Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger made an appearance at Hyatt Regency Valencia on Thursday to discuss local issues, including homelessness criminalization and government outreach amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the Santa Clarita’s Valley Industry Association (VIA).

VIA invited Barger to sit down with them Thursday evening at their Cocktails and Conversations event to “bolster business and address issues impacting our community,” according to Barger.

The small gathering offered a unique opportunity for attendees to address Barger directly and hear her views on issues affecting local businesses and the community, according to event organizers.

Addressing several questions regarding updated coronavirus protocols, Barger explained her thought processes behind recent modifications of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health), including mandatory vaccine verifications for theme parks and drinking establishments to go into effect in October.

See Related: How To Show Proof Of COVID-19 Vaccination For L.A. County Theme Parks, Drinking Establishments

“I’m not in favor of shutting down again,” Barger said. “I will not support it. I will be loud and I will be angry if the board moves in that direction. I don’t see it happening. Our numbers are going down but you know, never say never, right?”

With Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital filling up drastically with coronavirus patients and L.A. County coronavirus cases continuing to increase as of Thursday, Barger continues to push for vaccination, rather than opting for further shutdowns.

“Our pandemic history has told us that we make our best progress when we actively take steps to reduce the spread of this virus,” Barger said. “Let’s use the tools we have to effectively reduce the risk of transmission and keep each other healthy and safe.”

As a large player in the creation of the Blue Ribbon Commission, Barger further touched on the homelessness crisis during the event.

“I have said many times that the status quo is no longer working and it’s time that we engage and collaborate with service providers, government agencies and city representatives throughout the County to come up with new strategies and solutions to bring individuals off the street and provide them with the care and services they deserve,” Barger said in regard to the Blue Ribbon Commission. “We cannot wait another day before upending our existing systems and approaches while vulnerable residents are dying and left to languish on our streets.”

See Related: ​​Supervisor Kathryn Barger Introduces Motion To Expand LAUSD Mental Health Services 

Barger noted that placing the blame of homelessness squarely at the feet of lack of economic housing was a short-sighted approach to the multifaceted issue. She hopes that the Blue Ribbon Commission will help the county better understand not only the causes behind long-term homelessness, but if the possible solutions being offered are even viable.

“We can make (the agency) more accountable, but more importantly, I’m hoping that (the commission) will look at what kind of services we’re providing them, and are we doing it the right way,” Barger said.

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