CA / Armenian Committee

Committee Chaired by Senator Anthony Portantino Examines Trade, Technology and Travel Relations between California and Armenia

Tuesday, June 13 2023

Sacramento, California – The Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange chaired by Senator Anthony Portantino (D–Burbank) held an informational hearing on Monday, June 12, 2023 titled California and Armenia: Trade, Technology and Travel Exchange. Topics of discussion included the need for direct flights and increased air cargo capacity between Los Angeles and Armenia, the California-Armenia Trade and Services Desk, and technology incubators in the City of Glendale.

Senator Portantino Honored with the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II and the St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal

Monday, May 1 2023

Burbank, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) was presented with the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and honored with the prestigious St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal in recognition of his years of support of the Armenian American community. The Senator received the honor on April 27th during a reception held at the headquarters of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in Burbank. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian bestowed the medal, with public officials, friends, and representatives of Armenian organizations in attendance. Senator Portantino is the first non-Armenian in the Western Diocese to receive St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal.

Senator Portantino Statement on 35th Anniversary of Sumgait Massacres

Friday, February 24 2023

Glendale, CA – Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) released the following statement today on the 35th Anniversary of the Sumgait Massacres:

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.