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  • 18 Aug 2026 by CalChamber

    A new round of funding is now available through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) Grant Program to help small businesses offset costs that can result from an employee taking paid family leave.

    Eligible businesses may receive up to $2,000 per employee to help pay for things like cross-training current staff or bringing on new or temporary workers while an employee is out on paid family leave.

    The California Paid Family Leave Program offers employees up to eight weeks of benefits that help replace part of their paycheck while they take time off for qualifying reasons, such as bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member.

    California businesses with 1 to 100 employees are eligible to apply if at least one of their employees used paid family leave on or after June 30, 2026.

    To qualify, businesses also must be registered to do business in the state, be in active status with the Secretary of State’s office, and have an active California employer account number.

    Grants are available now through May 31, 2028, or until funding runs out. Small businesses interested in applying can learn more by visiting www.CaliforniaPFL.com.

  • 17 Aug 2026 by Koegle Law Group, APC

    Koegle Law Group Mileage Rates Increase July 2026

    For California employers, compliance is rarely a once-a-year task.

    The IRS business mileage rate changed again on July 1, 2026, increasing to 76 cents per mile. For businesses that reimburse employees for work-related use of personal vehicles, the change is a timely reminder that policies and internal processes may need attention throughout the year.

    What happens when a compliance benchmark changes in the middle of your business year?

    The answer goes beyond updating a number.

    Employers may also need to consider whether reimbursement policies, payroll or expense systems, documentation practices, and employee communications remain aligned with the way the business actually operates.

    That is particularly important in California, where employers have obligations related to reimbursing employees for necessary business expenses. While the IRS mileage rate is commonly used as a reimbursement benchmark, businesses should understand how their own reimbursement practices fit within California requirements.

    For Santa Clarita business owners, this is a practical example of why compliance works best as an ongoing process. Employees may drive between locations, meet with clients, run business errands, or use personal vehicles for other work-related purposes. As a business grows and operations evolve, reimbursement practices can evolve with them.

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

    • What changed with the mileage reimbursement rate in July 2026
    • How mileage reimbursement relates to California employers
    • Why written policies and actual reimbursement practices should remain aligned
    • What businesses may want to review when rates change during the year

    For employers, the bigger takeaway is simple: staying compliant often means having systems that can keep pace when the rules and benchmarks change.

    Read the full article here: Mileage Reimbursement Rate for Business Use Increases in July 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.

  • 17 Aug 2026 by SchlickArt

    SchlickArt AI in Marketing Still Needs Human Thought

    by Brian Schlick

    Founder, Video & Content Strategist at SchlickArt

    Over the last year, it feels like every business has been trying to figure out where AI belongs in their marketing.

    I mean…AI is useful. It can help you brainstorm. It can organize your thoughts. It can summarize information, challenge an idea, clean up a messy outline, and it can help create an analytics report that used to take hours of research. I mean hell, it can build a full slide deck in 15 minutes that used to eat up half a day.

    At SchlickArt we use it, literally every day.

    But lately, I’ve been noticing something in the content I see from businesses in our community AND EVEN, at times, in our own marketing.

    A lot of it is starting to sound the same. But the tricky part is, it’s not necessarily bad.

    It sounds polished. Professional. Thoughtful, even. But sometimes it has that overly-marketed feeling. The kind of language that looks good on paper but doesn’t sound like something a real person would actually say to a client sitting across from them.

    Words like “empower.”
    “Unlock.”
    “Elevate.”
    “Move the needle.”

    None of those words are wrong. We’ve used them. (Lindsay loves to "move the needle.") And plenty of good businesses have used them.

    But when every business starts using the same phrases, the same rhythm and the same polished-but-vague ideas, the personality gets lost.

    And when your personality gets lost, trust starts to fade.

    I don’t think AI is the enemy of good marketing.

    But I do think it has created a very easy trap.

    AI can give you words. But it can’t tell when those words feel fake.

    That's why one of the best things you can do right now is make sure your marketing has as much of YOU in it as possible. 

    Your perspective. Your values. Your way of explaining things. Your way of talking to the people you actually care about helping.

    That’s the part your audience needs from you. And that's also the part AI needs from you, too.

    Because once you understand how your personality shows up in your marketing, you can give AI better direction and edit your voice back in.

    You become the final word.

    Not sure how to show your personality in marketing? It doesn’t mean you have to be funny, loud, overly personal or over-the-top. But it's not always as easy as it sounds either. In the full blog, we break down the difference between personality and performance in the age of AI marketing. 

    Originally published by SchlickArt, a Santa Clarita-based marketing agency serving professional service organizations, growing businesses and personal brands.

  • Healing Palms Home Care is proud to join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce and become part of the local business community. We provide compassionate, dependable, non-medical home care services designed to help seniors and individuals remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes. Our services include personal care assistance, companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, transportation assistance, respite care, and customized care plans based on each client's needs. At Healing Palms Home Care, our mission is to provide families with peace of mind while delivering high-quality, personalized care with dignity and respect. We look forward to connecting with fellow Chamber members, healthcare professionals, senior communities, and local organizations while continuing to serve families throughout the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • gibbon conservation cente r

    The Gibbon Conservation Center in Saugus is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The center was founded by Alan Richard Mootnick after he acquired his first pet gibbon named Spanky in 1976 and later purchased the 10-acre Gibbon Conservation Center site in Saugus.

    Gibbons are small, slender, tailless apes native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South and Southeast Asia. They are known for their unique, and loud, vocalizations.

    Mootnick became a leading authority on gibbons despite having no formal training in the biological sciences. In 1980 he used money from his home repair and painting business to buy the 10-acre site where the center now operates.

    The GCC is a registered 501c3 non-profit tax-exempt organization, supported by donations, a small staff and many volunteers. The GCC is open to the public for tours on weekends and by special arrangement. Students and anthropology/biology researchers from across the world regularly conduct projects and observations at the Gibbon Conservation Center.

    Mootnick died in Nov. 4, 2011, at the age of 60 from complications following heart surgery in a Los Angeles hospital. His death garnered national attention, including an obituary published in the New York Times.

    The current director of the Gibbon Conservation Center is Gabriella Skollar, who worked with the founder, Mootnick, for several years until his death.

    The center is dedicated to the conservation, study and care of endangered small apes native to Asia. It is the only institution in the world to house and breed all four genera of gibbons.

    The gibbon center recently announced the relocation of two of its pileated females, Iszie and Boo, who have left the center to be paired with future mates. Iszie was transferred the Thiory Safari Zoo in France, while Boo has a home at the Cincinnati Zoo. These moves not only mark a fresh beginning for these gibbons but also play a crucial role in ongoing efforts in gibbon conservation.

    The Gibbon Conservation Center has invited schools and youth groups to visit the center with assistance from grant funding. These outreach efforts are an opportunity for students to see gibbons but also foster a deeper understanding of the gibbons and their natural habitats.

    Donations to celebrate the center’s 50th anniversary are sought to continue the feeding and care of the gibbons.

    Visit the Gibbon Conservation Center online Gift Store at www.gcceducationcorner.org/shop.

    For more information visit www.gibboncenter.org.

  • 12 Aug 2026 by City of Santa Clarita

    Adaptability and Resilience in an Evolving Art World

                 Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Canyon Country Community Center for the fifth annual Business for Artists Conference: Adaptability and Resilience in an Evolving Art World. Tailored for independent artists, small business owners, educators, students and creative professionals of all backgrounds, this conference provides the tools, knowledge and connections needed to build and strengthen a career in the arts.

                The theme of this year’s Business for Artists Conference is “Adaptability and Resilience in an Evolving Art World.” Through real-world insights and shared experiences attendees will learn how to sustain and grow their work while navigating shifting industries, connecting with new audiences and utilizing opportunities for growth and exposure. The conference will equip artists with the tools and strategies to remain creative and determined as the art space continues to evolve.

    This highly anticipated FREE, all-day event fills quickly and space is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. The conference features a complimentary breakfast, engaging speaker sessions, an informative lunch reception with food available for purchase through Arts for Santa Clarita and countless opportunities to fuel your creative growth while connecting with fellow creatives.

    For more information and to register for the 2026 Business for Artists Conference, please visit SantaClaritaArts.com.

  • 12 Aug 2026 by City of Santa Clarita

    City Ties for Top Ranking for the Fourth Consecutive Year

    The City of Santa Clarita has once again been recognized as the "Most Business-Friendly City" in the Los Angeles County Business Federation's (BizFed) 2026 Pulse Poll. This marks the fourth consecutive year and seventh time overall that the City has earned the distinction.

    The annual BizFed Pulse Poll surveys business and civic leaders throughout Los Angeles County to identify key policy priorities, evaluate municipal support for the business community and recognize the region's most business-friendly cities. This year's survey included 427 respondents representing more than 35 industries. Of those surveyed, 83 percent represented businesses with 50 or fewer employees, providing valuable insight from the region’s small business community.

    Santa Clarita tied with the City of Los Angeles for the top ranking, followed by the cities of Burbank, Industry, El Segundo, Long Beach and Torrance. This recognition adds to Santa Clarita's history as a leading destination for businesses, with the City previously earning the honor in 2017, 2018, 2019 and each year since 2023.

    The City’s Economic Development Division supports businesses of all sizes by providing site selection assistance, demographic and market research, business retention and expansion services, permitting support, workforce resources and connections to regional partners. Through these services and strong partnerships with the local business community, the City continues to promote economic growth, attract investment and support job creation.

    This latest recognition reinforces Santa Clarita's reputation as a regional leader in economic development and a premier location for business investment, innovation and long-term success.

    For more information about the City's Economic Development Division and available business resources, visit ThinkSantaClarita.com.

  • 04 Aug 2026 by The Stand

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    The Stand | Corporate Offices 17000 Ventura Blvd. Suite 204 | Encino, CA 9

     
     
     
     

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    CONTENTS 

     

    1 | SCE Celebrates 140 Years

     

    2 | Upcoming Bill Credits

     

    3 | Rebuilding Altadena

     

    4 | Funding Opportunities

     

    5 | National Drive Electric Month

     

    6 | FAQ: High Heat Preparedness

     
     

    140 Years Powering Our Communities 

     
     

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    This year, Southern California Edison (SCE) celebrates 140 years of service. Since helping illuminate a Fourth of July celebration in Visalia in 1886, SCE has grown alongside the region, supporting homes, businesses and economic growth while helping meet the changing energy needs of millions of Californians.

    Throughout our history, SCE has played a key role in advancing energy innovation. Milestones such as the development of the Big Creek hydroelectric system helped demonstrate that clean energy could be delivered across long distances to growing communities. Over the decades, investments in transmission, substations and grid infrastructure expanded reliable electricity service throughout Southern California and helped power the region's growth.

    Today, SCE continues to build on that legacy by modernizing the electric grid, reducing wildfire risk, and strengthening partnerships with local communities. The company maintains more than 125,000 circuit miles of power lines, operates more than 1,000 substations and conducts approximately 1.6 million tree inspections each year to help keep communities safe and connected.

    As SCE reflects on 140 years of service, the focus remains firmly on the future. By investing in grid resilience, cleaner energy technologies and community partnerships, SCE is working to ensure that the next generation of Californians continues to benefit from safe, reliable and increasingly sustainable electric service.

     
     

     

    California Climate Credit 

     

     

    SCE residential customers will soon receive the California Climate Credit, a bill credit funded through California’s Cap-and-Trade Program that returns a portion of program proceeds to customers while supporting the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

    While customers previously received the credit in the spring and fall, beginning this year the electric credit will be applied during the late-summer billing period to provide added relief when energy use and bills are typically higher. The credit will appear automatically on eligible customers’ bills as a line item labeled “California Climate Credit,” and no action is required to receive it. Customers will see a $36 credit on their August bill and a $36 credit on their September bill, providing a total of $72 in rate relief this summer.

     

    Learn more about ways to save: Powering Progress

     
     
     

    Upcoming Events

     

    Policy & Philanthropy Summit 

     

    The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) host's its annual Policy & Philanthropy Summit on Aug. 6. Join SCE, as we lead a breakout session, All Together, to examine the impacts of extreme weather on Inland Empire communities. It will also highlight collaborative strategies between the public and private sector to build long-term community resilience. Attendees will include regional leaders, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, government agencies and elected officials. 

     

    Short Stories

     

    Rebuilding Lives One Home at a Time

     

    Following the Eaton Fire, many Altadena families have faced difficult decisions about whether they could rebuild and remain in the community they call home. Edison International recently donated more than $5 million to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to support a revolving loan fund that helps homeowners access zero-interest financing and begin rebuilding sooner. The partnership helps families navigate permitting, construction and other challenges that can delay recovery efforts after a disaster. Together, these efforts help residents restore their homes, remain connected to their community, and move forward after the fire.

     

     

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    Funding Opportunities 

     

    ·    Wildfire Resilience Block Grants: Awards grants of $100,000 to $5 million for projects that build local capacity while providing financial and technical forestry assistance to nonindustrial forest landowners. Deadline: Aug. 7

    ·    Environmental Justice Project: Awards of $10,000 for projects that bridge social justice and environmental resilience, addressing how climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities. Deadline: Aug. 10

    ·    EV HOME: $10 million in awards to accelerate EV adoption by connecting drivers with EV & residential charging equipment incentives, facilitating home charger installations and providing education on EV benefits, charging options and incentives. Deadline: Aug. 18

    ·    Community Resilience Centers Program: $52 million for planning and implementation awards for neighborhood resilience centers that provide shelter & resources during climate emergencies. Planning Grant Deadline: Sep. 4

    ·    Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants: Awards of $250,000-$3 million for projects that serve California Native American tribes, support Traditional Ecological Knowledge and cultural fire, improve forest health. Deadline: Sep. 8

     

     

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    Educational Opportunities for Your Community!

     

    In partnership with Edison International, Plug In America is offering mini-grants of up to $3,500 to support National Drive Electric Month events. Selected hosts will also receive training and resources to help create engaging, impactful electric vehicles (EV) experiences for their communities. Events must be located within SCE's service area or attract SCE customers, with priority given to those serving communities and customer segments with lower EV adoption rates. You can find more information and apply here by Aug. 9.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

     
     

     

    QuestionHow can residents prepare for extreme heat and stay safe during a power outage?

     

    Answer: Extreme heat can increase demand on the electric grid and raise the likelihood of heat-related outages. Residents should prepare by:

    ·    Signing up for outage alerts

    ·    Building an emergency kit with essentials such as water, food, medications, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio

    ·    Identifying a nearby cooling center 

     

    During hot weather, stay hydrated, avoid drinks that can contribute to dehydration and keep blinds and shades closed to help reduce heat inside the home. If an outage occurs, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, unplug electronics to help prevent damage from power surges and use flashlights instead of candles. Customers who rely on medical equipment may be eligible for SCE's Critical Care Backup Battery program, which provides free portable backup batteries for use during outages and emergencies. Residents should also check in with family, friends and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

     

    Please Submit Your Questions: If you have a question related to SCE and electrical service, please send them to us in one of two ways:

     

    ·    Contact your local SCE Government Relations Manager and pose the question.

    ·    Send the question directly to the team 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!

    Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and Support Programs 

    SCE hosts virtual community meetings covering key topics on wildfire prevention, PSPS, and emergency preparedness. You may access the full video recordings and PDF presentation decks here. 

     
     
     

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    Sign Up for SCE Newsletters

     

    News Release Alerts: Updates about recent media or press releases.

    Edison for the Record Alerts: Updates on corrections to inaccuracies and misinformation in recent media articles.

    ENERGIZED by Edison Weekly Newsletter: Weekly newsletter with Edison International and SCE news stories.

     

    Sign Up for SCE Newsletters

     
     

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

     
     
     

     

  • 03 Aug 2026 by Vance Wealth

    The Retirement Puzzle: When Every Decision Feels Connected

     

    After more than four decades with the same employer, a couple nearing retirement was ready for their next chapter, including purchasing their dream home.

     

    But retirement brought several connected decisions. When should they take Social Security? Which pension option made sense? How would they replace a steady paycheck? How would the home purchase affect their income and taxes?

     

    The excitement was real, but so was the pressure. After a lifetime of thoughtful decisions, they worried that one wrong move could affect everything they had built.

     

    Bringing the Pieces Together

     

    Jerrod Ferguson and the Vance Wealth team began by looking at the full picture.

    They mapped the couple’s income sources, modeled the home purchase across multiple scenarios, and created a distribution strategy designed to provide structure and predictability. They also identified a proactive tax planning opportunity by carefully timing distributions across two years.

     

    “Our goal isn’t just to answer the question in front of us. It’s to make sure every answer supports the bigger picture: the retirement they actually want to live.”

     

    Jerrod Ferguson, CFP®

    Partner at Vance Wealth

     

    The plan did not remove the decisions. It made sense of them.

     

    The couple moved forward with the home they envisioned, closer to family and designed for their next chapter. More importantly, they entered retirement understanding how each decision supported the life they wanted to live.

     

    Retirement planning is not simply about choosing a Social Security date, selecting a pension option, or deciding how much to withdraw. It is about understanding how those choices work together.

     

    If you are approaching retirement, Vance Wealth can help you bring the pieces together with a coordinated plan.

     

    Vance Wealth, LLC. ("Vance Wealth") is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Vance Wealth and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.

     

    The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. Vance Wealth does not provide tax or legal advice. You should contact your tax advisor and/or attorney before making any decisions with tax or legal implications.

     

    The case study presented is hypothetical and provided for illustrative purposes only. It does not depict the experience of any actual client or guarantee any particular outcome. Actual recommendations and results will vary based on individual circumstances. This material is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice.

     

  • 29 Jul 2026 by City of Santa Clarita

    The City of Santa Clarita is seeking proposals from experienced food service operators to manage The Wheel, the quick-service restaurant located within the new The Rink Sports Pavilion at 20860 Centre Pointe Parkway.

    Expected to open in early October 2026, The Rink will become Santa Clarita's premier roller skating destination, welcoming recreational skaters, league participants, tournament teams, families, spectators and community events throughout the year. The restaurant presents a unique opportunity for an operator to establish a business inside one of the City's newest recreation destinations while serving thousands of visitors annually.

    The approximately 25,000-square-foot facility features a 12,000-square-foot skating floor that converts into courts for basketball, pickleball and volleyball, creating year-round activity and consistent customer traffic. The Wheel will serve as the facility's primary food and beverage destination, supporting daily recreation programs, leagues, tournaments, birthday parties and special events.

    In addition to serving guests inside The Rink, the restaurant includes an exterior walk-up service window that can also serve visitors to the adjacent Santa Clarita Sports Complex, including The Centre, Gymnasium, Aquatic Center, Skate Park and Bike Park. Together, these facilities welcomed approximately 400,000 visitors in 2025, creating an expanded customer base beyond The Rink itself.

    The restaurant space includes an approximately 960-square-foot commercial kitchen, a dedicated quick-service ordering counter and the exterior walk-up window. The City envisions a menu featuring high-quality quick-service food and beverage options that can be served efficiently during daily operations and large community events.

    The selected operator will also have the opportunity, subject to all applicable licensing requirements and City approval, to obtain a beer and wine license and partner with the City to provide food service for birthday parties, tournaments and other special events hosted at the facility.

    Proposals will be accepted through August 26, 2026. Proposal documents are available through BidNet Direct. Interested firms must register through the procurement portal to access the solicitation and submit a proposal.

    For more information, contact the City of Santa Clarita at (661) 286-4135.

  • Nominations for the 78th Emmy Awards announced by the Television Academy include several California Institute of the Arts alumni who earned recognition across a range of categories, including production design, lighting design and picture editing.

    The CalArtians nominated include:

    Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Program (half-hour)

    Hacks, “Who’s Making Dinner?” (HBO MAX)

    Nominee: Rob Tokarz (Theater MFA 2009): Production Designer

    Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special

    “The 68th Annual Grammy Awards” (CBS)

    Nominee: Gloria Lamb (Theater BFA 2006): Art Director

    Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Series

    “The Voice Finale Part 2” (NBC)

    Nominee: Johnny Bradley (Theater BFA 2007): Lighting Director

    Nominee: Daniel Boland (Theater BFA 1995): Lighting Director

    Nominee: Andrew Munie (Theater BFA 2012): Media Server Programmer

    Outstanding Picture Editing for a Structured Reality or Competition Program

    “Survivor” (CBS)

    Nominee: David Armstrong (Film/Video BFA 1988): Supervising Editor

    “The Voice” (NBC)

    Nominee: Alyssa Dressman Lehner (Film/Video MFA 2001): Editor

    The 78th Emmy Awards, hosted by actor, producer and director Mariska Hargitay, will air live Monday, Sept. 14, at 5 p.m. PDT on NBC and stream on Peacock from the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE. The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be held Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6.

    For a full list of Emmy nominations visit www.televisionacademy.com/awards/nominees-winners.

  • 20 Jul 2026 by City of Santa Clarita

    The city of Santa Clarita is expanding its Film Incentive Program and launching a redesigned Film Santa Clarita website, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to supporting film and television production and keeping filming local.

    Since its inception in 2009, the Film Incentive Program has returned more than $862,000 to qualifying productions, helping reduce filming costs through permit fee refunds, hotel occupancy tax rebates and reduced public safety costs. That investment has helped generate more than $212.7 million in local economic impact for Santa Clarita. In the last fiscal year, the city allocated $60,000 to the program and supported 20 productions spanning television, feature film and commercial projects.

    The latest updates expand eligibility and make the program more accessible by adding Internet and Web productions, Reality Television, Home Improvement and Competition Shows to the list of eligible production types. Additionally, the city has reduced the qualifying permit threshold for recurring productions from four to three permits, allowing more productions to take advantage of the program’s incentives.

    The Film Incentive Program currently offers three incentive opportunities:

    Locally Based and Recurring Productions: Permit fee refunds are for locally based productions filming for four or more consecutive weeks and for recurring productions obtaining three or more film permits.

    California Film and Television Tax Credit Projects: Permit fee refunds for productions approved through the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program.

    Hotel Occupancy Incentive: Hotel occupancy tax rebates for qualifying productions staying in Santa Clarita while filming locally.

    Coinciding with the program enhancements, the icty has launched a redesigned Film Santa Clarita website to better serve producers, location managers and production professionals.

    The updated website features improved navigation, streamlined permit information, filming resources and an enhanced location library, making it easier than ever to plan and manage productions in Santa Clarita.

    Santa Clarita remains one of California’s premier filming locations, offering diverse landscapes, more than 50 sound stages, over 10 movie ranches and the unique Movie Ranch Overlay Zone, which supports long-term filming operations.

    In 2025 alone, the city issued 338 film permits and generated an estimated $14.6 million in annual economic impact from filming activity. Santa Clarita’s leadership in the industry was recently recognized by MovieMaker Magazine, which named the city the Fifth Best Place to Live and Work as a Moviemaker among smaller cities and towns in 2026.

    To learn more about the Film Incentive Program, production opportunities in Santa Clarita or the redesigned website, visit FilmSantaClarita.com or contact Economic Development Administrator Casey Miller at cmiller@santaclarita.gov or (661) 286-4167.

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  • 17 Jul 2026 by City of Santa Clarita

    Submit a Volunteer Project for Make a Difference Day 2026

    Make A Difference Day returns on Saturday, October 24, and the City of Santa Clarita is inviting local nonprofit organizations to submit projects for this national day of service. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations are encouraged to identify projects where City volunteers can lend a hand and make a meaningful impact across the community.

    There is no project too big or too small. Whether your organization needs assistance completing a large undertaking or tackling a smaller task that has been waiting on your to-do list, Make A Difference Day offers an opportunity to connect with volunteers who are ready to help.

    In previous years, volunteers have supported local nonprofits by loading supplies for community events, repainting offices, assembling furniture, power washing facilities and caring for animals, including goats and horses. Participating organizations will create and oversee their projects, provide the necessary tools and supplies and guide volunteers on-site. The City will help promote project needs, recruit volunteers and coordinate event logistics.

    Project applications are due by Friday, July 31. For more information and to apply, visit SantaClaritaVolunteers.com/Nonprofits.

  • 16 Jul 2026 by Koegle Law Group, APC

    Koegle Law Group Announces Lucas E. Rowe As Equity Shareholder

     

    Trusted Team Leader Takes Ownership Stake, Deepening the Firm’s Commitment to Clients and Long-Term Stability

    VALENCIA, CA. — Koegle Law Group, APC is proud to announce that Lucas E. Rowe has become an Equity Shareholder and Partner of the firm, effective July 1, 2026. This milestone reflects both the firm’s confidence in Lucas and a deliberate commitment to building an institution that serves clients with depth, stability, and leadership well into the future.

    What Does ‘Equity Shareholder’ Mean—and Why Does It Matter? 

    Many law firms use the title ‘partner’ loosely—it can mean a senior attorney, a team leader, or simply someone who has been with the firm long enough to earn a title. Lucas Rowe has been a Partner at Koegle Law Group in every practical sense for years. What changes now is meaningful: as an Equity Shareholder, Lucas owns a stake in the firm itself. In California, law firms structured as professional corporations—like Koegle Law Group, APC—use the term ‘Shareholder’ to describe attorney-owners. That ownership is not ceremonial. It means Lucas has a direct financial stake in the firm’s reputation, its client relationships, and its long-term success. His incentives and yours are fully aligned. 

    For clients, that distinction matters: you are not just working with an experienced attorney who chose to stay—you are working with someone who has committed to this firm, this team, and this community for the long haul.

    Lucas joined Koegle Law Group as a partner-level attorney in June 2024 and has been a cornerstone of the firm’s litigation and counseling practice groups, representing employers and business owners in matters ranging from employment-litigation defense and wage-and-hour compliance to complex business disputes and corporate compliance. He is licensed in California and Ohio and brings deep expertise in the employment and business law landscapes that define the firm’s core practice groups.

    “I have worked for several firms over the years,” said Partner Lucas E. Rowe, “and having the opportunity to become a shareholder in a firm led by a powerhouse attorney like Brian Koegle is an amazing opportunity.” 

    The decision to bring Lucas in as an equity owner is part of a broader strategic commitment by Koegle Law Group to grow as an institution—not simply as a practice built around a single attorney. With Lucas as a Shareholder, every major client relationship has depth and continuity, and the firm’s future no longer depends on any one person.

    I’ve always believed that the best firms aren’t built around one person—they’re built around great people. Luke is one of the best attorneys, and men, I have ever known. Making him a Shareholder isn’t a reward for the past; it’s an investment in what this firm has always been designed to become. I genuinely cannot wait to see what we are able to build together." 

    — Brian Koegle, Managing Partner, Koegle Law Group, APC

    Lucas will continue to serve our existing clients without interruption and will take on expanded leadership responsibilities within the firm, including a seat on the firm’s Executive Committee.

    Koegle Law Group represents employers and business owners across the full spectrum of employment law, including litigation defense, HR compliance, wage-and-hour counseling, PAGA matters, and workplace investigations. The firm serves clients from its Valencia, California headquarters and its presence in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

    About Koegle Law Group, APC

    Koegle Law Group, APC is a boutique employment and business law firm representing employers and business owners in California and Texas. The firm is dedicated to delivering excellent, responsive, and results-driven legal counsel—good work, done right, for the people building something worth protecting. For more information, visit www.koeglelaw.com.

     

    MEDIA CONTACT

    Lisa Maloney, Firm Administrator
    Koegle Law Group, APC
    (661) 512-6770  ·  bkoegle@koeglelaw.com
    28470 Avenue Stanford, Suite 360, Santa Clarita, California 91355

    # # #

    Contact Koegle Law Group to schedule a consultation and get clarity on how we can help guide your business the right way.

     

  • 16 Jul 2026 by SchlickArt

    Beyond Referrals: How Santa Clarita Businesses Can Grow Beyond Word of Mouth SchlickArt

    There’s a familiar moment at Chamber events.

    A friend comes over, you get to chatting about business, and they say, “Oh! I know who you need to talk to.”

    No big sales pitch. No elaborate consultation needed. Just an impromptu introduction that suddenly opens new doors. 

    That kind of referral matters in Santa Clarita. In this community, relationships carry weight and reputations grow through repeated experiences. People remember who showed up, followed through and took good care of someone they know.

    But referrals also have limits.

    They rely on someone remembering you at the right moment, explaining your value clearly, and passing your name along with conviction.

    Even then, the person being referred still needs enough confidence to take the next step.

    And as a firm grows—adding team members, serving more clients and expanding its footprint in the market—referrals alone may not be enough to carry the brand into its next chapter.

    That doesn’t mean referrals stop mattering.

    It means your reputation needs to travel further.

    Your reputation can only travel so far on someone else’s words. Thoughtful content writing gives it a voice of its own.

    When approached with strategy, content writing becomes an extension of the client experience you’ve already worked so hard to create.

    Think about what happens when someone works with a professional service firm.

    They arrive with questions, confusion or stress. Maybe they’re facing a decision that feels too complicated, too personal or too important to get wrong.

    But as they talk it out with their advisor, the process becomes clearer. The next step feels manageable. The anxiety softens. They begin to trust that they’re in capable hands.

    That experience is marketing.

    Not in the loud, promotional sense.

    In the deepest sense.

    Because people remember how you made them feel when the stakes were high.

    And that same feeling can carry into your content.

    A blog makes a complex topic easier to understand. A newsletter keeps clients and referral partners connected to your thinking. Educational articles answer questions the reader hasn’t figured out how to ask yet.

    Written content helps future clients feel what current clients already know.

    At SchlickArt, we help professional service firms turn their expertise, values and client experience into content that builds trust, strengthens referrals and reaches new audiences.

    See how one Santa Clarita law firm used thoughtful content as part of a connected marketing strategy—and achieved a 6x ROI. 

    Read the full story: Growing Beyond Referrals: How Thoughtful Content Writing Builds Brand Recognition

    Originally published by SchlickArt, a Santa Clarita-based marketing agency serving professional service organizations, growing businesses and personal brands.

  • 16 Jul 2026 by SCV Water

    Discover the 2026 Consumer Confidence Report and Learn about Your Water’s Quality

    Are you interested in learning more about the quality of water in the Santa Clarita Valley? Don’t miss your opportunity to engage with an SCV Water expert and dive deeper into a crucial topic during the upcoming “Water Matters” webinar: Understanding the 2026 Consumer Confidence Report. This free webinar will be held via Zoom and attendees will learn more about the 2026 Consumer Confidence Report and how SCV Water samples and tests local water supplies thousands of times per year. Participants will explore 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: Understanding the 2026 Consumer Confidence Report • Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 • Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. • Registration: yourSCVwater.com/water-matters To learn more about this event and others in the “Water Matters” series, and to view past webinars, please visit SCV Water online at yourSCVwater.com/water-matters.

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