Archuleta running for another term in state senate

Photo by Vincent Medina

NORWALK – Senator Bob Archuleta is running for his second term as California state senator for the 32nd senate district. He gave an exclusive interview at the Columbia Memorial Space Center to discuss what is doing to help the district.

“My work is not done,” said Archuleta. “The more I’ve learned, the more I’ve realized I don’t know. And the more I help, the more I realize I want to help even more. With everything I’ve accomplished with this time, imagine what we can do with another four years.

The 76-year-old state senator spoke about funding the space center and his desire to bring families together.

“This is a historic site in the eyes of Downey and the district because it brings kids and families together to educate them on the future of space travel,” said the senator.

Columbia Memorial Space Center has multiple programs dedicated to introducing children to the science and technology field. Their programs also include early childhood programs and the girls in STEM club.

“That’s why I brought $800,000 and my colleagues from Sacramento, and an additional $75,000 for the computers and workstations they needed,” he said.

The 32nd senate district was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with LA County suffering over 26,000 deaths from the virus.

“I mourn the loss of so many families we have lost in the state. I’m really saddened by all of the deaths that took place because of COVID-19. It’s so important we understand the pandemic is not over yet, and we need to adhere to safety guidelines,” said Archuleta.

He emphasized that people must continue to wear a mask indoors and keep a safe distance from each other. The senator also encouraged others to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and look at the science and data to show that it is working.

Archuleta also addressed mandating the vaccine as the district reopens. In the Norwalk-La Mirada school district, the board of education voted not to implement a COVID vaccine mandate for faculty.

“If school districts feel the mandate is necessary, they need to look at the science and the statistics. If they see it’s working, let’s find a way to continue working and save lives and keep students and teachers from getting sick,” said Archuleta. “Let’s not make this a political issue.”

Archuleta served in the Army in the 82nd airborne, and has two sons in the military serving as paratroopers. In the state senate, he became the chairman for the military and veterans affairs committee for California.

“It is an honor that I am so proud of. With my seven colleagues we compromise, propose and analyze bills that affect veterans in the state,” Archuleta explained. “This year I helped fund $20 million for supportive housing units at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.”

The senator continues to help fund projects in the district dedicated to assisting veterans.

“I was also able to push and work with my colleagues for $25 million to fund the supporting program for our aging veterans, the veterans with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness,” he said. “I was able to obtain $5.4 million per year to help the LA County veterans service officers and other counties across the state.”

Archuleta says these funds will help the officers hire more professionals to make contact with veterans to assess their needs and put them into the VA system to receive VA disability payments, insurance, medical and emotional help.

The senator also helped dedicate a memorial highway on the 605 Freeway to army ranger Sergeant Thomas R. MacPherson on Oct. 12.

Archuleta is also working to help the homeless, which is a state-wide issue.

“I had a meeting with a representative from the Pacific Railroad to address homelessness along the railroad tracks. They can work with every municipality to move everyone into shelters,” he said.

The senator also addressed the main reasons for homelessness are mental challenges, drug addiction and job loss.

“We are working to get them help and into permanent housing along the way,” said Archuleta. “My colleagues in the state senate and the governor are working together to get them off the street and into the system to get rehab, to get trained and get everyone help, especially the children.”

Archuleta has received 65 endorsements from district officials such as representative Judy Chu, Artesia mayor Ali Taj, Bellflower mayor Dan Koops, Downey mayor Claudia Frometa and Norwalk mayor Jennifer Perez.

The California State Senate election is Nov. 8, 2022.