August 2021 Newsletter
Dear Neighbor,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits as we approach the end of summer. It has been a productive month in Sacramento as my fellow State Senators and I have continued working to help families safely move forward through the pandemic as our State continues the process of reopening businesses, just as the new school year is about to start.
On Tuesday, July 27 2021, I convened and chaired the first meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Hydrogen energy in Sacramento in order to provide an overview of the State and the progress of the hydrogen industry as we work towards our zero emission targets for California. Through the Select Committee, I will keep working to integrate hydrogen energy technology into the State’s zero emissions portfolio.
My district office team and I have been busy reconnecting with our regional partners. From laptop giveaways to students in advance of the new school year, to community bike rides displaying new activity and transportation spaces, to ribbon cutting ceremonies welcoming new entrepreneurial enterprises to our cities: we are out there and excited about seeing everyone wherever we can be of service.
Los Angeles County Public Health is ordering that masks be warn again by everyone in Los Angeles County 2 years of age and older in response to increased community transmission of the Delta variant of Covid-19 over the last month. Their directive is being issued with a reminder to get your vaccine dose(s) immediately, while serving as a reminder that the pandemic is still with us. I continue to encourage everyone to practice safe physical distancing where necessary, and please: get vaccinated immediately.
As always, I stand ready to help you resolve any issues you may have with any state agencies, and encourage you to please reach out to either my Capitol or District offices for assistance at (562) 406-1001 or visit https://sd32.senate.ca.gov/.
God bless,
Senator Bob Archuleta
Thirty-Second Senate District
Overview of the State and the Progress of the Hydrogen Industry
On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, I chaired the Senate Select Committee on Hydrogen Energy to provide an overview of the State and the progress of the hydrogen industry as California continues making use of emerging energy technology to help the State meet its clean energy goals.
Hydrogen energy will be an important part of our clean energy future, and exciting new technologies in that sector will pave the way for zero emissions vehicles and transportation in California. To watch video footage of the Committee’s work, please check the California State Senate’s media archive at https://www.senate.ca.gov/media/senate-hydrogen-energy-committee-20210727/video
Dr. Jack Brouwer, Director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center at the University of California provided us with an overview of the State’s status integrating hydrogen technology into our zero emissions portfolio. Andrew Martinez, Ph.D. with the California Air Resource Board discussed the hydrogen station network necessary to enable California drivers to travel across the State. I was especially pleased to see their annual report display the number of hydrogen stations under constructed across the State. Air Resource Board’s annual report that outlines this information can be found here.
We were also joined by Leslie Moore, Director, Facilities & Fleet, with the American Red Cross, Yuval Steiman, Director, Eco-Compliance & Research with the Hyundai Motor Company, Vic LaRosa, CEO, President, and Co-Founder of Total Transportation Services (TTSI), and Rebecca Kaplan, Vice Mayor of Oakland who all shared their various experiences integrating hydrogen energy into their day to day operations.
From flawless operations of a fleet of vehicles delivering care during crisis, to port operations that have drastically reduced harmful diesel engine emissions from long idling delivery trucks, hydrogen energy had a positive record of accomplishment wherever they utilized the technology.
I am fighting for investments in hydrogen energy and infrastructure because I believe it is important to make use of every available option to meet our zero emissions target. I am excited about the continued testing of cutting-edge and innovative technologies taking place throughout California, and look forward to continuing to work with the legislature and energy sector leaders as we pursue our shared clean energy goals.
Before the Select Committee convened, two hydrogen fuel vehicles were on display outside of the Capitol. I discussed with local media the work the Committee is doing to ensure the State’s infrastructure and resource needs are being met in order to see this technology on more roadways in the near future as we continue working towards our goal of zero emissions by 2035.
For an interactive map displaying hydrogen stations throughout California, and additional information on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, please visit the California Fuel Cell Partnership’s website at https://cafcp.org/stationmap
Legislative Update
Below is a summary of which bills passed, and what I am hopeful they will do to improve California:
SB 244 - Lithium-ion batteries: illegal disposal: fire prevention
Tasks the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), in consultation with relevant state agencies, to establish proper protocols for waste haulers to follow to prevent fiery waste loads that lead to wildfires.
SB 268 - Lower Los Angeles River Recreation and Park District
This bill would authorize the establishment of the Lower San Gabriel River Recreation and Park District and make changes to the initial board of directors for the Lower Los Angeles River Recreation and Park District.
SB 392 - Realtors: Common interest developments: document delivery
This bill provides preferred document delivery options of traditional mail or email to HOA members, and at the same time ensures timely and secure delivery.
SB 484 - Home Inspectors: sewer lateral repairs
This bill exempts a licensed plumbing contractor, upon meeting certain conditions, from provisions relating to a home inspection, which prohibits repairs to a structure on which the inspector or the inspector’s company has prepared a home inspection.
SB 614 - California Military Department Foundation State Contracting Exemption
This bill authorizes the Adjutant General and the Military Department to enter into a memorandum of agreement, as specified, to conduct California Military Department Support Fund activities and to expend money in the California Military Department Support Fund to pay a nonprofit military or veteran foundation, military organization, or other entity for the sole purpose of supporting California Military Department Support Fund activities if that money was donated for those purposes.
SB 643 - Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment
This bill requires the California Air Resources Board to prepare a statewide assessment of the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) fueling infrastructure and fuel production needed to support the adoption of zero-emission trucks, buses, and off-road vehicles.
SB - 800 Real estate: licenses
This bill would require the Department of Real Estate’s licensure commissioner to expedite and/or assist individuals if they are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States when they apply for real estate licenses if the can provide satisfactory evidence of an honorable discharge, or are married to an active duty armed forces member.
I look forward to updating you in future newsletters on the progress of these bills as they continue moving through the legislative process.
Budget Updates
I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to deliver something for everyone in our district when we passed this year’s budget, and am happy to report on some of the budget successes below that will be happening in the 32nd Senate District:
- $20 million to help fund 1,200 permanent supportive housing units for homeless and at-risk veterans at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center Campus.
- $25 million to help fund 1,200 permanent supportive aging veterans and veterans with disabilities who have experience chronic homelessness
- $800,000 to the City of Downey for the Space Shuttle Inspiration restoration.
- $1,075,000 to the City of La Habra Heights Fire Department to replace the steel building, foundation, and concrete floor for the building that houses the fire apparatus and to purchase a fire engine.
- $935,000 to the City of Montebello for the Rio Hondo Coastal Spreading Grounds fence replacement.
- An increase of $5.4 million ongoing support for County Veteran Service officers.
- $4,500,000 to support the University of California Hematologic Malignancies Pilot.
- $2,000,000 to the City of Lakewood for community facilities, park, or recreational facilities construction, acquisition, or improvements.
- $4,200,000 to the City of Whittier for the LGBTQ+ Regional Hub.
- $3,000,000 to the City of Norwalk for homelessness and affordable housing.
- $800,000 to the City of Hawaiian Gardens for community facilities, park, or recreational facilities construction, acquisition, or improvements.
- $45,000,000 for the Southeast Los Angeles Cultural Center Project.
- $4,300,000 for a walking trail along San Gabriel River to the Pacific Ocean.
As our communities strive to safely reopen and make the long term planning that is necessary to operate efficiently, I will be there to support them in any way possible. I will be their partner, and advocate for the immediate and long term funding that our communities rightfully deserve.
In the district, my team and I are hard at work reminding everyone that they need to get vaccinated as soon as they can do so. As vaccines are now more readily available, this is no reason to not visit a drive thru location or the nearest pharmacy and get your first or second shot.
Fourth of July
I was excited this Fourth of July to come together in person with friends and loved ones to celebrate our Nation’s independence day. The holiday took me all over our community: from Santa Fe Springs, to Hacienda Heights and Whittier.
I helped kick off the Fourth of July weekend by attending the Santa Fe Springs Annual Independence Day Celebration at Los Nietos Park. Congratulations to the City Council on hosting such a great event for the community.
I then the joined 2021 Hacienda Heights Fourth of July Car Caravan, where our state CHP officers led me through the parade. The whole community came out to support the caravan’s participants, and really enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect midway during summer.
During the evening, I headed over to York Field to join the City of Whittier for their Fourth of July Spectacular. The popular Southern California Cold Duck band performed all the classics and the city of Whittier encouraged families to bring their own dinners and lawn chairs to enjoy the legal fireworks show.
Downey Stay Gallery Reopening
On Saturday, July 10, 2021, I joined the Downey Chamber of Commerce and the rest of our community in congratulating the Stay Gallery in Downey on a successful reopening with more than 100 people in attendance. The evening’s event featured art submissions created by 18 local artists during the pandemic, and I was absolutely impressed by the creativity artists channeled into their works.
Downey Prayer Breakfast
On Saturday morning, July 10, 2021 I joined Downey Mayor Claudia Frometa and her fellow City Councilmembers for this year’s Morning Prayer breakfast. I am grateful to all the event partners and staff who made it possible for us to come together for the many blessings. Through a difficult last year and a half, we have some things to be grateful for. We are grateful for the many baskets of food and clothing distributed here in Downey for those hit hardest by the virus over the last fourteen months. And we are eternally grateful to all the first responders and medical professionals who risked their lives to take care of us during this pandemic, forever exemplifying what it means to be a hero.
San Antonio College Groundbreaking
On Friday, July 16, 2021, my staff attended Mt. San Antonio College's groundbreaking of its new transit & student centers. Trustees, students and construction partners alike are all excited about the projects’ potential for enhancing the campus experience for the entire community.
Whittier Narrows Dam Safety Project
On Saturday, July 17, 2021, I took part in an informational community event on the Whittier Narrows Dam Safety and Pico Rivera Regional Bikeway projects. Assistant City Manager Javier Hernandez discussed how the Whittier Narrows project will eliminate or minimize the potential for the dam to fail, while the bikeway project consists of a 1.5-mile bicycle trail within the city and a pedestrian bridge over the San Gabriel River.
National Latino Police Officers Association car show
On Sunday, July 18, 2021, my wife, Rose and I enjoyed the more than 100 classic cars and festivities at the National Latino Police Officers Association East Los Angeles Chapter’s inaugural car show, benefitting its youth programs, in Whittier. I appreciate their commitment to public service in uniform, and their willingness to give back to their community and raise funds for a good cause during their personal time.
Spriritt Family mobile vaccine clinic
On Sunday, July 18, 2021, I visited with the Spriritt Family as they and Assemblymember Lisa Calderon hosted a free mobile vaccine clinic in Whittier to bring resources those not yet vaccinated. As cases of the Delta Variant are on the rise, events like these are vital to the health of our communities. It was great to see Mayor Joe Vinatieri, Councilman Fernando Dutra and Whittier Unified Board Member Jaime Lopez for also showing their support for the event and the volunteers. Thank you Los Angeles County Department of Education for your event outreach efforts there as well.
Pico Rivera Community Bike Ride
On Saturday, July 31, 2021, I joined 150+ bicyclists for a Community Bike Ride while also learning about the Pico Rivera Regional Bikeway Project, which will include a 1.5-mile bicycle trail & bridge over the San Gabriel River connecting the east & west trails.
Los Angeles County Public Health Issues New Mask Guidance
Los Angeles County Public Health is ordering that masks be warn again by everyone in Los Angeles County 2 years of age and older in response to increased community transmission of the Delta variant of Covid-19 over the last month. Los Angeles County Public Health is directing that masks be warn again in all indoor public settings, venues, gatherings, and businesses, regardless of vaccination status. Their directive is also being issued with a reminder to get your vaccine dose(s) immediately.
As 80-90 percent of us must vaccinate in order to reach herd immunity, it is incumbent upon us all to do our part. Los Angeles County Public Health’s website lists sites offering vaccines at: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/vaccine/hcwsignup/. Search their database to find the location nearest you, and remember that vaccines are given at no cost regardless of immigration status or prior healthcare coverage.
Private healthcare providers in LA County are still providing vaccines. Kaiser Permanente for example maintains a list of vaccination sites at: https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/southern-california/downey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/07/KPDowneyAllSites_VaccineAvailabilityFlyer_061821_ENG-SPA.pdf Non–Kaiser Permanente members will also be able to get the vaccine through them at no cost. I remain grateful to our community partners throughout Los Angeles County for their unwavering commitment to public health, and for their outreach efforts in order to bring resources to all members of our community during these times.
See the LA County Health Officer Order and Best Practices for Businesses webpage for details of workplace requirements. For the most up-to-date information from the State of California, please visit covid19.ca.gov, and please continue to follow the current guidelines from the CDC website on how we can protect each other and ourselves.
Be Prepared for Hot Weather in California and Beat the Heat
The seasons are changing and the temperatures are going up. It's that time of year to once again start considering the effects of warmer temperatures and take appropriate precautions to protect your health and safety.
Each year approximately 20 people die from heat-related emergencies. In 2006 a severe heatwave resulted in 655 deaths and over 16,000 excess emergency room visits throughout the state.
See current Watches, Warnings or Advisories from the National Weather Service, or visit the California Office of Emergency Services for more information by clicking here.
Wildfires
Extreme fires are a growing threat to public health and safety, to homes, to air quality and climate goals, and to our forests. California is seeing fires that burn larger and hotter on average than ever before. One quarter of our state — more than 25 million acres — is now classified as under very high or extreme fire threat. And more than 25 percent of the state’s population lives in these high fire-risk areas. Smoke from extreme fires can occur with little warning, and travel long distances and into urban areas many miles from the flames, negatively impacting public health and degrading quality of life. Check with the California Ari Resources Board for more information by clicking here.
Expect more updates from me in next month’s newsletter.
California Launches New Digital Tool Giving Residents Convenient Access to Their COVID-19 Vaccine Record
Today, the California Department of Public Health and California Department of Technology announced a new Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record for Californians, available at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov. The tool is a convenient option for Californians who received a COVID-19 vaccination to access their record from the state's immunization registry systems. For more information about the Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record, please visit covid19.ca.gov.
DMV Offers Free REAL ID Upgrade
The Department of Motor Vehicles invites all eligible Californians who received driver’s licenses or identification cards during the pandemic but did not get a REAL ID to upgrade now for no additional cost. This offer is set to expire at the end of the year.
Beginning May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.To apply for a REAL ID, an applicant must provide a valid Social Security number, proof of identity and two proofs of California residency. A list of qualifying documents and other helpful information is available at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.
You can read more about the update in acquiring a REAL ID here.
Assisting You with State Agencies
My staff remain available and committed to helping you resolve any issues with state agencies you need assistance with. We will contact a state agency on your behalf to see if we can help get your questions answered or matter resolved.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, my staff has helped hundreds of people in our community with EDD claim issues, ensuring they received their benefits. Whether you have an issue related to this year’s tax season for which you need to speak with the Franchise Tax Bureau, or your professional license with the Department of Consumer Affairs is pending and you are not sure when it will be renewed, we can help if you give us a call at (562) 406-1001. You can also find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at https://bit.ly/3ikvzm6
Sincerely,
Senator Bob Archuleta
Thirty-Second Senate District