(Sep. 5) SANTA ANA, Calif.—The Armenian National Committee of America Orange County Chapter members recently welcomed Jose Solorio, candidate for the 34th State Senate District, to the Orange County Armenian Center where they gave the current Community College Trustee and former State Assemblyman a tour of the facilities, and shared some historical information about all the Armenian community organizations working out of the Armenian Center.
After briefly discussing the ongoing community activities sponsored by the various organizations, ANCA OC members and Solorio held a brief meeting where they were joined by Baydsar Thomassian, Deputy District Director for the Honorable Kevin De Leon, the recently named California Senate President Pro Tempore.
During the informal meeting the parties discussed issues important to the Armenian American community of Orange County, as well as two important ANCA Western Region initiatives. AB 1915 commonly referred to as the Genocide Education Bill adds Armenian Genocide survivor and witness oral testimonies into the teachings of human rights in California public school and encourages professional development activities and resource development for educators to teach about the Armenian Genocide; and of course AJR 32, the resolution where California recognized the independence of Artsakh and called on the United States to do the same.
Solorio pledged to work with the community and outlined his continued support for Armenian American issues, most notably his unwavering stance to recognize the Armenian Genocide. He then discussed his election campaign in the 34th district and invited the ANCA OC to his upcoming event.
ANCA OC members and Solorio then walked next door to Forty Martyrs Armenian Church to the annual festival and blessing of the grapes where the Armenian American community had an opportunity to personally meet with the candidate. During the official program Mr. Solorio was also introduced to the crowd of over 500 community members and invited to the podium where he reiterated his support for community issues and recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Photo: Chris Guldjian, Baydsar Thomassian, Jose Solorio, and Garo Madenlian