LAGUNA HILLS, CA – The Armenian National Committee of Orange County met with California Assembly Member Mimi Walters on Thursday, August 16 in her Laguna Hills office to discuss issues relating to the growing Armenian American community in Orange County. ANC-OC Board Member Ara Malazian was joined by Walters’ constituents Kevork and Alex Der Alexanian.
Malazian and the Der Alexanians updated Walters about Orange County Armenian American community’s recent events, including the highly successful Walk for Remembrance Armenian Genocide commemoration event earlier this year. They also discussed Senate Bill 515, which will extend the sunset date for California’s trade office in Armenia from January 1, 2008 until January 1, 2010. The California-Armenia Trade Office has been in operation since October of 2005. While the office has only been open for a little over a year, California exports to Armenia have increased by 50%, reaching an all-time maximum. The office also builds upon California’s Memorandum of Understanding with Republic of Armenian (signed in November 2001).
“We appreciate this opportunity to continue building a strong relationship with Assembly Member Walters, as we work together to ensure that the voices of the Armenian American community of Orange County are heard in the halls of Sacramento,” said ANC-OC Board Member Malazian.
Walters represents California’s 73rd Assembly District which includes the cities of Laguna Niguel, Oceanside, San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Hills, and Aliso Viejo. A second term incumbent, Walters serves on the Aging and Long Term Care Committee, the Banking and Finance Committee, and is the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee.
