Member News

The Power of Community!

Dear Bridge to Home Friends,

As we approach the end of another year, I find myself reflecting on one of the greatest strengths of Bridge to Home: the incredible community that stands beside us.

Every day, we witness the difference that compassion, generosity, and a willingness to serve can make in the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

This month, we have so much to celebrate.

Our 3rd Annual Turkey Trot brought our community together in an extraordinary way, raising $65,300 and surpassing our fundraising goal by $15,300! This accomplishment is a testament to what we can achieve when we unite around a shared purpose.

To our donors, volunteers, community partners, and advocates, thank you! Your support allows us to continue providing essential services and helping our neighbors take meaningful steps toward stability and permanent housing.

As we look toward the year ahead, I am filled with gratitude for what we have accomplished together and optimism for what is still possible.

Because of you, hope continues to grow, and lives continue to change.

Dietra Clayton
 

Making a Difference, One Hour at a Time
 

Meet Kathy Christianson
 

At Bridge to Home, volunteers give so much more than their time. They bring compassion, connection, and hope to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

This month, we're delighted to spotlight Kathy Christianson, a dedicated volunteer who is making a difference in more ways than one.

For nearly two years, Kathy has helped serve meals, supported our Feed It Forward program, and built meaningful relationships with the people we serve. And thanks to her employer, PennyMac, Kathy's generosity goes even further—every hour she volunteers generates a $25 donation to Bridge to Home!

Discover how Kathy is turning her time into lasting impact and how your volunteer hours might do the same.
 

A Community That Goes The Extra Mile!

What An Incredible Day For Our 3rd Annual Turkey Trot!

On November 7, our community came together at The Paseo Club for a morning filled with energy, generosity, and a shared commitment to making a difference for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Thanks to our amazing participants, donors, sponsors, and volunteers, we raised an incredible $65,300, surpassing our original $50,000 fundraising goal by $15,300! This achievement is a reflection of the compassion and dedication of a community that continues to show up for Bridge to Home.

To everyone who participated, donated, fundraised, or cheered us on, thank you for making this year's Turkey Trot such a success!
 

Making A Difference,

One Volunteer at a Time.

On October 24, Bridge to Home was proud to participate in the City of Santa Clarita's Make a Difference Day, a nationwide celebration of community service that brings people together to create positive change.

As part of this community-wide initiative, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help beautify our shelter and clean the surrounding streets. Their hard work helped maintain a clean, welcoming, and well-cared-for environment for the individuals and families we serve.

The spirit of giving didn't stop there! A mother and daughter who participated in Make a Difference Day returned to volunteer at our 3rd Annual Turkey Trot, demonstrating how a single day of service can inspire continued involvement.

We are grateful to the City of Santa Clarita and every volunteer who chose to make a difference. Your kindness, dedication, and willingness to give back help us build a stronger, more compassionate community.

The Power of Community!

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation 2026 Economic Outlook Book is now available.

Planning for your business starts with understanding the economy around it. Explore the Santa Clarita Valley’s demographics, employment trends, quality of life indicators, real estate development updates and more in the 2026 Economic Outlook Book.

Produced by SCVEDC in collaboration with economist Dr. Mark Schniepp, the book was first shared with attendees of our annual Economic Outlook conference and is now available on the SCV website for everyone to use.

Whether you’re considering an expansion, researching the local market or keeping up with our region, this resource puts valuable data at your fingertips.

Download the 2026 Economic Outlook Book here.

Bouquet Canyon Remodel Closure Date Confirmed

Temporary closure begins November 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM

The branch's closure has now been scheduled and will close beginning Friday, November 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM. It is expected to remain closed for approximately one month while interior renovations are completed.

We apologize for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to create a more modern, welcoming branch experience for our members.

Alternative banking options:

During the closure, we're here to serve you through our nearby branches, including Bridgeport, Golden Valley, and Stevenson Ranch. You can also manage your accounts through Online Banking, scheduling a Virtual Appointment, or contacting our Member Service Center at (800) 328-5328.

We'll continue to keep you informed throughout the renovation process, including updates on our progress and confirmation of the branch's reopening date.

Thank you for your continued support. We're excited to welcome you back to an enhanced Bouquet Canyon Branch soon!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Contact: Carrie Lujan
 November 4, 2026                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           (661) 255-4314                                         

CITY OF SANTA CLARITA INVITES RESIDENTS TO COMMUNITY

MEETING ON PROPOSED EIGHT-STORY COURTHOUSE

Residents Encouraged to Learn About the State's Proposal and Share Their Concerns

Imagine an eight-story courthouse towering over the intersection of McBean Parkway and Valencia Boulevard. That is exactly what the State of California is proposing, and the City of Santa Clarita wants residents to understand the potential impacts this massive project could have on their community.

The City will host a Community Meeting on Tuesday, November 17, at 6:00 p.m. at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center (26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd) to provide information about the State's proposed courthouse, outline the City's efforts to identify a more appropriate location and give residents an opportunity to share their concerns.

At eight stories tall, the proposed courthouse would be the tallest building in the Santa Clarita Valley, standing two stories taller than the next tallest building. Its proposed location raises significant concerns regarding traffic congestion, parking, public safety, neighborhood compatibility and the overall character of the surrounding community.

The Santa Clarita City Council has repeatedly expressed opposition to the proposed location and has worked to identify alternative sites that could better accommodate a courthouse while minimizing impacts on residents and businesses. Despite these efforts, the State Judicial Council has rejected the City's suggested alternatives and has continued moving forward with its preferred location without meaningful collaboration with the City.

“From the moment the State announced its proposed courthouse location, without any advance notice or input from the City, your City Council has fought to protect the interests of our residents,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “We have worked in good faith, raised serious concerns and identified several more suitable locations, only to have the State dismiss every alternative. Santa Clarita deserves better than an eight-story courthouse forced into the wrong location without meaningful community input. This is our community, and the State needs to

hear directly from the people who live, work and raise their families here. We will not stand by while decisions that could permanently change the character of our City are made without our voices being heard.”

The upcoming community meeting will provide residents with an overview of the project, information about the City's actions to date and details about the State's responses to the City's concerns. Most importantly, it will provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions and share feedback.

The City encourages residents, neighborhood associations, local businesses and community stakeholders to attend and learn more about this significant proposal.

Santa Clarita has spent nearly 40 years thoughtfully planning and building a community known for its exceptional quality of life. Decisions of this magnitude deserve careful consideration, transparency and meaningful input from the people who live and work here.

Join us on November 17 and be part of this important conversation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jared Anderson

November 2, 2026 (661) 284-1421

FREE DRIVE-THRU HAZARDOUS WASTE/E-WASTE COLLECTION EVENT
 

The City of Santa Clarita encourages residents to dispose of their unwanted household hazardous and electronic waste at the FREE Household Hazardous/E-Waste Collection Event on Saturday, November 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the College of the Canyons South Parking Lot (26455 Rockwell Canyon Road).

The Household Hazardous/E-Waste Collection Event is a safe and free opportunity for residents to dispose of their hazardous household and electronic waste (e-waste), including antifreeze, paint, paint thinner, turpentine, motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid, cleaners with acid or lye, pool chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, household batteries or car batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, unwanted or expired prescription medications, televisions, computers and other miscellaneous electronics such as cell phones, printers and stereos. Needles or sharps disposal will require exiting your vehicle in a designated location to deposit them in a bin.

In preparation for the event, waste items should be packed in a sturdy box, preferably in their original labeled container, in the trunk of the participant’s vehicle. Participants should be prepared to leave any containers or boxes at the collection site and must remain in their vehicle while trained staff removes the hazardous waste from the vehicle’s trunk.

Items not eligible for disposal include:

• Ammunition, radioactive materials and explosives

• Controlled substances and biohazardous waste

• “White goods” including refrigerators, water heaters and other similar domestic appliances

• Waste from businesses

All Los Angeles County residents are welcome to attend the Household Hazardous Waste/E-Waste Collection event. Reservations are not needed to participate. A transportation

limit of 125 pounds or 15 gallons per vehicle is enforced. Reminder: attendees must remain in their vehicles, and event staff will only remove waste from a vehicle’s trunk or pickup bed.

This event is hosted by the City of Santa Clarita, in partnership with the County of Los Angeles and organized by the Department of Public Works and the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County.

For more information about the Household Hazardous Waste/E-Waste Collection Event and additional household hazardous waste permanent collection centers, visit PW.LACounty.gov/EPD/HHW/ or call (888)-CLEAN-LA. Visit GreenSantaClarita.com to learn more about upcoming green events and other resources.

Don Fleming, owner of Valencia Acura and president of the Santa Clarita Auto Dealers Association, died on Sept. 8 at age 84. Fleming, the 2004 Santa Clarita Valley Man of the Year and well known in the SCV for his philanthropy, will be honored with a Celebration of Life on Monday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m.

The service, honoring Fleming’s life, community leadership and lasting contributions to the Santa Clarita Valley, will be held at the Crossroads Community Church, 25300 Rye Canyon Road, Valencia, CA 91355.

Fleming, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, business leader and dedicated community advocate, spent nearly three decades bringing people together to strengthen local businesses, support nonprofits and advance community causes. The celebration will honor the generosity, determination and friendship that defined his life and the legacy he leaves throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

Among his many honors Fleming, with wife Cheri, was named the 2019 honoree of the College of the Canyons Foundation Silver Spur Award for Community Service.

In lieu of flowers, the Fleming family invites friends to consider a memorial gift to the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club at scvbgc.org.

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley posted the following message on social media:

“As we continue to remember and honor the life of Don Fleming, we are reflecting on the incredible legacy he leaves throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

Don and his late wife, Cheri, shared a long and meaningful history with Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley. Their generosity, leadership, and belief in giving back helped strengthen our Club and expand opportunities for local youth.
Together, Don and Cheri co-chaired our annual auction for three consecutive years during the 2000s, helping make it one of the most successful fundraising efforts in our history. Just as importantly, they opened their home, invited friends and business leaders into the Club’s circle, and used their influence throughout Santa Clarita to advocate for kids and families.

Don believed that when you make your living in a community, you have a responsibility to give something back to it. He lived that belief fully.

We are especially honored that Don’s family chose to recognize the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley as part of the way his legacy is remembered. It is a meaningful tribute to a life defined by generosity, service, and love for this community.

We remain grateful for Don’s friendship, his leadership, and the lasting difference he made for generations of young people.”

“My dad believed friendship was something you lived every day. You could see it in the way he cared for our team, welcomed customers and made time for people throughout Santa Clarita,” said Fleming’s son, Brian Fleming. “That same spirit guided his community service. He gave his time and energy because he cared about our community and wanted to make a difference. I learned so much from watching him, and carrying that spirit forward is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor him.”

Some of the most valuable lessons a parent can pass down don't come from a classroom. They come from greeting customers, closing out the register, and watching how real decisions get made when real money is on the line.

For local business owners, bringing your children into the family business can build lifelong skills, strengthen family ties, and lay the groundwork for generational wealth. Done correctly, it can also come with meaningful tax advantages.

Skills that last longer than a summer job

Children who work alongside parents and relatives gain hands-on experience they carry for life. A strong work ethic is the obvious one, but the quieter skills often matter more:

• Emotional intelligence and empathy, learned from serving customers and working with coworkers of all ages
• Communication, from explaining a product to speaking up in a team conversation
• Conflict resolution, because every business eventually has a frustrated customer or a disagreement to work through

These skills pay off in business and in every other part of life.

Pride, ownership, and a shared purpose

When children contribute to the success of the business, they start to see it as partly theirs. That sense of ownership builds appreciation and makes them more likely to invest their own time and energy in it.

It also gives the family something to build together. Shared goals, shared wins, and shared problems to solve can strengthen family bonds well beyond business hours.

A front row seat to what it takes

Generational wealth is built on more than money. It rests on values passed down: hard work, dedication, and the patience to keep showing up.

Working in the business lets children see the commitment and sacrifice behind a successful enterprise firsthand. They learn the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, along with practical lessons in leadership, communication, and decision making. Whether they one day take over the business or start their own path, that perspective stays with them.

The tax advantage

Paying your children for real work can also benefit the business. Their wages are generally deductible as a business expense, which lowers your taxable income.

There can be more on the table, depending on your situation:

• Lower tax on their earnings. Your child's earned income may be partly or fully covered by their own standard deduction.
• Payroll tax savings. In a sole proprietorship, or a partnership owned only by the parents, wages paid to a child under 18 are generally exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes.
• A head start on saving. Earned income makes your child eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, giving them decades of potential tax free growth.

The rules vary by business structure, so it pays to plan with your tax professional before adding anyone to payroll.

Doing it the right way

Involving your children in the business is a meaningful decision, and the details matter. To keep the arrangement both rewarding and defensible, make sure you have:

• A real job description that matches tasks appropriate for your child's age
• Accurate time records showing the hours actually worked
• A reasonable, market based wage comparable to what you would pay anyone else for the same work
• Proper payroll documentation, with wages paid through the business like any other employee

Let's talk about your family business

Vance Wealth helps business owners put best practices in place, from setting up documentation to coordinating with your tax professional, so the next generation can grow with confidence.

Vance Wealth, LLC is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Vance Wealth and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor's particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor.

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation has issued its 2026 Largest SCV Employers List. More than 32,000 people work for the organizations represented on the list, with overall reported employment increasing approximately 3% from the comparable 2025 total.

More than two dozen of the SCV’s largest private employers reported higher local headcounts, with gains spanning healthcare, logistics, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and other sectors.

The top 10 largest employers in the Santa Clarita Valley for 2026 are:

1 Six Flags Magic Mountain 3,000

2 William S. Hart Union School District 2,084

3 College of the Canyons 1,909

4 Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital 1,830

5 Saugus Union School District 1,677

6 City of Santa Clarita 1,171

7 U.S. Postal Service (SCV Processing Distribution) 1,158 *

8 California Institute of the Arts 1,151

9 Newhall School District 913

10 Amazon/Whole Foods 886

* 2026 headcount unavailable; 2025 headcount assumed for 2026.

The SCVEDC analysis showed there was positive movement among private employers this year. Collectively, the largest private employers reported a net increase of 191 employees, with several companies posting notable gains.

Amazon/Whole Foods had the largest increase, adding 208 employees, a 31% increase over its 2025 headcount. Fralock followed with one of the strongest gains on the list, adding 173 employees and increasing its reported workforce by 93%.

Healthcare also delivered one of the year’s biggest employer gains. Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital added 135 employees, an 8% increase, bringing its reported workforce to 1,830.

Several other employers posted meaningful growth. ASC Process Systems added 94 employees, a 34% increase. Stay Green added 68, up 14%. DrinkPAK added another 50 employees, an 11% increase.

Several aerospace and advanced-manufacturing companies added workers as well, including Cicoil (+45), Sunvair (+41), Adept Fasteners (+30), Crissair (+18), TA Aerospace (+15) and HRD Aero Systems (+15).

The 2026 Economic Outlook estimates that its Aerospace & Defense composite sector supports approximately 1,824 workers in the Santa Clarita Valley, with an average salary of $114,342 per worker and employment at or near record levels.

Employers grouped in the survey’s public-employer category also contributed significantly to this year’s increase, collectively reporting 636 more employees than in 2025.

Saugus Union School District (+363)

Southern California Edison (+100)

College of the Canyons (+80)

Newhall School District (+56)

William S. Hart Union School District (+35)

Together, these employers provide a substantial employment foundation across education, infrastructure, utilities and public services in the SCV.

To view the complete 2026 Largest Employers list from the SCVEDC click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joe Redmond
October 09, 2026 (661) 286-4063

CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NAMED FINALIST FOR PRESTIGIOUS 2026 MOST BUSINESS-FRIENDLY CITY AWARD
City Recognized for Business Retention and Recruitment, Workforce Alignment and One-Stop Permitting

The City of Santa Clarita is proud to announce that it has been named a Large City Finalist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s (LAEDC) prestigious 2026 Most Business-Friendly City Award. The recognition highlights Santa Clarita’s continued commitment to creating an environment where businesses can start, stay, grow and invest.

Santa Clarita was selected as one of seven Large City Finalists following an independent review by LAEDC’s Blue-Ribbon Committee. The City was specifically recognized for its “integrated retention and recruitment, workforce alignment and one-stop permitting,” underscoring Santa Clarita’s comprehensive approach to economic development and its commitment to supporting businesses at every stage.

“This recognition is a tremendous honor and reflects our City’s longstanding commitment to being a true partner to our business community,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “Whether we are helping a local business expand, welcoming a new company to Santa Clarita or connecting employers with the resources and workforce they need to succeed, our goal is to make doing business in Santa Clarita as seamless as possible. We are incredibly proud to be recognized among Los Angeles County’s most business-friendly cities.”

Santa Clarita’s business-friendly approach brings together business retention and recruitment, workforce development and responsive City services to support a strong local economy. Through partnerships with businesses, educational institutions and regional organizations, the City works to connect employers with resources, attract new investment and retain the companies that already call Santa Clarita home. The City’s one-stop permitting

approach also helps businesses navigate the development process by providing coordinated assistance and a clear path forward for projects.

This award celebrates effective policies, responsive services, strong partnerships and innovative approaches to economic development, while highlighting practices that can strengthen communities throughout Los Angeles County. Fourteen cities were named finalists in 2026, with seven cities advancing in each of the Large City and Small City categories.

The 2026 Most Business-Friendly City honorees will be announced at LAEDC’s 31st Annual EDDY Awards on Wednesday, November 4. The annual event brings together leaders from business, government, education, labor and community institutions to recognize the people and organizations helping shape Los Angeles County’s economy and advance opportunity across the region.

Santa Clarita has a longstanding history of recognition for its business-friendly approach, including previous Most Business-Friendly City honors from LAEDC. The City remains committed to building on that legacy by supporting local businesses, attracting investment, creating quality jobs and fostering a strong and resilient local economy.

For more information about doing business in Santa Clarita and the City’s economic development resources, please visit ThinkSantaClarita.com.

https://bit.ly/EternamenteSCV 

For California employers, accurate timekeeping involves more than asking employees to clock in and out—especially when digital time clocks and payroll apps are involved.

As the California Supreme Court continues to consider Camp v. Home Depot, business owners and HR teams have another reason to understand what happens to employee time between the original punch and the final payroll calculation.

The central issue is straightforward: Does the time your employees record match the time they are actually being paid for?

That is the question at the heart of Camp v. Home Depot.

Home Depot used an electronic timekeeping system that recorded employees’ clock-in and clock-out times to the minute. For payroll purposes, however, the company rounded each employee’s total shift time to the nearest quarter hour. Under that system, some employees gained time and some lost time through rounding. 

Home Depot’s system recorded employees’ actual work time, but payroll used rounded time instead. The case now asks whether California employers can continue using neutral rounding when precise time records are available.

Why does that matter for employers?

Many businesses now use digital systems that can record employee time precisely. If a system captures an employee’s actual punch at 8:03 a.m., but another setting converts that time for payroll purposes, the business needs to understand exactly where that change happens and why.

In other words, employers need to understand whether their actual timekeeping technology, payroll settings, and payment practices are aligned.

For Santa Clarita business owners, this is a practical example of why compliance works best as an ongoing process. Businesses change payroll providers, adopt new software, add employees, expand locations, and update internal processes over time. As those systems evolve, employers may want to periodically confirm that the time recorded, the time processed, and the time paid are working together as intended.

In our recent article, Koegle Law Group takes a closer look at:

• What Camp v. Home Depot could mean for California employers and employee time rounding
• Why an employee’s original clock-in and clock-out records matter
• How recorded time can change between the time clock and payroll
• What employers may want to consider when reviewing timekeeping policies and practices

For employers, the bigger takeaway is simple: effective compliance means understanding not only what your policies say, but how your systems carry them out in practice.

Read the full article here: Can California Employers Round Employee Time? What Camp v. Home Depot Means for Timekeeping

At Koegle Law Group, we partner with California employers and business owners to provide practical guidance, clear communication, and proactive legal strategies designed to support informed decision-making as workplace requirements and business operations continue to evolve.

The information contained herein may not reflect the most current legal developments and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date. Nothing in this article should be construed as creating an attorney-client relationship. Employers should consult with qualified employment counsel regarding their specific circumstances before taking action based on any information contained in this article.

The short answer is yes. Absolutely.

SchlickArt creates professional headshots, corporate headshots, team photos and personal branding photography for business owners, executives and professionals throughout Santa Clarita.

A longtime client recently asked whether we still offered headshot sessions. She had seen SchlickArt expand its marketing strategy, written content, social media and video services and wondered whether photography was still part of what we do.

It is, and it remains one of the biggest parts of our business.

What makes a SchlickArt headshot session different?

Every session begins with a conversation. We want to understand what you do, where your photograph will be used and how you want people to experience you. Then we guide you through the entire session, paying attention to your wardrobe, posture and expression.

You do not need to know how to pose or find your “good side.” As Lindsay often says, “Being photogenic isn’t your job. It’s mine.”

But good direction is only part of the experience. We also want your photograph to reflect who you are right now, because a lot can change between headshots.

You may have stepped into a leadership role, built a larger team, refined your services or become more confident in the work you do. All of that is going to come across in your photography, in big and subtle ways. That's why your professional photograph should represent the person you are today, not the person you were several years ago.

The right business headshot helps you appear confident, approachable and recognizable across your website, LinkedIn profile, company biography, email signature and marketing materials.

So yes, SchlickArt still offers professional headshots in Santa Clarita. We would love to photograph the person you have become.

Read the full story and learn more about the SchlickArt headshot experience.

SchlickArt provides professional headshots, corporate headshots, team photography and personal branding photography for businesses and professionals in Santa Clarita and throughout Southern California.