During the 11th annual State of the County, Kathryn Barger discussed public works projects, mental health and announced her plan to run for a second term as Los Angeles’ 5th District Supervisor in 2020.

“This is my third annual State of the County address and I have to tell you I try to keep it fresh each year,” Barger said. “It has been a busy year…we have had some incredible things happen up here in Santa Clarita.”

Held at the Hyatt in Valencia, the State of the County was less of an address and more of a conversation held with the community. Instead of a podium and talking points, Barger invited a handful of county officials to sit with her on a couch on stage and discuss various topics.

“We are rebuilding the valley in a way, re-committing the infrastructure of the valley,” said Mark Pestrella, Director of Public Works, County of Los Angeles.

Both Pestrella and Barger are expected to be in Washington D.C. for various reasons.

Barger announced a focus on traffic reroute backup and mitigation, specifically mentioning The Old Road. The Supervisor insists on working with public works, the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Department to strategize.

Pestrella called the work on The Old Road a “reliable relief to the 5 Freeway.”

The City of Santa Clarita partnered with Waze, a road navigating app, to trade traffic data in the agreement the app does not move drivers through local streets, according to Pestrella.

Dr. Jonathan Sherin from L.A. County Department of Mental Health and Sachi Hamai, L.A. County Chief Executive Officer, both were welcomed on stage to discuss the future efforts regarding mental health issues.

“I grew up in the county handling health and social services, so my heart really is with mental health,” Barger said. “My first goal was to get people off the street that are mentally ill.”

With Barger’s support, California is having a statewide audit of every aspect of involuntary treatment, according to Sherin.

Supervisor Barger mentioned a new mental health urgent care center set to be built in the Antelope Valley.

“It’s an urgent care, not for broken bones, but an urgent care for someone who may be broken in spirit,” Barger said.

The State of the County ended with Barger asking for the community to be communicative.

“Our door is always open, we are not perfect, we are always looking to fine tune,” Barger said in her final statement. “So please keep communication open, I can only fix what I know.”

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