This month, we embrace the joy and traditions that make this season unforgettable.

Welcome to the December edition of HK Today! This month, we’re embracing the holiday spirit by highlighting community efforts, sharing insightful articles, and celebrating festive events. From showcasing impactful local initiatives to offering valuable resources, we’re closing out the year with gratitude and connection.

HK Annual Holiday Party 2024

Last Friday, HK hosted its annual employee holiday luncheon at the beautiful The Golf Club at Boulder Ridge. A cherished tradition, the firm provides each employee with cash to purchase a thoughtful gift for their Secret Santa recipient (names are drawn in advance). The highlight of the event is always the heartfelt gift reveals, where each team member shares something kind and uplifting about their colleague.

This year also marked the second annual "Best Dressed" awards, with James Hoover and Malinda Wood taking home the honors!

It was especially wonderful to celebrate the season together in person, as many of us work remotely. The event was a meaningful opportunity to reconnect, celebrate our accomplishments, and step into the new year stronger and more united than ever.

We are grateful for our professional network and wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.

Envision Your Pathway

This month, we are proud to highlight Envision Your Pathway (EYP)—founded in 2020 as a volunteer-run, grassroots organization, EYP began with a single program: Visionaries. Today, EYP operates as a small nonprofit with one full-time Executive Director and five part-time staff, dedicated to serving Opportunity Youth ages 15-24 across Silicon Valley. In just four years, EYP has impacted over 200 youth, cultivating critical life skills, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement through innovative, data-driven programs.

EYP empowers youth to design pathways aligned with their interests, passions, and values, supporting them to gain the dynamic skills needed to become civically engaged, self-determined, and confident in their competence. EYP has supported 12 youth cohorts, led 11 community-driven projects, and held two EYP Pitch Days, where youth present entrepreneurial ideas and receive seed funding.

See a video about EYP’s impact here: https://lnkd.in/gVqcbA3J

A Compass for Success

In contrast to traditional, prescriptive paths, EYP offers a “compass” approach, guiding youth toward agency, self-determination, and resilience. Their four core pillars—Vision, Practice, Community, and Agency—equip youth to define and navigate their journeys:

Vision: Youth develop personal success visions and co-create community impact projects.

Practice: Youth hone skills like communication, negotiation, project management, and entrepreneurship in real-life settings.

Community: A network of mentors, allies, and peers supports and empowers each participant.

Agency: Youth gain self-awareness, confidence, and a strong sense of their personal and collective power.

EYP believes in meeting youth where they are and propelling them forward with tools to build resilience, confidence, and purpose. From fostering entrepreneurial mindsets to creating opportunities for civic engagement and personal growth, EYP equips youth with the skills they need to thrive in education, careers, and life.

Join us in making an impact! Your donation or time as a volunteer helps us create pathways to success for the next generation of leaders in our community. Learn more and get involved at https://lnkd.in/ggfiZajc or email Kendra@envisionyourpathway.org.

Click below to read our latest articles, including the topics of

"How LaMusga Factors Affect Joint Custody Arrangements in California,"

"The Impact of LaMusga Factors on Long-Distance Parenting Plans in California," and

"Child Custody and Visitation During the Holiday"

In California, joint custody arrangements aim to prioritize children’s best interests by fostering strong relationships with both parents. When one parent seeks to relocate, courts use the LaMusga factors to evaluate the impact of the move, considering aspects like the distance, reasons for relocation, the child’s age, relationships with both parents, and their preferences if they are mature enough. Courts strive to maintain stability and continuity in custody arrangements, favoring minimal disruption unless the move significantly benefits the child. Decisions are case-specific, balancing structured parenting with preserving the child’s established social and educational environment.

Read 'How LaMusga Factors Affect Joint Custody Arrangements in California' Article

California courts address long-distance parenting plans in divorce cases, focusing on the LaMusga Factors, which determine whether a parent's relocation is in a child's best interests. These factors include custody arrangements, the child's need for stability, the reasons for the move, and the parents' ability to communicate and prioritize their child's well-being. Courts often favor continuity in the child’s environment, considering the impact on school, community, and relationships, especially when equal custody is no longer feasible. Effective long-distance parenting plans require foresight, cooperation, and adherence to the principles that prioritize the child’s best interests in shared decision-making.

Read 'The Impact of LaMusga Factors on Long-Distance Parenting Plans in California' Article

The holiday season can be stressful for divorced parents, especially when negotiating custody schedules, even for those who usually co-parent amicably. A detailed holiday parenting plan, included in a marriage settlement agreement, provides stability for the child, allows parents to plan confidently, and helps avoid conflicts by addressing specifics like transportation, exchange times, and conduct guidelines. Covering all significant holidays and special family dates, such a plan ensures clear expectations, reduces disputes, and balances the child's time between parents.

Read 'Child Custody and Visitation During the Holiday' Article

Symphony San Jose's Holiday Spectacular Concert

Our firm members and guests enjoyed a spectacular evening at the Holiday Spectacular Concert with Symphony San Jose, featuring a stellar lineup of artists. Under the masterful direction of Elena Sharkova, the event showcased the talents of Nathan Stark, a remarkable bass-baritone, alongside the Symphony San Jose Chorale, the Cantabile Youth Singers of Silicon Valley and New Ballet. The performance was a harmonious blend of classical masterpieces and holiday favorites, creating a magical atmosphere that left everyone feeling Christmas splendor.

Adding to the festive spirit, pre-concert activities included meeting Santa Claus, decorating gingerbread cookies, and keeping an eye out for the mischievous Grinch. These lighthearted moments set the stage for an unforgettable evening of joy and celebration, setting the tone for this wonderful holiday season.

Courtenay Craig

Gabby Benitez

Robert Massey

Beck Engwerda (Muir)

Jacquie Meyers

On behalf of everyone here at Hoover Krepelka, LLP, we wish you a joyous holiday season! Please note that our office will be closed on the following days:

December 25-26

December 31

January 1

We look forward to sharing our firm updates every month.

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