Glendale Archives

BREAKING: City of Glendale Designates April 2015 As “Armenian Genocide Commemoration Month”

March 10, 2015 by administrator

Glendale Designates April 2015 As “Armenian Genocide Commemoration Month”

GLENDALE – The Glendale City Council Tuesday presented a proclamation designating the Month of April 2015 as “Armenian Genocide Commemoration Month.” Mayor Zareh Sinanyan presented the proclamation during the regular session of the City Council to representatives of the Armenian-Genocide Centennial Committee of Western United States.

The Glendale City Council also unanimously passed a Resolution designating April 2015 as the “Month of Commemoration of Centennial Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide”; and Taking Actions Necessary to Ensure the City and its Institutions Including Schools, Libraries and Publicly Owned Museums Properly Commemorate, Inform and Provide Education About the Genocide.

Below is the text of the Resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE DESIGNATING APRIL 2015 AS THE “MONTH OF COMMEMORATION OF THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE”; AND TAKING ACTIONSNECESSARY TO ENSURE THE CITY AND ITS INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES AND PUBLICLY OWNED MUSEUMS PROPERLY COMMEMORATE, INFORM AND PROVIDE EDUCATION ABOUT THE GENOCIDE

WHEREAS, the Armenian people were subjects of a systematic and premeditated Genocidal campaign which began on April 24, 1915, at the hands of the Young Turk Government of the Ottoman Empire from 1915-1919, and which continued at the hands of the Kemalist Movement of Turkey from 1920-1923 whereby over 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children were slaughtered or marched to their deaths in an effort to annihilate the Armenian Nation in the First modem Genocide of the 20th century, while thousands of surviving Armenian women and children were forcibly converted and Islamized, and hundreds of thousands more were subjected to ethnic cleansing during the period of the modern Republic of Turkey from 1924-1937; and

WHEREAS, during the genocides of the Christians living in the Ottoman Empire and surrounding regions which occurred during the first half of the 20th Century, hundreds of thousands of Assyrians, Greeks and other Christians, lost their lives at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish Empire and the Republic of Turkey, and
WHEREAS, these crimes against humanity also had the consequence of permanently removing all traces of the Armenians and other targeted people from their historic homelands of more than four millennia, and enriching the perpetrators with the lands and other property of the victims of these crimes, including the usurpation of several thousand churches; and

WHEREAS, in response to the Genocide and at the behest of the President Woodrow Wilson and the U.S. State Department, the Near East Relief organization was founded, and became the first Congressionally-sanctioned American philanthropic effort created exclusively to provide humanitarian assistance and to rescue the Armenian Nation and other Christian minorities from annihilation, who went on to survive and thrive outside of their ancestral homeland all over the world and specifically in the State of California; and

WHEREAS, the planning and implementation of Genocide is indisputably recognized in international law as a Crime Against Humanity and is punishable as such, yet has remained unpunished for nearly one hundred years, as the government of Turkey is allowed with impunity to distort history and to deny the Genocide and its consequences perpetrated both by its Ottoman predecessor and its subsequent regimes despite international recognition of the Armenian Genocide by 23 countries, including the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey inexplicably and adamantly has denied the occurrence of the crimes against humanity committed by the Ottoman and Young Turk rulers for many years, and continues to do so a full century since the first crimes constituting genocide occurred despite the Turkish governments’ earlier admissions and the overwhelming proof of genocidal intent; and

WHEREAS, the Republic of Turkey has escalated its international campaign of Genocide denial; it maintains its illegal blockade of humanitarian aid to the Republic of Armenia, and steadily increases its pressure on any movement in Turkey acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and seeking justice for its victims and other persecuted indigenous minorities; and WHEREAS, this resolution declares that the Glendale City Council deplores the persistent, ongoing efforts by any person, in this country or abroad, to deny the historical fact of the Armenian Genocide and its related atrocities; and WHEREAS, every person should be made aware of and educated about the Armenian Genocide and other crimes against humanity, and know that April 24, 1915 is globally recognized as the commencement of the Armenian Genocide and that 2015 marks the centennial anniversary since its commencement.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE AS FOLLOWS:

1. That April 2015 is hereby designated as the “City of Glendale Month of Commemoration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923″, in order to ensure that the Armenian Genocide is properly commemorated and taught to the community at large, to the schools, their faculty and student body, and to visitors to Glendale through educational and cultural events.

2. That the Glendale City Council hereby commends the extraordinary service which was delivered by Near East Relief to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and Assyrian Genocide, including thousands of direct beneficiaries of American philanthropy who are the parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents of many Californian residents, and the City Council reaffirms its commitment to working with community groups, nonprofit organizations, City personnel, and the Glendale Unified School District to host campus wide educational events dedicated specifically to these efforts as an important part of American history.

3. That the Glendale City Council calls upon the President of the United States to work toward equitable, constructive, stable, and durable Armenian-Turkish relations based upon the Republic of Turkey’s full acknowledgment of the facts and ongoing consequences of the Armenian Genocide, and toward a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime against humanity, including reparations to the Armenian nation.

4. That the Glendale City Council transmit copies of this Resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, to the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, to each United States Senator and Member of Congress from California, to the Governor of California, and every member of the California State Legislature, to the California State Superintendent of Instruction, and to the Turkish Ambassador to the United States.

Glendale, The Commercial Centre Americana Prohibits sale of T-shirts Genocide Theme

March 10, 2015 by administrator

By Harut Sassounian

Publisher, The California Courier

Armenian genocide centennial

Three young Armenian entrepreneurs praised last month a location Americana – a large complex shop-restaurant-theater in Glendale – to sell T-shirts, caps and other clothing items which advertising is visible on their website shop1915.com.

The team rentals Americana has approved their goods Chuldzhyan Tina, Alex Kodagolian and Armin Hariri (a rapper known as the ‘R-Mean’) began in the sale.

On February 12, the opening day of their activity, three Armenians were surprised to be told by the management of Americana their location should be held in accordance with good morals and all protest pictures were to be withdrawn . Although no image no protest was on location – only young pictures wearing t-shirts available for sale – Chuldzhyan told the California Courier that she immediately grabbed the posters to avoid conflict with Americana.

On 25 February, Americana was an ultimatum telling Tina and her two partners they had to change within 24 hours the kind of goods they were selling, citing public complaints relating to clothing ‘genocide’. Otherwise, they would have three days to evacuate.

Fearing forced eviction, the three contractors agreed not to show the Armenian t-shirts, and sell them at the request of customers. Later this afternoon, an attendant came Americana confirm that all items on the theme of ‘genocide’ should be removed entirely from the place.

This was clearly an intrusion into the affairs of the three Armenians. Americana had no right to ban the sale of T-shirts ‘genocide’ – a violation of the right of expression of the owner. In addition, on t-shirts that I saw during my visit last week there was not on the word genocide: they just bore the inscription “ARE WE THERE YET – 2015”. There were other T-shirts available for sale only with the letter P for Pentagon Records, the company name of Armenian entrepreneurs.

It is not sure that anyone has complained to management about Americana Armenian T-shirts. No one has ever sent any criticism to the owners of the business. Furthermore, assuming that someone has complained, does that mean that Armenian clothes, with or without the word genocide, should not be sold at Americana? It’s a slippery slope! If someone complained that books on the Holocaust and Genocide are sold in Barnes and Noble bookstores, in Americana, management of the mall she would ban the sale of such works? And what about the American cinemas showing films that may be offensive to some people, while they are shopping?

Having realized qu’Americana violated his civil rights, Tina consulted a lawyer to consider what actions could be taken to protect the interests of his case. She informed her lawyer that his contract with Americana did not prohibit the sale of clothing making mention of the genocide. The contract does not contain any restriction regarding pornography, elixirs and other drugs, and sale of used goods. The lawyer told Tina that even if the behavior of Americana was clearly illegal, she had no choice but to bow, having before it a large corporation provided with a consequent legal team.

Even very disappointed not to be able to assert their rights, Tina decided to follow the advice of his lawyer, and conformed ungraciously illegal and draconian demands of Americana, not to condemn his fledgling business. “I felt a bit like back in the days of Prohibition, selling contraband,” said Tina in California Courier.

Last week, Tina received new warnings of Americana, requiring him to show no clothing referring to genocide and that, even after she removed all other Armenian T-shirts, except the one saying WE ARE STILL THERE – 2015 ‘.

This controversy goes far beyond the sole interests of three young Armenians. Acts of Americana affect the civil rights of all traders and all of the Armenian community, especially on the eve of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide. Armenians in Glendale and city officials, who granted Americana generous tax exemptions, should immediately react to this situation and defend the rights of these three small business owners.

Americana is the property of Rick Caruso, who took advantage of friendly relations with the large Armenian community in Glendale. Hopefully Mr. Caruso will take the appropriate when it is made aware of the unacceptable and illegal actions of his team.

No one in the office of Americana, has wanted to answer my phone call after sending a message requesting explanations on the prohibition of the sale of Armenian clothing.

ANCA-WR’s ‘America We Thank You’ Exhibit to Debut at Los Angeles Public Library

February 23, 2015 by administrator

The ‘America We Thank You’ exhibit to debut at LA Public Library on March 6

LA Mayor Eric Garecetti and Councilman Paul Krekorian are Co-sponsors of exhibit, which will kick off March 6 with opening reception

GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region’s “America We Thank You (AWTY): An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief” committee invites the community to attend its opening reception on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 6:30pm in the Rotunda of the Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Branch to celebrate the premiere of and be the first to view the ‘America We Thank You’ Travel Exhibit, which spotlights the unprecedented humanitarian efforts of the Near East Relief (NER) from 1915-1930. The Exhibit and opening reception is co-sponsored by Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian and the Los Angeles Public Library.

The ‘America We Thank You’ Exhibit, co-curated with NER successor, Near East Foundation, will be housed at the Library’s Atrium from March 7 through April 30 and highlights the outpouring of generosity by the American people and government during and in the immediate aftermath of the Armenian Genocide, under the auspices of the NER. The NER’s efforts manifested into an international endeavor for the rescue and rehabilitation of hundreds of thousands of Armenian Genocide survivors.

“It is an honor to feature the story of NER, which represents a magnanimous yet unfortunately oft-forgotten chapter in American history. As descendants of Armenian Genocide survivors who were saved and sustained through an American led campaign that ultimately spanned the globe, it is our duty to not only bestow our gratitude and appreciation, but to share this story with the world,” remarked AWTY co-chairperson Vanna Kitsinian, Esq.

“We are privileged to partner with the historic Los Angeles Public Library to showcase our visually compelling Exhibit and are extremely grateful for their support alongside that of Mayor Garcetti, and Councilmember Krekorian for co-sponsoring our Exhibit and our opening reception on March 6,” acknowledged AWTY co-chairperson Hermineh Papakhanians.

The Exhibit, with its 28 color panels measuring an impressive six feet by three feet, is comprised of high-quality scans of official correspondence, biographies of missionaries and relief workers who lived, volunteered and served on the ground, as well as treasured archival photographs, some of which have only recently been accessed and offer new insight to NER’s impactful legacy in saving a people under the threat of total annihilation.

“One the eve of the Armenian Genocide Centennial, as we remember and honor the martyred lives of our 1.5 million ancestors who suffered the perils of forced deportation and tragic death, we also pay special tribute to all those who heard the Armenian pleas for help, and responded swiftly and generously on an unprecedented and almost unimaginable scale. On behalf of every Armenian life NER rescued, we collectively echo, “America, We Thank You,” expressed ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan.

Admission to the reception is open to all and free of charge, though space is limited and guests are encouraged to RSVP online by February 27 by visiting www.ancawr.org/AWTYExhibit The Central Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library is located at 630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles CA 90071. Those who wish to view the Exhibit during March 7 – April 30 should confirm the Library’s hours of operation. The Library is open seven days a week, but hours vary. Admission to view the Exhibit throughout its duration in the Library’s Atrium is free of charge.

To learn more about the mission and activities of “America We Thank You” please visit www.AmericaWeThankYou.org

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

-2

Glendale City Council Unanimously Approves Negotiations on Armenian-American Museum

November 8, 2014 by administrator

GLENDALE—All five members of the Glendale City Council voted on November 4, 2014, in favor of a motion to enter into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of Western US (AGCC) for the ground lease of a 1.7 acre property located to the south of the Glendale Civic Auditorium and across the street from Glendale Community College.

Earlier this year, the AGCC announced its interest to build a Museum and Educational/Cultural Center in Southern California. After exploring numerous locations throughout Los Angeles County, the organization identified a site in Glendale with the characteristics for a world class museum and cultural/educational center.

In her introductory remarks, AGCC Co-Chair Talin Yacoubian observed “It is not often that one finds such a wide cross section of a constituency or community wholeheartedly supporting any single project, but the magnitude, relevance and importance of this project has created an indivisible bond, not only among the Armenian community but beyond.”

Representatives of the 19 organizations on the Board of the AGCC, its Landmark Sub-Committee, members of the Armenian Genocide Memorial Council of Glendale as well as several dozen community organizers and volunteers were in attendance at the Council meeting to express their support. The more than 100 people who attended the Council meeting applauded when the Council voted 5 – 0 to adopt the motion to initiate the exclusive negotiations.

“We have decided to build a Museum and a Cultural and Educational Center that strives to transform lives, and a Memorial Monument to fallen victims of crimes against humanity, to promote all that is just in the United States of America, and, ultimately be, a destination venue for all,” explained AGCC Co-Chair Garo Ghazarian in his remarks to the members of the Council.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian told the Council members that he was delighted that they have taken this initiative. He stated, “This Museum with its Cultural and Educational Center and Memorial will be a symbol of life; a symbol of resurrected life; a symbol of justice; a symbol to adhere to history and culture; a symbol of an important monument which will invite us all to embrace heroism in our lives.”

Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian was out of the country on official church business but sent a message expressing his support. The Prelate’s message states, “All of these objectives and more, will be achieved by the synergy of the placement of a Museum, next to the Civic Auditorium and the Glendale Community College, which, will benefit all three establishments, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods, and the City of Glendale as a whole.”

Each Council member expressed support for the project and willingness to work with the AGCC during this critical phase of exploring the feasibility of building the Museum, Cultural/Educational Center, and Memorial on this site within the next few years.

Approximately 3,000 sq. ft. of this 1.7 acre property had already been reserved for the construction of a Monument to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and Man’s Inhumanity to Man. City Mayor Zareh Sinanyan informed the audience that he was pleased to have received the communication from the Armenian Genocide Memorial Council of Glendale expressing their willingness to join the efforts of the AGCC and to have the area reserved for the monument included in the ground lease negotiations.

The report presented to the City Council by City Manager Scott Ochoa and Director of Economic Development Philip Lanzafame states that the museum and education center is scheduled to include exhibit galleries, a theater, research space, classrooms, an outdoor plaza, and a memorial.

In his remarks, Lanzafame stated, “The elements and size of the proposed museum and education center will be further defined by the research, discussions, and reports that would occur during the term of the exclusive negotiating period.”

Although the term of the exclusive negotiating period is 12 months, the AGCC spokespersons expressed their desire to make sufficient progress by April 2015 to unveil the conceptual design for the Museum complex and construct an interim memorial on the site by the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of Western US helps oversee, coordinate and organize events and activities to observe the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the region.

The representatives of the following organizations and institutions serve on the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee – Western USA: Armenia Fund – Western Region USA; Armenian Assembly of America; Armenian Bar Association; Armenian Catholic Church; Armenian Council of America; Armenian Cultural Foundation; Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Armenian General Benevolent Union – Western District; Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region; Armenian Relief Society – Western USA; Armenian Rights Council; Armenian Youth Federation; Ignatius Foundation; Nor Or Charitable Foundation; Nor Serount Cultural Association; Organization of Istanbul Armenians; Unified Young Armenians; Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

-1

GLENDALE, ARS Seminar Roadmap to Empowerment

May 22, 2014 by administrator

ASBAREZ GLENDALE—The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA celebrated the 30th Anniversary of its establishment as a separate entity with weekend-long events. The Empowering Generations Seminar was the second of those events, which was held on May 3, 2014, at the Glendale Hilton Hotel, with 125 participants.

Speakers talked about how they personally engaged in order to gain empowerment, how they facilitated empowerment of their peers or shared examples of exceptional people who influenced their lives, who felt empowered to do the kinds of things that changed not just perceptions, but lives.

Emcee of the dynamic seminar, Aleen Postoyan of the Regional Public Relations Committee, made opening remarks and set the tone of the event, encouraging all to “motivate us to empower not only ourselves, but each other.” The ARS-WUSA Regional Executive’s chairperson Lena Bozoyan made welcoming remarks, acknowledged the presence of the ARS Central Executive Board chairperson Vicky Marashlian and the liaison to the region, Annie Kechichian, asked that each of the participants become catalysts in their respective spheres, and thanked Haigoush Keghinian Kohler for sponsoring the seminar and for “empowering all of us, all these years.”

The morning session was moderated by Ara Khachatourian, Asbarez English Editor. He started out by pointing out a “basic and fundamental reality that none of us would be here today if it weren’t for the women bringing us into this world. Our identities and our personalities have been formed because of the immense influence the women in our
lives have had.” Khachatourian noted that the ARS has become a critical aspect of our Armenian reality and it must persevere by the inclusion of young women from all walks of life. Hence, the session started on “Armenianism in a Changing World: Cultural Burden or National Identity.”

Alice Petrossian, a retired educational administrator from the Pasadena Unified School District, who is now an activist, spoke about “Empowering Women Through Service”. She remarked that growing up the only organization with women leaders was the ARS, but today organizations have realized that women can be leaders. She emphasized the shift to being role models to engaging the youth in civic duty as a way of ensuring their success. Petrossian said that she has not met an Armenian woman who was not talented; and implied that everyone has a talent to serve; everyone can find the time and means to serve; no one is invited to serve; and no one is going to stop someone from serving. Providing examples of service in Armenian organizations by Armenians-by-Choice (ABC), she challenged the audience to look for possible ways to serve and become empowered server. Her parting message was, “I’m not afraid to serve and I will make a difference for myself, for my organization and my nation.”

Roxanne Makasdjian manages Broadcast Communications at University of California, Berkeley who has been very involved in community organizations, including being a co-founder and a current board member of The Genocide Education Project, which brings Armenian Genocide instruction into American high schools. Makasdjian gave credit to her own upbringing to her mother and grandmother, who were ARS members and activists. She described why the project was needed after a whole decade had passed by the California legislature mandating the instruction of the Armenian Genocide curriculum in high schools, noting lack of funding and resources. So, they developed lesson plans, published posters, conducted workshops during conferences and utilized technology to allow students and teachers to do their research on-line. Makasdjian emphasized how parents and students can demand the subject to be taught at their public schools, how they find ways to relate Armenian history to the youth growing up in the United States, why it is important for them to take action.

Be a reporter: Write and send your article to www.gagrule.net

-1

GLENDALE: ANCA-WR’s Tribute to Near East Relief In Full Swing

April 30, 2014 by administrator

GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region’s tribute to Near East Relief efforts in rescuing hundreds of thousands of Genocide refugees, orphans and survivors was in full swing during the month of April.

The “America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief” was center-stage at two high-profile Genocide commemoration events, the first at the California State Capitol and the second at Los Angeles City Hall.

More than 350 activists from around California converged on the State Capitol on April 6 for the ANCA-WR Advocacy Day, which included an exhibit of posters and memorabilia prepared by the “America We Thank You” Campaign at the Capitol Rotunda.

On Wednesday, April 23, the Los Angeles City Council, during its annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, commended the ANCA-WR’s efforts and honored the “America We Thank You” members for their dedication in highlighting this chapter of American history.

During the City Hall ceremony, the City Council also presented a proclamation to Keith Coogan, the grandson of actress Jackie Coogan, who was active in Near East Relief efforts and used her celebrity to raise awareness and funds for Armenian Genocide victims.

The ANCA-WR launched the campaign in March, timed for the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, to honor Near East Relief, an organization that mobilized Americans and rescued hundreds of thousands of orphans and survivors of the Genocide.

The campaign, called “America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief,” is a movement to recognize the outpouring of generosity by the American people in the immediate aftermath of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923) and to highlight the efforts of Near East Relief in rescuing and providing assistance to hundreds of thousands of men, women and children who were victims of the Genocide.

ANCA-WR officials said that the campaign is committed to promoting the role Near East Relief played in providing assistance to those less fortunate and for its groundbreaking ability to bring the American people together under one cause—the aid to refugees of the Armenian Genocide.

Through various events and programs, such as the ones in Sacramento and Los Angeles, “America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief,” will mark the centennial of the Near East Relief efforts and express its gratitude to the American people for establishing and continuing the tradition of being the most generous nation. Countless Armenian-Americans are descendants of those rescued by Near East Relief.

As news of the horrors of the Armenian Genocide poured into the this country, President Woodrow Wilson urged Congress in September of 1915 to act swiftly to provide assistance to the victims of Ottoman Turkish massacres of Armenians. This congressionally-mandated operation, which would later be dubbed Near East Relief, galvanized every segment of American society to rise up and provide assistance to the refugees of the Genocide.

Near East Relief established and operated several orphanages in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, including Armenia, to shelter and care for hundreds of thousands of orphans who escaped the horrors of the Genocide. The campaign was entirely funded by the American people.

“As we, a community and a nation, look toward the centennial of the Armenian Genocide in 2015, we would be remiss to discount the crucial role Near East Relief played in salvaging the victims of the horrible tragedy, and by the same token, play a critical role in safeguarding the survival of the Armenian Nation,” said Vanna Kitsinian, Esq. co-chairwoman of “We Thank You America: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief” effort.

“Through this campaign we want to say a collective ‘thank you’ to the American people for recognizing the plight of Armenians and mobilizing the entire nation. We thank you America,” added Hermineh Pakhanians, co-chairwoman of the committee.

“As the largest and leading Armenian-American advocacy organization, the ANCA-WR is taking the lead to ensure that the current generation of Americans is well aware of its past humanitarian efforts and the role that the US Congress and the White House played at the time of the Genocide,” emphasized Nora Hovsepian, Esq. chairwoman of the ANCA-WR.

In a paper published in 2010, Keith David Watenpaugh, an associate professor and a historian at University of California at Davis argued in an article published in the American Historical Review that the Armenian Genocide sparked the modern humanitarian movement and the original concept of “citizen philanthropy.”

Armenian Genocide to be commemorated in Glendale, Pasadena, Los Angeles area

April 19, 2014 by administrator

Several local events commemorating the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide will be held in Glendale over the next several days, according to Glendale News-Press.

The genocide resulted in the murder of 1.5 million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Turks from 1915 to 1918.

The main event of the week will be the city-sponsored Armenian Genocide commemorative event at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The event will feature traditional Armenian dances and musical performances by local students and keynote speaker Maurice Missack Kelechian, who is a Silicon Valley engineer whose scientific research led to the unveiling of an Armenian orphanage in Antoura near Beirut-Lebanon which dated back to the time of the genocide.

Operated by Ahmad Jemal Pasha, the orphanage housed 1,000 Armenian orphans and served as a “Turkification” center.

The commemorative week will kick off with two events.

On Monday, the Armenian clubs from Glendale, Hoover, Crescenta Valley and Clark Magnet high schools will hold their 13th annual Armenian Genocide remembrance assembly at 7 p.m. in Glendale High’s newly named John Wayne Auditorium, located at 1440 Broadway. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Students from each school will contribute to part of the assembly, ranging from instrumental musical compositions, poetry readings and video clips.

Also on Monday, the city of Glendale will host a night of poetry focused on inhumane events of the present and past at 6 p.m. in Parcher Plaza at City Hall, 613 East Broadway.

Unified Young Armenians will host a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the genocide at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the corner of Verdugo Road and Mountain Street.

In Pasadena, the Armenian Community Coalition will host a commemoration event at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Pasadena City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave.

The event will feature several speakers including Very Rev. Father Andon Atamian and Rep. Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park.

Unified Young Armenians’ annual mass demonstration in Little Armenia will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Hollywood Boulevard and Hobart Street.

The Armenian Youth Federation plans its annual protest in front of the Turkish Consulate, 6300 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday.

California: Zareh Sinanyan Chosen as Glendale Mayor

April 10, 2014 by administrator

GLENDALE—The Glendale City Council of Thursday voted to select Councilman Zareh Sinanyan as the next mayor of Glendale, during its regular Council session with friends and family in the audience.

Glendale Council Members are elected by the public at large while the Mayor is selected by the Council Members on an annual basis. Glendale Council Members serve four-year terms with an election cycle every two years.

Sinanyan was nominated by Councilman Frank Quintero, who was joined by fellow councilmembers Ara Najarian and Laura Friedman in the vote for his nomination. Councilman and outgoing mayor Dave Weaver abstained.

In his remarks, Sinanyan thanked his wife, Lori, his children, family friends and supporters and said he was humbled by the “trust bestowed upon me by the voters of the City of Glendale and my colleagues on City Council.”

“The past year has been very educational for me and each of you have played a unique role in that process,” said Sinanyan referring to his fellow City Council members.

“Councilman Quintero, I look forward to serving with you for the next two months. Thank you for your mentorship and support during these 12 months. Councilmember Weaver, I thank you for your leadership in the last 12 months and look forward to working with you in the future. Councilmember Najarian, we have had our disagreements, in fact our votes have seldom aligned on issues, but I look forward to ever-increasing cooperation on all issues that concern Glendale. Councilmember Friedman, thank you for calling in and expressing your support for my candidacy. I think you and I have voted along the same lines on many issues and I look forward to working together for the betterment of our city,” added Sinanyan.

He pledged that he will work will all residents and groups in the city to ensure the ongoing projects advance to make the city of Glendale and better place for its residents.

“We shall do everything to ensure that all parts of Glendale, from far North, to South, East to West, homeowners and renters, big businesses and mom and pop shops are increasingly engaged in and well informed about the developments in the City, and that their opinions and needs are heard loud and clear,” said Sinanyan.

He also pledged to make city government more transparent proposing to translate city-produced materials in Armenain, Korean, Spanish and Tagalog to increase access to a broader base of Glendale residents.

“Thank you, and let’s make this a great year of continued progress in Glendale,” concluded Sinanyan.

Sinanyan was elected to City Council in April of 2013 and has since served as the Chair of the Housing Authority. Councilman Sinanyan has been involved with the City of Glendale directly since 2006, when he was appointed to Glendale’s Parks, Recreation and Community Service’s Commission.

-1