Sacramento, Calif. – Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D- Long Beach) was appointed as an Ex-Officio board member of the California High Speed Rail Authority by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego). Senator Gonzalez currently serves as Chair of the Transportation Committee in the Senate and is the first Latina(o) in over 50 years to serve in this capacity and the only woman in 20 years. 

In her new role, Senator Gonzalez will continue her work on Transportation matters as it relates to the planning, designing, building and operation of the nation’s first high-speed rail system with a focus on equity, workforce development and positive environmental change. 

“It is truly an honor to serve as an Ex-Officio board member for the California High Speed Rail Authority,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach). “I am thankful to Senate President pro Tempore Atkins for appointing me to this new position and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature,  state agency partners, stakeholders and community members on matters related to the High Speed Rail project. It is my priority to ensure the project will improve mobility for all Californians, while increasing job opportunities and protecting the environment.”  

“As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Gonzalez has the expertise and vision we need to advance a high speed rail system that Californians deserve,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego). “With Senator Gonzalez serving on the board and helping guide the state’s involvement, we’ll ensure that this project connects and uplifts all parts of California, and delivers meaningful economic and environmental benefits across our state.”  

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Senator Gonzalez represents the 33rd Senate District, which includes the City of Long Beach and portions of South Los Angeles and Southeast Los Angeles including the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, Signal Hill, and South Gate. Senator Gonzalez lives in Long Beach with her family.

Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach.