Popular tax breaks renewed

Taxpayers and tax preparers will find significant changes when they fill out 2008 tax returns: AMT exemptions rise; several expiring deductions and credits get a new lease on life; a new standard property tax deduction and a special first-time homebuyer credit are available to some homeowners; and retirement savings incentives expand.

Pools By Ben earns award

Flex Your Power, California's statewide energy efficiency campaign, recognized Pools By Ben, Inc. as a leader in energy efficiency with a Flex Your Power Award.

Local chamber members visit China

Local business owner, B.J. Atkins, can scratch "climb the Great Wall of China" off his list of life goals.

Foreclosure Institute hosts workshop Jan. 15

The California Foreclosure Institute will host a free two-hour workshop for investors and realtors interested in buying foreclosed properties from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Valencia Public Library.

Oh baby! There’s a new retailer in town

Heavy rain and thunder did not stop anxious parents from taking advantage of the Babies "R" Us opening day on Saturday.

Contest to decide SCV’s best employer

Santa Clarita employers can battle it out in Santa Clarita's first ever "Best Employers to Work for in the SCV" competition.

Home sales rise thanks to foreclosures

One family's tragic foreclosure is another family's affordable abode. Low interest rates and rock-bottom prices in September drove Santa Clarita Valley home sales up 86 percent compared to September 2007, according to information provided by the Southland Regional Association of Realtors Inc. "Activity is picking up, with much of it centered on sales of bank-owned properties that are being sold as a result of foreclosure proceedings," said Doreen Chastain-Shine, president of the association's Santa Clarita ...

Fulfilling a dream: zebra style

When Stacy Burleson and her business partner, Terri Yamate-Ottengheime were laid off from the Walt Disney Company in 2000, they didn't let tribulation stand in the way of pursuing their dreams.

Business briefs

Unique wine gifts open house Inspired Touch will host an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in Canyon Country. The recipient of a "Toast to You!" gift receives a personal keepsake greeting in a decorative win glass. Contact/RSVP to (661) 252-2736. Cruise line voted best itineraries Travel agent readers of Recommend magazine choose Princess Cruises as the "Best Cruise Line-Itineraries" for the fifth consecutive year. The honor recognizes Princess' dedication to global cruising. ...

Business briefs

City earns economic awards The International Economic Development Council awarded the city of Santa Clarita's Economic Division two honorable mention awards during a conference in October. The awards are for the Enterprise Zone Marketing Campaign and the Santa Clarita Sponsorship Brochure. Wildcat celebrates opening of facility The Wildcat Business Group, a technology and computer networking company, is celebrating the opening of their new facility from 5:30 to 7 p.m. today at 26017 Huntington Lane, Suite ...

ADPROS calls for local entries

Advertising Professionals Association is accepting entries for its advertising, graphic design and related creative fields competition.

Despite economy, SCV Bank doing well

The economy is weakening, but Santa Clarita Valley Bank is growing. SCV Bank announced its 2008 third quarter financial results which show loan growth at $8.8 million and deposit increases of $4.9 million. The loan growth consisted primarily of commercial real estate loans, according to SCV Bank. "The Bank is in a very strong capital position," CEO Michael Hause said. "We expect to continue to grow in the fourth quarter as customers continue to call ...

Chamber extends deadline

The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce extended the deadline for Operation Chamber Membership to Oct. 31. Existing members who sign up new members become eligible for an array of prizes.

One more time at Una Mas

Franchisee Rama Iyengar of Canyon Country and his Una Mas Mexican Grill are an example of success that resounds when business works with its community.

Magic Mountain is not for sale

Six Flags Magic Mountain is cleaning up, shaping up and it's not for sale. It's no secret locals recently viewed the theme park as more of a menace than a destination for family fun. "My son tells me that I can't go there because that's where all the gangs hang out," said Susan Reynolds, a senior partner at Newmarket careers in Santa Clarita. But Reynolds was one in a room full of local business executives ...

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