August 2025 Newsletter
Dear Neighbor,
The current legislative session has reconvened, and I thank you for the opportunity to continue serving as your State Senator for California’s 30th Senate District. During the summer recess, I had the privilege of attending events throughout the district, meeting with local officials, community groups, and residents to hear firsthand about the issues that matter most to you.
In Sacramento, I remain focused on moving key legislation forward, such as the following pieces of legislation: SB 694 protects veterans from exploitation by unaccredited agents charging unreasonable fees for help with federal benefits. SB 571, which I co-authored, enhances public safety by increasing penalties for looting and impersonating first responders during and after emergencies. SB 759, the Keith Boyer Act, strengthens oversight of individuals on post-release supervision to ensure greater accountability. And SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, sets strong standards for hydrogen pipeline safety, protecting public health and the environment while advancing clean energy innovation.
I am committed to seeing these bills through the Senate and Assembly and ultimately to the Governor’s desk for signature. Thank you for your continued trust and support. Please know my district and capitol offices are always here to assist you.
As always, I stand ready to serve you, and encourage you to contact my office for assistance or with questions at (562) 406-1001 or visit https://sd30.senate.ca.gov/
God bless,
Chair, Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
Out and About in SD30 and Beyond
Honoring A Fallen Hero
I joined more than 150 family members, friends, and law enforcement officers to dedicate the Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Michael Richard Arruda Memorial Interchange at the Pomona (60) Freeway near Seventh Avenue. Deputy Arruda, a U.S. Navy veteran, was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2004 while responding to a “shots fired” call in Hacienda Heights.
I was honored to stand with his then-fiancée, Sgt. Lidia Silva, his daughter, Savanna Arruda, and Deputy Jose A. Ruano, whose commitment was instrumental in bringing this memorial forward. I was also proud to author the resolution establishing this interchange, which passed unanimously in both the Senate and Assembly.
This dedication ensures that Deputy Arruda’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten and reflects our responsibility as legislators to honor those who give their lives in the protection of our communities.
Senator Bob Archuleta pictured with members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Industry Station at the unveiling of freeway memorial sign.
Chamber Events in the District
Strong and active chambers of commerce play a vital role in supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and strengthening our communities.
This summer, I attended the Downey Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation and BBQ Dinner, where we honored outgoing President Neelam “Rain” Nega for her dedicated leadership and welcomed incoming President David Kantar.
I also had the opportunity to attend the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, where local businesses and entrepreneurs showcased the resilience and innovation of our region.
As your Senator, I remain committed to advancing policies that help small businesses succeed and ensure our local economies continue to thrive.
Senator Bob Archuleta pictured with Downey Chamber of Commerce members at its installation dinner.
Senator Bob Archuleta pictured with Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce members at its business expo.
100 Years of the Southeast Japanese School and Community Center
I was proud to join the Southeast Japanese School and Community Center in Norwalk as they celebrated their 100th Anniversary, a milestone that reflects generations of service, tradition, and resilience in Senate District 30.
With deep roots dating back to 1925, SEJSCC has provided cultural, educational, and social enrichment to families across the region. Thank you to the center’s leaders, volunteers, and community members for their lasting contributions.
Senator Bob Archuleta pictured with members of the Southeast Japanese School and Community Center in Norwalk to celebrate its 100th Anniversary.
Tour of Veterans Treatment Courts
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, I recently toured the Veterans Treatment Court in Los Angeles County. The court provides veterans with access to mental health support, substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, and other rehabilitative services.
Veterans Treatment Courts are specialized court programs designed to handle cases involving veteran offenders through comprehensive supervision, treatment, and support.
This tour continues my commitment to supporting California’s veterans through meaningful, compassionate programs that help them heal and rebuild their lives. We were honored to meet with Judge Sergio C. Tapia II, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County.
Senator Bob Archuleta is pictured with Chair of the Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Pilar Schiavo during a tour of the Veterans Treatment Courts in Los Angeles County.
CALL TO ACTION: Protecting Our Veterans from Exploitation:
Support SB 694
As Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee—and a proud veteran myself—protecting those who’ve served our country has always been my top priority.
That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 694—to stop claim sharks from targeting our veterans. SB 694 will:
- Prohibit unaccredited individuals from providing claims assistance
- Ban them from requesting or requiring veterans to hand over login information to federal systems
- Cap fees in accordance with what VA-accredited attorneys or claims agents are legally allowed to charge.
These claim sharks have no VA training, face no oversight, and often charge illegal, excessive fees. They pressure veterans into signing exploitative contracts and even demand sensitive login credentials to access federal systems—putting personal information and rightful benefits at risk.
As my office and I work to ensure a pathway forward for the bill, I am calling on you—my fellow brothers and sisters, service men and women—to urge my colleagues to support SB 694. We must remind our lawmakers that taking care of veterans isn’t optional. It’s a duty.
Please contact your Assembly and Senate representatives and urge them to support SB 694. You can find your representatives here: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/
Let’s send a clear message: California will not tolerate the exploitation of those who’ve worn the uniform.
Constituent Assistance and Resources
In light of recent reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity within the 30th Senate District and throughout the region, it is more important than ever for residents to be informed, prepared, and protected.
My office remains committed to standing with immigrant families and ensuring that all members of our community are aware of their rights and have access to trusted legal and civil resources.
Here are links to vital information to help navigate these challenging times and safeguard your family and neighbors.
Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs: https://oia.lacounty.gov/for-la-county-immigrants/
National Immigration Law Center: https://www.nilc.org/resources/
Immigrant Legal Resource Center: https://www.ilrc.org/
California Immigrant Policy Center: https://caimmigrant.org/what-we-do/policy/fighting-mass-detention-deportation/resources-for-immigration-legal-protection/
My staff is available and committed to helping you resolve any issues you have with any state agencies. We will contact a state agency on your behalf to see if we can get your questions answered or matter resolved. You can give us a call at (562) 406-1001. You can also follow my Facebook and Instagram accounts for a look at the work my staff and I are doing in the Capitol and the District, as well as information happening in Senate District 30.
Sincerely,
Senator Bob Archuleta, Thirtieth Senate District
Chair, Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
Senator Bob Archuleta currently represents the 30th Senate District, which includes portions of Los Angeles County and Orange County. He is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, and a member of the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee, Governmental Organization Committee, Transportation Committee, as well as the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management.