P.O. Box 5390, GLENDALE, CA 91221 VOL. XLXI No. 19, DECEMBER 4, 2014 Phone: (818) 409-0949 E-Mail: [email protected]

Jack Hadjinian is sworn-in as Montebello Mayor by L.A. County Sheriff-elect Jim Mc- Donnell at lectern.

At right, President of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan Jack Hadjinian shakes hands during a reception in downtown Fresno on Nov. 24, 2014. At left taking a photograph is Bedros Zerdelian, at center is the Sworn-in as Mayor Armenian Ambassador the U.S. Tigran Sargsyan. Mark Crosse/The Fresno Bee Fund Telethon Raises $12.4 Million Of Montebello LOS ANGELES - At the close of Telethon 2014, Armenia Fund MONTEBELLO—Montebello raised a total of $12,399,550 worldwide. The funds collected will be Nagorno-Karabakh Pres. Sakakyan Mayor Pro Tem Jack Hadjinian used to complete the Vardenis-Martakert Highway, an integral road was sworn in November 25 as connecting northern Artsakh to the rest of Armenia, as well as many mayor, becoming the first Arme- other important projects in the Armenian homeland. Thousands of do- Makes First-Time Visit to Fresno nian-American to be selected to See Telethon...on Page 2 By Andrea Castillo breakup of the left that position. The Fresno Bee the area officially under the rule The oath ceremony was per- of . The two states formed by L.A. County Sheriff- Funeral Service Held for Helicopter Crew FRESNO - The president of have wrestled over control of the elect Jim McDonnell. Nagorno-Karabakh Republic vis- province, where many Armenians Western Prelate Archbishop YEREVAN (Armenpress) - Funeral services for the three crew mem- ited Fresno on Nov. 24 to discuss live. Moushegh Mardirossian deliv- bers of an Artsakh military helicopter, which was downed by Azer- key policy issues that affect the During his first visit to the cen- ered the invocation at the City baijani forces on Nov. 12, were held Nov. 24 at St. Sarkis Church in two regions and meet with local tral San Joaquin Valley, President Council meeting, held for the first Yerevan's Nor-Nork district, while Artsakh President Bako Sahakian representatives of the Armenian Bako Sahakyan met at a recep- time at Bagramian Hall of the announced that the three soldiers will be awarded posthumously for community. tion with leaders including Berj Holy Cross Armenian Cathedral their service. Nagorno-Karabakh was histori- See Fresno...on Page 2 See Hadjinian...on Page 2 In a special operation, commandos from Nagorno-Karabakh Repub- cally ruled by Armenia, but the lic Armed Forces retrieved the remains of the three crew members from Armenian Community Honors Law Enforcement, the crash site. The Artsakh forces were also able to recover portions of the downed helicopter, which will undergo a thorough examination. President Serzh Sarkisian accompanied by Armenia's Defense Min- Recognizes Courier Publisher Harut Sassounian ister Seryan Ohanian, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, Catholicos LOS ANGELES - An unprec- ber 20, under the auspices of The community leaders and members Karekin II, and other government officials and members of parliament edented banquet took place in Martayan Group and its Chief Ex- gathered to honor and establish attended the service. Southern California on Novem- ecutive Greg Martayan. Over 250 relationships with law enforce- Catholicos Karekin II officiated at the funeral mass and requiem ser- ment and one another at the Or- vice at St. Sarkis Church. The next day, the bodies of the three soldiers ganization of Istanbul Armenians were taken to Yerablur National Military Pantheon for interment. Banquet Hall in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. Over 20 Armenian American groups were represented. The event centered around the themes of community and unity. The evening commenced with opening remarks by Master of Ceremonies, Los Angeles Deputy City Attorney and Neighborhood Prosecutor Raffy Astvasadoorian and the opening prayer by Rev. Shnork Demirjian of St. Peter’s Armenian Apostolic Church. Following the opening remarks, another first and milestone was From left: LAPD Deputy Chief George Villegas, honoree Harut Sas- sounian, and Greg Martayan. See Sassounian....on Page 9