SCVNews.com | Opinion/Commentary: Kathryn Barger | Keeping Up With Kathryn

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July 26

1870 - Armantha Thibaudeau, community leader during early 20th Century and co-founder of chamber of commerce, born in Kentucky [story]

Kathryn Barger | Keeping Up With Kathryn

Supervisor Kathryn Barger | Monday, Oct 17, 2022

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Dear Friends,

This week, many of us were shocked to hear the recording of four powerful Los Angeles leaders who expressed intolerable, hateful, and racist comments. Nury Martinez’s decision to resign was the right thing to do. As elected officials, it’s our responsibility to lead with integrity. If someone can’t do that, and isn’t able to represent people of every background, it’s time to step down. That includes the two council members who are still in office.

The city of Los Angeles should also confront their redistricting process. Gerrymandering (manipulating district boundaries to favor a particular group of people) is unjust and unfair. We cannot allow the preferences of elected leaders to disenfranchise our communities.

This incident highlighted what so many of us already knew, hate can happen anywhere and at any level. It can create a lot of pain and feelings of helplessness. I want my constituents to know that there are actions you can take and resources available to you.

If you are experiencing negative mental health impacts, reach out to the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to speak to a trained professional. Call their help line at (800) 854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741. Their website also has a list of services, including a dedicated page with anti-racism resources that include mental health support for diverse communities, families, and educators. The website also offers connectivity to iPrevail to match you with a mental health coach or support group, or the Headspace meditation app to bring you some peace of mind.

If you experience hate or prejudice of any kind, or want to step up as an advocate against hate, I encourage you to access the L.A. vs Hate program. The website includes helpful community resources, bystander training, self education, inspirational artwork, and social media assets to share with your network.

While it is a challenging time, I hope we use this as a catalyst to support one another and move toward healing and unity.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger serves the residents of the Fifth Supervisorial District — the county’s largest — spanning 2,785 square miles, which includes 20 cities and 83 unincorporated communities in the San Gabriel, San Fernando, Crescenta, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys.

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1 Comment

David Gartland says:

Tuesday, Oct 18, 2022 at

Ms Barger as a resident close to the Junvenile detention centers in Bouquet Canyon, I was wondering what is going with their closure and relocation. We ( my wife Kathleen ) have lived here for 35 + years so you can imagine how we feel about the proposed use of these centers. Hope to hear from you soon.

David & Kathleen Gartland

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Opinion Section Policy

All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.

Mike West | Message From the CIF-SS Commissioner

Friday, Jul 26, 2024

Here we are at the end of July and preparations for the fall season are already underway at most of our member schools. As is the case most every year, school administration and athletic faculty should be aware and ready to immediately implement the rule changes enacted the previous year.

Jason Gibbs | Santa Clarita’s New, Upcoming Projects

Thursday, Jul 25, 2024

Nothing says Santa Clarita like our beautiful mountains, pristine parks, paseos meandering through our neighborhoods, lush trees and amenities for residents of all ages.

Ken Striplin | City Cinemas Brings Back Movies Under the Stars

Monday, Jul 22, 2024

Picture this…a cozy blanket laid out on the grass, the warm evening breeze and your favorite film playing on the big screen.

Marsha McLean | Santa Clarita Community Centers’ Summer Camps

Thursday, Jul 18, 2024

Summer is here! With the season in full swing and kids starting their school break, the city of Santa Clarita welcomes youth to one of its most popular and long-standing programs:

Ken Striplin | 2024 Public Opinion Poll

Monday, Jul 15, 2024

Santa Clarita consistently earns recognition as one of the best places to live in the nation, boasting a high quality of life, strong safety record and a business-friendly atmosphere.

Bill Miranda | Creativity in Every Corner

Thursday, Jul 11, 2024

Santa Clarita is known, not only for its scenic open spaces and family-friendly community, but also for its commitment to nurturing the arts and fostering a thriving, dynamic environment where creativity can flourish.

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