Member News

Remarks will begin at 6:00 PM during the Open House

Handshake deals may feel friendly, but they leave Santa Clarita Valley entrepreneurs exposed to late payments, scope creep, and costly disputes. Conversely, a customized Terms & Conditions (T&C) sheet turns informal promises into enforceable commitments—protecting revenue and elevating your professional reputation.

Key takeaways:

• Set crystal-clear expectations on deliverables, timelines, and revision limits.

• Lock in payment terms so you get paid in full and on time.

• Define project boundaries to prevent scope creep and protect margins.

• Create legal leverage with dispute-resolution and termination clauses that favor your business.

Using a T&C sheet isn’t just about legal protection—it’s about building trust and professionalism. When your clients see that you have structured policies in place, they know they’re working with a business that takes its work seriously.

Ready to upgrade from generic templates and handshake promises? We outline exactly what to include—and what to avoid—in your next client agreement.

👉 Read the full article here

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.

The temporary lane split on the southbound I-5 between McBean Pkwy and Calgrove Bl will remain in place through the end of July 2025. Thank you for your patience during our construction. 

Presented by Brian Koegle, Candice Gottlieb-Clark & Stacy Rouse

MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (PACIFIC TIME)

Brian will join Stacy Rouse, and Candice Gottlieb-Clark to host this timely and thought-provoking event that explores the hidden forms of harassment that stem from generational and gender-based dynamics in today’s workplace.

To sign up click the link - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2qWqFpH7QkSguQrdsM7FBQ#/registration

More About This Event
HIDDEN FORMS OF HARASSMENT
Workplace harassment isn't always overt. Sometimes, it shows up in subtle, often unrecognized ways that can significantly impact team culture, morale, and productivity. This timely and thought-provoking event explores the hidden forms of harassment that stem from generational and gender-based dynamics in today's workplace.

GENERATIONAL AND GENDER BASED ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE
Join us as we uncover how unconscious bias, microaggressions, and outdated norms can manifest between colleagues of different ages and genders - and what organizations can do to recognize, address, and prevent these issues before they take root.

As temperatures in Southern California reach triple digits this week, Rep. George Whitesides, D-Agua Dulce, is helping to lead a series of bills aimed at addressing the growing threat of extreme heat.

Together, these bills will bring critical infrastructure improvements to at-risk communities, assist the federal government in responding to heatwaves, and coordinate strategies to create long-term solutions.

“With temperatures rising in California and across the country, it’s more important than ever to take action to protect our communities,” said Rep. Whitesides. “This slate of bills will provide important resources to keep families safe, reduce heat risks, and strengthen our response to rising temperatures.”

The following three bills as part of Rep. Whitesides’ efforts to combat extreme heat:

The Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act 

-This bill supports projects that improve infrastructure, green spaces, and innovative technologies to cool at-risk cities.

The full text of the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025 can be found here.

The Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act 

-This bill creates a unified federal strategy to prepare for and respond to extreme heat events, improving collaboration among agencies and ensuring communities receive timely support. The bill also creates additional pathways for data collection, public warnings, and heat-health research.

The full text of the Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act of 2025 can be found here.

The Extreme Heat Economic Study Act 

-This bill tasks the National Integrated Health Information System (NIHHIS) with studying how extreme heat affects the economy, giving lawmakers the data they need to create stronger plans to protect people’s health and support local economies.

The full text of the Extreme Heat Economic Study Act of 2025 can be found here.

Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with SCV Water experts and dive deeper into a crucial topic during the upcoming “Water Matters” webinar: Exploring the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report and Water Quality in the SCV.

This free webinar will be held via Zoom and attendees will have the chance to learn more about  the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report and how SCV Water samples and tests local water  supplies thousands of times per year. Participants will learn more about how the Agency monitors water quality, including the ongoing issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances  (PFAS), and discuss both common water quality concerns and possible solutions. Details on  “Water Matters” can be found below:

-Topic: Exploring the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report and Water Quality in the SCV

-Date: Wednesday, July 23

-Time: 6 to 7 p.m.

-Register on the website

To learn more about this event and others in the “Water Matters” series, and to view past  webinars, please visit SCV Water online.

Drive through any American town, and you’re bound to spot a diner. From small communities to major cities, diners have been a mainstay of American social life for well over a century.

There’s comfort in the familiarity of this American institution, even while some diners are moving into the digital age. Denny’s, which operates more than 1,500 restaurants and calls itself “America’s Diner,” is embracing technology to further improve the diner experience.

“When people hear the phrase ‘digital transformation’ used in the context of restaurants, they typically imagine a place where technology replaces human interaction like meals served up via conveyor belt,” says Jason Petralia, Denny’s senior director of operations excellence. “This couldn’t be further from our vision at Denny’s. We’re embracing digital transformation not to strip away the spirit of the experience, but instead to double down on our identity and the way we take care of our guests.”

Order efficiency & accuracy boost CX and EX

A prime example of how Denny’s is innovating is by improving guest and team member experiences with technology. Its new cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system, which streamlines the order-taking process by replacing pen and paper with wireless handheld tablets, is key to that effort. Already in use at all Denny’s corporate locations, the system is now being deployed across more than 1,400 franchise locations throughout the country.

“While efficiency is certainly a primary advantage of these new systems, it’s really about what those gains translate into for the guest and team member experiences,” says Petralia. “With the new POS system, our servers spend less time running back and forth and more time taking care of our guests. We gain speed and accuracy, and that translates into a more enjoyable experience for both the guests and our servers.”

The entire Denny’s menu is at the server’s fingertips, which means quicker, more accurate orders. And for new servers, the learning curve is much shorter. The devices also offer features such as easy-to-follow workflows for the customization of orders, and even real-time updates regarding out-of-stock items. The improved team member experiences also help Denny’s reduce turnover and better weather the service industry’s labor challenges.

“We’re embracing digital transformation not to strip away the spirit of the experience, but instead to double down on our identity and the way we take care of our guests.”
-Jason Petralia, Denny’s

Improved operations opens the door to new growth opportunities

Embracing digital transformation isn’t just about keeping up with the rush—it’s about staying ahead of the curve in a fast-paced industry and positioning Denny’s for growth, especially for online guests that may never cross the threshold of the restaurant.

With their renewed efficiency, Denny’s team members are better equipped to manage take-out orders, interface with delivery drivers, and ensure every order that goes out is accurate and up to standards. In this way, the in-restaurant transformation has proven crucial as Denny’s expands its virtual brands: The Meltdown, The Burger Den and Banda Burrito. These orders are facilitated as traditional to-go orders through “Denny’s on Demand” and third-party food ordering platforms.

What’s more, Denny’s is now positioned to better leverage data and analytics to lean into different channels to meet guests where they are.

“We believe that the growth of our virtual brands and how they continue to thrive is a differentiating point of our off-premise business,” says Dylan Taylor-Smith, senior director of digital growth at Denny’s. “We are able to leverage our many 24/7 or late-night-staffed locations and the pantry to reach an entirely new audience who is looking for the convenience of that delivery occasion.”

Plans for the future powered by partnership

While these upgrades are already making a difference, Denny’s isn’t stopping there. The company has introduced smart kitchen technologies like internet-connected ovens that ensure ingredients are cooked consistently to perfection. And restaurant operators can monitor operations remotely, from inventory to kitchen efficiency, thanks to these new systems.

Connectivity is at the core of these transformations. WiFi powers tablets and POS systems inside each restaurant, and Denny’s deployed Comcast Business solutions including Managed Router and Business Continuity services to enable reliable connectivity across more than 1,400 locations. Fast, reliable bandwidth will remain crucial as use cases evolve around connected kitchens and digital marketing.

As businesses expand their digital operations, cybersecurity is a growing concern from both a customer privacy and business continuity standpoint. Denny’s has deployed unified threat management provided by Comcast Business to help defend against modern cyber threats.

“Reliability is everything for our business and our brand,” says Petralia. “We’re in all 50 states, with the majority of our locations operating 24/7. Our guests expect top-notch service whether it’s 3:00 a.m. in Miami or noon in Seattle. And that’s why our partnership with Comcast Business is important—they help us so we can deliver around the clock and across our footprint.”

As Denny’s continues to innovate, one thing remains the same: a great experience is what defines “America’s Diner.”

Learn more about how Comcast Business is helping power digital transformation.

Originally posted on CNBC, https://www.cnbc.com/advertorial/2024/10/09/how-dennys-is-using-technology-to-reinvent-americas-diner.html

Are you considering selling your business? At Koegle Law Group, we see far too many owners wait until they’re exhausted—or forced—to sell, leaving little time for strategic planning. Whether you want to sell in 2 years or 10, starting early gives you more control, more options, and a higher valuation.

Our latest guide breaks the process into four clear steps:

1. Choose the best exit path—internal succession, ESOP, or external sale.
2. Adopt the right mindset, so you can hand over the reins with confidence.
3. Organize legal, contractual, and 3-5-year financial records to wow buyers.
4. Assemble an elite advisory team (attorney, CPA, planner, broker) for a tax-efficient, low-risk deal.

You don’t need all the answers right now—but you do need a starting point. Early preparation lets you set the timetable, shape the price, and keep your peace of mind intact. Above all, it ensures you exit on terms that feel right for you, honoring the business you’ve built. 

👉 Read the full article here.

This article was originally published by Koegle Law Group, proudly serving businesses in Santa Clarita and beyond.

New Pet ER in Santa Clarita Provides the Highest Level of Care and Experience to Pet-Friendly Families

WHITE PLAINS, NY (June 17, 2025) VEG ER for Pets, the world’s veterinary emergency company that helps people and their pets when they need it most, is excited to announce the opening of VEG Santa Clarita at 25820 The Old Road, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91380 on Wednesday, July 9 with a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m./PT. VEG will provide families in Santa Clarita and neighboring cities with the highest level of emergency care in veterinary medicine, including surgeries, ultrasounds, x-rays and more. VEG Santa Clarita is located off Stevenson Ranch Parkway, behind Rt. This will be the second hospital in Los Angeles County, following VEG Santa Monica and the 13th hospital in California.

“When a pet parent walks into VEG Santa Clarita, they will immediately feel they have finally found a place that will provide their family and pet the best emergency veterinary experience that exists,” said Dr. David Bessler, VEG founder and CEO. “Upon entering VEG Santa Clarita, pet parents will feel a sigh of relief and comfort, as they are greeted with a friendly smile, empathetic attitude, and luxury comforts for them, and their pet.” 

VEG has revolutionized veterinary emergency medicine by completely reworking the experience, so it works for people and their pets. When a pet parent calls VEG, they speak immediately with a licensed veterinarian to get their medical questions answered. VEG customers don’t need to wait and worry in a lobby. Instead, triage begins as soon as they walk in the door, even before filling out paperwork. Pet parents are allowed to stay with their pet through all stages of treatment, including surgery and overnight hospitalization.  

VEG Santa Clarita is open for pet emergencies 24/7, even on holidays. The hospital has an open floor plan that allows pet parents to have freedom of movement and to see life-saving heroics up close.

VEG not only accommodates customer needs; the company gives back to the pet-loving community through VEG Cares, an initiative benefiting underserved pets in crisis, and by supporting future emergency veterinarians by granting scholarships to D.V.M. students. 

To learn more about VEG ER for Pets or to find a location near you visit veg.com. 

About VEG ER for Pets

Established in 2014, VEG ER for Pets is a company founded on a single mission: helping people and their pets when they need it most. VEG's rapidly growing group of hospitals has revolutionized the pet emergency experience with a customer-centered approach, rapid response times, and a highly trained emergency-focused staff.  VEG currently has more than 100 hospitals nationwide. To locate a VEG hospital near you or for more information, please visit veg.com.

The city of Santa Clarita and Green Santa Clarita want you to be aware of Plastic Free July, a global movement that encourages millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution.

Reducing the use of single-use plastics helps decrease litter that pollutes our land and waterways and also helps minimize waste that ultimately ends up in the landfills. One of the best ways we can all make a difference is to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics in our daily lives, but that change takes effort and time. That’s why the entire month of #PlasticFreeJuly exists. Check out the tips and tricks below to find small changes you can make to help protect your environment: 

Avoid using plastic bags to bag your recyclables before placing them in your recycling cart. “Free your Recycling” and leave your recyclables loose in the cart. Bagged recycling often ends up in the landfill.

In your workplace or at home, use ceramic mugs and plates or compostable paper cups and plates instead of disposable plastic food ware.

Ditch one-time plastic utensils and use metal, bamboo, or sturdy reusable/washable plastic utensils. Consider carrying these in a cloth case so you always have them when you need them.

Switch to reusable coffee pods with fresh ground coffee as an alternative to disposable coffee pods.

Use cloth bags for groceries instead of single-use plastic bags. That goes for produce too. If you do have an accumulation of plastic bags at home, give them a second life by using them to bag your food waste before placing in your green organics container.

Participate in Community Supported Agriculture subscription box programs that offer local produce, eggs, herbs and organic items, with little to no single-use plastic used for transportation.

Pack a lunch or leftovers in reusable food storage bags or containers that can be washed and used multiple times.

Support local restaurants that use to-go containers that are recyclable or compostable instead of foam based.

Try using cloth diapers instead of standard disposable diapers. 

In addition to bettering the environment and our community, making these changes can help you save money by avoiding items that go in the trash after a single use. Are you convinced to take the challenge? Visit plasticfreejuly.com  to find sustainable alternatives and read stories about how participants worldwide are pledging to avoid using plastic. There’s even a helpful quiz to set you up for success. Together, we can make a difference in Santa Clarita and beyond.

The Gibbons Conservation Center is nearly halfway to its June fundraising goal, which will generously be matched. That leaves one week to double your donation.

While summer can be a fun time for vacations and activities every year, the center sees a decline in visitors, but expenses stay the same. This year two donors are willing to make a matching gift up to $15,000 though the end of June.

At this writing, 77 percent of that $15,000 June fundraising goal had been reached.

To donate visit Donate.

Some other goals the public has recently helped accomplish include finding sponsors for all of the gibbons at the center for 2025, and all the funding needed to complete Rocky’s House.

If you have questions email to alma@gibboncenter.org.

For more information visit https://www.gibboncenter.org/.

This month, the State Assembly passed our proposed 2025-26 budget - and in the face of a tough budget year, I'm proud to share that we've secured major victories that reflect our community's values, protecting what matters most without raising taxes on individuals, families, or small businesses.

We fought for and won funding to keep healthcare affordable, protect services for seniors and people with disabilities, support youth mental health, and ensure crime victim services remain intact. We invested in affordable housing and home ownership, wildfire protection, and protected public education, including CSUN and College of the Canyons. And we made sure big banks, not working people, are contributing their fair share to help close the gap.

In addition to this people-centered budget, we've advanced a strong package of legislation focused on the challenges we hear about every day - making life more affordable, strengthening public safety, protecting consumers, supporting veterans and seniors, and responding to the ongoing public health crisis at the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. This is not the end of the line for us though; proposed federal cuts could further threaten healthcare, social security and Medicare along with education and VA benefits. We will continue to fight for our community every step of the way. 

Despite holding the line for our community in our state budget, I know people need more relief on skyrocketing costs and ensuring everyone in our community is safe. Take a look at our legislative work at the Capitol, which is tied directly to the needs of our community:

Making Life More Affordable

• Ratepayer Relief Act (AB 1020): Ensures utility companies pass public savings on to customers. *
• Veterans' Property Tax Exemption (ACA 5): Provides additional tax exemptions to veterans to help access to housing relief.
• Pay it Forward (AB 1241): Establishes tuition support for students facing financial hardship (two-year bill).
• Senior Fraud Reimbursement Act (AB 909): Protects seniors from scams by requiring banks to prevent and reimburse fraud (two-year bill).
• Patient Debt Prevention Act (AB 1312): Ensures hospitals pre-screen patients for financial assistance before billing. *
• Military Pension Tax Exemption - AB 53 (Coauthor): Makes up to $20,000 in military pension pay tax-free! *

Investing in Public Safety

• Law Enforcement Pension Tax Exemption (AB 814): Offers retired peace officers state income tax relief (held in committee).
• Victim and Witness Protection Act (AB 535): Strengthens protections for court witnesses who are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and abuse. *
• Small Business Retail Theft Grant Program (AB 949): Helps businesses pay for security upgrades. *
• Justin Kropp Safety Act (AB 365): Requires AEDs at high- and low-voltage worksites to prevent death by electrocution. *

Relief for Chiquita Canyon Landfill Impacted Communities

• Chiquita Canyon Tax Relief Act (AB 27): Ensures aid to landfill-impacted residents isn't taxed or counted against benefits.*
• Landfill Fire Safety Act (AB 28): Requires early warnings and state oversight to prevent public health disasters like the Chiquita Canyon Landfill. *

Supporting Veterans and Military Families

• Veterans Education Assistance Act (AB 1509): Strengthens oversight of programs using G.I. Bill benefits. *

Protecting Consumers

• Timely Care Act (AB 539): Extends insurance approvals for medical treatment from 60 days to one year. *
• Click-to-Cancel 2.0 (AB 656): Requires platforms to let users easily delete their accounts and take their data with them. *

Housing Solutions, Planning, and Wildlife Recovery

• Expediting State Housing Permits (AB 301): Cuts red tape by holding state agencies to timely housing permit reviews. *
• Foster Youth Housing Stability (AB 534): Makes it easier for service providers to build housing for youth exiting foster care. *
• Fire Victim Mortgage Forbearance (AB 238) (Coauthor): Provides relief for families recovering from wildfires.
• Roads to Resilience Act (AB 1132): Improves CalTrans emergency planning to protect communities during floods, fires, and disasters.

Expanding Access to Healthcare

• Health Coverage Waiting Period Transparency (AB 1418): Tracks and reports delays in employer-sponsored insurance. *
• Reproductive Healthcare Access and Information Act (AB 1500): Expands and improves abortion.ca.gov to counter misinformation and improve public access.

* passed assembly floor

As we move forward in the legislative year, I remain committed to advancing legislation that reflects the values and priorities of our community, and to making sure your voice continues to guide the work we do.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of representing you. I look forward to the continued journey ahead and the positive impact we can make together.

Pilar Schiavo
Assemblywoman, 40th District

P.S. Don't miss our office's Job and Career Fair on Saturday, June 21 from 11 a.m - 7 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club in Newhall! Learn more and RSVP here.

Location: North County

Phase: Construction

Type: Less Traffic

Santa Clarita, which is now the third-largest city in LA County, is expected to increase its population by more than 25,000 people by 2035 as documented in the City of Santa Clarita’s One Vision One Valley Plan. To prepare for this increase and relieve congestion in the Santa Clarita Valley, Metro and Caltrans District 7, will be making operational and safety enhancements along the Interstate 5 (I-5) freeway in the northern part of LA County from the State Route 14 (SR-14) interchange in Santa Clarita to just south of Parker Rd in Castaic.

The enhancements include:

• Addition of one High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)/carpool lane in each direction along I-5
• Extension of the northbound truck lane from SR-14 to Calgrove Bl
• Addition of southbound truck lane from Calgrove Bl to SR-14
• Addition of soundwalls at four locations
• Replacement of Weldon Canyon Bridge
• Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) improvements between the I-405 and I-210 interchanges
• Addition of auxiliary lanes (additional outside lanes extending between an on-ramp and a subsequent off-ramp).

These enhancements will augment safety on the freeway by increasing access for merging and offering trucks a separate lane from the general-purpose lanes (GPLs) and are expected to provide a much faster and smoother driving experience in the area for locals and travelers.  Additionally, they are part of a multi-phase program identified in Metro’s Long Range Transportation Plan to ease congestion in LA County.

SCVEDC's Available Property Search Tool

 Looking for the perfect spot to grow your business in the Santa Clarita Valley? Whether you're a startup seeking your first office, a growing company in need of more space, or an established business ready to relocate, our user-friendly tool is designed just for you. Our Available Property Search Tool is free to use, giving you access to a comprehensive list of available properties tailored to your specific needs! Explore a diverse range of properties, from retail spaces to industrial warehouses. Stay informed with the latest listings and access important information about each property, including size, location, and amenities.

The Santa Clarita Valley is one of LA County’s fastest-growing communities with master-planned business parks and state-of-the-art facilities with the infrastructure and amenities to support them. Find your perfect location here in the SCV using our free tool, or reach out to us if you need specific assistance!

California Institute of the Arts was recently named in The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural Top Animation Schools list for 2025.

With programs in Character Animation (BFA) and Experimental Animation (BFA, MFA), both housed in the School of Film/Video, CalArts was selected based on survey responses from animation organizations including ASIFA-Hollywood, the Animation Guild, Black N Animated and LatinX in Animation. The responses were weighted using Department of Education key data, including graduation and retention rates, cost, and other metrics.

The Hollywood Reporter issue published on June 6 listed the following information about CalArts:

“Founded by Roy and Walt Disney in 1961, the highly selective school boasts a prestigious alumni network including Glen Keane (The Little Mermaid) and Genndy Tartakovsky (Primal), and an annual opportunity to produce a student short. Alongside a summer animation residency, the BFA and MFA in experimental animation focus on developing personal aesthetics, while the BFA in character animation focuses on artistic and technical training in traditional and CGI animation, including sound effects. The annual Producers’ Show garners attendance from major studios.”

Joining CalArts on the list are, in alphabetical order:

ArtCenter College of Design; Pasadena, California

Brigham Young University; Provo, Utah

Cal State University; Long Beach, California

DePaul University; Chicago

Gnomon; Los Angeles

New York University; New York

Rhode Island School of Design; Providence, Rhode Island

Ringling College of Art and Design; Sarasota, Florida

San José State University; San Jose, California

Savannah College of Art and Design; Savannah, Georgia

School of Visual Arts; New York

University of Southern California; Los Angeles

The Hollywood Reporter noted that animation is at an “inflection point” as it faces the ongoing impact of economic forces as well as the rapid-growth of AI. But it also pointed out that schools and animation organizations are already addressing these challenges through individual and multiyear courses as well as industry events.

To view the entire list as well as the five programs to watch, read America’s Top Animation Schools.