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ANCA-WR Adds Armenian American Voice To California Redistricting Pro

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  • ANCA-WR Adds Armenian American Voice To California Redistricting Pro

    Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
    104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
    Glendale, California 91206
    Tel: (818) 500-1918

    PRESS RELEASE

    June 2, 2011
    Contact: Haig Hovsepian
    Telephone: (818) 500-1918

    ANCA-WR HELPS ARMENIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY ADD ITS VOICE TO CALIFORNIA
    REDISTRICTING PROCESS

    LOS ANGELES, CA---The Armenian National Committee of America-Western
    Region's (ANCA-WR) Elections Committee has been working with local
    ANCAs throughout the state to help raise awareness of the
    redistricting process and how it impacts the Armenian community in
    California. Over the past two months, Armenian Americans have
    attended public hearings to educate public officials regarding the
    dynamics of the community.

    California is home to the largest Armenian community in the United
    States. On June 10th, the Community Redistricting Commission (CRC),
    the body responsible for drawing the new districts will release its
    first draft of district maps based on feedback it received through
    public hearings and written testimony.

    "In addition to submitting proposed district maps and written
    testimony to the CRC describing the Armenian community dynamics in
    California, the ANCA-WR worked with individuals throughout the state
    to help ensure that their voice was heard," said Garen Yegparian who
    headed up the ANCA-WR Election Committee's Redistricting Task Force.
    "This is just the first round. The ANCA-WR will continue to work with
    the community and the CRC as the districts boundaries are finalized."

    `The ties that bind our neighborhoods and communities are
    multi-dimensional. Ensuring that a common district encompasses these
    neighborhoods is important and helps address core quality of life
    issues in our community," he added.

    Every 10 years, the State of California redraws its federal and state
    legislative district boundaries to more accurately reflect the state's
    residents' demographics and overall dynamics.

    This year, the process is being led by a 14-member commission, the
    CRC, as established by the Voters FIRST Act which was voted into law
    by Californians in 2008. Previously, the State Legislature was
    responsible for redistricting.

    The CRC is made up of five Republicans, five Democrats, and 4 not
    affiliated with either of those two parties but registered with
    another party or as decline-to-state. The CRC must draw the district
    lines in conformity with strict, nonpartisan rules designed to create
    districts of equal population that will provide fair representation
    for all Californians.

    The CRC must hold public hearings and accept public comment. After
    hearing from the public and drawing the maps for the House of
    Representatives districts, 40 Senate districts, 80 Assembly districts,
    and four Board of Equalization districts, the CRC must vote on the new
    maps to be used for the next decade.

    To approve the new maps, the maps must receive nine `yes' votes from
    the Commission - three `yes' votes from members registered with each of
    the two largest parties, and three `yes' votes from the other members.

    "While this only happens once a decade, it is one of the most
    important forms of regular civic participation in which communities
    can participate," said Yegparian. "The decisions made today will
    impact our community for years to come."

    For more information about the CRC, how its work impacts the Armenian
    community or how someone can get involved in the process, individuals
    can contact the ANCA-WR at [email protected].

    The Armenian National Committee of America-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, locals, and supporters throughout the
    Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
    the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
    on a broad range of issues.

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