On May 2, 2025, the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR), in collaboration with the local ANCA Burbank, Glendale, and Crescenta Valley, proudly hosted a community town hall featuring Assemblymember Nick Schultz of California’s 44 Assembly District, at the Burbank Youth Center. The event marked Schultz’s first 100 days in office and drew a packed audience of engaged constituents from across the region.
The town hall served as a forum for open civic dialogue, with attendees raising questions on a wide array of issues – from housing affordability to public safety, education, energy policy, and foreign influence campaigns targeting not only the Armenian-American community, but everyone in that district. ANCA-WR Executive Director Ruben Karapetian moderated the evening and emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering the community through informed political engagement.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when Assemblymember Schultz spoke candidly about U.S. foreign policy toward Turkey and Azerbaijan in the aftermath of the genocidal ethnic cleansing and the forced displacement of the Indigenous Armenians of Artsakh.
“I think that that should not be a partisan issue. I think Democrats and Republicans at the highest levels of government should be acknowledging the genocide, and quite frankly we should end United States Aid to Azerbaijan,” stated Assemblymember Schultz. “We should end United States aid to Turkey. And we should help the Armenian people and the people of Artsakh in this humanitarian crisis they’re facing. It’s very simple. We don’t want to be friends with those who commit war crimes. We should sever relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan if that’s what it takes.”
The Assemblymember’s strong and unequivocal statement was met with loud applause and underscored the shared values between local elected officials and the Armenian-American community – values ANCA-WR continues to champion in Sacramento and Washington DC.
In a particularly charged moment, a member of the audience raised a question regarding a highly controversial issue–the recent decision by Assemblymember Nick Schultz to block legislation that would have increased penalties for adults soliciting sex from minors aged 16-17 [referencing AB 379]. Despite the emotional weight of the topic, the town hall remained orderly and respectful, a testament to the professionalism with which ANCA-WR navigated the evening.
“As an advocacy organization–unlike many others, we don’t shy away from the tough conversations,” said Oshin Harootoonian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. “Some of the questions raised go beyond our mission as the ANCA-WR, but our role is to ensure our communities have the space to ask, to speak, and to be heard. Freedom of expression and civic participation are cornerstones of a functioning democracy. And we will do everything in our power tv to ensure that forum is granted to our community.”
Assemblymember Schultz addressed the controversy head-on, clarifying legal misconceptions and defending his record as a former prosecutor, while also reaffirming his commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable. The exchange, though spirited, demonstrated the value of civil discourse in public forums.
“Whether you agree with me or disagree with me, that’s fine — I can take the criticism. But I do want to be really clear… There’s been so much misinformation out there suggesting there isn’t already a felony consequence for that.” Said Assemblymember Schultz. “And with all due respect to our policy makers who have participated in that misinformation campaign — that puts more youth at risk.”
The ANCA-WR commends the audience for their respectful participation and thanks Assemblymember Schultz for his openness and accessibility. The event highlighted the power of community-led dialogue to bridge divides and build understanding, even on difficult and emotional issues.
“This was democracy in action,” added Harootoonian. “We look forward to hosting more town halls in the future, and will never retreat from complex or uncomfortable conversation. We are here to advocate, to listen, and to lead.”
Assemblymember Schultz closed the forum with a powerful message underscoring his commitment to all constituents, regardless of political differences:
“Not everybody in this room voted for me, and that is perfectly fine. For as long as I have the privilege of being your Assemblymember, I will do my best to exercise my good judgement, to try to serve you in terms of passing good policy,” stated Assemblymember Schultz. “I don’t care what names you call me. I don’t care what threats are made. But I care that you deserve somebody who’s going to solve your problems. And so if I see a proposal that is half-baked, then I don’t agree.”
With conviction and clarity, ANCA-WR reaffirmed its role as a community institution unafraid to confront difficult conversations. Whether the topic is politically sensitive or emotionally charged, it remains committed to fostering honest dialogue, defending the right to speak freely, and ensuring that the Armenian-American voice is present in every policy discussion that matters.