LOS ANGELES, CA — Over 150 elected officials, community activists, leaders and members of the legal profession attended a dinner reception honoring newly appointed Judge Greg Keosian and Judge Zaven Sinanian. The event was held at Kavar Restaurant in Hollywood, CA on Thursday, August 15, 2002. Judges Keosian and Sinanian were appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court bench by Governor Gray Davis.

ANCA-WR board member Raffi Hamparian emceed the event. ANCA-WR Chairman Steven J. Dadaian, a classmate of Judge Greg Keosian and a long-time friend of Judge Sinanian spoke next, congratulating both judges. Dadaian present both judges with awards acknowledging their many years of active participation in the affairs of the Armenian community in California and their recent appointments to the bench. ANC activist and former ANCA Washington DC intern Shant Kotchounian gave the closing remarks in which he expressed the community-wide pride in the accomplishments of the two youngest judges appointed by Governor Gray Davis.

“As Armenian-Americans, to be active within the Armenian community is a testament to one’s commitment to being a model citizen and an active participant in American civic life,” commented Dadaian. “Both Judge Keosian and Judge Sinanian have led by example. They have demonstrated the importance of participating in the affairs of our community. The ANC is proud of both judges and is certain that they will continue to make our community proud.”

Attending the event were representatives of various community organizations including the Burbank, Glendale, Bay Area, San Fernando Valley and Central California ANCs; Homenetmen, Armenian Relief Society, ARF Shant Student Association, Armenian Bar Association, and various Armenian Students Associations. Special guests included U.S. District Court Judge Dickran Tevrizian, Judge Ronald Sohigian, Judge Ruth Essejian, Glendale City Councilmembers Gus Gomez and Frank Quintero, Duarte City Councilmember George Chapjian, Downey Councilmember Kirk Cartozian, former City of Torrance Councilmember Jack Messerlian and Glendale Mayor Raffi Manoukian.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.