Dear Neighbor,

As Memorial Day approaches, we honor the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Across and near Senate District 33, families have several opportunities to come together, reflect, learn, and pay tribute to those we have lost. Please visit our resource page for Memorial Day event information. To every family carrying the loss of a loved one who served, we hold you in our hearts and honor their legacy with deep gratitude, today and always.

Summer Scholarship Deadlines Approaching 

Several summer scholarship deadlines are coming up as soon as May 31, 2026. Be sure to explore these available scholarship opportunities, review eligibility requirements, and apply for awards ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. In addition, graduating seniors should also review general information about the annual FAFSA and CADAA applications to help prepare for the upcoming academic year, learn about deadlines and how to apply to be considered for federal and state financial aid. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/LG-FinAid26. 

Vote Early and Know Your Voting Rights

The June 2, 2026 Primary Election is quickly approaching, and voting early is one of the best ways to help ensure your ballot is received and counted on time. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind: 

• You can return your ballot by mail, drop it off at a secure ballot drop box, or vote in person at a vote center.
• Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by June 2, 2026. To ensure your ballot is postmarked by Election Day make sure to mail it at least five days before Election Day and if mailing on Election Day, get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
• Don’t forget to sign and date your vote-by-mail ballot return envelope.
• Ballots returned at a drop box must be deposited by 8:00 p.m. that same day.
• You can drop off your completed mail-in ballot at any drop box in California - it does not need to be the one nearest to you. To find a ballot drop box, visit https://lavote.gov/dropbox.

Early in-person voting will also be available in every county for at least 10 days before Election Day. In Los Angeles County, many voting centers will open as early as May 23, with additional locations opening May 30. Find in-person voting locations, opening dates, and hours at https://locator.lavote.gov. 

As a California voter, you have important rights, including the right to take time off from work to vote if needed. For information on voting rights, eligibility and requirements for taking time off to vote, multilingual voting resources, military and overseas voting, and more, visit our SD33 Voting Resources page.

CA Needs Your Voice: Share Your Thoughts on AI and the Future of Work 

California has launched Engaged California, a statewide digital democracy effort inviting residents to help shape the state’s approach to artificial intelligence. Californians can sign up to share how AI is affecting their work, the economy, and what actions they believe state leaders should consider. Later this summer, a smaller group of participants reflecting California’s workforce will be selected for live discussions to explore ideas and policy recommendations in greater depth. To participate, visit the Engaged California page.

$6.7 Million Investment Will Bring New Sidewalks to Downtown Long Beach

Governor Gavin Newsom announced more than $540 million in transportation investments to improve travel times, renovate aging facilities, and add new layers of safety around schools and community centers. This announcement includes investments funded by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, the State Highway Account, the general fund and other state and federal programs. This investment includes $6.7 million to create a pedestrian priority area with new sidewalks in downtown Long Beach. Read the full press release, here. 

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
33rd State Senate District