[KHTS] – About 250 local community and business leaders gathered at the Hyatt Regency in Valencia on Thursday for the sixth annual State of the County Luncheon, presented by the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Michael D. Antonovich

County Supervisor Michael Antonovich joined chamber members, representatives of local legislators and the city council to discuss the last year in Los Angeles County and the future of the area.

“It is a pleasure to speak with you today about some of Los Angeles County’s accomplishments over the past year, the challenges we have faced, and our goals in the years to come,” Antonovich wrote in the event program. “…Over the past year, my office has continued to focus our efforts on enhancing public safety, vigorously supporting economic development, and serving the needs of our foster children, seniors and veterans…”

Councilman Bob Kellar said that he has never missed a State of the County event.

“It’s so important to know what is going on in the community,” he said. “…We on the city council have to work closely with the county.”

Terri Crain, CEO of the SCV Chamber, welcomed everyone in attendance and asked them to think about how skilled they would be if they had 12,216 days “to invest in a specific objective.”

Antonovich has served as county supervisor for that long, she said.

She also thanked the businesses and organizations in attendance, including the Castaic Lake Water Agency, the William S. Hart Union High School District, the College of the Canyons Foundation and the Newhall County Water District.

“The Santa Clarita Valley is the heart of the Fifth District,” said Tony Bell, assistant chief deputy for Antonovich, noting that the supervisor looks forward to the State of the County every year and that it is the only event of it’s kind in the Fifth District.

Antonovich planned to speak about the county budget, pension reform and fiscal solvency, transportation, parks and recreation, senior services and everything that affects the SCV, Bell said.

It would be vital information for the city and unincorporated areas, Crain said.

“This is a great way to bring L.A. County together,” she said.

About the SCV Chamber of Commerce

The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce is a professional business organization dedicated to improving not only the business climate, but also the quality of life throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Chamber strives to promote and support local businesses by committing itself to its members. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocate for issues that impact the business community:

• Encouraging the growth of existing member businesses and industries
• Assisting new firms and individuals who move to the Santa Clarita Valley
• Serve as a representative for all business legislation affecting the overall welfare of its members