Larry Zarian

Claudia Peschiutta GLENDALE -- The man behind the reelection campaign of Rep. James Rogan (R-Glendale) will today step into the spotlight. Jason Roe, manager of the Rogan campaign, will be the guest on "Larry Zarian Forum," which will be broadcast from 7 to 8 p.m. on Charter Cable Channel 26. Talk show host Larry Zarian said he did not invite Ted Osthelder, manager of the campaign of state Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Glendale), Rogan's opponent in the 27th Congressional District.

I am ashamed by your unprofessional coverage of the unfortunate incidents involving Iva Carrico. When I first saw the article exposing her bigoted comments, I was surprised that such a story should even warrant coverage at all. The racist comments of an individual should be ignored. Under the 1st Amendment, there is nothing any of us can do to alter her opinion. Racism is something that must be tackled on a larger level. Racist organizations such as the Aryan Brotherhood and Armenian Power should be addressed, not the ignorant comments of one woman.

I was shocked by the views expressed by the host of Armenian National Network, Vache Mangassarian. However, what is more amazing is that our councilman, Bob Youssefian, is not only willing to appear on Mr. Mangassarian's show, but actually defends Mr. Mangassarian against those who have exposed his bigoted views to the entire Glendale community. I strongly feel that by having our elected officials appear on his show, they are suggesting that they support Mangassarian and his views.

The comments in the Aug. 22 News-Press by two of Glendale's civic leaders were troubling. Councilwoman Ginger Bremberg declares the recommendation of a committee of the Human Relations Coalition "reprehensible" for taking a stance against bigotry. She further characterizes discrimination as an issue that does not matter. Coalition member Larry Zarian opposes public money being given to groups that discriminate, but somehow doesn't appear to think discrimination against homosexuals matters.

After reading that he was going to be on TV discussing Chinese astrology, I got to wondering: Can astrology help if Larry Zarian is having a problem? The man can't get anyone to listen to his foolish talk. He has lost his lust with the people. I'm glad that KIEV got a good replacement on their talk show. Larry, you have cleaned up the city, now it is catching up with you. Sorry old boy, lay low now. We don't miss you a bit. Have a good time, life is passing you by, and you can not fool us anymore.

Tim Willert DOWNTOWN -- Iva Carrico, whose disparaging remarks about Armenians have drawn harsh criticism from many residents, city officials and community groups, will appear on tonight's episode of the "Larry Zarian Forum." Speaking at the April 2 City Council meeting, Carrico, a longtime Glendale resident and community activist, called Armenians who have moved to the city "evildoers" who are "intent on destroying Glendale." Zarian, a former Glendale mayor, said he wants to give Carrico a chance to explain her actions and beliefs.

We fully agree with Mr. Patrick Grant, regarding Larry Zarian ("Former mayor's remarks were out of line at Memorial Day ceremony," June 15). First of all, why was he the acting master of ceremony for our beloved Memorial Day in the city of Glendale? This was wrong. Zarian was not a veteran, and his three sons were not in any part of the U.S. Armed Services, so what does Zarian have to offer? It was so appalling to see Channel 6 have a replay of the day services.

If the well-read Glendale minority has read between the lines about Glendale's past City Council candidates and winners as I have, they understand that in April, Mayor Dave Weaver will be e-mailed by voters to his suite at the loony bin, like his predecessor, Larry Zarian. Weaver's crushing defeat at the polls will hopefully end Glendale's attraction toward immature and/or lunatic politicians bossing everyone around and disregarding civilized protocol.

As a longtime viewer of "Weaver's Dog House," I would like to appeal to our City Council to please reconsider the resolution to prevent council members from hosting city television programs. Dave Weaver has never used this forum to promote political or personal causes -- despite what Will Rogers may have tried to convince readers during the recent City Council race. What brings about this resolution now? How about Larry Zarian's significant media exposure during his tenure as mayor and councilman?

When you want to hit a dog, you can always find a stick! Criticism of the Glendale Animal shelter is so unfounded. I have dealt with them since 1960, when I adopted a kitten. That cat lived to be 20 years old. I have been a volunteer at the shelter. Family and friends have made many visits, and it was always a positive experience. The animal cages are clean, and even in the hot summer days there are no flies! Why pick on Leslie Eppick and Dave Weaver?

Dear Kim, I hear you want to run for mayor of my hometown, Glendale, California. I'm sure by now you've discovered one doesn't “run for mayor” of Glendale. No. One first runs for City Council and then wins the annual intra-council rock-paper-scissors contest to become mayor. Or loses it. No one's really sure how it works. Though I now live in neighboring Burbank, as a son of Glendale (a “Glendalian?”) I felt compelled to write and say this: Run, Kimmy! Run! At this moment, all nine of my readers are angrily sending nasty-grams asking if I've lost my mind.

My 2-year-old son is obsessed with trains. The living room feels like a constant construction site with a mix of Lego parts, Thomas the Train pieces and all sorts of materials used to build the ever-expanding railway system in our house. He has also learned an Armenian nursery rhyme about trains that he's always murmuring. As real trains go through Glendale blowing their horns, the topic in the house inevitably turns to trains. So in November when I attended a special event at the Glendale train station, the meaning wasn't lost on me. With his recent passing, officials decided to dedicate the train station to former Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian to honor his contributions to the community.

Since former Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian passed away about a month ago, his sons have gotten to know him in a different light. “We've been introduced to him all over again,” said his son, Lawrence Zarian, at the a “Celebration of Life” event that took place at the Alex Theatre Monday in honor of his father. After Zarian died of blood cancer on Oct. 13, many have told his sons about the important role Zarian played in their lives. “The thing that my brothers and I have been saying is that we're grieving the loss of our father, but the community is grieving the loss of one of their strongest voices,” Lawrence Zarian said.

A public memorial honoring former Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian, who died of cancer Oct. 13 at the age of 73, has been scheduled for Monday at the Alex Theatre in downtown. The "Celebration of Life" event -- hosted by the city, Glendale Arts and Glendale Adventist Medical Center, where Zarian was a board member -- will honor the man known as "The People's Mayor" and his years of public service. Zarian, the first Armenian American elected to Glendale City Council, was also a director for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and served as a state transportation commissioner.

Many of you know that we lost our good friend Larry Zarian on Oct.13. “The People's Mayor,” Zarian served on the Glendale City Council for 16 years. During that time, he helped influence and shape Glendale's future. Although he said the council did not always agree on issues, they respected one another and came together for the good of Glendale. In the nearly 30 years I knew Larry, we often attended many of the same political and social events. He loved talking about Glendale, our Jewel City.

Glendale's cultures collided on Sunday for the city's 10th annual Unity Fest hosted by TV star Mario Lopez. Hundreds of people packed Brand Boulevard as organizers put the many cultures of Glendale up for display through dance, art, music and, of course, food. Mayor Laura Friedman called the annual event “the most colorful, the most vibrant and maybe one of the loudest street fairs that we have.” Mario Lopez served as Unity Fest's celebrity host for the second consecutive year.

Former Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian died today at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, according to friends and former colleagues. In 1983, Zarian became the first Armenian-American elected to the Glendale City Council, where he served for 16 years. He also served as a board member for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and as a state transportation commissioner. His public service was recognized by presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, and governors George Deukmejian, Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, according to the city.

Jerry Milner, a former Glendale mayor who served on the City Council during a period of significant growth in the city, died of a heart attack Saturday. He was 81. Although he left Glendale's dais in 1991 after serving two terms on the City Council, he continued his public involvement on a smaller scale, his family said. “He was always one who believed that if you believed in something and wanted to make something better, get involved and do your best,” said his son, Mark Milner.

The one-night-only performance of “Beneath the Veil” at the Alex Theatre March 11 was a powerful tribute to the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. Several hundred theater-goers attended. Mary Apick, the production’s producer, director and co-writer, was one of Iran’s most popular stars. She brings her considerable talents to the play, which presents vignettes of women who have suffered under Islamic culture in Iran. “I carry the voices of all these women in my heart and soul, and I will never leave them behind, no matter where I live,” said Apick.