September 2026 Newsletter – Office of Senator Bob Archuleta

Whittier Narrows Dam Safety Project

I joined more than 300 community members, the City of Pico Rivera, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representatives for a walkthrough of the Whittier Narrows Dam project. The dam, located just north of Pico Rivera, is undergoing major safety improvements after the Corps determined it poses an unacceptable risk during an extremely large flood event.

This project is important to the safety of Pico Rivera, Whittier and Montebello, and I will continue working with the Corps and our local cities to help ensure it moves forward safely and efficiently.

As part of the project, the Pico Rivera Golf Course closed permanently on September 19. I recognize that the course has been a valued part of the community for many years, and I understand the disappointment of those who enjoyed playing there. I appreciate their support and understanding as this important safety project moves forward.

Senator Bob Archuleta is pictured with community members, City of Pico Rivera officials, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representatives for a walkthrough of the Whittier Narrows Dam project now underway.

Connecting Veterans to Earned Benefits

I joined USC at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall to highlight new research on the vital role County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) play in helping veterans access the benefits they have earned.

As a veteran, this issue is personal. I recently encouraged my son, Lt. Col. Brandon Archuleta, to connect with a CVSO as he transitions from military to civilian life. CVSOs provide trusted, no-cost assistance to veterans and their families as they navigate benefits and services.

I remain committed to supporting California’s veterans and ensuring they have access to the resources and benefits earned through their service. Veterans should always know where to turn for trusted assistance and support as they transition to civilian life and beyond.

Senator Bob Archuleta is pictured with State and County Veterans officials, USC professors and Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, chair of the California Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs; and Jim Zenner, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in Los Angeles following a press conference releasing new USC research on county veteran services.

Remembering September 11 on 25th Anniversary

At Rose Hills in Whittier, I joined the community to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, by helping place some of the 2,977 American flags at the Field of Healing.

Each flag represents a life, a family and a story we must never forget. We remember the victims, their loved ones and the first responders who answered the call.

I am grateful to communities throughout the 30th Senate District for coming together to mark this anniversary. Twenty-five years later, September 11 remains an important day of remembrance for California and our nation, reminding us of the strength and resilience that brought us together.

Senator Bob Archuleta is pictured this year placing American flags at the Rose Hills Field of Healing to commemorate lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Honoring a Lifetime of Teaching

There are teachers who teach lessons, and teachers who change lives. I was proud to recognize Michael Wiener, the longest-serving teacher in Hacienda La Puente Unified School District history, who retired after more than 50 years teaching English as a Second Language.

His family and former students joined us to celebrate a career devoted to helping students learn and succeed.

Mr. Wiener’s story reminded me of my eighth-grade teacher, Mrs. Perez, who helped me learn to read and believe in myself. Her encouragement had a lasting impact on my life, just as Mr. Wiener’s dedication has shaped the lives of generations of students.

Congratulations to Mr. Wiener on a remarkable career and legacy.

Senator Bob Archuleta is pictured presenting a California Senate Resolution to retired teacher Michael Wiener, surrounded by his family and former students.

Building Regional Skilled Workforce in the 30th District

I recently toured the Southern California Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Center in the City of Industry, where I saw firsthand how apprentices are gaining the hands-on experience, classroom knowledge and technical skills needed for careers in the skilled trades.

Strong partnerships between local businesses, training programs and our communities are essential to building a skilled workforce and a strong regional economy. Centers like this create pathways to good careers while helping local industries find and develop the skilled workers they need.

Thank you to SMACNA Southern California, Executive Director Kristine Hammond and the entire team for welcoming me and investing in the future of our workforce.

Senator Bob Archuleta is pictured with management and staff at Southern California Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Center in the City of Industry.

Celebrating 70 Years of The Arc Los Angeles & Orange Counties

It was a pleasure to celebrate The Arc Los Angeles & Orange Counties’ 70th Anniversary Gala and recognize seven decades of service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am especially proud that The Arc LAOC’s is in the 30^th Senate District’s Downey.

For 70 years, The Arc LAOC has helped individuals build independence, develop meaningful connections and participate more fully in their communities through employment, life-skills training, advocacy and community-based programs. Its presence in Downey is a source of pride for our district and reflects the kind of community-based support that helps individuals and families thrive.

Congratulations to CEO Emilio Sosa, Board Chair Gil Lagaspi and the entire Arc LAOC community on this milestone. I am proud to have this organization serving families in the 30th Senate District and grateful for its continued commitment to inclusion, opportunity and dignity.

Senator Archuleta is pictured at The Arc Los Angeles & Orange Counties’ 70th Anniversary Gala with (left) CEO Emilio Sosa and Board Chair Gil Lagaspi.

SB 296 – Provides an expanded disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, in lieu of the existing exemption, on the first $1 million of assessed value of the eligible property.

SB 417 – Secured $1.25 billion in self-supporting revenue bonds for the CalVet Home Loan Program, expected to help veterans and military families achieve homeownership. These bonds are repaid entirely through mortgage payments and do not rely on taxpayer funding. (Co-Author)

SB 667 – Requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to evaluate a list of hazardous railroad sites by July 1, 2029, and determine whether changes to railroad operations, conditions and safety data warrant modifications to the list.

SB 795 – Makes changes to gasoline dispensing equipment’s certification process to dispense gasoline with up to 15% ethanol, as well as other technical and conforming changes. The bill also requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt emergency regulations to allow its sale

SB 804 – The Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, will require the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to adopt safety standards for hydrogen pipelines to ensure that any new hydrogen pipeline infrastructure is designed and built to prevent leakage.

SB 907 Strengthens California’s DUI enforcement and sentencing laws, particularly for repeat offenders. The bill includes 5 provisions that will protect California families from drunk drivers, improve road safety, hold repeat serial offenders accountable, close loopholes in existing law, and prevent future tragedies from occurring.

SB 920 – Enhances transparency, accountability, and fiscal integrity in the implementation of regulatory fees under California’s Gambling Control Act. By requiring published statements of purpose and cost basis summaries, SB 920 advances good governance practices that promote greater transparency in fee adoption and expenditure and protect the integrity of regulatory funding mechanisms.

SB 1124 – will ensure tobacco consumers are made aware of lung cancer screenings available to qualifying consumers by requiring notice of these screenings and requirements are available to consumers at the point of sale. This bill will ensure those harmed by addiction begin their path to care.

SB 1188 – Will provide much needed clarity to students and education institutions alike by clarifying students participating in independent study, homeschooling, and other educational institutions can access their local schools JROTC program if not offered by their current placement. While federal code guarantees students enrolled in independent studies access to JROTC programs at their local schools, they are being turned away from their local schools and unable to participate.

SB 1274 – California is home to a small number of unique cities that have a higher daytime population than residential population. This typically occurs when a city is primarily zoned for industrial use and is experiencing large numbers of workers commuting to and from the city every day. In recent years, these industrial cities have formed a coalition to better advocate for themselves and their unique needs. SB 1274 legitimizes their status by creating an official definition of “industrial city” in state code.

SB 1354 – Prohibits military personnel of another state, territory, or district from entering, or causing something to enter, California to perform military duty or law enforcement functions for another state without the permission of the Governor but exempts personnel acting under federal Title 10 authority.

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.

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. Senator Archuleta also sits on the Senate Special Committee on International Sporting Events: Olympics and World Cup Soccer

Website of Senator Bob Archuleta:https://sd30.senate.ca.gov/