Member News

For many business owners, compliance is easiest to manage when it's treated as part of regular business planning—not something reviewed only when a question, complaint, or deadline appears.

That is especially true for California employers, where workplace requirements can affect hiring, payroll, documentation, employee policies, manager decisions, and long-term growth planning.

At Koegle Law Group, we work with businesses that want to build stronger systems before issues arise. For employers, that often means taking a practical look at the policies and processes that guide daily operations, including employee handbooks, job descriptions, classification practices, wage and hour documentation, and workplace procedures.

The goal is not to make compliance feel overwhelming. It's to create more clarity.

When internal documents match how the business actually operates, leaders can make decisions with greater consistency. When managers understand expectations, workplace communication improves. When employment practices are reviewed regularly, business owners are better positioned to identify gaps before they become larger concerns.

For Chamber members and local business owners, this kind of proactive planning can be especially valuable heading into a new period of growth. Whether your business is expanding, hiring, updating policies, or simply taking a closer look at internal operations, employment compliance can play an important role in supporting stability.

In our recent article, Koegle Law Group shares practical considerations for California employers preparing for 2026, including:

• How to approach an annual employment practices audit
• Why employee handbooks should be reviewed and updated regularly
• The importance of clear, well-defined job descriptions
• How to review employee classifications for accuracy
• Why wage and hour documentation should be part of ongoing compliance planning
• How employment practices liability insurance may fit into a broader risk-management strategy

The article is designed to help employers think through compliance in a practical, business-minded way—with a focus on preparation, documentation, and long-term workplace stability.

Read the full article here: California Employer Compliance: Key Best Practices for 2026

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 over time.

This communication may be considered advertising material under the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers in California.

In a business community like Santa Clarita, visibility matters.

You show up at events. You sponsor the fundraiser. You post the team photo. You share the ribbon cutting. You update your social media, send the email, refresh the flyer, and keep doing your best to stay in front of the people who matter.

And all of that matters.

But there’s a subtle difference between marketing that keeps your business visible and marketing that actively supports your growth.

That difference usually isn’t obvious at first.

Reactive marketing can still look polished. It can still feel productive. It can still include strong visuals, thoughtful captions, consistent posting, and plenty of activity. But if the activity isn’t tied to a bigger goal, it can start to drift.

Proactive marketing is different.

It starts with clarity. What are you trying to grow? Where do your best leads come from? What does your audience need to understand before they’re ready to work with you? And how can your photography, video, blogs, social media, and campaigns all work together to support that path?

For local business owners, this distinction matters because your reputation is built over time. The people in this community may see you online, meet you at a Chamber event, hear your name from a referral partner, and visit your website weeks later.

That journey should feel connected.

At SchlickArt, we help established service-based businesses build marketing that is both strategic and human. As your fractional marketing team, we help connect the dots between your goals, your message, your visuals, and the content your audience sees again and again.

Because the goal isn’t simply more marketing.

It’s more alignment.

If your marketing looks active but still feels hard to measure, this is a good moment to pause and ask: Is the work moving, or is it moving you forward?

We're breaking down the subtle difference between reactive and proactive marketing—and what it takes to build a strategy that supports real growth.

Read the full article: The Subtle Difference Between Reactive and Proactive Marketing 

Originally published by SchlickArt, a Santa Clarita-based fractional marketing team and visual marketing company serving professional service organizations and growing businesses.

The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund is now open, offering $5,000 grants to independent restaurants and commercial caterers across California. Designed to help businesses strengthen and sustain their operations, these grants support essential investments such as upgrading kitchen equipment, adopting new technology, and investing in staff.

SoCalGas is proud to support the Resilience Fund, helping provide meaningful resources to our hometown restaurants and the communities they serve.

Quick Details: 

➡️ Apply Now through June 30  

➡️ $5,000 grants  

➡️ Restaurants with 1-5 locations 

➡️ Commercial customers of PG&E and SoCalGas  

➡️ See full eligibility + apply:  https://restaurantscare.org/resilience/

Follow and Share: @RestaurantsCare @SoCalGas | #RestaurantsCare

Big News for Local Families: Trump Accounts Are Here

A new type of federally established savings account — called a Trump Account — is now available for children, and it could be one of the most impactful financial planning tools we've seen in years.

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 530A, Trump Accounts are tax-deferred investment accounts designed to grow alongside your child from birth all the way into adulthood. Here's what every family in our community should know:

Free seed money — up to $1,250. Children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028 may receive a $1,000 federal contribution just for opening an account. On top of that, the Dell family (Michael and Susan Dell) announced a $6.25 billion philanthropic commitment in December 2025 that could add another $250 for children age 10 and under living in low- and middle-income ZIP codes. That's potentially $1,250 in your child's account before you contribute a single dollar.

Simple eligibility. Any U.S. citizen under age 18 with a valid Social Security number qualifies. Only one account per child.

Flexible contributions. Starting July 4, 2026, families can contribute up to $5,000 per year. Parents, grandparents, other relatives, and even employers can contribute — and employer contributions up to $2,500 annually are tax-deductible to the employer and excluded from the employee's income.

Low-cost, long-term investing. By law, these accounts invest in broad U.S. equity index funds (like the S&P 500) with annual fees capped at 0.10%. Growth is tax-deferred — meaning your child's investments compound without an annual tax drag.

How to open one. File IRS Form 4547 — which can be submitted alongside your 2025 tax return — or apply online at trumpaccounts.gov. Accounts are initially held with the Treasury's designated financial agent, with the option to transfer to a preferred brokerage later.

One important note: IRS guidance on these accounts is still evolving, and if education savings is your primary goal, a 529 plan may be worth comparing. At 18, your child will have full control of their Trump Account — so planning ahead matters.

Our team at Vance Wealth is here to help you evaluate whether a Trump Account fits into your family's financial picture. Reach us at 888-775-0950 or info@vancewealth.com.

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.

Program details are based on currently available information and are subject to change pending additional IRS and Treasury guidance.

Vance Wealth is an independent SEC-registered investment adviser and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the U.S. government or any government agency.

SCV Water is excited to announce the return of its popular Scout Days program this summer. Running from July 2 through July 30, 2026, the educational program will be offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 9 to 11 a.m. Designed for Scouts ages 6-18, Scout Days provides a unique opportunity to learn about water conservation, environmental stewardship, and local water resources through interactive activities and behind-the-scenes experiences.

About the Scout Days Program

Scout Days is designed to foster a deeper understanding of water resources, conservation practices, and environmental sustainability. The program features hands-on activities and guided tours that provide participants with an engaging and memorable educational experience.

Created in response to requests from local Scout troops seeking opportunities to fulfill badge requirements, the program takes place at SCV Water's E.G. "Jerry" Gladbach Water Treatment Plant, located above Central Park in Santa Clarita. Participants will explore a variety of water-related topics while completing activities that support badge and advancement requirements.

Topics Covered

• State Water Project
• Watersheds
• Soil Types
• Water Conservation

Activities Include

• Water Treatment Plant Tour
• Interactive Learning Stations
• Hands-on Activities that Support Badge Requirements
• Opportunity to Earn a Scout Days Fun Patch

Participants may register as a Patrol, Pack, Troop, or individually with an adult chaperone. Chaperones must be at least 18 years old and remain with participants throughout the program.

How to Register

Registration for the 2026 Scout Days program is now open. Sessions will be held July 2-30, 2026, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Interested participants can learn more and register by visiting yourscvwater.com/scouts or by contacting Water Education Supervisor Jenny McNerney at jmcnerney@scvwa.org.

Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

California business owners are used to seeing new regulations arrive early and often. So, when New York quietly steps into that role on a new hot-button issue, California employers should pay very close attention.

What lands in Albany today may find its way to Sacramento tomorrow.

On December 11, 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed S.8420-A/A.8887-B — the AI Transparency in Advertising Act — into law. It takes effect June 9, 2026, making New York one of the first states in the country to directly regulate how artificial intelligence is used in advertising.

The law’s core requirement is straightforward: if a commercial advertisement uses a “synthetic performer” — an AI-generated humanlike figure that is not a real, identifiable person — the advertisement must include a clear disclosure that AI was used.

And the law extends to television commercials, digital advertising, social media campaigns, influencer marketing, and more.

New York may have blinked first. But California is watching.

Business owners who use AI in their advertising and marketing today are operating in a rapidly changing legal environment. The time to understand your obligations, review your vendor contracts, and build a clear disclosure practice is now — not when the next bill passes and businesses are given 90 days to comply.

At Koegle Law Group, we partner with California employers and business owners to provide practical legal guidance that supports compliance, informed decision-making, and long-term business stability. As technology changes, proactive planning can help leadership teams move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Read the full article here: New York Just Blinked First on AI Advertising — California Employers, You’re Next

DISCLAIMER: This client alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should consult with qualified legal counsel before taking any action based on the information in this alert. Receipt of this alert does not create an attorney-client relationship.

This article was originally published by Koegle Law Group, proudly serving businesses in Santa Clarita and beyond. This communication may be considered advertising material under the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers in California.

“What about bums on seats?”

Lindsay’s voice cut through the room during one of our big-picture planning days at SchlickArt.

The whole team had been gathered around oversized Post-it notes, mapping out the vision for SchlickArtTV. The ideas were flying: build brand recognition, share honest stories, pull back the curtain, increase community impact, correct misconceptions, connect with local leaders.

It was thoughtful. It was creative. It was very us.

And then Lindsay stepped back, picked up a Sharpie, and wrote three words at the bottom of the board:

BUMS. ON. SEATS.

We all laughed.

Because of course.

In all our excitement about what we wanted our content to say, we had almost forgotten what it needed to do: bring in bookings.

That moment became a turning point in how we think about content strategy—for ourselves and for the clients we guide. Because likes, views, and comments can feel encouraging, but they don’t always translate into inquiries, booked calls, or paying clients.

And for service-based businesses, that matters.

Social media is often the first handshake. It’s how people discover you, get a feel for your personality, and start to understand your value.

But without a strategy that moves people from awareness to trust to action, you may not be marketing as much as you’re simply posting.

The goal isn’t to make every piece of content a sales pitch. In fact, the best content usually doesn’t feel like selling at all. But it should have a purpose.

Some content builds visibility.
Some builds trust.
Some educates.
Some invites the right person to take the next step.

When those pieces work together, content becomes more than something to fill your feed. It becomes part of a real marketing system.

We’re sharing the full story behind that Post-it note, plus five ways to create content that actually supports business growth.

Read the full article here:
Likes Are Not a Strategy: How to Create Content That Converts
 

Originally published by SchlickArt, a Santa Clarita-based fractional marketing team and visual marketing company serving professional service organizations and growing businesses.

Water supplied to customers continues to meet or surpass State and Federal quality standards

SCV Water’s is proud to announce its 2026 Annual Consumer Confidence Report is now available for customers to review. This year’s report, compiled in partnership with Los Angeles County Waterworks District #36, shows that water provided by the Agency to customers continued to meet or surpass rigorous State and Federal drinking water compliance standards in 2025.

“Over the past year, SCV Water has continued its mission to restore local water quality and groundwater supplies, while also preparing for the future water needs of Santa Clarita as our community grows,” said SCV Water General Manager Matt Stone. “We are proud to provide our customers with safe, reliable, drinking water. I encourage our customers to read our report to learn more about the quality of your water, our commitment to sustainability, and the work we do protect our local resources.”

The report, also referred to as a Water Quality Report, is an annual requirement from the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water (DDW). It provides a snapshot of local water quality supplies in the Santa Clarita Valley and details where the Agency’s water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to strict water quality standards.

Before reaching a customer’s tap, the Agency’s water supply must withstand rigorous rounds of treatment and monitoring. More than 20,000 tests per year are performed to ensure a safe water supply is delivered to customers.

The full report is available online in both English and Spanish:

• English: yourSCVwater.com/CCR2026
• Spanish: yourSCVwater.com/CCR2026espanol

All SCV Water customers will receive a bill insert no later than June 30, 2026, notifying them that the report is available. Customers can also obtain printed copies in both languages by calling (661) 294-0828 or emailing ccare@scvwa.org.

SCV Water is planning for the future by enhancing groundwater sustainability, expanding our recycled water systems, and managing a robust water shortage strategy. The Agency also remains dedicated to exceptional water stewardship by providing reliable quality water to customers.

Most business owners have been taught to focus on one thing:

“Pay as little as possible in taxes this year.”

While that may create short-term savings, tax decisions don’t happen in isolation. They can also affect:

• Future income
• Investment growth
• Retirement flexibility
• Business succession planning
• Your overall lifetime tax burden

That’s why more business owners are starting to look beyond this year’s tax return and think about long-term tax strategy.

At Vance Wealth, we help business owners coordinate tax planning with their broader financial goals—not just focus on reducing taxes today.

Because the goal isn’t simply to win one tax season.

It’s to make smarter financial decisions over time.

Exclusive for Chamber Members

Request a Complimentary Tax Opportunity Review

We’ll help identify potential missed tax strategies and planning opportunities you may not currently be taking advantage of.

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.

There’s something meaningful about opening your doors in the community you serve.

For Koegle Law Group, Santa Clarita has never been just a place to do business. It’s a community to serve.

With the opening of its new Santa Clarita office in Valencia, KLG is continuing that commitment in a tangible way—creating a welcoming space for client meetings, collaboration, and practical legal guidance for California employers and businesses.

The opening was celebrated alongside Edzant Price LLP, which shares the new office space with KLG. While the two firms remain separate and operate independently, the shared location reflects a professional environment built around service, collaboration, and community connection.

For local business owners, HR professionals, executives, and managers, that matters. Legal questions often arise during moments of growth, when a company is hiring, reviewing policies, navigating workplace issues, entering a dispute, or planning for what comes next.

In our recent update, Koegle Law Group shares more about:

• The firm’s new Santa Clarita office
• The relationship behind the shared office space
• How the move supports client meetings, collaboration, and continued growth
• What clients can continue to expect from KLG’s employment law, business law, and litigation team

While the address is new, KLG’s role remains familiar: helping California employers and businesses approach legal decisions with clarity, foresight, and steady guidance.

The full article also includes a video from the office opening, featuring remarks from Brian Koegle and Barry L. Edzant as they spoke to their teams about the meaning behind the shared space. It’s a heartfelt look at the relationships, trust, and shared values that helped bring this new chapter to life.

Read the full article here: A New Chapter Begins: Koegle Law Group Celebrates the Opening of Our New Office in Santa Clarita

DISCLAIMER: This client alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should consult with qualified legal counsel before taking any action based on the information in this alert. Receipt of this alert does not create an attorney-client relationship.

This article was originally published by Koegle Law Group, proudly serving businesses in Santa Clarita and beyond. This communication may be considered advertising material under the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers in California.

Most business owners wake up with a list of needs and tasks already in their head. 

“We need to get that newsletter out.”

“We need updated photos before the website goes live.”

“We should probably post something before next week’s event.”

“I have all these ideas, but who's going to get them done?”

And honestly? Those needs are real.

But the bigger problem usually isn’t the newsletter. Or the photos. Or the social media calendar. Or the website update.

It’s what happens when all those pieces are created separately.

A great headshot can help. A strong video can help. A thoughtful blog, flyer, email, or social post can absolutely move the needle.

But disconnected pieces don’t build momentum. They create more work.

Because when each piece is created on its own, without a larger plan behind it, your marketing keeps resetting. The work gets done. But nothing really carries forward.

That’s not because the content was bad.

It’s because the content wasn’t connected to a marketing system.

And that’s the difference between selling one marketing product after another and solving the whole marketing problem.

At SchlickArt, we’re not here to simply hand you another deliverable and send you on your way.

We’re here to help you understand why your marketing feels heavy in the first place—and then build the structure that makes it lighter, clearer, and more consistent over time.

That means looking at the whole picture:

Your message.

Your visuals.

Your content plan.

Your follow-through.

Your local presence.

Your long-term goals.

Because here in Santa Clarita, marketing is deeply relational.

Your next client may hear your name at a Chamber event, see your post on LinkedIn, visit your website, open your newsletter, and ask a friend if they’ve worked with you—all before they ever reach out.

By that point, they’re already forming an opinion.

So your marketing can’t just look good in separate places.

It has to work together to build trust.

That’s the part a strong marketing partner helps protect. Not because you stop caring about the details. But because the right team cares enough to understand the full picture with you.

At SchlickArt, we don’t see our clients as people buying a product from us.

We see them as businesses with real goals, real pressure, real relationships, and real reputations to protect.

The deliverable matters.

But the strategy behind the deliverable matters more.

Because we’re not trying to sell one piece of content after another.

We’re helping solve the marketing problem that keeps showing up in different forms.

We’re sharing more about this in our latest article on what it means to work with a fractional marketing team in Santa Clarita—and why growing businesses often need more than single-project support.

👉 Read the full article: How We Solve the Whole Marketing Problem 

Originally published by SchlickArt, a Santa Clarita-based fractional marketing team and visual marketing company serving professional service organizations and growing businesses.

 Metrolink, Southern California’s regional passenger rail service, will celebrate “Bike Day” this Thursday, May 21, by offering complimentary rides on all trains, including the Arrow service, to customers traveling with a bicycle. Riders bringing a bike aboard will not need to purchase a ticket, as their bicycle will serve as fare for the day.

“Bike Day is about showing Southern Californians how easily cycling and public transit can work together,” Metrolink Board Chair Doug Chaffee said. “Many of our riders use bikes for first- and last-mile connections, adding exercise and sustainability into their everyday routines. This is a chance for others to explore pairing these complementary modes of transportation, while riding for free on Bike Day.”

Cyclists may board any train car and are asked to follow Metrolink’s bike policy by utilizing safe and secure bike storage areas. Most Metrolink rail cars accommodate up to three bicycles, while designated bike cars can hold as many as nine. Not all Metrolink train sets are equipped with a bike car. Arrow trains can carry up to 12 bikes per car. Standard single-rider bicycles, as well as electric bikes that meet size and weight requirements, are permitted on board.

For riders looking to turn their trip into an outdoor adventure, Metrolink’s website features a curated guide to some of the best bike paths accessible by rail. Featured routes span the system and include destinations such as the Mount Rubidoux Trail in Riverside and the Mountains to Sea Trail in Tustin.

Also on May 21, L.A. Metro will offer free rides for all customers across its bus and rail network, with no bike required. Metro Bike Share will also provide complimentary 30-minute rides at kiosks and through the Metro Bike Share app using promo code 051526.

Metrolink’s Codeshare and Rail 2 Rail programs with Amtrak Pacific Surfliner between Ventura and Oceanside are not included in the Bike Day promotion. Riders traveling on Pacific Surfliner trains must reserve bicycle space and purchase applicable fare.

For more information about Bike Day, including train schedules, visit metrolinktrains.com/bike-day.