Homebuyer optimism grows statewide

Homebuyers are the most optimistic about the housing market than they have been in three years according to a 2012 survey by the California Association of Realtors.

SBDC launches entrepreneurial institute for region

A new program for entrepreneurs, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Growth, unique only to the region served by the Santa Clarita-based Small Business Development Center, just launched to provide a wide range of services to small business owners throughout the San Fernando, East Ventura and Santa Clarita Valleys.

Mall wins top honor for Patios design

Westfield was recently recognized for its design and architecture of the 250,000-square-foot Patios shopping center expansion to the Westfield Valencia Town Center.

VICA, Westfield share successes

By Sara Mitchell Signal Staff Writer After sharing some of its biggest policy successes in 2012, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association brought one of the most successful retail property groups, Westfield, to the stage to talk about global real estate. Westfield Co-Chief Executive Officer Peter Lowy was the keynote speaker at VICA's 63rd annual meeting on Thursday afternoon, where the business advocacy group elected its 2013 board of directors and gave out various awards. ...

City fills business sponsorship position

The city of Santa Clarita has filled the sponsorship analyst position, left vacant in the past year, with James Kneblik.

Janice France-Pettit: Do your research, prepare before applying for a loan

If you plan on purchasing a home or car, or paying for college, it is probable that at some point you may need to apply for a loan. Taking out a loan is a significant responsibility, so it's important to follow steps to prepare before applying for a loan, not only to help ensure that a lender will consider loaning money to you, but also to make sure that the loan has a positive impact on your finances. To help ensure you're prepared, here are some things to consider:

Improving Web presence takes time

Google is very picky about what makes for a high-value website that deserves top real estate on its search engine.

Team studying how to make biofuels from E. coli

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - A team led by University of Colorado Boulder has won a five-year, $9.2 million grant for research on how to manipulate E. coli to produce cost-competitive biofuels.

Mini dealership coming to the SCV

A building permit has been issued by the city of Santa Clarita for the first phase of the new Mini Cooper of Valencia dealership to be located on Creekside Road, next to the Nissan of Valencia.

Plan proposed to avert gas shortages in crises

A new bill was introduced in California's state legislature Tuesday to incentivize retail gas sellers to equip their service stations with backup emergency generators.

HealthWorks buys more medical centers

U.S. HealthWorks of Valencia has acquired four more healthcare centers, the company announced Monday.

Realtors usher in new officers, economy

After making it through four years of a depressed real estate market, Mistress of Ceremonies Laura Langen opened the Southland Regional Association of Realtors annual installation dinner Friday night by greeting attendees with: "Welcome to Survivor 2012."

Check your Social Security benefits

Whether close to retirement, planning for it or concerned about benefits accrued, the Social Security Administration offers an online social security estimator for people.

New homes sales dip

Across the nation, sales of new single-family homes in October were down 0.3 percentage points below September sales. The sale of 368,000 new homes, however, marked a 17.2 percent increase over October 2011.

Economic development center receives $550K

The Valley Economic Development Center received a combination opportunity fund grant and loan totaling $550,000 from the California Community Foundation.

Mission Valley Bank president selected to head up California Independent Bankers

Tamara Gurney, Mission Valley Bank president and CEO, has been selected as the California Independent Bankers 2013 incoming president, said a spokesman for the bank.

Williams Homes building in Santa Clarita

Williams Homes announced its latest new home development on Wednesday, which is based in Santa Clarita.

Newhall retail center sold

A Newhall retail center, Stagecoach Plaza, has sold for $8.5 million to a Los Angeles buyer.

VIA keynote speaker touts ‘lean’ and mean

The keynote speaker at the Valley Industry Association's luncheon on Tuesday said he was first introduced to the concept of lean manufacturing when his family had to make a decision between buying steel for their family operated business or putting food on the dinner table.

US housing starts surpass 1 million in March

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. homebuilders broke the 1 million mark in March for the first time since June 2008. The gain signals continued strength for the housing recovery at the start of the spring buying season.

Ocon U.S. HealthWorks VP of Tax

Ramon Ocon has been named as the Vice President of Tax for U.S. HealthWorks of Valencia.

Pegi Matsuda to head VEDC’s board

Pegi Matsuda has been appointed as the Chairwoman of the Valley Economic Development Center's board of directors, where she has served on the board for the past 10 years.

Local Boston Scientific working on back pain

Boston Scientific received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval last week for its second generation Precision Spectra Spinal Cord Stimulator System, which controls pain.

Retailer permits are approved for Patios

Permits have been issued for a fashion accessories retailer to occupy a portion of the space where The Westfield Group had petitioned the city of Santa Clarita to locate a Walmart Neighborhood Market, said an official with the city.

Second BevMo store to open in the Santa Clarita Valley

The second Santa Clarita Valley BevMo store opens in Canyon Country April 26, said Josh Phaneuf, with BevMo.

Santa Clarita Valley office vacancies rise slightly

Santa Clarita's first-quarter office vacancy rate rose slightly as one business moved out of the area and another, smaller firm moved in.

Family-run 7-Eleven closing after 27 years

What 7-Eleven, Inc. giveth, 7-Eleven, Inc. taketh.

Homeowners in need often become victims

If a company is asking for money upfront to perform a loan modification service, that's a red flag, said a local Realtor.

Stores host block party to attract business

Sometimes it just takes a village of business owners to kick off a round of economic activity.

Median household income fell 7.3 percent in recession