VIA CEO FORUM: Returns August 27
The VIA CEO Forum has evolved into one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s most impactful platforms for executive-level dialogue— bringing together CEOs, presidents, and senior leaders to openly discuss the most pressing issues facing businesses today. Organized by the Valley Industry Association (VIA), the forum is not a traditional conference, but rather a highly interactive, discussion-based environment shaped directly by the voice of the business community. What distinguishes the VIA CEO Forum is its foundation: each year’s agenda is driven by survey data collected from local business leaders, ensuring every discussion reflects real-world conditions rather than abstract theory.
This approach creates a uniquely relevant experience—one where participants are not just attendees, but contributors. Business leaders sit together, exchange perspectives, and examine challenges collectively in a setting designed to foster candid conversations about what is working, what is not, and what needs to change. The forum serves as a space to share insights and collaborate on solutions that can be applied immediately. As noted by VIA leadership, the forum is designed to help executives “brainstorm about big issues” and develop strategies for the years ahead.
This collaborative structure allows participants to:
• Share firsthand insights from their industries
• Identify common challenges across sectors
• Explore practical, experience-based solutions
• Build stronger connections within the regional business community
Ultimately, the VIA CEO Forum plays a critical role in strengthening the regional business ecosystem. By creating a trusted space for open dialogue, it enables leaders to confront challenges collectively rather than in isolation. The forum’s continued success reflects its ability to stay aligned with the realities of modern business—adapting each year based on survey insights and evolving business needs. In an era defined by rapid change, economic uncertainty, and technological disruption, the VIA CEO Forum remains a vital resource. Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.via.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, May 19 | VIA Luncheon: Designing the Future Workforce: Industry Collaboration at College of the Canyons and the ATC Superintendent/President Jasmine Ruys, Ed.D.| College of the Canyons Education Center, Child & Family Center 21544 Centre Pointe Parkway 11:45 - 1:30
Thursday, May 28 | VIA AfterFive 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | TASC (The Adult Skills Center)
Dust off your boots, straighten that bow tie, and get ready for one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s most anticipated nights of the year—the 2026 VIA BASH is riding into town with style, spirit, and a whole lot of western flair.
This year’s theme, “BOOTS & BOW TIES: THE COWBOY BALL,” promises an unforgettable evening where rustic charm meets black-tie elegance. Scheduled for Friday, November 6, the event invites guests to embrace “formal western” attire—think polished cowboy boots paired with western themed tuxedo, cocktail dresses, and just the right touch of country sophistication.
Hosted by Valley Industry Association, this signature event is more than just a celebration—it’s a tribute to the people and businesses that make the Santa Clarita Valley thrive. The evening will spotlight outstanding contributors through prestigious honors, including Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, and the Community Impact Award. These recognitions highlight the dedication, innovation, and generosity that continue to shape the local community.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the VIA BASH carries a meaningful mission. Proceeds from the evening will support the VIA Connecting to Success Program, a workforce readiness initiative now in its 23rd year. This program equips high school students with essential professional skills—from communications to financial literacy—helping prepare them for real-world success. Since its inception, more than 43,000 students have benefited from this life-changing training, making a lasting impact on the region’s future workforce.
The VIA BASH has long been a beloved tradition in the Santa Clarita Valley, known for blending celebration with purpose. The 2026 Cowboy Ball is set to carry that legacy forward, offering an evening filled with entertainment, recognition, and community pride.
For those looking to take part, sponsorship opportunities range from $7,500 to $1,800, and individual tickets are available for $175. Whether you’re attending to support the cause, network with local leaders, or simply enjoy a memorable night out, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Saddle up and secure your spot at www.via.org—because this year’s Cowboy Ball is sure to be the talk of the town.
BIKE TO W RK CHALLENGE
MAY 11-15, 2026
with Pit Stops on Thursday, May 14, from 7:00-9:00 a.m. only
Join us at the following pit stop locations on Thursday, May 14, from 7:00-9:00 a.m. to enjoy free giveaways and refreshments!
Camp Plenty:
(Hosted by the City of Santa Clarita) Just o of Soledad Canyon Road Next to CVS (19424 Soledad Canyon Road)
Bouquet Junction: (Hosted by Incycle Bicycles) Corner of Bouquet Canyon Road and Valencia Boulevard Behind Chi-Chi’s Restaurant
South Fork Trail:
(Hosted by Henry’s Co ee) Newhall Avenue and 16th Street Next to the riverbed Four-way Intersection
City Hall:
(Hosted by the City of Santa Clarita) 23920 Valencia Boulevard Next to water fountain/glass doors
City Public Works Yard: (Hosted by the City of Santa Clarita) 25663 Avenue Stanford Front area near the parking lot entrance
Bouquet Creek Trail: (Hosted by Trek Bicycle) 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road East side of the Starbucks on Newhall Ranch Road
Could it be Asthma, at My Age?
WBy Patrick Moody Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
e often think of asthma as a disease you get when you’re young, and it usually is. But asthma can be diagnosed at any age. Recognizing the symptoms can help you get the treatment you need.
Why asthma now?
Experts aren’t sure why some people develop asthma for the first time as adults. But, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), your chances of being one of them are higher if you: Are a woman. This may be related to hormones or estrogen treatments.
Work around certain irritating substances, such as chemical fumes and air pollutants. Asthma that starts or worsens due to a person›s exposure at work is called occupational or work-related asthma. About one in six adult-onset asthma cases is linked to workrelated exposures.
Have allergies, which make you sensitive to things like pollen, pet dander, dust or mold. Are exposed to pollution — for instance, if you live near a busy highway. Are obese. Obesity is linked to developing asthma as well as having uncontrolled asthma. Have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). People with GERD often have heartburn, which occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus.
In some cases, what seems like adult-onset asthma may not actually be new. Some people have had asthma since childhood without experiencing symptoms, the AAFA reports. In other cases, childhood symptoms go away and then recur in adulthood.
RECOGNIZING ADULT ASTHMA
If you haven’t been diagnosed with asthma, it might be easy to confuse the symptoms with being out of shape. But there are important differences, notes the AAFA. If you’re just out of shape, you might feel winded when you exert yourself. But that feeling won’t last long.
And you probably won’t have these other signs and symptoms, which are more likely to be asthma:
Coughing. A lot of adults with asthma have a dry, persistent cough. The coughing may occur more at night (it may wake you up); when you exercise and for several minutes afterward; when you laugh; or when you’re around
irritants like smoke, cold air or fumes.
Chest tightness. Asthma causes the airways in the lungs to become narrow and tight and to make more mucus.
Wheezing. This is a whistling sound when you breathe in.
Lingering infections. Taking longer to get over lung infections can also be a sign of asthma.
Having a harder time doing your activities because of coughing or shortness of breath.
SPEAK UP FOR YOUR LUNGS
No matter your age, if your breathing isn’t what it used to be, it’s worth getting checked! If you think you might have asthma or other lung disease symptoms, let your doctor know. A test that measures your lung function can help with diagnosing asthma or ruling it out. If you do have asthma, treatment can help you manage your symptoms and take charge of your condition.
When Your Business Outgrows Management
BY KEN KELLER
SCVBJ Contributing Writer
Many manufacturing companies and large service organizations share a similar origin story. They were launched by founders; and built with friends, and family members, doing whatever it took to get the business off the ground. In those early years, versatility, loyalty, and institutional knowledge mattered more than formal leadership skills.
As the business grows, however, the rules change.
Processes become more complex. Customers demand consistency. Margins tighten. Risk increases. Yet in many companies, the management team remains largely unchanged, yet the business around them has evolved dramatically. This mismatch carries real consequences.
The Hidden Costs of Hanging on Too Long
When managers have not grown with the company, performance problems rarely show up all at once. Instead, they emerge quietly and compound over time. Operational drag is often the first symptom. Decisions slow down, problems escalate unnecessarily, and systems never quite take hold. Leaders rely on tribal knowledge rather than repeatable processes; this is an especially costly limitation in manufacturing and service environments where consistency and scale matter.
Cultural erosion follows. Employees see that tenure and relationships outweigh performance. High performers become frustrated when underqualified managers remain protected. Accountability weakens, and “that’s how we’ve always done it” becomes the most dangerous phrase in the building.
Talent loss is inevitable. Strong employees eventually leave when they realize there’s no room to grow, or that they’re being held back by leadership that can’t coach or challenge them.
Meanwhile, the CEO becomes the safety net, stepping in to solve problems
that should be handled two levels down. Strategic thinking gives way to constant firefighting.
Why CEOs Delay the Decision
For companies founded with support of friends and family, this issue is especially personal. Loyalty runs deep. So does fear; the fear of damaging relationships, disrupting morale, or appearing disloyal to people who helped build the business. But avoiding the issue doesn’t preserve loyalty; it quietly taxes the entire organization.
Direct Ways to Address the Problem
The most effective starting point is redefining management roles based on what the business requires today, not what worked ten years ago. Clear expectations, decision authority, and measurable outcomes shift the conversation from personalities to performance.
When gaps remain, CEOs must be willing to have direct, respectful conversations. Framing matters:
• “The role has changed as the company has scaled.”
• “This isn’t about effort; it’s about what the business now requires.”
When possible, offering dignified transitions, defined as redefined roles, structured development plans, or fair exit packages, protects both the individual and the culture.
Indirect Strategies That Create Clarity
In some cases, CEOs prefer a stepwise approach. Introducing objective metrics, adding experienced leaders around existing managers, or using executive coaching with defined milestones can clarify whether growth is possible, or whether a change is necessary.
What matters most is that these approaches are timebound and honest.
Leadership Requires Both Backbone and Respect
The strongest companies understand this truth: loyalty to people should never undermine responsibility to the business. Making leadership changes is rarely pleasant but delaying them is almost always more damaging.
Handled well, these decisions reinforce professionalism, strengthen culture, and position the company for its next stage of growth, without diminishing the contributions that helped get it this far.
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. Keller’s column reflects his own views and not necessarily those of the SCVBJ. Email: Ken. Keller@strategicadvisoryboards.com.
The strongest companies understand this truth: loyalty to people should never undermine responsibility to the business. ©ADOBESTOCK
Tighter Budgets Haven’t Stopped Travel
They’ve Changed How Americans Plan
BY TIFFANY MILLER
ALG Vacations
The flight search is open, but many travelers are pausing before they book. Prices feel higher than last year, headlines are heavy and budgets are tighter. Still, the question isn’t whether to take a vacation, but how to make it work.
A November 2025 survey from ALG Vacations of U.S. adults planning to travel in 2026 shows that financial pressure is reshaping how people approach vacations, not whether they take them. While 81% say they have at least some concern about their household finances in the months ahead, 92% say they would still travel even if tighter finances required scaling back.
Financial Pressure Shapes Decisions, Not Demand
That shift shows up in the small moments of planning. Travelers are taking longer to compare prices, reconsidering timing and adjusting expectations before they book.
Inflation and rising prices top the list of concerns, cited by 61% of respondents, reinforcing why travelers are rethinking destinations, trip length and overall costs.
Concerns about global events and safety follow at
39%, with broader political and economic instability close behind at 38%.
Still, those worries rarely lead travelers to walk away from travel altogether. Instead, many describe pulling back in measured ways, scaling down plans, rethinking details and making trade-offs that keep a trip possible, even if it looks different than originally imagined.
Experience Changes How Travelers Move from Planning to Booking
Not all travelers navigate those trade-offs the same way. For some, uncertainty slows the process. For others, familiarity helps clear the final hurdle.
with prior experience linked to greater comfort committing to international travel and higher spending.
Among respondents who have previously booked a packaged vacation through a major vacation brand, 80% say they plan to take an international trip in the next year, compared with 46% of those without that experience. That confidence carries into spending decisions as well. Sixty-seven percent of packaged-vacation travelers expect to spend more than $2,500 on their next trip, compared with 47% of those who have never booked a packaged vacation. Taken together, the findings point to a confidence gap,
Professional Guidance Plays a Larger Role When Planning Gets Complex
For many travelers, planning no longer stops at picking dates and destinations. Rising prices, shifting availability and higher expectations have turned vacation planning into a series of decisions that feel harder to navigate alone. That complexity shows up most clearly among travelers with prior packaged-vacation experience. Ninety-four percent say they plan to use a travel advisor, compared with 81% of those without prior packaged-vacation experience.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
From Insight to Action: How SCVEDC Supports Business Growth
BY ONDRÉ SELTZER PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
When businesses are planning their next move, whether that means launching, relocating, expanding, or simply navigating a changing market, having the right information can be just as valuable as having the right location. In many cases, the priorities are clear: time to market, cost to market, and workforce. Those are often the factors that determine how competitive a project can be, and whether it moves forward at all.
That is where the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation provides value.
SCVEDC works with both existing employers and companies exploring the region, helping them access the tools, data, and connections needed to make informed decisions and advance projects with greater clarity and confidence.
DATA THAT HELPS BUSINESSES PLAN AHEAD
Strong decisions begin with strong information. SCVEDC offers a range of resources that help businesses, investors, brokers, and site selectors better understand the Santa Clarita Valley economy. Our annual Economic Outlook Book, Quarterly Economic Snapshots, and Monthly Econowatch, provide regular insight into economic trends, industry activity, and market conditions. For those looking for a quicker overview, SCV Quick Facts, our annual Largest Employers List, and our Annual Reports offer useful snapshots of the region’s business landscape and momentum.
TOOLS FOR SITE SELECTION AND GROWTH
For companies searching for space or evaluating opportunities in the SCV, SCVEDC provides practical tools and support throughout the process. The Available Property Search helps users explore commercial real estate options, while the Community Data Broker Portal offers deeper local market information to support comparisons, planning, and investment decisions. Beyond these tools, SCVEDC also works directly with business leaders, brokers,
and site selectors to help identify options that align with a company’s operational needs, goals, and timeline.
GUIDANCE THROUGH INCENTIVES AND LOCAL PROCESSES
Every project comes with its own set of questions. What incentives may be available? What does the local process look like? Who needs to be involved? SCVEDC helps businesses work through those questions by sharing resources
The gap suggests that familiarity with structured travel planning often leads travelers to seek expert guidance. As trips become more layered, getting the details right matters as much as the destination itself.
Travel Remains a Priority, Even As Decisions Slow
The findings suggest that travel is still very much on the table, even as decisions take longer to make. Travelers are weighing trade-offs, seeking guidance and leaning on experience as they plan, rather
than walking away altogether. The flight search may stay open a little longer this year. But for many Americans, the trip is still happening.
Methodology
ALG Vacations commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of U.S. adults planning to travel and travelers with prior packaged-vacation experience in the United States.
The survey included 1,000 adults planning to travel and a subsample of 502 respondents who had previously booked a packaged vacation through a major vacation brand.
Concerns Affecting Travel Decisions
The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points for the full sample and four percentage points for the packaged vacation subsample at a 95% confidence level.
Fieldwork was conducted in November 2025. Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency. (Family Features)
Balancing Business and Personal Finance
For successful business owners, managing wealth extends far beyond balance sheets — it requires carefully orchestrating growth, balancing business and personal financial priorities, and thoughtfully considering business succession planning and legacy.
PNC’s “Business Owner Wealth Insights Report” is the product of a partnership with leading market research firm, Ipsos, on a nationwide survey of business owners. Its findings center on four themes: connectivity between business and private banking, balancing business and personal growth, family dynamics and governance, and philanthropy and legacy.
“As business owners juggle growth, personal financial priorities, succession planning and legacy, the need for a truly integrated approach has never been clearer,” said Don Heberle, head of PNC Private Bank. “This report shines a light on how prepared business owners are for navigating the complex intersections of business and personal wealth and the keys for unlocking stronger outcomes for families, businesses and communities.”
Connectivity Between Business and Private Banking
For most business owners surveyed (67%), business and personal finances are managed separately. Respondents believe there are potential risks associated with
combining business and personal finances, with 83% saying that separating the two reduces the potential for conflicts of interest. Still, 89% say they are interested in receiving advice that considers both their business and personal needs, and 88% of respondents say they value having a dedicated advisor who understands both.
Business and personal goals are reviewed at similar intervals, with the majority saying they revisit their business goals (80%) and personal finance goals (75%) at least quarterly.
The Balance Between Business and Personal Growth
There is importance among business owners in finding the right balance between growing the business and achieving personal financial goals.
Most owners (91%) agree that achieving both personal and professional growth is equally important, but that success does not come without barriers, which include:
• Personal time and resources (53%)
• Financial constraints or market conditions (44%)
• Choosing between business reinvestment and personal use of the business’ profits (35%)
Family Dynamics and Business Governance
Most survey respondents (92%) agreed that it is important to have a formal governance structure for their business. Separately, 84% said succession and exit planning is critical to the continuity of their business. Yet, only 63% said they have a formal exit or succession plan. Among those without a formal plan, top barriers identified include lack of a clear successor (25%), family conflict in succession (15%), and lack of time (19%).
Philanthropy and Legacy
Philanthropy plays a meaningful role in legacy planning. Two-thirds of respondents view philanthropy as part of their legacy, and 81% structure investment strategies to support charitable goals. Nearly 80% donate financially, and many involve family members — either actively (43%) or in future plans (26%).
“Today’s business owners are shaping legacy across generations,” Heberle said. “When business and personal strategies are aligned, they are better positioned to create lasting impact.” (SPT)
Data Source: ALGVVacations survey of 1,000 U.S. adults planning to travel (November 2025)
The Competitive Edge Most Professionals Are Overlooking
In today’s fast-paced business environment, performance is everything. Leaders are expected to think faster, teams are pushed to produce more, and professionals at every level are navigating increasing demands for focus, energy, and consistency.
Yet one of the most powerful drivers of performance is often ignored.
Sleep.
On May 14, we will bring this conversation to the forefront with the launch of WorkWell: The Business Performance Summit, a new, high-impact experience designed to help professionals improve how they think, work, and perform.
Unlike traditional events that focus on surface-level solutions, WorkWell is built around a simple but critical idea: how you perform each day is directly influenced by how well you recover the night before.
Why Sleep Is Becoming a Business Priority
As organizations continue to face pressure around productivity, retention, and results, the conversation is shifting. Performance is no longer just about effort or hours worked. It is about clarity, decision-making, and sustained energy.
Research and real-world experience are aligning around one key insight: sleep is foundational to all of it.
From sharper thinking and faster decision-making to improved resilience and consistent energy, sleep plays a direct role in how individuals show up and how organizations perform.
A Different Kind of Business Event
WorkWell is intentionally designed to move beyond theory and deliver real, practical value.
The summit will bring together a multidisciplinary panel of experts who will break down the connection between sleep and performance in a way that is actionable and relevant to everyday work and life.
Attendees will walk away with strategies they can immediately apply to improve focus, productivity, and overall performance.
This is not about adding more to already busy schedules. It is about optimizing what is already there.
Designed for How People Actually Work Today.
What sets WorkWell apart is its broad relevance.
While many business events focus primarily on leadership, this summit recognizes that performance is not limited to one role or title. It is influenced by how every individual thinks, works, and contributes within an organization.
Strengthening Our Community
WorkWell is designed for professionals across all industries and experience levels, reinforcing that workplace success is driven by the collective performance of individuals throughout an organization.
Why This Moment Matters
The timing of this conversation is not accidental.
As businesses continue to adapt to evolving workplace expectations, the ability to perform consistently and sustainably has become a competitive advantage. Organizations that understand and invest in the factors that drive performance are better positioned for long-term success.
WorkWell reflects this shift, moving the conversation beyond traditional approaches and focusing on what truly impacts results.
Be Part of the Conversation
The inaugural WorkWell: The Business Performance Summit takes place on May 14 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
For anyone looking to improve how they perform, think, and show up each day, this is a conversation worth being part of.
Registration is open at www.scvchamber.com under the events tab. Space is limited and registration is required.
We’re thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating the exciting new businesses opening in our community! Each grand opening is not just a milestone for these businesses but also a chance for all of us to come together and support our local economy.
From marking special occasions to recognizing remarkable achievements, we feel honored to share in your celebrations. Our grand opening and ribbon-cutting events are FREE and open to everyone to attend! It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow community members, meet the passionate individuals behind these new ventures, and explore what they have to offer.
Let’s show our support and make these celebrations unforgettable! Bring your friends and family, and let’s celebrate the growth and vibrancy of our community together. We can’t wait to see you there!
Congratulations to Aspire Fiber on their ribbon cutting celebrating the start of construction in the Santa Clarita Valley. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them.
Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Celebrating Our Community
Mark your calendars and come be part of the excitement as new businesses open their doors right here in our community! These grand openings are more than ribbon cuttings — they’re celebrations of growth, local spirit, and fresh beginnings.
Everyone is welcome to join the festivities, connect with fellow community members, and show support for the entrepreneurs investing in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Whether you’re launching a brand-new business or celebrating an important anniversary, we’d love to celebrate you with a memorable ribbon cutting ceremony.
This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your business, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and celebrate your hard work and success.
Email us at hello@scvchamber.com to learn more about how we can assist in organizing your ribbon cutting or grand opening.
Mayor Laurene Weste and Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Ayala congratulate Stephen Weatherford, Founder and CEO of Aspire Fiber.
Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
To view our full calendar and event details go to www. SCVChamber.com or scan the QR Code below.
Where Business Happens
Join us for our May Business After Hours Mixer hosted at Henry Rodriguez - State Farm Agency on May 20, an evening designed to connect professionals and strengthen relationships across the Santa Clarita Valley.
Business After Hours is one of the Chamber’s most popular networking experiences, regularly drawing more than 100 attendees from a wide range of industries. These mixers create a welcoming and engaging environment where new connections are made, ideas are exchanged, and meaningful relationships begin.
Whether you are a longtime Chamber member, a new business owner, or attending your first Chamber event, this mixer is open to all and designed to be inclusive and approachable. Hosted at FASTSIGNS, the evening will feature networking, light refreshments, and the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed, informal setting.
If you are looking to expand your network, raise your visibility, and engage with the local business community, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Join us for an energetic evening of conversation, connection, and community.
Lots of New Projects on Horizon
BY PERRY SMITH
SCV Business Journal Editor
The city of Santa Clarita is nearing completion for its budget process, with meetings later this month in front of all the city’s commissions and council members, according to Santa Clarita City Manager Ken Striplin.
Striplin recently announced that City Hall has seen a half-billion dollars in permitted construction for the last year.
And rest assured, there’s plenty of action being discussed for the coming year, and it can be hard to track these projects, due to all the factors that can complicate a development, such as changing mandates and legal challenges.
For example, after five hearings and a City Council approval, the Wiley Canyon Road project — 232 condos in two-story buildings, and 120 assisted-living units slated for the former Smiser Mule Ranch — hit legal delays from a resident group suing the city over its approval.
Then there’s Bouquet Seco Plaza, a plan for 30 units, including four live-work units, in a four-story complex in a parking lot catty-corner to the IHOP.
That one seems to have exhausted its legal challenges, according to one source familiar with the project.
Among the newest plans being presented to Santa Clarita City Hall in the past month were Riverview West. The plans would eliminate the commercial component of the project that was originally entitled as the home of the former swap meet, based on the address listed.
The approximately 7.4-acre “commercial site” at 22500 Soledad Canyon Road, the former Saugus Swap Meet site, next to the MetroLink station.
“The proposed residential development consists of 105 dwelling units,” according to the one-stop submitted in March. ”The dwelling units consist of 105 condo units—98 duplex units and 7 single detached condo units on 7.4 gross acres for a density of 14.19 duplex/acre. The units will vary in size from a 1,703 square feet, three-bedroom/3.5-bathroom unit to a 1,988 square feet, four-bed-
room/3.5-bathroom unit. All the units will be three-story and 38-feet high to ridge of the roof (30’ high to the eave). All units will have tuck-under two-car garages.”
The city’s budget presentation last month also offered an update on several locally anticipated projects from Striplin, as part of the city’s $96.7 million capital-improvement budget, which represents a 19% increase, or $15 million over last year’s.
The city is planning to spend a million in one-time costs and $1.2 million in ongoing cost for The Rink, the city’s multipurpose sports facility and skating rink, a plan that grew in popularity amid a post-COVID roller-skating boom.
The City Council held a groundbreaking ceremony in August of 2024. In December of that year, the city awarded about $27.5 million to AMG Associates and several other contractors for project’s actual construction. At the groundbreaking, the city had identified April 2026 as a possible opening.
Striplin now estimates the new facility would be open in October. (Ed note: Perhaps just ahead of the next City Council election would be timely.)
Via Princessa Park will feature four
multisport fields with sports field lighting, four pickleball courts and a pedestrian tunnel beneath the Metrolink tracks, as part of tens of millions the city is pouring into that facility for its buildout. The project is currently in the grading phase.
In the “time to ask questions” category, a local radio station made claims that a developer, the Serrano Development Group, doesn’t have the funds to complete the $2.35 million purchase of the radio station’s building — a price that was boosted $450,000 after a City Council meeting.
Just one day after those claims were published online by the station, Striplin announced that the city was budgeting $26.1 million for the parking structure in Old Town Newhall on Main Street. That project was expected to include 65 condos, all of which would be built by, you guessed it, Serrano Development Group. It seems like that would cover the asking price.
Striplin saidthat project would be “a six-story parking structure at the south end (of Main Street), and will be built probably starting next year.”
The long-since demolished former site of the Saugus Swap Meet could now see less commercial squarefootage and more homes, if the developer gets their way. Signal File Photo
A Few Lessons for the Graduate
BY PAUL BUTLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer
As we approach graduation season, I find myself reflecting on a list my wife and I put together for our son, Henry. It was a ceremonial gift included in a card we wrote for him as he graduated from university.
As Henry transitioned into this new stage of life, we asked ourselves if we had taught him everything we could —specifically to help him navigate the workplace. We put this list together hoping it would not only help Henry but also assist other recent graduates about to embark upon the world of work. It may even serve as a useful reminder for those who have been working for some time but perhaps never learned these principles.
1. Be early — Woody Allen famously said: “90% of success is showing up” and we’d like to add one word to Woody’s wisdom: “… early.” Being on time, preferably early is a great way of showing respect to others in this crazy busy world.
2. Dress well — today’s workplace is more casual than when we first started work but you can still show your personal brand by what you wear and how you wear it. It doesn’t have to be expensive — being neat and clean are inexpensive and timeless.
3. Respect everyone — don’t just honor your supervisor but rather respect everyone regardless of their job title. You never know — one day you may be working for the person who presently works alongside you or below you.
Regardless of authority, every person deserves eye contact and common civility, which is uncommonly practiced. Never look down on others.
4. Work hard — the only time “success” comes before “work” is in the dictionary. Build a reputation of being a hard worker. Be a finisher. Always keep your commitments and may your word always be your bond.
5. Never gossip — resist the innate tendency to gossip about others and don’t think for one minute you’re building a relationship with someone by allowing them to gossip to you about a colleague. Gossip is a poison some people drink in their efforts to scramble up the corporate ladder. Don’t drink it.
6. Keep learning — welcome all opportunities to develop your skills. Change is the only constant in today’s working world — don’t think tomorrow will be the same as today as technology and reorganizations may change the way we did it yesterday.
7. Be loyal — your employer is investing in you and expects a return on their investment. Recruiters who want to woo you away for a few extra dollars may contact you to encourage you to ditch your present employer. Loyalty is a rare commodity in today’s self-centered workplace but that doesn’t mean you have to play by the same unscrupulous rules.
8. Rest well, eat well — ensure you get enough sleep and take at least one day of rest each week. You’re a human being and not a human doing — you’re not a machine. Make sure you get enough sleep and eat good food — these are the seeds that can harvest a good day’s work.
9. Don’t work just for money — some of the unhappiest people we’ve met have been some of the wealthiest but sadly, they are very poor in many other ways. If you work well with others and serve customers superbly, you’ll always have enough income. We are great believers in the “velocity of money” — it’s not so much about how much you have but what you do with it. Our advice would be: tithe some, save some, gift some and spend some. Don’t worship money.
10. Be grateful — never forget who you are, whose you are and where you are. Many people dream to live in the United States and would do anything to be here and to have the op-
portunities you have, let alone be loved as much as you are. Most people at work love to work with people who exhibit gratefulness.
Oh, and just one more thing Henry — just continue to be a good person. Some people will scratch, claw and devour others in the “rat race” of work. The trouble is, even if that person wins the rat race, they are still a rat! Don’t become a rat.
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.
Your Estate Plan Is For You, Not Just Your Heirs
Most people assume an estate plan is for what happens after they die. A will distributes property. A trust transfers assets. Those pieces matter, but they miss what a wellbuilt estate plan does best: it protects you while you are still here.
Aging rarely moves in a straight line. You do not go from fully capable one day to fully incapacitated the next. The reality is more gradual, and in many ways more difficult. Memory slips. Judgment wavers. A medication change or a hospital stay can leave you dependent on others for decisions you once made without a second thought. During those stretches, you may be at your most vulnerable to both physical neglect and financial exploitation, and sadly, the people who
take advantage of seniors are often those closest to them. A thoughtful estate plan addresses this season of life directly. A durable power of attorney names someone you trust to manage your finances if you cannot. An advanced health care directive puts medical decisions in the hands of someone who knows your wishes. A properly funded revocable living trust avoids the delays, costs and complications of securing and directing your resources to take care of you if capacity becomes an issue. Together, these documents are more than paperwork. They are the framework that allows your chosen team to step in quickly, legitimately, and without a court fight.
No plan is foolproof. Abuse happens even in well-pre-
The List: Hotels
Best Western Valencia/Six Flags Inn & Suites 118 2012
Comfort Suites 100 1997
Courtyard Santa Clarita Valencia 140 2007
Embassy Suites Valencia 156 2007
Extended Stay America 104 2000
Fairfield Inn Santa Clarita Valencia 66 1997
Hampton Inn Los Angeles/ Santa Clarita 128 1988
Hilton Garden Inn Valencia Six Flags 152 1991
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Valencia - Santa Clarita 108 2021
Homewood Suites Santa Clarita 107 2020
Hyatt Regency Valencia 244 1998
La Quinta Inn & Suites Santa Clarita - Valencia 112 2006
Lexen Hotel 43 2020
Residence Inn Santa Clarita/ Valencia 90 1997
Residence Inn Valencia 99 2021
Free WiFi, free onsite parking, fitness center, business center, outdoor pool, 2 meeting rooms holding 50 people, 24-hour convenience store.
Free WiFi, free breakfast, fitness center, business center, outdoor pool.
Free WiFi, convenience store, on-site restaurant, indoor & outdoor pool, fitness center, 2 meeting rooms holding 65 people.
Free made-to-order breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, on-site restaurant, 10 meeting rooms holding 763 people.
Free WiFi, free breakfast, free onsite parking, onsite laundry room.
Free WiFi, free breakfast, free onsite parking, fitness center, outdoor pool, dry cleaning service, 7 meeting rooms holding 388 people.
Free WiFi, free breakfast, free parking, outdoor pool, fitness center, laundry room, 1 meeting room holding 30 people.
Free WiFi, on-site restaurant, free parking, fitness center, outdoor pool, business center, 7 meeting rooms holding 180 people.
Free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, fitness center, business center, outdoor pool, 1 meeting pool holding 28 people.
Free WiFi, free parking, fitness center, business center, on-site restaurant, indoor pool, one meeting room.
Free WiFi, on-site restaurant, bar/lounge, 24-hour market, 12 meeting rooms holding 500 people, business center, fitness center, outdoor pool.
Free WiFi, free parking, free breakfast, business center, dry cleaning services, fitness center, outdoor pool, meeting room, conference space.
Free WiFi, free breakfast, free onsite parking, fitness center, kids stay free, airport nearby, 1 meeting room.
Free WiFi, free breakfast, fitness center, outdoor tennis court, dry cleaning service, convenience store, business center, 7 meeting rooms holding 388 people.
Free WiFi, free breakfast, game room, dry cleaning service, restaurant, bar, fitness center, business center, 2 meeting rooms holding 76 people.
Santa Clarita Motel 33 1986 Free WiFi, free parking, laundry room.
SpringHill Suites Valencia 83 2021
Super 8 Santa Clarita/ Valencia 50
Free WiFi, free breakfast, restaurant, bar, fitness center, game room, convenience store, business center, 2 meeting rooms holding 76 people.
27513 Wayne Mills Pl., Valencia (661) 255-0555 • www.bestwestern.com
25380 The Old Rd., Stevenson Ranch (661) 505-6397 • www.choicehotels.com
28523 Westinghouse Pl., Valencia (661) 257-3220 • www.marriott.com/hotels
28508 Westinghouse Pl., Valencia (661) 257-3111 • www.embassysuites3.hilton.com
24940 W. Pico Canyon Rd., Stevenson Ranch (661) 255-1044 • www.extendedstayamerica.com
25340 The Old Rd., Santa Clarita (661) 290-2828 • www.marriott.com/hotels
25259 The Old Rd., Santa Clarita (661) 253-2400 • www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com
27710 The Old Rd, Valencia (661) 254-8800 • www.hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com
27501 Wayne Mills Pl., Valencia (661) 284-2101 • www.ihg.com
28700 Newhall Ranch Rd., Santa Clarita (661) 257-1033 • www.hilton.com
24500 Town Center Dr., Valencia (661) 799-1234 • www.valencia.hyatt.com
25201 The Old Rd., Stevenson Ranch (661) 286-1111 • www.laquintasantaclaritastevensonranch.com
24219 Railroad Ave., Newhall (661) 505-7500 • www.lexenboutique.com
25320 The Old Rd., Santa Clarita (661) 290-2800 • www.marriott.com/hotels
27505 Wayne Mills Pl., Valencia (661) 481-0091 • www.marriott.com/hotels
24971 Railroad Ave., Santa Clarita (661) 259-2800 • www.santaclaritamotel.findyourhtl. com
27505 Wayne Mills Pl., Valencia (661) 481-0011 • www.marriott.com/hotels
Sierry Hwy., Santa Clarita (661) 252-1722 • www.wyndhamhotels.com
17843 Sierra Hwy., Santa Clarita (661) 252-1716
SCV Market Sees Another Month of Improvement
BY DAVID WALKER
Southland Association of Realtors
For the third consecutive month, sales of existing single-family homes increased during March in the Santa Clarita Valley, the Southland Regional Association of Realtors reported.
The 169 homes that changed owners were 15.0% higher than March 2025. The increase in closed escrows occurred even as the inventory of active home listings fell for the third month in a row, dropping 20.8% compared to a year ago to 441 active listings.
Condominium sales came in at 61 units, down 7.6%, while condominium active listings increased 14% to 277 active listings.
Valencia was by far the most active region in terms of listings, based on the most recent data, with 252 listings as of last month, and 69 escrows closed. The average listing price was $749,000 and the median sales price was $775,000.
“Lower interest rates unquestionably are fueling sales while increases in inventory open a range of options for prospective buyers,” said Nicole Stinson, president of the 10,000-member association. Rates during March averaged 6.15% nationally, which was the lowest in 16 months. “That’s true for buyers interested in a single-family home or a condominium, especially because prices for both type of housing are more attainable here than in other Southern California communities.”
The inventory of condominium listed at the end of March was a 4.5-month supply at the current pace of sales. By comparison, the single-family supply was a 2.6-month supply.
“Favorable interest rates keep the local market moving forward,” said Valerie Biletsky, the association’s chief executive officer. “However, the state of the national economy, rising consumer prices, and the war in the Middle East are the wild cards that may make some buyers hesitate as the Spring buying season approaches.”
SRAR’s Income-to-Loan guide for March found that an income of $214,885 was needed to qualify for an 80% loan
of $689,600 on a Santa Clarita Valley median-priced single-family home of $862,000. With the national average interest rate at 6.15% during March –the lowest since December 2024’s 6.31% and well below the 7.79% of October 2023 – the income needed to qualify increased 7.5% compared to a year ago.
The monthly PITI — principal, interest, taxes and insurance payments — totaled $5,372.
The Southland Regional Association of Realtors recently expanded its First-time Homebuyer Grant Program, increasing income limits to make the program accessible to more prospective buyers, in partnership with the California Association of Realtors. Housing Affordability Fund, the cash grants provide financial assistance to eligible homebuyers by offsetting ownership-related expenses. The $1,000 grants will be awarded to qualified first-time owner occupants until all available funds are awarded. Income limits and other conditions apply. Go to Grants on SRAR.com or email Maritzar@ srar.com for details and questions.
The updated income thresholds are designed to better reflect today’s housing market realities and rising costs of living, allowing more working individuals and families to qualify for assistance. The
program provides financial support to eligible homebuyers to help reduce upfront barriers to homeownership.
“Our goal is to meet buyers where they are today,” said Michelle Gerhard, COO of the SRAR. “By increasing the income limits, we are opening the door to more responsible, ready buyers who were previously just outside eligibility but still face real affordability challenges.”
The grant program supports first-time and qualifying homebuyers by helping offset homeownership-related costs, while also reinforcing SRAR’s ongoing commitment to housing opportunity, community stability and sustainable homeownership.
The SRAR is also hosting its Realtor Expo on May 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the SRAR’s parking lot.
This event is packed with value, including a stellar lineup of speakers and a diverse array of over 40 exhibitor booths to explore. The event is an SRAR-members only free benefit.
Chartered by the National Association of Realtors in 1920, the SRAR is the voice for real estate in San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. With nearly 11,000 members, SRAR serves as a trusted resource and partner to the real estate profession and the community at large.
An example of one of the two-family homes built at the new KB Home Vesper community in Valencia, which is the SCV’s most active market. SIGNAL FILE PHOTO
Giving Small Business a Tax Break
BY JEFF PRANG
Los Angeles County Assessor
Iwant to visit with you this month about a proposal to update Los Angeles County’s Low Value Ordinance by raising the minimum value at which business property is taxed from $5,000 to $10,000.
The Low Value Ordinance sets the threshold at which small businesses must report and pay property taxes on items like equipment, machinery, furniture, and fixtures.
That threshold has remained at $5,000 for years, even as costs and economic conditions have changed. I want to increase that threshold to $10,000.
Generally speaking, and to put this into context, this is part of the business property statements’ process, also known as Form 571-L. These forms are mailed by my office to most commercial, industrial, and professional firms in Los Angeles County. They provide the basis for determining assessments on fixtures, equipment, and other taxable business property. Businesses that own business
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road | UCEN 263 | Santa Clarita, CA 91355 | (661) 2884400 | www.scvedc.org
Econo Watch
Source: Southland Regional Association of Realtors (SRAR)
*Source: Employment Development Department (EDD) -
personal property with an aggregate cost of $100,000 or more are required to file the statement.
Businesses with personal property and fixtures costing less than $100,000 are generally not required to file annually. Instead, an assessed value is established through an initial filing or an on-site appraisal, and that value may later be adjusted through subsequent appraisals.
Those with $5,000 or less do not have to pay or file and as I said, I want to increase that threshold to $10,000.
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. This proposal cuts unnecessary red tape and allows our office to focus on work that delivers the greatest benefit to taxpayers.
A recent internal study by the Assessor’s Office found that it costs about $174 in staff time and administrative expenses to process a $5,000 business property account, while generating only about $50 in annual tax revenue. In other words, the County spends more to administer these accounts than it receives in return.
Raising the threshold to $10,000 would address that imbalance. The study estimates that approximately 43,000 small businesses across Los Angeles County would benefit by no longer
having to file and pay taxes on lower-value property. This is a common-sense reform. We should not require small businesses to comply with rules that cost more to enforce than they produce in public benefit.
Moreover, by eliminating these low-value assessments, the Assessor’s Office can redirect staff and resources toward higher-value properties that generate more revenue to support essential public services.
State law allows counties to set the Low Value Ordinance threshold as high as $10,000. If approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the change would take effect in the next assessment cycle.
The Assessor’s Office has shared its analysis with the Treasurer and Tax Collector and the Auditor-Controller for review as part of the standard policy process.
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 and provides the foundation for a property tax system that generates more than $20 billion annually.
pared families. But the combination of clear legal authority, a trusted team, and documents that reflect your actual wishes is the best protection available. Choosing the right people matters as much as the documents themselves. Thompson Von Tungeln has been serving the estate planning needs of our community for almost 50 years. If you have not reviewed your plan recently, if your circumstances have changed, or if you have never had one prepared, please call us at (661) 945-5868 for a free review and consultation with one of our board-certified estate planning attorneys. for recently, free
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