Month: February 2020

BY GAREN YEGPARIAN

On March 3, “Super Tuesday,” 16 primary elections will take place in the U.S. – Alabama, American Samoa, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Democrats Abroad, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia.

Of course everyone’s attention is focused on the presidential aspect of these elections. We’ll deal with that next week. Right now, the focus will be on California and Los Angeles county elections. That’s because since significant changes in the electoral system are being implemented for the first time in these jurisdictions and there is the now-commonplace factor of numerous Armenians running for public elective office.

The big change in Los Angeles County is the introduction of an electronic voting system. Thankfully the system does have a paper trail associated with it though from what I have understood, it is not completely isolated from the internet, so it may still be hackable (though I don’t want to pretend to by a cyber-expert).

In addition, because of changes in California law a few years ago, the overwhelming majority of cities, counties, and other small electoral jurisdictions (e.g. water boards) have opted (having almost no alternative) to consolidate their elections with the state’s primary and general elections. One of the results of this is that the local elections end up at the tail end of a very long ballot and are likely to be overlooked by voters. Los Angeles County was able to get legislation enabling it to test the opposite. That is, the local elections will be the first ones voters see in their ballot books. The test will be in effect for three election cycles, after which an assessment will be made to see if voting rates on local races is higher in LA than elsewhere in the state.

I had the opportunity to “practice vote” on one of the new electronic systems. I did it both in Armenian and English. The ballot is also accompanied by recordings of hat it is that you are voting on. I copied the printout of my I had the opportunity voting choices. Take a look at it and have fun as I did by always choosing the write-in candidate option. Unfortunately, if you do write in, only an English keyboard is available as you’ll notice. Also, if you choose not to vote (or accidentally omit) for a position, the system informs you – look at the second position where I left rows H and J blank. This way you can go back and correct any mistakes, an option the system gives you once you are all done voting (but before actually turning in your ballot). You can also simply go baclk to previous screens. One thing to be carefull about – when there are a lot of candidates for one position, not all of them are visible on the screen at once. Be sure to scroll all the way done so you can chose the candidate(s) you want. The other unpleasant aspect is the use of the Soviet imposed orthography. Overall, I’d say it’s a good system, easy to use.

Another big change coupled with electronic voting is that local polling places are going away. Instead, polling centers have been set up and you will be able to vote at any one of them in the county. You can look for the most convenient one here.

The third big change is that early voting will be available for 10 days before election day. You will be able to go the polling location you have chosen starting February 22. Plus, additional polling locations will be available starting February 29. Unfortunately, the early voting is 8am-5pm which will make it hard for those who have work commitments, but it’s a step in the right direction. Also, this does not impact voting by mail which will continue as before.

As far as specific races go, Glendale and Pasadena have chosen to hold their elections in conjunction with these primary elections. Most other cities have opted for the November general elections. These two cities are important because of their significant Armenian populations. I will refer readers to the ANCA’s endorsements which will be posted online in the next few days for countless races. You may have already seen some of the endorsements issued to the media. Go to Hyevotes.org or ANCAWR.org to get this information. But I do want to call out four first-time Armenian candidates who, because of their long term service to and in the Armenian community are worthy of your attention and vote if you live in their jurisdiction: for Glendale City Council – Ardashes Kassakhian and Leonard Manoukian; for Pasadena City Council – Boghos Patatian; and for Democratic County Central Committee from the 43rd Assembly District, Elen Asatryan (more on this later).

There is a lot going on in LA County. There is a very serious competition for District Attorney. Three of the county supervisor seats are up for election. The 5th district, home to the largest chunk of the county’s Armenian population, has an Armenian candidate vying to replace the incumbent. Unfortunately, despite being a credible candidate who is already a Sierra Madre city councilmember, he does not have a good chance of getting elected. But keep an eye on him in the future…

A special congressional election is being held in the 25th district (northern LA County) which is currently vacant. It, too, is a hot race with six each, Democratic and Republican, candidates running. If any one candidate gets 50%-plus-one of the votes, s/he would be elected. But given the large field, it’s highly unlikely to happen. But what makes this race particularly interesting from an Armenian perspective is that Cenk Uygur, host of “The Young Turks” talk show, is also a candidate on the Democratic side. It’s really important he NOT place first or second and thereby make it into in the runoff election. The most viable other Democratic candidate is Christy Smith, so please vote for her if your political bent is on the Democratic side. We can sort out who to vote for in the runoff in November.

Perhaps the most interesting race, from the perspective of novelty to our community is Elen Asatryan’s bid for Democratic County Central Committee from the 43rd Assembly District. You’ve probably never even heard of this position, especially if you are not registered Democratic. But seven people get elected to this position every two years. Their most impactful responsibility is voting on who the party endorses among Democratic candidates, so it really matters who these people are. But since they are important, understandably, people in poswer within the party have wanted limited attention so ther favored people would get in. you can help improve Armenian political presence and power on the Democratic ide of things by voting for Elen. You can do so if you are registered Democratic or even “No Party Preference”. In the latter case, you must request a Democratic party ballot.

This has been a lot of nitty gritty. Most important is that you VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

“Tragically, the Azerbaijani government’s approach toward the Armenian people has changed little since the pogroms were initiated. We still hear the same violent rhetoric and witness intimidation tactics aimed at the people of the Republic of Artsakh.” – Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone

WASHINGTON—Congressional Armenian Caucus founding Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-CA) called on his Congressional colleagues to join him in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the brutal anti-Armenian attacks in Baku, which resulted in over 90 murdered and some 200,000 displaced during January of 1991, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

“For over three decades, Azerbaijan has taken steps to cover up these crimes against humanity and dismiss the atrocities at Sumgait and Baku. Even more disturbing is that the perpetrators of this event and similar violent attacks have been lauded as national heroes by the Azeri government,” stated Rep. Pallone in his Congressional statement. “Tragically, the Azerbaijani government’s approach toward the Armenian people has changed little since the pogroms were initiated. We still hear the same violent rhetoric and witness intimidation tactics aimed at the people of the Republic of Artsakh.”

“As Congressman Pallone makes compellingly clear, the central lesson of the Baku Pogroms is that there is no going back – no return to Azerbaijani massacres, no restoration of Stalinist borders, and no retreat from Artsakh’s freedom,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “It’s in this light, that we remain so deeply grateful for all that Congressman Pallone is doing to strengthen Artsakh and break down barriers to U.S.-Artsakh relations – from his visits to Stepanakert to his leadership on the U.S.-Artsakh Travel and Communications Resolution.”

Rep. Pallone is the lead sponsor of the Artsakh Travel and Communication Resolution (H.Res.190), which promotes stronger U.S.-Artsakh ties and supports Artsakh’s return to full participation in the peace process. The resolution currently has 23 co-sponsors.

From 1988 to 1990, the Armenian population in Soviet Azerbaijan was the target of racially motivated pogroms against Armenians in the cities of Sumgait (February 27 to 29, 1988), Kirovabad (November 21 to 27, 1988) and Baku (January 13 to 19, 1990). At the time, Members of Congress condemned these premeditated and officially-sponsored attacks against Armenian civilians and passed amendments and resolutions demanding respect for the democratic aspirations of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.

These pogroms set the stage for two decades of aggression by Azerbaijan, during which it launched and lost a war against Artsakh, and later used its oil wealth to buy a massive military arsenal that its leaders, to this day, vow to use to renew their attempts to crush Artsakh.

The full text of Rep. Pallone’s complete remarks is provided below.

U.S. House of Representatives
EXTENSION OF REMARKS IN RECOGNITION OF THE VICTIMS OF THE BAKU AND SUMGAIT POGROMS
HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 32nd Anniversary of the Sumgait pogrom and the 30th Anniversary of the Baku pogrom.

On February 27, 1988, hundreds of Armenian civilians living in the city of Sumgait in Azerbaijan were indiscriminately killed, raped, maimed, and even burned alive for no reason other than their ethnicity. This senseless violence was instigated by hostile, anti-Armenian rhetoric from Azerbaijani citizens and officials.

Similarly, on January 12, 1990, a seven-day pogrom broke out against the Armenian population in Baku during which Armenians were beaten, murdered, and expelled from the city. Over 90 Armenian civilians were killed, over 700 were injured, and countless others were permanently displaced by the ethnic violence that ensued.

For over three decades, Azerbaijan has taken steps to cover up these crimes against humanity and dismiss the atrocities at Sumgait and Baku. Even more disturbing is that the perpetrators of this event and similar violent attacks have been lauded as national heroes by the Azeri government.

It is critical for the United States government to recognize and denounce violent assaults against any civilians. I continue to stand with the Armenian people in condemning this horrific massacre. Tragically, the Azerbaijani government’s approach toward the Armenian people has changed little since the pogroms were initiated. We still hear the same violent rhetoric and witness intimidation tactics aimed at the people of the Republic of Artsakh.

If we do not condemn crimes against humanity and allow them to go unpunished and unrecognized we only strengthen the resolve of those seeking to perpetrate these crimes in the future. It is especially critical to consider this as we prepare to commemorate the 105th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in April.

I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus to remember the victims of the pogroms at Sumgait and Baku and condemn all acts of violence against people who are targeted simply because of their existence. I hope my colleagues will join me in rejecting violent rhetoric and intimidation. In doing so, we renew our commitment to achieving a lasting peace and more humane way of living in the Caucasus.”

Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian welcomed the visit of Jack Darakjian, Commissioner of the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities and Executive Director of Modern Support Services. He was joined by Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian. The visit took place on Thursday, January 30.

In light of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s “Year of Armenian with Special Needs” proclamation, Darakjian had come to give an overview of the County’s services for individuals with special needs and to present his company, which provides support and services for adults with developmental disabilities.

The Prelate commended Darakjian’s commitment to helping individuals with special needs achieve a better life and future and offered a number of opportunities for him to present his work to our community in the coming weeks and months.

Prelate Mardirossian also took the opportunity to convey his blessings to Kassakhian, who is a candidate for Glendale City Council in the March 3rd elections.

With a slogan of “For the Homeland, With the People,” the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee marked the party’s 129th anniversary through a series of events and programs on January 25 and 26, including a ceremony during which 25 new members joined the ranks of the party and an innovative broadcast that, this year, replaced the traditional ARF Day celebration, which is customarily held in a large auditorium.

A commitment ceremony was held on Saturday, January 25 at Ferrahian High School’s Dickranian Hall, where 24 novices (one was unable to attend), having completed a six-month educational program, joined the ranks of the ARF. The ceremony began with ARF Western U.S. Education committee member Aram Manoukian inviting the novitiates to the front and introducing long-time ARF leader Arto Keuleyan, who officiated the ceremony.

In his remarks, Keuleyan announced that the new members will be inducted into the organization as the Rosdom generation, in honor of one of the three founders of the ARF.

In his remarks, he cited the great ARF leaders, Simon Vratsian, who in his writings had said, “If Kristapor was the mind and the will of the ARF and Zavarian was its heart and conscience, Rosdom was [the ARF’s] mind, will and conscience—he was the [embodiment of] ARF in all its essence.”

Keulyan said that Vratsian has had an indelible impact on his life, reminding the novices that “the ARF is a not a group for optimistic dreamers. It is an organization for our shared struggle. It is a political party that requires effort and hard work.”

He urged the new members to be ready take party in any effort that advances the collective interests with the conviction of the ARF’s Program and ideology.

On behalf of the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee, Razmig Shirnian welcomed the new members, adding that during the novitiate program they were introduced to the ARF’s ideology and learned that the organization’s—and the ARF member’s—sole purpose was in service to the Armenian people and the Armenian Nation.

Following the ceremony, the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee hosted a gathering at the adjacent Avetissian Hall, where more than 750 community members joined in celebrating the ARF’s 129th anniversary. The event featured a rousing performance by popular singer Harout Pamboukjian who enlivened the evening with his music and rendition of patriotic songs.

The celebration’s Mistress of Ceremonies Mirna Kassamanian welcomed the guests and, in brief remarks, said that ARF anniversary celebration should serve as an opportunity for all to recommit themselves to the ideals of the party and to advance the Armenian Cause.

This year, by a decision of the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee, the annual gathering marking the party’s anniversary was changed to an hour-long television broadcast that aired on January 26 at 6 p.m. on Horizon Television, US Armenia and ARTN/Shant channels, and was live-streamed on the social media platforms of Asbarez, Horizon and ARF Western Region. The aim of this experimental and innovative approach was to reach more people with the ARF’s message provide an accounting of the organization’s activities to a wider audience. According analytics from the social media platforms, tens of thousands of people tuned in to the broadcast, with several ARF chapters hosting watch parties in local community centers, allowing hundreds to come together and mark the venerable party’s anniversary.

LOS ANGELES—A new radio show dedicated to shining light on Armenian issues, individuals, and organizations that are making an impact throughout the diaspora has debuted across airwaves and every major audio platform.

Manouk Akopyan, a journalist, writer and editor for over 13 years, has launched the one-hour radio show “Time Out With Manouk Akopyan” on KLOS-FM 95.5 HD3 and SoCal Armenian Radio. It will air every Monday from 8 to 9 p.m. PST, reaching more than 200,000 Armenians living in the Los Angeles area. “Time Out With Manouk Akopyan” is also available internationally on demand for Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Breaker, RadioPublic, Anchor, Overcast, and Pocket Casts.

“Time Out With Manouk Akopyan” is a global Armenian lifestyle radio show that discusses culture around the nexus of arts, entertainment, sports, film, music, food, business, and everything else in between. The program features interviews with prominent guests who lead extraordinary lives, careers, and serve as leading role models for the next generation.

“Hosting a radio show that spotlights the Armenian community is a dream come true,” said Akopyan. “I’m very proud of my Armenian heritage and culture, and most of our heroes are, too. I can’t wait to cover people in the diaspora who are making a difference, and create thoughtful dialogue that makes an impact. The conversations and interviews can be consumed not only Armenians, but everyone who finds the subjects and their stories as a source of inspiration.”

Akopyan is formerly the managing editor of the international lifestyle publication Yerevan Magazine. During his years-long tenure there, in addition to running the magazine, he interviewed the likes of Hall of Fame tennis player Andre Agassi, Food Network chef and restaurateur Geoffrey Zakarian and casino magnate Alex Yemenidjian for cover stories, among many others.

“Time Out With Manouk Akopyan” promises to bring the same caliber of guests that resonate among the global community.

Akopyan is a lifelong Los Angeles native and a California State University, Northridge journalism graduate. He’s worked as a writer and editor for NFL Media, and later in the same capacity for the Los Angeles Times and Tribune Publishing.

Akopyan still actively contributes with feature stories to the LA Times, primarily with coverage around boxing and UFC. He’s also a broadcast reporter for Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, an MMA league that airs on Fox Sports. He has over 2,000 written stories and video interviews with global newsmakers and cultural icons, including Mike Tyson, Shaquille O’Neal, Marc Cuban, and William Shatner. Akopyan’s distinctive writing and TV reporting have appeared across such outlets as USA Today, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Men’s Health, Philadelphia Inquirer, San Antonio Express-News, Glendale News Press, Armenian Weekly, and Asbarez.

“Time Out With Manouk Akopyan” will originally air across Lotus Communications Corporation networks in collaboration with Radio Iran 670 AM, which has been on American airwaves for over 20 years.

The show is taped in Studio City, California out of Lotus headquarters. Lotus owns and operates radio stations and television properties across the United States.

For more information, follow Manouk Akopyan on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn @ManoukAkopyan, email him tips and guest suggestions at [email protected] or visit www.ManoukAkopyan.com.