State Funding for SD33 and Latino Heritage Month
Dear Neighbor,
With the legislative session now concluded, I'm pleased to share a few updates from the Capitol, including more than $5 million in state budget funding I secured for Senate District 33, and eight of my bills being signed into law. I’m also proud to recognize Latino Heritage Month by highlighting Latinos across our communities whose leadership, service, and contributions are making a meaningful impact. This newsletter also includes important resources to help you and your family prepare for severe weather, flooding, and potential power outages as we prepare for the upcoming El Niño season and information to help you get ready to vote in the upcoming November election.
New State Funding for SD33
Governor Newsom has signed into law additional budget actions that include critical investments in education, childcare, health care, housing, infrastructure, public safety, and wildfire resilience. The budget also approved more than $5 million in funding I advocated for to support small businesses and economic development, nonprofit capacity building, cultural preservation, ocean conservation, and public safety in Senate District 33. These investments will bring important resources to organizations and communities across Long Beach and Southeast Los Angeles. You can read more about these budget allocations in my press release.
Governor Newsom Signs 8 Bills Into Law
I’m proud to announce that Governor Newsom has signed eight of my bills into law this session, advancing legislation to protect our communities, improve public safety, and promote economic fairness throughout the state. Among them, SB 937 limits the use of military-style weapons during protests and immigration enforcement, while SB 423, the Detention Facility Transparency Act, increases transparency into conditions inside detention facilities. SB 1279 will improve safety along a dangerous stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach by expanding the City’s speed camera pilot program, and SB 1349 requires the Legislative Analyst’s Office to evaluate major corporate tax expenditures. SB 1268, my Outdoors for All Initiative bill, along with the other bills signed by the Governor, will take effect January 1, 2027. Please visit our legislative corner for more information on my 2026 Legislative Package.
Latino Heritage Month Honorees
This Latino Heritage Month, we are proud to celebrate the Latino leaders, changemakers, and community members who are making a lasting impact across our communities. Throughout the month, our office is highlighting individuals whose leadership and service strengthen our schools, businesses, neighborhoods, nonprofit organizations, and public institutions. Their stories reflect the diversity, resilience, and contributions of Latino communities and inspire future generations to lead and serve. We are grateful to this year’s honorees and to the countless Latino families and community members whose contributions continue to enrich California. Read more about this year’s honorees on my website.
El Niño Updates
With a potentially historic El Niño season ahead, I encourage everyone in our community to prepare now for the possibility of heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, coastal flooding, and power outages. Governor Newsom has declared a statewide emergency and directed state agencies to pre-position critical supplies, strengthen flood protections, and support local emergency response efforts. Residents should sign up now for emergency alerts, check their flood risks, clear gutters and drains, secure outdoor items, and prepare an emergency kit and family evacuation plan. To sign up for emergency alerts please visit Listos California. For preparedness information, including sandbag locations and emergency alerts, visit The Ready CA Resource Hub, the LA County Public Works Sandbag Dashboard and Long Beach’s El Niño resources. All of this information and more can be found on my website, which will be updated periodically as more information becomes available.
We Remember: The 25th Anniversary of September 11th
Senator Gonzalez meets with Signal Hill Police at the City’s September 11th Memorial event on September 11, 2026.
I was honored to join the City of Signal Hill for its 25th anniversary September 11th memorial ceremony, honoring those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and remembering the countless individuals who have continued to serve and strengthen our nation in the decades since. This anniversary reminds us of the strength, courage, and solidarity Americans showed in the face of tragedy. Signal Hill’s Unity Monument beautifully reflects that spirit, with its five metals symbolizing the diversity and strength that make up our nation. I’m grateful to the City of Signal Hill for bringing our community together to remember, honor, and reaffirm our shared commitment to unity.
Bluff Park Neighborhood Association Meeting
Senator Gonzalez speaks at the Bluff Park Neighborhood Association on September 23, 2026.
I was honored to meet with the Bluff Park Neighborhood Association to hear directly from residents and discuss issues affecting the community. Our conversation covered historic preservation, traffic safety along PCH, and the safe use and education around e-bikes. We also discussed preparing for El Niño and protecting properties from severe weather, addressing heat concerns at schools and senior facilities, and expanding the use of green technology. I appreciate the Association’s engagement and partnership in identifying practical ways to support a safe, resilient, and thriving community.
Thank you for Joining Us, Paramount!
Team Gonzalez and Volunteers participate in the Paramount Cleanup on September 12, 2026.
A huge thank you to the City of Paramount, Caltrans, and all of the wonderful volunteers who joined us for the Paramount cleanup! Your time, energy, and commitment to keeping our community clean and welcoming make a real difference. I’m grateful to everyone who came out and rolled up their sleeves to give back to our community. Thank you for being part of Team Gonzalez’s continued work across Senate District 33!
Get Vote Ready
With the November election coming up, I remain committed to empowering Californians to get vote ready! I encourage all eligible voters to utilize the resources provided by the California Secretary of State's office to ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming election on November 3rd. For more information and to register to vote, visit the Secretary of State’s website here and visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk webpage to learn more about the upcoming election here. Voting resources and information are also available on my website.
Upcoming Events, Resources & More
Visit our resource corner for information on El Niño preparedness resources, local events, LA28 procurement opportunities for small businesses, 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
33rd State Senate District