Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR) announced it will be hosting, along with the American Hellenic Council (AHC) and the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), an educational issues briefing with Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-31) on May 27, 2009 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This event is part of the ANC-WR’s Leadership Speaker Series, and will take place at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral located at 1324 South Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90006.

“Education is at the forefront of the ANC-WR’s work,” stated ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. “We look forward to having the Congressman share his perspective on various issues – and what better opportunity than for the community to hear from a leader in Congress about the most pressing concerns in our society today,” he added.

The Armenian National Committee has had a longstanding relationship with Becerra since his election to the California State Assembly in 1990. In that post he represented Little Armenia and was a frequent guest at the Hollywood ANC offices on Vermont Avenue. Since his election to the House in 1992, Becerra has established a strong working relationship with ANC activists throughout his district, particularly in Eagle Rock and areas of his district bordering the City of Glendale.

Congressman Xavier Becerra has been a Member of the House of Representatives since 1993, representing California’s 31st Congressional District. Becerra currently serves as the Democratic Caucus Vice Chair in the 111th Congress, which is the fifth highest position after only House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-08), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Majority Whip James Clyburn (SC-06) and Caucus Chair John Larson (CT-01). Becerra will provide perspective on issues of concern to the community and will discuss recent developments in government and media.

This unique event will feature the participation of community leaders and will also draw staffers from various federal and state legislators’ offices throughout southern California.

For more information or to RSVP, please call Teresa Petrosyan at the ANC-WR office at (818) 500-1918. The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest Armenian American grassroots community 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 works to promote understanding regarding issues of concern to the Armenian American community.

Photo Caption: Congressman Xavier Becerra (right) joined by ANC Activist Maurice Soudjian and ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian.