UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, September 19 | VIA Olympics Luncheon 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 a.m. | University Center
Friday, October 24 | VIA BASH 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Hatt Regency Valencia
VIA Business Luncheon to Introduce Olympic Opportunities to Local
Businesses
On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Valley Industry Association (VIA) will host a special Business Luncheon designed to introduce Santa Clarita businesses to potential opportunities connected with the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The event will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Room 258.
With the world turning its attention to Los Angeles in 2028, businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley are eager to learn how they might participate. VIA is helping lead the conversation by bringing together city leaders, business experts, and community members for this early-stage introduction.
The luncheon program will feature Tyler Pledger, Senior Management Analyst for the City of Santa Clarita, who will share updates from the city’s ongoing meetings with Olympic committees. Her perspective will give attendees a sense of how the city is beginning to align with the Games and what that could mean locally.
Selina Thomas, founder of 6 Degrees HR Consulting, will also take the stage to share her firsthand experience helping a client become an approved vendor for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. She will provide valuable insight into the process, the challenges, and the opportunities that came with being part of an Olympic partnership.
In addition, attendees will hear from Olympian Mark Crear, who will offer an inspiring look at the Olympic experience and the pride associated with being part of this global event.
The luncheon will provide Santa Clarita business leaders and entrepreneurs the chance to connect, gain early insights, and begin preparing for the economic and cultural impact of the 2028 Games.
Seating is limited, and early registration is encouraged for this special event.
The Queens Court Title Sponsor
VIA Announces 2025 Award Nominees
The Valley Industry Association (VIA) is proud to announce the nominees for the 2025 VIA Awards, which will be presented at this year’s VIA BASH: Mad Hatters Ball on Friday, October 24 at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. These prestigious awards honor individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and innovation make a significant impact on the Santa Clarita Valley.
The Connie Worden-Roberts Volunteer of the Year Award
Kari McCoy • Kim Thomson • Sue Tweddell • Mark Shramek & Ricki Macken-Chilvers
VIA Business of the Year Award
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital • FivePoint • 360 Suites SCV • Valencia Town Center & Santa Clarita Magazine / SCV élite Magazine
VIA Community Impact Award
SCV Food Pantry • Bridge to Home • Mike Lebecki • JCI Santa Clarita • Shawna Mann & Nicole Feast-Willams
Winners will be announced during the 26th Annual VIA BASH, an evening of celebration, connection, and a touch of whimsical fun. Sponsorships and tickets are now available at www.via.org/via-bash.
Don’t miss this opportunity to honor excellence and support VIA’s programs that strengthen our business community.
The Benefits of Breakfast
ABy Patrick Moody Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
healthy breakfast can give you the energy you need to be at your best. You don’t have to start every morning with the breakfast of champions. But it’s a good idea to kick off your day with a healthy first meal.
Starting your day with a balanced meal can make a major difference in your overall health and well-being, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
WHY BREAKFAST?
Breakfast is literally a break in fasting. When you wake to a new day, you need food to reload your body’s supply of glucose—or blood sugar—that provides energy.
Some of the benefits of eating breakfast include:
More strength
Improved concentration
Better endurance
Increase problem-solving ability
On the other hand, if you skip breakfast, you’re more likely to be tired, irritable or restless in the morning.
The morning meal is especially important for kids and teens. Kids who eat breakfast are better able to learn, have better grades, and develop better eating habits for the long term, according to the Academy.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES
There’s no set menu for a good breakfast. But there are some guidelines you should follow to make sure your morning meal is healthy and balanced:
Go easy on sugar. Sugar adds calories but offers few, if any, nutrients.
Power up with protein. Protein can help you stay strong and focused throughout the morning, according to the Academy. Good sources of protein include eggs, low-fat yogurt and peanut butter.
Include whole grains. Whole grains are packed with fiber and nutrients.
Add fruits and veggies. Try fresh, seasonal fruit. Or put canned fruit in a parfait.
Here are some ideas for a healthy breakfast:
A bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk and an orange.
Egg whites with whole-grain toast and fruit.
Scrambled eggs, low-fat milk and pancakes topped with fruit.
Toasted waffles topped with peanut butter and banana slices. A whole-wheat pita stuffed with sliced, hard-cooked eggs, and a glass of
vegetable juice.A chopped-vegetable omelet with a slice of whole-grain toast.
Veggie pizza, pasta, rice, sandwiches and other healthy leftovers can be fine breakfast substitutes.
MAKE TIME FOR BREAKFAST
If mornings are hectic in your house, it can be easy to overlook breakfast. But there are ways you can make time to eat and still get everyone off to school and work on schedule.
Get ready the night before. Set the table
and have breakfast ingredients ready to go.
Keep it simple. If you’re rushed, stick to whole-grain cereals and toast, juice and fruits
Pack a brown-bag breakfast. If you don’t have time at home, take breakfast with you.
Low-fat yogurt, bananas, oranges and juice containers are all portable, healthy breakfasts. By making time and smart breakfast choices, you can start your morning on the right foot.
Let Go to Lead: Learn How to Trust Your Team
BY KEN KELLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer
For many CEOs and business owners, the instinct to control every detail can feel like a survival mechanism. After all, you’re not only responsible, but also held accountable for everything, from how the telephone is answered to financial results. But micromanagement, while tempting, is a leadership trap. It stifles innovation, erodes morale, and ultimately limits growth. Being trustworthy and trusting others, is a strategic imperative. So how do you learn to trust your employees and step away from the micromanagement treadmill?
Start with Clarity,
Micromanagement is a leadership trap. It stifles innovation, erodes morale and ultimately limits growth.
Not Control
Trust begins with clear expectations. Employees flounder not because they lack talent, but because they lack direction. Your job isn’t to dictate every move — it’s to define the destination. When leaders articulate a compelling vision and measurable goals, they empower teams to chart their own course. Clarity reduces the need for constant oversight and builds confidence on both sides.
Hire for Autonomy, Then Get Out of the Way
If you’re hiring people you don’t trust to make decisions, you’re hiring wrong. The best leaders surround themselves with experts, not assistants. That means recruiting individuals who are not only competent but also comfortable with owning their job; the good, bad and ugly. With the right people in place, your role shifts from supervisor to supporter. Micromanagement often stems from insecurity, not strategy. Trust your hiring decisions, and let your team prove you right.
Measure Outcomes, Not Activity
Micromanagers obsess over how things get done. Leaders focus on what gets done. By shifting attention from process to results, you can foster a culture of accountability without hovering. Set clear KPIs, review progress regularly, and offer feedback, but resist the urge to monitor
every keystroke. When employees know they’re being evaluated on impact, not input, they rise to the occasion.
Create a Culture of Communication Trust doesn’t mean silence. It means dialogue. Top executives who avoid micromanaging still stay deeply connected to their teams, only they just do it through conversation, not control. Regular check-ins, open-door policies, and transparent decision-making build psychological safety. When employees feel heard, they’re more likely to take initiative and less likely to need hand-holding. Look in the Mirror
Micromanagement is often a symptom of deeper leadership anxiety. You might ask yourself: What am I afraid will happen if I let go? Is it fear of failure, loss of relevance, or simply habit?
Self-awareness is the antidote. Executive coaching, peer feedback and being in a quiet place alone without interruption to reflect can help you confront the root causes of your control impulses. Trust begins with trusting yourself.
Celebrate Autonomy
When your employees take initiative, reward it. When they make mistakes, treat them as learning opportunities. Top executives who celebrate autonomy send a very powerful message: I believe in you. What would happen if someone said those four words to you? How would you feel?
As trust and respect build, you will see a resilient, self-directed workforce emerge. And paradoxically, the less you micromanage, the more your influence grows. Not because of your title, but because of your commitment to those that work for you.
Leadership isn’t about being everywhere; it’s about being present and available when and where it really counts. Building trust isn’t a leap; it’s a practice. It’s built through systems, culture, and self-reflection. When you learn to trust your teams you won’t just create a better workplaces, you will create a better company. Because when you let go, your people will step up.
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TWomen in Business Spotlight Prime Real Estate of Valencia
he Santa Clarita Valley has grown exponentially over the last 50 years, and what makes our valley so special is that it has still maintained its small, hometown feel where everyone somehow seems connected. Reputation is everything. SCV is known for its award-winning schools, paseos and entrepreneurial energy — and Prime Real Estate stands out as a new, yet deeply rooted and experienced, woman-led real estate firm redefining what modern service looks like.
Led by founder and Broker/ Owner Bri King, a 26-year
industry veteran, the firm blends data-savvy marketing strategies (including the latest AI tools) with a level of personalized care that turns complicated transactions into confident, successful decisions. In real estate — where the stakes are high and the timelines are tight — the team’s steady, human-centered approach has made it a trusted name throughout the Valley and beyond.
This is a story about leadership, resilience, and building a values-driven business — one client, one home, and one relationship at a time.
Building a Firm with Heart (and a Playbook)
Ask clients what they
remember most about working with the agents of Prime and you’ll hear recurring themes: preparation, transparency, calm under pressure, and a sense that their agent is always ten steps ahead of any obstacle. That intentionality isn’t accidental — it’s built into how Prime Real Estate operates and why it was formed.
From the first consultation, clients receive an organized roadmap that clarifies the whole journey. For sellers, that means data-backed pricing strategies, timelines for pre-market improvements, staging plans that highlight functionality as much as style, and a marketing launch sequence that meets buyers where they are — online,
on social, and in person. For buyers, it means clarity on lending prep and options, neighborhood insights tailored to lifestyle goals, and negotiation strategies that balance assertiveness with rapport.
In short: Prime Real Estate is a boutique consultancy with the hustle of a toptier sales organization. That combination is particularly powerful in Santa Clarita, where micro-market dynamics — differences between neighborhoods like Westridge, Bridgeport, West Hills, and Northpark — can swing outcomes by tens of thousands of dollars. A generic plan doesn’t cut it. Prime
life
Bri King
SCVEDC’s 2025 Economic Outlook: Insights, Connections, Opportunities
WBY ONDRÉ SELTZER PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
ant a clear view of where the economy is headed — locally and beyond? The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation’s 2025 Economic Outlook is your go-to briefing for the trends shaping business decisions in the year ahead. Join executives and community leaders on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons for a fast-paced morning of data, dialogue, and practical takeaways. Don't miss out on the premier business event of the year, where the movers and shakers doing business in the Santa Clarita Valley come every year to network and get the insights they need to make informed decisions in the year to come. If there’s one event you want to attend this year to shorten your learning curve on upcoming trends, this is the one you won’t want to miss.
This year’s program features a timely keynote forecast from Dr. Mark Schniepp, director of the California Economic Forecast. Dr. Schniepp will connect the dots between national and state conditions and their implications for the Santa Clarita Valley, covering employment, inflation, consumer demand, housing, commercial real estate, interest rates, and the indicators most likely to influence local growth in 2025.
We’re also spotlighting a standout SCV success story: DrinkPAK. CEO Nate Patena will open with brief remarks on the company’s trajectory, community impact, and continued investment in Santa Clarita, before transitioning to moderate our business leader panel:
Robert Shen, President, REMO
Marcie Washburn, CEO & Owner, Nycote Labs
David Rendall, Broker/Owner, RE/MAX
John Prabhu, Partner, LA North Studios
Together they’ll tackle the topics leaders are watching right now: resilience in a shifting economy, supply chains and cost pressures, technology and productivity, talent attraction and training, access to capital, and how real estate dynamics — from industrial to office to studio space — are evolving in the SCV. Expect candid insights on navigating uncertainty, seizing growth opportunities, and collaborating to maintain our regional economy's competitiveness.
Why attend?
SCV-specific intelligence you won’t get anywhere else-grounded in data, delivered by practitioners.
Cross-industry perspectives from advanced manufacturing, aerospace & defense, real estate, and digital media & entertainment.
Actionable takeaways for budgeting, workforce,
site planning, and investment decisions heading into 2026.
This year also marks SCVEDC’s 15th Anniversary, a milestone celebrating a decade and a half of partnerships that have helped attract and retain employers, create high-quality jobs, and strengthen the business climate in the Santa Clarita Valley. We’ll recognize that shared progress while looking ahead to the next wave of innovation, infrastructure, and opportunity.
If your organization relies on clear, current, and
local economic insight, you belong in the room. Bring your leadership team, compare notes with peers, and leave with a sharper strategy for the year ahead. And be sure not to miss the hourlong networking breakfast prior to the event Reserve your seats now for the SCVEDC 2025 Economic Outlook on September 26, 2025, from 7 am – 11 am at the Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons. For details and tickets, visit www.scvedc.org/outlook.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Continued from page 7
Real Estate is a one-stop shop with an in-house construction team, years of dedicated local experience, and now, ultraenhanced with AI.
A Woman at the Helm: Leadership You Can Feel
Real estate is a uniquely human business, and the tone of a company is set from the top. As a woman founder, Bri King brings a leadership style that is empathetic, exacting, and unflinchingly client-first. She’s known for asking better questions — What does “home” have to do for you in the next three to five years? How do we minimize disruption for kids or aging parents? Where does financial comfort intersect with long-term wealth building? — and then designing strategy around the client’s unique priorities. Inside the team, that same philosophy shows up through mentorship and professional development. Newer agents are coached on everything from contract nuance to neighborhood inventory cycles and proven marketing strategies; the full-time operations team is encouraged to innovate and own their processes, while never losing sight of the client-first mentality. The result is a culture where excellence is expected and supported, not demanded and micromanaged.
When your business model is relationships, your internal relationships matter just as much as your external ones. And that’s why the agents of Prime lovingly refer to each other as the Prime Family.
The Women of Prime: A Team Built on Strengths
While Bri King sets the tone, Prime’s power comes from the collective. Each woman on the team brings a distinct special-
ty, together forming a brokerage that is both diverse in skill and united in mission.
Bri King – Broker/Owner
A proud mom of five boys, Bri has been in the industry since the age of 16. With more than 26 years of experience, hundreds of 5-star reviews, and an unmatched work ethic, she has built Prime into one of Santa Clarita’s most trusted names. Her heart for helping clients achieve their goals, strategic marketing mindset, and commitment to donating 15% of the company’s proceeds to local charities and nonprofits year over year set the standard for Prime Real Estate.
Fiona Alvarez – Office Manager & Risk Management Specialist
Known as “the glue that holds Prime together,” Fiona is both office manager and a licensed agent. A Northbridge resident, wife, and mom of two, she keeps every file and process flawless, supports risk management, and infuses the team with warmth and heart.
Sara Gallo – Area Specialist
Having started her career in the San Fernando Valley before relocating to Santa Clarita, Sara offers a dual-market perspective. A dedicated wife and mom of three, she’s patient, empathetic, and passionate about helping families transition with ease.
Jennie Clark – Skyline Ranch Specialist
and Beyond
A proud wife and mom of three, Jennie is known for her straightforward yet kind approach. As a Skyline Ranch expert and resident who also serves buyers and sellers throughout SCV and beyond, she gives clients confidence through every market cycle with her steady guidance.
Women leading the way in Santa Clarita Real Estate! Meet the Prime Real Estate team — redefining modern real estate with expertise, heart and community at the center.
Vanessa Maldonado – Client Experience & Operations Coordinator
For more than three years, Vanessa has orchestrated Prime’s daily operations — showcasing listings, coordinating dozens of open houses weekly, and welcoming agents and clients with her signature smile. A working mom and Notary Public, she ensures every client feels appreciated from the moment they walk through the door.
Tracy Pedevilla – Real Estate Specialist with Lending Expertise
With a foundation in the lending industry, Tracy offers clients a 360-degree understanding of real estate. A long-time SCV resident, she is approachable, knowledgeable, and deeply attuned to the details that turn houses into homes. Immediately upon meeting Tracy, you feel like you’ve been friends for years.
Gris Barron – Bilingual Real Estate Specialist
As a highly sought-after Spanish-speaking bilingual agent, Gris tailors her approach to each client’s unique
needs. She is meticulous, compassionate, and trusted across diverse communities for making every client feel fully understood. Hablamos español y estoy aquí para servirles.
Devyn Ferrell – Third-Generation Realtor
With real estate in her DNA, Devyn grew up immersed in the industry as the daughter of a respected escrow officer. Now launching her own career, she brings fresh perspective, inherited knowledge, and youthful energy to the team.
Holly Butler – Diversification Specialist
Holly Butler is a proud Santa Clarita resident and mom of three who brings both heart and expertise to Prime Real Estate. She works alongside her husband as a dynamic real estate duo. Her personal experience in flipping houses and managing Airbnb rentals gives her a unique perspective on real estate diversification. Holly’s energy, patience, and attention to detail make her
See PRIME, page 19
From left: Vanessa Maldonado, Jenny Clarke, Bri King, Fiona Alvarez and Sara Gallo#WomenInBusiness #PrimeRealEstate COURTESY PHOTO
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 SLEA Therapies on your grand opening in July. Go visit them at www.sleatherapies.com. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo congratulates CEO Rina Barak on the grand opening of SLEA Therapies in Valencia. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie
Celebrating SCV Businesses
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.
You’re invited to join us and our Latino Business Council for our Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration—an evening dedicated to honoring the culture, contributions, and achievements of the Hispanic business community.
This event is open to everyone. Come celebrate, connect, and show your support while enjoying great food, drinks, music, and more.
Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the Chamber, this is a perfect opportunity to build relationships, discover new partnerships, and be part of a community that supports and celebrates our entire community.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses looking to align with this meaningful event and gain visibility among an engaged, diverse audience.
Let’s come together for a night of celebration, connection, and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there.
To view our full calendar and event details go to www.SCVChamber.com or scan the QR Code to the right.
Celebrating SCV Businesses
The 2025 Assessment Roll
BY JEFF PRANG Los Angeles County Assessor
It’s that time of year again when my office undertakes its most important function of the fiscal year that lays the groundwork for the very property taxes that pay for our vital public services: The Assessment Roll. In fact, it’s a Constitutional mandate.
The Roll for 2025 closed as of June 30, and it reflects growth for Santa Clarita as well as the rest of Los Angeles County.
First off, let me say this comprehensive tally values more than 2.5 million real estate parcels in Los Angeles County and results in the very tax dollars that goes to pay for vital public services, such as health care, police, fire, schools and even librarians, to name just a few. As I mentioned, I am constitutionally mandated to close the Assessment Roll by the end of the Fiscal Year on June 30. As a point of reference, my Fiscal Year runs from July 1 to June 30.
I am pleased to announce that the 2025 Assessment Roll has a total net value of $2.176 trillion, indicating the 15th year of consecutive growth. The 2025 Roll also grew by $2.14 billion (or 3.91%) over 2024. That value places about $20 billion to be used for those public services I just mentioned.
Locally, Santa Clarita for 2025 came in at $48.51 billion for taxable values, which is a 4.6% increase over last year’s numbers. That includes 65,755 single-family homes, 494 apartment complexes, 4,688 commercial-industrial parcels for a grand total of 70,937 taxable properties. Yes, it’s a solid growth at $2.14 billion.
Some basics: The Roll, as it is known, contains the assessed value of all real estate and business personal property in the County’s 88 cities along with the unincorporated areas. It also breaks down the number of single-family residential homes, apartments and commercialindustrial parcels.
This year’s Roll comprises 2,398,007
million real estate parcels as well as business assessments countywide. That includes 1,897,905 million single-family homes, 251,236 thousand apartment complexes, 248,866 thousand commercial and industrial properties and more than 160,367 thousand business property assessments.
Since the Roll is the inventory for all taxable property in the County, it can provide some insight into the health of the real estate market. The Roll is also driven in large measure by real property sales, which added $51 billion to the 2025 Roll as compared with 2024; the CPI adjustment mandated by Prop. 13 added an additional $41 billion; and new construction added $8 billion.
Finally, to say this has been a challenging year is an understatement (just think of the wildfires in January) and the fact that property values continue to grow is certainly good news and testament to the viability of the region. A full list of assessment growth amounts and parcel counts for cities and unincorporated areas is available here.
For more information about the Assessor’s Office and its tax-saving programs, visit assessor.lacounty.gov. Prang leads the largest local public property assessment agency in the nation. His office of about 1,400 appraisers and support staff work to create an accurate and timely property Assessment Roll.
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Women-Owned Businesses are Thriving
Women entrepreneurs are not to be underestimated. Data affirms that women-owned businesses are growing and thriving. According to North One banking, women-owned firms account for more than 12 million businesses in the United States. In addition, the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report, in partnership with Ventureneer, Core Women and Women Impacting Public Policy, found the number of women-owned business increased at a rate of 4.5 times between 2019 to 2023. Women-owned businesses are driving economic growth, and a deeper look at some of the numbers supports that notion.
• The Women’s Business Enterprise Council says there are 12.3 million
women-owned businesses in the U.S., which comprises about 40% of the total number of businesses.
• Women-owned businesses bring in nearly $2 trillion every year, says the National Women’s Business Council.
• During the pandemic, womenowned businesses added 1.4 million jobs and $579.6 billion in revenue to the economy, says Wells Fargo.
• World Bank indicates that roughly one-third of principal owners of all businesses are female.
• WBENC advises that 64% of new women-owned businesses are started by women of color.
• Women’s Business Enterprises Canada says more than 85% of buying decisions are influenced by women.
The Canadian Minister of Small Business notes that women business ownership is growing. In 2023, approximately 18.4% of all businesses in Canada were majority owned by women, compared to 15.6% in 2017.
• According to Forbes, women-led tech companies achieve a 35% higher ROI. A Forbes study with First Round Capital, a venture capital firm, found female-founded businesses in their portfolio outperformed male-founded companies by more than 60%.
Women-owned businesses are making a large impact on North America and around the world. Such firms continue to employ millions of people and foster strong economies. (MC)
A Local Leader’s Approach to Mission-Driven Health Care
As Senior Vice President and Area Manager for Kaiser Permanente Foundation Hospitals and Health Plan, Camille ApplinJones exemplifies the kind of leadership that resonates with both health care professionals and business leaders. Calling the Santa Clarita Valley home, she leads the Panorama City and Antelope Valley service areas with a community-first mindset, aligning strategy with purpose and compassion. Her leadership journey began in clinical care, as a nurse determined to solve health challenges earlier and more efficiently. That early drive evolved into a career focused on expanding access to highquality care. “Mission-driven leadership means aligning every decision with our core values,” she says. “It is about leading with integrity, authenticity, and never losing sight
of the people we serve.”
Applin-Jones fosters collaboration and resilience across Kaiser Permanente’s teams by promoting open communication and mutual respect. She leads cross-functional initiatives that encourage innovation and engagement, while recognizing that adaptability is key to navigating change. “I lead by example,” she notes. “Perseverance and positivity are essential.”
As a woman in leadership,
Applin-Jones views her identity as a strategic advantage.
“Being a woman in leadership is my superpower,” she says. “Empathy, compassion, and drive help me navigate opportunities with intention.” Balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and executive, she has built systems of support that allow her to thrive professionally while staying grounded in family. Her personal motto, “Believe that you can and align yourself with others who sup-
port your goals,” guides her through new challenges with courage.
She is also a dedicated mentor, actively supporting emerging female leaders through coaching, career development, and leadership opportunities. “I want women to feel empowered to step into their potential,” she says.
Looking ahead, Applin-Jones hopes to leave a legacy of compassionate, patient-centered care and inclusive leadership. Her goal is to improve care delivery, foster a culture of excellence, and empower the next generation of leaders. Central to that vision is her belief in making health care accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. This commitment continues to guide her efforts to innovate and make a meaningful impact on the lives and communities that Kaiser Permanente serves.
Sales Volume Soars Thanks to Big Inventory
BY DAVID WALKER
For the SCV Business Journal Editor
Sales of existing singlefamily homes in the Santa Clarita Valley during July jumped 26.7% to post the highest monthly total in 36 months, the Southland Regional Association of Reporters reported in their latest numbers.
Local Realtors assisted the close of escrow of 218 singlefamily homes, a three-year record, while condo sales took a dip in the data for the most recent month available. The association also reported the transfer to new owners of 53 condominiums, down 23.2% from July 2024.
The inventory is a big part of the picture for the market, according to the experts.
The 288 condominium active listings were up 42.6% for the highest total in at least six years. Similarly, the 665 active listings of single-family homes reported at the end of July increased 45.2% over a year ago, coming in just below monthly listing totals reported in 2019.
Despite the big supply, or perhaps because of it, expert opinions were using caution in their words to describe what’s been going on this summer.
“While interest rates on home mortgages recently dropped, increased home sale activity in Santa Clarita suggests local homebuyers see the opportunity presented by today’s enlarged inventory,” said Anthony Bedgood, president of the 10,000-member Southland Regional Association of Realtors. “Nonetheless,
I keep hearing the word ‘fragile’ when speakers describe the condition of the residential real estate market.”
Part of that has less to do directly with the desirability of real estate in the SCV and more to do with broader economic factors, according to Bedgood.
“There’s too much uncertainty about where the economy is headed, about home prices, and about job security,” Bedgood said. “While some people always find an opportunity, most people unsurprisingly want certainty and consistency when it comes to finances and buying a home.”
Bedgood and Valerie Biletsky, SRAR’s Chief Executive Officer, agreed that buyers who are willing to plunge into the market will find an array of options.
“Home and condo active listings are at levels not seen in many years,” Biletsky said. “And it appears the inventory will continue to swell well into the future.”
However, the increase in supply did not have a negative impact on the price, based on the data, which indicates market resilience and continuing demand.
The median price of singlefamily homes sold last month came in at $895,000, up 3.5% from July 2024 yet below the record high of $910,000 set in March of last year. The condo median of $605,000 was up 13.9% from the prior year. The condo record high of $650,000 was recorded in June 2024.
Pending escrows — a measure of future sales activity — came in with 144 home and 41 condo open escrows, down 14% and 46%, respectively.
According to a new report, over 43,000 Califor-
nian households relied on private mortgage insurance to achieve homeownership during 2024 with downpayments as low as 3%. California ranked third in low-downpayment homebuyers using private mortgage insurance.
SRAR’s Income-to-Loan guide for June found that an income of $235,340 was needed to qualify for an 80% loan of $716,000 on a Santa Clarita Valley median-priced singlefamily home of $895,00. With the national average interest rate of 6.81%, the income needed to qualify increased 2.5% from a year ago. The monthly PITI — principle, interest, taxes and insurance payments — came to $5,883. As of Aug. 4, mortgage rates on a 30-year mortgage had plunged to a 10-month low of 6.57%, down from 6.74 percent on July 28.
Based on the most recent data available from the SRAR, Agua Dulce saw the highest property values for median sales price based on the listings available. There were 21 listings in the equestrianfriendly community with an average value of $1.2 million. In Stevenson Ranch, the second-highest, the median sales price was listed as $946,000.
The most affordable homes in the SCV based on listing price for the most recent month were found in Canyon Country, where the median list price was $760,000. In Acton, it was $787,500.
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.
New Businesses, Homes in Store for SCV
DEVELOPING STORIES
BY PERRY SMITH Senior Staff Writer
Alab buildout by Kaiser Permanente, an Islamic prayer center, an adult day care, a new senior living home, a construction-vehicle warehouse and a new martial arts studio are among the plans submitted for approval last month to Santa Clarita City Hall.
And much farther along than the planning phase, a new Planet Fitness now has “coming soon” signage up for the location coming to the former Rite-Aid in the 27700 block of McBean Parkway.
While the Santa Clarita Valley frequently makes calls on social media for more hospital space, Kaiser Permanente’s new buildout of the city’s medical row on Tourney Road will no doubt add lots of much-needed resources. The plans involve changes to the landscaping, parking and, of course, the medical office space.
Also in terms of care, there will be a new facility as part of the development of the otherwise pristine hillsides near West Hills Drive.
An adult day care, the Copper Hill Senior Living Center, is being eyed for the west side of Copper Hill Drive at Camino Del Arte Drive.
There aren’t too many developments available at the moment, but the developer, Griffin Living, announced a $3 million loan to s1ecure the property in 2023, with plans to deliver it last year.
“Upon completion, the 109,077-squarefoot building is set to incorporate 75 assisted living apartments and 29 memory care units,” according to the website for Griffin Living, which also has a development in Simi Valley. “The community will feature services such as 24/h care, personalized programs, all day dining, daily task assistance, specialized care, diverse daily activities and wellness-focused amenities.”
There’s actually a second facility that submitted plans in July.
“The Ivy at Santa Clarita is a thoughtfully designed, three-story assisted living and memory care community consist-
from the former home of the Pacifica facility on
has been taken down amid reports that
ing of 100 units (107 beds),” according to an application submitted to the city’s Planning Division last month. “Spanning approximately 103,000 square feet, the project is intended to serve the growing senior population in the City of Santa Clarita with high-quality care, tailored programming, and an inviting, residential environment.
And there haven’t been any plans submitted yet, but the signage for the Pacifica Senior Living facility at 24305 Lyons Ave. has come down, and reports are that Alamo Health Management
Is going to the new operator of a shortterm high acuity facility there, according to a county Public Health official.
A short-term high-acuity facility is a place for short-term care provided to patients who need special supervision while recovering from a serious illness or injury, according to a provider website.
In terms of business development, there also was plenty on the agenda for Santa Clarita’s planners.
A family-owned national equipment company, Papé Material Handling, filed an application for a location on Avenue Crocker, in the Valencia industrial park.
The plan is for the business to “occupy the existing building for purposes of storage of material handling equipment (forklifts, scissor lifts, electric carts, etc),” and “future plan to include minimal interior tenant improvements to accommodate service, rental and sales of mate-
rial handling equipment,” according to a recently filed entitlement application.
Better Days Adult Day Care Corp. also has plans to open a new business, a day facility on Flying Tiger Drive, off Sierra Highway, in Canyon Country.
The applicant indicated Friday it was too early to publicly comment on the plans, which were first submitted in July.
The facility would operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with five to six employees and 50 to 60 clients planned, according to the preliminary application.
The Santa Clarita City Council also took up discussion of The Hartwell, a condosand-retail project for downtown Newhall on Main Street — after the project sought permission to grow again.
The Serrano Development Group increased the project’s size by about 25%, with the addition of a neighboring radio station’s property, according to plans on next week’s agenda.
The pending purchase of their land at 24320 Main St. would allow developer Jason Tolleson to add 20 more apartment units, almost 1,100 more square feet of commercial space and 36 more parking spots, according to the specs shared by city planning staff.
An Islamic prayer center on Sierra Highway also is looking to expand with plans that have been filed to City Hall.
The Al-Umma Center of Santa Clarita Valley is looking to expand to accommodate the growth of its faith community, according to the application.
Signage
Lyons Avenue, Santa Clarita Hills Senior Living,
Alamo Health Management is taking it over. PERRY SMITH | SCV BUSINESS JOURNAL
A Comparison of Value and Cost
BY PAUL BUTLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer
Albert Einstein once observed, “Accountants know the cost of everything but the value of nothing.”
More than a century later, his words feel prophetic. Across industries, organizations are under relentless pressure to cut costs and squeeze efficiencies. But many are discovering the hidden danger of trimming too much: when you cut the heart out of the customer experience, you also cut into the very value that sustains longterm success.
Take hotels, for example.
What was once considered a standard part of the hospitality experience — daily room cleaning — has quietly become optional at many chains. Guests now have to request fresh towels, new sheets or even a simple trash pickup.
Hotels argue this saves labor and benefits the environment, but for travelers, it feels like a downgrade. Housekeeping was never just about making the bed; it was a gesture of care that said, ”You’re being looked after.” Without it, the sense of hospitality disappears.
Airlines Charging for Everything
Air travel was once marketed as glamorous. Today, many airlines nickel-and-dime passengers for basics: seat selection, carry-on luggage,
snacks, even a boarding pass. These fees may boost shortterm revenue, but they leave travelers frustrated and cynical. Flying has become less about the journey and more about surviving a transaction.
Restaurants Shrinking Portions and Service
Another trend is “menu shrinkflation,” where restaurants reduce portion sizes or swap in cheaper ingredients while keeping prices the same. Many also cut staff, relying on QR codes for ordering and payment.
Digital menus may streamline operations, but they make dining feel transactional instead of personal. The essence of hospitality — attentive service and a sense of being welcomed — is replaced with a smartphone screen and smaller plates.
Retailers Eliminating Human Help
Walk into a big-box store today and you may be greeted not by an employee, but by a row of self-checkout machines. While these reduce payroll costs, they also strip away customer service. Shoppers often spend more time troubleshooting machines than they would with a cashier. The human touch — a smile, a bit of assistance, even a brief conversation — has been lost in favor of cold efficiency.
Banks Closing Branches and Reducing Support
Financial institutions are also chasing efficiency by closing local branches and pushing customers toward digital-only services. While convenient for some, there are times when people need to speak to a real person about sensitive financial matters.
By slashing in-person service, banks save on real estate
and staffing, but they risk alienating customers who value trust and relationships in financial dealings.
Health Care Going SelfService
Even healthcare, built on care and compassion, has leaned heavily into automation. Clinics now rely on kiosks for check-in, fewer front-desk staff, and shorter appointment times. While efficient, it can leave patients feeling rushed and treated as a statistic. In healthcare especially, eroding human interaction damages trust.
In each of these examples, cost-cutting makes sense on paper. Labor is expensive, customer expectations are evolving, and digital tools are readily available. But when companies strip away the small comforts or human touches that once defined their brand, they risk hollowing out the customer experience itself.
Einstein’s warning is worth remembering: knowing costs is not the same as knowing value. The value of a business lies not only in operational efficiency but in the experiences, trust, and loyalty it cultivates.
Companies that focus only on the spreadsheet risk becoming hollow shells of what they once were. The smarter path is clear: don’t just manage costs — steward value. Your customers, your brand, and ultimately your bottom line depend on it.
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.
Continued from page 9
an incredible resource for clients, and her warm, welcoming nature is felt the moment you meet her.
Rebecca Rudd – Relocation & Lifestyle
Specialist
Having moved from Sherman Oaks to Santa Clarita herself, Rebecca understands what matters most to families new to the community. Her corporate fashion background honed her eye for presentation and detail, making her a standout advocate for buyers and sellers alike.
Di Thompson – Community Connector
Di Thompson’s vast network of deep rooted connections throughout the community makes her not only a trusted voice and driving force in the community but a wealth of knowledge and connectivity. From civic leadership to charitable initiatives, blended with her real estate expertise, Di not only helps clients find their dream homes and thrives on fostering a stronger, more connected Santa Clarita community.
Together, these incredible women embody the values that make Prime Real Estate not just a brokerage, but a family.
Why
Family-Owned, Not Corporate
When Bri King founded Prime, she faced a choice: affiliate with a national brand or build something from the ground up based on 2.5 decades of expe-
rience. She chose independence deliberately, supported every step of the way by her husband, Josh King. In 2022, Josh completed the build of their stunning brokerage on Town Center Drive, and the doors were officially open.
The spouses of the Women of Prime are the team’s biggest fans — always ready to save an escrow, help with the kids, or even put up open house signs. What differentiates Prime from big corporations is its personal control, flexibility, and heart.
By remaining women- and familyowned, Prime can prioritize mentorship, transparency, and client advocacy over quotas or cookie-cutter playbooks. Every agent’s voice matters, every client receives a boutique experience, and the culture reflects family values instead of corporate directives.
Most importantly, the decision was about representation — showing that a women- and family-owned business can
not only compete at the highest level but thrive because of its independence.
Looking Ahead
Santa Clarita is poised for continued evolution — new businesses, refreshed neighborhoods, and a real estate market that will keep rewarding preparation and punishing guesswork. In that environment, the firms that thrive are the ones that combine strategic rigor with genuine care. Prime Real Estate is already there, helping clients not just transact, but transition — into the next chapter of their lives with clarity and confidence.
For women building businesses, this story is a reminder that relationships are everything. When you design a company around values — mentorship, transparency, community, excellence — you don’t just create better outcomes. You create a brand people believe in.
And in Santa Clarita, Prime Real Estate is setting a new standard: modern real estate with a human heartbeat — led by women, and supported by incredible men who prove daily that strength and empathy are a winning pair.
Respectfully,
Bri King
Prime Real Estate
Real Estate Broker/Owner
24300 Town Center Drive #105 Valencia, CA 91355 Bri4RE@gmail.com
661.433.4485 Cell DRE #01357740
Economic DEvElopmEnt corporation
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road | UCEN 263 | Santa Clarita, CA 91355 | (661) 288-4400 | www.scvedc.org
