Dear Neighbors, 

The Legislative session has just ended in Sacramento, and we’ve been hard at work in the District and at the Capitol supporting community events and advancing legislation that meets the needs of Senate District 33. From protecting immigrant communities to supporting CalFresh families and improving access to the outdoors for all, I remain focused on advancing a legislative agenda that builds a safer, healthier, and more equitable California.

From the Capitol: Nine Bills Head to the Governor

Senator Gonzalez on the Senate Floor 8/03/26

The 2025-2026 Legislative Session ended  on August 31^st, and I am pleased to announce that nine bills I authored this year are headed to the Governor’s Desk for a signature! This year, I advanced legislation to protect and stand up for our immigrant communities through SB 423 and SB 937, make our streets safer through SB 1279, and deliver meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to Californians

SB 423, the Detention Facility Transparency Act, will require local agencies , upon request, to disclose audio recordings and related records concerning 911 calls and other calls for emergency services originating from private detention facilities. This measure will help bring to light what happens inside privately operated facilities and ensure these facilities are held accountable for abuse, neglect and the inhumane treatment of people in their care.  

I also authored SB 937 in response to tragic incidents in Senate District 33, including federal agents using an explosive breaching device to blow the door off a home in Huntington Park with a mother and her small children inside. It will restrict the use of flash-bang devices for crowd control and ban the use of flash-bangs and explosive breaching devices for immigration enforcement. SB 937 makes it clear – these military-style weapons are dangerous and should not be used unsafely to target communities.

I’m also proud to announce that SB 1279, my bill to improve safety on Long Beach streets, is on its way to the Governor’s desk! SB 1279 will expand the City’s speed camera pilot program to a dangerous stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway that accounts for 20% of the City’s traffic fatalities.

Visit my 2026 Legislative Package page to learn more about these bills and  others I championed this year on outdoor access, food security, and more.

$1 Million Small Business Grant Pilot Invests Directly in Long Beach Businesses

Senator Lena Gonzalez presents $1 Million to the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation for the Small Business Grant Pilot Program in September 2025 accompanied by Congressman Robert Garcia, Councilwoman Kerr, BKBIA Executive Director Blair Cohn and more.

I am proud to have secured $1 million in state funding to fund the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation’s Small Business Grant Pilot Program, ensuring that state dollars directly support local entrepreneurs and strengthen commercial corridors throughout Long Beach. Quarterly grants are available to eligible small businesses citywide, and the program received an impressive 89 applications in its first round, approving $77,664.51 for projects in Bixby Knolls, Belmont Shore, Zaferia, the Fourth Street corridor, Downtown, the Westside, the Santa Fe corridor, North Long Beach, and other communities.

By supporting business improvements, community enhancements, and recovery from unexpected crime-related costs, this pilot program is helping small businesses thrive while directing resources to communities that have historically received less investment. Thank you to the Bixby Knolls Community Foundation for working alongside us to implement this incredible program and turn state funding into meaningful, direct investments in Long Beach’s small business community. For more information on the program and to apply, please visit the BKCF Business Support Grants Page.

Thank you For Joining Me, Walnut Park!

Senator Gonzalez speaks to Walnut Park Cafecito attendees on 8/22/26

It was wonderful to join community members in Walnut Park for a Cafecito, where I shared legislative updates from Sacramento and, most importantly, heard directly from residents about the issues affecting their families and community. These conversations and firsthand experiences continue to inform the work I do on behalf of Senate District 33. Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked thoughtful questions, shared their perspectives, and spent part of their day connecting with my team. I am grateful for every opportunity to engage directly with the communities I am proud to represent.

Catalina Island Residents: Make Your Voice Heard on Potential Utility Rate Increases

Southern California Edison has submitted an application to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that could affect water and gas rates on Catalina Island. Residents may provide public comment during in-person hearings on Thursday, September 10, at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Avalon City Council Chambers, or by phone on Tuesday, September 15, at 6:00 p.m. by calling 1-800-857-1917 and entering passcode 7032766#. Written comments may also be submitted through the CPUC proceeding webpage. Those needing language interpretation or other accommodations should contact the CPUC Public Advisor’s Office at Public.Advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or 1-866-849-8390 at least five business days before the hearing. Community members are encouraged to participate and explain how potential rate increases could affect their families, businesses, and the Catalina Island community.

Be Prepared for Extreme Heat

With multiple extreme heat advisories impacting our region, please continue to take precautions and stay informed as temperatures remain high. Prolonged heat can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Please sign up for emergency alerts on the CA Alerts page and visit the Ready LA County Excessive Heat website for updated heat advisories and safety resources. Cooling centers are available throughout the region for those seeking relief from high temperatures, and locations can be found in the County’s Cooling Center Guide or on the California Department of Public Health Heat Ready CA Resource page. Stay safe!

Students: Make Your Voice Heard in the 2026 California Student Mock Election

I encourage middle and high school students throughout Senate District 33 to participate in the 2026 California Student Mock Election. This is an opportunity for students to experience the democratic process firsthand and learn about the importance of voting. Participating students will cast ballots for actual candidates and ballot measures, with their votes counted and compared with results from schools across California. The mock election will take place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, approximately one month before the General Election. Schools must register by Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Educators and school administrators can register and find additional resources through the California Secretary of State Mock Election page and questions may be directed to myvote@sos.ca.gov. Let’s help inspire the next generation to become informed, engaged participants in our democracy.

Upcoming Events, Resources & More

Summer isn’t over yet! Make sure to check our resources page for some great community and Labor Day events in SD33 like our Caltrans Paramount cleanup, concerts by the ocean, extreme weather resources, and more!

As always, if you need any other information or assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with my office at (562) 256-7921 or send us a message here. 
 

Sincerely, 

Lena Gonzalez
33^rd State Senate District