GLENDALE, CA - Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) and Maria Mehranian will be sworn-in by Superior Court Judge Zaven Sinanian, to California's "International Genocide Memorial Commission" on April 23 as appointees of California State Assembly Speaker John Perez (D-Los Angeles). Mehranian was nominated by Gatto for the public seat representing the State Assembly on the Commission. The commission will work to establish an accurate historical record of atrocities like the Armenian Genocide and Holocaust. It also has the authority to seek private funding for an International Genocide Monument in Sacramento's Capitol Park. "We must pay respect to the victims of such tragedies. As a student of history, I believe that this is an important opportunity to remind Californian’s about human cruelty so it may never happen again. No community of people should ever be at risk because of their race, culture or religious beliefs," said Assemblyman Gatto. Gatto added, "I am proud to have my friend Maria Mehranian as a colleague on this commission. She has distinguished herself through her work in the community, and as a leader with the Armenia Fund. She currently serves on the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, appointed by past California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In my discussions with Speaker Perez and others, Maria quickly emerged as a most qualified candidate for the position," said Assemblyman Gatto. Gatto is also the author of AB 173, which extends the ability for the families of victims of the Armenian Genocide to file claims on insurance policies held at that time. Gatto presented the bill during the Assembly Day of Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The bill passed the Assembly on a resounding 61-0 vote and will now move to the State Senate. The swearing in ceremony for Gatto and Mehranian will coincide with the Unified Young Armenians Candlelight Vigil on April 23 in parking lot 31 on the corner of Verdugo Road and Mountain Street in Glendale. For more information, please call (818) 558-3043. Mike Gatto is the Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly. He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, and Van Nuys. He has served in the Assembly since June 2010.

---