HOLLYWOOD–Assemblymember Kevin De Leon (D-45) joined the Armenian American community of Hollywood on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at a town hall meeting organized by the Armenian National Committee of Hollywood.
Held at Shoghanalian Hall in Little Armenia, the meeting served as a forum for the Assemblymember to update the community regarding his efforts on their behalf in Sacramento. De Leon has worked extensively to raise awareness about the Armenian American community in Little Armenia and has also advocated to secure more green and open space in the district for the benefit of its residents. After being introduced by ANC Hollywood Chairman Onnik Keshishian, De Leon also emphasized the importance of funding for public education and that it is an absolutely necessary investment in the future of the district and state.
"It was great having Assembly Member de Leon join us in our community center to update us on issues that affect our day-to-day lives ranging from safe living spaces to quality education," said Garo Ispendjian, a board member with the Hollywood ANC who emceed the event.
Over fifty members of the community attended the town hall including Armenian church clergy that serve the community, students and parents from Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School located in De Leon’s district, representatives from the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) and Homenetmen Hollywood chapters, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Hollywood Gomideh and leaders from the local business community as well as Horizon TV which recently relocated to its new headquarters in the Assemblymember’s district.
Assemblymember de Leon is the Assistant Majority Leader in the California State Assembly and represents Assembly District 45 which includes Little Armenia.
The ANC of Hollywood advocates for 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.
