Gov. Newsom Meets with Sahag-Mesrob School Official

BY VACHE EUREDJIAN

California Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Tuesday visited Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School (SMACS). The meeting was hosted on the AGBU campus in Pasadena, California, where Sahag-Mesrob temporarily relocated its elementary and middle school classes.

Sahag-Mesrob’s campus in Altadena, CA, was completely destroyed by the Eaton Fire on January 7. AGBU offered its campus to help the school during this transitional period.

The SMACS panel included:

• Arlin Titanian, SMACS Board of Directors;
• Vache Euredjian, SMACS Board of Directors Vice-Chair;
• Anna Babayan, SMACS Interim Principal;
• Olga Adourian, SMACS Preschool Teacher.

Representatives of the local Armenian community and Sahag-Mesrob School with Gov. Newsom. Other attendees included Western Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, AGBU representatives Kev Zoryan, Serge Sinanyan, and Gohar Stambolyan, Baydsar Thomasian (District Consultant for State Senator Maria Elena Durazo), representatives from Assemblymember John Harabedian, ANCA Western Region Chair Oshin Harootoonian, Maria Mehranian from Armenia Fund, and other leaders from the Armenian community.

The purpose of the meeting was to address concerns regarding Sahag-Mesrob’s reopening and recovery after the wildfires. A prayer was offered by Archbishop Derderian for Gov. Newsom as he navigates the leadership challenges of this disaster.

Several topics were discussed, including:

• Barriers to re-opening SMACS facilities;
• SMACS unique position as a small business, non-profit, and position in the Armenian community;
• SMACS Altadena Campus Cleanup;
• SMACS Altadena Campus Rebuilding;
• Consumer Protection;
• Rebuilding of Infrastructure;
• Assistance to Families.

As the AGBU campus could not accommodate the entire SMACS student body, an alternate location was secured for pre-school and Kindergarten. However, permitting and inspection at the County level have delayed opening. Children have been at an alternate facility for three weeks. Gov. Newsom will provide support through the State Senator’s office to ensure that the pre-school campus is opened in a timely manner.

Due to its status, SMACS and other private institutions may not be eligible for assistance available to public schools or businesses. This may impact SMACS’ ability to provide essential Armenian education to the Armenian community. A loss of an Armenian school would be devastating to the community. It is imperative that this disaster has a minimal impact on its operations. The Governor’s staff will assist in identifying funding to help the student body, administration, and school rebuilding efforts.

There are several steps for the recovery of the SMACS Altadena cleanup. The EPA hazardous materials assessment is performed differently for residential, school, and business properties. It has not been completed more than a month after the disaster and must be combined with cleanup. Due to its status as a private school, the school was not eligible for disaster recovery cleanup funding through the U.S. Army Core of Engineers. The Governor will arrange a FEMA non-profit consultation to help with this effort. He said that the SMACS EPA Assessment and cleanup will be on a prioritized list.

Barriers to rebuilding, including planning, assessments, and permitting were discussed. The Governor shared legislation and executive orders implemented to streamline the rebuilding process. Consultants will be brought in to help with rebuilding efforts for the impacted areas. Additional staffing will help at the County level at the Assessor’s office. This discussion will be shared with L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.

The Governor shared legislation to prevent unfair practices by banks, insurance companies, and landlords for fire victims seeking restitution or housing.

A discussion was also held on holding utilities accountable for rebuilding infrastructure in ways to prevent man-made disasters. The utilities will be held accountable.

The Governor re-iterated resources available to fire victims who are un-insured, under-insured, and not insured.