CA / Armenian Committee

Senator Anthony J. Portantino's Statement on St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church Center Fire

Saturday, September 19 2020

Our churches and church facilities are peaceful places for communities to pray, congregate and support one another. They should not be subjected to arson, vandalism and hate crimes. My heart breaks for Very Reverend Father Smpad Saboundjian, the entire St. Gregory the Illuminator congregation and the greater Armenian American community for this unnecessary act of intimidation. I fully encourage the San Francisco Police Department’s investigation to swiftly determine the cause of the blaze and hold those responsible strictly accountable under the law.

Asbarez: It is Vital that Congress Includes Assistance to Artsakh

Wednesday, July 15 2020

"I am proud to Chair the California State Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange. California is the only state that I am aware of that has formalized an official cooperative effort of this significance. I am also honored to live in a State which recognizes Artsakh as an independent Country and to have been able to have visited Karabakh on three occasions. During my three trips there, I have spent productive time in Shushi, Stepanakert and Hadrut.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino Statement on Violence Along Armenian-Azerbaijan Border

Tuesday, July 14 2020

California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino statement regarding the reported violence occurring along the Armenia-Azerbajian borders.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino Delivers Letter to Governor Newsom from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan

Thursday, January 30 2020

Sacramento, California – State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D - La Cañada Flintridge) personally delivered an invitation from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Governor Gavin Newsom inviting the Governor to visit Armenia.

Glendale Community College Can Commemorate April 24th as a Day of Remembrance Without Losing Revenue Under Bill Authored by Senator Portantino and Signed by Governor Newsom

Wednesday, October 9 2019

Sacramento, California – Last night, the Glendale Community College Armenian Genocide Commemoration Bill, SB 568, authored by State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge), was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Prior to the passage of SB 568, GCC would have had to forfeit nearly $500,000 if it were to close on April 24th to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.