C H A M P I O N I N G T H E P E O P L E & B U S I N E S S E S B U I L D I N G C A L I F O R N I A In Your Corner ISSUE 9 | 2021
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In this issue ISSUE 9 | 2021
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DEDUCTIONS FOR DONATIONS Learn the tax benefits of charitable giving 02
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COMMUNITY TRAILBLAZERS Meet three California nonprofits making an impact
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ADVENTURES IN THE GOLDEN STATE Channel your inner thrill seeker with epic outdoor adventures
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BANKING FOR A CAUSE CB&T associates volunteer their time and talents for worthy causes
HOLIDAY DREAMIN’ Give the gift of California for the holidays 22
HOLIDAY SHOPPING FRAUD Tips on helping protect yourself this shopping season 24
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EXPLORING THE INLAND EMPIRE Discover the charm and wonder of this Southern California region
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TAKE 5 Q&A with Daisy Stall, CB&T Executive Vice President, Entertainment Finance Director
PUBLISHER California Bank & Trust (CB&T)
VP | MARKETING MANAGER Angelia Hage COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Kari Luu
CONTRIBUTORS Michelle Rapaport, Diana Ramos, Tom Stacey, Kathryn Guinn, Margaret Sweat, Michelle Jacoby, Nathan Joseph, Bruce Farr, Julia De Simone, Debra Gelbart, Jake Poinier, Sally J. Clasen
EVP | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Jathan Segur
VP | CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ron Gligic
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.
© 2021 California Bank & Trust. All rights reserved. | A division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Member FDIC
Learn the tax benefits of charitable giving
Deductions
for donations
BY JAKE POINIER
With significant changes to the tax code in recent years, it’s an ideal time to think about your giving strategy.
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IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 9 | 2021
W ITH THE END of the year approaching, our thoughts inevitably turn toward enjoying the holidays. It’s the season of giving, which often includes charitable donations prior to the end of the year in addition to presents for family and friends. While philanthropy revolves around doing good for worthy nonprofit organizations, it’s no secret there can also be financial and tax benefits. With significant changes to the tax code in recent years and looming in the future, it’s an ideal time to think about your giving strategy. “A lot of planners lead with the tax benefits, but, for me, it’s most important to understand a client’s history of past giving and charitable intent,” says Amy Moraczewski, senior wealth planner at Zions Bancorporation. “We often discover that clients are making cash contributions to individual charities when they could potentially capture additional tax benefits by fairly easily implementing some slightly more complex strategies.” Here are a few common strategies to consider while discussing further with your financial planner or wealth management advisor.
helpful strategy once you’re 72 and subject to required minimum distributions.
STRATEGY #3: Create a donor-advised fund
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Donor-advised funds have grown in popularity in recent years, due to several advantages over private foundations. Whereas a private foundation can be complex and expensive to establish and operate — with steep penalties for failing to meet requirements — a donor-advised fund is a much more flexible way to set up a legacy. In simple terms, you contribute assets to the fund, where they can be invested, typically without annual distribution requirements. You can either let the value grow tax-free, set up recurring annual or monthly contributions to organizations you care about or make occasional one-time grant requests.
STRATEGY #4: Bunch your charitable
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contributions In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act roughly doubled the standard deduction, making it a better option than itemizing deductions for many taxpayers. A side effect was that fewer people were able to claim charitable deductions — although the CARES Act now allows married joint filers claiming the standard deduction to deduct up to $600 in cash contributions this year. One strategy that can help is bunching contributions: taking the standard deduction one year and then itemizing in the next. Donor-advised funds can be useful here, claiming a deduction at the time of contribution, while distributing the funds over multiple years.
STRATEGY #1: Donate appreciated stock
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According to Moraczewski, with the stock market at all-time highs, giving appreciated stock held for at least one year can be a savvy move: The deduction is equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the donation. “Donating a stock that has gone up in value could prevent you from getting hit with capital gains taxes — and allow you to contribute more to the charity without reducing your own liquidity,” she said.
STRATEGY #5: Donate up to 100% of your
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adjusted gross income With the passing of the CARES Act, you can donate up to 100% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) to qualified charities in 2021 — a significant increase from the previous 60% limitation. Although this may not be viable for the majority of people who need their income to live on, it can be beneficial for reducing income tax liability in unique circumstances, such as someone who has an abnormally high-income year from selling investment real estate or a business.
STRATEGY #2: Make qualified charitable
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distributions If you’re age 70-and-a-half or older, you can donate up to $100,000 a year directly from your traditional IRA to a public charity. Since a qualified charitable distribution is not included in your adjustable gross income for the year, it can result in a greater tax benefit than claiming a charitable deduction. It can be an especially
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STRATEGY #6: Offset a Roth IRA conversion With anticipated increases to future tax rates, 6
a lot of people are evaluating the possibility of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA — paying the income tax burden now to receive tax-free withdrawals in retirement. According to Moraczewski, this can present an opportunity to accelerate charitable contributions into 2021 as a way of offsetting the additional taxable income. “If you were planning to make charitable contributions over time anyway, you can make them now to reduce that tax burden,” says Moraczewski. “It’s also a situation to consider using a donor-advised fund, for example, making a $25,000 contribution this year and then giving away $5,000 each year for the next five years.” How financial professionals can help No matter which strategy you choose, the counsel of a financial planner, wealth advisor or estate planning attorney can help you make the most of your philanthropic efforts. “It’s really a matter of ensuring you’re getting a benefit for what you already want to do,” says Moraczewski. “In estate planning, we often see clients name family members or other individuals as beneficiaries of retirement
Other ways to give back W hile donations are an important part of the charitable equation, offering your time and skills to a nonprofit can offer rewards beyond dollars and cents. First and foremost, identifying a charity that matches your personal interests will motivate you in helping them achieve their goals. Understanding your own goals is part of success, too. Are you interested in being a general helper, learning new skills and meeting new friends — or do you aspire to handle more leadership- intensive projects such as fundraising, grant writing or event planning? The final key is to make a commitment that you can keep. Be honest with yourself and the charity about your availability, the skills you can contribute and the tasks that are most (and least) appealing to you. Even as a volunteer, being reliable and having a business mindset will help your favorite nonprofit succeed!
“Charitable planning is one of the few areas where there really are win-win situations.” Amy Moraczewski Senior Wealth Planner
accounts, while funding charitable bequests from other assets. A financial professional can advise on how to restructure bequests and complete beneficiary designations — saving your heirs’ tax dollars while satisfying your charitable goals.” Likewise, a financial professional can help facilitate the transactions noted above, such as
donating stock to charity or making IRA distributions directly to a charity. They are familiar with the required forms and can remove the burden from you in executing the transfer properly. “Our goal is to look at your entire situation holistically and see how things can work together,” Moraczewski says. “Charitable planning is one of the few areas where there really are win-win situations, an opportunity to maximize benefits for you, your heirs and the organizations you support.”
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Community trailblazers
Some people help others by donating their time, money or influence to elevate their fellow citizens. Others, however, shoulder a bigger responsibility, committing themselves in profound ways to affect change. Meet three organizations doing what they can to inspire, improve and impact the lives of their fellow Californians.
BY JULIA DE SIMONE AND DEBRA GELBART
Academy of Musical Performance Turning up the volume for Coachella’s young musicians
C AMILLE ARUJO STILL laughs about how it seemed like her son, Noah Arujo, was playing the drums since he was in the womb. “When he was 1 or 2 years old, we bought him a tiny drum set,” she said. “Every time he heard a knock on the door or heard something on the TV, he would accurately mimic the sounds with his drums.”
Noah’s precocious talent for mimicking sound was something Camille and her husband wanted to help foster and develop. When they first heard about Academy of Musical Performance (AMP), they jumped at the opportunity to enroll Noah in the program. Since 2015, AMP has been providing an educational and creative outlet for Coachella’s young musicians. AMP was formed by a committee of volunteers from the Coachella Valley Community Trust and grant seed funding from Goldenvoice, which produces the Stagecoach and Coachella music festivals. AMP’s mission is to enrich young musicians’ lives by nurturing their talents in a “rock band” educational setting, which was inspired by the popular movie “School of Rock.” “AMP has created a talented community of young musicians from all of Coachella’s middle and high
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various venues and were able to record their first EP and music video. “Being in a band isn’t easy. It involves teamwork, communicating, learning to compromise and having a very open mind because you have to deal with a lot of different working styles,” he said. “It definitely helped me become a better person and mature as a musician overall.” Since AMP’s humble beginnings, Spates said more than 500 of Coachella’s young musicians have been impacted by their enrollment and exposure to its various programs. AMP earned its nonprofit status in 2017 and offers a plethora of programs ranging from private lessons to the popular spring program. “If we could make this program successful for kids, we can make it work for everyone,” she said. “Long- term, I’d love for this program to be a resource for musicians to connect and gain work. It could be an amazing resource for people to meet other musicians, write songs together and have a collaborative musical atmosphere. That would be a dream for all of us.” Recently, AMP was the recipient of a $25,000 Coachella Valley Spotlight grant from Palm Desert- based H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. The funds will be used to purchase instruments and support tuition assistance for music education for the Summer AMP Camp program. “Who knows where your musical talent will take you in the future?” Camille said reflecting on her decision to enroll Noah in AMP. “However, having that musical family (and support) is important to developing those skills.”
schools. Without this program, they may never have had the opportunity to meet someone who shares their same interests,” said Kate Spates, AMP co-founder. “We’re teaching these kids important and bankable skills. They’re learning to work collaboratively on a team, leverage marketing for their band, negotiate deals and so much more.” Noah, now 18 and an “AMPlumni,” was recently featured in Demi Lovato’s “I Love Me” music video last year. He credits AMP for encouraging his love for music. “AMP really expanded my horizons to different genres of music,” Noah said. “It gave me a lot of good experiences and I would definitely encourage other people attracted to music to check it out. It provided me with the opportunity to join master classes, receive instructor guidance, learn about audio engineering, studio recording and more.” During his time as an AMP student, Noah and his fellow students formed Silver Sky (formerly D Tension). They were also the first band to go through AMP’s Rockin’ On initiative, a business development program that uses music as the vehicle for teaching entrepreneurship. They have played notable shows at
For more information about AMP, visit ampcv.org .
Coastal Quest Oakland nonprofit brings collaboration to coastal protection efforts
W HEN COASTAL QUEST executive director Tegan Hoffmann, Ph.D. speaks about her work of ocean preservation and conservation, the enthusiasm and passion she feels naturally shine through her words. “Protecting, sustaining and enhancing the coast for people and nature potentially affects 2.4 billion people globally,” Hoffmann said. “Coastal ecosystems
are vulnerable to threats of climate change, higher temperatures, decreased water quality, extreme weather events and sea level rise, and that results in destructive, recurring, widespread loss of human lives, habitat, property and critical infrastructure.” The task is daunting as 40 percent of the world’s population lives along the coast and other global challenges can slow progress. However, Coastal
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Quest, a nonprofit based in Oakland, works to literally rise above these obstacles. The group works collaboratively with governments and communities to build resilient coasts across the globe. “We focus first on developing solutions for coastal vulnerabilities in individual cities, districts or counties, and then figuring out how to scale those solutions across a state and even the country,” Hoffmann said. Advocacy for oceans isn’t especially new, but caring specifically about the coastline and the importance of accessible open space ramped up in 2020, Hoffmann said. “I think the pandemic pushed the issue more to the forefront,” she said. “People have been going to the coast for sanity and early in the pandemic, access to certain beaches and other coastal areas was an issue. That may have opened people’s eyes to how precious coastal land is.” Before that, Hoffmann said coastal issues were often considered too complicated, due to the overlapping jurisdictions and interests or lumped into traditional land preservation, which can be an expensive and lengthy process. “In the past year and a half, we’ve seen this window of opportunity emerge to encourage more concentration on the coast,” she continued. “This is particularly important today with the growing impacts of wildfires, drought and hurricanes. The time to act is now.”
Coastal Quest has many projects on the agenda with valuable partners. Their strategies and initiatives span multiple coastlines and most recently focus on the California home front. A unique issue for the west coast is understanding fire impact on coastal water quality and water infrastructure. “This is a huge need,” Hoffmann said. “It’s important to determine how are fires affecting coastal communities and their public health and ecosystem health.” Coastal Quest has launched a pilot program in which — working with two counties, research groups, and the State
Water Resources Control Board — it will investigate post-fire impact and recommend regulatory action and new ways of managing post- fire recovery. The organization has also created a partnership with the California
“Protecting, sustaining and enhancing the coast for people and nature potentially affects 2.4 billion people globally.” Tegan Hoffmann, Ph.D. Executive Director, Coastal Quest
Ocean Protection Council and two private donors, pooling their funds to administer about 20 small grants for communities along the coast. One of the organization’s most recent projects, introduced during the summer of 2021, is a partnership with California State Parks, which owns and manages 25 percent of the coast of California.
“Under a scenario of 3.2 to 6.5 feet of sea level rise, two-thirds of the beaches in Southern California may become completely eroded by 2100,” Hoffmann explained. “We’re helping State Parks pilot an approach for assessing sea level rise and designing adaptation solutions in the particularly vulnerable San Diego Coast District (one of 13 coastal districts in the state).” Coastal Quest also is working with counties to help them develop strategies for
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coastal resilience across municipal jurisdictions and has convened the cities within Santa Clara County recently to examine coastal resilience. “Under a scenario of 7.5 feet by 2100, the Bay Area is at huge risk for sea level rise. We need to start planning for the impact there on vulnerable residents,
vulnerable commercial and residential property, hospitals and transportation assets, as well as bay land and recreation. The potential for flood damage there is just overwhelming,” Hoffmann said. Coastal areas are well-known for their beauty, but Hoffmann underscores how much value there is in coastal land. Since becoming the first executive director of Coastal Quest in March 2020, Hoffmann has helped grow her team to six staff members and a board of six, including board members Cat Kuhlman and Barbara Endeman˘o Walker and staff member Lily Verdone, all of whom have significant expertise in coastal issues. Hoffmann has a lot on her agenda, but she is eager to have the organization make a long-term impact. “From fisheries to transportation assets, recreation, tourism, dunes and wetlands, it’s vital to protect the coast from all the threats facing it,” she said. “That’s precisely what Coastal Quest is trying to do.”
For more information, visit coastal-quest.org .
Rural Community Assistance Corporation Sacramento organization works to empower the rural West
M ORE THAN ONE MILLION Californians lack access to safe drinking water and their only alternatives are expensive bottled water or sugary beverages. When reluctant to drink the public water supply, many low-income families spend more than 10 percent of their earnings to buy bottled water or flavored drinks, many of which can lead to health-related problems such as diabetes. That’s why Rural Community
That’s the equivalent of removing 5 million 16-ounce bottles of water in the community. This is one of the many impactful and meaningful projects RCAC has tackled alongside the rural or indigenous communities in 13 Western states such as California. RCAC was established in 1978 by Bill French to create housing for farmworkers and other underserved groups, but its mission has expanded significantly since then. Today, working with nonprofit partners, RCAC provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy to help rural communities achieve their goals and visions. The organization works on a myriad of projects that enhance the community, such as providing educational and technical training, lending services and facilitating affordable housing within rural areas. “Our strength is that we understand what rural communities need and what works for them,” said RCAC chief executive officer Suzanne Anarde. “And the RCAC staff and board serve as a conduit of resources and support.”
Assistance Corporation (RCAC) launched the Agua4All program in 2014. Initiated at schools in the Eastern Coachella Valley and southern Kern County, Agua4All installed water-bottle filling stations in schools and community centers, and distributed reusable water bottles where they’re needed most. According to their website, RCAC has helped deliver more than 629,147 gallons of potable water in Arvin.
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With strong roots in the rural community from growing up on a trading post in northwestern New Mexico, Anarde finds RCAC’s wide-ranging reach to help many different areas especially gratifying. “Eighty-seven percent of persistent-poverty communities are in rural areas in America,” said Anarde. “Our services are available to communities with populations of fewer than 50,000, other nonprofit groups, tribal organizations, farmworkers and other specific populations.” Thus far, the nonprofit and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in west Sacramento has helped hundreds of thousands of the estimated seven million Americans who live in rural areas in California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii. Building on the success of programs like Agua4All, Anarde hopes to tackle the challenge of digital access for students and communities. “We’d like to help with expanding broadband access in rural areas. Connectivity is so vital and that would greatly assist students and the local economy.” One nonprofit RCAC works with is the Northern Circle Indian Health Authority (NCIHA), based in Ukiah in Mendocino County. Both organizations were founded around the same time and “have grown up together like siblings,” said Elizabeth Elliott, NCIHA’s executive director. “These organizations both strived to provide equity for marginalized communities and have championed water rights, housing rights and
secure $7 million in grant funding for emergency rental assistance. The funds supported a planned small apartment complex on the rancheria of one of the NCIHA-served Native American communities and also went toward a housing rehabilitation program. McGill gives no small measure of credit for that success to the RCAC team. “That emergency rental assistance program alone has helped 457 families just since February of 2021,” Elliott said. RCAC’s successes in supporting rural communities have even caught the attention of philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, who donated $20 million to the nonprofit in December 2020. “I think rural America is finally getting more visibility,” Anarde said. “Receiving those dollars is a huge opportunity and a huge responsibility. We hope to expand and deepen the impact of this grant by leveraging it one-to-one through matching donations and investments.” With that generous grant and matching funds, Anarde and her team hope to develop “an efficient and effective infrastructure” to be able to readily address disaster recovery needs after natural disasters like wildfires that can affect large swaths of rural areas; the effects of drought; and the impact of residential foreclosures. “We’re looking at how to maintain capacity to respond quickly to needs such as these,” she said. Looking toward the future, Anarde leads with empathy and optimism with goals of bringing more equity and access for Americans in rural areas. “At the end of the day, rural Americans want the same things as everyone else: they want their kids to be happy and successful, they want a decent home, they want to be accepted and empowered,” she said. “The journey may look different, but the goals are certainly similar for all Americans.”
Tribal sovereignty for the last 40 years.” One NCIHA staff member that RCAC has
mentored is 28-year-old Moriah McGill. Working in the construction department of NCIHA, she enrolled in a program offered by RCAC called the Tribal Housing Excellence Academy. McGill and her fellow Academy participants from Alaska, Arizona and Washington state collaborated to conceptualize a 28-home subdivision as a case study. “RCAC definitely gave me the tools to plan for housing rehabilitation projects and new development,” she said. After completing RCAC’s Academy program, McGill applied for and received two large grants from the U.S. Treasury Department totaling $5.3 million for an emergency rental assistance program. She also applied for and received another $2 million in several smaller grants earmarked for the small apartment complex project and the block grants. McGill’s dedication and tenacity has helped
For more information, visit rcac.org .
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Be entered for a chance to win $ 10,000 when you use your debit or credit card 8 We made this as easy as possible, so you can focus on what’s important — enjoying the holidays. Receive one entry to the sweepstakes for every purchase you make. The more purchases, the more entries! Simply make a purchase with your personal CB&T credit or debit card between October 18, 2021 – January 9, 2022 and you're entered for a chance to win. Official rules apply. 1
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BY JAKE POINIER
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IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 9 | 2021
Hot air balloon rides in Napa Valley
WITH ENDLESS WINERIES and restaurants, gorgeous terrain and a chill vibe, California wine country is an adventure for all five senses. But when it comes to getting a big-picture view, nothing tops a hot air balloon ride ascending from the Napa Valley floor to heights up to 3,000 feet. Numerous companies within Napa offer a wide variety of packages — from group tours with two dozen passengers to intimate two-passenger VIP flights. To ensure calm winds and cooler temperatures, flights generally launch just after dawn, which also creates perfect timing to catch the sunrise over the valley’s lush, rolling hills and vineyards. The licensed pilots aren’t just there to guide the balloon safely, they also act as tour guides, offering entertaining commentary about the region
and answering questions. Flight duration depends on the weather, but generally clocks in around an hour. Between checking in, inflating the balloon, the flight itself and transportation back to your destination, plan on four to five hours total — or a bit longer if your tour operator also provides a post-trip breakfast. Depending on the package you choose, many companies have offerings that can be combined with a variety of winery and bike tours. Casual clothing with layers is the preferred attire to accommodate rising temperatures and flat-heeled, closed-toed shoes are recommended for walking in the outdoor terrain. Vendors may have restrictions for age, height and physical ability, so check the guidelines when you are researching your trip.
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Rappelling at Yosemite National Park
A FOUR-HOUR DRIVE from San Francisco puts you in the heart of Yosemite National Park on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, amidst towering ancient sequoias and famed granite cliffs and boulders. Yosemite has earned a reputation as a climber’s paradise, thanks to iconic names such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Sentinel — but you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy this glacier-carved valley. One of the best bets for navigating Yosemite safely is to climb with a guide. Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service features the only authorized climbing guides in the park — and they’re also either certified Wilderness First Responders or Wilderness EMTs. The school offers climbing lessons daily, suitable for anyone from
it’s best known as a recreational
novice to pro, as well as private guided climbs and equipment rentals. Rappelling, a self-
wonderland — and specifically for some of the finest white water rafting west of the Rocky Mountains. The South Fork of the American River includes 50 Class III (moderately difficult with high, irregular waves) and Class II (easy with smaller waves) rapids over the course of 21 miles. Although it offers plenty of whitewater thrills — with ominous names like Meatgrinder, Triple Threat, Troublemaker and Satan’s Cesspool — the river also features plenty of large pools after each rapid, allowing you to catch your breath before the next surge. Beginning and intermediate rafters are encouraged to make the journey with one of the Bureau of Land Management’s permitted commercial companies. In addition to the benefits of having an experienced guide, using an outfitter eliminates the hassle and expense of buying or renting life jackets and other gear. Depending on your time frame and appetite for excitement, there are trips ranging as short as two hours on the water to two full days to see the entire river and do some camping in the wilderness. The South Fork season generally lasts from early March through October. In spring, expect higher water flows and smaller crowds, with chillier conditions that warrant a wetsuit. Memorial Day through Labor Day is the peak season for traffic and warm, steady water flows.
controlled descent down a rock face using a system of
anchors and ropes, is an essential skill in this terrain. The “Welcome to the Rock” program is designed for beginners, with climbing and rappelling at heights up to 60 feet, while
the “Crack Climbing” and “Anchoring” classes are perfect for intermediate climbers who want to take their indoor climbing skills to the next level. For advanced climbers, “Leading/Multi-Pitch Climbing” provides a solid foundation for learning how to climb without a guide. If climbing Half Dome or El Capitan is on your bucket list, plan on a five- or six-day trip — and make your reservation well in advance. White water rafting the South Fork of the American River THE SOUTH FORK of the American River, 40 miles east of Sacramento, gained its original fame as the site of California’s first gold discovery in 1848. Today,
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Kayaking the Channel Island Sea Caves
CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK is a chain of five islands south of Santa Barbara. Santa Cruz Island, the largest in the chain, is rich in flora, fauna and geology, as well as a cultural history that dates back 10,000 years in American Indian habitation. For a kayaking adventure, the sea caves around Santa Cruz Island are among the best in the world, with sand and cobblestone beaches, kelp forests and a spectacular shoreline to explore while paddling. Scorpion Anchorage is the most popular destination for viewing the caves that punctuate the volcanic cliffs, while Prisoners Harbor is a bit more secluded and has less traffic. More experienced kayakers will want to make the longer trip to Potato Harbor — about four total hours of paddling pays off with an aqua-colored cove, pristine shoreline and excellent snorkeling. While visitors are allowed to rent a kayak or to bring their own, the National Park Service strongly recommends exploring the region with one of the park’s authorized guides or outfitters. Guided trips range as brief as one hour to as long as five hours, including options that do not require previous kayaking experience, as well as moderate and advanced tours. Make sure to book your ferry tickets from Ventura Harbor to accommodate the appropriate check-in and start time for your kayaking adventure. Note that sea caves can be dangerous, due to waves and swells caused by wind or ship wakes. Be aware of your surroundings and always wear a helmet.
Paragliding in Torrey Pines FOR GOLFERS, THE NAME Torrey Pines conjures up images of a renowned annual stop on the PGA Tour. But the same coastal cliffs that make it a gorgeous place to tee it up also make it a fantastic site to go paragliding. No experience is necessary to make like a bird over the Pacific Ocean, thanks to Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla, on the northern coast of San Diego. Paragliding is among the most peaceful ways to experience flight — no engine noise, just a lightweight gliding aircraft with an inflated fabric wing. Securely paired with one of the Gliderport’s expert pilots, all you need to do is sit in the harness and take in the sights of the dramatic coastline to the north and south and maybe even dolphins or whales frolicking in the ocean waves. After doing a bit of paperwork and some basic instruction, it’s time to soar, with time in the sky lasting about 20 to 25 minutes. (If you’re concerned about safety, set your mind at ease: Gliderport pilots have flown nearly 150,000 accident-free tandem flights in the past 20 years.) Tandem flights are available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll want to check the forecast, but paragliders are suited to a wide range of wind conditions and the Gliderport averages 300 flyable days per year. Also, there’s no age limit, so the entire family can join in on the excitement before recapping the adventure at Cliffhanger Café, overlooking a 350-foot-high bluff. California is a state of mind and a state of adventure. Whatever thrilling excursion you choose, be safe and have fun!
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CB&T associates turn out statewide to volunteer their time and talents for worthy causes
Banking
for a cause A network of giving
BY BRUCE FARR
O N FRIDAY AFTERNOON, Aug. 20, CB&T employee Ryan Clark was somewhat uncharacteristically wielding a paintbrush, creating a mural on the walls of a handball court at Del Obispo Elementary School, a Title I school in San Juan Capistrano. Clark, a senior vice president and commercial banking manager for the company’s
CB&T has a rich history of volunteerism, but the Aug. 20 “Give Day” was unprecedented in that it featured a coordinated statewide effort — and it was the first time in more than a year that bank volunteers could be together while helping out. “We’ve done many regional volunteer events in the past, but this is the first time we’ve ever held one that’s statewide, reaching every single CB&T associate within our California footprint,” said Jesica Holstein, vice president-project manager for CB&T and program administrator for the bank’s Corporate Responsibility Program. The multi-city event capped off a larger corporate- wide, multi-day virtual conference called “CB&T Week,” which took place Aug. 17-20. The conference electronically linked more than 1,000 CB&T associates across the entire spectrum of the bank’s operations. On the conference’s last day, CB&T staff physically reported for duty at the designated nonprofit in their respective location. “CB&T is deeply rooted in the California communities we serve,” said CB&T president and CEO Eric Ellingsen, who himself rolled up his sleeves and volunteered at the Feeding San Diego event. “Giving back to our communities is one of our core values as a company. We have a long history of donating time and money to nonprofit organizations doing important work across our state.” The volunteering event targeted the following nonprofit organizations throughout the state.
Irvine office, joined approximately 20 of his CB&T colleagues in the worthwhile effort. On the same day, an hour or so up the coast, Sherri Harris joined 10 of her colleagues as they painted baseboards and toted lumber for a Habitat for Humanity home-building project in south Los Angeles. Harris, who’s the branch manager for CB&T’s Crenshaw branch in L.A., might otherwise have been behind her desk that day, fielding calls and helping clients. That Friday, the two volunteers were among more than 115 CB&T employees in cities and towns spanning the state who participated in a well-coordinated effort to donate their time and
“Giving back to our communities
is one of our core values as a company.” Eric Ellingsen President and CEO, CB&T
talents to an event focused on giving back to their communities. Employees in San Francisco also joined the volunteer effort on Sept. 3.
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Mercy Housing California
Project: Set up collection bins at more than 80 branch locations throughout the state for an ongoing collection of school supply donations With an initial goal of filling 500 school backpacks, CB&T doubled that number, donating more than 1,100 backpacks filled with back-to-school items that were distributed to students throughout the state starting the new school year. “Our communities are so grateful for CB&T’s generous donation,” said Amelita Pascual, regional director of philanthropy at Mercy Housing California. Jonathan Wolf, director of Housing Services, echoed
impact in my community,” she said. “I can honestly say it’s the most fun I’ve ever had volunteering.” Established in 2007, Feeding San Diego is the leading hunger-relief and food rescue organization in San Diego County. It provides more than 40 million meals every year to children, families, seniors, college students, military families, veterans, people facing homelessness and other underserved populations.
the sentiment. “I was overwhelmed by the generosity and support CB&T has given to our residents,” he said. “My car was overflowing with backpacks as I was driving them up to Oxnard.” The organization is the largest regional
Orange County United Way
Project: Hand-painted inspirational quotes, slogans and images on the walls of a school’s handball courts In this community mural-painting project, CB&T joined Orange County United Way and Operation Clean to brighten up the handball courts at Del Obispo Elementary, a Title 1 school in San Juan Capistrano. “It was a fantastic experience,” said CB&T associate Ryan Clark. “I got a lot of enjoyment from participating in the mural project, and I want to say that giving back to the community in that way felt great. I think I can speak for the other participants to say they shared that same feeling.” Del Obispo Elementary principal Suzanne Heck thanked the volunteers and noted that the murals will be greatly appreciated by the 320 students and teachers at the school. “Our students deserve a beautiful campus where they can learn and grow,” she
division of Mercy Housing Inc., and has developed and operates 134
affordable communities with more than 9,000 homes serving lower-income seniors, families and people who have experienced homelessness.
Feeding San Diego
Project: Helped sort, pack and prepare distribution of more than 8,800 pounds of fresh, nutritious food to help San Diegans coping with hunger This was the second time volunteering at Feeding San Diego for CB&T operations administrator Judy Young. She continues to value the positive experience of helping such a vital nonprofit. “I truly enjoy seeing everyone working together for a great cause and I always leave feeling uplifted knowing that my contributions make a meaningful
said. “The murals not only beautify our school, but also bring inspiration.”
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Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles
Garden, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater San Francisco, includes more than a dozen planter boxes and an orchard that produces apples, elderberries, figs, persimmons, plums and mulberries. To produce that bounty of wholesome food, as any gardener will attest, you sometimes need to get your hands dirty. So that’s
Project: Participated in a hands-on project to aid in building a house in the area Habitat LA constructs new homes or renovates older ones for the low-to-moderate income segment of the local population. Since 1990, the organization has built, repaired or rehabilitated more than 1,000 houses in neighborhoods throughout greater Los Angeles. Notably, Habitat LA requires that the recipients of the homes themselves invest 200 to 500 hours of “sweat equity” in the projects, working alongside volunteers to complete their homes. “I’m very happy for the young couple whose house we helped contribute to building,” Sherri Harris, a CB&T associate, said. “To be a part of that process and for them to now have a brand- new home… I’m just so excited
what 18 CB&T volunteers did on Sept. 3. The team tore out old irrigation lines and installed new ones, removed rocks and weeds from the planter boxes and performed many other landscaping tasks to help beautify the garden.
“It was a beautiful day and our team was thrilled to be able to contribute our time and energy to a truly grass-roots effort,” said Yvonne Le, senior vice president, commercial banking team lead. “Sustainable urban agriculture is a great practice, and it was gratifying for CB&T team members to lend their support.” Overall, the opportunity left the team of volunteers with a lingering feeling of satisfaction and pride. “We continually strive to strengthen our communities,” said Jake Lehmkuhl, executive vice president. “It’s one of our core values, and a day like today is a demonstration of the genuine care that CB&T employees feel for our fellow Californians. We’re pleased and proud to be able to contribute.” Continually serving the communities As might be expected, the value of the Give Day experience extended far beyond the community support it delivered to those in need. It also touched the hearts and minds of the CB&T employee volunteers themselves, many of whom are already looking forward to next year’s event. “We’ve spent more than a year managing the disruptive effects of operating in a pandemic, and it was the right time to reinforce our long-standing emphasis on giving back to our communities,” Ellingsen said. “Give Day was an amazing collective effort and our employees truly made it a huge success by supporting their community nonprofits. We’re committed to giving our communities the help they need to thrive and we’re only just getting started!”
for them. To see that is a very worthwhile thing.” CB&T associates also volunteered at three Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Los Angeles. The ReStores
are independently owned reuse stores
designed to accept public donations, with which they stock and sell a constantly
changing inventory of diverse, high-quality merchandise to the public at a fraction of the retail price.
Northridge CommUNITY Garden, Habitat for Humanity, Greater San Francisco
Project: Performed landscaping tasks to beautify the community garden The Northridge CommUNITY Garden came to life in 2010 when a group of neighbors at Northridge Cooperative Homes, a $55 million nonprofit that provides affordable low-income housing, sought a way to foster community spirit and improve health outcomes. Today, the Northridge CommUNITY
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Need funding for your minority-owned business?
Finance your growth with our Small Business Diversity Banking Program
For many minority-owned businesses, it’s been a challenge to find the funding they need to expand and get bigger. Fortunately, the CB&T Small Business Diversity Banking Program empowers minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses with the funding they need to grow. “There are so many smal l business owners with incredible energy and ambition, this program gives us a greater opportunity to support them,”
said Ben Alvarado, executive director of core banking at CB&T. “As a second- generation, U.S.-born Mexican-American and the son of an entrepreneurial parent, I understand the limitations that many in the minority community feel. This is why I’m so glad to be part of an organization that is committed to leveling the playing field by providing flexible access to working capital.”
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IN YOUR CORNER ISSUE 9 | 2021
What is it? Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Small Business Diversity Banking Program provides wider access to loans and lines of credit, giving more businesses the chance to prosper. Simply put, the program extends a variety of different financing solutions to minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses, including short- and long-term options. 1 You could get a line of credit, a term loan or borrow against real estate assets — whatever works best for you and your business. By giving you access to the funding you need, the Small Business Diversity Banking Program could help you unlock new opportunities for your business.
“We’re providing real economic opportunity through programs like this one, it’s a game changer.” Ben Alvarado Executive Director of Core Banking
How do you qualify?
Business Access Lines of Credit up to $25,000
You may qualify for this program if:
• Your small business has more than 50 percent of the ownership or control held by one or more minority, women or veteran U.S. citizens
Business Access Term Loans up to $175,000
• The business is in California
Owner-Occupied Real Estate Loans
• Gross annual revenue does not exceed $10 million
Long-Term Fixed Asset Financing
Ready to explore the options and get the funding you need to take your business to the next level?
Visit calbanktrust.com/ small-business-diversity
1. See page 30 for important details and disclosures.
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Holiday dreamin’ BY SALLY J . CLASEN I NSTEAD OF WRAPPING up the season with standard, ho-hum gifts this year, create lasting memories with the ultimate gifts that are sure to deliver on smiles. Here are eight, one-of-a-kind gift ideas with a California appeal. The ultimate California gift giving guide
I BELIEVE IN BREAD Tartine Bakery
If you want to send a warm holiday statement, gift a fresh loaf of country bread from Tartine. Owners and bread gurus Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson perfect a complex process with the simplest of ingredients — yeast, flour, water and salt — to create award-winning bread and pastries. Send a Tartine Gift Pack, which serves 12 and includes your choice of bread, teacakes and a bag of the bakery’s top-selling chocolate chip cookies. $65. goldbelly.com/tartine-bakery
A SEASON OF WHEE! Chatham Beach Cruiser Bike Step Through Your “biker” will want to saddle up in the classic, ultra-cool Chatham Beach Cruiser Bike the minute the holidays roll around. A cushioned saddle and soft grips, as well as single-speed and coaster-brake features are perfect for a breezy, comfortable carefree cruise. Plus, whimsical color combinations, from blush to seafoam and violet haze, make a unique personal statement to suit any California biking personality. $299.99. retrospec.com
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING The French Laundry Gift Experiences Card Your foodie will squeal in delight with the The French Laundry Gift Experiences card for two at chef Thomas Keller’s famed restaurant in the Napa Valley. Choose from the Silver Card ($850) with champagne and a nine-course tasting menu; Gold Card ($1,600) with champagne, 14-course tasting menu and wine accompaniments; or Black Card ($2,500) with champagne, 18-course tasting menu, wine accompaniments, concierge service and BMW car service, plus a gift from Chef Keller. thomaskeller.com
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WRAP UP A NATIONAL TREASURE Retro Yosemite Posters Make an impression with a retro poster that celebrates the iconic sights of Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, known for its dramatic waterfalls, giant sequoias, abundant wildlife and awe-inspiring cliffs. The bold 13-by-18- inch prints capture original artwork from a variety of illustrators who depict the park’s famous landmarks, including El Capitan, Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. $30 each. shop.travelyosemite.com
TIE IT UP WITH A CLASSIC Vault by Vans: The Originals Take it way back… to the OG days of skater-shoe glory with Vault by Vans. Shoes in this premium collection pay tribute to the time- honored skateboarding lifestyle. We’re talking side walls that are hand-wrapped high and tight with cotton in the rubber and the original patterns, panels and label artwork of the Anaheim, California brand inspired by West Coast culture in the ’70s. Prices vary by authorized Vans dealer. vans.com
DELIVER A BOX OF GOLD See’s Large Gold Fancy
See’s Candies started in Los Angeles in 1921 and as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, the confectioner still understands chocolate is the basis for any great holiday gift. If you want to ramp up
your selections, consider the sentimental See’s Large Gold Fancy. The golden-wrapped box is tied with an organza ribbon and features two impressive pounds of See’s finest assorted chocolates and candies, from Almond Truffle to Milk Bordeaux. $62. sees.com
WESTWARD GLOW The Los Angeles Candle
A POP OF HOLIDAY COLOR
For loved ones who pine for home sweet home, the Los Angeles candle by Homesick can brighten up any holiday spent away from the City of Angels. With notes of orange, bergamot and rose, as well as ylang-
J. Paul Getty Museum’s Van Goh Irises Umbrella
ylang, lemon, jasmine and musk essential oils, the premium soy candle will invoke the smell of citrus, cool sea breezes, sun-kissed days and starry
Is someone on your list a post-impressionist fan? Put a pop of color into their holidays with the J. Paul Getty Museum’s Van Gogh Irises umbrella. The vibrant, dual-layer umbrella references one of the Los Angeles’ museums most popular paintings, “Irises,” created by Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. $350. shop.getty.edu
nights. San Francisco and San Diego candles also available. $34 each. homesick.com
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