GLENDALE, California – Representatives of the Armenian National Committee of America’s (ANCA) Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and the East San Fernando Valley chapters met with Assemblymember Laura Friedman at the Armenian Relief Society headquarters in Glendale last week to discuss issues of concern to the Armenian-American community.
“It was great to sit down with local ANCA chapters and discuss the issues impacting the Armenian community in Southern California. From the safety of local schools and community centers, to the tragedy of the ongoing blockade in Artsakh, I will continue to work with my Armenian constituency to help in any way that I can,” remarked Assemblymember Friedman.
Assemblymember Friedman represents California’s 44th Assembly District, the most densely Armenian-populated districts in the state. The AD44 includes significant portions of Glendale, Burbank, Sunland and La Crescenta – and following the 2020 redistricting process also includes portions of the East San Fernando Valley including North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks and Studio city, home to a growing Armenian-American population.
“In the midst of Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh, we were grateful for the opportunity to convey to Assemblymember Friedman the concerns of her Armenian-American constituents, and look forward to continuing to work with her to empower the voice of our community the California State Assembly,” remarked ANCA Burbank Chair Sarkis Simonian.
During the meeting, local leaders discussed opportunities for securing support for a range of programs that support the local Armenian community. This includes making resources available to support local community centers, social services programs offered by the Armenian Relief Society, and youth engagement programs amongst others.
“With the expansion of the 44th Assembly District into the East San Fernando Valley, we look forward to working with Assemblywoman Friedman to ensure the needs of Southern California’s fastest growing Armenian community are served,” remarked ANCA San Fernando Valley – East Co-chair Dr. Avo Babian.
Assemblywoman Laura Friedman has been a friend and ally to the Armenian community throughout her time in public office. She has long championed the development of the Armenian American Museum in Glendale going back to her time on Glendale City Council, and has fought for the continued provision of state funding for its development.
Assemblywoman Friedman is an active member of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus, having co-authored Divest Turkey legislation in the State Assembly, and recently joining as a principal co-author on the AJR 1 – which was introduced last week by Assemblymember Chris Holden, condemning Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh and calling for the U.S. government to take immediate action to hold Baku to account.
