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  • 07 Feb 2025 by PETS GLOBAL INC

    Valencia-based Pets Global Inc., a pet food manufacturer, is coordinating with animal welfare organizations to distribute over 35 tons of its pet food to the Southern California communities affected by January’s wildfires.

    The family-owned company has distributed more than 11,000 pounds of wet and dry dog and cat food to Pasadena Humane, Lange Foundation, Milo’s Sanctuary and Animal Wellness Centers and delivered an additional 11,500 pounds to Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies to support the Dream Center and other local fire relief efforts.

    An additional 52,000 pounds of donated pet food, water and other essential supplies is being coordinated with local retailers and organizations throughout the Greater Los Angeles area in an ongoing effort to support as many pets and people as possible during this critical time.

    “In times of crisis, our communities come together,” said Daniel Hereford, president and CEO of Pets Global. “We are honored to support our valued partners in providing relief to those affected by these devastating fires, and hope that these donations will help keep families together and ensure the well-being of their beloved pets.”

    For more information visit https://pets-global.com/.

    Source: SCVNews.com

  • 05 Feb 2025 by Brian Tripp

    http://www.scvjobs.com 

    One-Stop Shop FOR ALL SCV Careers For Over 20 Years!

    Proudly serving Santa Clarita Valley employers and job seekers for over two decades. Simply SCV jobs posted by Santa Clarita Valley employers. No email or phone harvesting, redirects, scams, fake or dated jobs, phony resumes, etc... SCV's #1 Job Board, serving...

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  •  

     

    In January, dangerous windstorms and wildfires converged in Southern California, leaving a profound impact on our communities and presenting challenges for our customers. Edison International (EIX) and Southern California Edison (SCE) extend our heartfelt condolences to all those impacted by the wildfires and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), and we remain committed to supporting our communities through this difficult time. Our top concern is the safety of our customers, communities and team members.

     

    CONTENTS

    1 | SCE Supports Restoration Efforts

    2 | Assisting AFN Customers

    3 | FAQ: When PSPS is Utilized

    4 | FAQ: Billing for Affected Customers

    5 | Downed Wire Safety

    6 | EIX Commits $1 Million for Relief

     

    Restoring Power to Our Communities

    SCE remains committed to supporting those impacted. In the coming weeks and months, we will continue working alongside first responders, local officials and community organizations to help restore and rebuild affected areas. During the extreme weather events and over the past few weeks, through Jan. 31, more than 3,500 SCE crew members, contractors and mutual assistance personnel worked around the clock to:

    • Clear debris from roads
    • Rebuild critical grid infrastructure
    • String 400,000 feet of power lines, or about 75 miles
    • Set 1,265 poles
    • Replace 380 transformers

    SCE opened 24 customer service locations helping over 10,000 customers who visited in person. Our community-based organizations also helped thousands of customers to augment our efforts. We deeply appreciate the dedication and resilience of our crews, first responders and community partners, who have worked tirelessly to restore power and provide critical resources to those in need. 

    *Statistics as of 2/3/2025

     

    Edison for the Record

    At Edison, transparency is a reflection of our values. We work to uphold these principles every day, committed to serving you, the 15 million people who rely on us.

    When we encounter inaccuracies and misinformation about our business, we are dedicated to providing you with the facts. This is our promise to you.

    Click here to read more about the corrections we've made to recent media articles, online content and social media posts.

    What is PSPS?

    One critical tool Edison uses to prevent wildfires is the PSPS, in which we may temporarily shut off power to your neighborhood during dangerous weather conditions to prevent our electric system from becoming a source of ignition. In 2012, the California Public Utilities Commission gave the electric IOUs authority to shut off the electric power to protect public safety. "We only use PSPS as a last resort during extreme fire weather conditions to prevent a spark from our equipment starting a significant wildfire. While California continues to expect more intense, unpredictable weather events, we are committed to doing everything we can to reduce the need for PSPS and improve our operations and communications” said Jill C. Anderson, SCE Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

     

    Assisting Those with Access and Functional Needs

    To support individuals with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) during a PSPS, SCE develops its annual “AFN Plan” with assistance from regional and statewide AFN stakeholders, representing a broad spectrum of expertise.

    Committed to addressing the needs of individuals with AFN before, during, and after a PSPS, SCE has established a partnership with the AFN Collaborative Council and the AFN Core Planning Team to seek guidance and address the “Why,” “Who,” “What,” and “How” to better mitigate risk and support individuals with AFN. SCE offers several resources and support to serve the diverse needs of our customers during PSPS events.

    • Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS): Offers PSPS notifications and preparedness information in accessible formats for people who are Blind, Low Vision, Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or Deaf-Blind.
    • 2-1-1 Services: SCE partners with 2-1-1 to provide assistance before, during, and after a PSPS outage. 2-1-1 offers free, confidential services to SCE customers that connect customers to community assistance, emergency preparedness, food pantry, or meal delivery programs, as well as to transportation, public assistance, and other services and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These services can be accessed by visiting 211.org, calling 2-1-1 or texting “PSPS” to 211211.
    • Disability, Disaster Access & Resources Program: SCE contracts with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) to offer the Disability Disaster Access & Resources (DDAR) program to eligible customers. DDAR will provide support to customers with disabilities or other AFN before, during and after a PSPS outage. To apply for DDAR, please visit the CFILC website here: CFILC DDAR Application.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Question: Under what conditions will SCE call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event?

    Answer: Strong winds combined with dry ground conditions can increase wildfire threat. These same winds can cause vegetation or other items to blow into power lines and could result in an ignition, possibly creating a significant wildfire. PSPS forecasting is based on weather modeling and input from fire scientists and meteorologists using modeling at a 1 or 2 km granularity. De-energization decisions are made based on data from local (pole-top) weather stations in the field and supported by live field observations.

    Under these situations, we may shut off power to customers to keep you and your community safe. We understand that a PSPS event can create hardships for affected customers, and the decision to shut off power is never taken lightly. SCE considers high winds, low humidity, dry vegetation that could serve as fuel, and public-safety risk before implementing a PSPS de-energization as a tool of last resort.

     

    Question: What will SCE do about customer bills for those that have been affected by the wind or PSPS event?

    Answer: SCE recognizes the importance of providing assistance to our customers impacted by the wildfires and power shutoffs, and we remain committed to supporting our communities through this difficult time.

    We have put customer bills on hold starting Wed. Jan. 8, for evacuated areas (some bills were sent Jan. 6 - Jan. 8, so unfortunately some customers received bills for usage prior to Jan. 8 during that time). We also have put on hold any late payment charges for evacuated areas. We are providing one-time bill forgiveness to residential customers whose homes have been destroyed or sustained major damage.

    Generally, SCE is responsible for losses that occur due to our negligence. However, in most instances, we are not responsible for losses (ex. food loss or property damage) from unexpected power outages due to forces outside our control, such as weather-related conditions including wind, rain, fog, lightning, or extreme heat. Our policy is to respond to claims promptly and fairly. In evaluating claims on a case-by-case basis, we may review records, interview witnesses or employees, and perform a technical evaluation. Customers can help by providing thorough and accurate information and documentation. You can file a claim here.

     

    Question: What is the PSPS notification process?

    Answer: While every effort is made by SCE to notify customers in advance of PSPS events, the sudden onset of unexpected weather conditions may require SCE to de-energize customers with little to no advanced notification to prevent our electric system from becoming a source of ignition. SCE customers can sign up for PSPS alerts in English and other available languages at sce.com/pspsalerts, by updating their alert/notification preferences on their mySCE account, or by visiting: sce.com/customer-service/faqs/alert-preference-center.

     

    Watch this video for more common questions about PSPS, inspecting equipment for potential hazards and keeping our communities safe.

    Ask Us Your Questions: If you have a question related to SCE and our electrical service, please send to us in one of two ways:

    • Contact your local SCE Government Relations Manager and pose the question.
    • Send the question directly to our communications staff at SCE.LocalPublicAffairs@SCE.com.

    We will go through all questions and answer them in priority order, based on the most popular or frequently asked. Answers will appear each month in this newsletter. Thank you for your interest and engagement with SCE Local Public Affairs!

     

    Short Stories

    New Construction Rebates for EV Charging

    SCE’s New Construction Rebate Program for multi-family dwellings is accepting applications through July 12, 2025. This program offers rebates of up to $3,500 per port for the installation of customer-side electrical infrastructure work and Level 2 (L2) EV charging stations that exceed CalGreen code requirements. This is a fantastic opportunity for developers of new multi-family housing to build a green energy future. Don’t miss out on this chance to reserve rebate funds before the program concludes. For more information, please reach out to chargeready@sce.com or visit the New Construction Rebate program website.

     

    Edison International Commits $1 Million to Relief Efforts

    In response to the devastating, wind-driven wildfires sweeping through Southern California, EIX commits $1 million to support relief and restoration efforts:

    • $150,000 to the American Red Cross
    • Up to $100,000 to match contributions made by Edison employees to three local nonprofits: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Pasadena Humane and YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
    • $100,000 to a fund administered by America’s Charities to assist impacted employees

    To read more.

     

    Sign Up for SCE Newsletters

     

    Energized by Edison is our company's digital platform for storytelling. You can sign up to receive two different newsletters:

     

    A Weekly Newsletter captures all the Edison digital stories published during the week.

    A Wildfire Mitigation Newsletter brings you the latest on SCE's efforts to reduce wildfire threats to the communities we serve.

    Sign Up for SCE Newsletters

     

    Got questions about this month’s newsletter? Email us at SCE.LocalPublicAffairs@SCE.com.

     

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  • 03 Feb 2025 by Vance Wealth

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    simplify365®: Get Organized. Build Wealth. Achieve More.

    Santa Clarita, CA — February 3rd, 2025 — Business owners now have a specialized solution to simplify their financial management and maximize their savings with the launch of simplify365®, a division of Vance Wealth.

    Running a business is as rewarding as it is demanding. When personal and professional lives intertwine, business owners often seek ways to simplify both while still achieving their goals. That is the premise on which simplify365® was built: to provide clarity, ease, and actionable strategies for financial management.

    Designed to address the unique challenges of running a business, simplify365® offers tailored solutions for tax planning, retirement plan design, and payroll optimization. With decades of experience in financial planning, simplify365® serves business owners at every stage—from startups navigating growth to mature companies focused on long-term success.

    “At simplify365®, we believe financial complexity shouldn’t stand in the way of business success,” said John Vance, Founder of Vance Wealth. “We’ve tailored our services to meet business owners where they are—helping them simplify their financial lives, minimize tax burdens, and achieve both their personal and professional goals.”

    Simplifying Financial Complexity

    simplify365® is built to help business owners:

    • Save More: Implement tax strategies designed to preserve wealth and minimize liabilities.
    • Stress Less: Simplify financial management through seamless collaboration with accountants, attorneys, and other professionals.
    • Achieve More: Shift focus from day-to-day financial tasks to driving business growth and long-term success.

    This proactive approach extends beyond numbers. simplify365® is committed to helping entrepreneurs thrive and make a positive impact in their communities. By combining tailored strategies with expert guidance, simplify365® transforms financial management into a tool for building wealth and achieving lasting success.

    A Legacy of Trust and Excellence

    As a division of Vance Wealth, simplify365® benefits from the firm’s established reputation for excellence, client-centric service, and innovative financial solutions. This legacy of trust and expertise extends to simplify365®, equipping business owners with the tools they need to navigate the intricate landscape of financial management with confidence.

    Get Started Today!

    Take the first step toward simplifying your financial life. Schedule a complimentary consultation or request a free tax analysis at simplify-365.com

    Media Contact

    Shanele Stoll
    Marketing & Sales Manager
    Shanele.Stoll@VanceWealth.com

     

    Disclosures

    Vance Wealth, LLC. ("Vance Wealth" or the “Advisor”) is a Registered Investment Advisor ("RIA"), located in the State of California. Vance Wealth provides investment advisory and related services for clients nationally. Vance Wealth will maintain all applicable registration and licenses as required by the various states in which Vance Wealth conducts business, as applicable. Vance Wealth renders individualized responses to persons in a particular state only after complying with all regulatory requirements, or pursuant to an applicable state exemption or exclusion.

    Tax & Legal Disclosure: This plan should not be considered tax or legal advice. Clients should consult with a qualified tax consultant or legal counsel as to their particular situation and to discuss potential tax consequences.

    Client recognizes that any and all recommendations made by Advisor are opinions only and are derived from sources and information believed to be reliable which the Advisor cannot warrant as to accuracy.  Client agrees that Advisor shall not assume responsibility other than to render Advisor’s services in good faith.

    Recommendations developed by Advisor are based on professional training, experience and judgment. Although every reasonable effort will be made to make accurate assumptions, no guarantee can be made that actual events will follow as assumed.

    Nothing herein shall be deemed to protect Advisor against any liability to the Client in which Advisor would otherwise be subject by reason of malfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of Advisor’s duty or by reason of Advisor’s violation of applicable law or of disregard of Advisor’s obligation and duties hereunder. It is further understood that neither Advisor nor any of its employees are qualified to render tax advice.

    You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Please note, changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of Vance Wealth Inc., we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters.

  •  

    What do you do when you put your shiny, new plans and strategies into place… and they hit a bump in the road?

    Many of us spend so much time planning and dreaming for a new month, quarter, or year in our business that we don’t actually know what to do when those plans don’t go according to, well, plan.

    That’s why being prepared to overcome roadblocks needs to be part of your original plan.

    At Elevate, we’re always looking 3 steps ahead so we can anticipate potential issues and plan to avoid them in the first place or know exactly what steps to take if they do pop up.

    And today, we’re sharing pro tips for identifying roadblocks and understanding how to overcome them or keep them from happening again!

    What to do when obstacles get in the way of your plans

    Start with a SWOT Analysis.

    A SWOT–strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats– analysis is a helpful, structured framework highlighting what is working and where you have growth opportunities and are at risk.

    If you want to be able to plan for potential obstacles, you have to know what they are. That information only comes through completing a comprehensive SWOT Analysis.

    This should be your go-to first step to get a high-level overview of where your business is and what you need to be on alert for.

    Look at the numbers.

    What story is your data telling?

    • Where do your KPIs show you're doing well or performing below expectations?
    • It's tempting to write off bad numbers as a fluke or explain them away, but you're missing an opportunity to understand the why behind those numbers.
    • When you rely on data instead of emotions or “gut feelings” to plan, adjust, and pivot–– you will be more accurate.

    Tracking KPIs and taking time to understand what they are telling you is the key to overcoming the roadblocks standing between you and your team and the success you want to see.

    Engage your team.

    Don’t get stuck in your own tunnel vision!

    Ask your team to share their experience and feedback so you can see how everyone else perceives the obstacles in your way. You may find the people on the ground doing the work are more aware of roadblocks and challenges than you are as a leader because they’re engaged daily with clients, customers, and processes impacted by the obstacles.

    Bring in an outside professional.

    Fresh, neutral eyes can be a lifesaver.

    When it comes to evaluating your operational efficiency and identifying challenges, some things are nearly impossible to see from the inside. Working with a professional like our founder, Ashley, can illuminate issues and obstacles you can't see yourself.

    Once you’ve overcome the obstacles… What’s next?

    Congratulations! You completed a SWOT analysis, looked at your numbers, engaged your team, and brought in an outside professional to help you see what’s truly going on in your business, solve your unique, specific challenges, and overcome the obstacles in your way of success!

    Now what?

    The truth is that you’ll need to repeat this process again and again. As your business continues to grow and evolve, so will your obstacles and issues. But that’s okay––you know what to do!

    And in between overcoming obstacles, you can always improve your business or department’s success by focusing on building the most effective team possible.

    At Elevate, we're passionate about helping our clients set their teams up for success and are serious about empowering leaders to get the best results from each and every team member.

    These are a few of the ways we do that that you can do, too:

    • Outline clear goals + expectations.
      • Set your team up for success with defined goals and specific expectations for their role.
    • Commit to open communication.
      • People want to feel heard, and open communication practices are the best way to keep everyone on the same page working toward the same clear goals.
    • Celebrate wins, big and small.
      • Never assume your team knows you appreciate them. Tell them! Celebrating individual wins and team achievements keeps everyone feeling motivated and appreciated.
    • Schedule regular check-ins and a feedback framework.
      • A successful team includes each member knowing where they can improve and being willing to implement constructive criticism. Make feedback a consistent process that your team members understand and expect for best results.

    Need help identifying, overcoming, and avoiding business obstacles?

    We have a number of services designed to help you! Anticipating potential roadblocks and creating clear plans for overcoming obstacles is what we do best.

    Whether you need some 1:1 time to consult CEO-to-CEO or a dedicated team of professionals to step in and take over a major issue with our Get It Done Service, we have the solution you’ve been searching for.

    Feel free to schedule a call if you need help figuring out which service is best, or go ahead and get on our calendar for 2025!

  • 14 Jan 2025 by LA County Assessor

     

    Disaster Relief Centers Set to Open Tuesday

    Los Angeles, CA The Los Angeles County Assessor Office is responding to the wildfires by providing expert staff to assist property owners who experienced loss of property in the fires. Owners of property damaged or destroyed are entitled to property tax relief and Assessor personnel will be on hand to assist them access services.

    Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers

    To provide immediate support, Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers will open to the public on Tuesday, January 14, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Starting Wednesday, January 15, these centers will operate daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

    Locations:

    Westside Location

    UCLA Research Park West

    10850 West Pico Blvd.

    Los Angeles, CA 90064

    Eastside Location

    Pasadena City College Community Education Center

    3035 E. Foothill Blvd.

    Pasadena, CA 91107

    These Resource Centers will bring federal, state, and local officials together under one roof to offer vital services to residents impacted by the wildfires.

    Assessor’s Disaster Response

    The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office is committed to supporting property owners during this difficult time. While a comprehensive damage assessment is underway, we are mobilizing resources to assist affected residents, including:

    • On-the-Ground Support: Assessor staff will be present at the Local Assistance Centers to provide guidance and resources to property owners.
    • Property Tax Relief: The County will process "Misfortune and Calamity" claims to provide property tax relief for damaged or destroyed properties.

    “Misfortune and Calamity” Property Tax Relief

    Property owners whose homes or businesses were damaged or destroyed by the wildfires may qualify for temporary property tax relief under the "Misfortune and Calamity" program.

    Key Details:

    • Eligibility: The damage must exceed $10,000 in current market value.
    • Filing Deadline: Claims must be filed within 12 months of the date of the damage.
    • Benefits: Approved claims may result in temporary property tax reductions, with values adjusted until repairs or rebuilding are completed.

    For more information or to download the claim form (ADS-820), visit assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief or call (213) 974-3211.

    Assessor Office Updates

    As of Monday, January 13, all in-person operations at Assessor offices have resumed. However, we encourage the public to use our website—assessor.lacounty.gov—to complete tasks online whenever possible.

    It's also recommended to request the United States Post Office to hold or reroute your mail. Please go here for more information.

    e-Service Account Sign-Up

    We encourage property owners to sign up for an Assessor e-Service Account on our website. With an e-Service Account, you can:

    • Enroll in the Homeowner Alert Program, which sends email notifications within 48 hours of specific activities on your property records.
    • Access the e-File Program to handle property-related filings conveniently. 

    SCAM ALERT: Please note that the Assessor’s Office never charges for its services. Be cautious of individuals or organizations attempting to charge fees for property-related services.

    We Are Here to Help

    Visit assessor.lacounty.gov or call (213) 974-3211 to learn more about filing a claim or to receive assistance.

    Let us continue to work together to support our neighbors during this challenging time.

    Sincerely,

    JEFF PRANG

    Los Angeles County Assessor

  • The “Thrill Capital Of The World” continues to hold its title by adding its 21st roller coaster anticipated to begin construction soon.

    Earlier this year, Magic Mountain demolished the Golden Bear Theater. However, park officials have not disclosed any information regarding the replacement venue and have only offered that the new attraction will be a “first-of-its-kind.”

    Construction is anticipated to begin soon according to an approved construction permit from LA County. The permit grants authorization for grading activities related to the construction of the new coaster, as well as the construction of new retaining walls, a station, and a mechanical building at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

    Roller coaster fans have speculated online that the new roller coaster will be similar to a suspended motorbike coaster, where riders sit underneath the track in a motorcycle-like position.

    A banner displayed on the construction walls surrounding the Golden Bear demolition site depicted a blue and orange cyborg bird with the slogan “Epic Thrills Are Cycling In.”

    Magic Mountain is anticipated to release additional details on the new coaster in summer 2025.