LOS ANGELES, CA—The Armenian National Committee-Western Region (ANC-WR) will be honoring California State Senator Mark Wyland and Assembly Member of the Paul Krekorian with its esteemed ANC-WR “Legislator of the Year” Award. Both Wyland and Krekorian will receive the twin awards at the ANC-WR annual banquet to take place on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at the Pasadena Convention Center.

“This past year, Senator Wyland and Assembly Member Krekorian were driving forces in the State Legislature working to ensure that California remains at the forefront of anti-genocide efforts by pushing beyond recognition to address the educational and economical aspects of the issue,” noted Elizabeth Boyajian, Chairwoman of the ANC-WR Banquet Committee.

A long-time advocate of genocide education, Wyland introduced SB 234, the “Genocide Awareness Act”, in the California State Legislature this past spring. In 2001 legislative cycle he was instrumental in establishing the current state curriculum which mandated high school instruction to include the Armenian Genocide. SB 234 calls for the inclusion of an oral history component to the curriculum which includes survivor and witness testimony. Mark Wyland (R) represents the 38th State Senate District which covers northern San Diego County.

Krekorian introduced AB 961, the “Justice for Genocide Victims Bill”, in the California State Assembly as well as AJR 14, the Legislature’s 2009 Armenian Genocide resolution. Building on California’s strong anti-genocide profile, AB 961 sought to ensure that companies which wrongfully withhold assets from the victims of genocide are not eligible for California State contracts. Paul Krekorian (D) serves the greater Glendale, Burbank and North Hollywood communities as the representative of the 43rd State Assembly District.

The Banquet’s Master of Ceremonies is Assembly member Anthony Portantino, representative of the California’s 44th Distinct, which is home to the Pasadena Convention Center. “I am very excited to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for this year’s Banquet. I look forward to saluting the honorees and highlighting the accomplishments of such a terrific organization like the Armenian National Committee,” said Portantino.

Individuals interested in attending the ANC-WR Banquet which will also be highlighted by honoring Attorney General Jerry Brown and community political commentator and activist Harut Sassounian are encouraged to contact ANC-WR office at (818) 500-1918 or visit www.itsmyseat.com. Cocktail reception and silent auction begins at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. The event is close to sold out. Get your tickets today!

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

PHOTO CAPTION # 1: California State Senator Mark Wyland
PHOTO CAPTION # 2: California State Assembly Member Paul Krekorian