Member News

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Join us as we uncover how unconscious bias, microaggressions, and outdated norms can manifest between colleagues of different ages and genders - and what organizations can do to recognize, address, and prevent these issues before they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.