CA / Armenian Committee

Senator Portantino Urges White House to Halt Military Assistance to Azerbaijan and Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Artsakh as Inhumane Blockade Continues

Tuesday, January 24 2023

Sacramento, CA –Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) led efforts this week to submit a letter to the White House urging President Biden to take action against Azerbaijan by immediately ending military assistance and requesting that emergency humanitarian aid be delivered to the people of Artsakh who have been devastated by Azerbaijan’s blockade since December 12, 2022.

Senator Portantino Meets with Journalist Alexander Lapshin

Friday, October 14 2022

Glendale, CA – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) recently met with well-known journalist and travel blogger Alexander Lapshin, who was extradited by Azerbaijan, sent to prison and tortured by the Azeri government for visiting Artsakh. Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian joined the Senator for the meeting.

Senator Portantino Secures $250K for Tavlian Preschool & Kindergarten

Wednesday, September 7 2022

Pasadena, California - State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) announced today that his budget request of $250,000 for Levon & Hasmig Tavlian Preschool & Kindergarten in Pasadena was approved by the Legislature. The funds will help with renovation projects, STEAM enrichment curriculum, and technology upgrades.

California Legislators Announce Essay and Visual Arts Scholarships to Raise Awareness of the Armenian Genocide

Thursday, February 10 2022

The California Armenian Legislative Caucus is holding two scholarship contests for the 2022 commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. California high school students in 9th through 12th grade are invited to participate in an essay contest and/or a visual arts contest to increase greater awareness of the Armenian Genocide on its anniversary.

Senator Portantino Makes Emotional Trip to Artsakh as the First State or Federal Elected Official from the United States to Visit the Region Since the End of the 44-Day War

Tuesday, November 23 2021

Glendale, California - California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Cañada) recently returned from an emotional trip to Artsakh, during which he toured the countryside and broke bread with heroes. It is believed that this is the first time a state or federal elected official has visited the region since the end of the 44-day war.