Political Landscape: ‘Women of the Year’ selections announced; Violent crime report bill receives supporting vote

Two local lawmakers recently announced their picks for “Women of the Year” and they all come from a variety of professional and community-advocacy backgrounds.

During a luncheon on Tuesday, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) honored Alexandra Helfrich of Burbank, Cheryl Davis of La Crescenta and Christy Schilling of Glendale, among other women from his district.

Helfrich has served on the Burbank Arts for All Foundation board of directors since 2007 and was co-chair from 2010-13.

Davis is a law firm administrator at Bradley & Gmelich in Glendale and served as president of the Crescenta Valley Town Council for four years. She now serves as corresponding secretary and is the current coordinator for the Montrose-Glendale Christmas Parade.

Schilling is a lifelong volunteer and founder of the Animal Protectorates, a nonprofit animal advocacy organization.

State Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) will honor two local women as “Women of the Year” during a luncheon on Friday.

Caron Nunez of La Crescenta was selected for her work as president of Lincoln Training Center, a nonprofit that facilitates employment partnerships between businesses and people with disabilities.

Representing Glendale, Anita Gabrielian is being recognized for her 33 years at AT&T; in network design engineering and planning, as well as serving as past chairwoman of the board of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership and Glendale Memorial Hospital.

She is currently serving her fourth term on the Glendale Community College board of trustees.

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Violent crime report bill receives supporting vote

A state bill that would require colleges to disclose certain violent crimes such as sexual assaults occurring on their campuses to local police or sheriff’s departments received a 12-0 vote of support this week from the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

Co-authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake), Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, who is chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus, and former college professor Shirley Weber, AB 1433 would also allow victims to request that their names be redacted from reports passed along to law enforcement agencies.

“Victims of crime should not see their chances of justice hurt, nor should perpetrators be allowed to hurt others, because an administrator or school values its public image more than victims’ rights,” Gatto said. “AB 1433 will ensure that victims of violent crimes, sexual assaults and hate crimes at California’s colleges have access to the expertise and investigatory powers of local police and sheriffs’ departments.”

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Follow Arin Mikailian on Twitter: @ArinMikailian.

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