December 2025 Newsletter

Parnell Park Renovation Groundbreaking

The City of Whittier broke ground on the long-planned Parnell Park Renovation Project, a $22.2 million investment that will significantly enhance one of the community’s most valued public spaces. This project is funded through a combination of city resources, park impact fees, and $5 million in state funding that I was proud to secure in 2021.

The renovation will include new playgrounds, upgraded athletic fields, more than 100 additional trees, and improvements to the petting zoo, which are enhancements designed to serve Whittier families for generations to come. It was an honor to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony alongside city officials, community leaders, and residents.
 

Senator Bob Archuleta pictured with members of the Whittier City Council at the groundbreaking of the Parnell Park Renovation Project.

Governor’s Military Council Meeting

In October, I joined my colleagues on the Governor’s Military Council in Monterey to discuss strategies for strengthening California’s role in national defense and enhancing support for our military community. I provided updates on key issues affecting veterans and active-duty service members, expressed appreciation to the Governor’s Office for working with me to expand Veteran Service Officer resources, and presented my forthcoming Senate Bill 694.

The Council continues its vital work to ensure California remains a strong partner in our nation’s security while upholding our commitment to those who serve.

Senator Bob Archuleta pictured speaking during at a meeting of the Governor’s Military Council, of which he is a member.

Paul T. Nakamura Regional Aquatic Center Groundbreaking 

I was honored to join the City of Santa Fe Springs for the groundbreaking of the Paul T. Nakamura Regional Aquatic Center, named in tribute to Paul T. Nakamura, who was a former lifeguard, swim instructor, and U.S. Army Reserve medic who gave his life in service to our nation during the Iraq War. I was proud to help secure $6.4 million in state funding for this important project and commend the Santa Fe Springs City Council for choosing to memorialize Paul in such a meaningful way. My heartfelt blessings go to his parents, sisters, and niece, whose presence made the ceremony especially moving.

This new aquatic center will serve as a vital recreational and educational resource for Santa Fe Springs and the broader 30th Senate District, providing residents of all ages with access to swim lessons, water safety programs, competitive athletics, and community wellness opportunities. Investments like this strengthen our neighborhoods, support youth development, and help build healthier, safer communities for generations to come.

Senator Bob Archuleta pictured (left) with Santa Fe Springs City Council and the family (right) of Paul T. Nakamura at the groundbreaking of the regional aquatic center named in his memory.

Regional Rail Innovation Tour

In October, I led a rail tour with regional transportation leaders, legislative colleagues, and local elected officials to Anaheim to examine transit-oriented development and emerging innovations in rail infrastructure. As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee and the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Subcommittee, strengthening California’s passenger rail network, improving safety, and supporting local economic growth remain key priorities in my work.

Our visits to Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), Orange County (OC) Vibe, the Platinum Triangle, and the OC Riverwalk demonstrated how strategic planning and modern transit investments can transform communities. We are also looking ahead to the proposed Pico Rivera Regional Rail Station, which has the potential to expand passenger service and improve connectivity throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

Senator Bob Archuleta pictured during a rail tour with regional transportation leaders, legislative colleagues, and local elected officials.

Rio Hondo Coastal Spreading Grounds Fence Replacement Groundbreaking

The groundbreaking of the Rio Hondo Coastal Spreading Grounds Fence Replacement Project marks an important milestone for the 30th Senate District. I am proud to share that the $935,000 in state funding I secured for this effort is now being put to work. The existing chain-link fence has long been in disrepair, creating safety concerns and contributing to illegal dumping and trespassing along the Rio Hondo channel.

This project will significantly improve safety, enhance neighborhood protection, and support the well-being of communities between Montebello and Pico Rivera. The ceremony, held at Bluff Road and Elm, brought together city officials, community leaders, and residents to celebrate the start of this much-needed improvement.

Senator Bob Archuleta pictured at the groundbreaking of the Rio Hondo Coastal Spreading Grounds Fence Replacement Project.

City of La Habra Heights Unveils New Fire Engine

I joined the City of La Habra Heights, along with the Mayor, City Council, and community members, to celebrate the unveiling of their new fire engine. I am proud to have helped secure the state funding that made this critical investment possible, providing the equipment needed to protect both residents and the dedicated first responders who serve them.

I extend a special thank you to the firefighters of La Habra Heights, many of whom volunteer their time, for their service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to keeping the community safe.

Senator Bob Archuleta pictured with members of the La Habra Heights Fire Department. 

As Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, and a proud veteran myself, protecting those who’ve served our country remains my top priority. That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 694, which is scheduled to be voted on in the Senate when the new legislative session begins in January 2026.

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 Senate representative and urge them to support SB 694. For those of you who do not live the 30^th District, 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.

SB 374: Helps alleviate the administrative costs and burdens placed on school districts while maintaining accountability and providing cohesive relevant data to support better policy development and improved outcomes for our public education system.

SB 409: Enhances counties’ capacity to maintain infrastructure effectively and permits them to expedite vital repairs and upgrades, ensuring county facilities remain operational and effective.

SB 451: Closes a major enforcement gap that currently allows illegal operators to thrive with little oversight from the State, clarifying DOJ’s authority to investigate suspected unlicensed gambling establishments.

SB 480: Authorizes an autonomous vehicle to be equipped with automated driving system marker lamps, strengthening public safety.

SB 571: Increases California’s criminal penalties for impersonating a first responder during an emergency and clarify the application of the monetary threshold for aggravated arson sentencing.

SB 731: Exempts trash containers and storage containers from specific reflective marking requirements if they had reflective markings prior to the January 1, 2025 requirement.

SB 779: Increases enforcement fine “minimums” to be commensurate with recent statutory maximum increases for certain violations under the Contractors State Licensing Board. The bill would also authorize the Contractors State License Board to adjust the amounts of these minimum civil penalties for inflation every 5 years.

SB 793: Requires lighters to meet ASTM International standards, which improves safety for the public, especially children, from unsafe and counterfeit lighters that often fail to ensure the safety of users.

As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity within the 30th Senate District and throughout the region continues, it is important 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 or visit https://sd30.senate.ca.gov/. 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 regarding Senate District 30.
 

During this special season, I extend my warmest wishes to all the families of the 30th Senate District.

To everyone celebrating Christmas, may this season bring you peace, joy, and time to gather with the people you love. And to all who celebrate Hanukkah, I wish you a Festival of Lights filled with hope, gratitude, and the warmth of tradition.

No matter how you celebrate, this is a time to reflect on our blessings, support our neighbors, and look forward to a new year filled with opportunity and renewal.

My staff and I wish you a safe, meaningful, and joyful holiday season.

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.