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Leading Through Chaos and Turbulence
BY KEN KELLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer
What do business leaders fear the most? Uncertainty.
What is the one thing business leaders are praying to have? Stability.
If you read, watch or listen to most of the media, regardless of the type, the world is falling apart. I don’t necessarily believe that is true, but you may. More importantly, your employees, your customers and your business partners (vendors, suppliers, service firms) may.
As the leader, it is your job to calm your stakeholders to the highest extent possible.
You must show a face of confidence, share a voice of assurance, and act in a deliberate manner.
As the leader, it is your job to calm your stakeholders to the highest extent possible.
You can believe what you want, but that doesn’t mean you should share it. You must show a face of confidence, share a voice of assurance, and act in a deliberate manner.
You should share the same message we all hear when our plane ride starts to get bumpy: your pilot says it may be a bit uncomfortable for a while, and we will try to find smoother air, but be assured that we will arrive at the destination, and you will arrive safely.
What you don’t want to do is run around like a chicken with its head cut off shouting to all those around you that not only is the sky falling but the world as we know it is coming to an end.
There are some things you can control, and some things you cannot. As a leader, you are expected to know the difference.
I think that most individuals leading a business in the first few months of 2020 stepped up and did what needed to be done. I doubt if anyone on the planet had put down “global pandemic” on their SWOT analysis when doing planning for that year.
What did businesses do? What did the leaders do? The took an approach of adapting, they improvised, and they overcame challenges and obstacles.
In the early months of 2016, I faced an uncertain future when I was diagnosed with cancer.
I believed I was going to survive surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and fol-
There are some things you can control, and some things you cannot. As a leader, you are expected to know the difference. ©ADOBE STOCK
low-on treatments but I had no idea as to the severity of the impact these steps would have on me, my family and my business.
While I did not throw out my strategic plans and goals, I set them aside. I didn’t need to think strategically, I needed to focus on what was right in front of me. That spring I worked on a month-bymonth plan. Let me share:
In May, I had surgery and recovered from it.
In June, July, August and September, I dealt with my chemo infusions. I’ll be honest, the surgery was far easier to deal with than having poison dripping into your body. The recovery from chemo took a lot longer than getting past the surgery.
In October and November, I had six weeks of daily radiation treatments. The cumulative impact of this specific treatment wiped me out physically, to the
point where I ended up in the hospital right around Thanksgiving.
What got me through this turbulence, which I hope no one ever must go through, was that parallel to my medical issues, I took the time to think about my business actions on a week-to-week basis.
It kept me focused.
It kept me grounded. It kept me moving forward.
With my eyes on what was right in front of me, I stopped dealing with the “trivial many” and worked only on the “vital few.”
It has been nine years for me, and I share with you that today, to get through the chaos and the turbulence, move forward and deal with what you can control and stop thinking and worrying about everything you can’t control.
Your stakeholders, and you, will be better for it.
Tracing the Roots of Alcohol Use Disorder
DBy Patrick Moody Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
rinking problems can begin in a number of ways, experts say.
Some of us carry genes that put us at increased risk for alcohol use disorder. Environmental factors such as home life and social pressures also can contribute.
More than 29 million Americans had an alcohol use disorder in 2022, reports the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
THE PROBLEM WITH DRINKING
The effects of alcohol abuse are familiar to many of us: It can ruin relationships and careers and put us at risk for traffic accidents. It boosts our chances of developing cancer of the liver, throat or esophagus. And it can contribute to liver and brain damage.
But despite these risks, a person who is dependent on alcohol can’t simply quit drinking. People who develop a dependency have a craving that’s beyond the control of their willpower, reports the NIAAA.
According to the NIAAA, signs of dependence include:
Craving — a strong need or compulsion to drink.
Loss of control — an inability to limit drinking.
Physical dependence — withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness or anxiety when you stop drinking.
Tolerance — needing to drink more and more to get intoxicated.
ROOTS OF TROUBLE
Research shows that alcohol use disorder can run in families. Children of people with alcohol dependence are two-to-six times more likely than the general population to develop alcohol problems, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Aside from genes, other risk factors for developing a drinking problem include:
Being around family members or peers who abuse substances.
Using alcoh glect or other trauma during childhood.
If there’s a history of alcohol dependence in your family or if you have other risks, mention it to your doctor. A physician can put you in touch
Factors that can Increase Your Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder
with groups that can help you avoid alcohol problems.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO
Responsible. Your children will learn many of their attitudes about alcohol from you. Make sure children understand that it’s not appropriate to rely on alcohol to deal with problems.
Giving children a sense of confidence. Praising your child and providing encouragement can help counter negative peer pressure. Avoid frequent criticism and suggest ways children can deal with stress without turning to alcohol.
Paying attention.
Goodbye, Mimi’s; Hello, Yard House
DEVELOPING STORIES
BY PERRY SMITH SCV Business Journal Editor
There’s plenty of action in Santa Clarita this month, with the city receiving dozens of proposals for developments, and project planning appears to be on the upswing.
Most probably saw the news in The Signal about Mimi’s Cafe saying goodbye to its longtime spot on Magic Mountain Parkway.
The location has been closed for some time, but the site of the heavy machinery sealed, or rather permanently graded, the restaurant’s fate.
Fear not, restaurant-goers: Also part of The Signal’s reporting on the pending demise of Mimi’s and its delicious muffins back in May was that Yard House, a fun and fairly family friendly location that offers a bit more expansive drink and grill options, is on its way. Prior to Mimi’s it was a Tony Roma’s. That’s just the tip of the soil for production plans in the spring though.
We’ll leave the ongoing discussion of The Hartwell, a 78-condo development being planned as a compliment to Newhall Crossings on the other end of Main Street, to the pages of The Signal, as it will probably be settled by the time many are reading this. But know that more market-rate condos and retail are coming to the area.
Wiley Canyon’s plans are coming back through the planning process, probably later this year, with the developer planning outreach with the neighbors.
The City Council in April approved an expanded environmental review of the project, in response to proposed changes by the developer.
In line with other projects in the area, the developer is looking to put fewer rental units in the plan, and we are hearing from lots of developers that the construction of rental units is becoming harder and harder because banks don’t want to finance them and insurers don’t want to protect them against losses.
It puts the construction of more affordable homes at a bit of an existential crisis in the state of Califiornia, which is pushing for the construction of millions of more homes in the next few years.
Speaking of more homes, the comment period just ended for a project called Prin-
cessa Crossroads.
It’s been billed as a 146-acre project with 300 homes and about 34 acres of commercial space off Golden Valley Road, near the Santa Clarita Sports Complex. But there will also be a good-sized chunk of land set aside for open space.
Planning area No. 1 is expected to be 300 multifamily/apartment units and some business park use, including some commercial and light industrial and some improvements, which would be built on about 8 acres on the southeast portion of the land.
The second phase would be more focused on 30-plus acres of business development, including the same type of mix, with a 63acre area in the southwest and northeast portions.
The latest notice for the project indicates that it expects to begin grading in mid-2026, but those familiar with the project know there have been several delays over the years.
The Master’s University also submitted additional plans for review for its campus,
which has been something the college has been planning for years.
The applicant, Grace Community Church Real Estate, is proposing to expand the Master’s University to include five buildings totaling approximately 112,293 square feet on a 10-acre site comprised of six parcels located at 22040 Placeritos Boulevard, according to the city’s Planning Department. The proposed development will be mixed-use for academic, administrative, athletic, and spiritual purposes. The development also includes an athletic field.
For those looking for better cellphone service on the west side of the Santa Clarita Valley, Verizon is looking to put in a tower in the south of the William S. Hart Pony Baseball League and west of the Valencia BMW dealership.
Intertex is also looking to develop some industrial space near Newhall Avenue and Pine Street
After roughly 30 years as a Mimi’s Cafe, the location on Magic Mountain Parkway is set to become a Yard House. Kelly Ingram (Nishimoto) / The Signal
Why Your Business Should Ditch Paper Checks
Technology has become so ingrained in our daily routines that it feels like paper checks should already be a thing of the past. In fact, many young adults have never even written one and many major retailers no longer accept them. In today’s era of smartphones, online banking and digital payments, it may be surprising that paper check fraud has more than doubled in recent years.
Accepting paper checks isn’t only riskier than ever — they are also more costly, less efficient and take more time to process than before. Even so, 75% of businesses still use paper checks, including many small and midsize businesses (SMBs). If your business is reluctant to give up paper, now may be the time to take the plunge and go digital. The good news is, making the switch is a lot easier now — and today’s digital payment processes are faster, safer and more secure than ever before.
Top Reasons to Go Digital
Need help weighing the pros and cons of ditching paper checks? Here’s a look at the risks that paper checks can bring, and the advantages of digital payments.
1. Paper checks bring more risks than rewards
Risks from paper checks are at an all-time high, and here’s why:
Time is money — Think about it Checks need signatures and approvals, postage and mailing time — costing more, using more labor and plenty of unnecessary paper. Then there’s the postal system, which can delay transactions, and lead to less transparency. Checks also have to clear banks, which may hold
funds for a period of time to ensure there are sufficient funds to guard against fraud. And checks with higher dollar amounts are more likely to take longer to clear.
Theft and loss Checks contain the sender’s banking info, leading to security risks if they’re lost or stolen. You send banking details through unsecure channels (the postal service) when a check is mailed, putting that information at risk. For example, one new trend has thieves targeting the “arrow keys” that provide mail carriers with access to USPS mailboxes. And once the sender’s information is out there, it can be sold on the dark web and be used to forge additional checks, putting the account balance, the sender’s good name and credit score in serious jeopardy.
Your bottom line Checks have been around for ages and for long-time users, it may seem like their cost is “free,” but do you really know the cost of issuing paper checks? It can range from $4 to $20 per check — as opposed to only approximately 30 cents for digital payments. Even worse, manual check processing opens more opportunities for errors and lack of visibility — and time and money lost when your business has to track down sent and received checks.
Paper checks are riskier, more costly, less efficient and take more time to process.
©ADOBESTOCK
BILL customer and leading plastic and cosmetic surgery practice RenewalMD has experienced the risks of paper checks firsthand: RenewalMD didn’t have a good process for accounts payable management. Their administrative assistant sorted through snail mail and entered bills into their accounting system manually.
“It was a nightmare,” recalled RenewalMD COO Scott Regan. “We’d find out later we’d been cutting checks for things that didn’t need to be paid.”
Then serious financial fraud occurred when someone from another state used their routing and account numbers to write fraudulent checks. Worse yet, their bank wouldn’t help them recover the money, and all they could do was close the account.
“I didn’t want to write another check on that account,” Regan said. “The more checks you have in circulation, the easier it is for someone to lift your routing and account numbers to fake a check.”
His team upgraded to financial automation software from BILL, so they now make digital payments quickly, easily and — most importantly — securely.
2. Digital transformation is gaining momentum
Digital transformation is not going away and businesses everywhere are reaping the
rewards by leveraging technology to better serve their customers and stay ahead of competitors. According to BILL’s 2024 State of Financial Automation Report, 90% of SMBs agree that automation is key to improving business efficiency. Although the thought of adopting new technologies may seem daunting, the benefits of going digital are clear:
Increased efficiency Online payments for businesses can cut the time associated with bill approval by over 50% — helping your business collect money up to two times faster.
Enhanced security With digital payments, your financial data and documents will be safer due to secure, encrypted, password-protected servers.
Better accuracy Digital business payments can automatically sync with your accounting software, so the information is never entered twice — making the process of paying and reconciling payments that much more precise.
More visibility and control Online payments let you track every step, including everyone who touches that payment within your company and outside of it.
Convenience Payments can be made from anywhere using any computer or mobile device.
3. Going digital is an easy way to up—level your business
Most importantly, your business needs a simple way to make payments and get paid quickly and securely. Today’s digital payment methods make it easier, faster and more secure to pay, receive See CHECKS, page 17
Aerospace & Defense: A Rising Economic Engine in the SCV
BY ONDRÉ SELTZER PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) continues to be a vibrant hub for the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry, cementing this sector as a key economic engine for the region. A&D is one of SCV’s target industry clusters, due to the valley’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and business-friendly climate. Ongoing demand underscores how vital aerospace is to the local economy, driving investment, innovation, and high-paying jobs.
Growth and Employment Highlights (2024–2025): SCV’s A&D cluster has grown significantly. By early 2024, employment reached record levels, roughly doubling since its lowest point in 2020. In 2024 alone, the valley added 1,461 jobs, with aerospace & defense being a standout contributor. Aerospace and defense jobs are among the region’s highest-paid. In 2024, the average salary in SCV’s A&D industry was about $101,000 per worker, far above the valley’s average of ~$63,600.
SCV hosts renowned aerospace companies anchoring this cluster. Crissair (216 employees)—a manufacturer of precision fluid control components for aircraft — and Nycote Laboratories — known for advanced aerospace protective coatings — are prime examples. Both are industry leaders serving on SCVEDC’s board, highlighting strong public-private collaboration. Other major local employers like Woodward (710 employees), ITT Aerospace Controls (360 employees), Aerospace Dynamics International (238 employees), and B&B Manufacturing (235 employees) continue to innovate and grow here.
SCVEDC plays a pivotal role in nurturing the aerospace and defense cluster. Through strategic initiatives, SCVEDC actively promotes SCV as an ideal aerospace location, emphasizing benefits like proximity to Los Angeles, available industrial space, and a pipeline of engineering talent. SCVEDC facilitates expansions, connects companies with workforce training programs, and advocates for infrastructure improvements to support industry needs. The organization also provides market data and networking opportunities, helping aerospace suppliers and defense contractors thrive collectively. SCV manufacturers are further
supported by the local Aerospace & Defense Forum’s Santa Clarita Valley chapter, a global community providing opportunities for information sharing, partnerships, innovation, and performance breakthroughs.
The aerospace and defense industry in Santa Clarita Valley isn’t just a cluster on paper—it’s a thriving, high-impact sector. Its growth bolsters
the economy with skilled employment and capital investment. Backed by SCVEDC’s dedicated efforts, SCV solidifies its reputation as a dynamic and growing aerospace & defense hub, enhancing regional prosperity and reinforcing its strategic importance in Southern California’s aerospace landscape.
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 Monarch Beauty Academy on your grand opening in April. Go visit them at 23754 Valencia Blvd. Valencia. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Celebrating SCV Businesses
MAY GRAND OPENINGS
Attending a Grand Opening is the perfect way to connect with your neighbors, network with other local professionals, and discover the exciting new businesses that are setting up in the Santa Clarita Valley.
We invite you to the below grand openings, where we’ll be celebrating the launch of these new businesses in our community!
Always Free and open to everyone, so mark your calendars and come show your support for the entrepreneurs who are shaping our local landscape.
Bring your friends, family, and colleagues! Let’s show our collective support for the local entrepreneurs who are fueling the future of our community.
Live
music, Free Food & Drinks. Giveaways
Complimentary amazing selection of our award winning pizzas!!!
Complimentary snacks and refreshments.
Exciting raffle prizes including many chances to win sunglasses and more, exclusive promotions and Discounts on eyewear during the event.
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.
Kris Hough, District Representative for State Senator Suzette Valladares congratulates Mary & Robbie Koontz, Founder and CEO of Monarch Beauty Academy on their grand opening. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Being Mindful of ‘Mission Drift’
BY PAUL BUTLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer
Within organizational development, you’ll often hear the phrase “mission creep.”
This occurs when an organization broadens its focus beyond its original purpose, which can dilute its core offering and cause it to lose its way.
A simple example of this is the fastfood chain McDonald’s. In an attempt to be all things to all people, it risks meaning very little to most. I mean, are we really drawn to McDonald’s for a frappuccino, a slice of apple for the kids, and a burger? Conversely, In-N-Out Burger continues to thrive because it remains laser-focused on doing what it does best — burgers, fries and shakes.
So that’s “mission creep.” But what about “mission drift”?
“Mission drift” is when an organization loses sight of who it once was. It’s as though the organization has lost its compass — its true north — and now wanders aimlessly, guided by a half-hearted crew under poor leadership.
I was reminded of this recently while working with a client in North Carolina. About 50 years ago, the organization was founded by a visionary volunteer who wanted to make a difference in the lives of troubled youth. He believed that by giving young men and women work in their communities, they would gain a sense of contribution, which in turn significantly reduced juvenile recidivism — the tendency to reoffend.
Fast forward 50 years and, in my opinion and observation, the organization is now suffering from mission drift. They seem to have lost sight of who they once were, what they’re meant to be doing, and who they’re meant to serve.
What I see is an organization tangled in red tape, weighed down by too many layers of management. The team doesn’t appear cohesive; rather, departments function as isolated compartments, each focused on its own needs. When I visited, I could sense a heaviness that lingered over what was once an admirable orga-
nization. It felt like a great ship stuck in harbor, yearning to sail — but shackled, restrained by a lack of direction. What it needs is a captain of high character and competence, backed by a well-trained crew.
“Mission drift” is when an organization loses sight of who it once was. It’s as though the organization has lost its compass — its true north — and now wanders aimlessly, guided by a half-hearted crew under poor leadership.
In organizations that have drifted from their mission, I often find poor leadership at the root. This particular workplace has a “nice” leader — but not a courageous one. He reminds me of the lion in C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” — full of heart, but without a roar. He shows high consideration but lacks courage. As a result, employees override his authority and don’t respect him. I sense mutiny on the horizon.
It’s deeply saddening to witness a once-great organization drift from its mission. What it needs is strong, steady leadership to steer it back on course. If it continues down its current path, I believe it will run aground — and any remaining good crewmembers will likely jump ship first. I hope we can continue to serve them and that they recognize their need for guidance at this pivotal point in their journey.
At the end of the day, organizations are
just collections of individuals, grouped into departments. So, while organizations suffer from “mission drift,” I believe it begins at the individual level. Individuals form teams, which form organizations. When an organization loses its way, it’s often because individuals have lost theirs. Leadership is the glue that binds people into effective teams and keeps organizations on track and on purpose.
Just as a family needs strong parenting to thrive, an organization needs effective leadership. And just as good parenting raises good children, good workplace leadership develops strong employees. As time goes on, I am continually reminded of the value of strong leadership at every level of society — from the individual and family, to the workplace, community, and all the way up to city, state, and national governance.
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.
Leadership is the glue that binds people into effective teams and keeps organizations on track and on purpose. ©ADOBESTOCK
Property Taxes: Where Does the Money Go?
BY JEFF PRANG Los Angeles County Assessor
As we move closer to the end of our fiscal year on June 30 and the closing of the 2025 Assessment Roll, which determines the amount of money set forth for vital public services, I thought it would be helpful again if I broke down approximately where the money goes. The property tax revenue collected by Los Angeles County is distributed back to local governments, which include cities, schools and community colleges, special districts and redevelopment agency successor entities. This past year, your property taxes generated more than $20 billion dollars. Here is a look at where that money goes.* School Districts — About 40%
This past year, your property taxes generated more than $20 billion dollars.
Funding the public school system accounts for a significant percentage of money from local property taxes. Although both the federal and state governments kick in to help foot the nation’s education bill, local school districts still rely heavily on property taxes for financial support.
Unincorporated Areas — About 24%
Communities that belong to the County but are not part of a city and therefore the County Board of Supervisors serve as city council and the Supervisor representing the area serves as mayor. County Departments provide the municipal services.
Incorporated Cities — About 15%
Los Angeles County has 88 incorporated cities, each with their own elected mayor and city councils.
Successor Agencies — About 14%
Manage redevelopment projects, make payments on enforceable obligations, and dispose of redevelopment assets and properties. Each Successor Agency has an Oversight Board that supervises its work. In Los Angeles County there are five Oversight Boards organized by Supervisorial Districts.
Special Districts — About 7%
Agencies that provide services to local communities such as libraries, sanitation,
water, cemeteries, etc.
Some other breakouts:
Safety
Property taxes also pay for the salaries and supplies of public safety, firefighters and emergency medical technicians or EMTs.
Spaces
Do you like to jog, bike and hike in your off-hours? Unless funded by the state, private donors or the U.S. government, public parks and recreation facilities are usually built and maintained with property tax revenue.
Streets
Money from property taxes goes toward maintaining most of the nation’s public streets and roadways. Property taxes also pay for routine maintenance that ensures public safety on the roads. Maintenance includes making the necessary streetlight and traffic light repairs within county or city limits. Although
general maintenance also includes street cleaning and patching potholes, tax dollars also are used to make improvements.
* These percentages are approximate and change slightly each year based on property values and apportionment formula. For more information on apportionment, contact the Auditor-Controller’s Office at auditor.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 about 1,400 employees. It also provides the foundation for a property tax system that generates about $20 billion for public services annually.
Although both the federal and state governments kick in to help foot the nation’s education bill, local school districts still rely heavily on property taxes for financial support. ©ADOBESTOCK
Home, Condo Listings Soar to Highest Levels since 2019
BY DAVID WALKER
Southland Regional Association of Realtors
The single-family home and condominium sales and resale prices fell during March in the Santa Clarita Valley, while the number of active listings continued to rise, the Southland Regional Association of Realtors reported, in the latest available data.
The 507 active listings of single-family homes and 218 condominium listings increased by double digits in March. Home listings were up 50.9%, while condominium active listings rose 37%.
The median price of single-family homes that changed owners last month was $875,000, down 3.9% from a year ago and below the record high set in March 2024 of $910,000. The condominium median price of $543,000 was down 9.5%. The condo record of $645,000 was set in June.
“Local, state and national residential real estate markets are gaining momentum with the arrival of spring, yet market conditions remain murky due to the lingering impact of local wildfire tragedies in January and uncertainty over the direction of the national economy,” said Anthony Bedgood, president of the 10,000-member Southland Regional Association of Realtors.
“Continuing increases in home and condo listings suggest busy days ahead and provide an abundance of choices for prospective buyers and benefits for sellers,” Bedgood said. “The robust growth in listings is a reassuring sign for the market and an opportunity especially for buyers.”
tory at the current pace of sales and the time each listing stays on the MLS before finding a buyer,” said Valerie Biletsky, SRAR’s Chief Executive Officer. “Both categories are on the rise.”
Info Box
Santa Clarita combined home and condo sales totaled 212 closed escrows, down 7% from March 2024
Reports indicate that the SCV is far from the only market experiencing the year-over-year changes in pricing and time that listings are on the market.
The inventory of homes and condos represented a 3.4-month supply at the March pace of sales
There were 186 home and condo pending sales at the end of March, which was down 19% from a year ago.
Local Realtors assisted a total of 146 home closed escrows plus 66 condominium sales. Both totals were down from a year ago: 8.2% and 5.7%, respectively.
“A rise in active listings also translates into an increase in the months of inven-
Another interesting local statistic that showed strong market demand for the SCV market is the 98.8% sales-tolist price percentage for the most recent month available, with a median of 60 days on the market for active listings.
Through March, homes were on the market an average of 47 days, which was up 19 days from a year ago. Similarly, condos were on the market 51 days, up by 31 days from a year ago, the Association reported.
The latest statewide numbers from the
California Association of Realtor indicated that the statewide median price for homes is $829,060, which is a 2.8% increase over the same time last year. There remains about a four-month supply of inventory unsold, and the median time on the market is 26 days — an 18% increase over the same year.
SRAR’s income-to-loan guide for January found that an income of $232,324 was needed to qualify for an 80% loan of $700,000 on a Santa Clarita Valley median-priced home of $875,000. With the national average interest rate of 6.92%, the income needed to qualify fell 2.8%.
The monthly PITI — principle, interest, taxes and insurance payments — would come to $5,808.
Freddie Mac found positives in the market trend: “Over the last couple of months, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has fluctuated less than 20 basis points, and this stability continues to bode well for buyers and sellers alike,” according to its website.
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.
The number of listings hit a six-year high in the most recent data available from the Southland Regional Association of Realtors. COURTESY SOUTHLAND REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
Host with Confidence: Professional Meeting and Event Spaces at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center
In today’s competitive environment, where you host your meetings, trainings, and events says as much about your organization as the agenda itself. You’ll find a venue designed to support professional excellence at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center at College of the Canyons.
Located conveniently off the I-5 freeway in Santa Clarita just minutes from Town Center, major hotels, and premier dining and entertainment destinations like Six Flags Magic Mountain, the University Center offers organizations an accessible and impressive venue for gatherings of all types and sizes. Whether you are planning a leadership retreat, an industry conference, or a corporate training session, the University Center provides flexible meeting spaces that can accommodate groups of up to 200. Our event spaces feature advanced
CHECKS
Continued from page 7
and track bills. Switching to electronic eChecks/ACH payments or other types of payments saves time on manual tasks while cutting costs of materials like check stock
technology to ensure a seamless experience, including high-speed internet access, multimedia presentation capabilities, and adaptable room configurations. With flexible setups tailored to your specific needs, our facilities can accommodate everything from boardroom-style meetings to banquet-style events.
What truly distinguishes the University Center is our commitment to outstanding service. We provide attentive support throughout the planning process to help ensure your event runs smoothly. With flexible spaces, advanced technology, and a responsive staff ready to assist with your needs, the University Center offers a professional environment designed to help your event succeed.
In addition to its event-hosting capabilities, the University Center is a hub of higher education, partnering with leading universities to bring bachelor’s, master’s,
and postage.BILL customer and hospice innovator BetterRX has seen the benefits of eliminating manual financial processes and going digital: Before using BILL, BetterRX often paid invoices with paper checks, so staff members had
and doctoral degree programs to the Santa Clarita Valley. By choosing the University Center for your event, you are supporting a facility that empowers future leaders and contributes to the growth and prosperity of our local economy.
If you are seeking a professional, wellequipped, and centrally located venue for your next event, look no further than the University Center at College of the Canyons.
To book a space or learn more, please visit cocuniversitycenter.com or call (661) 362-5111. Follow us @cocuniversitycenter for updates, testimonials, and event inspiration.
Make your next event a success — partner with the University Center, where your professional goals meet exceptional support.
to travel to the office to sign and mail them. With BILL, BetterRX optimized their financial operations within a single platform, eliminating these manual processes — and the need to be tethered to a physical office.
Economic DEvElopmEnt corporation
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road | UCEN 263 | Santa Clarita, CA 91355 | (661) 288-4400 | www.scvedc.org
Econo Watch
“We’ve been fully remote for years, thanks in part to BILL,” said Randi Letendre, CFO of BetterRX. “This lets our people work from all over the world, accessing the platform anywhere, even from phones and other devices.” (BPT)
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
Free WiFi, free breakfast, restaurant, bar, fitness center, game room, convenience store, business center, 2 meeting rooms holding 76 people.
Super 8 Santa Clarita/ Valencia 50 1980 Free WiFi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub.
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
17901 Sierry Hwy., Santa Clarita (661) 252-1722 • www.wyndhamhotels.com Travelodge 53 1989 Free WiFi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, spa.
17843 Sierra Hwy., Santa Clarita (661) 252-1716
Santa Clarita Stock Average
Santa Clarita Stock Average 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 into how our local company’s stocks are performing. Last month, the index was 3,998.66 and the average price per
For an average share price of $ 132.72.
was $133.28 This month the
