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Cheri Fleming gives constantly of herself to the community’s local nonprofits, which she’s been able to do as a longtime successful business owner of Valencia Acura, along with her husband, Don. Our leaders who care are what makes the Santa Clarita Valley so special.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Sandy Sanchez has been a welcoming community presence for FivePoint, which is planning and developing the future of the west side of the Santa Clarita Valley. Her longtime community involvement is comforting to see in a company so important to our area’s outlook.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Assemblywoman Christy Smith, D-Santa Clarita, has spent her first year in the Assembly with a focus on an area that’s long been a passion for her: education. Prior to voters sending her to the state’s Capitol in November 2018, she was a member of the Newhall School District’s governing board for two terms. She helped, in part, to lead the effort to revitalize what was formerly the Newhall Auditorium into the Newhall Family Theatre, which has become a popular new venue in the community. In addition to a controversial series of bills regarding charter schools, she garnered passage for bills supporting human trafficking and sexual harassment victims, as well as a bill to support opportunities for community college students. Perhaps her most significant impact so far can be found in the $450,000 she helped bring home from the state’s budget, which went directly to supporting the SCV’s Bella Vida senior center.

Cheri and Don Fleming are perennially on this list, not just because they have a successful “Friendship Dealership,” or their leadership role in the Santa Clarita Auto Dealers Association, which looks out for the interests of one of our area’s biggest drivers. The pair have won numerous recognitions for their penchant for giving, most recently earning the Silver Spur Award, College of the Canyons’ highest honor, which it gives to its most significant contributors. Most recently, the two were named honorees of the J.D. Power 2019 Dealer of Excellence Program, which recognizes a select number of vehicle dealerships for exceptional customer service. Cheri Fleming was also recognized by the American International Automobile Dealers Association as a Dealer of the Year. Her work in the community includes serving on the board for the SCV Child & Family Center, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, the American Cancer Society and the Boys & Girls Club. She’s also a past honoree of the SCV Woman of the Year Award.

For the last five years, Sandy Sanchez has held an important role as a voice for FivePoint in the Santa Clarita Valley. The community development director for FivePoint has led the messaging for the future of Valencia’s development, west of Interstate 5. She also develops strategy on outreach and advocacy for FivePoint. Before joining FivePoint, Sanchez was the director of government affairs for the Los Angeles/Ventura chapter of the Business Industry Association, an industry group that supports development in Southern California. Sanchez is experienced in working to create a more business-friendly environment in the region. She’s also considered a leader among her colleagues, as she was named chair-elect for BizFed, the Los Angeles County Business Federation, a business-advocacy group. Sanchez’ involvement also extends to the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp., which she serves as a member of the governing board, and the SCV Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the board of directors.

18 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

SANTA C LA

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

19 AL 20 NTI

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

19 AL 20 NTI

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

Roger Seaver

Bill Miranda

Joe Messina

“One of the Santa Clarita Valley’s most trusted resources is its hospital, and the man charged with the task of keeping it running has managed to add programs, funding and facilities since taking leadership, making the hospital one of the best even better.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Bill Miranda has been a strong advocate for the business community during his term as a City Councilman, re-affirming the decision made by his fellow council members when they made his appointment. Our City Council is a major reason why the Santa Clarita Valley is a great place to live.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“As a member of the William S. Hart Union High School District’s governing board, Joe Messina has been a longtime voice for Santa Clarita Valley high school students, and his dedication to developing opportunities for children has been vital to our community as it continues to grow.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital CEO Roger Seaver has been the guiding force behind the growth of the Santa Clarita Valley’s largest health care provider since the year 2000. From then and until now, the hospital has been transformed, with a number of resources added, including a health center and a patient tower. The latest addition is the patient tower, which adds private patient rooms, a new floor focused on the fight against cancer and dozens of new beds. The patient tower symbolizes hospital’s dedication to the community’s health and safety. In fact, about $1 million of the fundraising effort that helped support the multimilliondollar facility was raised by hospital staff themselves. All of which points to the continued success of Seaver, a respected figure in the greater health care community, who’s also a member of the board of directors at California Healthcare Insurance Co. Inc., a risk-retention group.

As someone who’s been involved in the Santa Clarita Valley’s business community as a small-business owner and someone who’s worked on behalf of industry, through advocacy for the Latino Chamber of Commerce, and now the SCV Chamber of Commerce, Councilman Bill Miranda has been a steady presence for business. Owner and publisher of Our Valley Santa Clarita, Miranda, an East Coast transplant and Air Force veteran, can claim corporate experience in multiple Fortune 500 companies, as well as a master’s degree in management systems — which is all part of the package he brings to the dais for Santa Clarita. A 35-plus-year resident of Santa Clarita, Miranda fulfilled his appointment in 2017 and then elected to a full term in 2018. Whether through his work on behalf of veterans with his support for the Veterans Historical Plaza or businesses through his work with the Latino Business Alliance to support the community.

A longtime board member for the William S. Hart Union High School District, Joe Messina has consistently advocated for career technical education. He understands the importance of providing a solid education, as well as career paths, for our junior high and high school students. Creating alternatives, as well as more roads for students to explore, have been defining characteristics of his time as part of the school board. And as a small-business owner and entrepreneur, Messina uses his real-world experience to encourage students to take any path possible to pursue their dreams. He worked for years to help make Castaic High School a reality for the Hart District, which happened earlier this year after literally decades of planning. He remains committed to making sure our students have the best tools available to learn. His honest approach as a board member has never left students without a voice on behalf of their career paths.

19 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

SANTA C LA

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

19 AL 20 NTI

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

19 AL 20 NTI

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

Holly Schroeder

Jason Crawford

Wayne Crawford

“When you have so many interests at play when it comes to industry and commerce in the Santa Clarita Valley, it’s important to have a unifying force keeping an eye on the big picture, and the SCV is lucky to have SCV Economic Development Corp. CEO Holly Schroeder in that role.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“While the Santa Clarita Valley has a host of people and interests who are looking out for businesses, it’s the job of Jason Crawford to make sure Santa Clarita is a place where people want to live and work. Crawford does an excellent job on behalf of the city.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Wayne Crawford is a model citizen for the city of Santa Clarita, the way he has been extremely successful with his business in the private sector and then making a significant effort to use that success to support a countless number of nonprofits up here.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp. plays an extremely important role in the SCV’s economy, and Holly Schroeder has been its unquestioned leader since 2013. As an agency that’s primary goal is to help attract and grow jobs in the area, it’s been incredibly successful — one only has to look at how frequently Santa Clarita lands on the list of top places to do business for as evidence of that. Schroeder manages to support businesses thanks to her own experience in the business world. The SCVEDC has helped the area attract major corporations like Sunkist, and helped companies like MechanixWear grow. The SCVEDC is also a strong resource for Santa Clarita Valley small and large businesses that have a longtime presence here. The organization recently launched a jobs board to help local companies find local workers, and vice versa.

Jason Crawford, economic development director for the city of Santa Clarita, may have taken a nontraditional path to the top of the SCV’s business community, starting with the degree at CalArts, but he’s there, nonetheless. Overseeing everything from the city’s Film Office, which brings in millions of dollars in revenue each year, to the city’s efforts to attract more industry, Crawford has a myriad of responsibilities. Crawford is an important part of the city’s effort to execute the Santa Clarita 2020 plan, which is bringing a number of state-of-the-art facilities to the city. A member of the city’s staff since 2001, Crawford has grown into a number of roles. Crawford also now serves as chair of the California Association for Local Economic Development, ensuring Santa Clarita keeps perspective and representation for regional and statewide issues.

Wayne Crawford and his company Santa Clarita Concrete, are integral to the modern foundation of the SCV, quite literally. His company has been a part of tens of millions of dollars worth of projects. The foundations of Canyon High and West Ranch High schools were two of the many campuses that were built upon thanks to Santa Clarita Concrete. His charity and support have helped numerous local nonprofits and resources, such as the Boys & Girls Club, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Carousel Ranch, which provides equine therapy for children with special needs at its facility in Sand Canyon. Carousel Ranch, in fact, has a riding area dedicated to the Crawfords, who’ve given support in a variety of ways throughout the years. Crawford also made a significant contribution in the effort to construct the University Center several years back, which was part of why he was given COC’s highly regarded Silver Spur Award.

20 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

CONGRATULATIONS

Brian Koegle Congratulates Santa Clarita’s Top

And to all of the Top 51 honorees on this year's list of Most Influential People.

Thank you for your SERVICE. You make the COMMUNITY a better place to live and work. You bring VALUE to the lives you touch.

Poole & Shaffery, LLP is adding a third partner to their name. For the first time since the Santa Clarita-based firm was founded in 1998, a third partner’s name is becoming part of the official name of the firm as Poole & Shaffery becomes…

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SERVICE. COMMUNITY. VALUE. yourSCVwater.com Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 21

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Robert Newman

Joe Caso

Mike Kuhlman

“Santa Clarita’s plan for 2020 has been one of the most ambitious around, and the city of Santa Clarita’s Director of Public Works Robert Newman is the man the city is looking to lead the way and make sure all of the city’s state-ofthe-art facilities goals are accomplished.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Joe Caso of Frontier Toyota is one of the business owners out here who frequently gives generously to support community activities in the Santa Clarita Valley without ever having to be asked, whether it’s little league athletics or local high school sports teams.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“William S. Hart Union High School District Superintendent Vicki Engbrecht is passing the torch to another former Canyon High School principal, and the district is lucky to have Mike Kuhlman’s experience to continue to lead one of the best districts in the state.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Santa Clarita Public Works Director Robert Newman has a fairly substantial burden on his shoulders: leading the city’s facilities efforts during its Santa Clarita 2020 campaign. It’s not uncommon for a city to announce grand plans to renovate a project or add a new station, and to make a big deal about it. But, it also requires a countless amount of hours of work and coordination to accomplish such a task. Robert Newman knows this feeling many times over. Newman’s excellent work as a leader of projects has brought the residents of Santa Clarita a number of state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Old Town Newhall Library. His work on several more projects include a brandnew community center, a library in Saugus, a bridge widening, assistance for a new senior center and a tennis center. In addition, Newman has done an excellent job in maintaining and upgrading what we already have.

While Joe Caso has a great deal of success selling cars and trucks in the Santa Clarita Valley, he’s also been a loud voice for safety behind the wheel, evidence of which can be seen with the dealership’s annual Frontier Toyota/Henry Mayo “Drive Safe” Golf Classic, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. The event is a benefit for our local hospital’s emergency room services and programs. And, there’s never been a time that equals the hospital’s ability to show more for its community contributions than with the recently opened patient tower. The community investment of the Caso family can be seen during the White Ribbon program each year, in which volunteers throughout the SCV hand out ribbons to honor and remember the lives of young people who’ve been killed in car crashes. His concern and passion for the future generations in the area where he lives, sets an example for the community.

Mike Kuhlman has been a consistent force who’s worked on behalf of Santa Clarita Valley students at the junior high and high school level for more than 20 years. Kuhlman’s career with the Hart School District began in 1997 when he was hired to teach social studies at Saugus High School. His role included being a mentor-teacher and Advanced Placement teacher. In 2001, Kuhlman was asked to become assistant principal of Canyon High School, where he served until 2006. In 2004, he was named interim principal at Rancho Pico Junior High School. In 2012, Kulhman was named the principal of Canyon High School, and held that position until December 2014 when he was offered the district role as the new assistant superintendent of educational services. Next year, Kuhlman is set to take the helm of the largest school district in the Santa Clarita Valley in terms of size and enrollment, keeping the district in experienced hands.

22 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

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IT'S NO WONDER THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY IS STILL GOLDEN Congratulations to The Signal's Top 51, especially valued members of the Board of Directors of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation

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ValenciaAcura.com | 661.255.3000 Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 23

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Marlee Lauffer

Bill Cooper

Michael Berger

“Marlee Lauffer’s body of work in communications and outreach with Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, and the high esteem the community has for that organization, demonstrates the skill and dedication she brings to the Santa Clarita Valley.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Despite years of drought that are inevitable in the desert areas of California, the Santa Clarita Valley has always been able to rely on safe, clean water, thanks to years of dedication from its leaders like Bill Cooper.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Michael Berger, a College of the Canyons governing board member and senior vice president at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, provides experience and expertise that benefits the Santa Clarita Valley business and nonprofit communities in a number of ways.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Marlee Lauffer is a well-known member of the Santa Clarita Valley’s leadership echelon, with more than two decades of experience in voicing the perspective for two of the business community’s largest organizations: the Newhall Land & Farming Co., the SCV’s largest developer, now known as FivePoint; and her current role, as vice president of marketing and communications for Henry Mayo. In addition to serving as president of the hospital’s Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation through her work as its public relations leader, she also serves on the board for the Bank of Santa Clarita, where she’s a founding director. Lauffer has also held a variety of leadership roles for SCV-based nonprofit organizations, including the Zonta Club of the Santa Clarita Valley. One of the noted consistencies in both organizations she’s been involved in has been corporate generosity and involvement in supporting nonprofit agencies. One of her most recent and significant successes has been the large fundraising effort she led on behalf of the not-for-profit hospital, which just opened a new patient tower.

Bill Cooper, who served as the first president of the new SCV Water Agency, has been a steward of this valley’s water for years prior when he was a member of the board of directors for the previously named Castaic Lake Water Agency. While his water experience extends well beyond the Santa Clarita Valley, having been a manager of water resources for millions of water users through his previous job with the Metropolitan Water District, Copper is heavily involved in his local community. College of the Canyons and the Santa Clarita Valley Child & Family Center are just two of the many local organizations he supports with his time and resources. Whether it’s explaining how and why we have enough water to support the future of SCV’s development, or helping to lead the way with decisions, residents are fortunate to have Bill Cooper advocating on their behalf.

Michael Berger, a recipient of COC’s prestigious Silver Spur award, has been a contributor to education and nonprofits long before his first election to his Santa Clarita Community College District board seat in 2009. He served a dozen years as a member of the Planning Commission for the city of Santa Clarita. In addition to the Michael Hoefflin Foundation and the Santa Clarita Valley Child & Family Center, Berger’s support for the community has also earned him a Santa Clarita Valley Man of the Year Award. This award is determined by past winners, who are recognized for work with various nonprofit organizations. His generosity includes years of support for groups that help children with special needs, and the Barlow Hospital in Los Angeles. In addition, he’s involved with the SCV Rotary Club and the SCV Chamber of Commerce. A 30-year resident of the SCV, Berger is committed to giving back to where he and his family live.

24 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

The City of Santa Clarita is proud to congratulate those named to the Signalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top 51 and would like to thank you for all the work you do in our community!

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Steve Kim

Rick Patterson

Dale Donahoe

“Steve Kim might be considered a relative newcomer to the Santa Clarita Valley, but he has already created a vision for the east side, and his recently purchased Sand Canyon Country Club, that could bring dramatic changes to the community.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Rick Patterson has long been a supporter of Santa Clarita Valley schools and a respected member of the area’s legal community. His efforts to give back over the years have had a tremendously positive influence on the Santa Clarita Valley.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner A founding partner of Owen Patterson & Owen, a personal injury law firm, Rick Patterson has garnered millions in settlements for victims, but also volunteered and given generously on behalf of Santa Clarita Valley students. Patterson has also been a major supporter for the Santa Clarita Committee on Aging, which operates the SCV’s Senior Center, helping with programs like home-delivered meals program that provides seniors with food. Perhaps Patterson’s largest support came to the SCV through his fundraising efforts on behalf of schools. Patterson, a panel attorney for the California Association of Realtors and SCV Bar Association honoree, Patterson is not only a leader in his field, but also someone who’s helped lobby on behalf of SCV residents in Sacramento. One of Patterson’s lasting feats was his work on the passage of Assembly Bill 534, which made “surrogate stalking,” or publishing photos, descriptions and locations of children with malintent, a misdemeanor.

“As a leader for one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s major developers and, in the business community at large, Dale Donohoe of Intertex has contributed to the development of the SCV in a number of ways, and remains one of its most influential citizens.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

When Steve Kim purchased Robinson Ranch Country Club, he had plans for big changes in mind — and the name was only the beginning. Kim set about to upgrade the course for Sand Canyon Country Club immediately, revitalizing a course that had been hurt by drought and the Sand Fire. An entrepreneur, Kim came to the country in 1976 and worked stocking shelves to support himself in college. After obtaining his electrical engineering degree, he built up a pair of successful companies, the second sold for a reported $2 billion in 1999. His next project, which is currently slated for future deliberation with the Santa Clarita City Council, would bring a five-star resort to the SCV, looking to make the area a worldclass destination for tourists, with what Kim refers to as the “wow” factor. In addition to owning the country club, Kim has also been a significant supporter of numerous nonprofit organizations in the SCV, including the Salvation Army. 26 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

Dale Donahoe of Intertex took experience gleaned from the Santa Clarita Valley’s original developer, Newhall Land & Farming, into a leadership role in the company for which he currently works. A lifelong Santa Clarita Valley resident, Donohoe went to elementary school, high school and College of the Canyons before assuming his current role as president of Intertex General Contractors, the SCV’s largest construction company. Intertex has grown steadily since 1982, and Donohoe’s role as a community leader has grown over the years, as well. Intertex has built properties throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, including Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s Fitness and Health Center, Hasley Crossroads and Real Life Church. Donohoe also supports a number of local community resources, including for Henry Mayo, the Boys & Girls Club, the SCV Child & Family Center and the American Heart Association. Donohoe is also on the board of directors for the SCV Economic Development Corp.

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Todd Stevens

John Shaffery

Marsha McLean

“California Resources Corp. CEO Todd Stevens leads one of the largest independent oil and natural gas producers in California, which acts as an important economic driver for our region, as well as helping to keep our engines running every day.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“For more than 20 years, the firm of Poole & Shaffery, and now Poole, Shaffery & Koegle, has been a leading business law firm in the Santa Clarita Valley, and John Shaffery is one of the biggest reasons for that, as a founding partner of the firm.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Marsha McLean has been a voice for the city of Santa Clarita’s residents for decades, and as the mayor, has worked on behalf of the transportation, environmental and the public safety needs of the area.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Todd A. Stevens is president and CEO, as well as being a member of the board of directors for California Resources Corp., California’s largest independent oil and natural gas producer. The CRC, which has offices in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, is an important company in an industry that plays a role in countless ways for our economy. “CRC explores for, produces, gathers, processes and markets crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids,” according to the company’s website. “CRC has a large portfolio of lower-risk conventional opportunities in each of California’s four major oil and gas basins: San Joaquin, Los Angeles, Ventura and Sacramento.” In addition to leading CRC, Stevens is also involved in the SCV Economic Development Corp. as a member of its board of directors. Stevens’ involvement in the SCV also extends to several local agencies and organizations, as he serves as a director on the boards for the Boys & Girls Club of SCV, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, to name a few.

John Shaffery of Poole, Shaffery & Koegle, the SCV’s largest law firm, not only represents a number of important litigants and business clients in Santa Clarita, but also has a tremendous amount of influence community-wide through his firm’s outreach and support. Whether it’s discussing the impacts for small-business owners on new minimum-wage laws or the rules on who’s an independent contractor, Shaffery’s team also provides a wealth of information and important consultation on a number of matters. Beyond the legal community, as a leader of the SCV’s largest law firm, Shaffery is also involved with two of the area’s leading business-advocacy organizations, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce and the SCV Economic Development Corp., the latter of which he was founding principal and current executive board. His noted expertise in business law has granted him opportunities to share the importance of understanding the law, and consulting counsel when appropriate, with audiences outside of the Santa Clarita Valley.

Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean was first elected to City Council 17 years ago, and is currently enjoying the final quarter of her fourth term as mayor. She’s made a priority of protecting the SCV’s landscape throughout her career in public office. After starting her involvement with the fight to preserve Elsmere Canyon, McLean also realized early on during her time in office the growing needs for more public transportation in Santa Clarita. She’s committed herself to being an advocate for the transportation needs of our region, regularly pushing for more access for Santa Clarita Valley residents, whether that’s through trains, public transportation or better care for our roads. She’s also been a supporter of small businesses, which are vital to the success of the local economy, the needs of which she understands as the owner of a family business. And, the voters have endorsed her advocacy by sending her back to the council to represent them multiple times. Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal • 27

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Linda Storli-Koontz

Carrie Lujan

Michele Jenkins

“Linda Storli-Koontz’ involvement in the Santa Clarita Valley, whether it’s through her work for years on community events like the Fourth of July Parade, in the classroom at Canyon High or more recently for the whole Hart District, has been a real asset for this community.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“For the more than 30 years of its existence, the city of Santa Clarita has held a reputation for being one of the cleanest, safest communities in the state, if not the country, and city Spokeswoman Carrie Lujan has played an excellent job of upholding that legacy.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“College of the Canyons has been lucky to have Michele Jenkins’ advocacy on its side for the last several decades. Her long-term commitment to the development of the college campuses and curriculum for COC are part of why it’s such an excellent, award-winning community resource.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

After more than 25 years of teaching at Canyon High School, the teacher and Realtor decided to continue her involvement in education on a slightly larger scale: She retired from the front of the classroom for a spot on the dais, where she’s served as a board member since 2015. Storli has not only advocated on behalf of Santa Clarita Valley students for years, but she’s also served with the city of Santa Clarita as a member of the city’s Parks Commission. Storli-Koontz also began selling real estate in the 1990s with her husband, Dennis Koontz, and continues today as a part of the Keller Williams real estate group. After devoting decades to public education in the classroom, Linda Storli-Koontz earned the trust of voters in 2016, when they sent her to the dais to represent the William S. Hart Union High School District on a much larger scale.

Despite having one of the most visible and important roles in the city of Santa Clarita’s government, Communications Manager Carrie Lujan clearly has fun, as well. This comes through in how the city can land at or near the tops of rankings for all the desirable traits that families look for in cities — and also find time to lead her staff with outreach like the city’s public safety partnership with the Sheriff’s Station, or Sammy Clarita, a mini-mascot created for fun and games. Lujan came to the city in 2017, after working in various public-relations positions for the city of Santa Monica since 2013. From coordinating the messaging during an emergency to leading the outreach to make sure that residents are as prepared as possible for when disaster strikes, Carrie Lujan’s experience in media, which extends to outlets throughout the state, has provided the city a steady and practiced voice.

As an alumni, an advocate and a business owner in the Santa Clarita Valley, Michele Jenkins has grown up with the Santa Clarita Valley, developing as a leader as the SCV has continued to add new people and attractions. Her work on behalf of students has influence that extends beyond the SCV, as Jenkins has also been active at the state level, providing leadership for trustees statewide. A longtime member of the California Community College Trustees board of directors, and former CCCT president, and president of the Community College League of California, Jenkins has been able to influence dialogue on education at the statewide level. Alongside her husband, Dr. Greg Jenkins, the pair started The Doctor’s Office on Lyons Avenue, and continue to run the successful practice as a small-family business, which provides a health care option for SCV residents seven days a week, in addition to her work in education.

28 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

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AMS Salutes the Santa Clarita Valley for being a Community of Collaboration

to the Top 51 Most Influential People

Thank you for all you do to help make our community great.

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Tom Cole

Joan MacGregor

Kevin MacDonald

“Tom Cole’s influence in the city of Santa Clarita can be seen in how he leads the city department responsible for how it plans, develops and zones property. His excellent management there is a reason why the city remains a nationally recognized place to live.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“College of the Canyons remains one of the best community colleges in the country, an institution that always delivers a quality education, as well as career opportunities, and the tenure of longtime governing board members like Joan MacGregor is a big reason for that consistency.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Kevin MacDonald is someone who keeps the largest resource for Santa Clarita Valley seniors running smoothly, Bella Vida, and someone who makes sure that thousands of seniors have a meal to eat and a safe place for them to gather as a community.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Joan MacGregor recently passed a quarter-century milestone with respect to her leadership as a member of COC’s governing board for the Santa Clarita Community College District. Voters have again and again recognized her role and contributions to the college. MacGregor’s expertise comes from work in a number of different districts, and also probably plays a role in the college’s ability to partner with so many different local agencies so successfully. One of her lasting accomplishments, for example, was her efforts on behalf of the Sulphur Springs Union School District, an elementary school district on the east side of the Santa Clarita Valley, where she helped build support for a $72 million bond measure. It doesn’t take a long walk around COC’s campus to see how her more recent efforts have paid off for the college in that respect, with the college recently seeing community support for the $230 million Measure E bond.

Bella Vida senior center Executive Director Kevin MacDonald came to the SCV several years ago while the area was undergoing a major multimillion-dollar campaign to build a state-of-the-art facility for seniors. Despite the daunting job in front of him, MacDonald sought and accepted the job and, in the process, and has been able to transform what seniors have been able to experience at our local center, which is now also much more conveniently located in addition to other amenities. MacDonald has spent most of his professional career in the service of others with needs, an experience and passion he brings to the Santa Clarita Valley every day. In just a few short years, his leadership has led to an expansion of resources that has nearly doubled the number of staffers the center has. Despite coordinating assistance from the city of Santa Clarita, the county of Los Angeles and generous donors , MacDonald’s work to support the senior center isn’t done.

The Community Development Department consists of three divisions: Planning, Community Preservation, and Economic Development, and Tom Cole oversees all of it. In addition to years of working with two other important organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley, Newhall Land and then the Williams S. Hart Union High School District, Cole has served in a number of leadership positions in companies that operate in the region. In addition to serving as chief operations officer for the Hart District, he’s held several corporate leadership roles, including business development/project management with Wimsatt Contracting Company; vice president/director of construction at Highland Development Company; director of development at LNR Property; and senior project manager with Newhall Land and Farming. A longtime resident of the area, Cole lives in the city with his family and gives back through is work with the SCV’s Rotary Club and the YMCA, in which he has leadership positions. 30 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

VALLEY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION ADVOCATE.EDUCATE.INNOVATE.

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Cary Quashen

Stephanie English

Ivan Volschenk

“With the nation in the throes of a heroin epidemic, in addition to all the other substance abuse issues every community in the country face, the Santa Clarita Valley is lucky to have Cary Quashen and Action on residents’ side in the battle against addiction.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office does an amazing job representing hundreds of thousands of county residents, and she does it with an amazing team of people like Stephanie English, who really understand the Santa Clarita Valley and are able to meet the needs of our neighbors.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Ivan Volschenk has quickly become a vital part of our business community through the network he’s played an integral role in rebuilding at the SCV Chamber of Commerce. His work on behalf of local industry has helped the area maintain its business-friendly reputation.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

In addition to being one of the SCV’s longtime leaders in the fight against addiction, Cary Quashen also plays a vital role in the SCV’s only community hospital. As leader of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s Behavioral Health Unit, Quashen daily faces some of the area’s most challenging and tragic situations in a never-ending battle. Quashen’s numerous appearances in the media, in addition to taking part in an award-winning documentary about addiction, repeatedly show his dedication and support of the advocacy he undertakes to fight addiction. His work covers all ages and supports the SCV, and his work with the hospital and local schools also helps keep families together. Quashen undertakes these efforts in addition to being a successful small-business owner in the Santa Clarita, with Action Family Counseling providing a number of services that address the problems families face. 32 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

Stephanie English’s experience working for the constituents of Los Angeles County’s 5th District dates back to her work with the Los Angeles Country Fire Department, when she was the voice for first responders in the midst of some of our most challenging of times. That expertise is shared with SCV residents, through her work in public safety and fire prevention, and outreach through media communications. She’s earned numerous recognitions for her work during incidents like the Station Fire, which burned more than 160,000 acres. In addition to being a calming presence for residents during some of the SCV’s most dangerous brush fires, working with media outlets like The Signal to make sure residents are aware of county resources available, she’s now working with Los Angeles County officials on an even bigger scale. English has also made valuable contributions to the American Heart Association through her efforts to raise awareness about proper CPR techniques.

Ivan Volschenk, principle for Evolve Business Strategies, has taken the efforts to restore the SCV Chamber of Commerce and led it to a status that now has it ranked among the top chambers for the region. The organization has grown by leaps and bounds since Evolve took over operations, building on the work done by The Musella Group. The SCV Chamber of Commerce represents more than 65,000 member employees, claiming on behalf of members to be the “Voice of business” for the Santa Clarita Valley. Under Volschenk’s leadership, the SCV Chamber and its 1,100 member businesses have created countless partnerships that provide benefits for the community, such as NextSCV, which is fostering a new generation of business leadership. Networking, advocacy, promotion and education are just a few of the many services the chamber helps provide through its targeted “value-driven” programming efforts. New outreach like the Small Business Council looks to make a difference in how businesses network.

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Princess congratulates all those recognized as Santa Clarita Valley’s influential leaders of 2019

Single Family Residence 4beds 4baths Sq. ft.: 3,608 lot size: 42,561 sqft Garage: 3/ attached Built in 2012

ABOUT THIS PROPERTY Here is your chance to live in this beautiful turnkey home in a gated community. This single story pool home is in the Preserve in Sand Canyon. You will be immediately impressed with the well maintained yard and walkways leading to the front door. Inside you will find a very open floor plan featuring travertine flooring large fireplace, and custom leaded windows. The chefs delight kitchen has granite counter tops, SS Appliances, double ovens, a large island and breakfast bar, walk-in pantry and so much more. The large dining room is perfect for entertaining. Going into the master bedroom you will find walk-in closets and opens to a beautiful master bath with large sunken tub with leaded glass windows and many amenities. All bedrooms are tastefully decorated. The oversize laundry is complete with sink, cabinets, and folding area. Perhaps the most

Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 33

SANTA C LA

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

19 AL 20 NTI

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

19 AL 20 NTI

OST I A'S M NFLUE RIT

Brian Koegle

Brian O’Connor

Kathie Martin

“Brian Koegle’s legal expertise and community leadership skills have made him a huge asset to not only the Santa Clarita Valley’s largest law firm, but also to our nonprofit organizations, colleges and community resources where he’s constantly there to help.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“The city of Santa Clarita relies on responsible corporate partners like Princess Cruises, and Vice President Brian O’ Connnor is a big reason why one of the world’s most successful cruise lines has such a great relationship with the community that surrounds its headquarters.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency PIO Kathie Martin is the voice for one of our most important resources and, just like the agency she works for, she provides top-notch service for SCV residents, to ensure water-users have the information they need.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

A longtime presence at Poole Shaffery & Koegle, the firm recently added Brian Koegle’s name to the door because he’s part of a tradition and legacy the firm has established, and plans to continue for the foreseeable future. Poole Shaffery & Koegle not only play roles in the most high-profile cases involving the Santa Clarita Valley’s business community, but it also usually has a hand in its most significant transactions. But the influence of Koegle and the firm go far beyond the board room or the courtroom: Koegle frequently leads talks and instruction that demonstrate his mastery of complicated legal nuances for the business community, which help ensure owners understand the laws in a constantly changing regulatory environment. Koegle has also used his influence and connections to support College of the Canyons, where he’s a member of its Hall of Fame, in a recent bond measure that will provide significant upgrades for the college’s two campuses, in Valencia and Canyon Country. 34 • Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2019 • The Signal

Brian O’ Connnor is a Princess Cruises executive who leads the cruise liner’s public relations and marketing efforts as the vice president of brand and corporate communications. O’ Connor is not only a leader in the Santa Clarita Valley business community, he’s a leader in his highly competitive field. Prior to joining Cunard in 2006, O’Connor was director of public relations at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, where he was accountable for publicity and media relations for more than 125 events. For Princess Cruises, he leads a brand that’s one of the best-known names in cruising, taking more than 1 million passengers each year to more than 300 worldwide destinations on six continents. O’Connor joined the company as director, public relations for Cunard Line, and has also served as a past president and five-term member of the board for the Los Angeles chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Kathie Martin provides a variety of functions for the SCV Water Agency, which is really only a few years old. Martin came to the agency when it was known as the Castaic Lake Water Agency in December 2017. Leading the outreach effort for a brand-new entity, as the water agency represented a merger of the CLWA, the Newhall Water District and the Valencia Water District. This herculean effort required consolidating services, and incredible amount of messaging and countless hours of working with the public. Martin also holds a leadership position with the California Public Information Officials, a professional group for spokespersons. She comes to the Santa Clarita Valley from Apple Valley, where she earned multiple awards and was considered the voice of its town hall for 20 years. She’s used that experience to quickly become a trusted voice in the SCV, whether that means informing residents about water-conservation classes, or letting them know about programs for ratepayers and new projects.

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