In Your Corner Magazine | Fall 2022

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ISSUE 12 | 2022

Looking forward. Giving back. Philanthropy across the Golden State

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In this issue ISSUE 12 | 2022

THINK OUTSIDE THE [GIFT] BOX 19 ways to give back ... beyond the cash donation

COMMON THREAD OF GIVING BACK Compton-based nonprofit creates pathways to success for area youth

STRIVING TO BALANCE THE SCALES In San Diego, legal group works to advance justice for the community

INTERSECTING ART AND CULTURE San Francisco museum creates a space for courageous conversations

HOLIDAY ESCAPE Tips for traveling abroad this holiday season

STAYING THE COURSE How to maintain corporate philanthropy in uncertain times

GIVING SPIRITS CB&T associates help raise the bar on giving back

FRAUD ALERT: SELLER BEWARE How to avoid online scams

FROM CALIFORNIA, WITH LOVE The ultimate holiday gift guide

A SEASON OF SHARING CB&T employees share their favorite comfort foods, from their kitchen to yours

TAKE 5 Q&A with Lisa Brooks, First Vice President, Community Development Finance Division

PUBLISHER California Bank & Trust (CB&T)

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER | MANAGING EDITOR Kari Luu Stoddard COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER | PROJECT EDITOR Tom Stacey

MAGAZINE CONSULTANT Michelle Jacoby

EVP | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Jathan Segur

CONTRIBUTORS Aaron Berman, Sally Clasen, Julia De Simone, Bruce Farr, Jake Poinier, Lauren Saria

VP | CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ron Gligic

SENIOR DESIGNERS Nathan Joseph and Diana Ramos

In Your Corner magazine may contain trademarks or trade names owned by parties who are not affiliated with California Bank & Trust, Zions Bancorporation, N.A. or its affiliates. Use of such marks does not imply any sponsorship by or affiliation with third parties, and California Bank & Trust does not claim any ownership of or make representations about products and services offered under or associated with such marks. Articles are offered for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial or business advice. Please contact a professional about your specific needs and advice.

BY JAKE POINIER

Think outside the [gift] box

WHILE DONATING CASH is the fastest, easiest way to donate to a worthy nonprofit, the current economic environment (and your budget) may mean getting a bit creative this holiday season. Here are 19 ways to think outside the traditional gift box:

Volunteer your time We’ll start with the obvious: Volunteering your time is one of the most rewarding ways to 1

Donate items you don’t need or use While some organizations are focused

on used clothing, electronics, and home goods, others stretch far beyond that. You can donate

cars and boats, equipment and machinery, or even real estate.

support your favorite charity, especially those that have tight budgets and lean staffs. No matter what your interests — from soup kitchens to animal shelters and everything in between — there’s a nonprofit that can benefit from your sweat equity.

Volunteer your skills Nonprofits can use your brains, as well as your brawn. Whether your talent is fundraising and event promotion, accounting, social media and marketing, writing, graphic design, or photography, your “day job” skills can help an organization with big events or regular administrative needs. 2

Spread the word Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media channels make it easier than ever to share your passion for a charity. In addition to posting and engaging on social media, it can boost an organization’s volunteer programs and events if you forward their emails and newsletters to friends and family when appropriate. 4

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

Redirect how others give to you On social media, you’ve seen friends or relatives asking for donations on their behalf instead of receiving gifts. It’s

an easy way to give back — and you’ll likely feel better about it than getting another not-quite-right gift you never use. You might even start a new family tradition.

Be an advocate Just like businesses, nonprofits are affected by laws and other regulations — but they

Purchase from charity shops In addition to

usually don’t have the same lobbying

clout. You can assist in their

donating used goods to charity or thrift shops, you can spend some

efforts by writing to elected officials, contributing op-eds to the local paper, or taking other steps

of your shopping dollars there too. Every time you buy,

you’re supporting important causes, including homeless shelters, food pantries, disaster relief and beyond.

to ensure their voice is heard.

Swap your shopping habits There’s been a proliferation of shopping platforms that contribute a percentage of

Use a charity credit card Many financial institutions offer the option of a charity credit card, which automatically

your sale to your charity of choice. Good Shop, for example, offers shopping through 7,000 merchants and connections to more than 114,000 nonprofits and schools. Amazon Smile gives you the same shopping experience as regular Amazon, while donating 0.5% of the total to your chosen charity.

donates any earned rewards to a nonprofit of your choice. Make sure to research the rates and terms to make sure it fits your financial needs as well as

contributing to a worthy cause. In addition, realize that the credit card processing fees will be deducted from any donation you make.

Serve on the board of a nonprofit Nonprofits aren’t just looking for volunteers to help on an occasional basis. They need smart, dedicated people to lead the organization in its mission. If you’ve got the time and interest, serving in a board role can be a way to make an outsized impact on how they operate on a day-to-day basis. 10

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Contribute your talents to a charity auction The holidays are a popular time 11

for charities’ annual events. Even if you don’t have a fancy high-dollar item to contribute to an auction, many nonprofits also accept donations of professional services packages. So, whether you’re a yoga teacher, web designer, massage therapist, photographer, or craftsperson, ask the organization if there’s something you could offer to help raise funds.

Donate your airline miles and hotel points Almost every frequent flyer and hotel loyalty

program offers an option to donate your rewards to partner organizations. The list of causes is extensive — and it’s an easy way to donate smaller balances of miles and points, particularly if they’re about to expire.

Start a charity walk Walking events are a popular fundraising tool, and the possibilities are practically limitless. Themed 12

Leverage your business Even if financial

contributions don’t fit your budget right now, you can make it easy for employees to volunteer their time — either with paid time off for working with local charities

walks, costume walks, or even dog walks are among

the ways to create a buzz while keeping the event lighthearted. Fundraising platforms can make it easier to get the word out, selling t-shirts can be an additional revenue driver, and including food (potluck or a food truck) always helps turnout.

or organizing volunteer days as a team. Even better, invite customers and clients to get involved, which increases awareness of your company values.

Host a fundraising event If socializing is more your speed than a 5K, a fundraising event at your home or a local

park might be a match. When you’re creating the guest list, think big: not just friends and family, but anyone in your network who might be willing

Head outside There’s a wide array of apps available that make contributing as easy as going for

to contribute time, energy, or money to the organization. And, of course, having someone from the nonprofit’s leadership will help make an impact, too.

a walk, run or bike ride — just tap a button when you start and finish. Charity Miles is among the best known, with dozens of charities that you can contribute to for every mile you track. If you’re a pet lover, ResQwalk and Walk for a Dog enable you to raise money and resources for your favorite animal welfare organization.

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

Can I deduct volunteer time on my taxes? While the IRS does not allow you to deduct volunteer time as a charitable contribution, there are some expenses that you may be able to claim, depending on your individual circumstances. (Be aware that written documentation from the charity may be required, and you should keep receipts or a detailed listing of your out-of- pocket expenses.) Common examples include:

Do your part to keep California clean Through the Caltrans Adopt-A-Highway Program, individuals, organizations, or businesses can volunteer to pick up litter, plant trees, or remove graffiti. Many California municipalities also have Adopt-A-Street programs. 17

Include a planned gift to charity in your will

Naming a nonprofit as a beneficiary in your will, known as a planned gift or legacy gift, can be done in a variety of ways that don’t cost you a cent while you’re still alive — but will still give you a sense of satisfaction while you are!

Miles driven using your own car

Parking, taxi, rideshare, or other transportation costs

Lodging and meals

Create your own charitable venture If you’ve been volunteering for a long time, you may start to get restless about doing the same thing year in, year out. So, look around your community. Is there a societal challenge that isn’t getting the proper amount of attention? Are you skilled at organizing and leading? Get out there and make it happen! 19

Entrance fees

The cost of a required uniform

Consumable materials that you brought or donated

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GREATER GOOD

UNEARTH & EMPOWER COMMUNITIES

Common thread of

A S A YOUTH GROWING UP in the Bay Area, Barak Bomani fondly recalls his mother baking elaborate holiday pies and freely giving them away to strangers — just to see them “smile and be happy.” Miles away, a young Sara Bomani also reflected on a similar scene of serving Thanksgiving dinner with her family to homeless neighbors in downtown Milwaukee. “If there was a need, my parents were

was born in 2013. Its mission is to create pathways to college, employment and entrepreneurship for Compton, Calif. youth though engagement with STEM education and the arts. “Unearth means to discover something hidden, lost or kept secret,” Barak says. “Everyone has a gift to offer the world. It is our honor to co-educate with people toward unearthing those gifts and empowering not only themselves, but their families and neighbors.” This dream blossomed

after Sara volunteered to teach a weekly arts class at a local elementary school in Compton that lacked an art program. A graphic designer by trade with a master’s degree in arts education, she has led over 400 hours of community

service, including the painting of more than 70 community murals at several Compton public schools. “Barak is a dreamer,

and I’m the one that helps make our dreams happen,” she says. After the duo participated in conversations to pinpoint the community’s immediate

needs, education and literacy were at the top of the list. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, recent statistics show that almost 20% of Compton residents live in poverty. Barak, who has 25 years of educational experience, points out statistics indicate that only 62.2% of Compton’s youth graduate high school as compared to 79.1% of Los Angeles County (LAC)

ready to help,” she says. “I grew up in a house that served. That’s what we did.” When the couple’s paths aligned, it was no surprise that they’d eventually form a nonprofit organization with that “common thread of giving back.” Unearth & Empower Communities (UEC)

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

giving back BY JULIA DE SIMONE

youth. He says statistics also show that only 8.6% of Compton students graduate with a university degree compared to 32.5% of LAC youth. But the couple knew the past didn’t have to dictate their community’s future. During UEC’s initial years, art camps were established in the summer, followed by after-school programs during the school year. It soon morphed into literacy, teaching specific reading comprehension skills and math. In 2015, the first high school graduate and college scholarships were awarded. When the pandemic hit, they took their programming online to create the “Houses of STEAM,” aimed at teaching Compton’s youth and their families STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) through hands-on training and building projects. Post-pandemic, they have moved back into the in-person/hybrid model to reach their Compton families more effectively, and now students and families can attend field trips and speak with STEAM career professionals who look like them: Black, Indigenous and people of color. “We see a lot through our own parents’ lens — the sacrifices they made and the resources that were available to them back then. We desire to provide that same access for our Compton families. We realize that everybody needs a little help.”

“Sometimes

parents don’t know what resources they have, so we help them get them.”

Since the couple relocated from their previous home, which was 15 minutes away, to

Compton, they are also equally invested in their community.

“The community needs to be able to see you in order to trust you,” Barak says. “We’re always around, gardening, walking, hosting block parties and visiting our neighbors. We want to grow with our community. So, whatever the community needs, that’s what we provide.” In June 2020, David Brooks, opinion columnist for The New York Times, interviewed the couple for a commentary piece on racial disparities. He wrote that the couple are experts in how to lift up their neighborhoods. “If we helped get them money and support, they would figure out what to do,” Brooks wrote. The couple says future plans include expanding their after-school and arts programs, building a Teen Tech Center, providing more scholarships, and sponsoring a building campaign. Although they hope to obtain funding through various methods such as grants and sponsorships, they are always in need of any donations and volunteers. But at the end of the day, the duo won’t give up on their community or the lessons inherited. “My friend says, ‘position is part-time, but purpose is full time,’” Barak says. “We (as a society) focus so much on our titles, but it’s really about what we were created to do. We, Sara and I, like to lean in more to our purpose. It’s important because that’s the currency of being a human.”

“Everyone has a gift to offer the world. It is our honor to co-educate with people toward unearthing those gifts.” Barak Bomani Co-Founder, Unearth & Empower Communities

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GREATER GOOD

Striving to balance the scales BY JAKE POINIER LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO

T HE TRADITIONAL STATUE of Lady Justice features her holding a set of scales and wearing a blindfold. The scales represent the weighing of evidence, and the blindfold represents being impartial to the defendant’s status, wealth, power and race — thus, representing a fair and just legal system. But all too often, the legal system fails to see and address the needs of the less fortunate.

For a century, the Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD) has aimed to uphold the representation of Lady Justice with a focus and dedication to delivering on its mission to improve lives and advance justice through effective, efficient, and vigorous legal advocacy, outreach and education. “Unfortunately, justice is not always attainable for everyone,” says LASSD COO Joanne Franciscus. “We

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

provide free legal services to low- income residents throughout the County of San Diego, in all the most fundamental areas of law that affect their day-to-day lives that they can’t afford private attorneys in.” The list of services provided by the LASSD is extensive, spanning from access to healthcare to maintaining economic stability to family support. Their housing lawyers protect people from being wrongly evicted and help homeless clients receive vouchers, at which point the SSI team — which helps with Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income — can ensure that they have stable income. “Throughout the cases, we’re always thinking about needs and community resources that other teams could help them with,” Franciscus says. To further that goal, the organization has incorporated case managers to augment its legal services and allow attorneys to help more clients. In addition, the services are growing all the time due to the

210 staff members, 82 attorneys, more than 200 volunteers ranging from high school students to retired judges, and partnerships with countless community-based organizations. While the organization is

government-funded to provide free legal representation, they are also growing their unrestricted funds through philanthropy, including a Centennial Gala on Nov. 19 at the US Grant Hotel. Clients connect with the organization in numerous ways, including community partners, government agencies, the court system, and elected officials, as well as their website and 2‑1‑1

“We really try to evaluate what the person needs to succeed, and to not need us anymore.” Joanne Franciscus COO, Legal Aid Society of San Diego

San Diego community services. LASSD also does significant education and outreach, with online and in- person clinics on topics ranging from bankruptcy and conservatorship to unlawful detainer and immigration. “A big part of what we do is teaching people what their rights are in layman’s terms, so that it’s not an intimidating process and so they know what to expect,” says Franciscus. “For instance, during COVID-19, our housing team helped the public understand all of the new pandemic protections for tenants.” The organization’s outreach also extends beyond clients and their communities. “I always get goosebumps when I think about Thurgood Marshall’s quote on the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial: ‘The justice system can force open doors and sometimes even knock down walls, but it cannot build bridges. That job belongs to you and me,’” says Lorena Slomanson, director of development. At LASSD “Being the bridge is really

voices of the community — it’s actually how the society began its education rights team in late 2019, says Franciscus. The program focuses on special education students, ensuring that school systems are giving them an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), addressing special circumstances, and ensuring that the IEP is followed, she says. Franciscus stresses the value of taking a holistic approach. “Rather than looking at one individual problem, solving it, and then waiting until the client comes back, we really try to evaluate what

the person needs to succeed, and to not need us anymore,” she says. LASSD operates three offices throughout the County with

important to us, and we do a lot behind the scenes to educate policymakers and media who come to us because of our expertise, to help untangle the web for the public. Our bottom line is getting results for people.”

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GREATER GOOD

CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM

Intersecting art & culture

BY LAUREN SARIA

M ENTION THE CITY of San Francisco and you’re likely to conjure images of steep streets cloaked in fog, the Golden Gate Bridge stretching across cobalt waves, and a host of other architectural icons, from Coit Tower to Chinatown’s Dragon Gate to the silhouette of the Transamerica Pyramid. But what visitors may not realize is that the city also hosts a Jewish community with roots winding all the way back to the Gold Rush, when a wave of German-speaking Jews arrived in California and established one of the first synagogues in the country in San Francisco. Today, the city claims the fourth-largest Jewish population in America. And considering San Francisco’s history as a destination for immigrants, the Bay Area’s Jewish population is not only large, but also incredibly diverse, including many households of mixed ethnic or racial backgrounds, according to a 2021 report from the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. That rich diversity makes San

cultural traditions and identities can serve as lenses to examine modern life,” says Chad Coerver, the museum’s executive director. “The goal is to increase empathy and create a more accepting world for all people.” Founded in 1984, the non-collecting museum hosts an ever-changing lineup of exhibitions that explore the intersection of art and Jewish culture.

In 2008, the museum opened in its current building, which was designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, bringing work from local, national, and international artists to downtown San Francisco. Coerver says that as a culturally specific museum, the Contemporary Jewish Museum works to create space for the public to have courageous conversations by exposing visitors to perspectives they might not have considered before. So, although the museum often features work by Jewish artists, that’s not the only criteria

Francisco a prime location to foster conversations about the contemporary life and the Jewish experience, which is exactly what the team at the Contemporary Jewish Museum aims to do. “We’re interested in the ways in which Jewish

taken into consideration when the museum staff curates exhibitions. “One of the

most important considerations when we conceive of an exhibition is that

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

it’s also tells a story that’s universal, that someone from any tradition can identify with at least a piece of it,” he says. One of the most successful recent exhibitions, Coerver shares, tells the story of the Oznowicz family’s escape from Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II and their use of puppetry as a form of resistance. The centerpiece of the one-room show is a never- before-exhibited marionette caricature of Adolf Hitler. Intended to lampoon the dictator during his alarming rise to power in the late 1930s, the marionette was hand-carved by Dutch-Jewish puppeteer Isidore (Mike) Oznowicz and costumed by his Flemish-Catholic wife Frances, the parents of prolific American actor, film director and puppeteer Frank Oz. “The Oznowicz’s use of puppetry demonstrates how creativity and humor can be used to critique circumstances that feel too big to counteract — a world out of our control,” Coerver says. “Puppeteering, for example, can be a tool to confront seemingly insurmountable difficulties.” In October, the museum opened “Gillian Laub:

Family Matters,” a solo exhibition featuring more than 60 photographs capturing the emotional, psychological and political landscape of the artist’s family. The series follows Laub’s family for 25 years and reflects the polarization of the nation, as the artist and her parents find themselves on opposing sides of a political divide. Coerver explains that the deeply intimate photographs resonate with viewers of all backgrounds. “The exhibition asks each of us, ‘What are you willing to do to hold onto your family at a moment of profound discord?’ We can all identify with that question.” Coerver says, particularly after the tumult of the past two years, museums offer a special opportunity: They are venues to bring people together in physical spaces to confront traumas and find common understanding. The Contemporary Jewish Museum, he says, looks to be that kind of space. “We’re a welcoming place for anyone who wants to learn about contemporary art and Judaism — and, in particular, about the unique character of Judaism in the Bay Area today,” Coerver says.

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IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

HOLIDAY ESCAPE: Tips for traveling abroad INTEREST IN TRAVELING is up as COVID-19 restrictions lift around the world, which means many will opt to travel outside the U.S. this holiday season. While the rugged ski slopes of the Alps and the glistening beaches of Ibiza await you with open arms, here are some tips to ensure you’re ready to go. BY SALLY J. CLASEN

The pre-trip prep Do check if your passport and

capture pertinent information, and find out if you need travel adapters and voltage converters. Don’t wait to exchange currency until you arrive at your international destination, particularly at airport kiosks that have notoriously high transaction fees and long wait lines. For cash travelers, California Bank & Trust can exchange more than 80 foreign currencies prior to departure. Plus,

vaccinations are valid — well in advance of your trip. Visit travel advisory and embassy websites for the latest entry requirements and warnings. And make sure your medications are legal where you’re headed, kept in original, labeled containers and stored in your carry-on. In addition, use your smartphone to

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don’t assume your credit card is accepted everywhere. The merchant selling the most exquisite cashmere scarves in the Moroccan souk might not accept credit cards. Mind your global manners Do brush up on the local culture of where you’re headed, even if it’s a well-known place frequented by Americans. Most guidebooks include historical and cultural sections to help you understand a specific host country’s norms and customs, such as tip obligations, dress codes and other travel etiquette. Don’t expect everyone to speak English in your vacation spot. If you don’t understand something, apologize politely (that’s a universal language) and ask if someone can translate. Pack the essentials Do invest in a good travel pillow, earplugs and sleep mask for long- haul flights. Your journey will be more restful, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running once you land. Speaking of, buy some comfy, chic travel shoes that go anywhere. And dress in comfortable layers so you can make clothing adjustments for different legs of your trip.

magnet — ship or buy gift cards instead.

planning translation. Note: Many museums in Europe are closed on Monday and religious/holiday observations may affect business hours throughout a region. Don’t assume everything will happen as planned. Traveling is an adventure, especially during the holidays. Be flexible, manage expectations and embrace the moment.

Clear the ground details Do double-check if hotel and dinner reservations, driver arrangements and any pre-booked sightseeing activities are confirmed upon arrival. Ask the hotel concierge for help. Sometimes small details get lost in trip-

Don’t overload your suitcase. All planes including private and charter jets have a weight

More bang for your buck The American dollar has never traveled so well, particularly in Europe. In July, the euro reached a historic low rate against the dollar at 1:1, giving U.S. travelers roughly a 15% discount on purchases. Americans should take advantage of the positive currency news by booking and paying for hotels and tours in advance to get the conversion savings now because there’s no

limit. And rather than bringing wrapped holiday gifts — a security inspection

guarantee the exchange rate will remain the same. It’s also a good idea to use credit cards without foreign exchange rates while traveling to get more bang for your buck while exchange rates remain favorable.

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

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Staying the

course BY BRUCE FARR

The pandemic and the economic downturn have put new demands on philanthropic giving. What can be done?

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

A N ARTICLE POSTED on the website of financial and investment giant, McKinsey & Company, back in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a hopeful development in corporate and individual philanthropic giving. It said, in part: “Confronted with the global pandemic, individual and institutional philanthropy has been responsive, engaged, and nimble. The challenge — and opportunity — for the sector will be to make those features stick.” Now, some two-plus years since that article was published, we sat down with one of California Bank & Trust’s (CB&T) leading philanthropy-focused executives to examine how the bank has adapted its policies and practices regarding corporate giving during what has become a highly challenging period of time. In other words, how the bank is helping to ensure that “those features stick,” as McKinsey noted.

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Ramping up giving Steven Herman is a CB&T senior vice president and manager of its Community Development Finance division. He says that there has indeed been a shift of philanthropic policy during and after the pandemic, which has put an economic strain on the country. “I think what comes to my mind — and it’s similar to the way the bank approaches credit risk during times like these — is that there is a related approach to how we should handle giving and philanthropy,” Herman says. “There is a ‘flight to quality’ approach that becomes operative.” According to Herman, over the last few years with COVID-19 and the economy being what it was, some of the larger, well-organized nonprofits had the internal mechanisms and capacity to weather the storm. “Many actually got bigger. So, when I think about where we are today [in terms of philanthropic giving or activity], donors want to make sure that they’ve done their homework. If you’re a ‘giver’ making contributions to particular organizations, you want to be sure

Economic development “This mostly falls under support for small-business development.

For one thing, [CB&T] outperformed a lot of other banks when it came to our administration of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that was initiated in 2020. Additionally, we complemented that with corporate giving efforts focused on Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). A lot of that took the form of helping small businesses that perhaps couldn’t get financial help through a bank. So, effectively, we were hitting businesses from both sides. Those that couldn’t get loans through traditional channels but, instead, were able to work through a CDFI nonprofit.” Housing and housing security “We did a lot of giving around supporting organizations that help low- and moderate-income families stay in their homes during these tough times. This has been a real focus for us. Then, we did a lot of giving around homelessness and homelessness services. Additionally, my group does a lot of lending around financing new, affordable housing for formerly homeless people and low-income families.” Pandemic relief and food security “We supported nonprofits and other organizations that function as food banks, helping people become more food secure.”

that the recipient satisfies the basic criteria of being financially solvent, that they’re able to take your dollars and invest them meaningfully and impactfully to their cause. Over the past few years, there have been a lot of groups out there — nonprofits, I mean — that just didn’t make it; they didn’t survive.” Rather than backing off and waiting for better times, Herman believes that “giving” organizations should either ramp up their activity or at least maintain their status quo. “During harder times, it becomes even more important to give and

What about the economy? Another looming issue that has impacted

philanthropic giving is the rise of inflation, and the ripple effect that inflationary conditions are having on the economy and virtually every segment of our society. For some insight, we turned to Emily Young, the executive director of the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego. The institute’s mission is to support and champion the nonprofit sector through leading-edge research. Additionally, Young and her team work to strengthen leaders and organizations committed to social good. Young’s 20-plus-year background in nearly every aspect of philanthropy and giving provides her with a unique perspective on the cultural and economic issues that may affect it. She describes how, very early into her tenure at the institute, Herman and CB&T sought out her organization and how,

From left to right, CB&T associates David Swartz, Steve Herman and Ahmad Ghaussi, onsite at a Habitat for Humanity project.

support the worthy causes,” he says. “The impact of those tougher times on communities is even greater than it was pre-pandemic, for example. So, you can make the argument that corporate giving is even more critical today than it was during less stressful times.” Herman cites three specific areas in CB&T’s sphere where the bank has identified a more pronounced need for giving, and where it has turned its philanthropic focus.

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

TIPS FOR COMPANIES OR INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN GIVING THIS YEAR

Mission alignment “One of the things

subsequently, the two entities have created an enduring partnership. As an example, Young highlights CB&T’s support with the organization’s educational programs and its efforts to generate research and provide learnings to the non- profit community, board members, elected officials and funders. “We all have a very strong stake in having and maintaining a healthy nonprofit community, so we’ve partnered with CB&T in that regard,” she says. Young adds that, especially during the pandemic, the institute partnered with CB&T on educational outreach to nonprofits that were interested in PPP funding. “CB&T has been really committed to working with these nonprofits to ensure that first, they could apply, and second, be successful in securing PPP funding.” Young’s research bears out Herman’s philosophy of ramping up corporate and individual giving during hard times. “Particularly after a fairly rocky 2020, we saw giving increase. We also saw foundations open up their purse strings to give more and, importantly, to become more flexible in their criteria for giving,” she says. “Additionally, among community foundations,

we saw a real effort to partner with corporations and government, to pool together resources quickly for immediate COVID-19 relief.” Last October, when the institute released its annual State of Nonprofits & Philanthropy Report, it indicated that nonprofits were better off financially than they had been the prior year and that many were predicting better than average financial prospects. “Many had an unanticipated cushion from the PPP funding,” Young says. “Now that we’re looking at 2021 and the data is coming out from national studies (such as Giving USA), what we’re seeing is that giving is relatively flat, and that’s due to inflation. Any gains that were made were wiped out by the rate of inflation. “The one bright spot,” Young says, “is that giving by corporations has picked up its pace significantly in 2020 and 2021. Giving in that time period increased by 24%, which is quite a gain. “Corporate giving constitutes about 4% of all philanthropic giving,” she adds. “But it’s important to look at the vital role that corporations such as California Bank & Trust can play. It’s positive for a nonprofit community.”

that we’ve done as a company is to identify our own passions and missions, and then seek out organizations that align with our goals,” said Herman. “It helps ensure that there’s a DE&I

(diversity, equity, and inclusion) dimension to our giving.”

Charity begins at home “Another is to identify and support organizations that might be helpful to your own employees. Of course, that all depends on where you are and what you do as a business, but, when it’s possible or viable, this can be a very good approach to giving.”

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Giving spirits CB&T associates and their teams are helping raise the bar on the bank’s philanthropic promise

BY BRUCE FARR

WHEN IT COMES to practicing corporate philanthropy — that is, giving back to communities through the auspices of their workplace — Michelle Generazzo and Sherri Harris are truly walking the talk.

Michelle Generazzo VICE PRESIDENT AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER, LA MESA BRANCH “It’s a simple proposition,” Michelle Generazzo explains. “Along with my own commitment, I support the employees in my branch, and I want them to be involved in nonprofit ‘giving’ work. I think it’s an important part of our lives as citizens ... to give back to different organizations out there that need help.”

the past dozen years has been volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). “My main job right now is as a scoutmaster for a BSA girls’ troop. For the past nine years, I’ve also served as the course director for a corporate leadership program that, this year, we’re putting on for adults,” she says, adding that the adult-focused program offers a wide array of scoutmasters the opportunity to explore different leadership styles that they can then bring back to their own scouts’ troops. Generazzo’s commitment to scouting is, as she describes it, home-grown. She and her husband have four children, three of whom have been involved in the scouting program for many years. She says that one of her motivations for devoting so much of her spare time to scouting is its long-lasting ripple effects. “Everything that we teach — whether we’re

Although she and her La Mesa CB&T team are involved in a number of philanthropic efforts, Generazzo says that, personally, her cause over

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

working at the troop level or teaching adults — is all the sort of stuff that’s important in your life,” she says. “Whether you use it at home or at work, it’s the sort of thing that, once you have it, you take it back to young people and help them become better citizens. They don’t teach a lot of these leadership and ethics skills in school and our young people need that foundation to become better, more responsible adults and citizens.” Other employees on Generazzo’s team volunteer their time and efforts with other causes, she says. “One of my co-workers volunteers with a theater in San Diego. Others are involved in teaching financial literacy to local high school students. And our branch supports a local organization that raises funds and

donates in a variety of ways to help overcome homelessness.” CB&T’s corporate philosophy strongly supports philanthropy and giving back through several means. “On the branch level, we have individual budgets established that we use to support different

nonprofits and nonprofit events,” Generazzo explains. “Each year, we identify which among the nonprofits we think are most in need, and then we make sure to support them however we can.” “Over the last couple of years, our business resource groups have done a very good job identifying different volunteer opportunities and making them available on a regular basis. These groups are bringing awareness and education to let us know what options are available to us, from a volunteer/philanthropic standpoint.”

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Sherri Harris VICE PRESIDENT AND BRANCH MANAGER, CRENSHAW BRANCH

“The tax help is just one part of it. Our goal is to help them create a roadmap to get them to where they want to be financially.” Sherri Harris Vice President and Branch Manager, Crenshaw branch, California Bank & Trust

Annual taxes are a challenge for all of us, but particularly difficult for many low-to-moderate income citizens in the greater Los Angeles community. That’s why, four years ago, Sherri Harris created and championed a CB&T sponsored program called VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). Since then, from January

through April of each year, VITA has grown to become a major giving event at her Crenshaw branch and other CB&T branches, offering tax preparation assistance and advice to hundreds, if not thousands, of local, moderate-to-lower-income residents. “It’s just one of the ways that we give back to the community, especially here in the Crenshaw area,” Harris says. “As we’ve learned through the years, tax preparers charge a lot of money to handle the taxes for people who can’t really afford it. Some of them get no tax return whatsoever, so VITA is a resource for them, a way to get their taxes prepared free of charge.” Often, Harris and her team find themselves offering nothing more than good advice to their VITA clientele. “Sometimes, we just sit and talk with them, especially younger people. We teach them about their W-4 forms and withholding issues. We try to educate them on ways to reduce their anxiety about potentially paying

the IRS. We explain to them that they can open a small tax savings account with

us that will be their hedge against any tax liability.” Providing the VITA service to her community requires

a commitment of time and resources, Harris says. “In my branch, I have two employees that go through training each year in order to prepare the taxes for our

clients. All that time that we spend on the training and the program is volunteer time — our own time.”

Importantly, Harris says the VITA program is just one aspect of the financial relationship that she and her team try to build with every client. “The tax help is just one part of it,” she explains. “In that initial conversation we have with a new client, we’re listening to what they tell us they want and need from a banking relationship. Our goal is to help them create a roadmap to get them to where they want to be financially. Whatever comes out of that conversation, we become their trusted advisor to get them from A to Z on their financial journey.”

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

YOU COULD WIN $10,000

Be entered for a chance to win $10,000 when you use your debit or credit card 1 Picture this — you pay with your CB&T personal debit or credit card and you’re automatically entered for a chance to win $10,000! It doesn’t get any easier than that. Whether you’re holiday shopping or just making an everyday purchase, you’ll receive one sweepstakes entry every time you use your personal credit or debit card. Official rules apply. 1

Visit calbanktrust.com/ credit-holiday for more details.

4. See page 33 for important details and disclosures

calbanktrust.com/ inyourcorner

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

BY SALLY J. CLASEN

SELLER BEWARE:

How to avoid online scams

B ECAUSE OF HER 30-YEAR career in banking, Annette Isaacs, senior vice president/ treasury management sales manager at CB&T, is keenly aware of fraud behavior. And when her daughter wanted to sell a used dinette set on Facebook Marketplace, Isaacs was right by her side. The first “buyer” insisted on paying through a specific payment app she didn’t want to use and asked for her daughter’s email address. It’s a scheme often used by fraudsters to generate a spoof email response. The buyer insisted Isaacs daughter make a $500 deposit into the account to cover set-up fees, which would be returned once the payment was sent. That immediately set off red flags and the conversation ended. “A second prospective buyer turned out to equally unscrupulous,” said Isaacs. “Luckily, the third buyer was willing to meet and pay with cash. You just have to be very careful in any resale of your home goods.” The world of online selling via Facebook, LetGo, and other social media apps and platforms makes it easy to unload unwanted items for quick side cash. But online retail transactions aren’t always what they appear to be. Even though your slightly used table or designer purse is legit, your enthusiastic buyer might not be. Don’t get tricked out of your money — or identity — by scheming online customers. Here’s how to avoid being a victim of internet retail scams:

Never give personal information to an online buyer, including your full name, phone number, home address or email, which is handing fraudsters an invite to steal from you. Limit the conversation and keep it within a platform’s messaging system. If the buyer wants to keep negotiating and change the selling terms, it’s probably a sign they are fishing (and phishing) to rip you off.

Don’t accept personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders or other electronic

payment such as a wire transfer. Likewise, payment platforms such as Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal are typically safe, convenient ways to transfer money, but the risk of a bait-and-switch exists. Use them only if you know the buyer. Otherwise, demand cash, in person. If possible, make the exchange at an offsite location, but don’t go alone. If the item is too large, such as furniture, only release your address a few hours before the agreed pickup time (daylight is best) and have others present. If you ship the item, use the suggested platform shipping method because if the buyer claims they never received it (another scheme to steal), the liability typically falls on the seller. Bottom line: If something seems too good to be true, it is, according to Issac. “Whether it’s business or personal, be cautious, aware and prepared,” she says.

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Happy holidays,

from California

BY SALLY J. CLASEN

with love

IT’S GIFT-GIVING SEASON. This year, shop for the expected — or give your loved ones a memorable gift that’s made in California, a thoughtful present like no other that will spread joy and homegrown holiday cheer!

Treehut Sierra Watch SAN FRANCISCO

Leave it to a California company, which started in a basement, to produce an innovative, sustainable timepiece inspired by nature. The Treehut Sierra Marble Watch is crafted with a biodegradable walnut wood case and framed with a genuine marble dial. Minimalist but classic, the date function at six o’clock elevates the 43mm timepiece. The Treehut Sierra Collection is available in multiple colors with interchangeable wooden band and optional engraving. $219. treehut.co

Tsumami Shibori Scarf LOS ANGELES

The fashionista on your list will appreciate the history and artistry of the Tsumami Shibori Scarf. Created by the Japanese textile company NUNO, the stylish scarf combines the techniques of folding and tie-dye, and is double woven in reversible colors of charcoal and green. The exquisite piece symbolizes the Japanese American National Museum’s efforts to help promote America’s ethnic and cultural diversity through the Japanese American experience. $200. janmstore.com

DeLuscious Cookies LOS ANGELES

DeLuscious caters to the entertainment industry from its headquarters near a post-production lot in Hollywood, but you can order a box of the purveyor’s hand- crafted, freshly baked cookies and brownies for your holiday star. The preservative- free desserts are available in different gift packages with an assortment of flavors including gooey butter cookie, chocolate chip, cinnamon brûlée, or fudgy red velvet white chocolate brownie. For the “celebrity” treatment, ship them in DeLuscious’ signature fabric box. Starting at $83. delusciouscookies.com

IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 12 | 2022

California Crafted Gift Box STATEWIDE

For the hard-to-please, the California Crafted gift box (or tote!) ticks all the holiday boxes. The hand-picked products are sourced locally, made in-state and include a collection of snacks, gourmet foods, home goods and souvenirs packed in boxes or totes. Choose from different California-themed gift ideas, such the best-selling Golden State Tote or the California Sunshine Deluxe Box. Starting at $45. californiacraftedbox.com

Poppy Seed Grow Kit SANTA BARBARA Celebrate the gift season with an explosion of color

rooted in California. The Poppy Seed Grow Kit from the Santa Barbara Growing Company helps cultivate a personal garden filled with the state flower, eschscholzia californica. The brilliant orange, saucer-shaped wildflower blankets the state in spring and summer along roads and highways and the starter can of seeds is a perfect reminder that home is where the poppy grows. $10. santabarbaracompany.com

Timbuk2 Messenger Bag SAN FRANCISCO

Taylor Guitars EL CAJON

Give your urban nomad something that really goes places. Created by founder Rob Honeycutt 30 years ago while he was a messenger in the eclectic Mission District of San Francisco, the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag delivers function and versatility. It features a Vista loop to attach blinking bike lights and a crossbody strap.

Inspire your musician with a Taylor Guitar, from the world’s largest manufacturer of premium acoustic guitars, based in El Cajon. Known for precision craftsmanship, Taylor Guitars uses leading-edge technology and tone-enhancing design to craft guitars with superb sound and playability for all levels. Taylor’s acoustic guitar line features unique tone woods and aesthetic details. Comes with a Taylor hard-shell case or protective gig bag. $399 to $9,999. taylorguitars.com

Available in multiple colors and sizes, the bag also is made with 100% recycled polyester for the eco-conscious. $79. timbuk2.com

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