SCV Business Journal March 2023

SANTA C LA RI TA VA L L E Y

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 UR N A L

UCLA HEALTH

BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER CANCER Santa Clarita Stock Index Keller Prang Econowatch and More!

MARCH 2023 VOL 15 • No 3 SIGNALSCV.COM/BUSINESS

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Total Wine & More is not responsible for typographical or human error or supplier price increases. Prices may vary. Rebate offers vary. While supplies last. Limit one offer per transaction. Rebate offers valid in-store only, see store for details. Products while supplies last. We reserve the right to limit quantities. All beer prices + CRV. Loyalty points not redeemable on gift cards, classes, tastings, deposits, rentals and ice. Total Wine & More is a registered trademark of RSSI. © 2023 Retail Services & Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

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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 · 3

M A R C H 2023

DONATE TODAY You can find out more about the services your donation will support at sdfhc.org or scan the QR code.

HEALTH CARE Offering high-quality, affordable medical and dental services along with a CDCcertified Diabetes Prevention Program to our most vulnerable communities.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP Samuel Dixon Family Health Center

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH We offer Culturally Attuned Trauma-Informed, and Relational Therapy on a SLIDING FEE SCALE TO ENSURE ACCESS FOR ALL. Services are provided in

relies on funding from many sources, most importantly, our fellow community members. Help us continue to serve for another 40 years!

DONATE BELOW.

CONTACT US www.sdfhc.org

English and Spanish.

CALL (661) 468-7405

Val Verde, Canyon Country, Newhall, and Valencia

4 · 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

M A R C H 2023

C O N T E N T S NEWS & FEATURES 7

UCLA Health Has You Covered

8

Developing Stories: New Medical Offices, Retail Spots

11

Shadowbox Makes Ambitious Plans

22

Santa Clarita Stock Index

23

Econowatch

LIST 20

Medical Offices

FROM THE EXPERTS 6

Ken Keller: Acknowledge and Address Limitations

12

Paul Butler: Seek Wise Counsel

21

Jeff Prang: Business Property Statement Deadline

SCV BUSINESS VOICES 5

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

9

Audiology Associates

13

Pierson Wealth

19

SCVEDC

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHTS

Put 100 years of experience to work for you!

15

Business Councils

16

Upcoming Events

Workers’ Compensation Business Insurance Employee Benefits

March 2023 | Vol. 15 | No. 3

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www.lbwinsurance.com

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

BUSINESS JOURNAL EDITOR Perry Smith

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28055 Smyth Dr. | Valencia CA 91355 CA Insurance License # 0785905 Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Advice & Investment Advisory Services offered through PFG Advisors. LBW, PFG Advisors, and Securities America are separate entities. LBW Insurance and Financial Services participated in and won the award for the Los Angeles Business Journal “Best Places to Work 2022.” LBW did not make any solicitation payments to any of the award sponsors in order to be nominated or to qualify for nomination of the award.

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SignalSCV. com Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal (a Signal publication), © 2023, 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.

5

M A R C H 2023

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

Prevention is Key with Colorectal Cancer PATRICK MOODY

C

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

olorectal cancer is a potentially deadly disease. But lifestyle changes can help you prevent it, and screening can detect it early, when it’s small and easier to treat.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). But there are steps you can take to help protect yourself.

Regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent the disease altogether. If cancer does develop, screening can help detect it early, when it is much easier to treat effectively.

FIND IT EARLY Most colorectal cancers start as abnormal growths, called polyps, on the lining of the intestines. These polyps can be removed before they develop into cancer. Many early colorectal cancers can also be treated successfully. According to the ACS, survival rates drop dramatically after cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Screening is the best tool for finding polyps or colorectal cancer early. The ACS recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer start screening at age 45. Your doctor can help you decide which screening program is right for you. If you have risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor may recommend that you start screening earlier or be screened more often.

PREVENTION IS BEST You can take steps to lower your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends the following:

Limit intake of red meat, such as beef and lamb, to no more than 18 ounces (cooked weight) a week.

Avoid processed meat, such as hot dogs, ham, bacon and sausage.

Know the risks of alcohol. Colorectal cancer has been linked to drinking alcohol.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Be physically active for at least a half hour a day.

DON’T IGNORE SYMPTOMS Some colorectal cancer can’t be prevented, but it can be treated. The ACS says to check with your doctor if you have: Diarrhea, constipation or another change in bowel habits for more than a few days.

Cramping or steady stomach pain.

Blood in your stool or from your rectum.

Having symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but they should always be investigated. Getting them checked could ease your mind, or it could save your life.

You can learn more at henrymayo.com/ screenings.



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J A N UA RY 2023

Strategy Three: Acknowledge and Address Limitations KEN KELLER

SCVBJ Contributing Writer

T

his is my third column on “what” a CEO needs to do to have a better business versus getting ‘how to’ advice.

When companies go through the annual planning process, assumptions are shared. These tend to be optimistic statements backing the desired increases in revenue, volume and profits.

What is never on the agenda are the limitations facing the company. A limitation is a constraint preventing the business from achieving its goals.

Limitations are the core of the “brutal facts” that most CEOs don’t enjoy talking about. Managers are also aware of these same limitations but do not bring them up in meetings, hoping these issues will go away.

News flash — limitations won’t go away until bankruptcy papers are filed. Opting to challenge limitations requires a concerted, focused and energetic effort to do so, accepting that it will take time to see meaningful change.

What are the limitations facing your company today? Let me address my top two concerns.

First: Employees. My belief is that everyone on the payroll either helps the company or they hurt the company. There is no middle ground, no in-between. Every non-contributor places a limitation on the ability of your company to perform, to execute, to grow. Likewise, every contributor needs be coached to contribute more for the company.

The people discussion rarely takes place, but with payroll and related expenses being the largest expense category of most businesses, it should be a regular topic. The CEO needs to lead the charge.

About tenure in a company: just because someone has been receiving a check from a company for any length of time does not mean that they are more loyal, dedicated or contribute more than others. The loyalty may exist simply for the paycheck and the associated ben-

Smart CEOs stay on top of cashflow and have a 13-week rolling forecast to identify concerns before they become issues.

efits. I am concerned that tenure breeds entitlement, and entitlement brings an attitude of contributing less and believing that is acceptable when it is not.

When people don’t perform, neither does the company they work for. It’s up to the CEO and the management team to deal with human capital and to maximize that return on investment.

I follow people with cash as a significant limitation. Employees think about cash flow from a very personal perspective, defined as a regular paycheck, a pay increase and possibly some kind of bonus.

But cash (or lack of it) determines the ability of the company not just to meet its financial obligations but to invest in growth opportunities as well.

Sadly, many CEOs treat cash like a new tube of toothpaste. A lot of the paste gets wasted when the tube is first opened but when there is only a little bit left at the bottom, the CEO becomes very conservative, trying to make every little bit count.

Smart CEOs stay on top of cashflow and have a 13-week rolling forecast to

identify concerns before they become issues. These same CEOs are always looking for ways to grow access to capital, reduce costs and pay bills when they are due but not before to maintain cash balances.

There are other limitations such as information technology (hardware and software); physical plant and location; capacity to deliver; slow decision-making; and my favorite, the CEO has too many distractions and too little time to run the business properly. Any of this sound familiar?

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

M A R C H 2023

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 · 7

UCLA Health Has You Covered in Santa Clarita

R

anked No. 1 in California for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s latest Best Hospitals assessment, UCLA Health offers worldclass hematology oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, interventional imaging care, transfusions, access to clinical trials and cancer genetics — plus a full-range of wraparound supportive services through the Simms/Mann — UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology — right in the region.

“As a member of the Santa Clarita community, I can truly say that you are getting the world’s most cutting-edge, innovative care with the same kind of diligence that you’d get at any academic center,” says Nimit Sudan, MD, a UCLA Health hematologist oncologist who practices in Santa Clarita and Encino. “Everybody is right here, and it’s amazing.”

Oncologists at the UCLA Health Santa Clarita cancer care clinics are part of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, based on the main UCLA Health campus in Westwood. Think of the UCLA Health Santa Clarita Valley clinics as tree branches and UCLA Health’s main campus as the larger tree — both are intimately connected, and every patient in Santa Clarita has access to the same findings from research studies, clinical trials and cutting-edge therapies available in Westwood and other UCLA Health locations.

“We are an extension of a world-renowned academic facility,” says Rena Callahan, MD, a UCLA Health hematologist oncologist who practices in Santa Clarita and Santa Monica. “You have expert level care near your own home.”

Cancer patient Nola Aronson, who is an audiologist and has lived in Santa Clarita for 30 years, is thrilled to have expert care in her neighborhood. “I love having the clinic in Santa Clarita because it’s so convenient,” she says. “I know all the doctors in this area — they’re very efficient and everyone is polite and wonderful. I trust them and feel that they really care about their patients.”

Before, During and After Cancer

A FULL SPECTRUM OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE UNDER ONE ROOF

In addition to offering the full range of cancer services in UCLA Health Santa Clarita clinics, the local UCLA Health team can treat every type of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, gastrointestinal and digestive tract, gynecological, brain and CNS, bladder, skin, leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma and more.

A cancer diagnosis is usually followed by several additional appointments. From labs and imaging scans to treatment and follow-up, a patient must visit a health care facility many times. Even cancer remission involves follow-up appointments. The fact that UCLA Health’s Santa Clarita Cancer Care clinic has a clinical laboratory and diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology in the same building makes life a little easier for patients.

Before every radiation treatment, radiation oncologist Michael H. Xiang, MD, PhD, collaborates with radiology colleagues such as Omar Sahagun, MD, to complete radiation simulation. Every patient who gets radiation treatment must have a CT scan prior to the beginning of treatment. Scans are also needed

UCLA Health Radiation Oncology ETHOS machine. PHOTO PHOTO BY JOSHUA SUDOCK | UCLA HEALTH

throughout treatment to gauge tumor growth/size, location and other details that are crucial for radiation therapy. Even after radiation treatment is complete, follow-up visits often require imaging scans to check the status of the cancer.

“Radiation patients get imaging and follow-up scans all the time,” says Dr. Xiang.

“For patients to be able to see me for a follow-up appointment and also get their imaging scans done right across the hall on the same day, that’s really powerful.”

The proximity is also important for collaboration among physicians, which is necessary for the best possible patient care. No longer are providers operating in silos, unaware of what’s going on in other aspects of a patient’s health. UCLA Health offers many services in the same building as the cancer care clinic, including primary care, cardiology, cardiac imaging, dermatology, rheumatology and more.

UCLA Health also has an immediate care clinic on-site, which offers walk-in care on evenings, weekends, and holidays. This makes accessing care easier for patients and means providers can communicate with each other more quickly.

See UCLA, page 10

8 · 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

M A R C H 2023

New Medical Offices, Retail Spots on the Way

BY PERRY SMITH

Business Journal Editor

A

handful of new businesses are coming to Santa Clarita this month, including everything from new tenants for a medical office space to new retailers in Plum Canyon.

Moving into the space across from the Newhall School District formerly occupied by Einstein Academy at 25425 Orchard Village Road, which is known as the Orchard Medical Center, are a dental office and an outpatient care center.

The two-story, 41,244square-foot medical building is located on the northwest corner of Orchard Village Road and Wiley Canyon Road.

Dr. Daniel Iannotti is opening an office for his dentistry practice in Suite 240, which is a 1,500-square-foot space. The practice is moving because its current location at 25880 Tournament Road was purchased by California Institute of the Arts from a business entity named CNL Retirement Mop Valencia CA in August 2021 for $7.874 million.

CalArts purchased the Tournament Road location, which is across the street from its campus, through bond proceeds, according to Ann Wiens, spokeswoman for the renowned Valencia arts college.

A remodeling of that location is underway, with the first spaces scheduled for completion this summer. She noted that no spaces are occupied by CalArts yet. The building is intended to house nonstudent-facing offices, such as IT, payroll, accounting, human resources, finance and several others, as well as music practice rooms and some noninstructional student spaces.

“The project will free up space in our main campus building to ensure studentfacing services and offices are centralized, proximate and easily accessible to students,” Wiens wrote in an email to the Business Journal.

The other new tenant for the building on Orchard Village Road is Valencia Ambulatory Surgery Center, which is moving into Suite 280.

VASC is taking about 4,000 square feet

City officials noted the medical office building on Orchard Village Road, which is across the street from the Newhall School District office, is expecting two new tenants, a dental office and an outpatient surgery center. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

of space in the building, according to Jason Crawford, community development director for the city of Santa Clarita. The facility is permitted for a new medical office and an outpatient surgery center, he added.

Also coming soon to Santa Clarita is a new Havana Savannah location.

The coffee house, which was started by local inventor Bruce Burrows and named after his daughter, an aspiring country music artist named Savannah Burrows, opened its first location on Copper Hill Drive.

The second location, which recently received the green light, is slated for 18344 Soledad Canyon Road, in the same center as a U.S. Post Office. The address is just west of Sierra Highway and across Soledad Canyon from the Canyon Country Community Center. The location was previously a nail salon, according to city officials.

For Funko figurine collectors, Pop SCV is opening a retail store in Saugus that you might be interested in.

Available at a number of stores throughout the SCV already, the specialty store is slated for 28124 Bouquet Canyon Road, near the La Cocina Mexican restaurant, on the northeast corner of the its intersection with Plum Canyon Road.

The brand describes itself as a “leading pop culture lifestyle brand” on its website that boasts of being “the world’s largest proprietor of licenses,” which sells collectible small dolls, bobbleheads and the like. The Funko website counts the product line as including “vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, board games, housewares, NFTs and accessories.”

For those keeping count of Jersey Mike’s locations in town, the ninth, which was mentioned as coming soon last month, is officially open now at 26557 Golden Valley Road, near the Rattler’s side of the shopping center.

For those at home keeping track of the Jersey Mike’s-Starbucks arms race for control of the SCV’s restaurant/retail space, the sandwich purveyor is still approximately a dozen locations behind the caffeine titan, according to the most recent listings available online.

However, that figure doesn’t include the newest Starbucks location, which is slated for the former Realty Executives office at the intersection of Whites and Soledad canyon roads. During a recent City Council meeting, the future Starbucks was annexed into a streetlight maintenance district, which is responsible for funding operations of the 17,598 streetlights owned by and located throughout the city of Santa Clarita. 

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M A R C H 2023

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

New Research: 20% of People in their 20s Have Hearing Loss DR. KEVIN BOLDER

AuD, Audiology Associates

H

earing loss isn’t just a condition related to age. In fact, noise-induced hearing loss is a pervasive—yet often overlooked — condition among adults in the United States.

A recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows how prevalent noise-induced hearing loss is within different age groups. It was discovered that 19.2% of people aged 20-29 and 27.3% of people aged 50-59 had some form of noise-induced hearing loss. It was also more common in men than women.

This rate of noise-induced hearing loss can be explained by multiple factors, including workplace exposure, loud environments such as concerts or sporting events, and the use of

headphones. Hearing damage can occur after being exposed to noise 85 decibels or higher (that’s about the decibel level of a lawn mower.)

To protect yourself, it is important to limit the volume on your devices and wear earplugs/ earmuffs when necessary.

Among all the factors that can cause hearing loss, noise is the most common and also the easiest to correct for young and middle aged adults. In addition to hearing loss, chronic exposure to noise can cause increased stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, heart disease incidence, distractibility, annoyance, tinnitus, hyperacusis, and other health problems.

The good news is that if you are experiencing hearing loss, hearing aids can help no matter your age. In fact, today’s hearing aids are made

to be smaller, more sleek, and compatible with your smartphone. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing them!

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

To schedule a hearing evaluation today, please call Audiology Associates at (661) 2841900. Kevin Bolder, Au.D and John Davis, AuD are two of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www.

AudiologyAssociates.net or stop by our office located at 25425 Orchard Village Road, Ste 220, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.

We are hearing healthcare excellence! 

10 · 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

M A R C H 2023

UCLA

Continued from page 7

“Cancer doesn’t live in isolation from other medical issues and the availability of a diverse array of medical and surgical specialties can make all the difference,” says Jeff E. Borenstein, MD, MPH, UCLA Health regional medical director for the Santa Clarita area. “UCLA Health can meet this challenge, offering services ranging from interventional and general cardiology, pulmonology/sleep medicine, dermatology, breast, colorectal and general surgery, allergy/immunology, pain medicine, rheumatology, endocrinology, nephrology, gastroenterology, urology and otolaryngology, all within our facilities in Santa Clarita.

Aronson, who has received many types of care from UCLA Health physicians in Santa Clarita, agrees that since UCLA Health has added so many specialties to the region, there is superior collaboration among doctors — which ultimately makes patients’ lives easier. “UCLA Health has different specialties that you can go to in Santa Clarita, so you don’t have to go anywhere else because everything is in one place and they all seem to work together,” Aronson says. “Before, you’d have to explain everything every time you went to a different doctor. But here, they communicate with each other.

They’re a team.”

For instance, if one of Dr. Xiang’s patients has an urgent need for a CT scan, but radiology does not have any upcoming openings, Dr. Xiang will contact Dr. Sahagun directly. Working together, the physicians can expedite the scan for the patient. This collaboration is a normal, integral part of the workday for Santa Clarita providers.

“All your doctors who provide care have access to your complete medical record, which includes personal communication with your cancer care team,” says Dr. Borenstein.

The Santa Clarita clinic offers a wide array of services for patients battling cancer, but it goes one step further. Patients can find everything they need for all stages of their health journeys — before, during and after cancer. And upon doing so, the transition from one provider or service to another is seamless.

Part of what makes this transition so

smooth is UCLA Health’s patient portal, myUCLAhealth. “You get test results [in your patient portal] right away and you can message your physician if you have a question,” says Aronson. “It’s very convenient to make appointments that way, too.”

CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH AND CLINICAL TRIALS INFORM LOCAL CARE

Physicians at the UCLA Health Santa Clarita clinics stay current on the latest clinical trials, which are constantly evolving. Working with colleagues at other facilities, the physicians bring innovative, life-changing clinical trials to their patients as treatment options, when applicable.

UCLA Health has established an international reputation for developing new cancer therapies, providing the best in innovative and traditional treatments.

Successful targeted therapies such as Herceptin (breast and gastric cancers), Gleevec, and Sprycel (leukemia) were developed based on basic science performed in UCLA laboratories and clinical trials with UCLA Health patients.

“At Santa Clarita, we get access to the studies that are based on research done at UCLA when they become big enough to pursue in a larger study,” says Alexander Black, MD, a UCLA Health hematologist oncologist who practices in Santa Clarita and Pasadena. “We have regular meetings with all our division disease experts to go over current and upcoming clinical trials. If one of our Santa Clarita patients is eligible, we share it with them, answer any questions they may

From left: Radiation Oncologist Dr. Michael Xiang, Hematology Oncologist Dr. Nimit Sudan, Hematology Oncologist Dr. Rena Callahan and Hematology Oncologist Dr. Alexander Black.

PHOTO COURTESY UCLA HEALTH

have, and give them time to review.”

PATIENT-CENTERED CARE FOR OPTIMAL OUTCOMES

As UCLA Health doctors and researchers understand well, true innovation in care requires balance between research and compassion. Both play a massive role in the cancer care delivered at UCLA Health in the Santa Clarita Valley. And through the combination of access to research and clinical trials plus a patientcentered approach, Santa Clarita Valley residents have everything they need.

“Each patient has their own unique priorities in life,” says Dr. Callahan. “Some want treatment options that don’t cause a major disruption to their routine, while others want options that eliminate the cancer no matter what it takes. My job is to help my patients understand all possible treatment options and put them into context with the patient’s values and goals. Together, we can make a decision we both feel comfortable with.”

Having a mutual understanding about treatment is important because studies show that if a patient is not involved in their treatment decisions, they are less likely to be compliant. Lower compliancy usually means they will not get the same benefits from the treatment.

This patient-centered approach is one of the true difference makers for UCLA Health in terms of the rankings, where See ONCOLOGY, page 21

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 · 11

M A R C H 2023

Shadowbox Makes Ambitious Plans for Newhall

BY PERRY SMITH

Business Journal Editor

T

he leader of a project looking to develop more than 1 million square feet of Santa Clarita sat down with the Santa Clarita Valley Business Journal inside the SCV Chamber of Commerce’s office to talk about Shadowbox Studios’ ambitious plans and why they’re filling a vital industry need.

Jeff Weber is working to create about 1.2 million square feet of sound stage space and ancillary development in Placerita Canyon and Saugus, and approximately 2 million square feet in Atlanta on behalf of the full-service independent studio platform.

The Shadowbox proposal for Newhall calls for the 93 acres near the northeast corner of 13th and Arch streets to include almost a half-million square feet of sound stages, more than 560,000 square feet of workshops, warehouses and support structures, and about 220,000 square feet of office space and facilities to support all of the operations just listed, such as catering and specialty services.

Weber said the Santa Clarita move came from the head of Blackhall, which was the name of Shadowbox prior to a rebranding announcement last summer. The facility in Atlanta has hosted productions like “Jumanji: The Next Level,” “Jungle Cruise” and ‘“Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” and the company felt a footprint in Los Angeles was necessary.

And when it came time to find that space, the city of Santa Clarita stood out for a number of reasons, Weber said.

“We drove a ton of properties ... all the way up from

Erika Iverson, right, associate planner for the city of Santa Clarita, goes over the plans for the 93-acre Shadowbox Studios project site located near the corner of Railroad Avenue and 13th Street in Newhall on Feb. 21. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

the South Bay and Malibu to Hollywood and then through the San Fernando Valley and Simi Valley and then up to Santa Clarita Valley just to make sure we hit them all,” Weber said during the recent interview. “And ... it didn’t take much more than a few minutes of windshield time in front of our site to imagine a beautiful studio facility befitting the neighborhood rising up from the scrub brush.”

He added that one of the facility’s primary design considerations was keeping traffic moving in and out of the facility, as well as through the surrounding area.

“At first you wonder whether Santa Clarita is too far off the beaten path,” he added.

“But once you recognize the reverse commute and the fact that the industry is already well-established here, it just makes so much sense. When you drive up here, I mean, you see this really clean, wideopen, safe place where people live and work and have elbow room and all seem to have smiles on their faces.”

On top of having one of the scarcest resources in L.A. County — significant plots of developable land near free-

ways — and a location in the film-friendly 30-Mile Zone, which offers tax rebates for production costs, it’s also clear that the city of Santa Clarita is very supportive of creating more local high-paying jobs in the industry.

“It’ll be up to the Planning Commission and City Council if it gets approved,” said Jason Crawford, community development director for the city of Santa Clarita, in a recent interview discussing several studios that have recently been built or are in the approval process, including LA North and Rye Canyon Studios, and the expansion of Santa Clarita Studios.

“But it does show, and all of these (projects) together show, what a big interest in movie studios there are,” he added, “and that’s great for us because it’s clean industry jobs that pay a lot. We have got a lot of residents that work in the film industry. So, it is fantastic for us from an economic development perspective.”

And it’s a relationship that benefits the industry, too, with a recent proliferation of content producers like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount, et al,

especially since the pandemic, creating a huge demand for more space to produce that content.

“The entertainment industry has been on a tremendous growth with all of the additional streaming services,” said Mike DeLorenzo, president of Santa Clarita Studios, the city’s first purpose-built facility. “We have been booked for the last, give or take, 10 years,” he said during an interview in December. “We’ve grown and grown.”

And with the industry now trending toward a larger number of smaller productions, rather than planning around the traditional one or two massive “tent pole”sized blockbuster productions a year, space is becoming a premium.

“My understanding is that it is more cost-effective for studios to rent studio space than to build it,” Weber said.

All of which make the plans for Shadowbox Studios in Santa Clarita the right place at the right time.

Or at least, that’s the plan, pending approval from local officials, who received a sneak preview during a Feb. 21 Planning Commission meeting, when a tour of the site was given.

The studio also is looking to develop additional soundstage space at the site of the former Saugus Speedway on Soledad Canyon Road, a few miles from the main Newhall campus. The plans for that 40-acre lot call for a partnership with home-builder Integral that will include more than 300 homes from the home developer and six 11,000-plus-square-foot sound stages from Shadowbox. 

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M A R C H 2023

Going the Extra Mile: Seek Wise Counsel

BY PAUL BUTLER

SCVBJ Contributing Writer

O

ur company has just been recognized with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award by the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, and it caused me to think about why I believe we were blessed to receive such an accolade in the city we love.

For those who may not be familiar with Newleaf Training and Development, we’re a staff training and leadership development company.

My wife and I own the business and we moved here in 2006 from England having never run a company before.

Five thousand miles away

from all we knew and the only way we could legally earn income was through the business, as we started under an entrepreneurial visa, the “E2.”

Seventeen years later, and we’ve now served 293 clients across 28 states and around the globe.

In the first year of operation, our original business partner bailed and returned to England, resulting in us having to buy her out.

Two years in, and we hit the headwinds of the Great Recession.

When we came up for our E2 visa renewal, the immigration authorities moved us onto Permanent Residency, aka “the green card,” as they were so pleased with how the business was growing and the jobs we’d created.

Don’t settle for advertising your SCV jobs just on-line.

See your ad in PRINT and on our WEBSITE Call now to advertise your employment opportunities.

661.287.5508

classifieds@signalscv.com SINCE 1919

SignalSCV. com

Seven years ago, we duplicated and opened a second office in Orlando, Florida.

I reluctantly blow the trumpet to report that the first year of COVID-19, 2020, was our best year, and the last full year, 2022, broke all records for both offices.

If I was to draw one essential element out of our entrepreneurial story, it would be to always seek wise counsel. I truly believe this collection of professional advisers formed a significant part of the cornerstone — a solid rock upon which our business stands.

One of our mottos from Day 1 was, and still is: “Do Whatever It Takes (Legally).” In our case, it was imperative we followed all of the immigration requirements, and so it was vital that we hired an immigration attorney who could guide us through each stage.

That is Chris.

Our corporate attorney helped us establish our limited liability company; ensured our office lease was fair; handled the change in ownership and even helped us create a template for our client contracts we still use to this day. That is Carl.

You can never have enough attorney friends in a highly litigious country. We sought the council of an employment attorney who advised us to “do the right thing” by treating our workers as employees rather than attempt to swim upstream with contractors against the current of Assembly Bill 5. That is Brian.

Our business banker, (who has since retired) trusted us even before we had the legal right to be in this land we love. On a handshake, we deposited three months of working capital in a bank ac-

count, while we awaited the legal approval to open our doors. That is Elizabeth.

Jeff is the mind of marketing who taught us how to sow the land and reap a harvest.

He not only taught us to spell correctly in American English on marketing copy and our website, but his pipeline process and encouragement to be ever-diligent in datamanagement were gifts that still keep giving.

Our insurance agent has grown as we’ve grown. He has helped us proactively protect ourselves and our business when we didn’t even see what was around the corner. We thoroughly enjoy our annual sit-down with Jon to discuss what we should stop, start and continue doing, to ensure we’re insured.

I’ll always remember our first accountant, (Rick) say to us: “I’ve never known someone so pleased to pay taxes.”

Our mindset was — if we’re generating taxes; we’re creating a profit, which meant we could remain here, during those precarious “E2” years.

We changed accountants a few years back to Ray, but have always obeyed the command to pay our taxes.

So, seek wise counsel.

Sweetest of all — counselors can become good friends, too.

Paul Butler is a Santa Clarita resident and a client partner with Newleaf Training and Development of Valencia (newleaftd.com). For questions or comments, email Butler at paul.butler@newleaftd.com. 

13

M A R C H 2023

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

An Effective Way to Utilize Your Tax Refund

Are all the pieces of your financial future coordinated into one holistic plan?

IVY PIERSON

Founder and Investment Advisor Representative Pierson Wealth Management

T

his time of year, many individuals are expecting their tax refund and considering how to best put it to use. Although it may be tempting to put it towards a new item or getaway, consider the benefits of using it to fund your IRA. Not only will this help fund your golden years, but it can help reduce your tax bill. Depending on the situation, the contributions may can either be completely or partially tax-deductible.

After meeting with your tax professional and determining your refund, consider the amount you want to contribute to your IRA. The 2022 contribution limit is $6,000 and $7,000 for individuals age 50 and older. For 2023, the contribution limits increased to $6,500 and $7,500 for those age 50 and older. If your deposit is intended for 2022, your contributions must be made by the funding deadline on April 18.

Work with a professional and use Form 1040 to deposit the

refund into one account or Form 8888 to deposit into up to three accounts.

Working with an experienced financial professional can help you create an effective strategy to maximize your retirement savings.

For more information, contact us at (661) 297-7566 or visit www.

PiersonWealthManagement.com.

Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGA Insurance Agency

Ivy Pierson, CEP, MBA

Founder & Investment Advisor Representative

LLC), member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insur-

Prosperity with Confidence

ance Lic#0C92500. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisors LLC nor any of its representatives

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.

may give legal or tax advice.  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

14 · 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

Our Centennial Celebration was held on February 23, 2023. Thank you to all our generous sponsors for being part of our historic milestone. Your support of the SCV Chamber and our business community is remarkable!

M A R C H 2023

Scan the QR code below to view the digital program book for our Centennial Celebration.

The program books contains messages from 2022 Chair, 2023 Chair, President/CEO as well as all the ads and video messages from elected officials.

Senator Scott Wilk received the lifetime achievement award at our Centennial Celebration at the Canyon Country Community Center.

From left to right: Ivan Volschenk, Vanessa Wilk, Senator Scott Wilk and John Musella Photo by SchlickArt Photography and Video

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 · 15

M A R C H 2023

2023 Board of Directors CHAIR OF THE BOARD BECKI ROBB - PRINCESS CRUISES

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 stron-

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ger representation on area issues. Also, since area councils exist as industry-specific, par-

HUNT BRALY - Poole Shaffery ANDREA CARPENTER - Logix FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

LATINO BUSINESS ALLIANCE

MARISOL ESPINOZA - Southern California Gas Company

Our LBA council works to promote Latino-

ticipation provides an opportunity for area-specific networking with others doing business.

Michael Grisanti - Hedman Partners, LLP

owned business as well as relevant issues fac-

DR. CHRIS RAIGOSA - KAISER PERMANENTE

ing our Latino business community. In addi-

SANDY SANCHEZ - FivePoint JOHN VANCE - Vance Wealth

BOARD OF DIRECTORS JENNIFFER ABBOTT - HUMAN ELEMENT COMPANY KIARA BROWN - CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS KAREN BRYDEN - SCV Locations STEVE COLE - SCV Water Agency Tom COLE - City of Santa Clarita Allie Dierckman - Scorpion MATT DIERCKMAN - Colliers International

tion the LBA helps to educate businesses on how to enhance a company’s business efforts with Latino customers and other Latinoowned businesses.

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

TROY HOOPER - Kiwi RESTAURANT Partners

SMALL BUSINESS

PATRICK MOODY - Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

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.

DR. IZU OKPARA - Omni Wound Physicians HENRY RODRIGUEZ - State Farm Insurance LINDSAY SCHLICK - SchlickArt Video & Photography CHRIS SCHRAGE - LBW Insurance Financial Services ROCHELLE SILSBEE - Southern California Edison DI THOMPSON - THOMPSON REALTY ADVISORS/eXp REALTY DR. DIANNE VAN HOOK - College of the Canyons DENNIS VERNER - Burrtec KARINA WINKLER - Holiday Inn Express

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

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

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

16 · 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

M A R C H 2023

UPCOMING EVENTS Cafe con Leche March 7 | 9:00 am Come network with our Latino Business Alliance at the first Cafe con Leche event on March 7, 2023! Enjoy coffee and pastries and meet with other Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs.

Government Affairs Council March 8 | 10:30 am Join us to hear about what issues our business community are facing. Elected officials and their staff will give updates from federal, state and local offices. This is a great opportunity to hear what advocacy the Chamber is doing for you and also to find out how you can bring the issues you care about for us to assist you with. Our massive grassroots alliance is comprised of organizations locally and throughout the country who help strengthen our advocacy efforts and ensure our advocacy efforts are successful.

Email hello@scvchamber.com to find out how to attend or submit an issue you are facing.

Business After Hours Mixer at Mercedes Benz March 15 | 5:30 pm Join us at one of our regular mixer hosts, Mercedes Benz of Valencia, as more than 150 business representatives from across the Santa Clarita Valley join for an evening of networking.

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

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

To find out more information about these events or any other upcoming programming and to register go to:

www.SCVChamber.com/Events

InfluenceHER - Interactive Networking April 12 | 4:00 pm We’re excited to bring back our interactive networking event designed to bring together our community’s businesswomen for an evening of conversations, collaboration, and cocktails.

This special event is dedicated to creating lasting connections for those who want to lift each other up and converse on a meaningful level.

Different from our other events, this special evening will be light in programming, so you can focus on getting to know each other in a fun, supportive setting.

Let’s connect on a deeper level and make a difference together.

Jenny Ketchepaw and Debbie Holbrook will emcee the evening by providing light entertainment and opportunities to get to know everyone in the room.

All women are welcome! We hope to see you there!

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 · 17

M A R C H 2023

CA State Legislature Introduces Bills Celebrating SCV Businesses

From celebrating new businesses opening or marking special

occasions and achievements, we continue to be honored being part of your celebrations.

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

On February 17, the CA State Legislature introduced 2,632 bills and 11 Constitutional Amendments. Members of the Assembly have introduced 1,751 bills and 8 Constitutional Amendments, and Members of the Senate have introduced 881 bills and 3 Constitutional Amendments. This is the most bills introduced in more than a decade. More than 1,000 are “placeholder” bills without specific language. As a reminder, more bills are typically introduced in odd-numbered years, the first year of the Legislature’s two-year sessions.

Last year, when about 2,000 bills were introduced, the Legislature passed almost 1,200 of them — and nearly 1,000 became law with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature.

Here are a list of potential bills the Chamber will be reviewing, among others: Housing and homelessness • AB 799, by Assemblymember Luz Rivas: Creates an accountability framework for cities, counties and organizations receiving state funds.

AB 1418, by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor: Bans penalties • for tenants who have interactions with law enforcement.

• AB 1700, by Assemblymember Josh Hoover: Limits the use of noise and population growth as factors violating CEQA, the state’s environmental review law.

Health care AB 1690, by San Jose Assemblymember Ash Kalra: Revives • the effort to create a single payer health care system.

Workers’ rights

Congratulations to Daisy Pediatrics on your grand opening and celebration in February! Find out more at daisypediatrics.health Thank you to all that come to support them! Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie

• SB 497, by Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, from Los Angeles: Strengthens protections for workers from retaliation by employers.

• SB 525, by Sen. María Elena Durazo, also from Los Angeles: Revives the effort to increase the minimum wage for some healthcare workers to $25 an hour.

• AB 1672 by San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney: Creates a framework to address labor disputes between employee organizations who represent independent in-home caregivers and the state.

Advocacy in Action!

The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce has effectively built support around pro-business legislation and initiatives throughout the years. Our members trust us to pave the way for a healthy business environment. We do this through our powerful issue coalitions, letter writing and ballot initiative campaigns.

We encourage our members to submit an action item form to allow the Chamber to take action on legislation. Here is how you can bring an item forward:

Mayor Jason Gibbs congratulates owner Christina Casas on the grand opening/ribbon cutting.

Do you have a grand opening or anniversary coming up?

Email us at hello@scvchamber.com for details about hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony.

• Request an Action Item Form by emailing hello@scvchamber.com.

•

Submit back by the 1st of the month.

• Attend, or have someone attend on your behalf, the Chamber’s Government Affairs to present your requested action item.

As a reminder, our Government Affairs Council meets every second Wednesday of the month from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Please email hello@scvchamber.com to ensure you are receiving meeting notifications.

Please note: The GAC is open to SCV Chamber members only.

18 · 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

M A R C H 2023

‘Tis the Season for Special Events, ‘Special’ Insurance

BY MITZI LIKE

President/CEO of LBW Insurance and Financial Services

W

ith Spring around the corner events are being planned.

Whether it’s a rubber ducky regatta, concert in the park, or youth sports tournament, from a risk management standpoint, these fall under Special Events.

With an extensive background in Entertainment and Non-Profits, LBW handles many Special Events. Here are frequently asked questions:

event could mean outlayed costs and no one attending to help you recoup expenses. This is where Weather Insurance can save the day. Coverage is designed to recoup losses in case of event cancellation due to weather related issues. It’s written on an agreed amount, you tell the company an amount, they charge premium for it, and if your event gets ruined because of weather, you don’t lose your outlayed money. Pricing varies depending on time of year and geographical location.

1. Why do I need it?

7. What if attendees get hurt?

2. Expect venues, municipalities, and/or rental houses to require your insurance covers THEIR interests.

8. Another factor is the possibility of attendees being injured. While Special Event General Liability coverage will kick in as long as you are found negligent for the injury, another coverage available is Accident Medical coverage. This coverage is just as it implies; it will pay for medical expenses incurred by someone injured at your event. This coverage is not triggered by negligence, it is a flat medical coverage for the event. It can also be extended to include participants. As

3. Can’t I add the event to my current insurance?

4. In most cases, no. Event coverage is specific, meant to cover a higher risk over a short period. This is different than coverage provided by other annual policies.

5. What about weather?

6. Unexpected weather at an outdoor

an example, a client was hosting a wrestling clinic at which some professional wrestlers did demonstrations. The Accident Medical coverage extended to include the wrestlers as well. This coverage is very affordable, and highly recommended for every event.

9. How much will it cost?

10. The cost depends on several factors.

A concert featuring high profile acts will cost considerably more than a local event with a few youth dance performances. Events can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands, and each event must be underwritten by an insurance professional with expertise in Special Events. Other factors are: estimated attendance, admission fees, type of venue, and security.

There are many factors involved in Special Event coverage. As Risk Management professionals, it’s our job to facilitate proper coverage for your particular event while maintaining a cost-effective solution for your needs. 

T he L ist : M edical O ffices company

address

area of specialty

Facey Medical Group — Canyon Country

14550 Soledad Canyon Road, Canyon Country, 91387 • (661) 250-5200 www.providence.org/locations/facey/facey-medical-group

Adult Primary Care, Pediatrics, Radiology, Laboratory, Behavioral Health, Vision Services, Rheumatology

Facey Medical Group — Copper Hill

27924 Seco Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, 91350 • (661) 513-2100 www.providence.org/locations/facey/facey-medical-group

Adult Primary Care, Pediatrics, Radiology, Laboratory

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia, 91355 • (661) 200-2000 • www.henrymayo.com

Cancer Care, Heart and Vascular Care, Breast Health Services

Providence Holy Cross Health Center

26357 McBean Parkway, Santa Clarita, 91355 • (661) 288-5900 • www.providence.org

Providence Holy Cross Imaging Center, Urgent Care Center, Cancer Physician Office, Providence Rehabilitation Services

Samuel Dixon Canyon Country Health Center

27225 Camp Plenty Road, Suite 4, Canyon Country, 91351 • (661) 424-1220 • www.sdfhc.org

Diabetes Prevention Program, Cancer Detection and Prevention, Women's Health, Chronic Disease Management

Samuel Dixon Newhall Health Center

Diabetes Prevention Program, Cancer Detection and 23772 Newhall Avenue, Newhall, 91321 • (661) 291-1777 • www.sdfhc.org Prevention, Women's Health, Chronic Disease Management

Samuel Dixon Valencia Behavioral Health

25115 Avenue Stanford, #A103, Valencia, 91355 • (661) 468-7405 • www.sdfhc.org

Mental/Behavioral Health Counseling

Kaiser Permanente Santa Clarita Medical Offices 1

27107 Tourney Road, Santa Clarita, 91355 • (833) 574-2273 • healthy. kaiserpermanente.org

Allergy, Dermatology, Obstetrics/Gynecology (Ob-Gyn), Physical Therapy

Kaiser Permanente Santa Clarita Medical Offices 2

26877 Tourney Road, Santa Clarita, 91355 • (833) 574-2273 • healthy.kaiserpermanente.org

Endocrinology, Infectious Disease, Opthalmology, Nephrology

UCLA Health Santa Clarita Primary & Specialty Care

25775 McBean Parkway, Suites 115A, 202 & 215, Valencia, 91355 • (661) 753-5464 • www.uclahealth.org

Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine

UCLA Health Tourney Road Primary & Specialty Care

27235 Tourney Road, Suite 2500, Valencia, 91355 • (661) 253-5851 • www.uclahealth.org

Pediatric Neurosurgery, Cancer Treatment, Cardiac Imaging, Head and Neck Surgery

19

M A R C H 2023

Buildings Could Use a Breath of Fresh Air

SCV BUSINESS VOICES

HOLLY SCHROEDER

President & CEO of SCVEDC

I

t’s been more than two years since the onset of the pandemic, and despite advancements in vaccines and a better understanding of how the virus is spread, the harsh reality is that we will be dealing with COVID-19 transmission for a very long time. The good news is that those in the construction industry, as well as local companies and business leaders, can breathe easier by utilizing the technology available to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and make spaces healthier and safer by reducing the transmission of airborne viruses.

Health officials and practitioners have underscored the importance of UV filtration and air ventilation in buildings to reduce the spread of disease. In March 2022, The White House released a report recommending using UV filtration systems to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 indoors. Several Federal departments and agencies have launched the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge. They lay out suggested actions and resources and offered funding to support improvements in ventilation, filtration, and clean indoor air to support upgrades to local businesses, nonprofits, community centers, and other commercial and public establishments. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency released a guide for building managers, contractors, homeowners and business owners to create an action plan for cleaner indoor air.

The SCV is an excellent example of a community utilizing this technology and offers best practices to improve indoor air quality in public and private facilities. We are home to one of the largest sub-clusters of companies specializing in UV-filtration systems, including UV Resources, UVDI, Applied Companies, Visual Terrain and SterilAire. Our ongoing collaboration between private and public sector leaders has given SCV leadership access to the expertise of folks who’ve been hard at work over the past decades developing technologies that ensure high-quality air within buildings.

Thanks to ultraviolet air and surface disinfection technology developed by Valencia-based UVDI, Wits University Donald Gordon Medical Center (WDGMC), a private teaching hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, was able to reduce COVID transmissions within hospital

settings significantly. A study released by WDGMC showed that by pairing the UVDI-360 Room Sanitizer with ultraviolet room decontamination technology with manual cleaning protocols, the transmission of carbapenemresistant Enterobacterales decreased by 23%

in a hospital setting. According to the hospital’s study and 35 independent laboratory tests, UVDI’s room sanitizer could eliminate up to 99.99% of critical microorganisms in just five minutes from eight feet away and SARS-CoV-2 from 12 feet away. 

20 · 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

M A R C H 2023

VA L L E Y I N D U ST RY ASS O C I AT I O N ADVOCATE.EDUCATE.INNOVATE.

TOP ISSUES DISCUSSED AT VIA CEO FORUM

FORUM

On December 2, 2022, approximately 55 Santa Clarita Valley-based CEOs, Presidents, Business Owners, and Top Executives gathered at the VIA CEO Forum to discuss top issues identified through a multi-question survey circulated to SCV business leaders in mid-2022.

Through the survey, several topics were identified by Santa Clarita Valley based businesses as most critical for the next 2-5 years. The following three topics/questions were selected as top priority and included in the discussions at the Forum: • How has the infrastructure of your workplace changed post-Covid?

• Inflation is at a rate not seen since the 1970s. How are you coping? How much flexibility do you have? Can you add surcharges? Have contractor’s bid times been reduced? How does inflation affect your business?

• Emerging Workforce - What are you seeing with new entry level employees? Has that changed? What skills are needed?

Some of the takeaways from those discussions are shown below with a full CEO Forum report available for review at www.via.org.

• The younger workforce carries important critical skills – they are able to catch up with technology much more quickly than the older workforce, however, there is still a learning curve in other arenas.

•

• •

INFRASTRUCTURE: • Businesses must offer hybrid work environments to remain successful.

Management must be aware there are two different work patterns and find ways to blend them both into company culture.

• Businesses must more closely monitor employees working virtually for productivity, engagement, and the possibility of mental health needs.

• Zoom meetings continue to be necessary but should be closely monitored so as not to prevent work from being accomplished.

• Continuing training and education of the emerging workforce is critical to ensure employers have sufficient skilled employees for the future.

•

INFLATION: • Businesses must increase productivity to remain successful.

• Businesses must be prepared to renegotiate contracts where possible • Businesses must raise prices when they can be justified • Note: If inflation is affecting your clients, it is affecting you • Companies are not replacing retired positions – simply spreading work across existing employees which carries a psychological impact.

• Are we really IN the recession yet or is there more pain to come?

•

EMERGING WORKFORCE: The emerging workforce was by far the most active discussion conducted at the 2022 VIA CEO Forum.

UPCOMING EVENTS

23 MAR

VIA After Five Networking Mixer 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

American Family Funding 25101 The Old Road Stevenson Ranch, CA

If you or your company is interested in hosting an After Five please contact Kathy Norris at kathy@via.org or 661.294.8088 or Kim Kurowski at kim_kurowski@hotmail.com

A DVO C AT E • E D U C AT E • I N N OVAT E VIA.March2023BJ.indd 2

• •

•

•

•

Although technical knowledge is critical, it is not a replacement for hard work, perseverance and following through on one’s word.

New employees in their mid-late twenties want jobs that “make a difference.”

Entry level employees must focus on their emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, general understanding of finance and self-reflection.

Business owners must set aside the necessary time to engage with supportive actions and take advantage of teaching opportunities.

Employers recognize the emerging workforce wants a real work/life balance. Although this has been a topic of discussion for years, the existing workforce does not really have such a balance.

VIA’s Connecting to Success is a necessary program for future generations. General understanding of personal finances, ethics in the workplace, communication skills (written and verbal) etc., are necessary for career success.

The aging workforce could have much more impact in helping train the emerging workforce.

Entry level supply is low – price/wage sensitivity (wage expectations) are high.

Following the pandemic, some youth have forgotten how to interact with people. Those who joined the workforce just before or during the pandemic have not had the opportunity to learn or utilize the skills they require.

Great things come from all generations when they are able to work together effectively.

Full report available at www.via.org

WELCOME TO OUR NEW VIA MEMBERS 9 Round Kickboxing Christy Grable (661) 670-8166 grable44@gmail.com Pride Logistics Jose Sherman (800) 796-5031 jose.sherman@prdlax.com NextHome Real Estate Rockstars Cherrie Brown (661) 877-1929 cherrie.zach@gmail.com

Elevation Data Group Jonathan Dell (661) 713 0940 j.dell@edgnow.com

WeWil Collaborative Helen Fournier (661) 803-3285 hfournier@teamlogicit.com

Solarverse David Cantrell (661) 904-3368 david@solarverse.com

Child & Family Center Nikki Buckstead (661) 259-9439 nikki.buckstead@ childfamilycenter.org

Berkshire Hathaway Brenda Ross (661) 803-5878 brenda@brendaross.com

V I S I T V I A .O R G 2/3/23 10:55 AM

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 · 21

M A R C H 2023

Deadline for Business Property is Fast-Approaching

BY JEFF PRANG

Los Angeles County Assessor

I

t’s that time of year again when I reach out to your readers and business owners to remind them of an important deadline fast approaching that must not be overlooked because there are penalties attached.

I’m talking about Business Personal Property Statements (BPP). Businesses with personal property and fixtures that cost $100,000 or more must file a BPP by April 1. This is required by state law. However, you have until May 7 to file. After that a 10% penalty will be applied.

Each year Business Personal Property Statements, which provide a basis for determining assessments for fixtures and equipment, are mailed by my office to most commercial, industrial and professional firms.

Generally, businesses with personal property and fixtures that cost less than $100,000 are not required to file a BPP annually. Instead, a value is established based on an initial BPP filing or by an onsite appraisal. That value may be adjusted by subsequent annual on-site appraisals.

My office is legally mandated to assess the value of business personal property in excess of $10,000 as of January 1.

Business Personal Property is typically all property owned or leased by a business except Real Property and Inventory items.

ONCOLOGY

Continued from page 10

year after year the medical staff earns top marks for treatment, attention to detail and patient-first policies. That means anytime a staff member enters the room, whether it’s a physician or a member of the environmental services staff, a patient’s needs are addressed.

TREATING THE BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT

At UCLA Health, cancer

Business personal property includes, but is not limited to: machinery, computers, equipment (e.g. fax machines, photocopiers), telephones, furniture (e.g. desks, chairs, bookcases) and supplies.

It’s important to remember that Business Personal Property is valued annually as of January 1. If you were in business on that day and have the required amount of property, you are required to file. BPP statements are private documents and are held confidential by my office.

Having said that, I understand that times have been challenging for many businesses and I am inviting you to provide me with information about your business equipment for the possibility of some relief.

Make no mistake about this, I intend to be proactive about these reductions. As an example, our office proactively in years past have reduced Business Personal Property for about 47,000 businesses countywide. For more information on this relief go to assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/ decline-in-value.

The bureaucratic name for the Business Personal Property form is the 571-L and as I mentioned it must be filed no later than May 7 to avoid a penalty. To file the form online or just to learn more about this go to assessor.lacounty.gov/businessowners/business-prop-statementfiling.

Moreover, to help businesses navigate and complete this often confusing form, we’ve hosted several virtual workshops that are available for viewing on my web-

treatment also means supporting patients and families with evidence-based care that addresses their needs in mind, body and spirit. Services from Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology are available in Santa Clarita both onsite and remotely.

“Seamlessly woven into cancer care, the Simms/Mann program provides nutritional support, therapy sessions for psychological support, financial resources, caregiver support and more,” says Dr. Sudan. “This psychosocial

site. They can be viewed at the same link assessor.lacounty.gov/businessowners/ business-prop-statement-filing. Once there click on the box marked videos.

I also think it’s important to note that the very reason for our property taxes are to support vital public services provided to all of us, including law enforcement, fire protection, education, parks and recreation, as well as roads.

Property taxes are based on the assessed value of your property. Property tax bills show land and improvement values. Improvements include all assessable buildings and structures on the land. In general, properties that are owned and used by educational, charitable, religious or government organizations may be exempt from certain property taxes. You may also qualify for certain exemptions.

For more information regarding other tax savings’ programs, please visit my new and improved website at assessor. lacounty.gov.

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

support is another dimension that’s important for cancer patients to have.”

Many services — both within cancer care and outside of it — come together at the UCLA Health Santa Clarita clinics to offer the best possible experience for patients. From access to ground-breaking research and clinical trials, to the ability to have multiple appointments in the same location, to the close collaboration among physicians, to whole-person care — it’s all right here.

Aronson has witnessed

the benefits of having UCLA Health within her neighborhood. She emphasized that she doesn’t have to go anywhere else because everything she needs is right here.

“I’m in the medical field myself, so I have a health care provider’s mindset and I know what good care looks like, and that’s what you get at UCLA Health,” Aronson says. “At the Santa Clarita clinics, you don’t feel like you’re at a doctor’s office — you feel like you’re at home.” 

22 · 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

M A R C H 2023

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 3,222.43 and the average price per share was $107.41 This month the index is 3,113.35down 109.08 or 3.4% for an average share price of $103.78

Company

TICKER

industry

3/7/2022 price

1/27/23 price

2/24/2023 price

monthly change

Amazon

AMZN

Retail

129.27

102.24

99.53

2.71(-2.6%)

Auto Nation

AN

Auto dealers

103

121.38

141.37

19.99 (+17.9%)

Bank of SoCal

BCAL

Banking

15.14

16.8

16.95

0.15 (+.01%)

Bioventus

BVS

Biomedical

13.51

2.11

1.49

0.62 (-5.8%)

Boeing

BA

Aerospace

180.84

211.17

202.91

8.26 (- 4.1%)

Boston Scientific

BSX

Biomedical

43.76

45.91

47.38

1.47 (+3.4%)

California Resources

CRC

Energy

4310

43.16

43.49

0.36(+.0.8%)

Carnival

CCL

Entertainment/leisure

17.22

11.02

10.92

10 (-0.1%)

CBRE

CBRE

Commercial real estate

89.71

84.46

86.13

1.67 (+2%)

Comcast

CMCSA

Communications

47.21

39.6

37.52

2.08 (-5.1%)

Costco

COST

Retail

525.5

503.29

490.96

12.33 (-2.4%

Disney

DIS

Entertainment media

140.72

109.54

101.37

8.17(-7.6%)

Five Point Holdings

FPH

Home developer

5.97

2.64

2.22

0.42 (-17.3.)

Home Depot

HD

Retail

324.26

316.69

299.27

17.48 (-5.5%)

IQVIA Holdings

IQV

Laboratory services

227

229.47

212.73

16.74 (-7.3%)

ITT Inc.

ITT

Aerospace/ manufacturing

79.89

91.26

90.71

.55 (-0.6%)

KB Homes

KBH

Home developer

38.9

37.48

35.62

1.86 (-4.6%)

Kohl's

KSS

Retail

58.77

31.49

29.52

1.97 (-6.4%)

Lennar

LEN

Home builder

91.93

100.61

96.62

3.99 (-3.9%)

Lowes

LOW

Retail

224.07

202.49

205.97

3.48 (+1.7%)

McDonalds

MCD

Restaurants

260.44

272.46

265.19

7.27 (-2.6%)

Otsuka Holdings

OTSKY

Pharmaceutical

17.01

16.09

15.19

.90 (-5%)

Quest Diagnostics

DGX

Laboratory services

137.65

145.63

140.71

4.92 (-3.3%)

Six Flags

SIX

Entertainment/leisure

41.16

27.26

27.19

.07 (-0.1%)

Sodexo

SDXAY

Home / Food services

14.47

19.57

19.87

.30 (+02%)

Sonova Holdings

SONVY

Biomedical equipment

70.47

90.61

50.23

40.38(-39.9%)

Textron

TXT

Industrial

71.23

72.28

74.23

.05 (-001%)

Tri Pointe Homes

TPH

Home developer

22.69

21.57

23.64

2.07 (+9.1%)

Walmart

WMT

Retail

142.82

143.3

142.93

.37 (-0.3%)

Woodward

WWD

Aerospace/ manufacturing

118.6

110.65

101.2

9.45 (-8.5%)

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 · 23

M A R C H 2023

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

Santa Clarita Valley — By the Numbers

BY HOLLY SCHROEDER

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

P

roviding vital data and information is just one of the important services and resources that the SCVEDC provides to local businesses.

Our “Econowatch” section below compiles monthly updates to various housing stats, commercial and industrial construction activities, as well as commercial vacancy rates and unemployment numbers for our region.

Most prominent of these resources come from our resident economist, Dr. Mark Schniepp. Every quarter Dr. Schniepp and the SCVEDC put out an Economic Snapshot.

These are more in-depth updates than Econowatch that include labor force and employment trends, residential and commercial real estate, hotel vacancy rates, and film activity data.

Keep an eye out for the Q4 2022 Snapshot and its accompanying podcast episode with Dr. Schniepp in March!

Each year for our Economic Outlook event Dr. Schniepp provides attendees with an in-depth presentation, working with the SCVEDC to compile a separate comprehensive data report called the Economic Outlook Book.

These economic forecasts are important for companies that need to have a short and long-term picture of what the economic trends will be and how that will affect the decisions they make.

This event is the only place to get economic data specific to the Santa Clarita Valley topics such as demographics, employment, residential and commercial real estate trends, new developments, and quality of life. If you missed the 2022 Outlook, it is available to download for free on our website!

To companies considering moving to the business-friendly Santa Clarita Valley, as well as their brokers and site selectors, the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development strives to be a onestop shop to help close the deal.

Our online Broker Portal offers in-

formation about incentives and workforce training, data and demographics, business and industrial parks, as well as maps and case studies. Visit http:// www.scvedc.org/brokers to learn more, and visit the Data page for quarterly economic snapshots, quick facts, annual Economic Outlook book, and other specific data reports.

Starting next month we will begin highlighting specific data from these various resources as they help tell the story of where our valley has been, where it is now, and forecasting what the future may hold.

SCVEDC offers many services and resources to local businesses to help them access tax credits and incentives, workforce development and training, provides vital data and information, and connects companies for networking and peer support. For more information or assistance, contact us at (661) 288-4400 or email info@scvedc.org. 

Econo Watch Santa Clarita Valley

Q4 2022

Q3 2022

Q4 2022 Sq Ft

Commercial Vacancy Rates

Palmdale

6.3%

6.3%

0.00%

Lancaster

6.5%

6.5

0.00%

Office Space

17.77%

20.37%

2,893,997

Glendale

4.2%

4.2%

0.00%

Industrial Space

1.30%

1.30%

25,340,191

Los Angeles County

4.4%

4.4%

0.00%

Total Marked Sq. Ft. Vacancy Percentage:

28,234,188

State

4.1%

4.1%

0.00%

Office Space - as a % of Vacancy

10.25%

9.97%

N/A

Housing Stats

Nov ’22

Oct ‘22

Nov ’21

Industrial Space - as a % of Vacancy 89.75%

90.03%

N/A

SCV Average Home Price

946,800

861,500

846,000

SCV Average Condo Price

549,900

565,700

556,900

Building Permits

Jan ‘23

Dec ‘22

Jan’22

New Commercial/Industrial Building Permits

1

11

9

SCV Home Sales

89

2,351

166

Commercial Tenent Improvements/Alterations

25

21

36

SCV Condo Sales

39

937

56

Unemployment Rates

Jan ‘23

Dec ‘22

% Change

SCV Avg. # of Days on Market (SF)

40

42

39

Santa Clarita

3.9 %

3.9 %

0.00%

SCV Single Family Home Inventory

301

427

179

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DELIVERY

CALL 259-1000

Care, for life World-class primary and specialty care available in Santa Clarita Valley

Internal Medicine Pediatrics Immediate Care

• Behavioral Health • Cancer Care • Cardiology • Dermatology • Digestive Diseases • Endocrinology • Head and Neck • Imaging and Interventional Services

Scan, call 661-593-4302 or visit us at uclahealth.org/santa-clarita to learn more

• Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine • Pain Medicine • Radiation Oncology • Rheumatology • Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology • Surgery Consultations