Category: News

LOS ANGELES — Dr. Eric Esrailian, professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a longtime campus leader, has been elected chair of the Hammer Museum at UCLA’s board of directors, with collector and philanthropist Karen Hillenburg named vice chair. Esrailian, who previously served as vice chair, succeeds Marcy Carsey, who led the board for 12 years and remains a member.

Esrailian has served on the Hammer’s board since 2012. A physician and chief of the UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, he also co-chairs UCLA’s Second Century Council and is an Emmy-nominated film producer whose work — including “The Promise” and “Intent to Destroy” — led to the creation of UCLA’s Promise Institute for Human Rights and Promise Armenian Institute.

“I am honored to take on the role of chair of the Hammer’s board of directors, and I am beyond grateful to my friend Marcy Carsey, who held this position for the last 12 years and led this board with grace, wit, generosity and vision,” Esrailian said. “As the museum continues into its new era under the leadership of Zoë Ryan, I am proud to work alongside my fellow members of this extraordinary board as we strive to make the Hammer a keystone of the Los Angeles art world and position UCLA as the flagship global university for the arts.”

Hammer Museum Director Zoë Ryan praised both new leaders: “Eric possesses a deep belief in the power of the arts to shape communities, and his role at UCLA offers a strong bond between the museum and the university,” she said. “Karen has strong relationships with artists and a keen understanding of how the museum’s collections and exhibitions are the beating heart of the institution.”

The leadership change comes alongside three new board of directors members and five new board of advisors members, which brings the boards to 24 and 34 members, respectively.

Grammy Award-winning rock band System Of A Down is celebrating the 25th anniversary of their iconic “Toxicity” album with a new exhibition, titled “System Of A Down x Beyond The Streets: Toxicity 25th Anniversary Exhibition.” Set to open in Los Angeles on October 13, the exhibition will offer fans an opportunity to immerse themselves in SOAD history.

The exhibition will showcase rare artifacts and memorabilia from the album’s era, alongside immersive installations and iconic imagery celebrating the record’s enduring legacy, according to Deadline. 

Formed in Los Angeles, System Of A Down consists of vocalist Serj Tankian, guitarist and vocalist Daron Malakian, bassist Shavo Odadjian, and drummer John Dolmayan. Their album “Toxicity,” released on September 4, 2001, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was named album of the year by SPIN magazine. The record helped cement the Los Angeles-formed quartet’s reputation as one of the most distinctive forces in alternative metal, blending aggressive guitar riffs, unconventional song structures and politically charged lyrics.

Featuring songs including “Chop Suey!,” “Aerials” and the title track “Toxicity,” the album became a defining release of the early 2000s, resonating with audiences through its exploration of social unrest, political conflict and contemporary culture. Twenty-five years later, the album continues to attract new generations of listeners while remaining a cornerstone of the band’s extensive catalog.

“System Of A Down x Beyond The Streets: Toxicity 25th Anniversary Exhibition” runs from Tuesday, October 13, through Sunday, October 18, at Beyond The Streets Gallery, located at 434 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. — Keosian Law LLP hosted “Beyond the Screen: Social Media, Gaming & Our Kids” on September 15, at Republic Venue in Sherman Oaks, which generously donated the space. The event brought the community together for a forum addressing concerns about children’s online safety.

The event was also live streamed on the firm’s official Facebook page, reaching thousands of viewers who watched live and had an opportunity to ask questions.

The town hall brought together speakers from federal law enforcement, the legal profession and mental health practice to focus attention on social media and gaming addiction, cyberbullying, and online predators.

Harout Greg Keosian, Founding Partner at Keosian Law LLP and the evening’s master of ceremonies Melkon Rafi Melkonian, Managing Attorney and Partner at Keosian Law LLP.

The event focused on a concern that reaches directly into family life: understanding what children may encounter through the platforms they use to play, communicate and connect with others. Its significance lay in bringing different professional perspectives into the same conversation, giving parents an opportunity to ask questions about warning signs, available support and the legal issues surrounding online harm.

Harout Greg Keosian, FoundingPartner at Keosian Law LLP, served as the event’s master of ceremonies.“Parents deserve clear information about the risks their children may face online and a place to ask difficult questions. We organized this town hall to bring that conversation into the open and help families understand where they can turn for support,” shared Harout Greg Keosian.

Joseph DeLuca, Special Agent, HSI LA International Airport, participates in the discussion Celina Gasparian, DHS:HSI, addresses the audience.

The program featured speakers whose work spans the legal, law enforcement and mental health issues raised by children’s use of social media and online games:

• Melkon Rafi Melkonian, Managing Attorney and Partner at Keosian Law LLP, spoke on the topic: “Roblox and the Risks Facing Our Children.”
• Joseph DeLuca, Special Agent, HSI LA International Airport and Celina Gasparian, DHS/HSI presented on the topic: “From Abductions to Cyberbullying: Protecting Our Children.”
• Eileen Keusseyan, Senior Counsel at Keosian Law LLP spoke on ” The Hidden Dangers of Social Media.”
• Nora Chitilian, M.S., L.M.F.T., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, shared on the topic: “What Are Our Children Seeking Online?”

Also in attendance, addressing the audience and adding community voices to the evening’s discussion, were:

• Guests Gary Chivichyan, Armenian-American professional basketball player and entrepreneur
• Sona Movsesian, bestsellingauthor, podcast co-host, and media personality
• Sareen Nersis,M.S., BCBA, Board-certified behavior analyst
• Valerie Hambas Sarkissian Founder of Inclusion Matters, a nonprofit organization

Sona Movsesian Gary Chivichyan

Taken together, these perspectives placed children’s online experiences within a wider discussion about family well-being and accountability. The town hall created a setting for questions that can be difficult to raise at home, while drawing attention to the importance of families knowing whom to contact when concerns arise. “Families who believe their child has been harmed by social media or online gaming should have a clear opportunity to understand their legal options. Our role is to listen, review the circumstances, and explain what options may be available.” Said Melkon Rafi Melkonian.

Sareen Nersis Valerie Hambas Sarkissian

Keosian Law LLP is currently handling litigation related to social media addiction and online gaming, including claims involving Roblox. Parents, guardians and others with questions, or who would like to learn more about the firm’s work in these matters, are encouraged to call (866) 222-2020 or visit the Keosian Law website.

Watch the entire Town Hall on Facebook.SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. — Keosian Law LLP hosted “Beyond the Screen: Social Media, Gaming & Our Kids” on September 15, at Republic Venue in Sherman Oaks, which generously donated the space. The event brought the community together for a forum addressing concerns about children’s online safety.

The event was also live streamed on the firm’s official Facebook page, reaching thousands of viewers who watched live and had an opportunity to ask questions.

The town hall brought together speakers from federal law enforcement, the legal profession and mental health practice to focus attention on social media and gaming addiction, cyberbullying, and online predators.

Harout Greg Keosian, Founding Partner at Keosian Law LLP and the evening’s master of ceremonies Melkon Rafi Melkonian, Managing Attorney and Partner at Keosian Law LLP.

The event focused on a concern that reaches directly into family life: understanding what children may encounter through the platforms they use to play, communicate and connect with others. Its significance lay in bringing different professional perspectives into the same conversation, giving parents an opportunity to ask questions about warning signs, available support and the legal issues surrounding online harm.

Harout Greg Keosian, FoundingPartner at Keosian Law LLP, served as the event’s master of ceremonies.“Parents deserve clear information about the risks their children may face online and a place to ask difficult questions. We organized this town hall to bring that conversation into the open and help families understand where they can turn for support,” shared Harout Greg Keosian.

Joseph DeLuca, Special Agent, HSI LA International Airport, participates in the discussion Celina Gasparian, DHS:HSI, addresses the audience.

The program featured speakers whose work spans the legal, law enforcement and mental health issues raised by children’s use of social media and online games:

• Melkon Rafi Melkonian, Managing Attorney and Partner at Keosian Law LLP, spoke on the topic: “Roblox and the Risks Facing Our Children.”
• Joseph DeLuca, Special Agent, HSI LA International Airport and Celina Gasparian, DHS/HSI presented on the topic: “From Abductions to Cyberbullying: Protecting Our Children.”
• Eileen Keusseyan, Senior Counsel at Keosian Law LLP spoke on ” The Hidden Dangers of Social Media.”
• Nora Chitilian, M.S., L.M.F.T., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, shared on the topic: “What Are Our Children Seeking Online?”

Also in attendance, addressing the audience and adding community voices to the evening’s discussion, were:

• Guests Gary Chivichyan, Armenian-American professional basketball player and entrepreneur
• Sona Movsesian, bestsellingauthor, podcast co-host, and media personality
• Sareen Nersis,M.S., BCBA, Board-certified behavior analyst
• Valerie Hambas Sarkissian Founder of Inclusion Matters, a nonprofit organization

Sona Movsesian Gary Chivichyan

Taken together, these perspectives placed children’s online experiences within a wider discussion about family well-being and accountability. The town hall created a setting for questions that can be difficult to raise at home, while drawing attention to the importance of families knowing whom to contact when concerns arise. “Families who believe their child has been harmed by social media or online gaming should have a clear opportunity to understand their legal options. Our role is to listen, review the circumstances, and explain what options may be available.” Said Melkon Rafi Melkonian.

Sareen Nersis Valerie Hambas Sarkissian

Keosian Law LLP is currently handling litigation related to social media addiction and online gaming, including claims involving Roblox. Parents, guardians and others with questions, or who would like to learn more about the firm’s work in these matters, are encouraged to call (866) 222-2020 or visit the Keosian Law website.

Watch the entire Town Hall on Facebook.

ANCA Orange County Chair Dr. Kev Abazajian and Board Member Garo Madenlian met today with Rep. Dave Min (CA-47) to thank him for his support of the planned Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial, a lasting place of remembrance, education, and resolve for our community and for all who call Orange County home.

ANCA Orange County is also grateful to Rep. Min for joining more than 100 of his Senate and House colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to enforce Section 907 and withhold U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan. The letter cites Baku’s sentencing of unlawfully detained Armenian prisoners, its destruction of Armenian Christian heritage, and its continued occupation of sovereign Armenian territory.

Congressman Min has been a steadfast friend of the Armenian American community in the 47th District, across Orange County, and beyond. The community thanks him for his leadership and his continuing partnership.