Western Diocese e-Newsletter

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, is pleased to announce that the Honorable Charles S. (Chuck) Poochigian¸ Justice, Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, and his wife Debbie Poochigian, Fresno County Supervisor, District 5, will be Honored Guests at the Annual Armenian Christmas Reception to be held on Wednesday, January 6¸2010 at 6:00 p.m. This traditional event which is open to the Armenian community will be held at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex.
The Primate stated that it is a privilege to honor two dedicated and distinguished members of the Armenian community. “We are very proud that the Armenian faithful on the occasion of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, will have the opportunity to meet and visit with this remarkable couple who have committed their lives to public service.”
Justice Charles Poochigian began his public service following thirteen years of private practice.
He was appointed to the senior staff of Governor George Deukmejian in 1986 and was later named to the Senior Staff of Governor Pete Wilson for whom he served as Appointments Secretary, primarily focusing on assisting the Governor in his selection of judges for California’s trial and appellate courts. In 1994 he was elected to the California State Assembly, serving from 1994 to 1998. He then served two terms in the California State Senate (1996-2006). He was appointed to the Court of Appeal, 5th Appellate District, by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in August 2009.
Debbie Poochigian is well known for working as a volunteer for numerous civic and charitable causes along with event chair/coordinator, fundraiser, or campaign manager for several local, state and national political campaigns. She has served as President of the Sanger Fans of Football boosters, served on the Fresno local medical center board, a Neighborhood Watch captain, along with a member of Valley Crime Stoppers; a member of the Fresno County Farm Bureau and California Women for Agriculture, and a Little League Coach. She was recently elected Fresno County Supervisor for District 5, a position previously held by her father, Deran Keligian.
The Poochigians have been actively involved in the Armenian Church for many years. They were married at St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno 32 years ago where both were involved in the Sunday School. They are presently members of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Fowler. For over 35 years, Debbie has taught Sunday School at all grade levels and has served as Sunday School Superintendent at three churches in the Diocese. The Poochigians reside in Fresno and have three grown children, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.