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Wake Up to What’s Possible with VIA

Join us for the “Get to Know VIA” Breakfast – January 23, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday December 11 | Cocktails & Conversation with Captain Brandon Barclay 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Margaritas Mexican Grill

Friday December 19 | VIA Board Installation Luncheon 11:45 am. - 1:30 p.m. | COC University Center

Friday January 15 | VIA AfterFive 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | 360 Executive Suites

Friday January 23 | Get to Know VIA Breakfast 8:00 am. - 10:00 a.m. | 360 Executive Suites

Start your morning with inspiration, connection, and a clearer path to making the most of your VIA membership. On Friday, January 23, 2026, VIA will host its annual “Get to Know VIA” Breakfast, specially designed for new members, prospective members, and current members looking to get more involved. This energizing morning event gives you a behind-the-scenes look at VIA—what we offer, how we support local business, and the many ways you can plug in.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Enjoy a light bite while you:

• Meet new and prospective members in a friendly, welcoming environment

• Hear from VIA’s committee chairs about their work and opportunities to get involved

• Learn about the programs, events, and resources that can help you grow your business

Discover the many ways to participate—whether you have a

• Discover the many ways to participate—whether you have a lot of time or just a little

• can support your goals and elevate your presence in the community.

• You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how VIA can support your goals and elevate your presence in the community.

DISCOVER ALL THAT VIA OFFERS

From Readiness to Reinvention

From Readiness to Reinvention — Turning Uncertainty into Advantage

— Turning Uncertainty into Advantage

During the program, you’ll get an inside look at:

• Signature VIA events that connect you with influential leaders

• Educational opportunities that keep you informed and ahead of the curve

• Advocacy efforts that give local business a strong voice

• Networking and volunteer pathways that help you build meaningful relationships and leadership experience

• Whether you’re brand-new to VIA or looking to re-engage, this breakfast is the perfect way to explore everything available to you.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• New members eager to jump in

• Prospective members curious about the benefits

• Current members ready to deepen their involvement

If you’re seeking fresh connections, fresh ideas, and fresh ways to grow, this event is for you. Save Your Seat

Date: Friday, January 23, 2026

8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

360 Executive Suites, 25101 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch

No charge for this event, but space is VERY limited.

360 Executive Suites, 25101 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch No charge for this event, but space is VERY limited.

At VIA’s November 21st luncheon, members explored one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today: the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence. Digital marketing expert Alison Lindemann delivered a clear message—AI isn’t coming, it’s already here, and companies that don’t adapt risk falling behind.

Lindemann shared insights from a national small-business AI study, showing how AI is reshaping online visibility, customer expectations, and daily operations. Businesses slow to adopt face lower search rankings, inefficiencies, and declining relevance.

Attendees learned practical steps to get started, including optimizing digital content for AI-driven search, using tools to create faster, better content, and implementing AI agents to support marketing, operations, and customer service.

Lindemann also illustrated how AI can streamline everyday workflows—automating admin tasks, improving communication, and boosting productivity.

Her closing message: the future will be won by the AI-ready. Companies that act now will gain the competitive edge as AI continues to transform how the world does business.

KEEP ON BEING THE INSPIRATION

It takes courage to step up when the stakes are at their highest. To do what’s never been done. To be first, not for the glory, but for the difference it makes in the lives of others. We’ve been a frontrunner since taking our first steps. From reporting the first AIDS cases to performing the world’s first human bladder transplant, we keep on achieving remarkable breakthroughs when the world needs them most.

Can Walking Delay Alzheimer’s?

TBy Patrick Moody Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

here’s good news for people who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Taking regular walks could help slow down their disease, a study in the journal Nature has found.

Over a 14-year period, researchers followed nearly 300 older adults who did not have memory or thinking problems at the start of the study. The researchers tested their cognitive skills regularly throughout the study. They also used PET scans to check participants’ brains for proteins called beta-amyloid and tau, which are linked to Alzheimer’s. Step counters were used to gauge walking.

People in the study were split into four groups based on their daily steps: inactive (3,000 or fewer steps), low activity (3,001 to 5,000 steps), moderate activity (5,001 to 7,500 steps) and active (7,501 or more steps).

Among the key findings for people with higher beta-amyloid levels? Compared to inactive people, they had:

34% slower rate of cognitive decline if they walked just 3,001 to 5,000 steps per day.

45% slower rate of cognitive decline if they walked 5,001 to 7,500 steps per day.

51% slower rate of cognitive decline if they walked 7,501 steps or more per day.

The delay in cognitive decline seemed to plateau between 5,001 and 7,500 daily steps. This suggests that just a moderate amount of walking might help delay Alzheimer’s. And that could be a more doable goal for older adults, researchers noted.

In addition, the PET scans suggested that the delay in memory and thinking decline was linked to slower tau buildup — not betaamyloid buildup. Researchers hypothesize that this means exercise could be used alone or paired with current drugs that target betaamyloid to help slow Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages.

Moving boosts your body and your brain

Exercising isn’t just good for people who have Alzheimer’s. It’s one of the key ways all people can keep their brains—and bodies— healthy and sharp.

Being active helps protect the brain in a variety of ways, the Alzheimer’s Association notes. For starters, regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain and improves nerve

cell connections. And it can help people manage risk factors, such as high blood pressure, that can negatively affect the brain. The bottom line? Get (or keep) moving!

Why Great Leaders Must Still Be Great Managers

BY KEN KELLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer

In the world of small and mid-sized businesses, there’s a common belief among some leaders: “If I hire someone with experience, they should know what to do.” It’s a tempting idea. After all, you’re paying for expertise; shouldn’t that come with autonomy and self-direction?

But here’s the truth: even the most seasoned professional needs management. Not micromanagement, but leadership that provides clarity, alignment and accountability.

The assumption that hiring well absolves a leader from managing is not only flawed, it’s a recipe for confusion, frustration, disengagement, and underperformance.

Let me unpack why.

Expertise Doesn’t Equal Context

A new hire may bring years of experience, but they don’t bring your company’s culture, priorities, or strategic vision. They don’t know your customers, your quirks, or your expectations. Without guidance, even the most capable employee will make decisions based on assumptions, and those assumptions may not align with your goals.

Management isn’t about telling people how to do their jobs. It’s about giving them the context to do their jobs well.

Alignment is a Leader’s Job

Imagine hiring a talented chef and assuming they’ll know what to cook. Without a menu, a target audience, or a clear concept, they’ll be guessing. The same applies in business.

Employees need to understand not just what they’re doing, but why it matters.

Leaders must define success, set priorities, and ensure everyone is rowing in the same direction. That’s management. And it’s essential.

Communication is Not Optional

One of the most overlooked aspects of management is regular, intentional communication. Leaders who assume “they’ll figure it out” often skip check-ins, feedback loops, and performance conversa-

Management isn’t about telling people how to do their jobs. It’s about giving them the context to do their jobs well.

tions. The result? Employees feel adrift, unsure if they’re meeting expectations or making an impact. Or upsetting the boss.

Good managers create space for dialogue. They ask questions, listen actively, and offer feedback that helps people grow. That’s not hand-holding, it’s called leadership.

Support Drives Performance

Even high performers hit roadblocks. Whether it’s a lack of resources, unclear processes, or interpersonal friction, challenges arise. Leaders who manage well don’t just delegate—they remove obstacles. They coach, advocate, and empower.

When employees know their manager has their back, they’re more engaged, more resilient, and more likely to go the extra mile.

Accountability Runs Two Ways

Hiring someone doesn’t mean outsourcing responsibility. Leaders are still accountable for outcomes. That means setting clear goals, tracking progress, and addressing issues when they arise. If a project goes off course, it’s not

enough to say, “They should’ve known better.” Leaders must ask: Did I provide the right direction? Did I check in? Did I clarify expectations?

Management is Not a Burden

Some leaders resist management because they see it as tedious or beneath them. But the best leaders embrace it as a core part of their role. They understand that managing people is not a distraction from leadership. It’s the essence of it. Leadership without management is like strategy without execution.

My Final Thought

Hiring great people is only the beginning. To unlock their potential, leaders must stay engaged, provide clarity, and foster accountability. That’s not micromanagement; it’s smart, intentional leadership.

So the next time you hear, “They should know what to do,” consider this: maybe they do. But they’ll do it better, faster, and with more purpose if you manage them well. 

©ADOBE STOCK

The List Oldest Businesses In The SCV

Readers are Leaders

BY PAUL BUTLER SCVBJ Contributing Writer

Someone once coined the phrase, “Readers are leaders,” and it set me thinking about whether that was indeed so. According to the online research I did, the average American only reads one book a year. Worse than this is the fact that 60% of us only get through the first chapter of that one book.

There are also some interesting studies online to suggest there’s a high correlation between the level of someone’s earnings and the number of books they read a year.

In contrast, research suggests that CEOs of Fortune 500 companies read an average of four to five books a month — yes, a month.

Even more impressive is that some of the most successful leaders throughout history were known to read one book every single day. I guess people in the past were able to get more books read without the allure of the online streaming services we have now, and the magnetic pull of the perpetual doom scroll on social media.

Someone also once said, “Wisdom is the application of knowledge,” and I’ve found there are leaders who know and don’t do, and those who do the right thing because of what they know.

To amplify my point — I’ve worked with leaders who voraciously read dozens of books each year on leadership, professional development and organizational psychology but they didn’t apply what they’ve learned. Conversely, I’ve worked with leaders who read far less, but yielded much better results for the organization that paid them. It seems that some leaders read to puff themselves up by enhancing their knowledge whereas others do read, but do so, to be of greater service to those they lead.

Case in point — a friend recently shared with me about a new CEO who joined their organization, as a result of the retirement of his predecessor. Neither my friend nor I have any insider knowledge as to how many books this new CEO

Research suggests that CEOs of Fortune 500 companies read an average of four to five books a month — yes, a month.

reads a year but from what my friend shared with me; he seems to have missed out on a few pages of effective leadership.

My friend was in the elevator with some of her direct reports — a number of minimum-paid employees with special needs. The new CEO stepped into the elevator and didn’t even offer a “Good morning” to my friend or these special people she was with. Instead, he just flitted his attention between his cellphone and the couple of mid-managers who were bustling around him, giving him a quick tour of the facilities in which most of the employees worked.

Yes, it seems like this CEO had chosen not to apply the knowledge he’d surely heard at some point about vitally important subjects such as: servant leadership, emotional intelligence (EQ) and interpersonal effectiveness.

As my friend retold this story my mind went back to a place I worked where we had an interview process of being inquisitive about how the interviewee interacted with the receptionist when they arrived. What observations were made about the applicant’s behavior in the lobby area? Did they hold the door open

for others? Did they smile? Were they polite? Did they use those two commonly heard and yet commonly unused words: “Please” and “Thank you”?

When I became a teenager, my parents gifted me a framed copy of Rudyard Kipling’s poem titled “If” and all these years later, three stanzas from that poem still resonate with me as I think about wisdom being the application of knowledge:

“If … you don’t look too good, nor talk too wise… if you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue … or walk with kings — nor lose the common touch…”

It may be true that “readers are leaders” but I’d say the ones worth following and the ones who stay and make a significant difference — rather than just hop from one gig to another, apply what they learn even if they’re the king or queen of the organization.

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. 

©ADOBE STOCK

The List Family-Owned Businesses

The List: Top Employers

Comstock Homes Pete Perea 2301 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 1150, El Segundo 90245 comstockco.com CBRE Bob Sulentic 24305 Town Center Drive, Valencia 91355 cbre.com FivePoint Daniel Hedigan 25124 Springfield Court, Valencia 91355 fivepoint.com

JSB Development Jim Backer 27451 Tourney Road, No. 250, Valencia 91355 jsbdev.com

KB Home Jeffrey T. Metzger 25152 Springfield Court, Suite 180, Valencia 91355 kbhome.com

Lennar Stuart Miller 28723 Calle de la Paz Drive, Valencia resourcecenter.lennar.com

Richmond Homes David D. Mandarich 27105, W Sage St, Valencia 91354 richmondamerican.com/california/los-angeles-new-homes/valencia

Toll Brothers Doug Yearley 19125 Merryweather Drive Santa Clarita 91350 tollbrothers.com

Tri Pointe Homes Doug Bauer 28701 Lambent Way, Santa Clarita 91351 Tripointegroup.com

Williams Homes Lance Williams 24911 Avenue Stanford Santa Clarita 91355 williamshomes.com

The List: Largest Law Firms

Carter Law Firm, APC 27240 Turnberry Lane, Suite 200 Valencia 91355 •(323) 825-5529 www.themainstreetattorney.com

Cohen Law, PLC 28039 Smyth Drive, Suite 200 Valencia 91355 • (661) 257-2887 • www.cohenlawpc.com

Crockett & Associates 23929 Valencia Blvd., Suite 303 Valencia 91355 • (323) 487-1101 • bobcrockettlaw.com

DaCorsi Placencio 28494 Westinghouse Place, Suite 206 Valencia 91355 • (818) 884-6666 • dacorsi.net

Donahoe Young & Williams LLP 25152 Springfield Court, Suite 345 Valencia 91355 • (661) 259-9000 • www.donahoeyoung.com

Edzant Price LLP 28470 Avenue Stanford, Suite 360 Valencia 91355 • (661) 222-9929 • www.edzantprice.com

Gharibian & Oliver 25350 Magic Mountain Parkway, Suite 240 Valencia 91355 • (661) 254-4100 •www.gocallaw.com

Inglis Family Law Firm 25129 The Old Road, Suite 201 Stevenson Ranch 91381 • (661) 200-3845 • inglisfamilylawfirm.com

John Hernandez, Esq., APC 25350 Magic Mountain Parkway, Suite 300 Valencia 91355 • (661) 523-3904 www.hernandezlaw.co

Koegle Law Group, APC

27240 Turnberry Lane, No. 200, Valencia 91355 • (661) 362-0813 koeglelaw.com

Law Office of Jeffrey Armendariz 28470 Avenue Stanford, Suite 360 Valencia 91355 • (661) 288-1959 www.armendarizlawoffice.com Criminal Defense

Law Office of John S. MacIntosh 25350 Magic Mountain Parkway, Suite 130 Valencia 91355 • (661) 255-7027

Law Office of Michael Berke 25001 The Old Road, Santa Clarita 91381 • (661) 259-1800 • www.berkeslaw.com

Law Office of Robert M. Mansour 28212 Kelly Johnson Parkway, Suite 110 Valencia 91355 • (661) 414-7100 • www.mansourlaw.com

Law Offices of Bill J. Thompson 28212 Kelly Johnson Parkway, Suite 195 Valencia 91355 • (661) 775-4979 www.billthompsonlawoffices.com

Home Owners Association, Landlord/Tenant, Estate Planning

Debt Collection

Estate Planning, Probate, Personal Injury

Business & Corporate, Civil Litigation, Personal Matters

Law Offices of David A. Huffaker 28382 Constellation Road, Valencia 91355 • (661) 288-1050 Estate Planning

Law Offices of Jonathan B. LaFrance 25060 Avenue Stanford, Santa Clarita 91355 • (661) 257 8883 • lawofficesofjonathanblafrance.com

Law Offices of Robert J. Kaiser 23550 Lyons Ave. #203 Santa Clarita 91321 • (661) 444 3446 • robertjkaiser.com

Miller Law Office, PC 25000 Avenue Stanford, Suite 172 Valencia 91355 • (661) 544-3401

Civil Litigation, Non-Profit Organizations, Real Estate

NP Law Firm, APC 28494 Westinghouse Place, Suite 311 Valencia 91355 • (855) 675-2901 • www.nplaw.la Business Litigation, Data Security & Data Privacy, Personal Injury, Trial / Litigation, Toxic Tort, Wrongul Death

Odom Law Group, APLC 24801 Pico Canyon Blvd., Suite 300 Stevenson Ranch 91381 • (661) 367-1699 www.odomlawgroup.com

Owen Patterson & Owen 23822 W. Valencia Blvd. Suite 303 Valencia 91355 • (661) 799-3899 • www.opolaw.com

Poole Shaffery LLC 25350 Magic Mountain Parkway, Santa Clarita Suite 250 Valencia 91355 • (661) 290-2991 www.pooleshaffery.com

Reape-Rickett Law Firm 25152 Springfield Court, Suite 100 Valencia 91355 288-1000 • www.divorcedigest.com

Thompson Von Tungeln, APC 27433 Tourney Road, Suite 150, Valencia 91355 • (661) 945-5868 www.estateplanningspecialists.com

Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick 28001 Smyth Drive,

Planning, Trust Administration, Probate, Business Law, Employment Law, Contracts, Real Estate Law

Litigation, Civil

& Corporate, Estate Planning, Landlord/Tenant, Bankruptcy, Pesonal Injury, Probate Yeager Law, APC 23300 Cinema Drive, Suite 2907 Valencia 91355 • (661) 471-2177 • www.yeager.law

Business, Talent and Momentum: 2025 in the Santa Clarita Valley

BY ONDRÉ SELTZER PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE SANTA CLARITA VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

As we close out 2025 and SCVEDC’s 15th anniversary year, I am deeply grateful for the confidence and partnership of our business community, public agencies, and educators. For fifteen years, SCVEDC has worked to ensure that doing business in the Santa Clarita Valley is Still Golden, and this year underscored how much we can accomplish together when we stay focused on competitiveness, talent, and quality of life.

That commitment was reflected in a key regional honor this summer, as the City of Santa Clarita was named the “Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County” in BizFed’s 2025 Pulse Poll, earning top marks for a third consecutive year. This recognition places Santa Clarita among the most consistently highperforming cities in the poll’s history. It reinforces what our business leaders already know: our local government is a true partner to job creators.

On the industry front, 2025 brought encouraging momentum across key sectors. Element U.S. Space & Defense, formerly NTS Technical Systems, which continues to expand its presence, employing more than 75 team members locally and recently cutting the ribbon on its new Space Testing Center of Excellence. DrinkPAK extended its impressive trajectory by leasing a seventh local facility, a 172,843-squarefoot addition that deepens the company’s long-term investment and expands capacity for high-volume beverage production. We were also pleased to confirm support for FivePoint’s Entrada South and Valencia Commerce Center, which will move forward with more than 1,500 new homes and approximately 3.5 million square feet of new commercial development, creating significant opportunities for new businesses to invest in our region.

SCVEDC continued to lean into its role as a convener. Our 2025 Economic Outlook brought together business leaders, policymakers, and students for a high-energy program that paired data-driven insights with a candid business panel and interactive elements that highlighted Santa Clarita Valley’s collaborative spirit. We co-hosted a BizFed Business Leader

Roundtable with Senator Suzette Valladares to discuss policy and infrastructure issues shaping regional competitiveness, and we hosted the Canadian Consulate-General Trade Mission, welcoming energy companies exploring cross-border collaboration and investment opportunities.

As we look to 2026, our priorities remain clear: support high-growth sectors, strengthen our workforce pipeline, and keep telling the story of why doing business in the Santa Clarita Valley is Still Golden. On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, I wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year. 

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!

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.

Congratulations

Tide Cleaners on your grand opening in October. Go visit them at 27011 McBean Parkway Valencia. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie

Shannon Hurst, Field Representative for Congressman George Whitesides congratulates Jo and Megan Mut on the grand opening of Tide Cleaners. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie

Congratulations to Dentists on Sand Canyon on your grand opening in DECEMBER. Go visit them at 16380 Village Way, Santa Clarita. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie

Celebrating SCV Businesses

Congratulations to Legacy Christian Academy on your grand opening in DECEMBER. Go visit them at www.legacy-christian.com Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support them. 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.

Andrew Taban, Special Assistant for Assessor Jeff Prang, congratulates owner Dr. Maria Cristina Cisneros on the grand opening of Dentists on Sand Canyon. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie

Tyler Pledger from the City of Santa Clarita congratulates Leadership of Legacy Christian Academy on their grand opening. Photo credit: Joie de Vivre Photographie

Announcing 2026 Leadership and Chair Elect for 2027

We are proud to announce our leadership direction for 2026, highlighting continuity, impact, and a deepening commitment to serving the region’s thriving business landscape.

Continuity in Leadership: Di Thompson Continues Her Two-Year Chair

Term

Chair Di Thompson will continue into her second year term, providing steady leadership and ensuring the Chamber builds upon the strong foundation established in recent years.

Throughout her tenure, Thompson has championed a focused vision: strengthening the economic vitality of the region, advocating for businesses across all industries, and deepening the Chamber’s role as the central voice for the Santa Clarita Valley business community. Under her leadership, the Chamber has advanced initiatives that reinforce its position as a vital resource, connector, and advocate for businesses of all sizes.

As she moves into the second half of her term, Thompson remains committed to continuing the meaningful work already underway, expanding member engagement, strengthening partnerships, and elevating the visibility and influence of the business community across the Valley.

Introducing the Chair Elect 2027: Jennifer Abbott

We are also proud to announce Jennifer Abbott as the Chair Elect for 2027, a leader whose professional expertise and community impact will help guide the Chamber into its next chapter.

A graduate of The Master’s University, Abbott began her career at USC, where she spent a decade rising through the Auxiliary Services Division. Her SHRM-SCP certification and completion of the USC Management Development Program reflect her strength in strategic leadership and human capital development.

In 2015, Abbott transitioned full-time into entrepreneurship, joining the company she co-founded—Human Element Company, a staffing and fractional HR agency. As Executive Officer, she leads a team delivering high-impact HR solutions to small and mid-sized organizations seeking clarity, structure, and forward momentum.

Celebrating SCV Businesses

Abbott is deeply woven into the fabric of leadership within the Santa Clarita Valley. She co-founded a local Lean In Circle, helping expand the movement to 10 circles across the Valley. She is the Founder and a Board Member of the WEWIL Collaborative (Women Empowering Women in Leadership) and recently completed five years as Chair of InfluenceHER, one of the Chamber’s most impactful programs supporting professional women.

Her ongoing leadership includes serving on the PIHRA Board of Directors as Chairwoman of Programming.

Guided by belief, discipline, and purpose, Abbott balances her professional and community commitments with her family life alongside her husband Andrew, their three young adult sons, and their dog Tiana.

Strengthening the Fabric of Santa Clarita Valley’s Business Community

With Thompson continuing her two-year chair term and Abbott preparing to step into future leadership, the Chamber’s direction remains clear: to drive progress, amplify local business voices, and strengthen the economic and civic fabric of the entire Santa Clarita Valley.

Together, these leaders embody the Chamber’s mission—to serve as the unified, influential, and forward-thinking voice for the region’s diverse and growing business community.

As the Chamber moves confidently through 2026 and looks ahead to the years that follow, its leadership remains grounded in collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the success of all who do business in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Get Involved

To learn more about membership or engagement opportunities with the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, contact hello@scvchamber.com or visit www.SCVChamber.com .

T he L is T F inancia L a dvisors

Shuper Wealth Management

Tourney Road, Ste 201-L, Valencia 91355 • 818-252-1830 bit.ly/3u3G6IQ

Avenue Stanford, Ste 100, Valencia 91355 • 661-255-9555

Hood Way, Stevenson Ranch 91381 • 213-447-7588 www.shuperwm.com

Constellation Road, No. 398 Santa Clarita 91355 • 661-799 0230 connect.thrivent.com/meyer-klein-group

Tax Group

Avenue Stanford, Ste 120, Valencia 91355 • 661-295-9800 vvalenciataxgroup.com

The List: Movie Studios and Sound Stages

Valley Tax SCV

N, Sierra Highway, Suite A, Santa Clarita 91321

Breslin Tax Prep 25852 McBean Parkway, Santa Clarita 91355 (661) 284-6627 breslintaxprep.com

Brunes Tax Services 21618 Golden Triangle Road #105 Santa Clarita, 91350 (661) 799-8892 brunestaxservice.com

Jones Taxes 18723 Via Princessa #1060, Santa Clarita 91387 (661) 655-4289 buckjonestaxes.com

Railroad Avenue #101 Newhall 91321 (661) 310-2552 extaxexpress.com

Soledad Canyon Road #109, Santa Clarita 91351 (661) 251-6700 intltaxnetwork.com

Jackson Hewitt Tax Services 26471 Carl Boyer Drive, Santa Clarita 91350 (209) 408-1135 jacksonhewitt.com

Julie M Sturgeon CPA 28042 Avenue Stanford Unit E, Valencia 91355 (661) 251-6031 santaclaritatax.com

Krycler, Ervin, Taubman & Kaminsky, AAC 27651 Lincoln Place, Suite 220, Santa Clarita 91387 (818) 995-1040 ketw.com LNK Tax Group 25350 Magic Mountian Parkway #300 Santa

Tourney Road STE 160, Valencia 91355 (661) 259-1967 protaxservices.com

Quality Tax Services Inc. 24250 Lyons Ave, Newhall 91321 (661) 753-3284 quality-tax-services-inc.business.site RM Taxes 26775 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita 91350 (661) 296-1006 rmtaxes.com

T he L is T : M edica L o ffices

Facey Medical Group — Canyon Country

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

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

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

Providence Holy Cross Health Center 26357 McBean Parkway, Santa Clarita, 91355 • (661) 288-5900 • www.providence.org

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

Samuel Dixon Newhall Health Center 23772 Newhall Avenue, Newhall, 91321 • (661) 291-1777 • www.sdfhc.org

Samuel Dixon Valencia Behavioral Health

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

Kaiser Permanente Santa Clarita Medical Offices 1 27107 Tourney Road, Santa Clarita, 91355 • (833) 574-2273 • healthy.kaiserpermanente.org

Kaiser Permanente Santa Clarita Medical Offices 2 26877 Tourney Road, Santa Clarita, 91355 • (833) 574-2273 • healthy.kaiserpermanente.org

UCLA Health Santa Clarita Primary & Specialty Care

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

UCLA Health Tourney Road Primary & Specialty Care 27235 Tourney Road, Suite 2500, Valencia, 91355 • (661) 253-5851 • www.uclahealth.org

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

Adult Primary Care, Pediatrics, Radiology, Laboratory

Cancer Care, Heart and Vascular Care, Breast Health Services

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

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

Mental/Behavioral Health Counseling

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

Endocrinology, Infectious Disease, Opthalmology, Nephrology

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

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

Smart Year-End Moves for Santa Clarita Businesses

BY JONG LEE, ESQ., PARTNER

Thompson Von Tungeln, Trust & Estate Lawyers

As the year winds down, Santa Clarita businesses face a familiar challenge: closing the books cleanly while positioning themselves for a stronger, more strategic year ahead. With nearly five decades of business, tax, litigation, and estateplanning experience, we’ve learned that the final weeks of the year often present some of the most powerful — and most overlooked — opportunities to reduce taxes and strengthen your overall legal and financial position.

This December is especially important. The new One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes several significant new or expanded tax benefits that are retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025. For many owners, executives, and investors, a thoughtful year-end review may uncover savings or planning options that standard “tax prep” simply won’t catch.

December: A Window You Don’t Want to Miss

Many business owners assume it’s too late in the year to make meaningful changes. It’s not. Right now, we

are helping clients identify and implement strategies that can still deliver substantial 2025 benefits if acted on before December 31.

Even when a matter isn’t fully completed until 2026, initiating legal work in December can allow you to deduct appropriate legal expenses against your 2025 income enabling you to both lower next year’s tax bill while getting a head start on the planning you’ve been putting off.

A Free Year-End Legal & Business Checkup

We are offering Santa Clarita business leaders a complimentary initial consultation focused on practical, last-minute opportunities, including:

• Summary review of prior-year tax returns and 2025 year-to-date financials

• Review of business, partnership, and corporate structures

• Asset protection and commercial risk mitigation

• Estate and succession planning for owners

• Tax-efficient compensation and bonus strategies

• Entity formation or re-organization

• Real estate and investment positioning

• Litigation risk audit for 2025

Your Legal Partner for the Long Run

Since 1977, Thompson Von Tungeln has built its reputation on clarity, competence, and long-term relationships. No other Santa Clarita law firm combines Wall Street–level transactional and advisory experience with board-certified estate planning, sophisticated tax strategy, and seasoned litigation and real estate expertise under one roof.

Having helped thousands of local businesses grow, protect assets, and navigate both everyday and once-in-a-lifetime challenges, we offer large-firm sophistication with local, Main Street accessibility and value.

To enter 2026 more prepared, more protected, and more tax-efficient, call 661-945-5868 to schedule your complimentary year-end strategy session today.

Thompson Von Tungeln is located at 27433 Tourney Road, Suite 150, Valencia, CA 91355. We can be reached at (661) 945-5868 or (661) 945-5860 (Español) For more information, visit TrustTVT. com. 

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Legislative Reforms Enacted to Benefit Wildfire Victims

BY JEFF PRANG Los Angeles County Assessor

Iwant to share with your readers the signing of three new state laws that deliver major property tax relief for homeowners and small businesses impacted by the catastrophic January wildfires that devastated communities in Altadena, the Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas. These new measures provide additional time and flexibility for property owners to rebuild while preserving their property tax protections.

California already offers property tax relief programs for disaster survivors, but the scale and severity of the January wildfires needed immediate action.

I want to thank Governor Newsom and our legislative partners for recognizing the urgency of this moment. These new laws provide critical relief for wildfire survivors by extending filing deadlines and rebuilding timelines, ensuring that no one loses their property tax protections simply because recovery takes time. I’m deeply grateful to Senators Allen, McInerney, Perez, and Assemblymember Gipson for their leadership and compassion in helping our communities rebuild.

At the Assessor’s Office, we have been working proactively to support affected property owners. We are evaluating every property in the disaster zones regardless of whether the owner has filed an application for disaster relief.

Because existing laws impacting property assessment and taxes can often be inflexible and unforgiving, I sponsored several pieces of legislation aimed at providing more flexible and meaningful support to disaster victims. They are now law.

Summary of Assessor-Sponsored Bills

• The Misfortune & Calamity program allows property owners whose properties are damaged or destroyed by disasters, such as wildfires, earthquakes, or floods, to apply for a temporary reduction in assessed value, thereby lowering their property taxes. To qualify, the damage must exceed $10,000, and a

claim must be filed with the Assessor’s Office within 24 months of the event. Learn more at assessor.lacounty.gov/ contact/calamity-disaster.

• Assembly Bill 245 (Asm. Mike Gipson) – Extends the rebuilding window from 5 to 8 years and authorizes the Assessor’s Office to assess properties impacted by the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Sunset, or Woodley fires for a decline in value as of the 2025 lien date, taking into account wildfire-related destruction, depreciation, or removal that occurred post January 1, 2025.

• Senate Bill 293 (Sen. Sasha Perez) –Extends the deadline to resolve wildfirerelated ownership issues from 6 months to 3 years after receiving a reassessment notice and changes the filing requirements for a Homeowners’ Exemption when claiming the Prop. 19 intergenerational exclusion. The bill was prompted by cases where ownership records received via inheritance were not updated, and new owners were denied Misfortune and Calamity relief because title records did not reflect the true owners, making them ineligible for property assessment exclusions.

In addition to these new laws, there are several other programs available through our Office that can help to ensure that property owners are receiving the most up-to-date information related to their properties.

The first is our Homeowner Alert program, which will notify a property owner via email within 48 hours that a document has been recorded in connection with their property. This tool gives prop-

erty owners the ability to identify and address title fraud and other fraudulent or improper activity almost as soon as it occurs.

The second is our E-Service program, which enables property owners to submit Change of Mailing Address requests online. This is especially important for property owners affected by the fires, who may need to receive property tax notices and bills at a different address. Both programs are available when a property owner creates an E-Service account on our website.

Finally, to enhance property owner access to information about their disaster relief benefits through our Office, we have updated the Property Search tool on our website to allow property owners to see the status of the review of their M&C claim.

As we continue our on-the-ground outreach in every impacted community, my Office is committed to making sure wildfire survivors get every dollar of property tax relief they are entitled to quickly, clearly, and without unnecessary bureaucracy. Recovery takes time, and the government needs to meet people where they are. I believe these laws help us do exactly that.

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. 

Realtors Report Closings are on the Rise

BY DAVID WALKER

For the Southland Regional Association of Realtors

Sales of existing homes and condominiums increased during October in the Santa Clarita Valley while home prices posted a modest gain and the inventory continued to grow, the Southland Regional Association of Realtors reported for this past month.

Local real estate professionals helped close escrow on 198 single-family homes and 71 condominiums. The totals increased 27.8% and 10.9%, respectively, compared to a year ago. The home tally was the second highest this year, behind only the 218 closed escrows of this July — which also was the only month this year above the 200-sale benchmark. The condo total was the highest this year and the best of any month since May 2024. A little push from the federal government to support a market that already has high demand prompted some optimism heading into the holidays from the local experts.

Another factor that could impact the market is supply. Hundreds of new homes have been approved in recent months, including more than 1,500 that were recently approved as part of the planned growth of Valencia by FivePoint.

“It’s not surprising that buyers remained active in Santa Clarita over the last several months,” said Anthony Bedgood, president of the 10,000-member Southland Regional Association of Realtors. “Our valley stays popular among prospective buyers because of its desirable lifestyle, the quality of communities, prices that are within reach of more buyers, a decent inventory, and interest rates that were lower than earlier in the year and a year ago.”

The national average interest rate during October was 6.57% — the lowest since December’s 6.31% and well below the 7.79% of October 2023

“With the recent additional interest rate cut announced by the Fed, Santa Clarita is poised to stay busier than normal in November and December,” said Valerie Biletsky, the SRAR’s CEO. “Experienced Realtors and homebuyers understand that there are more oppor-

tunities and less competition as holidays draw people away from the market. 2025 may wind up being the best year for local home sales since 2022.”

The Association reported at the end of October 522 active home listings. That was up 2.2% over the last year. Condominium active listings came in at 261, up 21.4%.

The median price — meaning half sold for a higher price and half for a lower price — of single-family homes that changed owners last month was $855,000, up 2.3%. The median for condominiums was $520,000, down 8% from a year ago.

There were 137 home and 42 condominium open escrows at the end of the month. Pending home sales were down 21% while condo pending sales fell 39%. Following typical seasonal trends, new listings of both categories also fell, down 16% and 10%, respectively.

Looking more closely at the local numbers, Valencia, Canyon Country and Saugus had the most listings based on the recent data. Valencia had 240 total active listings in October, and Canyon Country had 156.

The median list price was $749,000 in Canyon Country and about $20,000 higher in Valencia. Saugus, which is in between the two geographically, had a median list price of $829,000.

The most affordable place to live is Castaic, based on the recent median list prices available, with homes in that area moving for $320,000 last month.

SRAR’s Income-to-Loan guide for October found that an income of $229,065 was needed to qualify for an 80% loan of $710,400 on a Santa Clarita Valley median-priced condominium of $888,000. With the national average interest rate of 6.57%, the income needed to qualify increased 3.4% from a year ago. The monthly PITI — principle, interest, taxes and insurance payments — came to $5,727.

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. 

Sandy Sanchez, the vice president of policy at FivePoint, talks about the new housing just approved for the west side of the Santa Clarita Valley during a Valley Industry Association luncheon in April at College of the Canyons in Valenica. Katherine Quezada/The Signal