BURBANK—The Armenian National Committee of America – Burbank members Annette Kargodorian and Silva Kechichian met with Council Member Gary Bric on August 29 at his restaurant, The Ramp.
This meeting is part of ANCA—B’s quarterly gatherings with Burbank City Council Members. Armenian-American representation in the City and creating a Cultural Community Relations Committee were among the topics mentioned, but the recent effort to change the current police chief was discussed thoroughly.
“Council Member Bric introduced the topic of our current police chief, Scott LaChasse. Annette and I expressed our concern and our community’s concern over the matter. We feel that with the information that came about through the recent trials, the timing of the search for a new police chief is not ideal,” stated Silva Kechichian, ANCA—B chair.
Council Member Bric reassured ANCA—B that necessary changes have occurred to avoid similar law suits in the future, in the form of training programs. He also emphasized that the trials were not a result of discrimination.
Silva adds, “Although we have these training programs to encourage cultural sensitivity and awareness, I’m not convinced that this replacement is justified. After meeting with Chief Scott LaChasse several times, I feel that he was open to suggestions and eager to help amend the problem.”
Additionally, ANCA—B brought up the idea to create a forum for different community members to meet and better represent Burbank’s diverse population. Council Member Bric was open to the suggestion of creating a Cultural Community Relations Committee and agreed to further look into it.
“Council Member Bric welcomed ideas to improve civic participation. We took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of providing translated forms for the Armenian-American population. This would be a relatively easy way to increase participation in things like voter registration,” adds Annette, ANCA—B Secretary.
The Armenian National Committee of America – Burbank advances the social, economic, cultural and political rights of the area’s Armenian American community and promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.
