November 2019 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

The first year as your state senator has been a very busy and productive one. Both my Capitol and District office staffs have been representing me, and working hard on behalf of you, the constituents of District 32.

We conducted some round table sessions with school district officials, city managers and veterans to talk about education, homelessness, housing, public safety, veteran resources and other issues facing District 32 and the state of California.

I am proud that I was able to get three bills signed by the Governor’s Office, which you can read about in this issue.

Also this month, I will be introducing you to the new city manager of Montebello, and a longtime business in Pico Rivera, who is continuing their Thanksgiving tradition of serving free meals.

I wish you all a festive Thanksgiving. Please enjoy the company of family and friends, as we all express gratitude for all the good things in our lives.

God bless,

Senator Bob Archuleta
Thirty-Second Senate District

Senate Bill 552 (Household Hazardous Waste Sunset) will delete the January 1, 2020 sunset date established by Senate Bill 456 (Huff) and encourage the use of door-to-door household hazardous waste (HHW) collection. By removing the sunset from the statue, this bill will allow the program to continue indefinitely into the future.

“Residents will be able to safely, easily, and responsibly dispose of all their hazardous waste conveniently from their own homes,” Archuleta said.

Senate Bill 289 (MediCal Waitlist for Military) will allow active duty service members to maintain their eligibility status or their place on the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiting list upon receiving orders to transfer out of state. The only requirement is that they maintain their residency in California. Upon their return to California, these individuals would return to the same status they had before their departure.

“This bill will help service members and their families find stability and encourage these families to return to California after they have served our country proudly,” Archuleta said.
 

Senate Bill 395 (The Wildlife Traffic Safety Act) will authorize the California Fish and Games Commission to create a cell-phone-friendly, web-based portal that will allow users to log information in regards to big game animal collisions, and at the same time deliver permits for the taking of these animals.

Although not all California drivers encounter these animals, such as deer, moose, elk and others, urban and rural communities are home to them and collisions are very likely. In fact, an estimated 20,000 deer are killed each year on California roadways, according to the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at U.C. Davis.

“The enhanced data reported and collected will lead to identifying identify where these collisions occur, which will lead to safer roadways for all drivers,” Archuleta said.

PICO RIVERA – During the celebration honoring El Rancho High School’s Class of ’67, one of its alumnus, Armando “Armie” Briones, received special recognition.

During the halftime show, State Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) presented Briones with a certificate honoring his 53 years as “The Voice of the Dons.”

Every Friday since the fall of ’66 during his senior year, Briones has announced the El Rancho High School varsity football team’s home games at Don Memorial Stadium.

“He has brought pride to El Rancho High School, the city of Pico Rivera and the Thirty-Second District through his professionalism and dedication to his job,” Sen. Archuleta said.

The senator also encouraged the school board to name the stadium’s press box after Briones, who began his career behind the microphone in 1964 announcing El Rancho’s varsity basketball games.

“I love the school and being part of the athletic program,” Briones said. “It’s just something I do, and I take lots of pride in doing it.”

Although his career spans announcing the athletic accomplishments of generations of Dons, Briones has no plans to retire.

“I’ve loved every minute of calling games, and I hope to do it for many more years,” he said.

Senator Archuleta was able to flip the coin at the beginning of the Santa Fe vs. El Rancho High School football game. The Dons advance to the playoffs with a 37-10 victory.
 

MONTEBELLO - New Montebello City Manager Rene Bobadilla is no stranger to the Thirty-Second Senate District. Before taking the top job at Montebello, he occupied the same position in Pico Rivera

Senator Archuleta, who has known Bobadilla professionally for about a decade, said he is a good fit for Montebello, especially his experience with infrastructure projects.

Bobadilla, who was selected from a group of 40 other candidates in Montebello, has other administration experience within the district, as the former assistant city manager for the city of Commerce.

City officials termed his management style as “thinking outside of the box,” while still adhering to the strong foundation that has been set by city leaders.

Bobadilla’s knowledge of the city and surrounding area was also a key factor in hiring him, city officials said.

“…as city manager I intend to work within the policies of the City Council to make the city effective and efficient and financially responsible,” Bobadilla said in an interview with the Los Angeles News Group.

Bobadilla, who is a collector of sports memorabilia, is signed to an initial five-year period through July 2024.

Senator Bob Archuleta tours the Montebello Fire Station with from left: Montebello City Manager Rene Bobadilla, Assistant City Manager Arlene Salazar, Montebello Fire Department Battalion Chief Fernando Pelaez, and Montebello resident Robert Tapia.
 

Pico Rivera - With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the Jimenez family is gearing up to host its annual free Thanksgiving meal at its Pico River Restaurant – Mario’s Tacos.

The tradition started more than 30 years ago by Mario and Celia Jimenez as a way to give back to the community who they say has supported their family’s business.

Despite Mario Jimenez’s death from cancer in October 2013, his family continues the holiday mealtime ritual.

His family said serving the meals is a way to honor Mario’s legacy of providing for those who would otherwise not be able to afford it on their own.

Family members and restaurant staff will cook about 25 40-pound turkeys stuffed with Celia’s homemade vegetable and rice stuffing in the restaurant’s ovens.

They anticipate dishing about 800 meals, along with dessert, which will be served by volunteers such as local Boy Scout troops, Los Angeles Sheriff’s personnel and other service groups.

Mario’s Tacos, 9247 Whittier Blvd., Pico Rivera, will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, 2019.

Three generations of family Jimenez continue the tradition of Thanksgiving meals for family’s during the holidays.
 

MONTEBELLO – In an effort to set a legislative agenda that will directly impact the cities of the Thirty-Second Senate District, and gain a greater insight into the priorities of each city, State Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) hosted a City Manager’s Summit.

It was held shortly after each city responded to a survey and questionnaire prepared by the senator’s District Office staff seeking information on each city’s main concerns.

The data compiled through the survey, and the discussion amongst Senator Archuleta, his staff, and the city managers during the summit, will be used as a launching point to help develop, at least in part, a legislative agenda for the entire district.

“We are here to help close the gap between you, the leaders of Senate District 32, and Sacramento,” Sen. Archuleta said. “Communication between my staff and your cities is key to the success of our district.”

According to the results of the survey, Public Safety, Economic Development and Infrastructure are the top three priorities of the cities that comprise the Thirty-Second Senate District.

The responses resulted in a degree of overlap in legislative matters that ranged from housing to public records retention.  Several other common themes were also noted, including the demise of the community redevelopment agency, which was cited in significant measure by most, if not all, of the 15 cities in one manner or another.

This, many noted, exacerbated what they perceive to be a lack of incentives and financial support that would otherwise promote the production of affordable housing, job creation, economic development and dealing with homelessness.

Of the 15 cities surveyed, seven cities ranked “Public Safety” as their top priority; three ranked “homelessness” as their top priority, two cities ranked “economic development” as their top issue, while “housing,” “infrastructure,” and “other,” each received a single top ranking.

Those in attendance appreciated the senator’s efforts and agreed the event was a great first step in addressing the needs of the Thirty-Second District.

“This is the first time there will be a regional perspective regarding these matters,” Commerce Assistant City Manager Vilko Domic said.

Cerritos City Manager Art Galucci called the summit another way Senator Archuleta reached out to officials in his district.

“As a city official, I know first-hand that we are being listened to, that our concerns are a priority to the senator,” he said. “Collaborating is an avenue to success, and this meeting was very collaborative and extremely beneficial.”

The cities that participated in the survey/questionnaire were Artesia, Bellflower, Buena Park, Cerritos, Commerce, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, Lakewood, Montebello, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier. 

City Managers attend a round table with senator Archuleta: from left to right - Art Gallucci (Whittier), Vilko Domic (Commerce), Jesus Gomez (Norwalk), Fabiola Huerta (La Habra Heights), Arlene Salazar (Montebello), Senator Bob Archuleta, Rene Bobadilla (Montebello), Vania de Rojas (Downey), Jeff Deetrict L.A. County Sheriffs, Back Row: Aaron France (Buena Park), William Rawlings (Artesia), Avil Avalos (Lakewood), Ray Cruz (Santa Fe Springs), Steve Carmona (Pico Rivera), Jeff Collier (Whittier), Jeff Boynton (La Mirada), Ernie Hernandez (Hawaiian Gardens) also in attendance Jeff Stewart (Bellflower) not pictured.
 

Rio Hondo College - I stopped by familiar grounds, Rio Hondo College where I attended and graduated from its Police Academy. I took a tour with President Arturo Reyes. I met and spoke to student dispatchers and firefighters who will all be graduating this year. Congratulations on your hard work and accomplishments.

Las Vegas – I attended the NALEO Summit with representatives from throughout the nation. NALEO Educational Fund is the nation’s leading non-profit, non-partisan organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.

We learned about the U.S. Census, Latino Kids Count, Supporting the Youngest Families and Legalized Sports Betting and State Regulation and much more at the summit. I am pictured with delegates from the State of California.

Hacienda Heights - Beautiful day in Hacienda Heights as I joined the Hsi Lai Temple in awarding scholarships to students from Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. Excited students and proud parents filled the temple. Thank you to the Temple Abbot for the invite and the HLPUSD Board and Superintendent for their good work.

La Mirada – Very pleased to have the official California Shakeout event right here in the 32nd Senate District. Supervisor Janice Hahn, Daryl Osby, City of La Mirada Mayor Steve DeRuse, Mayor Pro Tem John Lewis and so many others stopped, dropped, and held on at 10:17am today.

While some areas of California are more likely to have earthquakes than others, all of California is at higher risk compared to the rest of the country. You could be anywhere when an earthquake strikes: at home, at work, at school, or even on vacation.

The Great California Shakeout is an annual opportunity to practice how to be safer during big earthquakes: "Drop, Cover and Hold On." The Shakeout has also been organized to encourage you, your community, your school, or your organization to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies, and to secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries. Shakeout is also a reminder for Californians to be prepared financially, such as by exploring earthquake insurance. The not-for-profit California Earthquake Authority offers earthquake insurance throughout California for homeowners, renters, mobile home owners and condo-unit owners. Thanks to Biola University for hosting.

Whittier – I want to congratulate Tom Rios, pictured, for the unique dedication to his residents at Brookdale Senior Center as he recognized 22 of its residents, who are veterans, with a wall of honor. Twenty men and two women who have served in various departments represent Brookdale proudly.

Veteran Resources - Learn about the state and federal benefits you are entitled to receive and how to claim them.

Those benefits could compensate you for a service-connected disability, allow you to begin or resume your college education, care for your health, train for or find employment, buy a home, live out your years with dignity and respect, and much more!

To find out about the benefits you and your dependents are entitled to receive, Register, Log in or Browse now!

https://www.calvet.ca.gov/

Department of Rehabilitation / Visit our District 32 Office at 12501 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 140, Norwalk, CA (562) 864.8521

Employment and Independent Living for Californians with Disabilities since 1963

www.dor.ca.gov

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