Assembly's Southern California New Year Gathering Recognizes Supervisor Barger

Members of the Southern California Regional Council (SCRC) and Los Angeles County Regional Committee (LACRC) with California State Senator Anthony Portantino and Supervisor Kathryn Barger (center) at the Assembly's New Year gathering

Photo credit: Office of Supervisor Kathryn Barger

Los Angeles, CA - The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) organized a New Year Gathering for the Southern California community on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the EarthStone Ovens showroom in Glendale, California, in an event hosted by Maurice Yotnegparian and family, where a number of current and former public officials were in attendance, including State Senator Anthony Portantino, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Glendale City Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian, and former Mayor of Sierra Madre, John Harabedian.

In the Assembly's long-standing tradition of acknowledging the distinguished service of public servants, on this occasion the Assembly honored Los Angeles County District 5 Supervisor Barger for her exemplary leadership on Armenian issues and her genuine friendship with the Armenian people. 

Supervisor Barger expressed her appreciation to the Assembly and her commitment to holding Azerbaijan accountable for the Aliyev regime's atrocities against the Armenian people of Artsakh.

Assembly Board Member Lisa Kalustian and Assembly Western Region

Director David Ojakian thank Maurice Yotnegparian

for hosting the special event

Photo credit: Sylvie Damargi

"I saw the connection between the Armenians of Los Angeles and Armenia and Artsakh, and I feel the pain you all feel," said Supervisor Barger.

Assembly Board Member Talin Yacoubian expressed her thanks to Supervisor Barger and Senator Portantino for their work on behalf of the Armenian people, and for their tireless efforts to shed light on the injustice the Armenian people of Artsakh have experienced. In turn, she received the California State Senate Resolution - honoring the Armenian Assembly's 50th Anniversary - from Senator Portantino.

Former Assembly Terjenian-Thomas interns alongside

Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny and

Assembly Western Region Director David Ojakian

Photo credit: Sylvie Damargi

Glendale City Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian welcomed attendees and thanked the Assembly for bringing the community together, and for the organization's noteworthy advocacy work.

Echoing Councilmember Kassakhian, Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny encouraged advocacy efforts from its grassroots volunteers, and elaborated on the Assembly's upcoming Advocacy Summit, which will take place in Washington, D.C., from April 16 and April 17.

Assembly Board member Lisa Kalustian concluded the program by speaking about the importance of taking action, staying connected through grassroots efforts, and thanking the event's generous host Maurice Yotnegparian, the Yotnegparian family, and EarthStone Ovens. 

Glendale City Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian

Photo credit: Sylvie Damargi

A highlight of the afternoon for Assembly Western Region Director David Ojakian was honoring Supervisor Barger for her "immense support and leadership on Armenian issues."

"Supervisor Barger and Senator Portantino have led the way on Armenian issues and the Armenian community greatly appreciates their efforts," continued Ojakian. "We are thankful to our host Maurice Yotnegparian and EarthStone Ovens, and to all of our new and returning members, advocates, and supporters who make our work possible."

Added Yacoubian: "We were so pleased to honor Supervisor Kathryn Barger at the Assembly’s New Year gathering. Supervisor Barger has always been a true friend and supporter of the Armenian community of Los Angeles, and we look forward to future collaborations."

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR# 2024-02