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BUSINESS O F F I CI A L P U B L ICAT IO N O F TH E SCV CH AM BER OF C OM M ER CE

J O U R N AL

APRIL 2022 VOL 14 • No 4 SIGNALSCV.COM/BUSINESS

wayne crawford scv’s cement farmer Santa Clarita Stock Index Keller Raggio Econowatch and More!

A P R I L 2022

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

The Benefits of Breakfast and the Right Choices PATRICK MOODY

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

ou don’t have to start every morning with the breakfast of champions. But it’s a good idea to kick off your day with a healthy first meal. Starting your day with a balanced meal can make a major difference in your overall health and well-being, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. WHY BREAKFAST? Breakfast is literally a break in fasting. The fast is the eight to 12 hours since you last ate before bedtime. When you wake to a new day, you need food to reload your body’s supply of glucose — or blood sugar — that provides energy. Some of the benefits of eating breakfast include more strength, better endurance, improved concentration and increased problemsolving ability. On the other hand, if you skip breakfast, you’re more likely to be tired, irritable or restless in the morning. The morning meal is especially important for kids and teens. Kids who eat breakfast are better able to learn, have better grades, and develop better eating habits for the long term, according to the Academy. MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES There’s no set menu for a good breakfast. But there are some guidelines you should follow to make sure your morning meal is healthy and balanced: Go easy on sugar. Sugar adds calories but offers few, if any, nutrients. So skip the doughnuts, bear claws and other pastries.

Power up with protein. Protein can help you stay strong and focused throughout the morning, according to the Academy. Good sources of protein include eggs, low-fat yogurt and peanut butter. Include whole grains. Whole grains are packed with fiber and nutrients. They also tend to be digested slowly, so they provide long-lasting energy. Add fruits and veggies. Try fresh, seasonal fruit, or put canned fruit in a parfait, or try including chopped veggies in an omelet.

Here are some ideas for a healthy breakfast: A bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk and an orange.

Toasted waffles topped with peanut butter and banana slices. Get more healthy eating tips from the Henry

Egg whites with whole-grain toast and fruit.

Mayo Fitness and Health Nutrition blog. Go to

Scrambled eggs, low-fat milk and pancakes topped with fruit.

Henrymayofitness.org and type “blog” in the search box. 

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C O N T E N T S NEWS & FEATURES 5 6 7 9 20 26 27

TK-12 School Emphasizes Independent Thinking Training the Workforce of Today and Tomorrow CEO Spotlight: Wayne Crawford City Supports Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs Rents Continue Upward Trend Stock Watch Econowatch

9 supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses

LIST 18

Family-Owned Businesses

FROM THE EXPERTS 6 8 10

Ken Keller: Tough Conversation or Continued Frustration? Paul Butler: Service Recovery Expands the 4Ps Paul Raggio: Using Objectives, Analytics for Success

SCV BUSINESS VOICES 2 11 17 24

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Pierson Wealth Management SCV Economic Development Corp. Audiology Associates

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHTS 12 13 14 15

25 CHARTER SCHOOLS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Awards and Installation Business Councils Celebrating SCV Businesses Upcoming Events

April 2022 | Vol. 14 | No. 4

PUBLISHER

Richard Budman rbudman@signalscv.com (661) 287-5501

BUSINESS JOURNAL EDITOR Doña Uhrig

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Maureen Daniels Jennifer Ramos Barbara Ward

A proud publication of

SINCE 1919

SignalSCV. com Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal (a Signal publication), © 2022, is published monthly by the Santa Clarita Valley Signal newspaper, Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc., 25060 Avenue Stanford, Ste 141, Valencia, CA 91355. The SCV Business Journal is intended to provide business executives with a cross-section of industry news and information, trends and statistics that impact our growing community. Information gathered in the pages of the SCV Business Journal has been collected from what are considered reliable sources, and is believed to be accurate, but cannot be guaranteed. Articles may not be reprinted without publisher’s written permission. For reprint requests, please call (661) 259-1234.

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Tough Conversation or Continued Frustration? KEN KELLER

SCVBJ Contributing Writer

uring a recent meeting with a manufacturing company CEO, he shared two pieces of wisdom related to people. The first was, “No matter how the economy is doing, no matter what the unemployment rate is, when you have someone who is not contributing, it is better to let them go than keep them on just because you need a warm body.” I thought about that because many of my clients do in fact, keep warm bodies on the payroll because they are afraid of the extra work the remaining staff would have to take on to fill the gap. And that it is hard to fill open positions these days. The second thought was “In every company, there are a handful of people that drive growth and profits. Make sure you keep those people happy and that means dealing with the warm bodies.” Although I have brought it up more than a few times with my clients, not many of them have an actual written list of those that they need to succeed and grow. His statements were sage advice, which leads me to ask: when was the last time you had a one-one, tough conversation with an underperformer? Have anyone like that at your company? Every company I know has at least one of these. Some companies are filled with them and often, the worst offenders are in management. Here’s the deal: the more tough conversations a CEO has, the better a company becomes. I’m not just talking about employees. The same conversations should take place as needed with suppliers, partners, and clients. I have had clients stagnate for years because the CEO doesn’t want to be seen as anything but a nice person. Being nice means tough conversations don’t take place. What happens is that the CEO has a long, slow burn and then, at the end of the fuse, which could be months or years later, there is long overdue explo-

The more tough conversations a CEO has, the better a company becomes.

In every company, there are a handful of people that drive growth and profits. Make sure you keep those people happy and that means dealing with the warm bodies.

sion, and the underperformer departs. The performers simply ask: “What took so long?” This culture of avoidance cascades down the chain of command, meaning the management team believes this is an acceptable way to address underperformers. Meaning, not addressing underperformers. Managers do not want to perform performance appraisals because they do not want to be in the difficult position of having to honestly rate how an employee is performing their job function. Being candid about what people aren’t doing but need to be doing is a painful discussion. What managers do instead is grumble (and you have either heard the grumblings or made some yourself), all the

while making comments to everyone else about performance that is not up to standard. The underperformer believes through all of this that they are doing an acceptable job. And why wouldn’t they, never having heard anything to contradict that. The employee might even think that they are doing a fantastic job, because the last bit of feedback received was “Keep up the good work!” Put on your big boy pants or your big girl panties (your choice) and have more tough conversations. Or bring someone in to do them for you. That is the only way your underperformers will know they need to change or depart. Either way, you and the company will win. 

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TK-12 School Emphasizes Independent Thinking

PHOTOS COURTESY SCVi

BY JIM WALKER

Signal Staff Writer

stablished in 2008, and completely independent, the Santa Clarita Valley International Charter School was the first and founding school in the network of iLEAD schools established in Southern California under the credo of “Free to Think, Inspired to Lead.” Chad Powell and Martha Spansel-Pellico are the codirectors of SCVi, and Powell shared his thoughts on the unique ideology that sets the school apart. “This is a tuition-free public school, focused on ProjectBased Learning and SocialEmotional Learning,” Powell said. “The philosophy behind the school is to leverage the students’ natural curiosity about the world into the learning experience.” As the website states: “At SCVi, you will find a school that prioritizes a positive, supportive, and inviting environment where our students (learners) can focus on their

development. In addition to academic excellence, we are committed to supporting learners’ development of emotional intelligence, life skills and community engagement. Our teachers (facilitators) are devoted to providing learners with the best academic and emotional support by way of individualized attention. “We want our learners to think for themselves. Doing this requires a grounding in the arts, in design and in humanities, as well as the need to feel at home in the world. Our goal is nothing short of learning, to change the world.” Powell explained how and why all this works. “We all learn better when we follow our own interests. So, our teachers start a project with an interesting question that needs an answer, needs to be solved,” he said. “The teacher sets up the threads of that for each student to follow, and they are free to consider that a little bit more on their own See SCVi, page 19

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Training the Workforce of Tomorrow and Today at COC BY DIANNE VAN HOOK

Chancellor of College of the Canyons

ollege of the Canyons is well known for providing high-quality workforce training to the Santa Clarita Valley community. That training matters now more than ever as the economy continues to adapt and change in the wake of the pandemic. Continued improvement in the general economy is expected through 2022 and recovery will occur earlier in business, scientific, technical services and in the information sector due to the demand for new technologies as we work and socialize in new ways. Moreover, we can expect the pace of the California recovery to eventually exceed the U.S. recovery. Locally, the most in-demand industries in the Santa Clarita Valley are jobs in health care, telecommunications, information technology, social work, supply chain management, artificial intelligence, as well as digital and social media marketing. College of the Canyons is well-positioned to provide the training local employers need to remain at the forefront of their industries. In 2020-21 we trained 3,420 employees, served 1,802 employers, and created 130 new jobs, while our Small Business Development Center assisted businesses in raising $35.5 million in capital! In addition, College of the Canyons is the only community college in the state to offer a Low Observable (stealth) Coatings Application Training Program. We initiated a partnership with Northrop Grumman to create and launch a virtual reality training program to train dislocated and incumbent workers in low-observable paint technology, which provides aircraft and other systems the ability to operate undetected. Supported by COC’s Strong Workforce Program, the low observable technology program successfully launched with 14 participants. It allows individuals to

The Small Business Association’s Small Business Development Center hosted by COC has assisted small businesses and entrepreneurs.

pursue higher skill levels, as well as a pathway to leadership positions within Northrop Grumman. But we’re just getting started! College of the Canyons’ Employee Training Institute recently was awarded an unprecedented $1.5 million-dollar contract with the state’s Employment Training Panel (ETP). This award is the largest ETP contract obtainable and is DOUBLE our current ETP contract amount! The two-year reimbursement contract will allow the college to offset the training costs charged to employers in the private and public sectors, as well as nonprofit organizations. The goals of the program are in support of higher wage jobs, training leading to licensing and certification and workforce training efforts for communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. These training funds are just one of the many

resources COC brings to Santa Clarita businesses. Another project on the horizon that will serve local companies is the launch of our Advanced Technology Center. A catalyst to continue to support the development of our workforce, the ATC will include a state-of-art advanced manufacturing and Computer Numerical Control production lab that will prepare students for high-skill jobs in high-demand sectors. The ATC’s role is essential to economic recovery in our community: It will future-proof the workforce by developing a higher-education model to supSee COC, page 22

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CEO Spotlight: Wayne Crawford SANTA CLARITA CONCRETE BY JIM WALKER

Signal Staff Writer

s president of Santa Clarita Concrete, Wayne Crawford is not only a pillar of the SCV community, he’s probably had a hand in creating many of the actual structural pillars here, as well — in business parks and, especially, those used in our educational facilities. In operation locally for nearly 35 years, Santa Clarita Concrete has been involved with much of the concrete related construction at College of the Canyons, several of our local high schools and junior high schools, and numerous elementary schools. SCC supports anywhere from 80 to 120 employees, depending on its active projects, and is currently generating about $30 million in revenue per year. Crawford is also a co-owner of Valencia Acura, which had its best year ever in 2021, and is intimately involved with local business development groups and charitable organizations. And all of these accomplishments, in multiple arenas, has arisen from hard work, savvy observations of business trends and a “go-forit” boldness that sees the possibilities rather than the difficulties. Not bad for a guy who wanted to be a farmer.

The Journey

Crawford said he spent many of his youthful summers working on his uncle’s dairy farm and fully expected to get into that business, eventually. Meanwhile, he was a good student and also a pole vaulter at Fullerton High School — which might show early indications of a fearless mindset. And, while he smiles at reports that he was a “track star” and held a vaulting record for 30 years, he says those are pleasant exaggerations, with the record being “probably one event at one tournament.” He knew his future wife, Dianne, in high school, but they did not date during that time. “We reconnected in 1963,” he said, “and married in August of 1964.”

This August will be their 58th wedding anniversary. Farmer dreams fading with the launch of Sputnik in 1957, Crawford was persuaded by his high school counselors to become an engineer. “So, gone was attending Cal Davis, and on was attending Cal Berkeley,” he said. In February of 1965, he was sent to the Lockheed Skunk Works for a job interview and was hired the same day. He went to work in the flight test group as a junior engineer on the then-secret “Lockheed Blackbirds.” He was soon promoted to math engineer and project manager. The Crawfords moved to Valencia in 1969 (then to Sand Canyon in 1978), where they would raise three children — Jacque, Keith and Kyle. In June of 1970, Wayne transferred to the new L-1011 flight test data center at Lockheed’s Plant 10, as the night manager of the

Santa Clarita Concrete President Wayne Crawford. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON/ THE SIGNAL

flight test center. In 1973, after the L-1011 certification program was finished, he transferred back to Burbank, as a group engineer (manager). “But I didn’t see myself doing the same thing for the next 30 years,” he said. So, he left to pursue other interests. Crawford owned or co-owned a series of companies before Santa Clarita Concrete, mostly as his then-current business needs dictated. The first of these was BBB Industries, from 1975 to 2005. “We did moldings, millwork and finished carpentry,” he said. “It was mainly housing tract work — almost all of the Valencia homes, and part of Pardee, M.J. Brock, Warmington and many others.” See CRAWFORD, page 23

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Service Recovery Expands the 4Ps BY PAUL BUTLER

SCVBJ Contributing Writer

have three memories of my college marketing class: the mullet, the tweed and the 4Ps. I had the mullet. The professor wore the tweed. The textbook listed the 4Ps. This handydandy list is still etched on the inside of my eye lids and helped me pass the exam— promotion, product, price and place. The 4Ps summarized what marketeers understood as the fundamentals to guarantee a sale. They espoused that if we promoted the product correctly at the right price and made it available at the right place it’s sure to sell. This makes sense in theory and has proven to be true in practice although I have found there to be two more Ps especially during service recovery — process and people. Firstly though, what do I mean by service recovery? Well, like the bumper sticker says — “stuff happens.” At least that’s what I think it says — maybe I need some new reading glasses? As consumers, I am sure we can all relate to “service recovery” — this is when we ask the seller to correct an issue we have with their service or product. To me, this really separates the excellent organization from the mediocre one. How an organization recovers our consumer trust can literally be a gamechanger and can either “win” a customer for life or “lose” a customer for life. We experienced a good

PROMOTION PRICE

4 PS OF MARKETING

PRODUCT PLACE

Service Recovery PROCESS and not so good example of this in the Butler household recently, that demonstrated service recovery. Firstly, the good experience. I have always admired a certain brand of travel luggage. It’s cool. It’s hardy. It’s highly practical. On a recent business trip, I think I overstretched its hardiness and the handle bust. We contacted the company and their service recovery process was simple and superb. The form we had to fill in online was supereasy. They didn’t try to get out of replacing the product even though I believe I was to blame. Within a week a brand-new product turned up at the door. The person who administered the service recovery process was second to none. It was a person and a process that recovered my trust in their brand and as a result I am unlikely to travel to a competitor any time soon. People and process were the 2 extra Ps. Now for the not so good

PEOPLE

experience. I wear a wireless headset when I am teaching webinars from our office or just need to focus on a task at hand. My connection to this brand started about 20 years ago but like many brands that were once household names, I’m not so sure they’re going to be around for much longer as their products are proving to nowadays, be not so great. After about three months of use the headset just refused to be charged. It just died. I couldn’t get any power into it. I contacted their after-sales support and their service recovery was also fantastic! The person who handled my call was Johnny-on-the-spot. I was very impressed. A brandnew replacement product turned up at my door a few days later. Unfortunately, the problem showed itself again at about the same three-month mark. The headset, just like the first one, refuses to take any power so rather like its predecessor — it just died. I filled in

the online form just last night. I am sure I will speak with Johnny again this week, but now; I just want my money back as the product simply sucks. Their service recovery process and people who administered it were great but their product has failed me — they fell within the first 4Ps. So, the mullet has gone. I’m not sure too many people wear tweed anymore. But what I believe has stood the test of time is what was in that textbook (the 4Ps of promotion, product, price and place). I just think I’d be tempted to scratch in the margin now, two additional Ps — process and people especially around the service recovery stage when “stuff happens.” Paul Butler is a Santa Clarita resident and a client partner with Newleaf Training and Development of Valencia. For questions or comments, email Butler at paul.butler@ newleaftd.com. 

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City Supports Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs BY CITY OF SANTA CLARITA

onsistently recognized for being a business-friendly community, the City of Santa Clarita understands that small businesses and entrepreneurship are integral to its economic fabric. The City aims to assist those looking to start a business for the first time with resources and tools for building a successful business. Through many local community partnerships, resources and services, the City of Santa Clarita is committed to supporting its local entrepreneurs and small businesses. One of the ways the City provides support is through the City’s website, SmallBusinessSantaClarita.com. The site aims to connect aspiring and established small business owners to various helpful resources and tools, including information regarding the City’s tax incentives, sponsorship opportunities and an events

calendar populated with free or lowcost workshops, webinars and more. The website also provides “The Guide to Opening a Small Business in the City of Santa Clarita,” which walks visitors through each step of successfully opening a small business in the City, from selecting the perfect name and suitable site to obtaining the necessary permits at the City, County and State levels. SmallBusinessSantaClarita.com also has a section on Doing Business with the City, where small businesses and entrepreneurs can find ample opportunities to engage in business with the City. In an effort to support local businesses and enhance local business relationships, the City offers a shop-local incentive for locally based companies participating in the bid process the opportunity to match non-local vendors when they are within 10% of the lowest bid. SmallBusinessSantaClarita.com also highlights the City’s Community Part-

ners, who are committed to working with the City to assist, advocate and support the needs of local businesses. The City’s ongoing partnership with local organizations such as Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, Valley Industry Association, Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center and College of the Canyons have been critical to the health of the Santa Clarita business community. Each partnership plays an essential role in helping Santa Clarita businesses thrive. The SCVEDC has worked closely with the City on initiatives dedicated to supporting small businesses. The SCVEDC partnered with the City to quickly and and efficiently deploy the 2020 Santa Clarita Small Business COVID Relief Grant program. This program provided small businesses a one-time financial See ENTREPRENEURS, page 16

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Using Objectives and Analytics for Success BY PAUL RAGGIO

SCVBJ Contributing Writer

here is an exceptional 2011 movie starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill titled “Moneyball.” The film is an adaptation of the 2003 nonfiction book written by Michael Lewis. It explores how Oakland Athletics’ General Manager, Billy Beane, played by Pitt, and his Assistant General Manager, Peter Brand, played by Hill, turn an underperforming major league baseball team around. Beane takes over the struggling Oakland A’s club and hires Brand to help him recruit and retain major league players. They employ a different, rather than a traditional, analytical approach that evaluates players’ batting, pitching and fielding statistics. They use sabermetrics — an empirical analysis of baseball statistics, which most major league teams use now to recruit and retain their players. Its origin is from the acronym Society of American Baseball Research. The proof of the system was the club’s increase in wins and berths in the American League playoffs and a consecutive twenty-game winning streak not achieved in over one hundred years. In the game of business, using analytics is essential to evaluating a company’s health, sustainability and growth potential. Employing Objectives and Key Results (OKR) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) concepts should be just as routine for measuring your business activities as sabermetrics was to Beane measuring his players’ performance. These best business practices bring clarity to a company’s direction and those charged to carry out its mission. OKRs are a subset of the discipline of strategic thinking and execution planning. They represent the goals established by leadership, interpreted into a series of objectives with expected key results. When parties develop goals, the basic rule is they must be specific, mea-

Incorporating goal development, OKRs and KPIs as a disciplined approach to strategic thinking and execution planning is how the best companies actuate clarity and focused direction.

surable, attainable, results-driven and time-framed. In forming the goal, specific objectives that translate to individual and collective tasks and their outcomes to successfully achieve the goal are identified and assigned to champions to execute. The champions are accountable for inspiring their team to meet or exceed the objectives’ key results on time and with the resources given. KPIs are quantifiable measurements of performance over time related to objectives. Performance is measured against any number of resources: time, capacity, money, energy, direction, depletion. Notably, a KPI should directly correlate to achieving the desired result defined in the OKR. By measuring the use or consumption of resources, the OKR Champion can assess risk and progress with some certainty, thus eliminating chaos and striking down the devil that is always appearing in business. Ultimately KPIs provide targets teams shoot for, progress pillars teams pass on their route to success, and insights for the team leader deciding course corrections. Imagine your company operating with such discipline! Subordinate divisions, departments and sections develop goals aligned with the company’s annual plan and multi-year forecast. Objectives are clearly defined and expressed in terms of expected key results. Champions are accountable for achieving the objectives by inspiring motivated team members to make focused and meaningful contributions to the company’s advancement.

Champions establish KPIs for each OKR, measure performance, draw clarity, and course correct to achieve the desired result. Strategic thinking and execution planning are disciplines practiced by a company’s leadership team. Incorporating these leader mantras, OKRs and KPIs, by the various company stratifications and assigning them champions are best business practices that get results. Using analytics that are indices of a company’s health, sustainability and growth differentiates mediocre companies from great ones and creates clarity. The devil to a company is chaos, and providing clarity is how you fight it. Billy Beane and Peter Brand figured this out by using sabermetrics in rebuilding the Oakland A’s. Incorporating goal development, OKRs and KPIs as a disciplined approach to strategic thinking and execution planning is how the best companies actuate clarity and focused direction. You and your company can do the same by adopting these best business practices. Eliminating chaos, providing transparency, stipulating direction, and holding champions accountable for results is how you lead, think, plan and act. Now, let’s get after it! Retired Col. Paul A. Raggio is co-owner, with his sister Lisa, of One True North INC Leadership and Business Coaching Solutions. For more information, visit onetruenorthcoach.com. 

A P R I L 2022

SCV BUSINESS VOICES Are all the pieces of SCV BUSINESS VOICES your financial future The Importance of Financial coordinated into Literacy for Individuals at or one holistic plan?

Nearing Retirement IVY PIERSON

Founder and Investment Advisor Representative Pierson Wealth Management

ftentimes, financial literacy is associated with younger individuals and their need to understand how to properly apply financial skills as they begin to earn their own money. Nevertheless, it is equally important for those at or nearing retirement to stay educated. In celebration of National Financial Literacy Month in April, we encourage you to take time to get educated, review your financial planning strategy, and ensure you are up to date regarding policies that can potentially impact your retirement planning. Staying current on news and changes that affect your financial situation is not always easy – but that is where we can help! Part of getting educated is working with the right financial advisor who can help you stay current on policy changes that are important to your retirement. For example, are you aware of how the new 2022 RMD tax rules can impact your retirement strategy? We work with clients to not only keep them in

the know, but continuously ensure their plan is updated to address new regulations and minimize taxes. Working with an experienced, educated financial advisor will enable you to have more money throughout retirement and make it last! If you want to make sure your retirement planning strategy is effective, reach out to us at (661) 297-7566 or visit www.PiersonWealthManagement.com. From market volatility and inflation to healthcare planning and taxes, it is important to have a coordinated, comprehensive plan for retirement. We are dedicated to helping individuals build a holistic strategy to minimize taxes, maximize savings, and make money last throughout retirement, while answering their questions along the way. Pierson Wealth Management is located at 28368 Constellation Rd., Ste. 396, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGA Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance Lic# 0C92500. 

Ivy Pierson, CEP, MBA

Founder & Investment Advisor Representative

Prosperity with Confidence Contact us today to book a 20-minute introductory phone call to discuss your situation, goals and needs. We look forward to helping you pursue your goals and objectives. 28368 Constellation Rd Unit 396, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (661) 297-7566 (661) 263-9958

PiersonWealthManagement.com Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGA Insurance Agency LLC), member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance Lic #OC92500

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99th ANNUAL AWARDS AND INSTALLATION Our first large in-person event since the start of the pandemic was a huge success.

Congratulations to all the honorees, our 2022 Board of Directors and our entire business community for coming out in force to support! Thank you to all our sponsors including Title Sponsor - Chiquita Canyon and Reception Sponsor FivePoint. Photos by SchlickArt Photography and Video You can view the digital program book with honorees and letters from our 2021 and 2022 chairs by scanning the QR code below.

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2022 Board of Directors CHAIR OF THE BOARD DR. CHRIS RAIGOSA - Kaiser Permanente

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HUNT BRALY - Poole, Shaffery & Koegle, LLP ANDREA CARPENTER - Logix

BUSINESS COUNCILS

As the third largest city in Los Angeles County, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Com-

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

LATINO BUSINESS ALLIANCE

MARISOL ESPINOZA - Southern California Gas Company Michael Grisanti - Hedman Partners, LLP BECKI ROBB - Princess Cruises

Our LBA council works to promote Latinoowned business as well as relevant issues fac-

NEXTSCV NextSCV is our next generation of leaders

ing our Latino business community. In addi-

and the group aims to develop the next lead-

SANDY SANCHEZ - FivePoint

tion the LBA helps to educate businesses on

ers of the Santa Clarita Valley through per-

JOHN VANCE - Vance Wealth

how to enhance a company’s business efforts

sonal and professional development, civic

with Latino customers and other Latino-

engagement, and network building oppor-

owned businesses.

tunities that ultimately stimulate local busi-

BOARD OF DIRECTORS KAREN BRYDEN - SCV Locations STEVE COLE - SCV Water Agency JASON CRAWFORD - City of Santa Clarita ANDREA DE LA CERDA - Scorpion MATT DIERCKMAN - Colliers International TROY HOOPER - Kiwi Hospitality Partners PATRICK MOODY - Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital DR. IZU OKPARA- Omni Wound Physicians DAN REVETTO - AT&T HENRY RODRIGUEZ - State Farm Insurance LINDSAY SCHLICK - SchlickArt Video & Photography CHRIS SCHRAGE - LBW Insurance Financial Services

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

NON-PROFIT The SCV has a strong philanthropic community with more than 100 locally-based nonprofit organizations that help our community thrive. Our non-profits are a key reason why

ROCHELLE SILSBEE - Southern California Edison

Santa Clarita is a great community and always

G. JESSE SMITH - California Institute of the Arts

looking towards a better future. The coun-

DI THOMPSON - THOMPSON REALTY ADVISORS

cil provides business resources for our local non-profit leaders to help them connect,

nesses and support the mission of the SCV Chamber.

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

DR. DIANNE VAN HOOK - College of the Canyons

grow and learn about valuable information

ing any of our councils or

DENNIS VERNER - Burrtec

so they can successfully meet their organiza-

finding out more please email

tions mission and goals.

us at hello@scvchamber.com

KARINA WINKLER - Holiday Inn Express

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CELEBRATING SCV BUSINESSES We are so proud of the resilience of our business community in the Santa Clarita Valley. Despite the pandemic and all the challenges we have faced over the last two years, we continue to grow and celebrate our amazing community. From celebrating new businesses opening or marking special occasions and achievements, we have been proud to be part of your celebrations. Mark your calendars for these upcoming grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremonies. Come out and show your support!

April 22 | 2:00pm - Code Ninjas Valencia 25939 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381

May 14 | 12:00pm - Lucky Luke Brewing Company 25108 Rye Canyon Loop, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

May 21 | 2:00pm - Perfect Tux 23300 Cinema Drive, Suite 108, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Do you have a grand opening or anniversary coming up? Email us at hello@scvchamber.com for details about hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony.

MEMBER 401(K) PLAN Beginning June 30, 2021, California will require all businesses with over 50 employees to offer their employees a retirement savings program. Then, by June 30, 2022 companies with 5 or more employees will be required to provide a retirement plan. The SCV Chamber’s Member 401(k) Retirement Plan is designed to save local businesses time and money in the administration of a 401(k) program for their employees, while creating individual, customized plans. Partnering with Lincoln Financial Group to oversee the Multiple Employer Aggregation Program (MEAP) including the plan’s important administrative, recordkeeping and fiduciary services. Locally, LBW Insurance and Financial Services, serve as the preferred local agent for the plan helping to get more businesses enrolled in the plan to help them reduce overhead expenses and meet new state requirements. The plan is also open for all Chamber-member agents to participate. Businesses seeking more information on the SCV Chamber Member 401(k) Retirement Plan can email us at hello@scvchamber.com.

Congratulations to Advance Auto Parts for opening their new store. Please welcome them to the community. 20600b Golden Triangle Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351

L.A. BUSINESS JOURNAL NON-PROFIT CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP AWARDS The Los Angeles Business Journal has announced the nominations for both the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, and President & CEO Ivan Volschenk, for their 2022 Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards. The Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2022 Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards honor the contributions of the nonprofit community along with the citizens and businesses that support them. The award looks to highlight the tireless work of nonprofit leaders, teams, and programs, alongside the efforts of individuals and companies who donate their time, funds, and efforts to improve the Los Angeles communities they serve. The Los Angeles Business Journal will feature the SCV Chamber in their April 25th edition, with the final honorees being selected during their virtual event on April 20, 2022, at 2:00 PM. If you are interested in attending the virtual event, please email hello@scvchamber.com for details to register.

A P R I L 2022

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Business After Hours Mixer at American Family Funding and 360 Executive Suites

April 20 | 5:30pm

The Santa Clarita Valley’s premier networking event, our Business After Hours Mixers, are back! Come join professionals from across the Santa Clarita Valley for networking, food and drinks! Get back into the mix and meet new faces as well as catch up with old connections!

Business After Hours Mixer at Valencia Acura

May 18 | 5:30pm

Our annual mixer at Valencia Acura is back in May. Come join in the celebration as we hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate their 25th Anniversary! Join professionals from across the Santa Clarita Valley for networking, food and drinks! Get back into the mix and meet new faces as well as catch up with old connections!

Government Affairs Council May 10 | 10:30am Join us to hear about what issues our business community are facing. Elected officials and their staff will give updates from federal, state and local offices. This is a great opportunity to hear what advocacy the Chamber is doing for you and also to find out how you can bring the issues you care about for us to assist you with. Our massive grassroots alliance is comprised of organizations locally and throughout the country who help strengthen our advocacy efforts and ensure our advocacy efforst are successful. Email hello@scvchamber.com to find out how to attend or submit an issue you are facing. To find out more information about these events or any other upcoming programming and to register go to:

www.SCVChamber.com/Events

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A P R I L 2022

Newhall School District is Your Compass and Guide to Chart a Successful Course

owadays we are fortunate to have GPS on our smart phones to help us with driving directions, but traditionally it has been compasses, maps, reference books and guides that have helped us get to our desired destinations. But imagine a trip to a foreign country where you don’t know how to navigate not just directions: where the language, customs and laws are different from your country of origin. In such situations, a good guide is practically a must to help you discover and understand new things — and in so doing, to broaden your world and make your travel and learning experience much more enjoyable, and safe. At Newhall School District, every teacher is a guide to the children under their care. New subjects, concepts and social norms may seem foreign to young minds just starting to discover their world, but a teacher, a guide who has already been there, can help each child

ENTREPRENEURS

Continued from page 9

reimbursement of up to $5,000 for expenses incurred from business interruption due to COVID-19 impacts. The SCVEDC also powers LiveWorkSCV.com, a one-stop job board that matches SCV career opportunities with SCV professionals. LiveWorkSCV.com is a helpful tool for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to attract and hire highly-qualified local employees. The Chamber of Commerce and Valley Industry Association also offer local businesses valuable networking opportunities and events. Specifically, the Chamber hosts a monthly Small Business Council that addresses issues affecting Santa Clarita’s

find their way through life thanks to highly personalized, quality education. Our motto is “Empowering Every Child Every Day,” and Newhall School District students go on to achieve at higher levels, thanks to NSD’s whole-student development philosophy, which combines the strengthening of students’ minds, bodies and values to help them in their journey of discovery in a fresh, fun way. We boast 10 award-winning campuses in the Santa Clarita Valley: McGrath, Meadows, Newhall, Oak Hills, Old Orchard, Peachland, Pico Canyon, Stevenson Ranch, Valencia Valley and Wiley Canyon. Our district is open to all children, even those living outside district boundaries. Call it our very own “open door policy.” Our offering includes: • Innovative Instruction • Technology & Arts Integration • A Dual Language Immersion Option • Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten/Junior Kindergarten

small businesses and provides relevant programming that meets their needs. City partner, College of the Canyons, provides many training and workshops for businesses and employees through the Employee Training Institute and Career Center. The City is also a proud sponsor of the Small Business Development Center. Located within the COC University Center, the SBDC provides small businesses and entrepreneurs with highquality business assistance. Along with regular training and webinars, the SBDC offers no-cost business advising services. The City offers several services to assist entrepreneurs through the planning and development process. Located

•

Dynamic Instruction through 6th Grade. The child always comes first at Newhall School District, where enrollment is possible throughout the year. Simply visit NSDOpenHouse.com or call Rosana Valadez (in English or en Español) at (661) 291-4163 to start the enrollment process. NEW ideas, NEW friendships, NEW beginnings — with a teacher, an experienced guide, who uses the highest quality education models to chart the best course, thereby inspiring young minds traveling through life to think beyond themselves so they can discover new horizons: That is Newhall School District. Your child is always our focus; their success, our compass’ north. Let Newhall School District guide them to success! Find us and like us on Facebook (@NewhallSchoolDistrict) and on Instagram/Twitter (@NewhallSD). Our hashtag is #WhereWeAllBelong. 

on the first floor of City Hall, the one-stop Permit Center includes the City’s Planning, Building and Safety and Engineering Services staff in one convenient location to assist customers and help businesses jump-start their building processes in a single trip. The City’s eService system also allows businesses to electronically submit development-related plans and documents to the City for plan and project review, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. Along with providing support through partnerships and resources, the City of Santa Clarita also spotlights local businesses through their Shop Local Eat Local marketing campaign. The Shop Local Eat Local campaign encourages residents to support

their community by spending their dollars at local businesses. Recently, Shop Local Eat Local highlighted several small businesses on City social media accounts to celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day. As an organization committed to a business-friendly and community-minded approach to growing Santa Clarita’s economy, the City recognizes small businesses and entrepreneurs as a vital component of the local economy and community. Santa Clarita welcomes businesses of all sizes and encourages those interested in opening a small business to take advantage of the many resources and services available through SmallBusinessSantaClarita.com. 

A P R I L 2022

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

2021 SCV Economic Development Corporation Annual Report HOLLY SCHROEDER

President & CEO of SCVEDC

ast month the SCVEDC released its Annual Report and I presented it to the Santa Clarita City Council. Here are some highlights I’d like to share: The COVID-19 pandemic brought both health implications and serious economic ones, extending into its second year in 2021 as the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation celebrated its 11th anniversary. The SCVEDC continued its focus on supporting SCV businesses as they navigated public health orders, supply chain snarls, hiring challenges and the emergence of inflation. SCVEDC continues to focus on business assistance, business attraction and retention, community marketing, and providing quality information and data. The vast diversity of businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley has established a strong foundation for its future economic security. Unlike much of the neighboring metropolitan areas of greater Los Angeles, SCV has been expanding, building, and growing. In population, housing, real estate, business expansion, and more. BUSINESS ATTRACTION & EXPANSION The Fastest Growing Sector Comes to SCV Pandemic-related shutdowns caused an explosion in demand for e-commerce support companies. COVID-19 accelerated adoption of ecommerce by both consumers and businesses, by 4 to 6 years, according to experts. Logistics, warehousing, and distribution companies expanded nationwide. The SCV was well positioned to take advantage of this trend due to its proximity to the Los Angeles marketplace, convenient freeway access, and high-quality industrial space. While giants such as Amazon are often the center of attention in this sector, their presence also creates jobs for many small logistics companies who support them. SCV now has three Amazon facilities and many office facilities supporting direct-to-consumer trends. Newcomers And Established Businesses Alike Grew In 2021 Demand for consumer products benefits SCV companies. Recent transplants such as DrinkPAK expanded to create a nearly 600k square foot campus. Longtime resident Lief Labs

continued its rapid growth into a new facility and landed on the Inc. 5000 list once again. In addition, Logix Federal Credit Union began

occupying its new headquarters in the Valencia Commerce Center. With this move, Logix See SCVEDC, page 27

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The List: F amily -O wned B usinesses rank

company

employees

family members

business

major ownership

website

Gothic Landscaping

2,200

Landscape services

Jon and Rob Georgio

www.gothiclandscape.com

AMS Fulfillment

362

Product and promotional fulfillment

Jay Catlin, Ken Wiseman

amsfulfillment

Stay Green Inc

350

Landscape services

Rich Angelo, Char Angelo

www.staygreen.com

Canon Recruiting Group LLC

300

Staffing and recruiting firm

Laurie Grayem

www.canonrecruiting.com

Andy Gump Temporary Site Services

175

Temprorary site services

Nancy Gump-Melancon

www.andygump.com

Petersen International Underwriters

International medical and health insurance, Lloyds of London

Harold, Michael and Thomas Petersen

www.piu.org

Valencia Acura

Auto Dealer

Don Fleming

www.valenciaacura.com

LBW Insurance and Financial Services

Insurance and financial services

Mitzi Like

www.lbwinsurance.com

The Signal

Media

Richard Budman

www.signalscv.com

AV Party Rentals

Party and event equipment rentals

Rusty Parr

www.avparty.com

CBC Cleaning and Restoration, Inc

Emergency disaster cleaning and restoration, residential and commerical

Gordon and Debbie Glasnow

www.cbcfirst.com

Accurate Freight Systems

Transportation and Logistics

Tony Demma

www.shipafs.com

GW Richardson Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

Gary and Christy Richardson

www.gwrichardsonac.com

Teague Custom Marine

Bob Teague

www.teaguecustommarine.com

KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220

Heating and air conditioning, solar electricity Marine engines, parts, accessories, service and high performance parts Radio station and website/Hometown Analytics (The Statster)

Carl Goldman, Jeri Seratti Goldman

www.hometownstation.com

J David’s Custom Clothiers

Clothier

David Guenther

Jdavids.com

Tea Elle C Garden Cafe

Specialty tea restaurant

Cecilia Hyon

www.theteagardens.com

Way Station Coffee Shop

Breakfast and lunch diner

Eric Leeser

N/A

Visual Terrain, Inc.

Special lighting design for architecture, attraction & amusement purposes

Lisa Passamonte Green and David Green

www.visualterrain.net

Douglas Furniture

Furniture

Doug Green

www.dougfurn.com

Nicholas Aire Systems

Heating and air conditioning

Nicholas Frank

www.nickaire.com

Oasis Garden & Patio

Patio furniture

Chris and Amy Boswell

oasisgardenandpatio.com

A Chorus Line Dancewear & Costumes

Dance wear and costume sales and rental

Reena Newhall

www.achorusline.net

Brent's Carpet One

Flooring sale and installation

Brent & Ben Griffiths

www.brentscarpetonenewhall.com

Lightning Limos

Party bus, limo rentals, car service

Veena Bali

www.mylightninglimos.com

Kupcake Kitchen

Bakery

Ryan Hulbert

www.kupcakekitchen.com

Signs By Tomorrow

Signs and graphics

Becky Hargrave

www.signsbytomorrow.com/santaclarita

Stacey Hauge Printing Co. Inc

Commerical printer

Dennis Hauge, Linda Hauge

www.haugeprinting.com

Chavez Carpet Cleaning Service

Carpet cleaning

Roberto Chavez

facebook.com/ChavezCarpetCleaning

Kona Ice of Santa Clarita

Shaved ice truck

Jeff and Carol Katz

kona-ice.com

Tycam Marketplace

Artisan market

Felicia Smith

tycammarketplace.com

Kona Ice of Santa Clarita

Shaved ice truck

Jeff and Carol Katz

kona-ice.com

Kupcake Kitchen

Bakery

Ryan Hulbert

www.kupcakekitchen.com

Stacey Hauge Printing Co. Inc

Commerical printer

Dennis Hauge, Linda Hauge

www.haugeprinting.com

Signs By Tomorrow

Signs and graphics

Becky Hargrave

www.signsbytomorrow.com/santaclarita

Marty's Flooring America

Flooring

Dustin Downen, Greg Smith

www.martysflooring.com

Chavez Carpet Cleaning Service

Carpet cleaning

Roberto Chavez

facebook.com/ChavezCarpetCleaning

Tycam Marketplace

Artisan market

Felicia Smith

tycammarketplace.com

Kona Ice of Santa Clarita

Shaved ice truck

Jeff and Carol Katz

kona-ice.com

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SCVI

Continued from page 5

terms. And with two or three students working on a project together, they not only explore the project, they learn collaboration, community and cooperation – the type of skills they will really need out in the world.” SCVi nurtures independent and innovative critical thinking, and incorporates technology, arts, entrepreneurship, and even family participation, into “an engaging educational experience that not only meets but exceeds the standards, with a focus on your child’s unique strengths and playful love of learning.” There is dual language immersion, and career technical education pathways are available. To avoid any misconceptions, Powell re-emphasized that SCVi is a 100 percent free public school, chartered to the William S. Hart School District, and fully accredited, like other public schools. “We just approach things differently,” he said, and added, “Anyone can attend, from all around. We have students coming from as far away as Encino and Santa Paula.” If space is available in the grade desired, enrollment is immediate, year-round. Otherwise, there is a waiting list and related enrollment lottery. “We just had our lottery from the waiting list for next year,” Powell said. Considering SCVi supports grades TK-12, the current student population of just over 800 total definitely offers a small school experience with individualized attention. “We offer three programs,” Powell said, “seat-based, online-only (Exploration), and a hybrid that is partially online and

partially in class (Innovation Studios). Most of our students are in seat-based K-8.” Beyond academics, SCVi offers CIF sports (in the Omega League), intramural sports, a theater program, a number of clubs and an active student government (the “Ambassadors”). In addition to classrooms, the campus facilities include those for sports, a theater and a café that serves free breakfast and lunch. Powell noted that SCVi has its own independent school board. “The director does not have the final say in everything.” And he added that all SCVi teachers are credentialed, and the school is fully WASC accredited. “Our curriculum meets state standards, and our high school is independently accredited, like every other one,” he said. “Our students are very successful, and go on to top universities around California and the country.” Amber Golden Raskin, founder of iLEAD, agreed. “Years ago, we set out to offer choice and a different approach in Santa Clarita,” she said. “And we are proud today to have made a difference for many, many graduates, who are now thriving in colleges

and careers.” “But SCVi is not for everyone,” Powell said. “We fill a certain need within the larger realm of school choice. However, if you like our philosophy, if you believe in a personalized school where every

teacher knows your name, this could be the place for you.” For more information visit www.ileadsantaclarita.org or call (661) 705-4820. SCVi is located at 28060 Hasley Canyon Road, Castaic, 91384. 

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Santa Clarita Rents Continue Upward Trend BY SIGNAL STAFF

elcome to the April 2022 Santa Clarita Rent Report. Santa Clarita rents increased over the past month. In this report, we’ll evaluate trends in the Santa Clarita rental market, including comparisons to cities throughout the LA metro area.

Santa Clarita Rents Increase Sharply Over the Past Month

Santa Clarita rents have increased 0.7% over the past month, and are up sharply by 13.8% in comparison to the same time last year. Currently, median rents in Santa Clarita stand at $2,197 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,747 for a two-bedroom. The city’s rents have been increasing for 14 straight months — the last time rents declined was in January of last year. Santa Clarita’s year-over-year rent growth lags the state average of 16.4%, as well as the national average of 17.1%.

Rents Rising Across Los Angeles Metro

Throughout the past year, rent increases have been occurring not just in the city of Santa Clarita, but across the entire metro. Of the largest 10 cities that we have data for in the Los Angeles metro, all of them have seen prices rise. Here’s a

City

1 BR Rent Median

2 BR Rent Median

M/M Rent Growth

Y/Y Rent Growth

Los Angeles

$1,760

$2,300

1.0%

16.0%

Long Beach

$1,590

$2,020

0.6%

15.1%

Anaheim

$1,790

$2,310

0.4%

17.9%

Santa Ana

$1,800

$2,320

0.1%

22.8%

Irvine

$2,850

$3,520

- 0.5%

23.5%

Glendale

$1,570

$2,180

0.5%

17.2%

Huntington Beach

$2,260

$2,530

1.5%

19.8%

Santa Clarita

$2,200

$2,750

0.7%

13.8%

Pomona

$1,640

$2,110

1.5%

25.1%

Torrance

$1,960

$2,610

1.2%

20.5%

look at how rents compare across some of the largest cities in the metro. Irvine has the most expensive rents in the Los Angeles metro, with a twobedroom median of $3,524; however, the city has also seen rents fall by 0.5% over the past month, the biggest drop in the metro. Pomona has seen the fastest rent growth in the metro, with a year-overyear increase of 25.1%. The median twobedroom there costs $2,114, while one-

DATA COURTESY APARTMENTLIST.COM

bedrooms go for $1,637. Long Beach has the least expensive rents in the Los Angeles metro, with a two-bedroom median of $2,023; rents grew 0.6% over the past month and 15.1% over the past year. Many large cities nationwide show more affordable rents compared to Santa Clarita As rents have increased sharply in Santa Clarita, a few large cities nationwide have seen rents grow more modestly. Compared to most large cities across the country, Santa Clarita is less affordable for renters. Rents increased sharply in other cities across the state, with California as a whole logging rent growth of 16.4% over the past year. For example, rents have grown by 18.5% in San Diego, 13.7% in San Jose and 13.0% in San Francisco. Santa Clarita’s median two-bedroom rent of $2,747 is above the national average of $1,306. Nationwide, rents have grown by 17.1% over the past year compared to the 13.8% rise in Santa Clarita. While Santa Clarita’s rents rose sharply over the past year, many cities nationwide also saw increases, including New York City (+33.3%), Phoenix (+25.4%), and Austin (+22.6%). Renters will generally find more expensive prices in Santa Clarita than most large cities. For example, Houston has a median 2BR rent of $1,214, where Santa Clarita is more than twice that price. 

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CANYONS PROMISE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

he College of the Canyons ‘Canyons Promise’ program is accepting sign-up forms for the 2022-23 academic year until Monday, May 2. Launched during the fall 2017 semester, the program provides increased opportunities for first-time college students who plan to attend full-time. The program helps students to achieve their educational goals by paying tuition and fees during their first year of study. Students who maintain the program’s requirements may have their Promise benefits extended to their second year. “We are very excited to welcome first-time students to our campus,” said Jasmine Ruys, associate vice president of enrollment services at the college. “As a comprehensive student success program, Promise is dedicated to creat-

COC

Continued from page 6

port advanced manufacturing, information technology, construction, and logistics to respond to the needs of local SCV businesses for skilled workers. Our interim Advanced Technology Center will open by fall 2022 in the

ing a community where students can feel at home, access resources with ease, and have the support to help them to reach their academic, personal, and career goals.” To be eligible, a student must be a California resident (or AB 540-eligible student) and a first-time college student. As a first step, students must submit a fall 2022 application as a first-time student. Upon completion, applicants will receive a link to the Canyons Promise sign-up form via email. After signing up for Canyons Promise, students must

complete all items found on the new student checklist, including the completion of a 2022-23 FAFSA or California Dream Act application, by May 2, 2022. Late submissions will not be considered. Students can be expected to be notified of their admission to the program after the May 2nd deadline. Students accepted into the program must attend a Canyons Promise New Student Session offered over the summer and will have requirements to meet for the fall semester. In addition to covering the cost of tuition, the program

Centre Pointe business park. The programs that will be housed in the interim ATC are integrated advanced manufacturing/computerized machining, milling and tooling, integrated personal fabrication (including a fabrication lab and industry innovation lab), and an indus-

trial maintenance technician program. The program benefits from federal funding recently secured by Congressman Mike Garcia, as well as state funding secured by then-Assemblywoman Christy Smith. We will occupy this shortterm space for three years as

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provides students with hightouch student support and ongoing academic and career counseling to ensure they remain on their academic path. It also leverages the many resources available to students across the college to promote student success. To date, the program has helped students save more than $2.3 million in tuition and fees. Of the 4,421 students who have enrolled in Canyons Promise since its launch, nearly half received their associate’s degree or career certificate within two years. The Canyons Promise team urges interested students to sign up and complete all necessary steps early to ensure deadlines are met. For more information about Canyons Promise and to sign up, visit www.canyons.edu/ promise.  we plan a larger and permanent ATC that will grow to include many more areas of advanced technology. If you wish to partner with COC, please reach out to us to learn about all the many ways we can work together to strengthen our local workforce! 

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CRAWFORD

Continued from page 7

After that it was a panelized roofing company, California Timber Structures, in 1979. “We’d been having trouble finding somebody for that, so asked ourselves, ‘Why don’t we do our own timber company?’” Crawford said. Crawford noted that he saw a housing recession coming and realized that finished carpentry for tract homes wouldn’t be a viable business for him in future years. “The builders would just hire crews and buy their materials from the large wholesalers,” he figured. “So, in 1988 we decided to go into residential concrete,” he said. For a while, his companies were in operation simultaneously. But eventually, Santa Clarita Concrete would become his sole focus, evolving toward the larger jobs of today. “SCC has done about 75% of all the new buildings at both campuses of COC in the last 15 to 20 years,” Crawford said. “And that’s almost all of those at the

Wayne Crawford and his five-year-old Labradoodle, Cara.

Canyon Country campus. We’ve done most of the new schools for the Hart District in the last decades, and most of the local elementary schools.”

Philanthropy

Over the years, the Crawford family has become well known in SCV nonprofit circles, and, among many other nonprofits and business-building organizations (VIA, for example) that

Wayne Crawford has given his time to, he has been a champion of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, the Child & Family Center and the local Boys & Girls Club, but most especially, Carousel Ranch. Donating generously of his time and money and expertise, Crawford has been recognized for his efforts with, among others, the SCV Man of the Year award in 2010 and the Silver Spur award in 2008, he is also consistently recognized as one of The Signal’s 51 Most Influential people in Santa Clarita. “I think our family has done a lot to help those in need in our valley over the years,” he said. “And it looks like it will continue.”

What’s next?

Crawford has no “concrete” plans to retire, although he is currently working on a vacation home in Cape Coral, Fla. But he intends to continue as he has been locally for as long as he can. “We’ve been around awhile. We’ve seen this valley change a lot,” he said. But he still has things to accomplish here. 

$20 Million Settlement for Misclassifying Employees as Independent Contractors BY JOHN H. SHAFFERY, ESQ. Poole & Shaffery, LLO

PO Logistics Inc. is a global freight company with trucking services transporting containers to and from shipping and railway terminals across North America. XPO regularly hires drivers to move cargo across the United States. However, XPO’s business practices in recruiting and hiring drivers gave rise to allegations of employment misclassification, which ultimately lead to a settlement of $20 million. The drivers were required to sign an Independent Contractor Operating Contract (IC Contract) as a condition of work. Although classified as an Independent Contractor, XPO still required the drivers to undergo an employment application process, as well as controlled the days and hours they worked. Furthermore, XPO imposed various policies

on the driver’s requiring adherence or risking disciplinary action. Plaintiffs filed suit in May 2018 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California alleging the class member drivers are employees because XPO retained control over wages, hours, and working conditions. Plaintiffs further contended XPO maintained direction over the manner and means of the drivers’ work by controlling their trucks and other equipment used to haul cargo. Defendant XPO argued that plaintiffs’ evidence of control were merely XPO’s efforts to comply with government regulations and that none of these efforts amounted to actual employer-employee control. XPO further contended the IC Contracts allowed plaintiffs the freedom to run their own business by allowing the selection of their own drivers and deciding the number of hours to work.

After years of litigation including class certification, an unresolved mediation in 2019, subsequent discovery, and finally trial preparation with numerous pretrial pleadings including 25 motions in limine, the parties agreed to a second mediation in 2021. Just a few weeks before trial, in August 2021, the parties reached a settlement of all class claims for $20 million. There were approximately 530 class members eligible to receive compensation with an estimated average of $27,000 to $68,000 per share. Misclassification as an Independent Contractor remains fertile ground for exposure and liability for not only for logistics providers, but for companies across all industries. It is more important than ever for employers to review their policies and guidelines to make sure they are not exposed to misclassification claims. 

A P R I L 2022

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

How Hearing Aids Can Help Prevent Dementia DR. KEVIN BOLDER

AuD, Audiology Associates

esearchers found that hearing loss effects how quickly and severely dementia progresses. Fortunately, correcting hearing loss with hearing aids can possibly prevent the effects of cognitive decline. Learn more about the role hearing aids have in maintaining optimal brain function. IMPROVED BRAIN FUNCTION In a study of first-time hearing aid users, hearing aids helped brain function in multiple ways. Before they started wearing hearing aids, participants took behavioral and cognitive tests to measure their hearing, memory, and processing speed. After using hearing aids for six months, the group took the same tests and saw the following results: Improved memory

Improved speech processing Greater ease of listening Reduced Mental Strain Straining to hear conversations is a common symptom of hearing loss. Continual stress on the brain to process sounds pulls resources away from other parts of the brain, reducing memory. If this strain continues, your brain could stop being able to conduct these functions altogether, allowing dementia to set in. Wearing hearing aids makes it easier to listen and limits brain strain, enhancing memory and brain functioning. PREVENT SOCIAL ISOLATION When people cannot process the sounds around them, they tend to avoid social situations. This isolation is a leading cause of dementia because their cognitive functions are not being used and deteriorate quicker.

Wearing hearing aids can help you participate in the conversation again. GET YOUR HEARING CHECKED Only a small percentage of people with hearing loss wear hearing aids, but they’re an important tool that will improve your ability to hear and provide long-term benefits. If you believe you have hearing loss, schedule a hearing test and take the necessary steps towards improved cognitive function and better hearing. To schedule a hearing evaluation today, please call Audiology Associates at (661) 2841900. Kevin Bolder, Au.D. and John Davis, Au.D. are two of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www. AudiologyAssociates.net or stop by our NEW office located at 25425 Orchard Village Road, Ste 220, Santa Clarita 91355. We are hearing healthcare excellence!. 

S A N TA C L A R I TA VA L L E Y B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L · 25

A P R I L 2022

Charter Schools Making a Positive Difference BY JOSH PREMAKO

world. Examples of project-based learning can include projects such as:

Signal Contributing Writer

n 2008, alongside a small but mighty group of educators and community members, Amber Golden co-founded SCVi, a tuition-free public charter school, because she was looking for a different education option for her own children. She had no idea that she was joining a movement that has continued to fuel a widespread change in educational approach. SCVi would flourish quite rapidly, expanding to iLEAD California. The vision of the network is embodied in its acronym of a name: International Learning, Leadership, Entrepreneurial Development, Arts, and Design Thinking. Additionally, the schools’ verbiage is strategic when it comes to students and teachers, which it calls learners and facilitators, respectively. The idea is to reinforce the goal of lifelong learning, and the belief that teachers are to facilitate a learning experience, not simply impart knowledge. Fast forward to 2022, and Golden is now founder and CEO of Maker Learning Network, which supports a network of charter schools in California, Hawai’i, Colorado and the Midwest, serving thousands of students. There are five key pillars to the iLEAD approach: Individualized Learning Plans A yearly plan, developed between the student and their teacher with personalized goals and instruction for each child, to keep learning interest-driven, peersupported, and focused on powerful outcomes. Project-Based Learning Offers a dynamic hands-on classroom approach in which students actively explore realworld challenges to acquire deeper knowledge. Research shows that kids’ retention of content and their attitude toward and interest in learning increases with project-based learning. Social-Emotional Learning Academic achievement is only one component of a student’s education at iLEAD. We also support the learner’s development of emotional intelligence, life skills, and

•

A pair of learners pivoting an internship requirement into instead developing and launching a legally certified streaming website for public access TV content

•

Teams of learners launching research projects to the International Space Station

•

community engagement. Showcases of Learning At the end of the year, both students and staff members give their own Showcases of Learning, based on their achievements and growth toward those particular goals they set at the start of the school year. Multiage Learning In multiage environments, students are able to work on skills and concepts that are appropriate based on where they fall in the learning continuum, regardless of their age. Additionally, multiage social interaction promotes leadership and positive socialemotional behaviors.

A New Language, A New Approach

Project-Based Learning. Social-Emotional Learning. Learner-Led Conferences. With the growth of iLEAD’s thriving network of charter schools has come a new language that better encapsulates the mindset and methodology behind what the schools do. Take, for example, Project-Based Learning, probably one of the biggest driving components of the model, championed by PBL pioneer Thom Markham. The PBL model requires learners to research, collaborate, and carefully weigh information and evidence in a nuanced problem-solving environment. It teaches learners to accept feedback, create solutions, and present their findings in a high-performance context – preparing them for the rigors of the 21st century economy and the challenges of a global

8th grade classes spending the year studying various aspects of aeronautics and aviation, culminating in spring with actual glider flights over the Antelope Valley. Or take, for example, social-emotional learning, another pillar of the iLEAD model. iLEAD’s leaders believe that to adapt to an increasingly globalized economy, education must emphasize more than instilling rote knowledge. Learners should be prepared to be empathetic, critical thinkers who thoughtfully engage with the world around them. Modern employers prize these skills in the workplace, and research suggests employees with more highly developed social-emotional strengths earn more and are more productive. Additionally, focusing on non-cognitive skills may further improve reading, writing, and mathematics performance in kids, according to the nonpartisan think tank Economic Policy Institute.

Charters and the Pandemic

In the face of the global Covid-19 pandemic that struck in 2020, iLEAD’s schools were well-positioned to provide learners and families with the resources they needed to thrive, and not simply survive, when thrust into homeschooling overnight. Because of its already popular iLEAD Exploration and online program — with several thousand students enrolled — the network had resources in place to make the process of distance and remote learning a little easier for families.

Looking to the Future

Ultimately, what is one of the most important aspects of quality charter school education? It’s giving parents a choice for their children’s education. 

26 · S A N TA C L A R I TA VA L L E Y B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L

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Santa Clarita Stock Average Below you will find a list of local Santa Clarita-based or prominent Santa Clarita companies used for our averages. Each month we will take the average of all these stocks and show that number. Tracking that number from month to month will give you a window of how our local company’s stocks are performing. Last month the index was 6,062.36 and the average price per share was $202.08. This month the index is 6,467.47 up 405.11 or 6.7% for an average share price of $215.58.

Company

industry

ticker

MAR. 7

apr. 4

Amazon

Retail

NASDAQ: AMZN

2,912.14

3,721.20

Bank of Southern California

Banking

OTC: BCAL

15.14

15.40

Bioventus

Biomedical

Nasdaq: BVS

13.51

13.63

Boston Scientific

Biomedical

NYSE: BSX

43.76

44.99

California Resources Corp.

Energy

NYSE: CRC

43.10

45.60

Carnival Corp.

Entertainment/leisure

NYSE: CCL

17.23

20.05

CBRE

Commercial real estate

NYSE: CBRE

89.71

91.73

Costco

Retail

NASDAQ: COST

525.50

575.57

Disney

Entertainment media

NYSE: DIS

140.72

137.00

Five Point Holdings

Home developer

NYSE: FPH

5.97

6.24

IQVIA holdings

Laboratory services

NYSE: IQV

227.00

240.31

ITT inc.

Aerospace/manufacturing

NYSE: ITT

79.89

76.05

KB Homes

Home developer

NYSE: KBH

38.90

32.74

Otsuka Pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical

OTCMKTS: OTSKY

17.01

17.23

Quest Diagnostics

Laboratory services

NYSE: DGX

137.65

136.95

Six Flags

Entertainment/leisure

NYSE: SIX

41.16

42.51

Sodexo

Home/food services

OTCMKTS: SDXAY

14.47

14.82

Sonova Holdings

Biomedical equipment

OTCMKTS: SONVY

70.47

83.82

Tri Pointe Homes

Home developer

NYSE: TPH

22.69

20.50

Walmart

Retail

NYSE: WMT

142.82

151.01

Woodward

Aerospace/Manufacturing

NASDAQ: WWD

118.60

124.98

Auto Nation

Auto Dealers

113.13

98.84

Boeing

Aerospace

180.84

190.76

Comcast

Communications

CMCSA

47.21

47.70

Home Depot

Retail

324.26

301.89

Kohl's

Retail

KSS

58.77

60.34

Lennar

Home Builder

LEN

89.14

82.33

Lowes

Retail

LOW

224.07

202.40

McDonalds

Restaurants

MCD

235.81

249.75

Textron

Industrial

TXT

71.23

73.03

S A N TA C L A R I TA VA L L E Y B U S I N E S S J O U R N A L · 27

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SCVEDC

Continued from page 17

became one of SCV’s largest employers. Digital Media and Entertainment Takes Off After severe restrictions and modifications in 2020 were finally lifted, the digital media and entertainment industry exploded in 2021 with major soundstage expansion. Santa Clarita is home to more sound stage space than the entire country of Australia, and still growing!

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE While much of our business assistance was focused on recovery related efforts, SCVEDC continued with other programs as well, including helping companies access incentives and resources, helping developers quickly address County permit issues at LA County Connect meetings, and helping numerous companies determine eligibility for the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), facilitating generation of millions of dollars in tax credits locally. Also in 2021, SCVEDC continued hosting the Aerospace & Defense Forum, and paired with the Chamber of Commerce to offer several webinars to help businesses navigate everything from legal considerations to social distancing protocols and testing requirements to sanitizing spaces. COMMUNITY MARKETING In 2021, SCVEDC continued to promote the SCV’s many accolades and desirability

as a prime location to live and work. Of note is the continued success of LiveWorkSCV. com, a free resource offered by SCVEDC that connects SCV companies and talent, and SCVEDC’s podcast series where we meet the leaders of great companies making a difference in the Santa Clarita Valley. As the pandemic continued, SCVEDC continued to offer robust resources through its website. Often cited as a place to find comprehensive information about the Santa Clarita Valley, scvedc.org houses important data bout the business advantages and quality of life of the SCV. DATA AND INFORMATION Economic Information Becomes Even More Essential Due to the tremendous uncertainty in the economy, SCVEDC hosted not one but two Economic Outlook events. The spring, virtual Outlook featured Economist Mark Schniepp. In the fall, SCVEDC hosted one of the first events for the business community that included an in-person component. Hosted for the first time at the College of the Canyon’s Performing Arts Center, this hybrid event featured a business panel of SCV business leaders who discussed the challenges of the pandemic and their vision for the future. The challenges facing businesses will end as the pandemic recedes. Companies are working hard to resolve supply chain issues and rising costs. As millions of people left

the workforce nationally, businesses are competing for workers. Talent attraction and training will be key issues. Fortunately, the SCV is a growing community, affording us the opportunity to bring more residents and workers to the area. LOOKING FORWARD The rapid recovery of the industrial sector has helped improve the jobs situation in the Santa Clarita Valley. As we move forward, SCV will temporarily be challenged by a lack of industrial inventory, but new development projects in the pipeline will soon provide new opportunities. The recovery of the office real estate market is expected as the threat of the pandemic wanes, and employees return to the office. With significant new construction planned and underway, the SCV will continue to offer unparalleled opportunities to companies looking for a business-friendly environment. The Santa Clarita Valley remains one of Southern California’s best places to live and work, as many new residents and employees are discovering. As SCVEDC moves into its second decade of work, we will continue to grow high quality jobs here in the SCV, securing our economic future and providing opportunities for residents. We will continue to provide valuable resources to the business community as we hopefully put the disruption of the pandemic in the rear-view mirror. 

Economic Development Corporation 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road | UCEN 263 | Santa Clarita, CA 91355 | (661) 288-4400 | www.scvedc.org

Econo Watch Santa Clarita Valley Q4 2021 Q3 2021 Commercial Vacancy Rates Office Space 22.10% 18.12% Industrial Space 1.80% 2.30% Total Marked Sq. Ft. Vacancy Percentage: Office Space - as a % of Vacancy Industrial Space - as a % of Vacancy

9.99% 90.01%

Building Permits

New Commercial/Industrial Building Permits Commercial Tenent Improvements/Alterations

Local Company Stock Prices California Resources Corp (CRC) Carnival Corp. (CCL) FivePoint (FPH) Mission Valley Bank (MVLY)

Feb ’22 41.23 17.08 5.92 15.7

Q4 2021 Sq Ft 2,799,950 25,234,826 28,034,776

9.97% 90.03%

Feb ’22 10 16

Jan ’22 42.62 19.81 5.79 14.75

N/A N/A

Jan ’21 Feb ’21 17 12

% Change -3.26% -13.78% 2.25% 6.44%

5 31

Six Flags * (SIX) Woodward (WWD) Unemployment Rates

Santa Clarita Palmdale Lancaster Glendale Los Angeles County State

Housing Stats SCV Average Home Price SCV Average Condo Price SCV Home Sales SCV Condo Sales SCV Avg. # of Days on Market (SF) SCV Single Family Home Inventory

43.66 121.95

39.49 110.27

Feb ’22

Jan ’22

10.56% 10.59% % Change

5.6% 9.2% 9.3% 6.2% 6.1% 5.8%

5.2% 9.4% 9.7% 6.0% 6.2% 5.0%

7.69% -2.13% -4.12% 3.33% -1.61% 16.00%

Feb ’22 898,800

Jan ’22 846,000

Feb ’21 755,500

579,600 325 106 42 204

556,900 166 56 39 179

455,800 365 146 25 236

FOR YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TRANSACTIONS Business ownership agreements are vital for your business’ long-term viability. From providing clear terms of management, control and succession, to establishing a value for the company and preparing for life’s unexpected twists and turns — these agreements provide your company with an important foundation. The attorneys of Poole & Shaffery understand the importance of every legal detail, so you can focus on doing what you do best: Running a successful business. ■ ■ ■

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