IRANIAN WHO IS WHO by reza Goharzad

History

The First Declaration of Human Rights

On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The General Assembly called upon all United Nations Member countries to make the declaration public and known within their country, among their people, and “to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories.” As Iranians we may proudly claim the first declaration of human rights by Cyrus the Great as our own. In honor of the 61st anniversary of The Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations, we would like to take this opportunity to recognize the seed from which such progress in human rights has grown around the world and be humbled by the heights yet to be achieved. The Prestige Magazine

6 PRESTIGE

Winter 2009

By: Dr. Darius Jahanian One of the significant events in ancient history is the conquest of Babylon by the Persian king, Cyrus the Great. On October 4th, 539 BC, the Persian Army entered the city of Babylon, which was then the capital of the Babylonian state (in central Iraq). This was a bloodless campaign and no prisoners were taken. Later, on November 9th, King Cyrus of Persia visited the city. Babylonian history tells us that Cyrus was greeted by the people, who spread a pathway of green twigs before him as a sign of honor and peace (sulmu). Cyrus greeted all Babylonians in peace and brought peace to their city. On this great event, Cyrus issued a declaration, inscribed on a clay barrel known as Cyrus’s inscrip-

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

tion cylinder. It was discovered in 1879 by Hormoz Rassam in Babylon and today is kept in the British Museum. Many historians have reviewed it as the first declaration of human rights. The Babylonian annals, as well as the first section of the Cyrus’ inscription, shed light on the religiopolitical plight that had angered the people of Babylon and why they invited Cyrus’s military campaign. Evidently, the Babyloninan king, Nabonidus, eliminated the festival of the new year and Nebo (one of the gods) was not brought into the city, and Bel (another god) was not taken in the procession of the festival. Also, the worship of Marduk, the king of the gods, was changed to an abomination and Nabonidus tormented the inhabitants with unbelievable oppression and forced labor.

strove for peace in Babylon (Ka Dingir ra) and in all his (other) sacred cities. As to the inhabitants of Babylon (who) against the will of the gods (had/were … I abolished) the corvee (yoke) which was against their (social standing). I brought relief to their dilapidated housing, putting an end to their main complaints. Marduk, the great lord, was well pleased with my deeds and sent friendly blessing to myself, Cyrus, the King, who reveres him, to Cambyses, my son, as well as to all my troops, and we all (praised) his great (name) joyously, standing before him in peace … I returned to

The sanctuaries of all their settlements were in ruins and the inhabitants of Sumer and Akkad had become like the living dead. Marduk, the king of the gods, scanned and searched for a righteous ruler, finally coming upon Cyrus’s good deeds and his upright mind and ordered him to march against the City of Babylon. The angry inhabitants of Akkad had revolted but were massacred by Nabonidus, who, upon his return to Babylon, was arrested, but nevertheless was treated with respect. When Nabonidus died in the year following, Cyrus participated in the national mourning time that was proclaimed for him. The gods of Akkad were then returned to their sacred cities. All the inhabitants of Sumer and Akkad, including princes and governors, greeted Cyrus as a master who brought them back from a living death. All who had been spared damage and disaster revered his very name.

Cyrus’s Declaration “I am Cyrus, the king of the world, great king, legitimate king … son of Cambyses … whose rule Bel and Nebo loved and whom they wanted as king to please their hearts. “When I entered Babylon as a friend and established the seat of government in the place of the ruler under jubilation and rejoicing, Marduk, the great lord (induced) the magnanimous inhabitants of Babylon (Din Tir) (to love me) and I daily endeavored to praise him. My numerous troops walked around in Babylon in peace, I did not allow anybody to terrorize (any of the people) of the country of Sumer and Akkad. I

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

(these) sacred cities on the other side of the Tigris, the sanctuaries of which have been ruins for a long time, the images which (used) to live therein and established for them permanent sanctuaries. I (also) gathered all their (former) inhabitants and returned (to them) their habitations. Furthermore, I resettled upon the command of Marduk, the great lord, all the gods of Sumer and Akkad who Nabonidus has brought to Babylon (su sa na) to the anger of the lord of the gods unharmed in their chapels, the places which make them happy.

Winter 2009

PRESTIGE 7

May all the gods whom I have resettled in their sacred cities ask Bel and Nebo daily for a long life … (six lines destroyed) and always with good words remember my good deeds … that Babylonians incessantly cherished me because I resettled them in comfortable habitations … I endeavored to strengthen the fortification of Imgur-Enlil and the great fortification of the City of Babylon … the side brick wall by the city’s trench which the former king (had built and had not finished). This was finished around (the city), that none of the former kings, despite the labor of their yoked people, had not accomplished. I rebuilt and completed with tar and brick … and installed large gates … entrances were built by cedar wood covered with brass and copper pivot … I strengthened all the gates… I saw inscribed the name of my predecessor, King Ashurbanipal.” On this historical turning point, by order of Cyrus, all the captive nationalities held as slaves for generations in Babylon were freed and the return to their homeland was financed. Among the liberated captives were 50,000 Jews held in Babylon for three generations whose return toward the rebuilding of their temple in Palestine, a policy that was followed by Darius and his successors. Some of the liberated Jews were invited to and did settle in Persia. Because of such a generous act, Cyrus has been anointed in the Bible. He is the only gentile in the Bible, who has been titled Messiah, an is mentioned explicitly as the Lord’s shepherd and his anointed (Messiah). Other

8 PRESTIGE

Winter 2009

references to Cyrus are attested in Isaiah 45:4 where Cyrus is called by name and given a title of honor; he is also called to rebuild the God’s city and free His people (Is. 45:13) and is chosen, called and brought successful by God (Is. 48:14-15). What took place after the victory in Babylon was contrary to the standard of the time. Based on the inscriptions of the neighboring countries (Assyrians, Babylonians), it was customary to destroy the vanquished cities, level houses and temples, massacre the people or enslave the population, replace them with snakes, wolves and even carry away the soil to make the land barren. But here, peace and liberty replaced the massacre and slavery, and construction substituted for destruction. After Cyrus, his son Cambyses ruled for eight years (530BC to 522 BC) and captured Egypt, and as a sign of respect toward their culture and religion, he prostrated himself before the goddess, Meith and paid homage to Apis, the Egyptian totem (Bull). After Cambyses, Darius took over the throne and ruled form 522BC to 486BC. From 518BC to 515BC he established peace and tranquility in Egypt and also paid homage to their totem, Apis. Darius, in his inscriptions, expresses faith in the commands of Ahuramazda. He declares “Whoever worships Ahuramazda, shall receive happiness in life and after death.” He calls Elamites faithless, and because they did not worship Ahuramazda, yet he does not pressure them to change faith. Darius exhorts his successors “thou shalt be king thereafter,

protect yourself from the lies and punish the liar and deceitful.” He entreats God’s grace for the protection of Persia against rancor, enemy, famine and the lie. At times he alludes to other gods that may either indicate the old Aryan gods who still had strong followings or the gods of other nations under his rule, for the display of reverence toward their religions.

REFERENCES: A. Arfaee, The command of Cyrus the Great (in Persian), quoted the opinion of Sydney Smith. Grayson, Assyrian and Babylonian chronicles, p110, dates the fall of Babylon on Oct. 12th and Cyrus’s entry on Oct 29th. J. B. Pritchard, The ancient Near East, Vol. 1, 1958, p203. A fragment in the Yale’s Babylon collection was identified in 1970 by P.R.Berger, the professor of Munster, Germany, as part of Cyrus’s cylinder that was transferred to the British Museum and added to the cylinder, who wrote in the journal of Assyrology (Zeiserrift fir Assiriologie), July 25, Vol. 64. The remainder of the text is quoted from A. Arafaee, which was the missing portion kept in Yale University. Bible, 2 Chronicles 36:15-23 Bible, Ezra 1:1-11, Ezra 2:12-70 Bible, Ezra 7:8 Bible, Ezra 6:3-4-5 Bible, Ezra 7:15-25 Bible, Isaiah 44:28 and 45:1 Source: Zoroastrianism and Biblical Connections (by Dr. Darius Jahanian) www.vohuman.org

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Cover Story

Pictures: Courtesy of Columbia University / (Jim Higdon/CNS)

IRANIAN WHO’S WHO:

PROFESSOR

EHSAN YARSHATER

Ehsan Yarshater (born April 3, 1920, Hamadan, Iran) is the director of The Center for Iranian Studies and Hagop Kevorkian Professor Emeritus of Iranian Studies at Columbia University. He is famous for editing the monumental Encyclopedia Iranica along with 40 other editors and 300 authors from various academic institutions throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. He is also famous for editing the third volume of the Cambridge History of Iran, comprising the history of the Seleucid, the Parthians, and the Sassanians, as well as a volume entitled Persian Literature. He has won several International awards for scholarship, including a UNESCO award in 1959. The Yarshater lectureship is considered by some to be the most prestigious honor in the field of Iranology. The following biography of PROFESSOR EHSAN YARSHATER has been taken from an account of his life and career by Professors M. Boyce of London University and G. Windfuhr of Michigan University in Acta Iranica 30, Papers in Honor of Professor Ehsan Yarshater, Leiden, Holland, 1990, pp. ix-xxiii. He was then appointed Assistant Professor of Persian in the Faculty of Theology; but was awarded in the same year a fellowship by the British Council to study educational methods in England. When in London he called on W.B. Henning, and, swiftly appreciating the depth of his learning, resolved to abandon other plans and study pre-Islamic Iranian languages and culture with him. He enrolled accordingly for one of the cours-

8 PRESTIGE

March & April 2009

es created by Henning at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University, in Old and Middle Iranian; and years of exacting study followed, during which he had to add English and German to his knowledge of French, and to absorb analytic and critical methods of handling texts. In addition, he set himself, with energy and discernment, to learn all that he could of Western art and architecture, painting and music. Henning himself was deeply interested at this time in the dialects of north-western Iran. In 1950 he had been able to make brief notes on one of them, to the south-west of Qazvin, and this, he thought, might prove to be a link in a long chain of related dialects, all in imminent danger of dying out. With Henning’s encouragement, Ehsan Yarshater determined to undertake the search for such dialects, and this developed into his scholarly lifework. With it he was to make a major contribution to Iranian linguistic studies, recording and analyzing dialect after dialect of what he came to term the Tati-Taleshi groups. His work was much appreciated by Henning himself, who over the years provided Ehsan Yarshater with “enriching advice, friendship and support.” In 1953 Ehsan Yarshater, having obtained the degree of M.A. by examination, returned to Iran to pursue this research. He was at once appointed lecturer in ancient Iranian languages in the Faculty of Letters at Tehran University, and assistant to Pour-Davud. His standards were exacting; and conscious, with his own phenomenal memory, of the advantages of storing knowledge in the mind, he required his students to combine analytical work with some learning by heart, including passages from Old Persian inscriptions. Ehsan Yarshater found time nevertheless to embark on the first of his many field trips to study dialects. Such travel

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

involved, however, a considerable measure of physical hardship and hours of exacting work, during which his informants were apt to flag long before he wished to release them. In 1956 the Societé de la dialectologie iranienne was founded, with G. Redard, G. Morgenstierne and E. Benveniste as active members; and Ehsan Yarshater, as vice-president, was made responsible for supervising the recording of dialects throughout Iran. This blend of teaching, administrative duties and strenuous research would for most scholars have made up a full working life; but during his years in England Ehsan Yarshater had been forming plans to fill gaps which he had come to perceive in the cultural life of Iran; and in 1954 he took the major step of founding the Bong›h-e Tarjoma va Nashr-e Ket›b (Institute for the Translation and Publication of Books). Its primary aim was to have foreign works of recognized worth translated into Persian by scholars of repute. In the long run it was hoped that the venture would be largely self-supporting, but Ehsan Yarshater obtained initial funding from the Crown Properties. This was the first instance of his ability, as a practical visionary and skilful, patient diplomat, to obtain financial support for a nobly conceived plan. The series of translations was inaugurated with five books published simultaneously in 1955, and others followed in rapid succession, to be swiftly bought up by an appreciative readership. Although his own work lay in higher education, Ehsan Yarshater was deeply concerned with the intellectual development of children; and a year later he inaugurated three series of works for different age groups among the young. In 1957 he persuaded a number of scholars, notably among them Iraj Afshar, to join him in founding the Anjoman-e Ketab (Book Society). Its purpose was to foster interest in good publications, and its main organ was the Rahnema-ye Ketab (Book Guide), which was launched by Ehsan Yarshater that same year as a quarterly journal. From its second year it became a monthly journal, and was expanded to include as well as book reviews articles on Persian language and literature, accounts of rare manuscripts and, surveys of current research in Iranian studies. With all this activity even Ehsan Yarshater was fully stretched. Yet he managed during these years to write a number of learned and literary articles for the journals Yahma, Mehr and Sokhan, as well as for the Bulletin of the Faculty of Letters of Tehran University. One day, meeting him in the Senate Library, Habib Yaghma’i pressed him for another article for his journal; whereupon Ehsan Yarshater, characteristically unable to refuse a friend, sat down and there and then wrote a piece which he called “The respected scholar” (Daneshmand-e mohtaram) . This, published as the leading article in Yaghma, has been twice reprinted in anthologies, and is often quoted as an admirable piece of satirical humor. Another striking facet of Ehsan Yarshater’s character is his apparently effortless calm and self-control, maintained in the teeth of all the harassments that inevitably beset a man who initiates far-reaching plans, and who in the course of fulfilling

ThePrestigeMagazine.com ThePrestigeMagazine.com

them has to persuade large numbers of people, with different temperaments and interests, to cooperate and be reasonable. With this calmness goes iron resolve. During the academic year 1958/59 he visited Columbia University, New York, as associate professor; and Columbia showed appreciation of his teaching by extending its invitation for a second year Back in Iran during the summer of 1959 Ehsan Yarshater inspired the founding of a lending library by the Anjoman-e Ketab. This came to contain some 3000 books, mostly in the humanities and for a time small mobile collections of books were sent to some of the poorer districts of Tehran, as well as to townships round about. When Ehsan Yarshater returned from Columbia in the summer of 1960, Pour-Davud had died, and he was appointed to succeed his former teacher as professor of Old Persian and Avestan. In the following year Ehsan Yarshater had the happiness to marry Latifeh Alvieh. The two had become friends when he returned from his studies in England in 1953, and had come to discover much in common, notably a deep devotion to Iran and its culture, and an interest in education generally. Latifeh Alvieh was then acting as cultural advisor to the United States Information Agency in Tehran; and her voluntary work included organizing and directing summer camps for schools and university students, and the first youth conference in Iran. She was founder and president of the Shahnaz Girls’ Clubs, and a founding member of the National Council of the Women of Iran. Meantime Columbia University was expanding its Middle East department, and with financial help from Hagop Kevorkian had established a chair in Iranian Studies, which in 1961 Ehsan Yarshater was invited to occupy. He retained the directorship of the Bongah-e Tarjoma, keeping in close touch from the United States with a secession of deputy directors; and he continued as president of the Anjoman-e Ketab, the Rahnema-ye Ketab being mainly in charge of Iraj Afshar. Each summer, after a busy university session, he found awaiting him in Tehran a quantity of matters - scholarly, administrative and financial- which demanded his attention. Yet even in these circumstances his first act was always to set in motion arrangements for a field trip to study yet another dialect which he had identified as little known or insufficiently explored. At Columbia University he was deeply engaged in developing undergraduate and graduate courses, teaching and supervising, and taking his full part in departmental and university duties. He was also planning volumes for a projected series of translations of Persian classical works called Persian Heritage Series. UNESCO had a similar project in hand, under the title of Persian Representative Works, but it was making little progress. In 1962 the UNESCO department concerned proposed that their undertaking should be merged with Ehsan Yarshater’s. This se-

March March&&April April 2009 2009

PRESTIGE 9

ries was funded largely by the Bongah-e Tarjoma, with smaller contributions by UNESCO; and its agreed aim was to make “the best of Persian literary, historical and scientific texts available in the major world languages ... not only to satisfy the needs of the students of Persian history and culture, but also to respond to the demands of the intelligent reader who seeks to broaden his intellectual and artistic horizons.” From 1964 to 1966 he was granted extended sabbatical leave, which he spent in Iran. The royal Pahlavi Foundation was established in 1964, and the prestigious Bongah-e Tarjoma was made one of its affiliates. As well as devoting much time to the Bongah’s affairs during these two years, Ehsan Yarshater brought out in two volumes his own Naqqashi-e novin (Modern Painting) . This he published under the pen-name Rahsepar, which he had used as art-critic over the years for the journal Sokhan (published by his friend P.N. Khanlari). His reason for seeking anonymity was that he regarded these writings as the fruit of an amateur interest only; but Naqqashi-e novin, reprinted in 1975, remains the only substantial work of recognized merit in Persian devoted to this subject. His dominant professional interest continued to be his dialect studies, and these two sabbatical years gave him further opportunities for intensive field work. His researches, which had begun in the 1950’s with southern Tati, had been extended during the intervening years; and down to 1979 he was able to work systematically over a wide area. In recording many largely unknown or ill-explored village dialects of this area Ehsan Yarshater has shown great exactness and analytical skill, and his attention to detail in both phonology and morphology makes his work outstanding among recent contributions to Iranian dialectology. His descriptions are full of precise observations about differences in usage between speakers of different ages, and even between inhabitants of different quarters of the same village; and where documents exist he has studied the changes between earlier and modern speech. He observes moreover the ways of life and social interactions which tend to bring about linguistic interference such as by Turkic with Iranian, or by one form of Iranian with another. No description of an Iranian dialect offers a more delicate analysis of intricate relationships. On a larger scale his work has been nothing less than the rediscovery of the descendants of ancient Median, long thought wholly to have disappeared. He named his book on southern Tati “Median Dialect Studies I”, and convincingly justified this title by his masterly summary of what is known of the languages of Azarbaijan in the Middle Ages and pre-modern times. This study included in fact Greater Media with Media Atropatene; and in it he showed that it had been wrong to suppose that the Iranian dialects spoken within Azarbaijan were immigrant ones from other regions . Instead he was able to establish that the dialects which he had studied reflect a linguistic continuum from Azarbaijan southward to where the Taleshi dialects join the northernmost Tati ones, with the southernmost Tati ones then

10 PRESTIGE

March & April 2009

linking up in their turn with those of the central dialects. He also discovered the importance within this continuum of the Iranian dialects spoken by local Jewish communities, which he studied extensively in Tehran, Hamadan, Isfahan, Kashan, Golpayegan and other towns, together with the “secret” Perso-Aramaic language which some of them used. His conclusion was that “the Jewish dialects and sub-dialects are the indicators of Median dialects long forced out from urban centers by Persian. In other words, whereas Persian is the intruder in Western and Central Persia (that is, the Median territory) the Jewish dialects are native.” This important and prolonged research continued to be interwoven by Ehsan Yarshater with his work at Columbia University, to which he returned in the late summer of 1966. Soon afterwards he established a Center for Iranian Studies there, of which he continues to be the director. Meantime in Iran the Bongah-e Tarjoma, still under his direction, continued to be vigorously active. It adopted, under Yarshater’s general editorship, the common method of critical editions in the West, best exemplified in Iran by M. Qazvivi, with the manuscripts clearly defined and the significant variants recorded in the footnotes.” Meanwhile, in 1972, Ehsan Yarshater presented to the National Endowment for the Humanities, an American federal agency, through Columbia University, a proposal for an “Encyclopedia Iranica” in the English language. This he conceived as a research tool, to meet the needs of scholars and students in Iranian studies and related fields by providing accurate and upto-date presentations on “topics of archaeological, geographic, ethnographic, historical, artistic, literary, religious, linguistic, philosophical, scientific and folkloric interest,” over a stretch of time extending from prehistory to the present; and he suggested that it should aim at setting Iranian culture in a broad context, and showing reciprocal influences exerted on one another by Iran and its neighbors. The plan was a noble one, and its scope so huge that probably no individual scholar could have won a hearing for it other than Ehsan Yarshater, who already had so many massive achievements to his credit, and who was known not only for initiating but also for carrying through large undertakings. He was also a persuasive advocate; and not only did the National Endowment for the Humanities provide some funding but generous support was offered by the Iranian Plan Organization. Two years earlier Ehsan Yarshater and his wife had decided to use their private means to endow a foundation that would ensure that work on the Encyclopedia and other major projects which he had initiated could continue after him. By 1979 the legal work had been completed, trustees were appointed, and the foundation was about to be registered with the Ministry of Justice when revolution broke out in Iran. The work of the Bongah-e Tarjoma, which was affiliated with the Pahlavi Foundation, was brought to an immediate halt.

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Subsequently the new government took over the Bongah, and tacitly acknowledged the admirable work which it had been doing over the previous quarter of a century by continuing to operate it under its own name. In the very year of the revolution Ehsan Yarshater had convened a meeting in England of the panel of consulting editors of the Encyclopedia Irancia; and he found himself facing this meeting with funding for the project suddenly and drastically reduced, while he felt himself still with obligations to staff, printers and publishers, as well as to the large number of scholars who had been drawn into the undertaking, some of whom had already written contributions for it. Nevertheless, almost anyone else would have given up at this point, yielding to the force of large and unforeseen events. But for Ehsan Yarshater great odds seem only a challenge to still greater endeavor, when the cause is a worthy one; and he resolved to continue in the hope that he could raise new funding somehow. From then on the complex and arduous work of compiling and producing the Encyclopedia has been carried on at the Center for Iranian Studies, Columbia University chiefly with the continued support of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The undertaking has benefited from unremitting labours of a succession of assistant editors, notably among them M. Kasheff, who began working on the “Encyclopedia of Iran and Islam”, transferring without break to the Encyclopedia Iranica; and latterly P.O. Skjaervø; but the driving force and inspiration continues to be Ehsan Yarshater, who oversees its every aspect. For this, long experience has uniquely qualified him, both on the practical and scholarly sides; and his extraordinary width of knowledge is invaluable for the choice of rubrics and invitation of contributors. There are few Persian writers and men of learning of the twentieth century whom he has not known, few Iranists whose work he has not read and remembered, perhaps no aspect of Iranian history and culture to which he has not devoted some attention. The usefulness of the Encyclopedia is generally recognized; and it is proving not only an indispensable source of knowledge, but is itself a stimulus to research and fresh thinking on the part of scholars who are invited to contribute, and who respond to the opportunities which it provides. The heavy burdens which it lays on its chief editor have unfortunately kept his own contributions relatively few; but they have ranged characteristically widely, with a number of entries on Iranian dialects, a vivid and sympathetic account of the village of Abyana, and a meticulously documented article on Afrasiyab. He has made moreover striking contributions from his own unique knowledge to articles by others, for example to that on the great modern Persian singer Banan. Since the early 1970s he had been preparing, as general editor and contributor, the third volume of the Cambridge History of Iran, devoted to the Seleucid, Parthian and Sasanian periods. This massive work, in two parts, was planned to compass “ev-

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

ery aspect of Iranian civilization from the death of Alexander in 323 B.C. to the advent of Islam in the seventh century A.D. Just a little later yet another massive undertaking, which had been initiated by Ehsan Yarshater in 1971, began to bear fruit. This was an annotated English translation of Tabari’s “History of Prophets and Kings” (Tarikh al-rusul wal moluk). Ehsan Yarshater had suggested this as a desirable enterprise to UNESCO, for consideration by its Arabic Commission; but since that commission favored other tasks, he himself undertook it, with UNESCO’s approval, under the auspices of the Bongah. Only a few contracts had been signed with scholars when the Bongah was closed down, and funding had again to be sought elsewhere. It came to be provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities; and publication of the History, to be in 40 volumes, began in 1985. Seventeen volumes have by now appeared, with ten in the press. The work of the Iranian Center proceeded vigorously meanwhile, and was diversified. Subsequently in 1987, Ehsan Yarshater established an Iranian Seminar, whose meetings are regularly attended by Iranists from New York’s universities and those of neighbouring states, and often, by invitation or the chance of travel by others from farther afield. All this vast amount of achievement could be accomplished only by long toil; and often after a hard day¹s work Ehsan Yarshater return in the late evening to his office at the Iran Center (which is interconnected with his apartment ), to put in more hours of concentrated work at his desk there. He has been fortunate to have in his wife a lady who not only understands but supports such dedication, matching it indeed with hard work and idealism of her own. Events in Iran in the past decade have brought deep personal sorrows to the Yarshaters, as to many other Iranian families. These they have borne with characteristic courage and dignity. Nor is life for them ever wholly toil. There is music, poetry and the visual arts to be enjoyed; and friends and colleagues treasure memories of their delightful hospitality, with wide-ranging talk, rich reminiscences, wit and laughter. He has always been a lover of sport and the open air; and in his student days he went on long mountain walks with friends in the Alborz, and later skied there. For a long time it was mainly his dialect studies which took him from his desk; but latterly a threat of ill-health from unremitting work has forced him out of doors again for recreation. He has already made profound contributions to Persian scholarship and letters, and Iran and Iranian studies owe him immense debts. May he live to increase that indebtedness, and to enjoy the satisfaction of large tasks fulfilled and new knowledge continually gained. M. Boyce G. Windfuhr Pictures: Courtesy of Columbia University / (Jim Higdon/CNS)

March & April 2009

PRESTIGE 11

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

March & April 2009

PRESTIGE 13

IRANIAN WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHO:

Dr. Ali Kiafar

Prominent Urban Planner, Educator & Cultural Activist Dr. Ali Kiafar, PhD, REFP, is one of the most prominent Iranian-American professionals in California. He has held highest level positions in his profession in both public and private sectors. He is widely known and respected in the American and Iranian communities for his educational background, professional experience, teaching, and involvement in literary and cultural circles. Dr. Ali Kiafar has published articles in prestigious professional and academic journals, books, trade magazines and newsletters; been featured on the cover of a major professional publication; has numerous times been interviewed and quoted by widely circulated American media, such as Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily News, KABC, KCBS and KNXT Radio, as well as the Persian language media. He has been invited to and given lectures at a wide range of universities, conferences, and seminars both in the US

14 PRESTIGE

March & April 2009

and overseas. He has organized local and national conferences and workshops on a list of topics ranging from technical and professional subjects to research and analysis of issues in Iran. He has received several awards and scholarships for academic and professional excellence from prominent institutions such as University of Southern California and American Institute of Architects. In his busy lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spare time, Dr. Kiafar has written film reviews, literary articles, and has translated poems and essays from English to Persian and vice versa. In addition to having been a member of several international, national and state academic, research and professional organizations, he has been a long standing member of the literary circle Saturday Nights Group in Los Angeles. He is a strong, constant supporter of artistic, musical and cultural events, especially those which link the life in the new-found land to the old home-land. Practice of the Profession Ali Kiafar has 35 years of experience in professional practice and university teaching in the areas of architecture,

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

planning, urban development, and program management. His professional experience includes more than 17 years in top executive positions for California school districts, the last of which was the unique position of Chief Facilities and Development Superintendent at Burbank Unified School District. He has been the first, and the only, Iranian American who has achieved the superintendent rank in a major educational institution in California. Among his roles in this position were the responsibility for the development, implementation and management of all aspects of the District’s modernization, reconstruction and expansion program, utilizing $240 million funding from local, state and federal grants and funds that he was instrumental in obtaining through his aggressive pursuit and negotiations skills.

ThePrestigeMagazine.com ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Currently, Dr. Kiafar is vice president of URS Corporation, an international corporation involved in a wide range of design, engineering and construction services. Engineering News-Record (ENR), the foremost independent engineering journal, has ranked URS as the nation’s top firm in Combined Design and Construction Management Professional Services for the past seven consecutive years. URS employs more than 55,000 professionals worldwide and has a staff of 1,000 professionals in the Los Angeles area alone. Dr. Kiafar is responsible for URS’ educational facilities planning and program management business line and for managing planning, design and construction services for a variety of educational facilities programs. Included in his specific roles have been serving as Program Executive for the $830 million capital improve-

ment program at San Bernardino City Unified School District, Principal-inCharge for the Whittier Union High School District’s $250 million Earthquake Recovery and Modernization Program, Principal-in-Charge for the Lo from private and public entities, including Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, State Department of Housing & Community Development, State of California Office of Public School Construction, State Allocation Board, Community Development Block Grant, City of Burbank, City of Thousand Oaks, City of Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Burbank Redevelopment Agency, Bob Hope Airport Authority, NBC, Warner Bros. Studios, and several major, national housing development companies, among others.

March & April 2009

PRESTIGE 15

One project that Dr. Kiafar talks about fondly is the reconstruction, expansion and modernization of Burbank High School, a $61 million plus project where he engaged services of Iranian born professionals in practically every aspect of the design and construction process. He brought together Iranian-American architects, engineers, project managers, construction managers, inspectors and other professionals to make this design award-winning project a unique experience. Dr. Kiafar himself received the Best Community Development award from the American Institute of Architects for the Burbank High project in 2004. Transfer of Knowledge In addition to the professional practice, Dr. Kiafar has been active in the academic environment. His teaching endeavors started in 1980 at the University of Southern California where he taught courses in physical and spatial design, planning and urban design. He has continued his teaching passion at the University of California – Riverside where he educates university students and career profes-

16 PRESTIGE

March & April 2009

sionals in various aspects of educational facilities planning. Dr. Kiafar’s students always indicate how much they appreciate his in-depth knowledge of the subject maters he teaches, combined with the specific examples he brings in from his extensive practical experience. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the most advanced tools for design, engineering and construction of projects. It supplements and improves the coordination between all trades and design disciplines. Dr. Ali Kiafar is very knowledgeable in BIM. He leads his company’s efforts in Southern California in understanding, learning, and implementing the concept. Also, Dr. Kiafar has been a leader in sustainable, environmental friendly practices throughout design and construction stages. Specifically, he has strongly advocated the most comprehensive use of sustainable design for educational facilities. He has been involved, from its inception, with Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS), the institutional authority in energy conservation and sustainable

design practices in the educational environment. He has served on the CHPS State-wide Committee for Implementation of CHPS Criteria. While serving as the Chief Facilities and Development Superintendent at Burbank USD, he advocated and was able to gain the District’s support for incorporation of the CHPS criteria in all new construction and modernization projects. Educational and Professional Chronology Ali Kiafar obtained his master’s degree in architecture and city planning from National University of Iran in 1977. His thesis, which received the highest possible score and the “excellent” designation from the university faculty, won the best research and final thesis award from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in the same year. Having graduated as the head of his class, he was awarded a scholarship by the National University to study in a doctorate program abroad. He entered the master of planning program at USC in 1978 and earned his PhD in Urban and Region-

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

al Planning from the same university in 1986. Ali began teaching at USC in 1980. In the same year he was hired as Architectural Manager at Economic Resources Corporation (ERC). In 1994 he was promoted to the position of Director of Planning, Design and Development and then became Vice President for Planning and Development at ERC. Dr. Kiafar joined Conejo Valley Unified School District, in Thousand Oaks, California, in 1988 as Director of Planning and Facilities. In 1994 he was recruited by Burbank Unified School District as Assistant Superintendent of Planning, Development and Facilities and then was promoted to the position of Chief Facilities and Development Superintendent in 2000. Following a spectrum of accomplishments in his public sector tenure, Dr. Kiafar decided to expand his professional services to a wider range of educational institutions. So, in 2005 he joined URS Corporation where, as vice president in charge of educational facilities programs, he has served on several major programs in Southern California. As one of his many professional recognitions, Dr. Kiafar was featured in a 5- page cover story in Building Operating Management in January 2005. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been a member of several academic, research and professional organizations such as Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH), California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), Council of Educational Facilities Planners International, American Collegiate Schools of Planning, American Planning Association, Society of Iranian Architects and Planners (SIAP), Center for Iranian Research and Analysis (CIRA), Middle Eastern Studies Association (MESA). He is a Registered Educational Facilities Planner. Ali Kiafar is married and has two sons: Omeed (22 years old) and Ideen (18 years old). His wife, Jinous, is Senior Environmental Planner and Branch Chief in the Office of Environmental Planning at California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). Ali A. Kiafar, Ph.D., REFP Vice President, URS Corporation 915 Wilshire Blvd., Suite #800 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: 213-996-2501 Fax: 213-996-254

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

March & April 2009

PRESTIGE 17

Photo: Amir Moshfegh

Architect

IRANIAN WHO’S WHO: JAY JAMSHASB Prominent Architect & Philanthropist

in his field of profession in both public and private sectors. He is widely known and respected in the American and Iranian communities for his philanthropic and involvement in cultural activities. Jay Jamshasb is : • one of major sponsors of Mehregan Orange county cultural Festival . • Member of Strategic Business Group of Orange county (SBG) • Advisory Board member of Iranian Community Center (ICC ) • Member of Stop Gap- 100 Persian Man Against Domestic Violence He is Licensed by: California Architects Board Nevada Architects Board California Contractors Board Proffesional Organizations: • National council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) • American Institute of Architects ( AIA ) • American Planning Association (APA ) Certification: National Council of Architectural Registration Board. Accomplishments: President of JCS, Inc., a design and project management firm - (1989-1998) Partner, WJCS Architects, a design and project management firm - (1998-2001) Vice Chair of Planning Commission, City of Rancho Santa Margarita, California - (2000-2003) Personal Design Philosophy: I believe that nature is inherently a peaceful environment and in order to create cohesiveness between man and nature it becomes the responsibility of architects to merge the aspiration of the design with orders of the nature. I believe that the spaces we live in, whether a kitchen, a living room, an office space, an ICU wing in a hospital, or a park; must be spiritual experiences. Architects must draw the required energy from nature and integrate them with the design in forms of geometric shapes, orientation of buildings, creation of open spaces, and display of natural light.

JAY JAMSHASB was born in Talesh, Northern Region of Iran in1957. when he finished high school, in 1976 came to United State and studied Architecture in Louisiana State University of Baton Rouge . Jay graduated in 1983 and worked in States of LA,TX,NV & CA Jay Jamshasb, is one of the most prominent Iranian-American professionals in California. He is highly well known

20 PRESTIGE

March & April 2009

It is not the complexity of the buildings that makes them a good design which often brings forth contradiction within, but the simple elegance that sets apart a good design from a deprived one. Spaces should be functional and simply elegant while elegantly simple. I am a strong proponent of the old adage “Come to my garden and let my roses see you”, suggesting that spaces should be inviting and a delight to live in.

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

EXPERIENCE Over 21 years of experience in project management, construction management, master planning and architecture for healthcare, telecommunication, commercial and institutional projects, varying in size with responsibilities for over a cumulative value of $1,250,000,000.00 in construction costs. Projects have been constructed in the states of Louisiana, Texas and California. Managed construction of the Southwestern Bell Corporation Internet Data Center in Irvine, California. A 150,000

s. f. facility complemented by 10 Caterpillar generators, 10 York chillers and over 1000,000 Sf. of raised floor area, served with copper and fiber optic cables. The task required 24 hours a day, seven days a week construction and was successfully completed in six months with a price tag of $65,000,000.00 in 2002. Involvement in master planning and project management for construction of the City Public Service building in San Antonio, Texas. The task required 24 hours a day, seven days a week construction and active coordination with the tenants during the construction. The project was completed in 18 months and met the budget at $21,000,000.00 in 1989. Some of Jay Jamshasb’s management and leadership qualities are as followings:

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

• Leadership in execution and implementation of activities for multiple projects. • Executive level knowledge of all design and construction activities from land acquisition through post occupancy, including cost estimating, construction, and code analysis. • Contract development & negotiation with consultants, vendors and contractors. Review/evaluation and authorization of change orders and other payments. • Formulation of staffing requirements, capital and operating budget, and scheduling forecast. • Strategic and tactical planning for construction, and

guidance for completion of tasks within required perimeters. • Identifying value engineering opportunities, & promoting cost effective construction solutions. • Establishing positive relationship with different government agencies. • Execution of project progress reports including budget, schedule and activity forecasting. Firm History JCS GROUP was formed in 1991 with the fundamental principle of providing quality products, on schedule and within budget. JCS GROUP offers over 17 years of invaluable and varied experiences to our clientele. Past experience of the founder, Jay Jamshasb, includes planning, design, and construction management for additions, renovations and new construction of healthcare, institutional, commercial, manufacturing, civic

March & April 2009

PRESTIGE 21

and residential projects. In late 2007 Mr. Nick Azartash joined JCS GROUP to lead the operation of the construction division of the firm. Since then we have successfully completed numbers of healthcare projects in Southern California. We have established an excellent repu-

followings: Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, CA – We recently completed phase one construction of a four story emergency department vertical tower, and continuing on construction of other parts of the facility. White Memorial Medical Center in Los

tington Beach, CA – We master-planned and re-organized over 1,000,00 s.f. of their plastic manufacturing company, and administered the construction using state of the art tools for energy efficiency and building technology. Firm’s Business Philosophy The firm’s overall philosophy is based

tation with the Office of the Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) and numerous other government agencies. We have earned this reputation based on trust and understanding of the codes and regulations. It is this kind of reputation that enables our clients to be our most productive and prized form of advertising.

Angeles, CA – We implemented the design of a 7 story hospital tower and assisted in construction management of the tower. Subsequently we have remodeled many parts of the buildings on the campus.

on the premise that it is possible to completely satisfy the client’s need for efficiency and service without compromising design quality. In order to meet this commitment, JCS GROUP has always endeavored to give the utmost attention to project details and as a result, most of our client relationships are multi-project and long standing.

We use the latest state of the art computer systems and software including the latest building information modeling, scheduling and spreadsheet programs to assist our team in its’ quest for excellence and efficiency. We take pride in our partnership with our clients and consultants. We believe that working with clients as partner will produce a better product, because together we work out a common agreement of action, cooperation, innovation and solution within the framework of a strong partnership. The value of this is clear and no less is possible. Clients Our expanding client base includes the

22 PRESTIGE

March & April 2009

Memorial Hospital of Gardena, CA – Upgraded the infrastructure of the Hospital by providing design and construction to the Facility. Marina Del Rey Hospital (Centinela Hospital in Marina Del Rey, CA) – We are providing Master-planning ser vices to the campus, and upgrading the structure of the buildings to meet the new requirements of State of California codes and regulations. East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital, Los Angeles, CA – We have upgraded the structure of the facility to meet the new codes requirements, and we are assisting them in master-planning of their facility. Pomona Valley Hospital – Upgrade and renovation of hospital infrastructure to meet the current code requirements. Cambro Manufacturing Company, Hun-

Experience Today, the field of architecture and construction is changing as rapidly as the industries at large. Aggressive and innovative project delivery approaches are needed for each new facility challenge. Big picture thinking is a constant requirement, as is creative use of new technologies and the ability to expand architects services beyond traditional expectations. At JCS GROUP, we are always pushing to move ahead of the trends, and tip the scales of professional services toward excellence, high achievement and client satisfaction. Services JCS Group Inc. accomplishes its business strategy through four distinct

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

organizational initiatives: • Architectural and engineering services division supporting healthcare technologies and re-construction initiatives. • General contractor services division supporting healthcare facility additions. • Construction Management services division organized to deliver to the healthcare industry a fully integrated construction management service in support of various healthcare facility re-construction and rehabilitation needs under OSHPD regulations. • Design/Build division organized to provide total architectural and construction management services for ground up comprehensive facility design and construction. The firm offers a full range of professional services as indicated below: ARCHITECTURE Architectural Design | Space Planning | Design Feasibility Facility Programming | Needs Assessment Focus & User Group Sessions | Remodeling and Restoration Specifications | Cost Analysis | Agency Interface PLANNING Needs Assessment | Site Analysis | Master Planning Programming | Sessions | Feasibility Studies Existing Facility Assessment | Project Budget Analysis Cost Analysis | CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Design Assist | Agency Processing | Project Management Construction Management | GMP Contract Cost Plus Contract | Lump Sum Fee Contract Design Built Solutions • Project Approach Our approach to each project is based on the philosophy of “Plan the Work and Work the Plan” and is distinguished by project partnering, Knowledge of Project Goals and Objectives, Agencies Coordination, knowledge of codes, regulations and ADA requirements, and prescription of green material and renewable energy

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

standards specifications for each project. Project Delivery System Construction Team Charrettes, Scheduling, cost management, technical and quality control are the key elements in JCS GROUP project delivery methodology.

Firm Data Legal Name: JCS GROUP Inc. Primary Contact: Jay Jamshasb

California Architect License # C-28844 Nevada Architects Board # 5386 National Council of Architectural Registration Boards # 59549 California General Building Contractors License #901292

Nick Azartash California General Engineering Contractors License #A-553434 California General Building Contractors License # B-553434

22772 Centre Drive, Suite 280 Lake Forest, California 92630 Telephone: 949.900.6900 Fax: 949.900.6969 Website: www.jcsga.com E-mail: info@jcsga.com

March & April 2009

PRESTIGE 23

Archaeology

he platform of Persepolis from the southeast | photo: Ali Mousavi

The American Contribution to the Archaeology of IRAN: Ali Mousavi Ph.D.

Persia or Iran as we call it today has been visited, explored, and studied by European travelers and adventurers since the 15th century. Those explorations resulted in the publication of a large number of travel accounts, often illustrated with engravings and drawings of the country’s monuments, people, and landscapes, and stimulated the field of Iranian studies in the West. The practice of archaeology is as old as ancient monuments, but the modern

24 PRESTIGE

March & April 2009

notion of archaeology goes back to the early years of the 19th century. Archaeology in Iran, much the same as in other countries, made its debuts through the quest for antiquities and curiosity about the past. But it should not be forgotten that such “non-scientific” explorations paved the way for systematic investigations and provided the basis for a gradual development in scientific excavation methods and strategy. The first recorded excavation of an Iranian site goes back to the early years of the 19th century at the time when a number of British diplomats and travelers such as Gore Ouselely, Robert Gordon, and James Morier, visited Persepolis and carried out excavations and removed sculptured fragments which are now at the British Museum or elsewhere in the world. The first excavation authorized by the Iranian government was carried out by a Scotsman, named Loftus, between 1849 and 1851 at Susa in southwestern Iran. This short excavation did not produce

many moveable and valuable objects, but resulted in the first actual plan of the site, and the identification of Susa as the ancient capital of Achaemenian kings. From the middle of that century onwards, archaeological activities were intensified, and Nassereddin Shah (r. 1848-1896), the Qajar king, was, in fact, a patron of explorations and recording of ancient monuments. During the second half of the 19th century the conceptual framework of archaeology was considerably influenced by two major developments: The deciphering in 1857 of the cuneiform script by Henry Rawlinson, and the triumph of evolutionary biology through the publication of Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species in 1859, that soon became influential in social sciences, addressing the origin and antiquity of man and, by extension, the transformation of society and culture. Also contributing were excavations in the Near East such as the discovery of

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

the Sumerian civilization in 1877. Some early accomplishments in field archaeology included the development of the method of controlled stratigraphy which was set forth in 1857 by the Germans at Olympia in Asia Minor, and then at Babylon (from 1899 onwards). Toward the end of the century, the application by Sir Flinders Petrie of Sequence Dating in his work in Egypt influenced Near Eastern archaeology greatly in the methodology of comparative typology. The first three decades of the 20th century was a time of important socio-political changes which considerably affected the future of archaeology in Iran. The first significant event was the Constitutional Revolution of Iran, which engendered and promoted new ideas and notably a conscious about Iranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural heritage and economic resources, along with a stimulation of nationalistic feelings in defense of the historical heritage of the country. The most crucial factor shaping the future of archaeology in Iran was without doubt the declining state of the Qajar government directly followed in 1925 by the rise of a new ruling dynasty, the Pahlavi dynasty, which could not necessarily be expected to respect all the concessions given by the Qajars; one of these concessions was the French Monopoly on Archaeological Excavations in Iran, which was finally abolished in 1927. In 1919, James Henry Breasted founded the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago with Rockefellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial support. Breasted himself a renowned Egyptologist was the driving force behind all the Oriental Institute expeditions to the Near East and Iran in the early decades of the 20th century. The Oriental Institute obtained the first excavation permit under the Antiquities Law of Iran (promulgated in November 1930) for the site of Persepolis, which marked the beginning of American involvement in the archaeological exploration of Iran. The work of American archaeologists in Iran has had a longlasting impact on the trend of archaeological studies both in the United States and Iran. Three major American institutions sponsored and carried out archaeological fieldwork and studies in Iran: The University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology of the University of Pennsylvania and the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago carried out the first large-scale excavations of important Iranian sites such as Persepolis, Rey and Hissar in the 1930s; the medieval site of Nishapur was investigated by a team from the Metropolitan Museum of Art between 1935 and 1939. These pioneering works brought to the United States the first exemplars of methodically excavated Iranian art, and enriched not only museum collections, but also promoted the creation of teaching positions and chairs in Iranian studies, art history and archaeology in American institutions. Later, from 1957 onward, the excavation of the proto-historic site of Hasanlu sponsored by the University Museum in Philadelphia brought to light outstanding archaeological discoveries such the Hasanlu gold bowl, and resulted in the training of a large number of archaeologists who were in charge of key academic positions in North American institutions until a recent time. Another aspect of American contribution to the advancement of archaeology in Iran was educational. In 1940, the first group of

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

students of archaeology graduated from the Department of Archaeology of the Faculty of Letters at Tehran University. Some of these graduates later studied at prestigious universities abroad. The United States were also significant in that the first Iranian archaeologist trained abroad was in an American university, and this archaeologist was to become a major figure in the history of archaeology in Iran, that is Ezzatollah Negahban, who studied in Chicago, and went back to Iran in 1956. Two years later, he founded the Archaeological Institute of the University of Tehran. He is better known for his rescue excavation at Marlik, when he saved a large part of the royal cemetery with his exceptional courage and determination. Two of his famous students also graduated later from the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania. To resume, it should be said that the impact of the American contribution to the development of archaeology in Iran is considerable in terms of advancement in archaeological techniques and training. Besides, three principal fields have been studied either by American or joint American-Iranian teams during the 1960s and 1970s, which are: 1. The study of the early farming phase and food production in southwestern Iran. 2. The study of the early states in Iran and the formation of kingdoms and empires. 3. The question of the appearance of Iranian speaking people on the Iranian Plateau.

Gold bowl of Hasanlu, Iran (photo: National Museum of Iran)

Ali Mousavi was born in Tehran. He studied in Lyon, France, and took his M.A. in Ancient History and Archaeology from the University of Lyon. He obtained his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. His interests range from the archaeology of second millennium B.C. in Iran to Achaemenid architecture and archaeology. Ali Mousavi has published widely on the archaeology of Iran and its history. He has carried out excavations in Iran, Turkey and France. Ali Mousavi is currently Assistant Curator of the Ancient Iranian and Near Eastern Art in the Los Angeles County Museum.

March & April 2009

PRESTIGE 25

Interview

POWER & PRESTIGE

THE IRANIAN-AMERICAN

OF COMMUNITY:

An Interview with

Dr. Fardad Fateri

The United States has long been considered a melting pot of cultures, a nation of immigrants, and a pillar of hope. Families from every country in the world have immigrated to the United States in order to build a more prosperous future, blending their heritage with American customs, creating unique cultural communities of power and prestige. One such community is the Iranian-American community. Iranians immigrated to the United States for numerous reasons but live here for the same purpose: success and prosperity. Although the achievements of the Iranian community have been remarkable, every community has room for improvement. Dr. Fardad Fateri, the president and chief executive officer of international education corporation (IEC), a premier provider of higher education in the United States, has spent his career promoting ways for Iranians to maintain their rich history while fulfilling their potential and reaching new heights of accomplishments.

6 PRESTIGE

OCT & NOV 2008

Dr. Fateri, what sparked your interest in becoming involved in the community in general and more specifically in the IranianAmerican community? I am sure there were many reasons for my involvement in community affairs but I can think of several key factors influencing my deliberate engagement in community activities. For one, I love serving and helping so when I had ample time during my university days as a student, I always took every opportunity to contribute. Also, I always felt the existence of a gap within the community for enhanced leadership. It is easy to place blame and complain about everything, but my philosophy is if you know a better way for doing something, get involved. Relative to the Iranian-American community, I felt compelled to become involved in the 1980’s when the image of our community was negatively influenced and shaped by ignorance and lack of tolerance. Moreover, since I left Iran when I was

12 years old to attend an international boarding school in Switzerland, I always had an incredible need to connect with my heritage and to connect with my roots in a more meaningful way and so becoming involved in the community allowed me to accomplish that dream.

What has the Iranian-American community accomplished since the early 1980’s in the United States? The Iranian-American community has accomplished the unprecedented in the history of the United States since the 1980’s. At the risk of sounding biased, I must submit that I am not aware of any other immigrant group that has assimilated more effectively into the mainstream American culture than the Iranian-American community demonstrated through our community’s success in education and business sectors. During this period, we have also managed to improve our standing as good corporate citizens and we

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

have achieved great success in acculturating well within national, regional and local communities.

What should be our top priorities as a community? When I was in my early 20’s during the late 1980’s, I developed what I refer to as the “Iranian-American triad” in my communication with the Iranian-American community. I have been advocating to all Iranian-American organizations and agencies and people in general to make every effort to support each and every part of “the triad.” In fact, every action I have taken in the past 25 years to support our community has been in line with “the triad’s” pillars. The triad is comprised of three major components: (1) improving the Iranian-American image in the U.S., (2) influencing the political process in the U.S., and (3) engaging in philanthropy in the U.S. I continue to be convinced that the success of our community and the new generation of Iranian-Americans will depend on our effectiveness in these three areas. I am very proud to hold that there are many old and new IranianAmerican organizations with missions, programs, and activities consistent with one, two and/or all three of these pillars. As I have spent ample time with many of these organizations, I would like to believe that I have had some influence in shaping their philosophical grounding and their formation to support “the triad” in various ways. In fact, I believe the cascading effect of the influence of this widespread communication is quite evident in our community’s involvement in these organizations.

As an Iranian-American, what is your biggest concern with the Iranian-American community? Everyone knows me as an optimist and a super positive individual and in the eve of one of the greatest economic disasters in the U.S., I believe that with an extraordinary economic structure,

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

we will have positive long-term results. The best corporations in the world are in the U.S. The greatest minds in the world are in the U.S. And, may of these great minds are of Iranian descent and many of these corporations are led by IranianAmericans. I am certain our presence will continue to be felt in mainstream Americana for many generations to come. Therefore, I do not have major concerns about the Iranian-American community. Sometimes, however, I do worry about losing our identity as Iranian-Americans and sometimes I do worry about us forgetting about our past.

Iranian-Americans have excelled in the fields of engineering, medicine, law and much more. Why do you think Iranian Americans have not been able to achieve substantial political power or influence? I have spoken with many experts in our community about this very issue. The answer to this question is twofold. First, I believe, because of the experiences and memories of most who have lived in Iran as adults before coming to the U.S. Is that politics is by its very nature inherently flawed because democracy is an illusion. Most Iranians who came to the U.S. as adults are cynical about the political process and they are skeptical about politics and what it represents. Therefore, it is relatively easy to conclude about the reasons behind the late

entrée of Iranians into the mainstream American political paradigm. Secondly, unlike other professions such as medicine, law, engineering, business etc…as new immigrants, it takes time to carve a political niche and power base. I am convinced this will change in short order. We have seen more and more Iranian-American candidates running for office and this new trend will inevitably result in the formation of a solid foundation that will then serve as the platform for the next generation of political activism in the U.S.

How do you think IranianAmericans may be encouraged to participate more in philanthropic and civic activities? I am seeing more and more members of our community participate in philanthropic and civic activities; this is a very positive movement relative to 20, 15, 10 and even 5 years ago. People are experiencing positive results of the investment of time and money. I believe that’s mainly due to people becoming more engaged in local giving. I do not believe in giving to international causes as those experiences will result in negative outcomes that will in turn discourage participation. As they say, think globally and act locally. There are many people and organizations in need locally.

What do you see as the image of the Iranian-American community in the future? I see nothing but excellence in our future. Our community is taking all the right steps to deliberately design a terrific image of the Iranian-American. I am experiencing more of us involved in giving and many are giving substantial amounts. And, I am observing many individuals being actively engaged in influencing the political process. I remain very optimistic about the future of the Iranian-American community in the U.S.

OCT & NOV 2008

PRESTIGE 7

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

OCT & NOV 2008

PRESTIGE 11

IRANIAN WHO’S WHO:

Hessam Abrishami, Evolutionary Artist

ince the days of the Persian Empire, talented Iranians have left their influential mark on various genres of art worldwide. One such Iranian artist is Hessam Abrishami. Abrishami’s genius use of bold color and composition in different mediums has resulted in a collection of art that is inspirational and breathtaking as well as dramatic and emotional. While often bringing in elements of Iranian culture and imagery, Abrishami’s themes appeal to the greater traditions and common human milestones that bind all humans of all cultures and time periods. Although the Iranian community is proud to have Abrishami as an esteemed Iranian artist, even more importantly, the international community is lucky to have his beautiful work and tremendous influence in the world’s art history.

An Artist’s Evolution Born and raised in Shiraz, Iran, Hessam Abrishami was surrounded by culture and art at an early age. As a teenager he was influenced by his art teacher, Mr. Moezzi, to pursue his budding artistic talent. Abrishami recalls the artistic freedom he experienced in Mr. Moezzi’s class saying, “We were free to pursue our own interests in Mr. Moezzi’s class. One day I recreated one of his portrait drawings, by hand of course, and turned it in as an assignment. He took

12 PRESTIGE

OCT & NOV 2008

quite a long time to examine the piece. I expected an angry response, possibly accusing me of plagiarism. Instead he simply said ‘you are better than me’.” With his artistic vision and the teachings and support of his teachers, Abrishami was able to win first place in Iran’s National Painting competition and later receive his B.A in architecture from the Namazi Institution of Arts in Shiraz. Although Abrishami was yet to realize the impending profoundness of his work, his years as a young adult in Iranian were the foundation upon which his passionate art was built. After receiving his B.A in architecture Abrishami left his home in Shiraz to pursue his art work in Italy at the Accademia di Bella Arti Pietro Vanucci. Working there in the art capital of the world allowed Abrishami to learn from the works of the European masters while branching out and discovering his own artistic identity. After receiving his Masters in Fine Art in Italy, Abrishami had his first exhibition at the City Gallery in Perugia the same year. Abrishami found success in Italy but felt it was time to return to his homeland of Iran to rediscover his beginnings and Iranian influences and see his progression as an artist. While in Iran, Abrishami was accepted for a group show at the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Tehran. One year later Abrishami opened a one man exhibition in his hometown of Shiraz at the Deressi Gallery and the Suratkaph gallery. For Abrishami, returning to Iran and finally being featured in an exhibit in his home country was a surreal, defining career moment. Following his exhibits in Iran, Abrishami came out with his book of drawings entitled “Screams”. After three years in Iran, Abrishami felt his career would

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

have more opportunity to flourish in the United States; thus after a brief time in Italy Abrishami and his family move to the US in 1984. Abrishami was faced with the difficulty of marketing himself as an artist in the US. It was two years before he was able to find a gallery in La Jolla, CA that asked to have his art on consignment. The gallery sold all 15 pieces they were displaying and from there Abrishami’s success with this gallery launched his career as an artist in the United States. Since then Abrishami’s work has been displayed in over 100 exhibitions and known and collected by thousands of art enthusiasts.

Painting Colors From the Heart

Part of the beauty of Hessam Abrishami’s art is that it is intuitive by nature. Rather than approaching the canvas with artistic fundamentals, he approaches a new artistic creation with the emotions and sentiments of his heart that that moment. “My work comes from a place in my heart, a place filled with emotion,” he says. “I start with a single stroke, I express my emotions through the paint and color, and the work begins to emerge,” he says. “I add more and more color, expressing deeper feelings, and every year I try to make my paintings stronger and deeper.” Abrishami paints through his emotions, letting the feelings flow out of his heart and through the paintbrush as vivid colors and bold strokes.

Hessam Abrishami is an inspiration to so many people, young and old, aspiring to live their dream. His progression as an artist is phenomenal and his work holds a steadfastly loyal and admiring place in the hearts of both artists and his fans. The young talented boy in Mr. Muezzi’s class in Shiraz has grown to become a prominent world renowned artist and a celebrated honor to the Iranian community.

He keeps the emotion of his art raw and unfiltered by keeping his mind out of the painting process explaining that it was cloud and dilute his emotional sensations and sentiments. Abrishami’s painting rejects imitative colors and instead juxtaposes colors in a way that expresses a feeling rather than an imitation of a form. His style is reflective of Matisse and other Fauve painters as its use of unconventional color is reminiscent of the Fauve style. Forms in his paintings are built up from color rather than line giving every scene a smoothness and harmony. Paintings such as “Daylight Dream” evoke a greater reaction through the use of unnatural color than imitative color. “You cannot analyze or invent emotional imagery, it has to be experienced with the heart” says Abrishami. There is a purity of emotion in Abrishami’s art that can only be expressed through the purity and vibrancy of colors that he uses. His work can be instantly recognized by its scenes of joy. The viewer is immersed into a world of passion, joy, song and dance. “I have always created my art with the intention of bringing joy to others,” he says. “At times, I have used my art to speak out against the pain that I see wrongfully inflicted upon the innocent. I’ve worked very hard throughout my career to spread these values and ideas about how I believe the world should be. My art is my gift.” Hessam Abrishami’s accomplishments are countless. He has over 20,000 private owners of his artwork all over the world, exhibited in over 100 one-man gallery shows, and over 25 international exhibitions and museums. He has recently received his Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from American Liberty University.

ThePrestigeMagazine.com ThePrestigeMagazine.com

OCT OCT & & NOV NOV 2008 2008

PRESTIGE PRESTIGE 13

1989 One-Man Exhibition at the Santa Monica Public Gallery. 1990 Exhibits at Los Angeles Artexpo 1990 Exhibits at New York Artexpo. 1991 One-Man Exhibition at the Bennett Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee. 1991 Exhibits in the Los Angeles and New York Artexpo.

1992

Joins Collectors Editions Art Publisher. - Group Exhibition at the New York Artexpo. - Exhibits at the Charlotte and Atlanta ABC Shows. - Group Exhibition at Art Asia Trade Show, Hong Kong.

1993

Group Exhibition at Tokyo International Art Show, Japan. - Exhibits in the Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York Artexpo. - Exhibits at Orlando, Dallas, and Atlanta ABC Shows.

1994

Exhibits at New York and Las Vegas Artexpo. - Exhibits at Orlando, Dallas, Atlanta, and Philadelphia ABC Shows. - Exhibits at the International Spring Fair, Birmingham, England.

1995

Exhibits at Dallas and New York Artexpo. - Exhibits at Dallas, and Atlanta ABC Shows. - One-Man Exhibition at Stellers Gallery, Jacksonville, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at Art Tech. Gallery in Denver, Colorado. - One-Man Exhibition, Lyrical Art Co., Tokyo, Japan. - Group Exhibition at Deck The Walls, San Diego, California. - One-Man Exhibition at the Bennett Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee.

1996

Hessam Abrishami

Exhibits in the Los Angeles and New York Artexpo. - Exhibits at Atlanta and Philadelphia ABC Shows. - One-Man Exhibition at A Gallery of Fine Art in Palm Desert, CA. - One-Man Exhibition at Barucci Gallery, Clayton, Missouri. - One-Man Exhibition at Shaw Gallery, Naples, Florida. - Exhibition at The Art of Entertainment Gallery, MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas. - One-Man Exhibition at Art Impressions Gallery, Columbus, Ohio.

Gallery and Museum Exhibitions

1997 One-Man Exhibition at Apropos Gallery, Telluride, Colorado.

Chronology: 1951

Born in Shiraz, Iran. 1967 Encouraged to study painting and drawing by his teacher Muezzi. 1970 Wins first place in Iran’s National Painting Competition. 1971 Receives B.A. in architecture from the Namazi Institution of Arts, Shiraz. 1975 Leaves Iran to study art at the Accademia di Bella Arti Pietro Vanucci. 1979 Graduates from Accademia di Bella Arti Pietro Vanucci. 1979 His first exhibition in the City Gallery of Perugia, Italy. 1980 Returns to Iran. 1980 His son Kaveh is born. 1980 Participates in a group exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Arts, Tehran. 1981 One-Man Exhibitions at Derissi Gallery and Suratkadph Gallery in Shiraz. 1982 Publication of a book of his drawings titled “Screams”. 1983 Returns to Italy. 1984 One-Man Exhibitions at the City Galleries of Julia Nova and Noretto, Italy. 1984 Immigrates to the United States. 1985 One-Man Exhibition at the University of California, LA (UCLA). 1986 One-Man Exhibition at Forecast Gallery in Los Angeles. 1986 One-Man Exhibition at Mac Houston Gallery in Pasadena. 1986 Group Exhibition at the San Bernardino Museum of Art. 1987 Illustrates the book of “The Epic of King Kiomars”. 1987-90 Participates in 72 Art Festivals and wins 21 prizes. 1989 Group exhibition at the Chicago Holiday Inn.

14 PRESTIGE OCT & NOV 2008 14 PRESTIGE OCT & NOV 2008

- Exhibits at Washington D.C., Chicago, and Atlanta ABC Shows. - One-Man Exhibition at Mary Vincent Gallery, Westchester, Illinois. - One-Man Exhibition at Water Street Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota. - One-Man Exhibition at Gallery 2000, Washington D.C. - International Autumn Fair, Birmingham, England. - Group Exhibition at ABC Galleria, New York. - Exhibits in the Los Angeles and New York Artexpo. - One-Man Exhibition at Syd Entel Galleries, Safety Harbor, Florida.

1998

Exhibits at New York Artexpo. - One-Man Exhibition at Shaw Gallery, Naples, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at New River Gallery, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at Emerald City Fine Art, Seattle, Washington. - One-Man Exhibition at Gallery 444, San Francisco, California.

1999

Exhibits at New York Artexpo. - One-Man Exhibition at Ocean Gallery, Avalon, New Jersey. - One-Man Exhibition at Art Image Gallery in Washington D.C. - One-Man Exhibition at Stellers Gallery, Jacksonville, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at Barucci Gallery, Clayton, Missouri. - One-Man Exhibition at Apropos Gallery, Telluride, Colorado. - One-Man Exhibition at Art Impressions Gallery, Columbus, Ohio. - One-Man Exhibition at Danielle Peleg Gallery, Detroit, Michigan.

ThePrestigeMagazine.com ThePrestigeMagazine.com

2000

Exhibits at New York Artexpo. - One-Man Exhibition at New River Gallery, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at Shaw Gallery, Naples, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at Larry Smith Fine Art, West Hollywood, CA. - One-Man Exhibition at Griffon Gallery, Cleveland, Ohio. - One-Man Exhibition at 21st Century Gallery, Denver, Colorado. - One-Man Exhibition at The Art Shop, Greensboro, North Carolina.

Museum Exhibitions including:

The Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach, Florida The Museum of Contemporary Arts in Tehran, Iran The San Bernardino Museum of Art, California Hessam has over 20,000 private collectors world-wide.

2001

Exhibits at New York Artexpo. - One-Man Exhibition at Gallerie Brion Fine Art, Del Ray Beach, FL. - One-Man Exhibition at Saper Galleries, East Lansing, Michigan. - One-Man Exhibition at Sahara Fine Art, Bellevue, Washington. - One-Man Exhibition at A Gallery of Fine Art in Palm Desert, CA. - One-Man Exhibition at Nese Galleries, Newport Beach, California.

2002

Joins Studio Fine Art Publisher. - Exhibits at New York Artexpo. - One-Man Exhibition at Shaw Gallery, Naples, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at New River Gallery, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at Michael Collins Gallery, Escondido, California.

StudioFineArt Toll Free: (888) 403-2089 Fax: (818) 889-2018 Phone: (818) 889-2000 Cell: (818) 430-6447 30941 Agoura Road #312 - Westlake Village, CA 91361 www.studiofineart.com

2003

Exhibits at New York Artexpo. - One-Man Exhibition at Galerie Brion, Del Ray Beach, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at Art Resources Gallery, Edina, Minnesota. - One-Man Exhibition at Ocean Galleries, Stone Harbor, New Jersey. - One-Man Exhibition at Syd Entel Galleries, Safety Harbor, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at Gallery 319, Santa Monica, California.

2004

Exhibits at New York Artexpo. - One-Man Exhibition at Shaw Gallery, Naples, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at West Coast Gallery, Whistler, B.C., Canada. - One-Man Exhibition at Chasen Galleries, Richmond, Virginia. - One-Man Exhibition at Newbury Fine Art, Boston, Massachusetts.

2005

Exhibits at New York Artexpo. - Exhibits at Atlanta Artexpo. - One-Man Exhibition at Galerie Brion Fine Art, Delray Beach, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at Syd Entel Galleries, Safety Harbor, Florida. - One-Man Exhibition at Seyhoun Gallery, Los Angeles, CA. - One-Man Exhibition at Artique, Pleasanton, CA. - One-Man Exhibition at Lesa Johnson Gallery, San Francisco, CA.

2006

Exhibits at New York Artexpo. - Exhibits at The Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach, FL. - One-Man Exhibition at Phillips Gallery, Santana Row, CA. - One-Man Exhibition at Shaw Gallery, Naples, FL. - One-Man Exhibition at Collectors Wall, Sarasota, FL. - One-Man Exhibition at Coast Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA, - One-Man Exhibition at LaMantia Gallery, New York, New York. - One-Man Exhibition at Exclusive Collections, San Diego, CA.

2007

Exhibits at New York Artexpo. - One-Man Exhibition at New River Gallery, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. - One-Man Exhibition at Seyhoun Gallery, West Hollywood,CA. - Hessam Receives Honorary Doctorate from American Liberty University - One-Man Exhibition at Blu Fine Art, Santana Row, California.

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

OCT & NOV 2008

PRESTIGE 15

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

OCT & NOV 2008

PRESTIGE 17

IRANIAN WHO’S WHO:

Michael Chegini, Respected Developer

Iranian-Americans have traditionally reached high levels of success and prosperity in the fields of engineering and development. Iranian-Americans have left their mark on important works of architecture all over the nation. Michael Chegini is one of the great minds and powers of modern development. Michael Chegini is the

18 PRESTIGE

OCT & NOV 2008

CEO of Owen Group, an Architectural, Engineering and Construction Management firm headquartered in Irvine California and also CEO of Chegini Group a Real-Estate Development company based in Newport Beach California. Owen Group is ranked among the top 500 Design firms (ENR) in the Nation and top 30 design firms in Orange County. Michael Chegini has obtained his Bachelor, Masters, PhD and Advanced Degrees. Michael Chegini is a registered civil and structural engineer from many states. Michael Chegini has worked with and supported many non-profit, professional and political organizations including Stop Gap, Red Cross, California Seismic Council, JCC RealEstate Group, Design Build Institute of America (DBIA), CMAA, ICSC, ULI, SEASOC and American Society

of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Institute of Architects (AIA). He was recently been recognized by the Business Advisory Council of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Member of Democratic National committee, State of California Governor’s Office and City of Irvine’s Mayor’s Office with a Leadership Award and as an Honorable Iranian American Businessman.

Chegini Group Profile

Chegini Group of Companies makes up several divisions offering engineering, architecture and construction management and general contracting services and is headquartered in southern California. The firm was founded in the early 1980’s by

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

ThePrestigeMagazine.com ThePrestigeMagazine.com

OCT OCT&&NOV NOV2008 2008

PRESTIGE PRESTIGE 19

Michael Chegini as Design Engineering Group and later in mid 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122;sAl Chegini join his brother to establish construction and construction management divisions, they both quickly established a reputation for providing the highest level of professional services. Through expansion, acquisitions and mergers, they have actively sought to provide more comprehensive services in a unique single-source setting- with client and customer satisfaction still in their primary goal. The firm has been ranked among the ENR top 500 Design Firms 10 times in the past 11 years. The Chegini Group of companies have a depth of experience with several public and private clients in sectors that include transportation, education, municipal, healthcare,

20 PRESTIGE

OCT & NOV 2008

hospitality and mixed-use. Currently Chegini Group operates in four divisions: Architectural- Engineering & Energy Division. The Architectural and Engineering division is run under the name of Owen Group, The Owen Group is a full services design firm which provides architects, mechanical, electrical, structural and civil engineers, designers, specification writers, and project support staff. We are leaders in Hotel and Commercial buildings, Education and Healthcare facilities, Energy and Infrastructure as well as Parking Structure design. Current projects include UCI Cancer Center, UCI Stem Cell Research Building, LAX New Midfield Satellite Concourse Terminal, Montage Hotel, Laguna Beach,

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Embassy Suites Glendale and Portola mixed used project in Oceanside. www.owengroup.com or www.henriksonowen.com

Program and Construction Management Division.

The Construction Management division is run under Owen Management Group (OMG). The OMG has extensive experience providing Program Management, Construction Management, and Pre-construction services throughout California. The team has experience in over 1,000 facilities projects in both design and construction. Current projects include John Wayne Airport the new Terminal C and new parking structure, Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) North Corona Metrolink Station and City of Perris Metrolink Station, and State of California 7 new prison health-

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

care facilities throughout California, OCTA Program Management services for new Metrolink stations in Orange County, Kaiser Healthcare and Los Angeles Community Colleges. www.owendesigngroup.com

cupancy. Chegini development focuses on both public-private partnership and private developments. The Chegini Group has in-house expertise in office, retail, multifamily and governmental/institutional projects. Chegini Group can create a development partner for land

Construction Services;

owners who want to develop their land with high returns. Chegini real estate professionals provide a full range of development services including site selection, land planning, government approvals, financing, asset management, and property management. Current projects include PacificTide beachfront villas in North San Diego, Tradewinds Mixed-use project in Oceanside Metrolink Station, Portola Oceanside Mixed-Use project, Vermont Transit Village retail project in Los Angeles and Corona Transit Center complex. www.cheginigroup.com

Real Estate Development;

Owen Group

Construction services is under SMC Construction, a Chegini Enterprise company manage and run by Al Chegini, provides preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, and design-build services for private, civic, education, commercial, public works, industrial, and healthcare clients in the western united state. Current projects include: UCLA Rieber Hall, Cerritos Community College Aquatic Center, Huntington Beach Union High School, La Mirada High School, Riverside City Hall and Anaheim Convention Center www.smccon.com The Chegini Group is a Real Estate Developers and Build-to-Suit Company in California. The Group has a unique approach and involvement at every level of a project, from concept to final oc-

20 Morgan • Irvine • CA • 92618

Tel: 949.680.6807 Fax: 949.860.4810

Email: mchegini@owengroup.com www.owengroup.com

OCT & NOV 2008

PRESTIGE 21

Architect

IRANIAN WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHO:

Mahmoud Gharachedaghi Prominent Architect Mahmoud Gharachedaghi, Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) is one of the most prominent architects in Los Angeles. In his 35 years architectural career, he has designed more than 500 small and large size projects around the globe for a variety of public and private clients. He has designed numerous office buildings, commercial centers, mixed-use facilities, civic centers, park and recreational facilities, educational institutions and residential buildings which many of them has received awards and recognitions. He was responsible for the design of the 77th Street Regional Police Facility, historic Hollywood Bowl Renovation project, New City Libraries for city of Mar Vista and city of Chatsworth and several hi-rise office buildings in Downtown Los Angeles. Gharachedaghiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent projects were the design of the city of Cathedral City Downtown Core Redevelopment project and the remodeling of City of Torrance City Hall and their New Permit Center. After working at three prominent architectural firms in Los Angeles as

24 PRESTIGE

OCT & NOV 2008

Senior Designer and Partner for few years and receiving several Local, National and International design awards, he opened his own architectural firm, GA DESIGN which is still providing excellent architectural services to many public and private clients. GA DESIGN is a well known architectural and planning office not only for its design capabilities but because of their attention to creating buildings that are environmentally sensitive. Gharachedaghi has received national recognition through the publication of his projects and as a recipient of numerous design awards. His projects have been published in most of the famous architectural magazines, including Architecture, Architectural Record and Architectural Digest. His design excellence and his significant contribution to the architectural profession throughout the Nation were recognized by the American Institute of Architects, elevating him to the level of Fellow in the Institute in 2003. He has been a member of AIA Fellows Nomination Committee since 2004. Throughout architectural career,

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Gharachedaghi has successfully melded his professional practice and public service to the benefit of his colleagues. In 1981, with the help of few colleagues he established the Society of IranianAmerican Engineers and Architects to assist immigrating Iranian professionals in adapting to their new environment. His innovative concept to co-ordinate the architects and engineers under the aegis of one organization has bridged the gap between these two related professions, dramatically improving the communication and partnering skills of the membership. The first grassroots organization of its kind, SIAEA provides educational seminars and classes, and conducts training courses and workshops. In his own practice at GA DESIGN, Gharachedaghi is a leader in the field of sustainable urban design; he has lectured on the subject for several public agencies and universities, demonstrating the value and benefits of green architecture in design and construction. In addition, as a board member of the City of Los Angeles Sustainable Design Task Force, Gharachedaghi spearheaded the development of citywide policies for sustainable design and construction and prepared the first Sustainable Building

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Reference Manual for the City of Los Angeles. To further provide direction for his colleagues, he founded the Sustainable Policies Institute in 1999. SPI has garnered widespread support in its mission to formulate, assess and advocate design solutions that promote sustainable urban development. He is currently the Vice President of the Sustainable Policies Institute. Invited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) as a speaker on Sustainable Design at the 2000 AIA National Convention in Philadelphia and 2001 AIA National Convention in Denver, Mahmoud’s presentation on Iranian vernacular architecture and the use of natural elements in cooling and heating of the buildings, sparked a groundswell of requests for more information on this subject, thus promoting sustainability as a major component in architectural design. In addition, Gharachedaghi has been a presenter at several local AIA meetings. Gharachedaghi received a Master Degree in Architecture from Tehran University in 1974 and another Master Degree in Architecture from University of Southern California in 1979. He has taught design studios at the USC School

of Architecture for several years. He is also a frequent lecturer at USC, UCLA and other educational institutions. Experiences • Oasis of Bermuda Dunes, 140 units Residential Units and Community Center • Hollywood Bowl Renovation, Ticketing Plaza, Museum, Gift Shops and Concession Stands • Baldwin Hills Park Recreation/Community Center • 77th Street Regional Police Facilities, Los Angeles • California State University Los Angeles Welcome Center • The Los Angeles City Hall Space Planning and Interior Renovation • California State University Los Angeles Faculty Club and Dining Facility • Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Master Plan • Cathedral City Downtown Core Redevelopment • Raffi Cohen International Tower, a 75-story office building in Downtown Los Angeles • Several Residential Projects Through his past experience in projects outside of the United States Mahmoud understands the importance of communication, and multi-cultural sensitivity. He has successfully designed several prestigious projects around the Globe, namely: • Marina Center/ Convention Center, Singapore (5.5 million sf. Of mixed use facility) • American Place I, Shanghai, China (5 million sf. Of mixed use development) • South Bond Plaza, Shanghai, China (3.5 million sf. Of mixed use development) • Stepaneker Civic center, Karabakh (Hotel, Museum, Restaurants, Music Hall & Residential Units)

OCT & NOV 2008

PRESTIGE 25

Hollywood Bowl Ecologically sensitive design principles were successfully incorporated into the 3-phase renovation of this 70 year old historical amphitheater. Green design elements included the orientation and the configuration of the buildings to maximize day-lighting, selection of building materials that have been recycled or can be recycled in the future and the most energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems. The picnic areas, planters and garden-type paths around and through the ticket circle, concession stands and entry plaza form a continuous series of processions that celebrate the never ending quality of nature. The building form, material and colors were carefully chosen to blend the new facility with the surrounding park. The program included a new ticket circle, Museum, adminis-

26 PRESTIGE

OCT & NOV 2008

tration offices, entry plaza, gift shops, concession stands, restroom facilities, disabled access compliance and improvement to the 18,000-seat facility. Mar Vista City Branch Library

Design Goals & Objectives • To create a Southern California nautical architecture with simple, open and inviting form to enhance a sense of community • To develop an organization of space which is flexible to accommodate future changes and to create an inviting building to attract visitors • To design an intellectual retreat that is healthy, comfortable, well-lighted and energy efficient • To select the building orientation, massing, form and materials to create a true sustainable and environmentally

sensitive building This City Branch Library is located at the intersection of two major streets. The program includes adult, young adult, and children reading sections, community/multipurpose room, administration offices and the support areas. The program also asks to provide maximum number of parking at the site. To answer the city’s residents’ wish to create a civic structure that can establish a theme for their future buildings and to bring back the proud feeling of being a Beach City as their name indicates, this library was created as a simple, open, inviting and above all an icon in sustainability. The building siting is tilted 22 degree to the south to create a more dynamic façade along the Boulevard while providing the most appropriate orienta-

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

tion for getting advantage of the sun angle and the prevailing wind direction. Seen from the street, the forms lurch and pull to respond directly to both its function and its site. The building exterior leans outward, offering the pedestrian and car patrons glimpses of the facility. From several blocks away, one can see the building icon, a magnificent tower, which functions as the children story telling room. In addition the tower is used as a passive cooling tower that delivers the natural air into the children and adult reading sections. Taking full advantage of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mild temperature climate, automatically controlled operable windows were strategically placed on the building to provide cross ventilation for all useable spaces. The vaulted and gently curved ceilings that arched toward one another with clerestory windows provide superior interior light quality. Extensive use of these clerestory windows drops a softened, diffused light into the room and washes a spray of natural light across the reading areas. In addition, the half-vaulted roofs are oriented toward the sun to create a shaded area where the clerestory windows are located. This strategy will reduce the heat gain through the clerestory windows thus increase energy efficiency. A cone shaped canopy with blue curved metal blades in various sizes cascades over the main entrance to resemble ocean waves and to emphasize the nautical architecture of the building. Large windows that are all oriented to the north and east naturally illuminate the entire reading areas. This orientation is recommended for a library building. The few windows located at the South elevation for the administration area and community room are protected by a series of awnings that create shade over the windows and prevent direct sun penetration. The soft reflective ocean green color of the glass is visually stunning The entire building is designed on raised floor, the first in a public project in city of Los Angeles, to provide maximum flexibility and to be used as air plenum for maximum energy efficiency. The additional costs to incorporate this state of the art technology, was offset by eliminating all suspended ceilings and reducing the size of the mechanical units to less than half of a conventional system. In addition, it is planned to install photovoltaic panels over the most part of the roof area to generate majority of their electrical need. The use of raised floor system combined with the use of solar panels not only has accommodated the current and future technology but has reduced the energy consumption and its costs to less than half of the other same size City Libraries.

GA DESIGN Architecture & Planning 19191 S. Vermont Ave, #640 Torrance, CA 90502 Tel: 310.516.9999 Fax: 310.516.7292 www.gadesignArchitecture.com

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

OCT & NOV 2008

PRESTIGE 27

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Winter 2009

PRESTIGE 13

IRANIAN WHO’S WHO:

Hamid Biglari Ph.D. Vice Chairman of Citicorp, Research Physicist & Philanthropist Citicorp Vice Chairman Hamid Biglari: “One Life, Multiple Worlds” up in Iran to beginning a new life in the U.S. and carving out successful careers as a nuclear physicist, a management consultant and an investment banker, he knows the value of an educated world view. “The most important way that being an Iranian-American has framed my global perspective is to recognize that there is more than one way to view issues. Different cultures have different ways of thinking about, and responding to, issues.”

Hamid Biglari is currently a ViceChairman of Citicorp, the main operating arm of Citigroup, a $60 billion revenue business with operations in over 100 countries. In that capacity, he has responsibility for driving strategy, allocating resources (e.g., capital, investments), and general business coordination across Citicorp’s main global business divisions and regions. He sits on Citigroup’s Senior Leadership Committee, the senior management group of the company. Citicorp Vice Chairman Hamid Biglari believes globality is “an unassailable competitive advantage” for Citi. As one who has moved from growing

14 PRESTIGE

Winter 2009

His life hasn’t turned out exactly as he envisioned it when he arrived in the U.S. 30 years ago to attend Cornell University. Then came the Iranian Revolution. “I fully expected to go back to work in Iran,” said Biglari, who was recently honored with the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor and, as an outstanding Iranian American, by the Iranian Future Leaders of UCLA. “Fate throws curveballs at you and you have to recalibrate based on those curveballs.” Biglari, whose family eventually joined him in the U.S., went on to obtain a B.S. in Applied Physics and a B.A. in Mathematics, both with Distinction, from Cornell and a M.S. and Ph.D. from Princeton University. He spent the first part of his career in academia, as a theoretical research physicist at Princeton’s Plasma Physics Laboratory,

the U.S.’s leading center for controlled thermonuclear fusion research. Some would say that exploring how to harness energy in an extremely volatile environment is good preparation for a career on Wall Street. Biglari’s next challenge was to move into an entirely different sphere at McKinsey & Co., the international management consulting firm, where, as a Partner, he ended up co-leading its investment banking consultant practice. When asked what led him to the sudden career shift, he said that he made the jump because he felt that the U.S. was losing its long-term commitment to scientific research with the ending of the Cold War since much of basic scientific research had been funded by the military since the end of World War II. “I thought the country was making a mistake because academic research, like the transistor or the Internet, is what fuels industrial growth a decade later, but I felt that it might take a generation for the country to realize what a mistake it was making, and I didn’t have a generation to wait!” Before globalization became a buzzword, Biglari felt that the collapse of communism would usher in a new wave of international growth and getting involved with that would be exciting. Since financial services was the cutting edge of globalization, that was the industry where his logic drew him. “There are a number of things that academia and business have in common,” he said. “Insight comes from asking the right question rather than always finding the right answer to the question. The hardest part of any undertaking is to narrow down the core issue that needs to be resolved.” He cited a valuable lesson learned from teaching. “You truly don’t understand a subject unless you can explain it in a simple way. This, along with teamwork, is a critical skill.” “While at McKinsey, I helped frame strategy and execute on decisions and today I am focused on providing related insights at Citi.”

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

In 2000, Biglari moved to Citigroup as head of Corporate Strategy, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Institutional Clients Group and a member of the Senior Leadership Committee. Appointed Vice Chairman of Citicorp, the strategic operating arm of Citigroup this past April, Biglari believes Citi has a bright future. “In many ways, we owe this to the foresight of those who built the company over the past 200 years and held the course as emerging markets went through their inevitable ups and downs. Today it would be virtually impossible, and prohibitively expensive, for any company to establish a similar position to what Citi has in so many markets.” ”Very few international institutions can serve the needs of multinational companies and internationally-mobile consumers as well as Citi can. Eventually, this crisis will pass, and we will be extraordinarily well-positioned to take advantage of Citi’s core differentiating strength as globalization comes back into frame.” In spite of his punishing schedule, he believes strongly in giving back. When asked what receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which has been given to outstanding immigrants such as Henry Kissinger and I.M. Pei, means to him, Biglari reflected, “There is no definition of an impactful life that does not include giving back to community and I have found personal satisfaction in doing so. In many ways, the Ellis Island medal is recognition of that and it is humbling to have received this award.”

focused on building new lives from scratch that we didn’t have time to build a community. A number of us felt the time had come for those who had been more fortunate and built successful careers to think broadly about the bringing the Iranian-American community together on a national level.” Biglari said the 15-month organization has received an enormous positive reaction. “People have felt a yearning for something like this and it’s succeeding on a national scale.” In May, Biglari appeared at UCLA with other accomplished Iranian Americans to take part in “Passing the Torch of Success to the New Generation of Leaders.” Talking to a packed house of 2,000, he shared insights from his multifaceted career. “One thing that is relatively unique about my career is that I have straddled three different careers. I tried to convey that, from my vantage point, the key to professional success is to continuously reinvent yourself and do it when you’re hitting a high note rather than when you are on the way down.

His most recent effort was helping to create the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans.

“Gabriel Garcia Marquez wrote in ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ that ‘human beings are not born once and for all on the day their mothers give birth to them, but...life obliges them, over and over again, to give birth to themselves.”

“Over last 30 years, there has been a huge wave of immigration of Iranians to the U.S. and there have been many individual accomplishments, but so many of us were

A typically thoughtful remark from a man who has reinvented himself three times in three decades, and isn’t even close to being ﬁnished with his own personal evolution.

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Winter 2009

PRESTIGE 15

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Winter 2009

PRESTIGE 17

IRANIAN WHO’S WHO: Darr Hashempour, Ph.D., P.E. Prominent Green Energy Engineer & Cultural Activist grades. He specializes in advising corporate leaders and government agencies on the most efficient ways of navigating the often treacherous waters of utility deregulation, and balancing utility demands and cost reduction concerns. Dr. Hashempour is President and Founder of Expedient Energy. He served as Sr. Vice President and Vice President of Energy Solutions for PinnacleOne, Syska Hennessy Group, and CH2M HILL, leading national engineering, consulting, and design-building firms. Dr. Hashempour also served as a Senior Project Manager with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Southern California Edison. Many Iranian–Americans are at the forefront of the complex and important issues facing the modern world. Two such issues include the Energy Crisis and Global Warming. One such Prestigious Iranian-American is Dr. Darr Hashempour.

Dr. Darr Hashempour is a dynamic engineering and construction executive with proven leadership skills, organizational abilities and experience managing all facets of the operation in organizations ranging from very large national and international corporations to startup companies. His demonstrated results encompass an array of disciplines, including business development, strategic planning and financial management. Dr. Darr Hashempour has over 29 years of experience helping private and public agencies manage their energy usage, develop new approaches to reduce overall energy consumption, and refine their strategies for energy efficiency up-

18 PRESTIGE

Winter 2009

Over his career, Dr. Hashempour has successfully developed and implemented over $540 Million energy projects. He is an expert in a wide range of energy-related topics, including Utility Deregulation, Demand Side Management, Green Buildings and LEED Certifications, Cogeneration, Distributed Generation, and Renewable Energy. Dr. Hashempour is a Registered Professional Engineer in California, and holds a Doctorate Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Power Generation and Power Transmission. Dr. Hashempour is also a Part-time faculty member at California State University Long Beach, where he teaches Mechanical Engineering courses. Dr. Hashempour is also one of the founder and current President of “Jewel of Persia”, a Persian Cultural Center. Jewel of Persia operates from the premise that all human beings are equal. It promotes the ancient principles of “• Good Thoughts • Good Words • Good Deeds” and holds

them as the pillars of education, community, and advancement. Jewel of Persia plans to build a magnificent cultural center in Southern California over a 10-acre land parcel with 5 buildings over 150,000 square feet in size. Once it is built, Jewel of Persia will be a place without borders, speaking with a cultural voice as deep as history and as old as the first human rights. The culture of Persia is a part of the past of Iranians and no doubt will be a part of their future. Over the past 30 years, Iranian-Americans have been one of the fastest growing immigrant groups in United States, excelling in many areas, including education, culture, arts, science, music, and business profession. Even with diverse background and different ethnic groups, Persians share a common goal, preserving their culture and their heritage. Jewel of Persia, through the leadership of Dr. Hashempour and its Board of Directors, will be an intellectual environment created by the cultural values of the Persian heritage. The Jewel of Persia’s Board of Directors has contributed their personal visions and professional expertise by taking the first step in this important direction to build a Cultural Center.

In addition to his innovation in the energy field and his leadership in the Iranian cultural community, Dr. Hashempour is an active philanthropist involved in many organizations including, “Feed the Children”, the “American Cancer Society”, “Child Foundation”, “NIPOC” and “Mehregan” committees as well as a member of the Association of Energy Engineers and US Green Building Council. Dr. Hashempour’s modern vision for the planet through his designs for Energy Solutions, combined with his reverence for Iranian history and culture make him an esteemed and prestigious IranianAmerican.

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

emitted naturally through the carbon cycle, and through human activities like the burning of fossil fuels. Natural sources of CO2 occur within the carbon cycle where billions of tons of atmospheric CO2 are removed from the atmosphere by oceans and growing plants, also known as “sinks,” and are emitted back into the atmosphere annually through natural Global Warming has been a highly contested issue in United processes also known as “sources.” When in balance, the total States political scene for over a decade. However, although the carbon dioxide emissions and removals from the entire carbon United States has been slow to recognize the effects of global cycle are roughly equal. warming, the scientific phenomenon of global warming has been a long time in the making. As the debate continues to Since the Industrial Revolution of the 1700’s, human activisurge both domestically and internationally, much confusion ties, such as the burning of oil, coal, natural gas, and deforesexists among laymen regarding the causes and effects of and tation, have increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. solutions to global warming. In 2005, global atmospheric concentrations of CO2 were 35% higher than they were before the Industrial Revolution.

Global Warming & the Energy Crisis What are the Solutions? By: Darr Hashempour, Ph.d., P.E.

INTRODUCTION

Global Warming - By definition, Global Warming is the “Increase of the Average Temperature on Earth.” The main cause of Global Warming is an excessive amount of air pollution. Greenhouse Gases, i.e., SOx, COx, and NOx are the major contributors of current air pollution. Most importantly, Greenhouse Gas emissions will cause Ozone depletion, which is extremely dangerous to human, animal and plant life on Earth. Internationally, the United States ranks number one in polluting the atmosphere. The main causes of air pollution in the United States are Power Plants (Electrical Generating Stations). Almost 53% of our everyday usage of electricity is being generated through Fossil Fuel generating stations (Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal); approximately 1.6 Billion Metric Tons of Carbon. United States generates only 7% of its power through Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Geothermal, and Bio-mass); sources that have no Carbon Dioxide emissions. Carbon Dioxide (CO2), is emitted in a number of ways. It is

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Energy Crisis – The power industry is undergoing one of the greatest paradigm shifts ever experienced. By virtue of its size as the third largest industry in America (approximately 900,000 megawatts of power yielding almost $325 Billion annually), these changes will affect every business and every individual. Clearly, the changes are more revolutionary in nature than evolutionary. Against this background, energy demand is growing significantly. According to a Department of Energy (DOE) report, a projected 363,000 megawatts of new generating capacity will be needed by 2020 to meet the growing demand for electricity in the US and to offset planned retirements of existing old and inefficient “generating capacity.” This illustrates our ever growing demand for electricity. The fastest growing market segment for power consumption is the communications industry. Such growth is driven by the power requirements associated not only with the geographic expansion of communications networks, but also by the

Winter 2009

PRESTIGE 19

incremental power needed to support capacity expansion. These expansions required by the demand for telephone systems (LAN line and Wireless) and broadband, especially the integration of video streaming. On one hand, we face the ever growing challenges of Global Warming and we know one of the major contributors is the use of power plants and on the other hand, we are very concerned about our growing power shortages. We need to reduce the global warming (lowering our Carbon Foot-print by reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions) while we need to increase our power generation. Is this possible? Are there any solutions to these problems?

SOLUTIONS There are only two solutions which will help reduce global warming while increasing our power productions: Energy Conservation (Short-term Plan)

20 PRESTIGE

Winter 2009

and Increasing Production of Renewable Energy (Long-term Plan). Our immediate attention should be on the reduction of our energy usage. Using the newest technologies available and through innovative engineering design we can easily reduce our energy consumption rates (Demand-side Management) by 30% to 50%. Energy conservation will reduce electricity production at old and inefficient power plants resulting in lower emissions and ultimately helping in the reduction of our Carbon Footprint. While we are focusing on energy conservation, we should start planning for significant increases in our energy production through Renewable Energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, and others). Converting sun radiation directly to electricity, or changing a small amount of wind to power, or using naturally available hot spring water to produce energy are the best approaches to solve our energy shortage.

It will take less than ¼ percent (0.25%) of the available land in the United States to generate enough renewable energy to satisfy our national daily power demands and, more importantly, shutdown all fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. Today, the push for Green Buildings (Environmentally-friendly or Ecofriendly Buildings) and Green Power (Renewable Energy Sources) increases our chances to reduce global warming and keep our planet earth beautiful for future generations. Thinking “Green” and acting “Green” should be on everyone’s mind. “Expedient Energy” is a nationwide leader of providing green buildings and green power consulting services. We take pride in our work and we are passionately committed to the green concept.

GREEN IS GREAT !

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

IRANIAN WHO’S WHO: Khosrow Sobhe Ph.D. Rug Enthusiast, Educator, & Cultural Activist Dr. Khosrow Sobhe is a second generation rug enthusiast, scholar, Certified Rug Specialist, and appraiser. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management, a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), a second master’s degree in Education and a Ph.D. in Higher Educational Planning from U.S.C. (University of Southern California) and is the foremost expert on the Iranian Textile Industry and Culture.

Dr. Sobhe has lectured on rugs in the Textile Museum (Washington D.C.), The Bowers Museum (Santa Ana, California), and in different places and occasions in and outside the U.S. Among his infinite achievements, Dr. Sobhe is an award winning producer and Exemplary Carpet Exporter of the Year 2000 and received the Iranian Presidential Award for his impeccable research and advocacy of the Iranian textile Industry. Dr. Sobhe has served as a Board member to the Iranian Carpet Exporters’ Association based in Tehran for the past eighteen years in addition to serving as the spokesperson for twelve years. Currently, Dr. Sobhe is an active member of the Textile Group of Los Angeles and a Board member to the Textile Museum Associate of Southern California.

24 PRESTIGE

Winter 2009

He is also an Industry Partner to the American Society of Interior Designers, Los Angeles Chapter which boasts more than 1,700 members. Dr. Sobhe is the Editor in Chief of the “Farsh, The Iranian Hand Woven Rug” quarterly which highlights innovations & commerce in the Iranian textile industry in addition to a historical background behind the various rug styles that exist in different regions of Iran. Dr. Khosrow Sobhe is the president of the Coalition of Iranian Entrepreneurs AKA the IranianAmerican Chamber of Commerce in Southern California. In promotion of Iranian rugs and culture, Dr. Sobhe had a set of stamps printed by the US Post Office which depict various images of rugs and Iranian rug weavers. He also owns and runs a rug gallery in Los Angeles. Barry O’Connell of Washington D.C, founder and moderator of www.spongobongo.com, the most visited rug web site on the Internet, said of Dr. Sobhe, “He is to the Western World the voice of the Persian Carpet industry. He is a frequent spokesman for the Iranian Carpet Exporters Association”. Dr. Khosrow Sobhe is one of the most prominent rug specialists in the Iranian community.

International Ltd. ASID Industry Partner Award Winning Producer of Persian Rugs 1655 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035

www.RugIdea.com | Tel. 310-770-9085

ThePrestigeMagazine.com

Cover Story

Esteemed Members of Our Community:

Mohammad Amini Historian/Author

Mohammad Amini, is a well-known and accomplished Iranian author and historian with over 150 articles and publications in his name. He is also recognized by millions of Iranian through many years of weekly radio interviews with renowned journalist, Hossein Mohri, and revision interviews with me on Andisheh. He has recently started his own weekly TV program on Andisheh, dubbed, Yek-kalam-e or oneword, after name of a book written by one of the forefa-

September & October 2012

thers of modernity in Iran 1n 1869. His fame though, is due to his unique historical research on subjects varied from modernity, constitutional revolution, tribal and ethnic discourses in Iran, Islamic movement and formation of nation state in Iran. He is also one of the foremost authorities on life and works of late historian, Ahmad Kasravi Tabrizi. In fact, he critiqued and edited, Shi’ism, one of the most con-

troversial and famous works of Kasravi and the resultant work was published last year, adding over 260 pages of comments and preface to Kasravi’s famed work. As reluctant as he is to talk about himself, I found out that his enthusiasm about reading in general and history in particular, began when he was a first grader. “My father instilled the love of reading and history in me, initially by encouraging me to insert corrections that usu-

13۹1 ‫ شهریور و مهر‬- 3۳ ‫شماره‬

ally accompanied older books, in the appropriate pages.” It is worth nothing that even to this date most books in Farsi are not without typo errors, including works of historian Amini! Series of articles about Fedayian-Eslam, he has written in the last 6 years, has brought a rash of condemnation by some Islamic Fundamentalists, together with praise and admiration by many scholars and those interested in the subject. Amini is rewiring those articles with significant additions and reviews in a soon to be published book. That brings us to his most recent book, which promises to be historically riveting as well as igniting a very serious

political debate. It is entitled The Deception with History, in two volumes. The firs 700-page volume, which should be in bookstores at time this magazine is published, responds to some of revisionist account of history regarding the 28-month premiership of Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, the nationalization of oil industry in Iran and the CIA led coup of 1953. Amini’s method of reviewing Iranian history and writing about it is unique and unbiased. He is saddened that the culture of accurate reporting of history among Iranian elite and intellectuals is lacking or weak. “It is not difficult to comprehend the limitations of those who wrote historical books or biographies 1000, 500 or 200 years ago, during the reign of depots and murderous kings and rulers. The fact that in modern day Iran, we are still confronted by selective and biased memoires, distorted or dishonest account of history and books infested with inaccuracy and manipulation of facts.” Amini shared with me that his most comprehensive work or his “legacy” is a four-volume historical assessment of state and religion discourse is the last 500 years in Iran. “I have read and dissected just about every book, print or manuscript, that provides some

September & October 2012

Mohammad Amini with his Father Nosratollah Amini & Dr Mossadegh

information about the relationship between the institutions of religion and government in the years starting from ascendance of Safavid to the fall of the Shah. I have one year left in finalizing evaluation of events during of the Pahlavi dynasty. I will be then ready to publish all 4 volumes together”. It is the pleasure of Jaam-vaJaan to recognize Mr. Amini as this month’s esteemed member of our community. His contributions to the Iranian community have been endless and we are happy to have had the chance to shed light on some of them. Reza Goharzad

13۹1 ‫ شهریور و مهر‬- 3۳ ‫شماره‬

Cover Story

Esteemed Members of Our Community:

Ardeshir Babaknia M.D. Scholar, Author | Chairman, Medical Advisory Board Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health

within the Persian community and has been well received. His four volume series is one of the first and only works of its kind written in Farsi. The academic honesty with which he writes will give readers an unbiased and detailed understanding of not only the events of the Holocaust but the subsequent impact. The amount of research that has gone into this book is incredible. The following is what one may expect to find in Dr. Babaknia’s series: • While there are many books written in English or Farsi, there is really not a significant number of books on the subject of the holocaust. • Most of these books are translations, such as “Death is My Job” written by Robert Merle and translated by our great poet, Ahmad Shamloo, or “Treblinka “(Uprising at Death Camp “) written by Juan François Steiner.

Dr. Ardeshir Babaknia, a wellknown Johns Hopkins trained physician who is currently the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board of the Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health spent the past 15 years on something other than medicine – a 4-volume book on the Holocaust in his maternal language, Farsi. For over a decade, Dr. Babaknia has dedicated much of his time and effort to researching, writing and editing a detailed and impeccable four volume historical account of the Holocaust in Farsi. Two other books have also been published by

June & July 2012

Ardeshir Babaknia:”Jewish Contribution to Human Civilization” in 1972 and “Jewish Winners of the Nobel Prize” in 1992. Dr. Babaknia’s comprehensive four volume book is now available, and already he is working on a 2 volume book in English – “The Holocaust: Capturing the Emotions” which seeks to capture and convey the emotions of both victims and perpetrators involved in the Holocaust. As a well respected member of the Persian community, Dr. Babaknia’s work is of outmost significance

• This thoroughly researched, 4volume book has over 2400 pages, 3400 reference, 1500 photo doc. 300 copies of official documents and over 10,000 subject matter indices published in Farsi. • Besides its length and thoroughly researched accuracy, the book is beautifully written. • It fuses the essence and emotion of a narrative with the academic honesty of a well researched book – and that alone makes the book hard to put down. • The holocaust is a tragedy, not just for the Jewish people, but for all mankind.

13۹1 ‫ تیرماه‬- 32 ‫شماره‬

• It is a tragedy that one man should treat another with a complete lack of empathy and so much hatred.

researchers to be able to accurately convey the events that made the holocaust the tragedy that it was.

locaust in Persian , which is spoken daily by well over one hundred million people worldwide. Hence the reason for writing this book.

• It is only through knowledge and understanding that travesties akin to what happened in the holocaust can be prevented.

Dr. Babaknia shed light on his reason for allocating time and effort into the book:

From the IntroductionThe Holocaust

• Thus, it is important that the story of the holocaust be told, and be heard. • The world that was silent yesterday, will be silent tomorrow, unless we open our eyes to someone else’s suffering and garner empathy in our society. • It is not important for holocaust research, to know, just how many people were affected, but to understand why these tragic events occur, as tragedies like this have continued and will continue,if we do not bring the causes of the tragedy to light. • As it is often said, “those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it”. • This is a heavy task for writers and

June & July 2012

The Holocaust, the systematic, bureaucratic extermination of an entire people-men, women, children and suckling infants- solely because of the identity and belief of their grandparents, defies explanation. The facts may be recounted, but can never be fully understood. Questions may be posed, but answers should not be expected-responses, perhaps, but not answers. As I have studied the events we call the Holocaust, I gradually realized that my first duty, and that of all students of the Holocaust, is to write down what happened, as clearly and completely as possible. There is no subject more important to me than this. Though there exist tens of thousands of books on the subject in English and many other languages, there has never been a comprehensive book about the Ho-

“When I began my research on this topic fifteen years ago, I wanted to know why and how the Jews of Europe were destroyed - and why and how the world allowed it to happen. As my mentor, Raul Hilberg, has eloquently stated, The how of the event is a way of gaining insight into perpetrators, victims, collaborators and bystanders.” It goes without saying that Dr. Babaknia is a force in the Iranian community in more ways than one. His work as a doctor is to be applauded and his work as a writer will and has affected the lives of many. That is why Jaamva- Jaan magazine is honored to make Dr. Babaknia our esteemed member of the community this month. Reza Goharzad www.memorah.com www.holocaustinfarsi.com

13۹1 ‫ تیرماه‬- 32 ‫شماره‬

Esteemed Members of Our Community:

Farrokh Shadab M.D, F.A.A.P Specialist in: Pediatrics & Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

In a culture full of doctors and medical professionals, very rarely does one stand out above the rest. An exception to this rule is an exceptional doctor, Dr Farrokh Shadab, a dear friend and supporter of our Community. Dr. Shadab began his practice in the ﬁelds of pediatrics and neonatology in Orange County in 1979. After attending medical school at Tehran Medical School, Dr. Shadab began his internship in America at Beverly Hospital in Beverly, Massachusetts and his residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Shadab focuses his highly respected pediatric practice on monitoring pediatric growth and development, comprehension,

August | September 2007

children’s interaction with their environments, and assessments of socialization, academic performances, and behaviors of children from newborns to adolescents. Throughout his practice Dr. Shadab has had the opportunity to serve as Chairman of Neonatal Quality Assurance and Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Westminster and Fountain Valley Hospitals. Dr. Shadab has always been a great supporter of the arts and Iranian cultural events in Orange County. Although his practice is his main focus. Dr. Shadab is also the founding member of the Iranian Cultural Center

of Orange County (ICCOC) and a member of Stop-Gap’s Key Holder Program against Domestic Violence (100 Persian men against domestic violence). Dr. Shadab’s place in both his profession and in the Iranian community is one of great esteem and many of Orange County’s children and families owe their health and happiness to his work. For Jaam-va-Jaan, Dr.Shadab has been a friend and supporter with a wealth of valuable information about the health issues in the Iranian community. We thank him for all of his help and contributions. http://www.ockidsdoctor.com/

1386 ‫ﺷﻬﺮﻳﻮﺭ‬ ‫ﻮﺭ‬ - 12 ‫ﺷﻤﺎﺭﻩ‬

Cover Story

Esteemed Members of Our Community:

Dr. Ebrahim Amanat Teacher | Author | Psychiatrist & Advocate of Spiritual Psychology

The Iranian Community has been quite privileged in being able to boast highly influential members of the field of Psychology and Psychiatry. One such member is Dr. Ebrahim Amanat. It is Dr. Amanat’s unique commitment to the advancement of mental health sciences that makes Jaam Va Jaan proud to call Dr. Ebrahim Amanat an esteemed member of our community. Dr. Ebrahim Amanat is currently a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Keck School of Medicine,

June & July 2010

at the University of Southern California and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Consultant with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. He is a writer, lecturer, and educator, having taught in various university settings for the past 40 years, and a life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Amanat is also the author of several influential books in his field, including Depression and Suicide (1967), Specific Learning Disabilities (1968), Riddle of Dreams (2003), A Return to Respect (2006),

and The Troubled Adolescent: A Practical Guide (ed. with Jean Beck 1984). He is the author of several monographs on creative parenting, anger and grief, and various pathologies in addition to having his professional papers published in such prominent and well known journals as the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Journal of Adolescence, Res. Medica, Journal of Child Psychiatry and Human Development, and the Journal of Family Therapy. Dr. Amanat’s contributions and prog-

138۹ ‫ خرداد و تیر‬- ۲۵ ‫شماره‬

ress in the field have been well recognized, earning him awards from the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association as well as a Congressional Citation for his services to victims of trauma. Dr. Amanat has also devoted his time and services to the Veterans community, and consequently received the Hands on Hearts Medal from the Veterans’ Administration and a Special Recognition Award from the Los Angeles Vet Center.

In addition, Dr. Amanat has worked tirelessly in the field of trauma desensitization as well as being active in providing services in 12 step programs in California and Missouri. Dr. Ebrahim Amanat received his first medical degree at the University of Tehran, Iran in 1960 after which Dr. Amanat came to the United States to receive further training in adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry, and later in dynamic psychiatry, communicative therapies, Ericksonian approaches, and the use of spiritual metaphors. He returned to Iran for three years to teach and immigrated to United States in 1970. Dr. Amanat currently lives in California with his wife Mahin Mashhood Amanat, MD. Dr. Amanat is not just a psychiatrist or an academic. Dr. Ebrahim Amanat has contributed to, not only the field of mental health and cognitive sciences with his scholarly works, but to his community, being an advocate for those most afflicted with debilitating and devastating mental health afflictions, such as veterans, addicts, trauma victims, and troubled adolescents. We, at Jaam-va-Jaan are honored to have had Dr. Ammanat as a contributing writer. It is Dr. Ammanat’s tireless devotion to his field and his community that makes him Jaam Va Jaan’s Esteemed Member of our Community.

June & July 2010

On Suffering and Spiritual Growth: “Suffering and Spiritual Growth – Calamities and Providence” is a book for the entire world. The author tells us through poignant stories how to learn from adversity and disaster. He speaks of the soul, of prayer in action and meditation as means of achieving greater appreciation of life, new sense of priorities, greater empathy, more intimate relations and spiritual growth. Reading this book is a life changing experience. DOROTHY W. NELSON (Senior Judge United Court of Appeals, 9th. Circuit, Chair and Founder of Western Justice Center Foundation, Former Dean and Professor of Law, USC Law Center) You may purchase Dr. Amanat’s book at: www.Amazon.com

138۹ ‫ خرداد و تیر‬- ۲۵ ‫شماره‬

Cover Story Esteemed Members of Our Community:

Parviz Ghadirian Ph.D

Professor at University of Montreal & McGill University Director of the Epidemiology Research Center

It is the pleasure of Jaam va Jaan magazine to present Dr. Parviz Ghadirian as this issue’s esteemed member of the month. We are honored to have such a driven and successful individual in our community and humbled by his accomplishments and immense success in the field of medicine. Dr. Ghardirian’s scientific career began early. In 1969, after receiving his B.Sc. in Food and Nutrition Sciences from the School of Food Sciences in Iran, he was appointed Director of the Caspian Littoral

Feb & March 2011

Cancer Registry and Nutritionist on the Epidemiology Team for Esophageal Cancer Studies in Northern Iran. These research activities were collaborative projects of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Institute of Public Health Research (IPHR) of Tehran University. In 1972, Dr. Ghadirian joined the staff of the Eppley Cancer Research Institute in Omaha as a nutritionist. During his four years in the United States, he received his M.Sc. in

Medical Science (Human Nutrition) from the College of Medicine, University of Nebraska, at Omaha. In 1976, he returned to Iran and was appointed Head of the Babol Medical Research Station and Director of Esophageal Cancer Field Studies, including the Caspian Cancer Registry. His initial work on the epidemiology of esophageal cancer was followed by surveys on population food habits and nutrition, familial cancer of the esophagus, esophageal cancer in domestic animals, opium use and esophageal cancer,

138۹ ‫ اسفند‬- ۲۸ ‫شماره‬

as well as several other epidemiological investigations. Dr. Ghadirian redirected his career in 1978 and was accepted as a doctoral candidate at the Institute of Cancer Research, Division of Epidemiology, London University (U.K.), with a fellowship from the WHO. He received his Ph.D. in Cancer Epidemiology in 1982. In 1983, after a year of research on the epidemiology of cancer in the Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Community Medicine, Oxford University, he joined the research group of the Montreal Cancer Institute as Research Associate and Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal. In 1986, he was appointed Associate Professor (Research) in the Human Nutrition Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke. Dr. Ghadirian is currently full Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nutrition, University of Montreal, and Director of the Epidemiology Research Unit of the Research Centre at the CHUM -Hôtel-Dieu. He is also Adjunct Professor in the Department of Oncology at McGill University, as well as Associate Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Nutrition Changes and Development at the University of Montreal. His main activities in recent years have concentrated on the genetic epidemiology of cancer, the epidemiology of nutrition and cancer, the epidemiology of AIDS, hypertension,

Feb & March 2011

cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, food habits and chronic diseases. He has served as, and is an active consultant to, the IARC of the WHO in Lyon, France, as well as its regional office for the Eastern Mediterranean in Alexandria, Egypt. He is a Senior Research Associate of the European Institute of Oncology, and has served as a part-time Senior Research Epidemiologist at Health Canada (Environmental Health Centre). Dr. Ghadirian is an Affiliated Scientist of the McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment of the University of Ottawa. He has published more than 304 scientific articles, chapters, reports and books along with 237 scientific presentations regarding his research activities and more than 1,200 articles and columns in different journals for the lay public -- in French, English and mostly Farsi (Persian). Since 1989, he is the host of, and is responsible for, an Iranian international television program on nutrition and health. He is a member of the editorial board of several scientific journals, and he was the Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer of the Iranian Medical Journal for eight years, serving the Iranian communities in North America.

journals and newspapers. His two recent books on AIDS and Cancer Detection and Prevention in Farsi are well known and well received among Iranians in and outside Iran. It is incredible that among all of these accomplishments, Dr. Ghadirian is also able to give back to his community. His career is defined by his desire to help others and promote health anywhere and everywhere that he can reach out to. Jaam va Jaan is honored to have Dr. Ghadirian as our esteemed member of the month, not only for his incredible career but for the compassion that he has for others that drives him to help others through his career.

Dr. Ghadirian has dedicated a large portion of his life to promoting people’s health and wellbeing, particularly of the Iranian community, through conferences, television, radio, and the print media:

138۹ ‫ اسفند‬- ۲۸ ‫شماره‬

Cover Story

Meet Arash Akmal, Pharm.D Doctor of Pharmacy

from The University of Southern California ( USC )

Despite his youth, Dr. Arash Akmal has a dedication to both the field of the pharmaceuticals and the Persian community that is commendable and impressive. This month Jaam-va-Jaan magazine would like to acknowledge Dr. Arash Akmal and his extensive work to reach out to the Iranian community.

Feb & March 2013

At the age of seven, Dr. Arash Akmal’s along with his family made the painful decision to leave his native country Iran which was under the unpredictable cloud of war and strict government sanctions to have the opportunity of a better education. He completed his first years of study in France where he earned his French Baccalaureate diploma.

He then moved to the United States of America in order to continue his studies in the field of Biology and earned his Bachelor’s of Science from the University of California, Irvine (UCI). During his undergraduate years Dr. Akmal was Awarded Leadership Scholarship for three consecutive years and earned the most prestigious scholarship

13۹1‫اسفند‬- ۳۵ ‫شماره‬

(University of California, Irvine Regent’s Scholarship). Before entering pharmacy school Dr Akmal worked as a clinical research assistant for the biopharmaceutical company Allergan in Irvine, California. Dr. Arash Akmal then earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2006. He has been serving the Southern California and surrounding area as a community Pharmacist for 7 years. He is certified in immunizations for adults and has extensive experience and post-graduate training in the compounding of prescription medications. Dr. Akmal’s focus is to provide caring, informative, and professional service to the patients of the pharmacy. Dr. Akmal is also actively involved with professional organizations, including The American Society of HealthSystem Pharmacists (ASHP) and The American Pharmacists Association (APA). Dr. Akmal’s research interests are pharmacogenomics and warfarin therapy, interprofessional education, health literacy, and physical assessment education for pharmacy. He practiced pharmacogenomic-based anticoagulation and research at the University of Southern California. His pharmacy experience includes practice in community, long term care and hospital settings. After seven years of practice in

Feb & March 2013

community pharmacy, Dr. Akmal’s vision for pharmacy has substantially changed. He emphasizes that a pharmacist needs to interact more often with his patients and offer them the personal care they deserve. Dr. Akmal also earned various awards for his excellent patient care and customer service at CVS and Rite Aid where he practiced pharmacy for several years. Chain store pharmacies can’t match the personal service and speed of providing patients with a lot more than medication. That is why Dr. Akmal has decided to create an environment where patients will be welcomed by caring professionals readily available with answers and information regarding medication questions. He has decided to put the experience he has acquired at the service of the Persian community since he speaks their language and can educate them on the proper way of taking their medications. At his newly opened pharmacy called Pars Pharmacy patients will receive the personal attention they deserve. They will also find a large selection of over-thecounter medications, vitamins and supplements. They can also enjoy free prescription delivery and mail-order services. Other services offered include blood pressure, cholesterol and glu-

cose screenings. The professionalism of Pars Pharmacy goes beyond preparing prescriptions. Dr. Akmal will explain medications for you and provide written information in English and Farsi and inform you on how to use them safely and effectively. He will also answer any questions patients may have about compatibility with their current medications and discuss possible side effects. Other services offered by Dr. Akmal include assisting patients in selecting over-the-counter products on any products in the health and beauty section, offering immunization services for flu, tetanus, shingles and other conditions for adults on a walk-in or appointment basis. And all these services are done with total confidentiality.

Jaam-va-Jaan would like to thank Dr. Akmal for all the hard work he has put in to contribute to the Iranian community in such practical and astounding ways.

13۹1‫اسفند‬- ۳۵ ‫شماره‬

Cover Story

Esteemed Members of Our Community:

Shalizeh Shokooh, MD, FACC President of AHA board of directors - OC Chapter Chief of Cardiology- St. Joseph hospital

Co-medical director of Women’s Heart Center, St. Joseph hospital

February is American Heart Month. To celebrate this month, we would like to celebrate the people who make this month special. We want to celebrate the people who have dedicated their lives to increasing awareness through advocacy and increasing knowledge through research. One such incredible person is Board Certified Cardiologist in private practice at the Orange County Heart Institute and Research Center, Dr. Shalizeh Shokooh.

Jan & Feb 2012

From an early age, Dr. Shalizeh Shokooh seemed to know exactly where she wanted her career to take her. As she browsed through her school’s job fair in the third grade, she found herself caught up in the field of medicine. She was taken by the incredible capabilities of a physician, both in their knowledge and their capacity to heal. This passion was fueled by stories of her late grandfather, a physician who traveled through many cities in Iran

practicing medicine. Dr. Shokooh could see herself following in his footsteps comfortably. The war between Iran and Iraq eventually forced Dr. Shokooh and her family out of Tehran, to Abadan. Her family was later forced to move to London, and eventually California in 1986, where Dr. Shokooh would finally get the opportunity to pursue her goal with the stability of her family by her side.

13۹۰ ‫ بهمن‬- 31 ‫شماره‬

In California, Dr. Shookooh’s hard work lead her to a quality education at the University of California, Irvine as an undergraduate and as a medical student. She then continued her internal medicine training at the University of California, San Diego and the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Shokooh then pursued cardiology training at Harbor- UCLA Medical Center in California, where she also lectured about women and heart disease and was involved in Electron Beam Tomography and Angiography (EBCT) research. In May, 2002, Dr. Shokooh’s research published an influential paper titled: Electron Beam Tomography and Angiography: Sex differences. At the time that Dr. Shokooh published said paper, the medical community did not emphasize the impact of heart disease in women, though the impact on women was very heavy: killing more women all cancers combined. Dr. Shokooh was happy to be the one to bring this issue to light and foster awareness. After working in private practice for some time, in 2003 Dr. Shokooh was invited to be the co-medical director at St. Joseph Hospital’s Women’s Heart Center. This Women’s Heart center was the first of it’s kind dedicated to the women in Orange County. Not long after Dr. Shokooh became involved with the St. Joseph’s Women’s Heart Center, she and her team were invited to the White House for an event hosted by First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush, to kick off American Heart Month. Today, Dr. Shokooh is still very actively involved in the center as co-director. Through her involvement at the Women’s Heart Center, Dr. Shokooh also became an active member of the American Heart Association (AHA OC Chapter).

Being involved with AHA has enhanced Dr. Shokooh’s interest in preventing heart disease in wom-

Jan & Feb 2012

en. Dr. Shokooh has been the spokesperson and member of their board of directors for AHA OC chapter for 8 years. She is now the board president of the American Heart Association’s Orange County division. Dr. Shokooh has also been very involved in the Go Red for Women campaign and was the recipient of the AHA Outstanding Medical Honoree award in February 2007. In 2007, Dr. Shokooh co authored Women and Heart Disease-An Epidemic, which thoroughly explains heart disease, the symptoms, and how to take preventative action. During this American Heart Month Jaam-va-Jaan magazine is pleased to recognize Dr. Shalizeh Shookoh as a prominent figure in the Iranian community.

13۹۰ ‫ بهمن‬- 31 ‫شماره‬

Cover Story Esteemed Members of Our Community:

Mohsen Daha Poet & Humanitarian

Poetry can be a means of expression, not only for the artist but for the reader as well. When reading a poem, our sense of empathy allows us to connect to emotions that were not organically ours. Powerful poetry has the ability to pull us directly into the center of a poem to the point that it is unclear where the poet’s emotions ended and our own began. Sometimes we find a poet that connects with us personally and it can be very therapeutic to express and reflect on our feelings through their art.

July & August 2011

Mohsen Daha’s poetry reflects a gamut of emotions, many of which are particularly applicable to the immigrant Iranian community. The intensity of emotion that Daha depicts connects to the reader so thoroughly that it can almost feel uncomfortable to be immersed into the depth of his emotions. His poetry can be described in one word, audacity. His poetry takes you to the depths of his feelings, and it is almost embarrassing to be thrust into this land of unbridled emotion.

You cannot help but be transfixed at first, and then changed forever by this tossing and turning of raw feelings of heartbreak, love, agony, hope, and happiness. It leaves you with perplexed pain and curiosity, as to what could have been or what could become. One yearns to know the stories behind these outpourings and whether there was “a happily ever after”. And, yet even in Daha’s moments of deepest despair, and anguish, the element of Hope is always there,

13۹۰ ‫ تیر و مرداد‬- ۲۹ ‫شماره‬

urging him on to the next phase of his life which is just as fascinating as the one before it. His art has been a therapeutic experience for many and his contribution to the Iranian community and culture is immense. It is for this that we at Jaam-va-Jaan want to honor Mohsen Daha and his valuable place in our community. Daha came from a very well respected family; his father was held high ranking positions such as Deputy Prime Minister and Senator. Coming from a good family structure, Daha was able to pursue his education and received a M.A. degree in Public Administration from Tehran University. He was later also awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the London Institute for Business Administration. Daha’s career in Iran followed a similar path. Daha himself held various high ranking positions in government organizations and

July & August 2011

ministries, such as Deputy Minister of Interior, Senior Vice Secretary General in the State Org. for Administration and Employment Affairs. His career lasted 23 years, in which he worked in eleven different ministries and was awarded four medals of merit. Daha eventually turned to teaching as a professor part time before he retired and moved to the United States. It was in the US that he was finally able to pursue his passion for poetry. Through his struggles as an immigrant, as someone who had to restart their life in a country far from what they recognize as home, Daha always understood the value of hope through adversity. “One should have patience, since sorrows are plenty, and they will become plentiful” Daha’s poetry echoes the sentiments of someone who has had enough experience of joy and sorrow in life that he can recognize

the scarcity of one and the bounty of the latter. He is very realistic in his understanding of happiness and pain and the role they play in our lives, however he does not allow the sorrow he experiences to discourage or inhibit him from success and progress. Daha maintains a realistic optimism that is refreshing because it does not need to ignore the struggle in order to find hope and motivation. This accessibly optimistic point of view can be very useful to all of us, for we all have moments where hope seems distant and blurred, if visible at all. We at Jaam-va-Jaan cannot speak enough on the elegance and strength of Daha’s poetry. We are proud and grateful that we have a figure in the community that contributes so much to us personally and culturally. We recognize him this month as an outstanding member of our community and we strongly urge each reader to familiarize themselves with his art.

13۹۰ ‫ تیر و مرداد‬- ۲۹ ‫شماره‬

Cover Story Esteemed Members of Our Community:

SUDABEH SHOJA 2005 Hoover Medal Recipient

Co-Founder of Children’s Hope International Literacy & Development

Sudabeh Shoja has reached out beyond the Iranian community and beyond her home base to help those in need, around the world. From the development of CHILD, to her help in earthquake relief efforts, her efforts are truly nothing short of excellence. It is the honor of Jaam-va-Jaan magazine, to make Sudabeh Shoja our esteemed member of the community this month. Shoja has achieved national and international recognition as an engineer, philanthropist, educator, and executive, demonstrating that one person can make a worldwide difference.

December 2010

She is the co-founder of Children’s Hope International Literacy and Development (CHILD), as well as the Assistant Director of Engineering and Public Works for the City of Vista in California. In addition, she serves as the Secretary of the Board for International Orphan Care (IOC), and is involved in numerous other charity and humanitarian causes. Shoja started her humanitarian work at an early age. At the age of twelve, she became a Girl Scout Leader, helping with the distribution of food in various orphanages in the western region of Iran. In the early 1970’s, relations between Iran and Iraq were severed.

Her town became host to thousands of Iranians who were forced to flee Iraq. She volunteered with the Iranian Red Cross, helping thousands of refugees walking across the border, without belongings and speaking a different language. During this time, she learned her first lesson in human tragedies. Working at administrative tasks such as clerical work, meeting with visitors, and interpreting for foreign charity organizations, she saw firsthand the needs of children. While still attending high school, she arranged and organized translation sessions for refugee children, helping them transition into their new environment. Moreover, she recruited other students to tutor these children. In 1976, Shoja came to the United States to study Civil Engineering at Purdue University. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1984 and moved to Los Angeles, California soon after. She is currently Assistant Director of Engineering and has had 20 years of experience in the field of engineering in both public and private sectors. As an Iranian-American woman, she has worked relentlessly to become a role model in the field of construction management. As a successful engineer, Shoja has a personal passion for improving the status of women around the world. Her experience as a mother and immigrant women led her to start an outreach program in her community to prepare immigrant women for interviews and to help them develop job placement skills. Today she continues to reach out to single mothers on an international scale, and also focuses her efforts on implementing projects that allow dis-

138۹ ‫ آذر و دی‬- ۲7 ‫شماره‬

advantaged children to continue their education. She believes that it is not just the girls who need to be educated; an educated boy will also help make changes. By providing food, shelter, school supplies and for their medical needs, her work allows the continuing education of orphan children to become a reality. Her favorite service is researching and identifying areas of need in various countries and developing and implementing new programs that will benefit children. She has been directly involved in developing programs for children that are blind, hearing impaired, disabled, abused, fighting cancer, or in child labor, so that they can attend school and enjoy the basics of life. Under her leadership, successful programs such as Hunger Relief, Wheel Chair Program, Building Shelter Projects, Community Work, Computers for Blind, Adopt-ASchool, University Student Program, Disaster Relief, and back-pack and toy drives for children in earthquake stricken areas have benefited thousands of children in Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mexico, Turkey and the United States. As former President and co-founder of CHILD, she heads an organization that furthers educational opportunities and self-sufficiency programs in Iran, Afghanistan, Mexico, Turkey, India and Belarus. CHILD has modeled its programs after the needs identified by the United Nations as the Millennium Goals. According to Shoja, CHILD offers and implements programs that provide a solution to the needs identified by the UN. She continues to make significant contributions in promoting international projects to benefit children. The philosophy of the organization is “To bring a joyful childhood to

December 2010

every child.” Her focus for the next decade includes the continuation of the existing programs, the expansion of international programs, and providing a sound administration to support them all. Her vision for the growth of this organization is to become an umbrella organization for many grassroots charities worldwide. She also volunteers her time as a registered disaster responder with the office of State Emergency and has completed FEMA Emergency Management Institute. As a volunteer she helps evaluate the infrastructure of post earthquake buildings. Shoja also serves as a trainer for continuity of Operations of national panel and is a member of the American Public Works Association and a representative to the California Emergency Services Association. After the 2003 earthquake in Turkey, Shoja was a part of a team of experts, sent to research, provide training and to inspect the earthquake sites. She also traveled to Indonesia, working with the American Society of Civil Engineers Post Earthquake Investigation Committee to assess the damages of the September 30, 2009 earthquake and will be returning in 2011 to provide training to public officials and engineers. Shoja has been a board member and active volunteer of many organizations. As the Secretary of the Board for International Orphan Care (IOC), she has been involved in programs and fundraisers to support schools for orphan Afghan children in Kabul, Jalalabad, and Herat. Children receive daily meals and attend special trade schools. Classes in computer, embroidery, bicycle and radio repair are some of the most popular. IOC also sup-

ports two clinics with a professional staff that provide free treatment and medicine to benefit the communities outside Kabul. People walk from surrounding villages to receive medical treatments in these two clinics. She has a strong belief that immigrants need to get involved and give back to their host community. Her efforts have led to organized programs to help the local charities by volunteers of the Iranian-American community. Her emphasis has been on getting high school students involved so they can develop a path for helping others in their future. With more than two decades of professional engineering experience, Shoja is a well- respected member of the engineering community, and is currently the Assistant Director of Engineering and Public Works for the City of Vista, CA. She is a pioneer for women in construction and has been responsible for the construction of several landmarks in Orange County, CA. Shoja was nominated for the Hoover Medal by Mr. Hasan Nouri, the Past President of International Orphan Care, and the 56th recipient of the Hoover Medal. Her nomination was endorsed by Mr. William J. Carroll, the 54th recipient of the Hoover Medal. Mr. Nouri cites “her excellence in engineering and her compassion for the children of the world regardless of where they were from”. She owes her success to her loving and supportive husband Mr. Mehdi Saberi, an engineer and an active humanitarian, and to her children, Salma and Sahand.

138۹ ‫ آذر و دی‬- ۲7 ‫شماره‬

Cover Story Esteemed Members of Our Community:

SHIVA FARIVAR

Irvine City Council Candidate

Chair of the Community Services Commission

ago, Ms. Farivar was appointed the Chair of the Irvine Community Services Commission, and has been selected by her peers to continue her position ever since. In her three years as Chair of the Irvine Community Services Commission, Ms. Farivar has been a consistent advocate of expansion of Irvine’s local park system, enhancing services for children, families and seniors and the unification of our community. Currently, Ms. Farivar is heightening her dedication to her community by running for an open seat on the Irvine City Council in the upcoming November elections with the full support of the current leadership on the Council, including the support of Mayor Sukhee Kang, Councilwoman Beth Krom, and Councilman Larry Agran.

Few Iranian-Americans are as involved in and devoted to their local community as Ms. Shiva Farivar. That is why Jaam Va Jaan is proud to call Ms. Farivar our esteemed member of the community. Born in Iran but raised mostly in Germany, Ms. Farivar came to the United States in 1978 to pursue a higher education. After having received her Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and German Literature from UC San Diego, and her Master’s degree in German Literature

September & October 2010

from UCI, Ms. Farivar pursued a career in the local political stage. Ms. Farivar then lived in San Francisco, where she began a career in the Banking industry, and then Los Angeles before finally moving to Irvine. Ms. Farivar began her career in Irvine, California by serving as the Executive – Assistant to then Mayor Beth Krom, acting mostly as her liaison to Irvine’s highly reputed educational institutions. Four years

As a candidate for the Irvine City Council, Ms. Farivar is dedicated to improving upon the aspects of Irvine that make it one of America’s best cities to live in: Better education, increased safety, promoting cultural diversity and leadership in city planning. For several years, Ms. Farivar has been one of the influential weavers of the fabric of the Iranian-American community in the city of Irvine, California. It is her unwavering dedication to her community, both cultural and local, that makes her Jaam va Jaan’s Esteemed Member of the Community. Jaam va Jaan

138۹ ‫ مهر و آبان‬- ۲۶ ‫شماره‬

Balancing Priorities to Build a Brighter Future Shiva Farivar

Having lived in Irvine for 15 years, there is so much about this community that I appreciate. As Chair of the Irvine Community Services Commission, I know that our success as a city reflects a long-held vision for how you plan, program and build a balanced community. My children have had the benefit of great schools, wonderful parks and community activities and, perhaps most importantly, the privilege of growing up in a city where they are safe and where the health and wellbeing of all residents is a priority. Irvine must remain a community where children and families have a high quality of life. Irvine has been recognized for five consecutive years as “America’s Safest Big City.” Our public safety success reflects a commitment by city leaders to invest in public safety — almost 40% of the budget is dedicated to preserving the peace and protecting the residents and businesses in Irvine. Irvine must continue to invest in the safety and well-being of the people who live, work and play here. The planning principles which have defined the City of Irvine since it was incorporated in 1971 have helped us grow into

September & October 2010

the most successful planned community in America. As a major job center with a population of more than 200,000, Irvine is now in the top 1% of cities by population in America (#98). Building our economic base, while preserving the “sense of place” in our residential villages, is the planning vision I embrace. Irvine must balance jobs, housing and transportation to maintain its success as a city. Innovative thinking has allowed Irvine to lead the way into the 21st century. In order to maintain our position as a leader, we must continually raise the bar. Whether in environmental stewardship and open space preservation, or economic development and innovative planning, Irvine’s reputation as a world-class city is something we must continually strive to maintain and enhance. Irvine must maintain forwardthinking vision to ensure that we remain America’s most successful planned community. As a wife and mother of two, I have seen first-hand the benefits of raising a family in a city that offers excellent educational opportunities and world-class parks and community services to residents of all ages.

As Chair of the Irvine Community Services Commission, I have learned a great deal about local government and the value of building strong partnerships with local schools, non-profits and the business community. As your City Councilmember, I will dedicate myself, every day, to engage the community and understand the major issues facing our city. I will take the time to evaluate both sides of an issue in order to make thoughtful and informed decisions. And I will always place public interest ahead of special interests. To ensure a brighter future for the City of Irvine, we must always set the bar high. Our success reflects the forward-thinking vision that has distinguished our city for almost forty years. As your City Councilmember, I look forward to building on the legacy of positive leadership that made Irvine such a desirable community in which to live, work and play.

www.shivafarivar.com

138۹ ‫ مهر و آبان‬- ۲۶ ‫شماره‬

Cover Story Esteemed Members of Our Community:

Hoori Sadler

Philanthropist & Founder of PACI Persian AmericanCancer Institue

collaboration with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, just before she herself was diagnosed with cancer. When Sadler learned that the mortality rate for the Middle Eastern community is 75% higher than Americans, Sadler recognized that this staggering difference is a result of a lack of information aimed at the Middle Eastern population. Following her diagnosis, Sadler founded the PACI, the Persian American Cancer Institute. The goal of PACI is to allow the Persian- American community to make an impact on Cancer research and reduce both the number of people afflicted and the physical impact on those already diagnosed. On behalf of PACI, Sadler makes many public appearances teaching people what symptoms to be aware of and preventative care. In addition to Cancer education, Sadler provides emotional and motivational support for the cancer patients, survivors, and families of patients that contact her each day. PACI holds that the key to fighting Cancer is early detection and aims to educate people enough that they may rationally approach cancer prevention, be aware of signs and pursue treatment as soon as possible.

Successfully leading a medical group is an enormous feat in itself; doing so while also devoting great time and effort to cancer research and philanthropy is remarkable. It is this amazing devotion that makes Mrs. Hoori Sadler Jaam va Jaan’s esteemed member of the community. Mrs. Sadler is the CEO of Sadler Medical Group, Inc., a multi-specialty medical group located in Southern California and formerly served as the President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the International College of Surgeons. Among the many astounding accomplishments

Feb & March 2010

Sadler has made in her medical career, her philanthropic work is particularly notable. For over ten years Sadler has worked with UMMA Community Clinic, a clinic in South Central Los Angeles which provides free medical care to over 22,000 patients in the region who cannot afford proper medical care, and currently serves as the Chair of the friends of UMMA.

As someone who has personally struggled with Cancer, Mrs. Sadler is able to approach Cancer research and education on an emotional level. Her honorable work to educate the Persian community about Cancer has undoubtedly touched the lives of many and Jaam va Jaan is proud to honor Mrs. Sadler as our esteemed member of the community.

Cancer research is a cause that has a particular resonance with Sadler who joined the Core Research Group of the UCLA School of Public Health’s Breast Cancer Awareness Project, in

138۸ ‫ اسفند‬- ۲۳‫و‬۲۴ ‫شماره‬

PACI EVENTS: 11/08/09 – Bone Marrow Drive for Farnaz Rahjoo 10/25/09 – Salute to Life Luncheon – PACI held a Luncheon to honor cancer patients and /survivors at the Riviera Country Club 06/21/2009– PACI’s Cancer Awareness Day- Maz Jobrani served as the Master of Ceremony; the seminar provided educational presentations about cancer and its impacts on individuals, families, and the community. Over 900 attendees were present, despite Fathers’ Day celebrations on that day. 04/12/2009– Iranian Student Group of UCLA (ISG) presented their THIRD Annual Fashion Show to benefit PACI. The Fashion Show featured, for the first time, a bone marrow drive with the support of the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and the City of Hope, enrolling thus far, over 1,000 bone marrow donor registrants in only a few months, through drives and online registration.

“PACI’s goal is to continue spreading the word and reach as many people as possible. PACI wants people to hear the truth and lose their irrational fear for the word cancer. We want them to check themselves early enough, so that something can be done before it’s too late. We want to continue saving lives because we believe that prevention and early detection are the key, and that both are critically dependent on education.” - PACI

PACI SONG – In late 2008, PACI organized the volunteer efforts of 13 well-known Iranian singers, as well as an extensive support crew (music, photography, video, lighting, etc.), in the creation of a music video to educate the community about cancer. 10/26/08– An Afternoon of Awareness. Free informational seminar. 10/19/08– A Night for Nassim. PACI sponsored a fundraiser for the Children Oncology Department at Children’s Hospital in Fresno, California in honor of a cancer patient by the name of Nassim. 2008 Fashion Show In 2007– 2 young ladies (13 and 15 years of age) had a joint birthday party to benefit PACI. Instead of birthday presents, they asked for donations to PACI, creating PACI Youth (based in the San Francisco Bay Area). 2007 Fashion Show 2007 Seminar

Feb & March 2010

138۸ ‫ اسفند‬- ۲۳‫و‬۲۴ ‫شماره‬

Cover Story

Esteemed Members of Our Community:

Masi Mokhtari Hashemian, D.D.S. Doctor of Dental Surgery & philanthropist

responsibilities in their traditional roles vs. challenges of becoming successful in a competitive society we live in, above and beyond their American counterparts through an extensive interview with Orange Coast Magazine. In 1999, Hashemian started Park Place Dentistry, in Irvine, California, a high tech, state of the art, private dental practice committed to excellence in dentistry; providing the latest techniques and treatments available today and setting standards in all aspects of the dental field with special attention to patient care and comfort.

For many people, being intensely educated and running a successful profession is enough accomplishment for a lifetime. For someone like Dr. Masi Mokhtari Hashemian, Doctor of Dental Surgery, this is not the case. Dr. Hashemian is not only a gifted dentist with a prosperous practice, but an avid advocate for the Iranian community and numerous charitable organizations. We here at Jaam-va-Jaan are proud to recognize Dr. Hashemian for her impressive philanthropic work as an Esteemed Member of Our Community.

about Iranians and their culture. As a result, in 1988, Hashemian co-founded the Persian Students Dental Association with Dr. Namizikhah. Additionally, Hashemian began vigorously raising the awareness of USC’s general student population about the ongoing IRAN-IRAQ War and suffering of the nations, by arranging interviews with the school newspaper and pressuring them to cover the concerns of USC Persian students, a mere 138 students in population, on the FIRST page of the paper.

Dr. Hashemian graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1991. While a busy dental student at USC, Dr. Hashemian recognized how little the Iranian community in USC were organized, and how very little the University community understood

Despite being a successful dentist, Hashemian found time to devote to the causes she felt strongly about. In 1996, Hashemian raised awareness of the challenges that professional women with young families and different cultural background have to face, in regards to social expectations and

Jan & Feb 2009

Since then, Dr Hashemian has been a quiet supporter of many charitable organizations including: • Evecina Cultural and Educational Foundation (ECEF) • Child Foundation • C.H.I.L.D. • S.F. Persian Center • MAHAK • STOP GAP (therapy and support for abused women and Children through performing arts) • Kahrizak Foundation • Bower’s Museum / Persian section More than anything, Dr. Hashemian takes pride in offering pro bono dentistry for patients who face financial hardship. We here at Jaam va Jaan, as a fellow USC Trojan family, are especially proud to recognize, Dr. Hashemian, a talented dentist and impressive philanthropist, as an esteemed member of our community.

2981 Michelson Drive, Suite B Irvine, CA 92612 TEL: 949-251-0011 FAX: 949-251-0085 E-Mail: info@ParkPlaceDentistry.com

1387 ‫دی و بهمن‬- 19 ‫شماره‬

Cover Story

Esteemed Members o of Our Community:

Dr. Mohsen Alinaghian Therapeuctic Optometrist

There are very few busy people who can ﬁnd the time and dedication to not only excel in their profession but also devote themselves to improving their community with philanthropic endeavors. Dr. Mohsen Alinaghian, a Doctor of Optometry who has lived in Orange County, California for nearly 30 years is one of those rare people. Upon graduation from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1974, Dr. Alinaghian began his practice in Fountain Valley, California. During his time in Fountain Valley, Dr. Alinaghian dedicated his time as an active board member in such organizations as the Fountain Valley Lions Club, the Fountain Valley Boys and Girls Club, the United Crusade of Orange County and the Chamber of Commerce. Beyond being a board member at countless organizations, Dr. Alinaghian provided free optometry screening for students and was a frequent guest lecturer in both the Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach school systems. As a tribute to his devotion to the city, Dr. Alinaghian was nominated for the Man of the Year in Fountain Valley. After Dr. Alinaghian and his family moved to Irvine in 1979, Dr. Alinaghian bestowed the same care and devotion he had to civic

January | February 2008

duty in Fountain Valley to the city of Irvine. In 1986, Dr. Alinaghian became one of the founders of and later in 2002, the president of one of the largest Iranian groups in the United States, the Network of IranianAmerican Professionals (NIPOC). In Irvine, Dr. Alinaghian showed his interest in the importance of multiculturalism as the president of the Greater Irvine Lions Club from 2002 to 2004. During his term as president, Dr. Alinaghian took a very valuable step in promoting multiculturalism in the community by changing the name of the club to the Irvine Multi-Cultural Lions Club which attracted members of various nationalities. His tremendous value to the Iranian community, especially in Irvine, was clear when Dr. Alinaghian became a candidate for the Irvine City Council. His candidacy was an integral push to the Iranian community to become more actively involved citizens in Irvine’s civic activities. Despite his busy medical practice, Dr. Alinaghian continued his civic duties as a board member of the Jewel of Persia, and as a volunteer in both medical and cultural charities. Currently, Dr. Alinaghian has shown his support for women’s rights as an

active member of the STOP-GAP organization’s “100 Persian Men Against Domestic Violence.” As part of his involvement as a “Keyholder” in the StopGap organization, Dr. Alinaghian and his wife recently changed the lives of a young Iranian woman and her child, who had run away to a shelter from an abusive husband with only the clothes on her back. Dr. Alinaghian and his wife Shahin Nojan-Alinaghian, found the young woman a home to live in and most importantly, a hope to live on. Currently, Dr. Alinaghian is a director of Project L.O.O.K., Dr. Alinaghian and his team of inspirational volunteers consisting of ten doctors and ten other devoted volunteers travel to Tecate, Mexico in order to provide eye examinations to disadvantaged children. Dr. Alinaghian and Project L.O.O.K also provide eye examinations at the Santa Ana Mission in Orange County, California. Although he is extremely loyal to his civic activities, Dr. Alinaghian still ﬁnds time to excel in and improve the medical profession. Dr. Alinaghian is an advisory board member in four international pharmaceutical companies and lectures extensively to other doctors on the development and usage of new medications. Dr. Alinaghian credits his devotion to and enjoyment of civic and charitable activities to his parents who taught him by example of their own philanthropic involvement, and to his wife Shahin Nojan-Alinaghian who has been his dedicated partner in all of their successful endeavors. Mrs. Nojan-Alinaghian and the Stop Gap Organization have worked together to start a new group, “Banoovanen Nekookar of Orange County, to help the impoverished residents of shelters. If anyone is interested in joining his important group, please don’t hesitate contacting Mrs. Shahin-Nojan or the Stop Gap. In sum, Dr. Alinaghian is not only dedicated to the treatment of his patients and improving the medical profession, but also a valuable and integral part of the progress made in the condition of life for all citizens, not just Iranians, in Orange County for almost 30 years. His tremendous devotion is both valued and applauded, and we here at Jaamva-Jaan are proud to call him an Esteemed Member of our Community.

1386 ‫ ﺩﻯ ﻭ ﺑﻬﻤﻦ‬- 14 ‫ﺷﻤﺎﺭﻩ‬

News

60 In a world struggling with an ever increasing divorce rate, more and more couples face not only the obvious emotional damage resulting from the end of a marriage but also the unpredictable and difﬁcult legal woes that follow. Dr. Ismail Yassai, clinical psychologist and licensed marriage and family counselor, and Dr. Gil Alvandi, an experienced divorce attorney, have worked to develop, for the ﬁrst time in the Iranian community, a series of seminars which address the complex interplay between the emotional and legal troubles of divorce.

“Divorce Prevention & Positive Recovery Seminar” by Esteemed Members of Our Community: Gil Alvandi Esq. & Ismail Yassai Ph.D.

Gil Alvandi Esq. Gil Alvandi is a graduate of one of the country’s most distinguished and respected law schools, UC Hastings. Founded in 1878 by Serranus Clinton Hastings (the first Chief Justice of California) as University of California’s first law school, UC Hastings Law School has remained one of the nations Top Tier law schools. He brings extensive business experiences to the practice of law; for over 10 years he headed several multi-million dollar companies and consulted for real estate investors and developers, oil companies, and venture capital firms. He brings to his law firm the practical knowledge of business, as well as the logical, bottom-line attitude of a businessman. Gil Alvandi is a strategist who seeks the most straightforward approach to reaching the goal and resolving the legal dispute. Attorney Gil Alvandi is admitted to practice in every district court in California. He is a member of the American Bar Association, The Orange County Bar Association and the Inns of Court. He is a volunteer with the Santa Anna nonprofit, Stop-Gap, a therapeutic drama workshop that helps battered women recover clarity and courage to change their lives. The Alvandi Group provides assistance in every area of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, division of property, and division of assets. Utilizing a diverse team of experts including forensic accountants, asset investigators,

October tober | November 2007

and international family law specialists, the ﬁrm can also assist with domestic adoptions, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, paternity issues, child support and child visitation issues, and estate planning. But it is the commitment to client service and communication that truly sets us apart.

Ismail Yassai, Ph.D. Dr. Ismail Yassai received both his B.A. and M.A. from Chapman University in Clinical Psychology. He obtained his Doctrine degree in Clinical Psychology form the United States International University (known now as Alliant University). Dr. Yassai has been professionally active in his practice for both in-patient and out-patient settings for the past 30 years. He was the clinical director of the substance abuse programs at Brea Psychiatric Hospital. He also directed the adolescent psychiatric treatment program at Santa Ana Psychiatric Center. Over the years he developed a number of mental health facilities including the PSY Clinic, a private psychiatric group, PSY Health Systems which was

a multi-specialty clinic providing internal medicine, neurology, orthopedic and psychiatric treatment. Dr. Yassai is the founder and director of Positive Recovery Center, Inc., a private psychiatric group, providing outpatient psychiatric treatment including substance abuse, assessments, treatments, marriage counseling, divorce counseling and a trained hypno therapist. He is designated as an AME (Agreed Medical Examiner) and a QME (Qualiﬁed Medical Examiner) by the state of California. He holds licenses in both Marriage, Family and Child therapy, and Clinical Psychology. He is extensively involved in family relationships and offers a book entitled “Divorce, death of a relationship and the beginning of the rest of your life.” His ofﬁces are available in the cities of Tustin, down town Los Angeles and San Bernardino, California. In addition he has been an active member of the child foundation and is now a C.H.I.L.D (Children’s Hope International Literacy Development) board member and is a community leader in aiding children around the globe.

1386 ‫ ﻣﻬﺮ ﻭ ﺁﺑﺎﻥ‬- 13 ‫ﺷﻤﺎﺭﻩ‬