The Signal's Most Influential Top 51 2018

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SANTA C LA

AL 20 NTI

S T O I M N F S L ' U A T E IR

14th Annual Issue Special Section to The Signal — October 2018

CONGRATULATIONS

To All of the Top 51 Nominees on This Awesome Achievement

Valencia.com

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ValenciaAcura.com | 661.255.3000 Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 3

S T O INFLU M S ' E ITA

No. 1

18

SANTA C LA

Dianne Van Hook PAGE 6

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R

PAGE 5

No. 2

Ken Striplin

No. 3

Bob Kellar PAGE 8

PAGE 24

No. 5

Scott Wilk

No. 32 Bill Cooper

No. 6

Don Kimball

No. 33 Michael Berger

PAGE 10 No. 7

Kathryn Barger

No. 8

Laurene Weste

No. 9

Mike Murphy

PAGE 26 No. 34 Michele Jenkins No. 35 Michael Berger No. 36 Joe Messina PAGE 27

No. 11 Matt Stone

No. 37 Calvin Hedman

No. 12 Cameron Smyth

No. 38 Tim Burkhart

No. 13 Marsha McLean No. 14 Dale Donohue No. 15 Jim Backer PAGE 16

4 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

No. 30 Joe Caso No. 31 Marlee Lauffer

PAGE 14

Richard Budman Publisher, The Signal

No. 29 Robert Lewis

Steve Knight

No. 10 Dante Acosta

Welcome to The Signal’s list of the “51 Most Influential” people in the Santa Clarita Valley for 2018.

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.

I would also like to offer a special thank you to our SCV media partners and colleagues whose influence in helping to inform and entertain is also appreciated. Thank you to Leon Worden of SCVTV, Carl and Jeri Goldman of KHTS, Jeanna and Kyle Crawford and Teresa Edwards of InSide SCV magazine, Moe and Linda Hafizi of The Magazine of Santa Clarita, and Doug and Jeannie Sutton of the Santa Clarita Gazette.

To our honorees, in honor of you and all you do to make Santa Clarita a great place to live, we are having a “Thank You” celebration. Please save the date of 11:30 a.m. Nov. 14 at Salt Creek Grille. We will be sending you an invitation shortly.

Congratulations again and we look forward to seeing you.

No. 28 Tom Cole

No. 4

PAGE 12

From the Publisher

PAGE 22

No. 16 Don Fleming No. 17 Hunt Braly No. 18 Steve Sturgeon PAGE 17 No. 19 Cheri Fleming No. 20 Christy Smith No. 21 Roger Seaver PAGE 18 No. 22 Bill Miranda No. 23 Wayne Crawford No. 24 Todd Stevens PAGE 20 No. 25 Holly Schroeder No. 26 John Musella No. 27

John Shaffery

No. 39 Rick Patterson PAGE 28 No. 40 Joan MacGregor No. 41 Linda Storli-Koontz No. 42 Katie Hill PAGE 30 No. 43 Bob Jensen No. 44 Vicki Engbrecht No. 45 Carrie Lujan PAGE 32 No. 46 Cary Quashen No. 47 Lynne Plambeck No. 48 Teresa Todd PAGE 49 No. 49 Jill Mellady No. 50 Cherise Moore No. 51 Maria Gutzeit

1

Dianne Van Hook “Those in the know in the Santa Clarita Valley understand how College of the Canyons and the community as a whole benefit from the experience and leadership of Chancellor Dianne G. Van Hook. Her skills in creating community partnerships, among many other areas, have resulted in countless benefits to the college’s students and the SCV as a whole.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher While COC Chancellor Dianne G. Van Hook has been an influential force in the education community, what makes her deserved of such place on this list is the way she’s transformed one Valencia campus off of Rockwell Canyon Road into what it is now a two-campus college with a presence that impacts just about every corner of the SCV. After recently celebrating her 30th year at COC, Van Hook’s tenure is as impressive as the many accomplishments her work has led the college to achieve.

Under her leadership, the college has grown in size and reputation throughout not just the SCV, but throughout the state of California, as it welcomes new students, programs and grants to its operations annually.

When Van Hook moved to COC, she knew she wanted to work with the community to create business partnerships and develop entrepreneurial endeavors with the local population.

Part of that effort is coordinated via SCV Economic Development Corp., which is housed at the Valencia campus inside the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center — a place that has expanded local students’ access to four-year degree paths, as well as many other options.

These partnerships also have allowed for the development of programs like Academy of the Canyons with the William S. Hart Union High School District.

And like any true leader, Van Hook selflessly credits her success, and the success

of COC, to the college’s dedicated staff, the community’s support and her personal love of her work.

Since Van Hook joined COC in 1988, the school hired 279 additional full-time faculty and staff, added 57 certificate training programs and 58 degree programs, welcomed 15,491 additional students to its campus, established the Canyon Country campus and expanded its budget by $231.1 million.

The college continues each year to celebrate growth in the size and diversity of its graduating classes, a testament to Van Hook’s efforts to continually shape the resources of the college around the needs of a growing community.

COC’s leader has for years demonstrated a commitment to expanding what the college can do for the people of the SCV, to the point where it’s impossible to imagine what the college would look like today without her guidance.

Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 5

2

3 Ken Striplin

“One of the biggest reasons why Santa Clarita has the reputation it does as such a great place to live, work and raise a family, is its manager, Ken Striplin.

While the city is constantly dealing with the challenges that come with so much growth, he’s consistently made sure the city is equipped to help its residents deal with their concerns.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Since 2012, there’s been a steady hand at the helm of Santa Clarita City Hall, and while the makeup of council and a few key staff members have changed since then, City Manager Ken Striplin has continued to keep up Santa Clarita’s reputation as one of the safest cities in America.

That’s in large part because Striplin leads the city with experience that comes from having worked with every department during his more than 23 years with the city’s government.

The city website notes Striplin has served as department head and division manager in several areas throughout his career and how he’s worked with the council to support the city’s efforts to fight the proposed CEMEX mine; the years-long cleanup that’s approaching an end for the Whittaker-Bermite property near the center of the city; and the city’s innovation in the areas of economic development, such as the city’s Film Office, which reports more filming days and revenue for the city each year.

Bob Kellar “When you discuss the people who have the ability to make things happen in the Santa Clarita Valley, let me tell you something, folks: Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar needs to be near the top of that list. Whether it’s weighing in on a public safety issue or working with SCV residents to support the community, the city knows it can count on Kellar to work on its behalf.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Bob Kellar has been a leader from the dais since 2000 in City Hall, and before that, he was involved in community works through the Chamber of Commerce.

Kellar served in the Army from 1965 to 1967, becoming a Green Beret. After Kellar finished his service, he began his next career, a 25-

year mission with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he no doubt cultivated the law-abiding, pragmatic approach to governance and public policy that have become trademarks of his time on the Santa Clarita City Council.

Kellar served as president of the Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce from 1993 through its incorporation with the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce in 1995. He was instrumental in reshaping the SCV Chamber of Commerce to include Canyon Country .

In the past, Kellar has served on the Santa Clarita Division of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, the SCV Veteran’s Memorial Committee and the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Foundation board.

Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 6

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4

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6

Steve Knight

Scott Wilk

Don Kimball

“Rep. Steve Knight is perhaps the most examined and scrutinized member of our Top 51 list, and we believe he has solidified his position on the list through a life of public service and his efforts to address issues that matter to our community.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Rep. Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, served in the Army and has made a career out of service for most of his life, joining the Army Reserves after leaving active service, then joining the Los Angeles Police Department, where he was an officer for 18 years.

Knight then began a career as a public official, gaining a seat on the Palmdale City Council, then moving to the Assembly and then the Senate, before his current role in Congress.

In Washington, Knight serves on the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, and chairs the Committee on Small Business. He’s also a member of more than a half-dozen caucuses. Knight emphasizes constituent service and support for small businesses, aerospace and the military.

Some of the recent legislation he’s focused on includes: a bill to honor the lives lost in the San Francisquito Dam disaster; the FLIGHT R&D Act, aimed at air safety; and the SECRET Act, a law meant to safely expedite security-clearance checks.

“Evidence of Scott Wilk’s leadership and influence on the Santa Clarita Valley can be seen and felt every time an SCV Water Agency customer turns on his or her faucet.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Representing the SCV through his duties as state senator for California’s 21st Senate District, last year Scott Wilk introduced a piece of watershed legislation (pun intended) that completely revamped water distribution in the SCV. A long time coming, the consolidation of water districts, which happened through Senate Bill 634 by Wilk, was worked out with water officials and meant to save SCV ratepayers millions of dollars.

While the water bill is certainly Wilk’s most significant contribution from his first two years in the Senate, he also worked to represent his SCV constituents with bills aimed at supporting small businesses, the educational community and others. His experience representing the SCV as an elected official goes back more than a decade, not including his previous work as a representative for other elected officials.

Before joining the state Senate, Wilk was also a representative of the SCV for the 38th Assembly District, and before that Wilk served on the Santa Clarita Community College District’s governing board.

“As a company, Newhall Land has been the single most significant factor in the shaping of Santa Clarita’s development for decades, and Don Kimball has played an important role in Newhall Land, and its successor, FivePoint, for the last 30 years. We look forward to seeing his continued involvement in the community’s growth.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Anyone who knows the history of the Santa Clarita Valley understands the importance of the roles that The Newhall Land and Farming Co., and its successor, FivePoint, have had on the look and feel of the SCV, and the region as a whole.

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, Kimball has used his position in one of the SCV’s most powerful companies to support organizations like Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

Kimball has served on Henry Mayo’s board for the last dozen years, in addition to being immediate past chair, and having involvement in numerous committees and fundraising efforts.

Kimball, who came to Newhall Land with an accounting background, is currently community president for Newhall Ranch, the person in charge of overseeing its development for FivePoint.

8 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

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Kathryn Barger

Laurene Weste

Mike Murphy

“Since winning election in 2016, L.A. County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger has repeatedly demonstrated an understanding of the Santa Clarita Valley community, and has been a strong watchdog for the SCV through her representation of the area on the Board of Supervisors.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger represents more than 2 million people as a representative on the county’s Board of Supervisors, and in a district spanning 2,800 square miles — a 22-city span that’s larger than every other district, combined — you’ll still frequently find Barger in Santa Clarita, discussing issues with her constituents whether it’s a meeting at City Hall regarding a public safety issue or attending the annual Fourth of July Parade.

Barger’s influence extends well beyond the SCV, but her efforts to support community programs and willingness to address residents’ concerns — whether it’s a major regional concern that impacts our neighborhoods, like discussion about potential resources to fight homelessness, or a more hyperlocal issue, like when she recently helped a local youth league baseball league that has just lost its home field — Barger’s local office and staff can be counted on to respond.

“Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste recently received our endorsement for one more term because over her 20 years in public service, she’s shown an unwavering passion for the city and its residents, in addition to her efforts to maintain the city as a safe place to raise a family and run a business while surrounded by open space.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher One of Santa Clarita’s strongest advocates for open space, Mayor Laurene Weste was spurred into civic involvement by the city’s need to fight to prevent Elsmere Canyon from becoming a giant garbage dump.

Preservation has been a focal point for Weste, and not just in the countless votes she’s logged in favor of expanding the city’s greenbelt, but also in the way she’s worked to preserve the city’s legendary past, through work on historical locations such as Mentryville, and other efforts through her involvement in the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

She’s also been a vocal opponent in the city’s fight against the proposed CEMEX mine on the city’s eastern border in Soledad Canyon.

Her wide-ranging influence in the SCV is seen in her support of the efforts to revitalize Newhall, and the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging, which runs the SCV Senior Center.

“While the Santa Clarita Valley has its elected officials looking out for the city from other areas, whether it’s in Sacramento or Washington, D.C., the city of Santa Clarita has long had Mike Murphy in its corner as an advocate on a wide range of issues, from transportation to CEMEX, the massive proposed mine on the city’s eastern border.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher As intergovernmental relations manager for the city of Santa Clarita, Mike Murphy has acted as liaison on Santa Clarita’s behalf, dealing with special interest lobbyists, outside agencies, bureaucracies and other elected officials, always with Santa Clarita’s best interests in mind.

Murphy, who has a wealth of experience in dealing with elected officials of all walks of life, is always quick to respond and be able to explain a complex issue facing residents, with an understanding that comes from an expert with his skill.

His No. 1 task, working to stop the CEMEX mega-mine, which is the biggest reason why he’s on the list, is still a work in progress. There have been numerous efforts brokered by two different congressional representatives and a host of their staffers in the last 20 years. Only time will tell what will become of Soledad Canyon, but it’s comforting to know Santa Claritans have someone as capable and knowledgeable as Mike Murphy in their corner.

10 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

It's been a newsworthy year in the Santa Clarita Valley!

Congratulations to all of the Top 51 honorees and thank you to The Signal!

@SUPERVISORBARGER @KATHRYNBARGER @SUPERVISORKATHRYNBARGER KATHRYNBARGER.LACOUNTY.GOV Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 11

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Dante Acosta

Matt Stone

Cameron Smyth

“Assemblyman Dante Acosta has worked hard to represent the interests of the Santa Clarita Valley in the state Legislature, and repeatedly touts support for the economy, including small businesses, public safety and education as top priorities.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Feeling compelled into public service after his life was turned upside-down by a tragic loss, Assemblyman Dante Acosta represents a district that includes most of the Santa Clarita Valley in the state Legislature.

Acosta was first elected to Santa Clarita City Council in 2014, and then when his predecessor and Sacramento colleague Scott Wilk garnered the 21st District state Senate seat, Acosta successfully sought to be Wilk’s replacement in the Assembly.

In his first two years in office, Acosta worked to support those less fortunate, through his legislation aimed at helping foster youth, and he also worked on legislation to support law enforcement officials who are working against new challenges created by evolving technology in their efforts to obtain search warrants and stop crime.

Acosta’s son Army Specialist Rudy Acosta was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan in 2011, and Dante Acosta then looked for ways he could be of service to his community, including creation of a memorial scholarship and a support program for families of veterans.

“Despite joining the Castaic Lake Water Agency right before the most significant change in its decades-long history, Matt Stone has proven himself, as general manager of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, to be a more than capable leader and manager of California’s most precious natural resource.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher As the leader of SCV Water, Matt Stone’s day-to-day decision-making has the potential to impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of SCV residents.

He joined CLWA 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 SCV Water, which was created by legislation authored by Sen. Scott Wilk.

Stone has helped guide the new water agency by creating educational opportunities and other community-based outreach programs that have helped spread awareness about water conservation, and likely factors in the SCV exceeding its goal when the state asked water customers statewide to restrict usage.

The SCV enjoys a safe and secure water supply, which is something that could be easily taken for granted — however, in the local community, the benefit of wise and sound leadership is not.

“Cameron Smyth is proof that you CAN come home again: Santa Clarita is fortunate to have someone with Smyth’s depth of experience and knowledge serving once again on the City Council after spending six years in the state Legislature.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Santa Clarita City Councilman Cameron Smyth’s public service is part of a family tradition, as his father, Clyde Smyth, was a longtime superintendent in the William S. Hart Union High School District who served a term on the City Council, too.

Smyth followed in his father’s footsteps, in a slightly different direction, becoming the city’s youngest councilman back in 2000. Smyth focused his efforts on public safety, maintaining a balanced budget, economic development and growing the city’s parks and recreation program.

His outreach efforts and presence in the community started then, and have continued to grow.

After serving on the City Council from 2000 to 2006, 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 resumed work in the private sector, and in 2016 was elected again to the City Council, 10 years after he’d left the council to serve in Sacramento.

12 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 13

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Marsha McLean

Dale Donohoe

Jim Backer

“Over the years, Santa Clarita Mayor Pro Tem Marsha McLean has repeatedly proven herself to be one of the city’s strongest supporters, and she frequently travels throughout Los Angeles County, and even to Sacramento, to advocate on behalf of the city.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Marsha McLean has served in the Santa Clarita City Council since 2002, having been named mayor three times during her tenure.

With an extended background in local and federal government, she has brought her passion for transportation, environment and business to Santa Clarita as a council member and current mayor pro tem.

In 1998, she launched the Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee, which helped prevent Whitney and Elsmere canyons from becoming “the nation’s largest dump site,” according to committee members.

As an advocate for regional transportation, McLean was also able to create the SCV Transportation Coalition to help bring transportation projects to the area. She has since worked to obtain more than $250 million for road improvements and signal synchronization, as well as advocating for Metrolink ridership to increase tourism dollars.

McLean is also known for her active community service in increasing library services, expanded hospital facilities and working to ensure the creation of the Veterans’ Historical Plaza.

“Dale Donohoe has been a strong supporter of schools and supporting responsible development in the Santa Clarita Valley. Sustainable projects are so important to the SCV as it prepares for more growth, and Donohoe has made it clear that’s a priority for him, as well.”

— Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Donohoe, a former Newhall Land executive, is a lifelong resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, who went to elementary school, high school and College of the Canyons before 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, among others, and there are several more on the way.

In addition to being an economic driver, a few of the agencies and organizations Donohoe has supported include the local hospital, 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..

“With the Santa Clarita Valley expected to undergo a host of new developments in the next five to 10 years, forward-thinking development industry leaders like Jim Backer now play an especially important role in our community.”

— Tim Whyte, Signal Editor In addition to having a major role in the planning and development of the Valencia Commerce Center and Valencia’s Town Center Drive through his experience with Newhall Land, Jim Backer’s JSB Development has developed 43 buildings and more than 1.1 million square feet of property. JSB has also developed Tourney Place, Centre Pointe Business Park and RiverCourt.

Perhaps the latest development holds the most excitement for the direction in which the Santa Clarita Valley is moving: Vista Canyon Ranch is a 185-acre mixed-use, transit-oriented project that includes 1,100 residential units, 950,000 square feet of office space and a new bus and Metrolink Station. The project’s developer is also building a water reclamation plant for the project, and the goal is for the facility to have a “net zero” impact on water usage.

Backer has also given back through a number of local nonprofits in the Santa Clarita Valley, including the SCV Education Foundation, an organization for which he was founding president.

14 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

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Don Fleming

Hunt Braly

Steve Sturgeon

“While sales, especially car sales, might breed intense competition, those doing business along the Santa Clarita Valley’s ‘auto row’ on Creekside Road have long had Don Fleming leading the charge for advocacy and outreach on their behalf — and on the community’s behalf, too.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Don Fleming serves as president of the SCV Auto Dealers Association, representing an industry that provides the city its largest tax-revenue base, and chairman emeritus of the SCV Economic Development Corp. — a lead agency the city works with for business growth, retention and development — Fleming has had a significant role in the local business community for years.

He and his wife, Cheri, share ownership of Valencia Acura, what the two call their “Friendship Dealership.”

They have also made an impact with their generosity throughout the community, and they’ve been honored for it, the most recent recognition being this year’s Silver Spur Award, the highest honor College of the Canyons bestows upon its most significant contributors.

The list of nonprofit organizations the pair have been involved with include Henry Mayo Newhall Health Foundation, the Child & Family Center, the SCV Chamber of Commerce and the American Heart Association. Don and Cheri Fleming together won the 2004 SCV Man and Woman of the Year awards.

“Whether it’s a nonprofit that needs guidance, playing a role in the development of some of the Santa Clarita Valley’s most significant projects or helping a client with an issue, Hunt Braly, a partner with Poole & Shaffery LLP, is usually working behind the scenes for the betterment of the SCV.” — Richard Budman, Signal Publisher The head of the Land Use and Governmental Affairs practice group for one of the area’s most influential law firms, Hunt Braly has worked in the area for decades, and continues to frequently work with city of Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County officials on projects that will play a major role in the future of the SCV. He also has years of experience working with the state Legislature in Sacramento.

The projects Braly has worked on include 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 — to easily qualify as one of the SCV’s 51 most influential people.

Braly, an SCV resident since 1989, lives in Santa Clarita with his wife Pamela.

“Steve Sturgeon is a constant supporter of Santa Clarita Valley schools and personifies what it means to achieve and then give back in that same community. His sponsorship of so many nonprofit organizations, events and causes provides a major positive impact in the community where he and his wife, Julie, work and live.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Steve Sturgeon, CEO of Confidential Data Destruction, is a trusted face in the Santa Clarita Valley business scene, literally, because his business collects sensitive information that companies need help with securely storing or disposing; and figuratively, as an elected official who represents more than 22,000 junior high and high school students in the William S. Hart Union High School District.

The community has recognized Sturgeon, who’s also the president of the Hart district’s governing board this year, for generosity and selflessness on numerous occasions, including winning one of the most well-known recognitions, the SCV Man of the Year Award in 2013.

His support has also extended locally 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.

16 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

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Cheri Fleming

Christy Smith

Roger Seaver

“A prominent advocate for local businesses, Cheri Fleming gives so much of herself back to the community. Her involvement in philanthropy is as well-known as the Valencia Acura car dealership she co-owns with her husband, Don.” — Richard Budman, Signal Publisher While Cheri and Don Fleming might be well-known in the Santa Clarita Valley for their “Friendship Dealership,” what sets them apart is their ubiquitous presence on the boards and at the events to help those in need and the less fortunate in the SCV. Cheri Fleming’s first successful business, a tanning salon in Woodland Hills, led her to meet Don more than 30 years ago, and the pair eventually married and moved to the SCV together, and the rest has been, as they say, history.

The most recent evidence of the couple’s generosity is their receiving the Silver Spur Award, College of the Canyons’ highest honor, which it gives to its most significant contributors.

Cheri Fleming’s work in the community played a major role in that, which includes serving on the board of directors for the SCV Child & Family Center, the Henry Mayo Newhall Health Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the Boys & Girls Club. She is a past honoree of the SCV Man and Woman of the Year Award, which she won in 2004, the same year in which her husband was honored as Man of the Year.

“Christy Smith has shown a penchant for public service that we’re lucky to have here in the Santa Clarita Valley, bringing her experience in education and her leadership skills to the governing board of the Newhall School District for the last 10 years.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Christy Smith has been a leader and recent past president for the Newhall School District governing board, helping the district achieve not only excellent academic achievement, but also develop student resources and facilities including the recent renovation of the Newhall Family Theatre.

Before joining the Newhall school board, Smith served in the district’s PTA. The 36-year Santa Clarita Valley resident graduated from Hart High School and College of the Canyons.

She’s a statewide advocate on educational issues who also has experience as a policy analyst at the federal level, which she’s used to support residents locally as legislative vice president of the Santa Clarita Valley Trustees Association, in addition to being a delegate for the California School Board Association.

Smith regularly worked as a board member to fairly address parent, student and staff concerns, and regardless of the outcome for the Nov. 6 election for the 38th Assembly District seat, we know she’ll continue to play an important role in what happens in our classrooms and community.

“Roger Seaver is the leader of one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s most important resources, and as our valley continues to grow, and the hospital continues to expand, we know he will continue with smart and steady leadership for our largest local health care provider.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Roger Seaver has been the guiding force behind the growth of the Santa Clarita Valley’s largest health care provider since the year 2000, coming to the SCV from Northridge Hospital Medical Center.

The hospital recently added a state-of-theart fitness center to promote health and wellness in the community. And Henry Mayo is constantly looking to add new programs and facilities for local residents.

One of the more ambitious recent additions, a multimillion-dollar patient tower, is expected to help hundreds more get the care they need when they need it.

As someone who constantly stays informed and involved in the health care community, Seaver also serves as a member of the board of directors at California Healthcare Insurance Co. Inc., a risk retention group.

He serves as a trustee of California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems.

The hospital has also frequently been recognized for its excellence in health care under his leadership.

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Bill Miranda

Wayne Crawford

Todd Stevens

“Since his appointment to the Santa Clarita City Council, Bill Miranda has followed the city’s tradition of cautious, fiscally conservative leadership, looking out for local residents and small businesses. He’s also helped to move the city closer along to accomplishing its ambitious goals in the Santa Clarita 2020 plan.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher When Dante Acosta was elected to the Assembly two years ago, city leaders were faced with a decision, and dozens of people stepped forward to try to fill the City Council vacancy created by Acosta’s departure. After an hourslong interview process, the council voted in favor of Bill Miranda, and now all these months later, he’s given the council what it was seeking: another advocate for public safety, small businesses and some of Santa Clarita residents’ other significant issues.

Miranda has been involved in the Santa Clarita business scene for years, working to support local, Latino-owned businesses through his leadership of the SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce.

As publisher for Our Valley Santa Clarita, Miranda used his experience to highlight positives throughout the community, as well as sharing stories to bring residents a multicultural perspective on the SCV through multimedia efforts online, on SCVTV and local radio.

“Through his success in the Santa Clarita Valley, Wayne Crawford has been able to give back a tremendous amount. His philanthropic support of local nonprofit organizations has improved the lives of thousands.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher It’s hard to imagine what the Santa Clarita Valley’s schools, colleges, business parks and foundations would look like without Wayne Crawford and his company, Santa Clarita Concrete.

The list of projects that Crawford’s company has played a part in totals tens of millions of dollars in work, and can be seen from Canyon to West Ranch high schools, where Santa Clarita Concrete laid foundational work on both campuses, and many places in between.

His philanthropy and influence has benefited 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.

Crawford was also integral in College of the Canyons’ efforts to construct the University Center several years back, which was one of the reasons he was given COC’s highly regarded Silver Spur Award. The Crawford family was recently recognized for essentially — as Carousel Ranch’s leaders put it — making the equine therapy held there possible, with the ranch naming its therapy arena after the family.

“The Santa Clarita Valley has such a diverse economy with so many factors at play. Its consistent success is at least in part attributable to people like Todd Stevens, CEO of the California Resources Corp., and the community contributions they make.”

— Tim Whyte, Signal Editor 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.

In addition to managing such an important entity in the SCV business scene, Stevens is also involved in the SCV Economic Development Corp. as a member of its board of directors. The SCVEDC continually brings in new industry to the area and works to inform business owners about the best practices and any legislative changes they might need to be aware of, as well.

Stevens drives his company’s commitment to the communities where employees live and CRC operates.

Just as impressive as Stevens’ professional accomplishments is his sense of community, as Stevens serves as a director on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of SCV, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, to name a few of the many.

18 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

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www.StillGolden.org | 661.288.4400 Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 19

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Holly Schroeder

John Musella

John Shaffery

“The Santa Clarita Valley has shown tremendous growth in a number of important industries for our region, such as biotech and software. The SCV Economic Development Corp., under the leadership of President and CEO Holly Schroeder, is without question one of the most important pieces to our area’s ability to attract, grow and retain businesses and new investment.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher When discussing the top champions for the SCV business community, the people who act as local ambassadors who work to draw business to the area and work daily on improving our economy, Holly Schroeder, CEO of the SCV EDC, has to be near or at the top of the discussion list.

As the SCV continues to bring in major and growing corporations, such as Sunkist or MechanixWear, and draw production, investment and job opportunities from surrounding areas and throughout the country, the SCV relies on the SCVEDC to makes sure the businesses that are here can thrive, and that the area is in the best position possible for economic growth. Through her work in that respect, Schroeder is constantly touting the benefits of the SCV’s business-friendly environment and looking to improve the climate for businesses in the region.

“The Santa Clarita Valley business community has a dedicated and determined advocate in John Musella, who works tirelessly on behalf of the business community through his work for the SCV Chamber of Commerce. His efforts to rebuild the chamber have created a positive impact in the community.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher The SCV Chamber of Commerce recently was facing numerous financial challenges after a change in its longtime leadership.

After moving locations, and then receiving help from the city, John Musella organized a number of efforts that have, without question, helped transform the SCV Chamber back into the business networking and leadership organization it always had the potential to be.

In addition to creating countless partnerships throughout the community that have helped bolster this potential, Musella also has fostered an organization intended to identify, guide and support the next generation of business leaders in the SCV, through NextSCV. Whether it’s advocacy on behalf of better roads or a better business environment, the SCV Chamber supports businesses locally. The SCV Chamber 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.

“As a founding partner of Poole & Shaffery LLP, John Shaffery has helped solidify the firm not only as the preeminent law firm for Santa Clarita Valley businesses, but also as one of the top firms for businesses throughout the state.”

— The Signal’s Editorial Board Let’s say this right at the top: The Signal congratulates John Shaffery and the entire Poole & Shaffery team on their recent celebration of the firm’s 20th anniversary. During its first two decades, the firm has grown and prospered — and served the local business community in many ways.

Perhaps the most publicly visible sign of the firm’s service and advocacy for the SCV business community is its annual employment law luncheon, in which key members of the Poole & Shaffery team provide business leaders important updates on changes in state law that affect employers throughout the state.

Shaffery brings 25 years of civil litigation experience to serve the firm’s clients and has successfully tried cases throughout the state of California with verdicts in the last six years in four different counties. He focuses on product liability claims, large loss and catastrophic claims, trucking and transportation claims, professional liability matters, toxic torts and labor and employment claims.

20 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • 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 the community!

Santa Claritaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Influential 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ The Signal 21

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Tom Cole

Robert Lewis

Joe Caso

“Tom Cole has a hand in the safety, appearance and value of property throughout the city through its planning and permitting, and he plays a key role in managing the area’s economic growth by encouraging responsible development.”

— Tim Whyte, Signal Editor With experience in working with a few of the Santa Clarita Valley’s largest and most influential agencies, it should be no surprise to see Tom Cole, community development director for the city of Santa Clarita, on the list of the SCV’s Top 51 most influential people.

Cole has been a major guiding force in the city of Santa Clarita’s direction since his hiring about six years ago.

Cole, a former executive with The Newhall Land and Farming Co., previously was chief operations officer at the William S. Hart Union High School District for a little over two years before joining the city.

A longtime resident of the city, Cole manages Santa Clarita’s Planning, Economic Development, Community Preservation and Redevelopment departments. All three divisions coordinate with other city departments.

In addition to a significant role in development in Santa Clarita, Cole gives back through his work as president of the Rotary Club of the SCV and with the SCV’s chapter of the YMCA.

“Under the leadership of Capt. Robert Lewis, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station continues to provide top-notch law enforcement and outreach, helping keep our community among the nation’s safest of its size.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher The SCV’s top cop, Robert Lewis, loves what he does and is quick to tell anyone around that he considers himself “a cop’s cop.”

The captain of the SCV Sheriff’s Station since March 2017, Lewis has made it his life’s work to keep SCV citizens safe and out of harm’s way for much longer than that.

His previous local stint included from 2007 to 2014, when he was operations lieutenant for then-station Capt. Paul Becker, briefly serving as interim captain after Becker retired.

Lewis returned in March to lead the station, and set about making what he calls “proactive policing” the priority, in an effort to cut down on burglaries and drug-related crimes.

Although the SCV has been affected by the heroin epidemic plaguing the nation, Lewis has helped lead a number of outreach programs and enforcement efforts that have sought to stem the tide.

The local resident brings public-safety experience from sheriff’s stations in Altadena, Malibu and West Hollywood, as well as working in the department’s Headquarters Bureau.

“In addition to being the type of community-oriented business owner that makes this valley so special, Joe Caso is quick to share his generosity, whether it’s supporting a Little League team in need, or one of our local high school sports teams or clubs.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher A longtime fixture of the Santa Clarita Valley’s auto row on Creekside Road in Valencia, Joe Caso, owner of Frontier Toyota, has been known to not only provide honest dealings, but also giving when there’s someone in need.

The generosity of the Caso and Frontier Toyota family can be seen during the 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.

One of the most important service efforts Caso leads each year is the White Ribbon program, in which community volunteers 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.

22 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

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Marlee Lauffer

Bill Cooper

Jason Crawford

“Few can lay claim to having a more significant role in how the public perceives the Santa Clarita Valley: Marlee Lauffer was spokeswoman for The Newhall Land and Farming Co. during the famous ‘Awesometown’ campaign, which gained national exposure for Valencia and, for many, put Santa Clarita on the map.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher After a stellar career guiding the communications efforts of the Santa Clarita Valley’s largest developer, Marlee Lauffer now plays a similar role for the SCV’s largest patient-care provider, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, as Henry Mayo’s vice president of marketing and communications.

Lauffer, who earlier this year was named Woman of the Year for the state’s 21st Senate District by Sen. Scott Wilk, continues to play an important role in communications with the community. Her recent efforts have been geared toward raising the SCV’s awareness of the growing number of resources at Henry Mayo.

Most recently, the hospital underwent a significant capital campaign, in which businesses and residents contributed millions of dollars to add a state-of-the-art expansion to service more patients.

Lauffer is president of the hospital’s Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation. She also serves on the board for the Bank of Santa Clarita, where she’s a founding director.

She’s also held leadership positions in a number of SCV-based nonprofit organizations, including the Zonta Club of the Santa Clarita Valley.

“Bill Cooper has been a steady voice guiding water policy in the Santa Clarita Valley for a quarter-century. Since joining the SCV Water Agency board in 1993, when it was known as the Castaic Lake Water Agency, Cooper has exemplified the qualities of professionalism and responsibility in public service.”

— Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Bill Cooper’s most recent accomplishment has been to serve as the founding board president of SCV Water, overseeing the agency’s creation via the merger of the CLWA and the Newhall County Water District. Cooper, a longtime Metropolitan Water District leader, touted the new agency as a way to save SCV water ratepayers millions of dollars.

In addition to having experience managing some of the largest water treatment plants in the United States, he’s also an adjunct professor at College of the Canyons, teaching their environmental technologies water treatment program.

In addition to serving on the local water board, Cooper is also a big supporter and immediate past president of the board of the SCV Child & Family Center. He’s also been a past representative tasked by city officials as a prominent leader asked to work on youth-related issues for the city, and a member of a site council for the William S. Hart Union High School District.

“The city of Santa Clarita prides itself of being a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs, and one of the main reasons for that is the series of programs and outreach efforts led by Jason Crawford.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher One of the key figures in determining the strategy for how Santa Clarita can continue to attract and retain businesses, Jason Crawford is the planning, marketing and economic development manager for the city.

A graduate of California Institute of the Arts, he originally came to work at Santa Clarita’s Film Office more than a dozen years ago, and he now champions the city’s efforts on behalf of its entire business community and residents.

Crawford’s role is crucial as he plays a hand in the development of a number of areas, from working with the city’s business incubator to make sure things are running smoothly in support of upstart companies, and also overseeing things like the city’s Film Office, which works year-round to draw and manage productions in the area.

As the city continues to work toward achieving its Santa Clarita 2020 plan, Crawford also now serves as chair of the California Association for Local Economic Development, ensuring Santa Clarita also keeps perspective and representation for regional and statewide issues.

24 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

Re-Elect

BOB JENSEN

To the HART SCHOOL BOARD NOVEMBER 6, 2018

Under Bob Jensen’s leadership:

• All 6 comprehensive high schools have earned a national top 10% ranking • Built the Career Education program into 28 career paths • Received numerous California Distinguished School Awards • Established protocols for safe campuses

Meet Bob Jensen:

• Elected Hart School Board Member for 9 years • Certified Public Accountant • Married to Teresa with two daughters Lauren & Katie

Bob Jensen is committed to:

• Developing state-of-the-art mental and emotional education • Opening the new Castaic High School in August 2019 • Modernizing and improving existing facilities • Managing financial resources for all students

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

BOB JENSEN

HART SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

Jensen4Hart.com

The Signal Congratulates All Of The 51 Most Influential People On Today’s List Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 25

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Michele Jenkins

Michael Berger

Joe Messina

“An experienced advocate for education, Michele Jenkins is a proud College of the Canyons alum who now represents the same interests she once had as a student on the campus years ago, ensuring a high-quality, affordable college education available to all Santa Clarita Valley residents.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Michele Jenkins has been a resident of the SCV since 1964, and a member of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, which oversees College of the Canyons’ two campuses, since 1984. In fact, the past president of the college’s board was recently recognized for more than 30 years of service to the college.

Jenkins and her husband, Greg, who attended COC together, later opened a family business, The Doctor’s Office, where Greg is one of the founding practitioners, which they still run today in the SCV. 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. She spent 11 years on the California Community College Trustees board of directors, including serving as the CCCT president, and was the president of the Community College League of California.

Jenkins plans to start another term next year, as she’s running for re-election unopposed in 2018.

“Through Michael Berger’s volunteerism for organizations like the Santa Clarita Valley Child & Family Center and his service on the College of the Canyons governing board, he’s repeatedly demonstrated he understands and appreciates this community while showing a desire to continually improve the area for the benefit of those around him.”

— Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Michael Berger, president of COC’s board of trustees, is a senior vice president and family wealth manager with Morgan Stanley, and he’s also someone who’s very involved in the development of community resources for the SCV. A past recipient of COC’s prestigious Silver Spur Award, Berger has been involved in countless committees for the college, including its capital campaigns that support the campus. He’s also involved in nonprofits ranging from the SCV Chamber of Commerce to the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, which provides resources for children battling cancer.

The COC graduate and 2006 recipient of the SCV Man of the Year plans to stay involved with COC for at least the next four years as he decided to seek re-election on Nov. 6 and, in perhaps one of the strongest endorsements an electorate can give, he was unopposed in his bid for office.

“Joe Messina has been a longtime advocate for public education on behalf of Santa Clarita Valley students in the William S. Hart Union High School District, and his spot on the list recognizes and shows our appreciation for his efforts to expand career technical education and build a new high school in Castaic.”

— Tim Whyte, Signal Editor The William S. Hart Union High School District frequently achieves in the face of the challenges that come from growing pains any school system the size of our local public and junior high district (more than 22,000 students) would have, and a big reason for that is the dedication of its board of trustees.

In the years that Messina has been on the board, California’s educational system has seen a shift to Common Core standards, and where some districts might have seen that as a challenge, the Hart district used it as an opportunity to stay on the vanguard and expand its curriculum and offerings for Santa Clarita Valley students.

Supporting career technical education has been a hallmark of Messina’s efforts on the board.

This, and his longtime advocacy of the new high school in Castaic, are contributions that will benefit SCV students long into the future.

26 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

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Calvin Hedman

Tim Burkhart

Rick Patterson

“Calvin Hedman is the very definition of the quiet leader, a certified public accountant who eschews a high-profile existence and instead gets the job done daily, playing an extremely important role in the area’s economic direction. His steady leadership of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp. board is an asset for the business community.”

— The Signal’s Editorial Board Calvin Hedman has more than 30 years of experience as a CPA. At Hedman Partners, for which he is president, he’s tasked with all aspects of quality assurance and client service.

In addition to providing audit and tax services to his clients, Hedman provides consulting expertise in a variety of areas including strategic planning, acquisition due diligence reviews and estate and succession planning.

Hedman also has extensive merger and acquisition experience, and holds a Certified Merger & Acquisitions Advisor (CM&AA) credential. All of this business experience contributes to why Hedman is an asset as chairman of the SCV Economic Development Corp., which is a crucial organization for the SCV’s business community. Hedman is also a founding member of the Santa Clarita Valley Aerospace Defense Coalition and plays an active role on the advisory board of the local YMCA.

“Santa Clarita is lucky to have a family-friendly attraction like Six Flags Magic Mountain to entertain residents and tourists alike, and even luckier to have it managed by a team with people like Tim Burkhart who are invested in the area through their community involvement.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher As a member of the city’s Planning Commission, Tim Burkhart plays a vital role in guiding the city of Santa Clarita to its award-winning safe-and-sound reputation. As vice president of maintenance and construction for Six Flags Magic Mountain, he guides countless park guests through screams and thrills at the nationally renowned local theme park dubbed “Thrill Capital of the World.”

In addition to being a manager at one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s largest employers, Burkhart also plays a role in the region’s development as a member of the SCV Economic Development Corp. His duties on the SCVEDC, which exists to promote, retain and grow local businesses, are complementary to his role on the city Planning Commission, which reviews permits for new businesses, construction and development, among other plans. Burkhart’s time and dedication in these areas are part of what help make the Santa Clarita Valley such a great community.

“Rick Patterson has long been an influential attorney in Santa Clarita, and one who’s used his means and resources to be a major supporter of the senior citizen population in our community, as well as the schools.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher While a founding partner for one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s most influential law firms, Patterson has been very active and involved in numerous organizations throughout the SCV. One of the causes he holds near and dear is the Senior Center. Patterson, a personal injury attorney, has been president of the governing body that runs the center, as well as a big contributor as it looks to grow.

He has been a significant supporter for the SCV Committee on Aging, which has undergone a massive capital campaign to build a new senior center to accommodate our growing senior population. Whether it’s the home-delivered meal program or new resources for school campuses, Patterson has made an effort to support the community over the last 30 years.

Patterson has also put in countless hours to support local schools through the no longer active SCV Facilities Foundation. That organization helped support school sites and facilities for the William S. Hart Union High School District.

Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal 27

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Joan MacGregor

Linda Storli-Koontz

Katie Hill

“One of the crown jewels of the Santa Clarita Valley’s outstanding educational system is College of the Canyons, and its longtime board members like Joan MacGregor, who’ve provided a consistent and concerned approach on behalf of local students, are true assets and reasons why the college is so consistently recognized for excellence and achievement.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Joan MacGregor, who’s been a Santa Clarita Community College District trustee for the past 25 years, is a big part of why COC’s growth and success have come with steadiness and consistency.

MacGregor understands educational issues on a number of levels, as someone who’s also worked in the Sulphur Springs Union School District, an elementary school district on the east side of the Santa Clarita Valley, where she also helped build community support for a $72 million bond measure.

A founding member of the SCV Trustees Association, a three-time president of the college’s board of trustees and an SCV resident of nearly 50 years, MacGregor has also spent her time locally supporting the arts as a founding patron of the Performing Arts Center on the college’s campus, which has been a significant draw for the area.

“A longtime educator like Linda Storli-Koontz is a great addition to the William S. Hart Union High School District’s governing board because she’s a passionate advocate for schools who very well understands the challenges facing teachers, students and administrators at a very important time for our education system.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher In addition to her countless hours of support for local junior high and high school students in the Hart district, Storli-Koontz also claims involvement in numerous events aimed at community building and support, but perhaps none more so notable than the annual Fourth of July parade.

Every year, the event gathers tens of thousands of people together in Old Town Newhall for a celebration of American pride and the Santa Clarita Valley community, with a day full of events.

Storli-Koontz has very much been a part of the fabric of the community for several decades, whether it was through her lesson plans as a former Canyon High School teacher, or as the chair of the big parade, as a former member of the city of Santa Clarita Parks Commission, or her latest chapter, as a Hart district governing board member.

Storli-Koontz is never afraid to voice her opinion as an advocate on behalf of our local students, who are lucky to have such a dedicated supporter.

“In just a short time, Katie Hill has had a significant impact on the political conversation in the Santa Clarita Valley, which is undergoing a tremendous amount of change and growth. Hill has shown the potential to be an important factor in the shaping of the SCV’s political discourse.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher A Santa Clarita Valley resident who grew up in Agua Dulce and went to high school in Santa Clarita, Katie Hill has spent her young career helping those less fortunate, at a time when the problem of homelessness has become historic in nature, and compounded by several factors. A housing shortage as well as a shortage of resources and an expanding homeless population have placed new and untold burdens on the resources Los Angeles County looks to provide for its residents.

As the executive director of People Assisting The Homeless, or PATH, she’s worked with government agencies to address problems on the streets of some of Los Angeles’ most hardhit areas — problems to which the SCV is certainly not immune.

Hill is looking to turn her nonprofit experience into an opportunity to make a broader impact closer to home by joining the political arena through her bid to represent the 25th Congressional District in the Nov. 6 election.

28 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

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Bob Jensen

Vicki Engbrecht

Carrie Lujan

“Longtime school board member Bob Jensen is a well-known supporter of the Santa Clarita Valley’s school sports teams, but that’s only a portion of his passion for education.”

— Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Bob Jensen, a partner with SCV-based CPA firm KKAJ, has been involved in educational politics in the SCV for about 15 years as an elected official, first joining the Newhall School District’s governing board in 2005.

When that term ended, he followed that run up with a successful bid for a seat on the William S. Hart Union High School District’s governing board in 2009, and he has been heavily involved since.

Jensen, who has expertise in accounting and auditing services, tax consulting and compliance, among other areas, brings an eye for fiscal prudence to the SCV’s educational board rooms, and enjoys supporting local schools through his work on the board. Professionally, his experience extends to analysis and number-crunching for industries that include manufacturing, construction and real estate, among others.

He represents Newhall and parts of Valencia as the representative for District No. 2 and serves as clerk of the Hart district’s governing board. His advocacy there has helped bring Castaic High School closer to reality, while also making career technology education and counseling services a priority.

“Vicki Engbrecht has provided the Hart high school district with steady leadership during a time of significant transitions in education as well as development of much-needed new facilities for the Santa Clarita Valley’s young people.”

— Tim Whyte, Signal Editor As the superintendent of the SCV’s largest school district, the William S. Hart Union High School District, Vicki Engbrecht plays an important role in shaping the next generation of the Santa Clarita Valley’s citizenry and its leaders.

Engbrecht’s work in leading the 22,000-plus student seventh- to 12th-grade school district is especially impressive when you consider the fact she’s recently overseen the district’s efforts to retrain all of its staff over the last few years as California fully integrated the “Common Core” learning initiative.

The SCV’s educational arena is familiar territory for Engbrecht. The former L.A. County Teacher of the Year has served in the SCV as a junior high and high school teacher, then dean of students, assistant principal, principal and then assistant superintendent.

She’s also likely to be at the helm when the Hart district opens its long-awaited, highly anticipated Castaic High School. The $126-million, stateof-the-art, 56-acre high school project, which has been long-sought but highly controversial due to challenges in finding a location, is expected to open in 2019.

“Santa Clarita’s reputation as a well-run city is greatly furthered by the efforts of Carrie Lujan, whose management of the city’s Communications Department is always ready to promote the city’s resources and accomplishments.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher While city Communications Manager Carrie Lujan might be relatively new to the Santa Clarita Valley, for this list, she quickly earned a spot among the Top 51.

The voice for the city as its chief liaison to the media, Lujan guides media relations, outreach efforts and public perception for residents.

Whether it’s in the event of an emergency or to celebrate the opening of a new resource for city of Santa Clarita residents, Lujan is working diligently to get the word out — and to make sure Santa Clarita looks as good as possible in the process.

While Santa Clarita is represented by several different communities, the city regularly garners nods from civic leadership organizations for its ability to communicate quickly and effectively in ways SCV residents understand.

A recent example of the city’s out-of-the-box thinking in that regard was its award-winning “Stolen” campaign, meant to educate residents about how they can stop property crimes.

30 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

Wayne, I have a list, too…but on my list you are always #1 Here’s why:

1. You always take perfect care of me.

2. You have loved me for over 55 years.

3. You always hug me goodbye.

4. You always kiss me goodnight.

5. You cook me dinner every night.

6. You love our dog, Carousel, almost as much as me.

7. You love to grocery shop.

8. You put lights on the two oak trees in the front yard – my own private Disneyland.

9. You are taking better care of yourself.

10. You understand my obsession with movies.

11. You support Carousel Ranch and Boys & Girls Club with your whole heart.

12. You teach by example.

13. You love my friends.

14. You miss Keith every day.

15. You cook the best Thanksgiving dinners.

16. You love our family traditions.

17. You are very proud of Jacque and Kyle.

18. You treat Eric and Jeanna like your own children.

19. You are very proud of granddaughter Jolie graduated from UCLA. 20. You are excited that granddaughter Chandler wants to convert the greenhouse to a flower shop.

21. You love that grandson Griffin speaks Japanese.

22. You encourage grandson Cameron to follow his passion.

23. You love that grandsons Cassel and Caynen make every day an adventure.

24. You never asked me to become a Republican.

25. You not only cook but clean the kitchen.

26. You understand how important New York City is to me.

27. You accept that I will never understand football.

28. You understand I care nothing about politics.

29. You have more integrity than anyone I have ever met.

30. You can fix anything.

31. You are very forgiving.

32. You know how important the LA Times Calendar section is to me.

33. You promote my movie reviews.

34. You understand on Wednesday nights I go to dinner and a movie with the girls.

35. You try hard to keep up with my train of thought.

36. You never ask “Is That New?” 37. You are always fair.

38. You make me feel safe and protected.

39. You have always trusted me.

40. You have never asked for a divorce.

41. You never hold a grudge.

42. You try to make all my dreams come true.

43. You have never broken a promise.

44. Your handshake means everything.

45. You recognize that Black Friday means shopping all day.

46. You love to travel.

47. You understand that I live in organized chaos.

48. You never make me eat pheasant or elk.

49. You accept that black is a color.

50. You are okay with Jacque and me going to all your doctor appointments.

51. This is the only list that matters to you.

With love and appreciation. dianne

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Cary Quashen

Lynne Plambeck

Teresa Todd

“For those who are in their hour of the greatest need, suffering from the disease of addiction, which takes countless lives every year, Cary Quashen has been a life-changing presence who has prevented so many people in the Santa Clarita Valley from doing further harm to themselves, their loved ones and the rest of the community.“ — Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Cary Quashen has been working with an at-risk population to fight one of the hardest-to-battle conditions known to man — opioid addiction. Quashen, who founded Action Family Counseling to help families in the SCV dealing with this common problem, as well as other behavioral issues, also works as the director of the Behavioral Health Unit at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

Quashen has made countless local, regional and national media appearances in support of the advocacy he undertakes to fight addiction. He’s constantly working to educate the population about the dangers that he works with and sees every day — a harm that many take for granted until it becomes an issue that affects their own life or the life of a friend or family member.

Quashen is a constant supporter of better mental health resources and programs to fight substance abuse.

“As one of the foremost environmentalists in the Santa Clarita Valley and a vigilant watchdog on behalf of the natural beauty and resources that surround the SCV, Lynne Plambeck is always working on behalf of sustainable conservation efforts.”

— Tim Whyte, Signal Editor Lynne Plambeck, a longtime elected water official who’s also president of the Santa Clarita Organization for Planning and the Environment, is not afraid to bring forth action on behalf of protecting nature, even if it could put her at odds with other influential members on this list.

While some may disagree with her, her motive to protect the environment to the best of her abilities has always been the four-term Newhall County Water District board member’s end game.

As a past president and vice president of the now-defunct NWCD (it merged recently with Castaic Lake Water Agency to become the SCV Water Agency), Plambeck also earned several honors over the years for her work on behalf of her constituents, including: the Carla Bard Advocacy award, the Weldon Heald Conservation Award and recognition from the nationally renowned Sierra Club.

Plambeck continues to play an important role in the SCV, working on behalf of the beauty that surrounds us that sometimes wouldn’t otherwise have a voice.

“Teresa Todd’s ability to reach, network and influence through her lengthy client list, business experience and understanding of the Santa Clarita Valley have made her a ubiquitous presence in the business community, and one who’s demonstrated the incredible skill, planning and organization it takes to lead public relations campaigns.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Teresa Todd, president and CEO of Point of View Communications, works with local organizations such as the Valley Industry Association, the SCV Chamber of Commerce and other community-based advocates that work to make life better for SCV residents.

Through her work with a number of clients who also figure prominently on The Signal’s Top 51 list, such as the firm of King, King, Alleman and Jensen, or KKA&J, Todd has demonstrated the influence and reach necessary to effectively lead a campaign, get a message out or just raise awareness about something on a client’s behalf.

Whether branding, messaging or marketing, Point of View has been recognized for Todd’s integrated marketing approach, which no doubt comes from not only her holistic understanding of the SCV, but also an experienced understanding of how to approach a topic when bringing dialogue and strategic communications to the public.

32 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

AMS Logo.pdf

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CONGRATULATIONS to all the recipients of The Signal’s Top 51.

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

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Jill Mellady

Dr. Cherise Moore

Maria Gutzeit

“Jill Mellady’s presence in the business community has been a true asset for clients, who know they have someone working on their behalf who truly understands the Santa Clarita Valley and how things work. It’s no surprise she’s trusted by many of our local schools to deliver their messages to the public, in addition to her lengthy list of clients.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher When Jill Mellady started her home business in the SCV with her husband, Jim, more than 30 years ago, she had no idea it would blossom into the direct mail and marketing force it is today, while remaining a locally owned family business.

Her skills and work ethic have built Mellady Direct Marketing into a force in the public relations and marketing scene that represents school districts and major businesses alike in the SCV. Mellady is often one of those called when there’s work to be done with local media outlets, including KHTS, The Signal and SCVTV. Mellady Direct is now a multi-faceted, full-service printing, mailing and marketing house that reaches every home in Santa Clarita and fulfills orders nationwide. We expect to see that presence to continue to grow and positively impact the community.

“Cherise Moore truly wants to make a difference in the community. She understands the value of education and she wants to ensure everybody -- no matter their situation -- has the opportunity to receive that gift as well. She is dedicated, passionate and respectful in her representation of the students of today and the workforce of tomorrow.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher In her first year on the governing board of the William S. Hart Union High School District, Cherise Moore has proven to be a dedicated advocate for all students in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Her passion for adult and career education programs have helped the Hart district usher in many of its renowned college and career readiness programs, and the former teacher and administrator has proven time and time again that she is willing to engage in an open discussion to find solutions for the pressing issues facing the area’s only junior high and high school district.

Those who have spoken with her fellow board members, district union groups and members of the community would surely agree that Moore is one of the 51 most influential figures in the Santa Clarita Valley, and expect to see her moving up the list in the coming years.

“Maria Gutzeit provides fair-minded and level-headed leadership on behalf of the valley’s water ratepayers, and her track record of community service speaks for itself.”

— Richard Budman, Signal Publisher Maria Gutzeit, a board member for the SCV Water, has been an advocate on behalf of Santa Clarita Valley water users for more than 15 years.

She became an SCV Water board member under the recent merger between the Newhall County Water District, where she was a representative for more than a dozen years, and the Castaic Lake Water Agency.

The final board president of the Newhall County Water District, playing a pivotal role in the merger, Gutzeit is now the vice president of SCV Water.

A member of the small-business community, Gutzeit is also owner and principal engineer for Compliance Plus Environmental Consulting, which has provided environmental regulatory compliance assistance in Southern California for nearly 25 years.

Gutzeit is extremely active in the community through work with nonprofit organizations such as the SCV’s Committee on Aging, which runs the SCV Senior Center, and the SCV Chamber of Commerce.

34 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2018 • The Signal

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Cary Quashen wishes to congratulate all of the 51 Winners and thank them for their contribution to our community.