This Saturday at 11:00 AM, Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) and California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez will hold a press conference during their visit to the Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School, a cherished Armenian American community institution which was tragically destroyed during the recent Eaton Canyon wildfires. The legislators will join with school administrators as well as representatives of the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) to assess damages at the school and discuss emergency relief, infrastructure restoration, and support for displaced families and institutions as recovery efforts move forward.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT: Visit to the site of Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School by Congresswoman Judy Chu and State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez
WHEN: Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM
WHERE: 2501 Maiden Ln, Altadena, CA 91001
WHO: — Congresswoman Judy Chu
— CA State Senator Sasha Perez
— Anna Babayan, Acting Principal, Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School
— Oshin Harootoonian, Chairman, Armenian National Committee of America- Western Region (ANCA-WR)
BACKGROUND:
The Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School, located in Altadena, has long been a cornerstone for preserving Armenian heritage, language, and culture in the region. In January 2025, the school was devastated by the Eaton Canyon Fire, leaving students, families, and staff grappling with the loss of their educational home.
In response to this tragedy, the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR), in collaboration with the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and a broad array of community organizations, mobilized to provide relief and support to those affected. The Jivalagian Youth Center in Pasadena became a hub for these efforts, offering resources and assistance to displaced families from throughout LA County. During this period, both Congresswoman Chu and State Senator Perez visited the center to meet with volunteers and assess the situation firsthand.
Earlier this week, ANCA-WR Chairman Oshin Harootoonian participated in a meeting with California Governor Gavin Newsom and other Armenian community leaders to discuss recovery strategies for the Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School and broader community rehabilitation efforts. The meeting underscored the necessity for state and federal support to rebuild and restore essential community institutions.
MEDIA RSVP & INQUIRIES:
For press inquiries or to confirm attendance, please contact Garen Jinbachian at garen@ancawr.org / (818) 745-4555.
