A native of Lebanon, Hovsepian came to the United States in 1956, and later led the Armenian church in Canada . He became Archbishop of the church, which now has its Western Diocese headquarters in Burbank, in 1971, and launched several Armenian schools in Southern California.
Schiff commended Hovsepian “for his selfless dedication and commitment to the Armenian community.”
Assemblyman takes heat for ‘Soprano’ remark
Two local members of the Assembly with Italian heritage took umbrage at comments made Wednesday by Assemblyman Don Wagner (R-Irvine).
In skewering the proposal to eliminate the state’s 400-plus redevelopment agencies, Wagner likened the plan to a “Tony Soprano” scheme, referring to the fictional mob boss from the popular HBO series.
Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) immediately called for an apology. Wagner obliged, but missed the mark.
“I will apologize to any Italian Americans who are not in the Mafia and engaged in insurance scams,” he said.
Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake) said he believes Wagner meant no harm with the Soprano comment, but the apology required a response.
“He made a really odd choice of words for his so-called apology, and it came out really badly,” Gatto said.
The decision to gut redevelopment agencies is supported by Gov. Jerry Brown and opposed by many legislative Republicans. Brown vetoed the budget Thursday on other grounds.
Lawmakers honor local businesswomen
Three state lawmakers will honor 21 local businesswomen, including several from Burbank, Glendale and La Cañada Flintridge, July 15 at the Women in Business awards at Castaways in Burbank.
