AYF Launches Little Armenia Beautification Program

The Armenian Youth Federation Garo Madenlian Public Affairs Office announced Friday that the AYF has finished developing and will soon begin implementing its “Little Armenia Beautification Program.”

Implementation of the program, which consists of five different projects, will begin in March and continue throughout the year. Projects being planned include tree planting, erection of an Armenian cultural sculpture, placement of trash receptacles throughout major streets in Little Armenia, volunteer assistance to business owners who wish to beautify their properties and a large scale community clean up.

“Feedback received from the community last year about our Little Armenia Clean Up encouraged us to renew and expand our efforts to help Little Armenia,” said Raffi Semerdjian Administrator of Public Relations for the AYF. “We look forward to working with Council member Eric Garcettiís office once again and are hopeful that together with the help of the Armenian American community all of our projects can become a reality,” explained Semerdjian.

The September 6th AYF Little Armenia Clean Up last year, attracted 400 volunteers who collected more than 23,000 pounds of trash according to the City of Los Angeles Sanitation Department. Days after the clean up the AYF, in cooperation with local businesses, was able to erect about 40 “Welcome to Little Armenia” light post banners.

“As an area of the city which bears the name of our homeland, itís crucial for Little Armenia to look clean and presentable to the public at large,” said Vicken Sosikian chairman of the AYF Western Region. “Service to our communities is a part of the AYF mission. With the Little Armenia Beautification Program we will not only be able to serve the Armenian American community of Little Armenia, but the city of Los Angeles as well.