It is with great honor that the city of La Mirada was invited to the community swearing-in of Blanca Pacheco, the new Assemblymember for Assembly District 64 Sunday, January 22 at the Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey. Assemblywoman Pacheco is no stranger to La Mirada and has already won the hearts of the community.
The Space Center was full of elected officials from her new district as well as those throughout Southern California. County Assessor Jeff Prang gave his best wishes to Pacheco saying, “She has a wealth of experience in municipal politics and will do a great job bringing leaders from all levels of government to fight for her district. Blanca will fight for the people of the 64th.”
California State Assembly Speaker Designate Robert Rivas conducted the oath of office for Assemblymember Pacheco, as her mother Mariana Pacheco held the bible. Rivas added “Blanca, I know that you will continue to break barriers for women and immigrants in Sacramento, just as you did when you became the first-ever Latina to serve as Mayor of Downey. Congratulations!”
Pacheco welcomed everyone to the Space Center from the nine, very diverse communities that she will represent: Bell, Cudahy, Bell Gardens, Downey, Norwalk, La Mirada, La Habra, Santa Fe Springs, and two portions of unincorporated South and East Whittier.
“I stand here as your new Assemblywoman and I am ready to represent all of you. Never in my wildest dreams, did I ever imagine that I would be standing here,” said Pacheco. “My parents immigrated to the United States to achieve the American Dream. I was just a year old when my parents moved from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. My parents have worked hard and have been dedicated to our family to give them a better life. My Dad always encouraged us to work hard, and go to school so that we could achieve more.”
“It is so great to be here,” stated Supervisor Janice Hahn,” Blanca and I were elected at the same time; Blanca to the Downey City Council and myself to the Board of Supervisors. Today is a great show of support for our new Assemblywoman and District 64 from all levels of elected positions from chambers to state government. Thank you for supporting her.”
Pacheco committee assignments for the 2023- 2024 legislative sessions have been announced. Among other committees Pacheco is a member on the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials committee, “I am eager to be a partner in Sacramento with our local governments. I stand ready to protect our neighborhoods from harmful pollutants and clean up the contamination that has plagued our communities for too long.”
“I was humbled by the show of support from so many constituents and leaders from across AD64 this past Sunday,” added Pacheco, “ Thank you to all who attended, our collective work in Sacramento is just beginning!”