Governor Newsom Meets with Armenian Community Leaders to Discuss Eaton Fire Recovery Efforts

Los Angeles, CA – Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) Chairman Oshin Harootoonian participated in a private meeting on February 11, 2025, where various Armenian-American organizations and community leaders met with California Governor Gavin Newsom to discuss recovery efforts following the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for state and federal support to help families, businesses, and institutions—including the Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School, which suffered extensive damage—recover from the disaster.

“Our community is committed to rebuilding stronger than before, but we cannot do it alone,” said Harootoonian. “The Eaton Fire devastated homes, businesses, and cherished institutions like Sahag Mesrob Armenian School. We appreciate Governor Newsom’s willingness to hear directly from our community, and we will continue working to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to support those affected.”

The Eaton Fire, which tore through neighborhoods with a significant Armenian-American presence, left many residents displaced and severely impacted local institutions that serve the community. The damage to Sahag Mesrob Armenian School—a vital educational and cultural center—has left families deeply concerned about the future of the school and the students who rely on it. The discussion gravitated around State-wide actionable items that was set forth by the Governor’s office in regards to the expansion of emergency food benefits, $2.5 billion funding allocated for disaster relief package, prevention of price gouging, housing and tenant protections, small business assistance among other initiatives.

Following the discussion, Governor Newsom acknowledged the challenges ahead, sharing on social media:

“We had a great discussion with Armenian leaders from Southern California about recovering from and rebuilding in Altadena after the #EatonFire. The past month has been difficult, but our common humanity is alive and well — and it’s what makes us strong as Californians.”

Harootoonian expressed gratitude for the Governor’s engagement and stressed the importance of ensuring that the recovery process includes all affected institutions.