SANTA BARBARA, CA – The California Central Coast region, home to two world-class universities, some of the world’s most beautiful coastline and, more recently, a young and vibrant Armenian community, is now a part of the extensive network of localities in the United States with its own chapter of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). It will act as a focal point for Armenian-American grassroots activism in what is known as the Central Coast area of California, including Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo.

Working closely with the local Armenian community, the ANCA-California Central Coast (ANCA-CCC) will work to increase civic engagement among university students and local residents while identifying and addressing issues of concern to their Armenian-American community. It expects that by connecting with both college students as well as residents, it will make immense contributions to the Armenian Cause.

“We are extremely excited to engage the student population and the Armenian American community in the surrounding Santa Barbara area and are inspired by the endless possibilities and open doors this new chapter will present for future Armenian Americans in this area,” states ANCA-CCC Chair Talar Yilmazian.

Board member Shant Mirzaians says, “We are excited and prepared to work with our community for Hai Tahd. This is a great opportunity for Armenians to get involved and have their voices heard.”

Students and locals alike are encouraged to get involved. “I believe this is an amazing opportunity for students like myself to gain more experience and exposure in grassroots activism,” states Ruzanna Chermakyan, ANCA-CCC board member.

The Armenian National Committee of America – California Central Coast advances the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the area’s Armenian American community and promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.