2025 California Community Swear-Ins Recap of Newly Elected Officials

March 17, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) proudly joined community members and elected officials to celebrate the swearing-in ceremonies of key representatives in the California State Assembly and local city councils, underscoring the growing civic engagement of Armenian-Americans across the region.  

On January 26, 2025, Adrin Nazarian took the oath of office as a newly elected member of the Los Angeles City Council. Held at the Los Angeles Valley College Monarch Center, the ceremony was attended by ANCA-WR Board Chairman Oshin Harootoonian, who expressed the organization’s commitment to working alongside Councilmember Nazarian to advance policies that uplift the Armenian-American community and the broader Los Angeles population.  

“I want to thank all of you – my friends, neighbors and supporters – who came today to share this moment,” said Nazarian. “I wouldn’t be here without you, and I will never forget that I am here to serve you, our community, and the City of Los Angeles. Every action we take on the Council should bear this in mind: Are we making life easier or harder for you and your family?”

On the same day, at the Los Angeles River Center & Gardens, Jessica Caloza was sworn into the California State Assembly, representing the 52nd District. In attendance from ANCA-WR were ANCA-WR Government Affairs Director Ruben Karapetian and ANCA-WR Government Affairs Coordinator Sonia Meroian, as well as the chairman of ANCA Glendale Lucy Petrossian, who delivered a speech highlighting the significance of diverse representation in California’s legislative body. Petrossian emphasized the importance of community advocacy and the role of public officials in championing issues that matter to Armenian Americans and all Californians.  

“On behalf of the Armenian National Committee of America and our larger community, I want to say how proud we are to work with you.” said ANCA Glendale Chairwoman Lucy Petrossian.“Your success is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to build upon our district, based on values cherished by all of us, like family and solidarity.”.

“At the ANCA-WR, we are proud and confident that Assemblymember Caloza will faithfully represent the Armenian-American community of South Glendale. Asm. Caloza represents one of the largest populations of Armenian-Americans in the Assembly and we look forward to working with her to address our community’s most pressing issues.” mentioned Karapetian.

The celebrations continued on February 1, 2025, with the swearing-in of Nick Schultz to the California State Assembly, representing the 44th District. ANCA-WR was represented by Ruben Karapetian, Sonia Meroian, and the Chairman of ANCA Burbank Sarkis Simonian. The event reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to building strong relationships with lawmakers to ensure that the voices of Armenian Americans are heard in Sacramento.  

“We’ve heard you loud and clear—the cost of living is too high, and we’re going to do something about it. From housing affordability to utility costs, we know families are struggling every single day. That’s why we’re pushing for real relief, making sure people can rebuild their homes, afford their bills, and stay in the communities they love.” insisted Assemblymember Nick Schultz during his speech.

“I had the pleasure of knowing Nick Schultz a while back when he was running for Burbank City Council and he proved himself to be a great friend to ANCA Burbank and the Armenian Community in Burbank. He is very thorough, detail oriented, very passionate and takes his duties seriously and it is a pleasure to see him take those qualities with him to the Assembly. The Armenian community in Assembly 44 is lucky to have a champion like him for Armenian issues in the State Capitol – Congratulations my friend” said ANCA Burbank Chairman Sarkis Simonian.

“We congratulate Councilmember Nazarian, Assemblymember Caloza, and Assemblymember Schultz on their victories and look forward to working closely with them to advance issues of importance to our community,” reflected ANCA-WR Board Chairman Oshin Harootoonian. “Their leadership and dedication to public service will help foster policies that promote equity, inclusivity, and support for all Californians.”  

The ANCA-WR remains committed to advocating for policies that strengthen the Armenian-American community while fostering civic engagement and collaboration with elected officials at every level of government.