Starting a new business? One of the most important decisions you'll make is selecting the right legal structure. Your choice—whether an LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship—can have lasting impacts on your taxes, personal liability, and growth opportunities. 

At Koegle Law Group, we help business owners navigate these decisions with confidence. In our latest article, we explain:

• The key differences between LLCs, corporations, and partnerships

• How each structure affects your taxes and legal protections

• Practical tips for choosing the best fit for your goals

Ready to make an informed choice?
👉 Read the full article here.

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

Santa Clarita Valley Employment Center and SCV Job Board - SCVJOBS.com

One-Stop shop for all SCV careers/jobs for over 20 years!

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Stop the Stigma: A Community Call to Action on Mental Health

Join us on May 10th for Stop the Stigma, a community-driven event dedicated to breaking down misconceptions around mental health. Hosted by Mental Health Hook-Up, this event is designed to foster open conversations, connect individuals with resources, and build a stronger, stigma-free Santa Clarita Valley.

📍 Location: Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Campus | 23803 McBean Parkway Santa Clarita, CA 91355
🕒 Time: 10 AM - 2 PM (Speeches begin at 11 AM)

Whether you're a mental health advocate, a concerned family member, or someone seeking support, your voice matters. This is more than just an event—it's a movement.

What to Expect:

• Inspiring speakers with lived experience

• Resource booths and local mental health organizations

• Open dialogue on how stigma affects access to care

• Opportunities to connect, learn, and support one another

Together, we can rewrite the narrative around mental health. Join us and be part of the change.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stop-the-stigma-scv-2025-tickets-1242550585249

Happy clients stick around longer and shout your praises to their network, friends, and colleagues.

We all know it’s far more valuable to maintain an existing client than to land a new client, so keeping our clients happy clearly benefits our bottom line. For a lot of CEOs and business leaders, having happy, well-cared-for clients is also an important core value.

But how do you know if your clients are truly happy? And how do you know how well you’re managing client relationships?

It can be hard to tell. Many CEOs assume that everyone is happy until a problem pops up or a client leaves.

Because we are always working on being more proactive than reactive, a “wait and see” approach isn’t going to cut it when it comes to monitoring, measuring, and improving client relationships and retention.

At Elevate, we’re passionate about building long-term, meaningful relationships, and we have developed a number of systems and strategies to support this priority.

Keep reading to see what mistakes you may be making in this area and what you can do to improve your own client relationships and retention!

5 client relationship + retention mistakes to avoid

You don’t always know when you’re making a mistake with your client relationships. You may have a client who doesn’t speak up, so you assume everything is working well, and then suddenly… they’re mad and ending their contract.

We’ve also seen many cases where client relationships aren’t prioritized because there is a set beginning and end to the work or project as opposed to an ongoing retainer. But even if you’re not meant to keep a client forever, you still want to ensure they have a positive experience so they speak highly of your business and recommend you to others when their work with you is complete.

Here are the top 5 client relationship and retention mistakes you want to avoid:

• Being reactive: This looks like waiting until there is a problem to try to solve it. Great client retention includes identifying potential issues while they are still small (or before they’ve even occurred) and solving them proactively.
• Being inflexible with your services or solutions: This happens when a client signs up for a service that isn’t the best fit or when they have a slightly unorthodox need or request to make a service work for them. Unnecessary inflexibility can kill a client relationship in a snap.
• Poor communication: Unclear, inconsistent, and closed communication leads to more unhappy clients than almost anything else.
• Only focusing on problems: Don’t forget to identify wins and celebrate the milestones and achievements with your clients!
• Failing to reflect: Whenever feedback is gathered or shared (whether it’s positive or negative), you and your team should spend time digging into the information and reflecting on what you can or should do differently in the future.

How to improve client relationships and retention

The number one way to improve client relationships is simply to care about the people you work with.

When you bring compassion, empathy, and a desire to serve to your work, your clients will naturally feel valued, appreciated, and supported. Making sure your team members and employees share these values is also an important part of building and maintaining a client-focused culture.

At Elevate, we work with a number of different CEOs, leaders, and organizations, which gives us a sneak peek into what’s working and what needs to change when it comes to client retention. We also prioritize this area in our own business, so we have a number of proven systems and smart strategies to help you!

• A 360-degree structure for internal communication + collaboration: Create meeting structures that include individual contributors and leadership across departments. This keeps teams connected and ensures important details aren’t missed.
• Proactive engagement with clients: Use Quarterly Action Plan meetings to collaborate with clients and supplement them with consistent check-ins to celebrate wins and identify opportunities for change.
• A flexible, growth-minded focus: Elevate encourages clients and team members to identify gaps and suggest improvements. This openness fosters innovation and satisfaction on both sides.

Automate and streamline your client retention processes

As you focus on improving your own client relationships and retention, there are platforms and software we highly recommend to automate the process where you can without losing the human connection and touch that matters most.

• Start with a CRM to automate as much as possible:

  We recommend Dubsado! It's highly customizable and our MVP platform. We automate check-in emails, customize content per client, and use it to send branded proposals, forms, and questionnaires.

• Use a Project Management System to keep everyone on track:

  We use ClickUp to manage client communication and internal notes like preferences and personal details. It ensures all departments stay aligned and responsive.

• Create custom Zaps to save time:

  Zapier allows you to connect different tools and automate tasks. For example, we use it to schedule small treats like Starbucks gift cards for our clients.

If you need advice from a client relationship expert or help operationalizing your client retention efforts, you can always schedule a 1:1 Operations Call with our founder, Ashley Carlson.

We’re here to support you!

When shaping the future of your company, your hiring choices lay the foundation for your team's success. At Koegle Law Group, we’ve witnessed firsthand how a thoughtful approach to recruitment and timely personnel decisions can strengthen your organization.

Let’s explore why the philosophy of “hire slow, fire fast” serves as a smart, protective strategy for any business:

Don't Rush It

Bringing on a new employee isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about securing someone who brings the right expertise and fits seamlessly into your company culture. Too often, employers fast-track this process out of urgency, increasing the risk of a poor fit.

Our recommendation? Slow things down. Schedule multiple rounds of interviews, involving different team members at each stage. This comprehensive approach offers deeper insight into the candidate’s capabilities and how they might integrate with your existing team.

Prioritize Culture Alongside Skills

While technical ability matters, cultural alignment is just as vital. Ask yourself: Will this individual collaborate well with your current staff? Do they share your organizational values and preferred communication styles? These considerations foster not only workplace harmony but also long-term employee retention and satisfaction.

A strong cultural match boosts morale, improves productivity, and sets the stage for enduring professional success.

Protect Yourself Along The Way

Detailed documentation is your safeguard throughout hiring and termination processes. Maintain clear records of candidate evaluations, performance feedback, and any disciplinary actions. In the event of legal scrutiny, well-kept documentation provides critical evidence that your decisions were fair and consistent.

Fire Fast

Parting ways with an employee is never easy, but keeping someone who underperforms can weigh heavily on your team and overall business health. If performance falls short or if an employee disrupts workplace dynamics, it’s important to act decisively.

Many businesses hesitate to terminate because they fear the gap left behind. However, retaining the wrong team member can lead to greater costs — from reduced morale to potential liability. Address performance problems early, and document concerns thoroughly to ensure you’re making an informed and defensible decision.

Closing Argument

Embracing the “hire slow, fire fast” approach helps cultivate a resilient, effective team while minimizing legal and operational risks. Thoughtful hiring practices, combined with prompt action on underperformance, set your business on a path to sustained success.

At Koegle Law Group, we partner with employers to navigate the complexities of workforce management with confidence. If you need experienced guidance on hiring practices or termination procedures, we’re here to support you.

Learn more at the KLG Blog, or contact us today at (661) 362-0813.

Santa Clarita-based wealth management firm welcomes three internal leaders to ownership team 

Santa Clarita, Calif. — Vance Wealth, a leading financial planning firm headquartered in Santa Clarita, is proud to announce a significant milestone in the firm’s growth: the transition of ownership to three long-time internal leaders. Vice Presidents Jerrod Ferguson, CFP®; Tyler Tilton, CFP®, CEPA®; and Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer Chris Pelch have officially become part owners of the firm. 

Founder and CEO John Vance made the intentional decision to sell ownership internally to preserve the firm’s independence, culture, and commitment to client care—solidifying a vision for long-term success that stays rooted in Vance Wealth values. 

“When running a financial services firm, succession planning is essential,” Vance shared. “We needed a long-term plan that protects our clients, our team, and the firm. Growing ownership from within was the right way to do that.” 

This move not only ensures continuity for clients but also creates a clear path to ownership for the next generation of Vance Wealth leaders. 

“Personally, this opportunity is incredibly meaningful—it’s a chance to deepen my roots in a firm that has been an integral part of my professional journey and life in general,” Ferguson shared. “Julie and I made this decision together because she believes in this place just as much as I do. That shared belief made this a natural next step, and I’m honored to carry forward the values and vision that brought us here.” 

That same spirit of growth and commitment to the firm’s future is what inspired Tilton to take this step as well. 

“This isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a shared win,” Tilton added. “We have an exceptional team, and I’m committed to helping build and develop the talent around me so we can continue raising the bar for our clients. This next chapter is about growth, impact and staying true to the values that brought us here.” 

Chris Pelch echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the long-term legacy and responsibility that comes with ownership. 

“Over the past eight years, I’ve seen firsthand how Vance Wealth changes lives—not just for our clients, but for our team too,” Pelch expressed. “What excites me most is building something that lasts: an institution that supports our clients and team for generations. That’s the legacy we’re creating together.” 

The firm’s growth also means Vance Wealth can serve more people with the thoughtful, values-based planning that sets the firm apart. 

“Our approach helps families and business owners pursue financial security and generational wealth with confidence—expanding our reach allows us to extend that impact to even more individuals and communities,” John explained. 

Since the firm has historically donated 1-2% of its annual revenue to local nonprofits, as the firm grows, so does its capacity to support the communities Vance Wealth calls home. 

But to be clear—this is not a farewell. 

“I have no plans to retire,” Vance laughed. “I love what we do here and plan to be a part of it for the next 25 years.” 

At Vance Wealth, growth has never been about one person, but about building something meaningful together. This milestone is a celebration of that vision—and a promise to keep moving forward with the same heart, purpose and care that brought the firm to his exciting moment. 

About Vance Wealth 

More Information about each new owner can be found at vancewealth.com/about-us/#our-team.  

Since 2003, Vance Wealth has served as a premier financial planning practice passionately committed to helping clients and families succeed at every step of their financial journey. Based in Santa Clarita, the firm serves Southern California, with offices in Pasadena and Newport Beach, and the practice delivers innovative and comprehensive wealth management strategies precisely customized to each client’s goals and needs. To schedule a consultation and learn more, please call 661.775.0950, email info@vanceweath.com or visit VanceWealth.com. 

Disclosures:  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. 

CONTACT 

Shanele Stoll 

Sales & Marketing Manager  

Shanele.Stoll@vancewealth.com  

The 29^th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival makes its anticipated return to William S. Hart Park (24141 Newhall Avenue) this upcoming weekend! Residents are encouraged to prepare for road closures around the event site and plan transportation accordingly for Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13. 

The 2025 Cowboy Festival, taking place at William S. Hart Park, is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the area for an incredible event that takes you back in time to the Old West, featuring live musical performances, living history experiences, delicious food and drinks, as well as fun activities for the whole family. Beginning Friday, April 11, roads in the area will be closed for festival transportation and set up. Please plan a different route in advance of the closures below, which will be in place until Sunday, April 13 at 8:00 p.m.

• Friday, April 11 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Newhall Avenue will be closed between Market Street and 4^th Street
  • Main Street will be closed from 6^th Street to the Roundabout

Free parking will be offered at the Cowboy Festival Shuttle Site, located in the dirt lot on 13^th Street and Railroad Avenue. From there, attendees can hop on one of Santa Clarita Transit’s buses, which will transport them to and from William S. Hart Park on Saturday, April 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

In addition, attendees can take Routes 4/14, 5/6 and 12 via Santa Clarita Transit to get to the Cowboy Festival, and if you dress in western attire, your ride is free! You can also utilize the City’s rideshare service, GO! Santa Clarita. For route schedules, visit SantaClaritaTransit.com.

Alternatively, residents east of Railroad Avenue and Bouquet Canyon Road can hop aboard the Metrolink at the Via Princessa, Vista Canyon or Santa Clarita stations for a quick ride to the Newhall Metrolink Station, which is only a 10-minute walk from William S. Hart Park. This year, the City of Santa Clarita is partnering with Metrolink to give away two exclusive Cowboy Cantina passes, which allows for special access to the festival. This promotion is available for Metrolink subscribers only, so, if interested, subscribe at SoCalExplorer.MetrolinkTrains.com.

Railroad Avenue and Lyons Avenue will remain open to traffic throughout the duration of the Cowboy Festival. Motorists are asked to be aware of road closures and allow for extra travel time through Old Town Newhall throughout the event.

For more information regarding Cowboy Festival events, and to purchase tickets to special performances, please visit CowboyFestival.org. 

Requests for Proposals Process Begins for Dining Space

American Sports Entertainment Company (ASEC) and the LA Kings, collectively referred to as JV Ice at The Cube, are seeking proposals to license restaurant and bar space at The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center, powered by FivePoint Valencia, located at 27745 Smyth Drive in Valencia. The Cube opened to the public in April 2021, and is the premier ice-skating arena in the area and draws crowds of hockey players, figure skaters, speed skaters and general public skaters daily.

The City of Santa Clarita owns The Cube, which is operated by JV Ice at The Cube. The 93,000 square-foot facility features three sheets of ice – an NHL rink, Olympic rink and The Pond – as well as the restaurant and Top Shelf beverage center on the second floor. With many daily sessions, games, practices and open sessions, The Cube has constant traffic with heightened crowds during tournaments, competitions and other events. In 2024, the Cube brought in nearly 450,000 individuals. The Grille at The Cube has averaged $70,000 per month which includes sales from the bar.

Approximately 4,650 square feet of restaurant space is available on the second floor at The Cube. Contained within this space is a 1,030 square-foot kitchen, a bar and two patron seating areas. It is preferred that the restaurant operator will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a variety of drink options and adult beverages, and partner with The Cube on food for birthday parties and events.

Interested parties can submit proposals through May 15, 2025. Each Request for Proposals (RFP) can be accessed by visiting TheCubeSantaClarita.com. Proposals must be submitted via email to The Cube’s General Manager, Darin Mathewson at darin.mathewson@asecllc.com.

New Rate Schedule in Effect July 1, 2025

After a nine-month process pursuant to requirements set forth in California’s Proposition 218, the SCV Water Board of Directors concluded its rate study and voted to implement proposed rate changes following a public hearing on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The water rate adjustments will go into effect July 1, 2025, and increase per the approved schedule on July 1 of each subsequent year in the rate study (2026, 2027, 2028, 2029).

“The approved rate proposal will help ensure SCV Water meets its financial obligations so it can continue to provide high-quality water to customers,” said SCV Water Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Rochelle Patterson. “We are thankful to the many SCV Water customers who participated in this important process by attending a public meeting or workshop and providing feedback.”

The entire process was a collaborative effort between SCV Water staff, the Board of Directors, and staff from RDN, the Agency’s independent ratepayer advocate. SCV Water’s Cost of Service and Rate Design began in July 2024 and consisted of seven phases:

1. Data Collection
2. Revenue Requirements
3. Cost of Service Study
4. Rate Design Analysis
5. Administrative Record – Prop 218 Notice Creation
6. Communication
7. Public Hearing and Rate Adoption

As a public agency, SCV Water cannot earn a profit from the services it provides. The Agency must charge no more than the actual costs associated with providing water services to its customers.

Beginning July 1, SCV Water customers will see a change in their Water Use Charge, which is based on the amount of water used during a billing cycle. The rate will increase from $2.52 to $2.77 per ccf, with one ccf equaling 748 gallons of water. Additionally, monthly Fixed charges, which vary by meter size, will also increase. For the average SCV Water customer with a ¾-inch meter, the charge will go from $22.21 to $23.60 per month.

Changes have also been approved for Legacy Debt charges and Private Fire charges. Full cost breakdowns by meter size over the entire study period (July 2025 – June 2030) can be found by visiting yourSCVWater.com/rate-planning.

Before approving the new rates, SCV Water conducted extensive public outreach and education. This included multiple online community meetings, presentations at Board of Director and Committee meetings, and an online bill estimator tool to help customers understand how the changes would affect them.

The Rate Planning webpage (yourSCVwater.com/rate-planning) served as a central resource, providing access to the Ratepayer Advocate Report and 2025 Retail Water Rate Analysis and Rate Design Study. It also features helpful customer resources, such as an online question form, a guide on how to read your water bill, and information about the Agency’s Ratepayer Assistance Program.

Customers may review all materials online at the Rate Planning webpage listed above.

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About SCV Water:
The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCV Water) is a full-service regional water agency located in the Santa Clarita Valley. SCV Water provides water service to approximately 75,000 business and residential customers. It was formed on January 1, 2018, when local water suppliers combined into one integrated, regional water provider. More information can be found at yourSCVwater.com.