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Sara Mitchell

Marketing partnership to continue

The city of Santa Clarita is extending its Shop Local partnership with the Santa Clarita Valley Auto Dealers Association for another year.

The $60,000 one-year extension comes at a time when local dealers need the support the most, as many dealerships had fewer new cars on their lots this year, as a result of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March.

For The Signal

Egg Plantation wins environmental award

The Egg Plantation in Old Town Newhall has been recognized for outstanding environmental business practices by the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery.

The Santa Clarita restaurant was one of the winners of the Waste Reduction Awards Program for its dedication to environmental sustainability.

Winners receive WRAP certificates and window decals alerting customers to the business’ environmentally friendly practices.

Sal Aranda

Sal Aranda: U.S. will remain a nation of homeowners

There will be no quick fixes to the nation’s housing’s woes, but one outcome already appears certain: The United States will not become a nation of renters.

It will remain a nation of owners for good reasons: There simply are too many benefits — social, emotional, financial and otherwise — to own versus rent.

Signal Staff

Signal editor wins business award

Signal Business Editor Jana Adkins was presented with the 2011 President’s Media Award by the Santa Clarita Valley Division of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors on Friday.

The award acknowledged The Signal’s coverage of the real estate industry in the past year. The newspaper has published a number of industry-related stories and a bi-weekly real estate column written by Sal Aranda, president of SRAR.

Jerry Citarella

Jerry Citarella: The value of self-help books versus qualified assistance

About six months ago, when I began writing this column, I had one goal in mind: to inform and protect you, the reader.

I want you to have all the information and warnings necessary to make effective and educated decisions. That’s usually what separates the haves from the have-nots in the world of finance.

I’ll repeat some important factors again here.

Jana Adkins

Realtor group welcomes officers

The Southland Regional Association of Realtors — Santa Clarita Valley Division installed its 2012 officers at the Valencia Country Club on Friday.

Members of the Santa Clarita Realty community cited a challenging year, but pointed to the perseverance and achievements made by all as a source of pride in surviving in a tough economic climate.

Jana Adkins

Santa Clara Valley Bank names Knight leader

Cheryl L. Knight has been appointed president and CEO of Santa Clara Valley Bank, the bank reported Tuesday.

Previously, she served as the Santa Paula-based bank’s executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief credit officer. Knight fills the position vacated by Michael Hause, who resigned in July 2011.

“I am honored to be given this opportunity and excited about the future of Santa Clara Valley Bank,” Knight said.

Jana Adkins

Chamber talks commerce

A panel of experts spoke about a wide array of business-related topics Thursday at the SCV Chamber of Commerce’s “Biz Development Panel.”

Speaking on business leadership, employment law, leasing property or office space, complying with work-safety requirements and the state of California’s business climate, speakers covered a broad spectrum of topics.

Leading to survive

Carl Kanowsky

Carl Kanowsky: Chutzpah, marijuana and coverage concerns

There are people who like to push the bounds of proper civil behavior, and then there are those with chutzpah.

What is chutzpah? Wikipedia defines it as someone who has overstepped the boundaries of accepted behavior with no shame.

Whatever you call it, Greg Barnett certainly has it in spades.

You see, Barnett sued State Farm because it refused to pay his theft claim. When he lost in trial court, he appealed the imposition of such injustice.

Signal Staff

VICA to install new board members

The Valley Industry and Commerce Association will elect and install its 2012 board of directors and executive committee at the organization’s 62nd annual meeting on Dec. 15.

The organization will also install David Adelman of Greenberg & Bass LLP as the new chairman of the board to serve a two-year term. He is currently the first vice chair.

Signal Staff

VEDC offering loans for small businesses

Small-business loans ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 are being offered to new and existing businesses in Los Angeles County by the Valley Economic Development Center.

The loan program, called “ACCION USA Microloan,” will place a strong emphasis on serving the Hispanic business community. Research has found that predatory lenders target these communities in particular.

VEDC loans have set monthly payments with an annual interest rate of 10.5 percent for business owners who have been turned down by banks.

Sara Mitchell

Skilled laborers scarce locally

Local manufacturers shared how they battled the recession and voiced their concerns with the lack of area vocational training at the Valley Industry Association’s monthly luncheon and panel Tuesday.

The panel was composed of representatives from Bayless Engineering and Manufacturing and Specialty Motors and
Aerospace Dynamics local manufacturers who said they all took a hit during the recession, but, eventually, were able to hire back staff and invest in new infrastructure.

Jana Adkins

Locally produced movie wins 3 awards

While long-time Santa Clarita Valley resident Daniel Veluzat is generally busy operating the Veluzat Motion Picture Ranch for outside film and television productions, from time to time, he also steps into the role of executive producer.

Veluzat said he recently served as executive producer for the film “Yellow Rock,” which garnered recognition for the local movie ranch owner and operator.

Signal Staff

Currently filming in the SCV

Film and TV productions bring revenue and jobs to Santa Clarita. You might run into a film crew any day. Here’s a list of productions that are currently shooting in town:

Television
“Switched at Birth”
“The Wedding Band”

Feature
“PlayDate”

Student
“Herpes: A Love Story”

Jerry Citarella

Jerry Citarella: Let’s keep the thrills to the amusement parks

An interesting thing happens on thrill rides, such as those at our local amusement park, Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Roller coasters, in particular, exemplify this phenomenon best, but I believe all rides share the same commonality. Maybe it’s not a phenomenon, but I do find one thing interesting.

What keeps people coming back? It’s the thrill of the ride and fear of the unknown.

What happens when you get on a roller coaster? First, you sit down; you agree to take the ride.