Dear Neighbor,

My District is home to vibrant Hispanic and Latin American communities, and it is important that we take time to recognize and celebrate their many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories! Take some time to read about our Hispanic Heritage Month honorees!

And wow! I could not be prouder of all the hard work we accomplished this legislative session, with the final bills in my legislative package signed into law by the Governor, we have so much great change in action, from creating a more equitable food economy to protecting our neighborhoods from oil drilling pollution, addressing disparities in access to mental health services and so much more.

In the District, I attended a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, toured a local facility to learn about recyclables and landfill avoidance and hosted a community cleanup. My team also participated in local events to promote the arts and opportunities for recreational activities outdoors.  

An upcoming Help for Truckers event will provide truckers the opportunity to sign up for official programs and certifications for work at the ports, scholarships are available for students in the transportation industry, and starting this month most California residents will start receiving cash refunds to help respond to the higher costs caused by inflation.

Hispanic Heritage Month

• This Hispanic Heritage Month I am proud to recognize outstanding members of our community who dedicate much of their time to helping others and serve as great role models and inspiration to us all. Congratulations to our amazing honorees, read about them here!
   

News from the Capitol

• Ten bills in my legislative package were signed into law this year! Here are some of the big wins we were able to accomplish with your input and the dedicated support of organizations and community advocates speaking up with us through the legislative process to achieve a better future for Californians:
  • Studying the impacts of deepfakes digital technology to understand risks and better protect your online identity SB 1216
  • Limiting who can legally buy and sell catalytic converters to address rising catalytic converter theft SB 1087
  • Preventing transportation issues arising from chronic under-investment, climate change and congestion by requiring the California Transportation Commission to provide a ten year transportation needs assessment SB 1121
  • Protecting frontline communities from oil drilling pollution by establishing oil well setbacks SB 1137
  • Ensuring state Zero Emission Vehicle programs are equity centered and support underserved Californians by creating an equity advocate position SB 1251
  • Expanding equitable access to Zero-Emission Vehicle ownership by giving a state tax exemption under the Clean Cars for All program SB 1382
  • Increasing consumer safety by prohibiting dealers and manufacturers from deceptively naming, referring to, or marketing semiautonomous driving assistance features on new passenger vehicles SB 1398
  • Supporting micro-entrepreneurs, creating a more equitable food economy and enhancing health and food safety by creating pathways for street food vendors to obtain food vending permits SB 972
  • Protecting the right to abortion services by eliminating cost-sharing SB 245
  • Addressing disparities in access to mental health services by requiring Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans to implement culturally and linguistically relevant outreach to underserved communities SB 1019

In the District

• I had great time joining celebrations across the district. I joined the Cultural Center Advisory Committee and Centro CHA Inc. in Long beach for their opening Inaugural 2022 Latino Cultural Center & El Mercado Celebration.
• We also celebrated the signing of SB 972 with local street vendors and organizations in Los Angeles and SB 1137 on a virtual live-event with activist and actress Jane Fonda!
• Aside from celebrations, Team Gonzalez also spent time out on the field to take climate action. First, we toured the Athens Services Material Recovery Facility to learn about technology designed to maximize recyclables recovery and landfill avoidance, then we hosted a freeway off-ramp cleanup in South Gate. My team also participated in the Los Cerritos Community Painting Day and an event recognizing outgoing board members of the Arts Council for Long Beach. We had fun at Beach Streets encouraging others to exercise outdoors and were happy to support a backpack giveaway with YMCA of Greater Long Beach.
   

Middle Class Tax Refund

• Beginning this month, most California residents will start receiving cash refunds to help respond to the higher costs caused by inflation. The Middle Class Tax Refund program was funded in the 2022-23 state budget and will provide an estimated $9.5 billion in rebates to approximately 17.5 million California families. The refunds are scheduled to start rolling out in October and continue until January. To determine your eligibility or calculate how much you will receive, visit the California Franchise Tax Board Website. 

California Youth Empowerment Commission (CYEC)

• CYEC provides a unique opportunity for California’s youth to participate in civic engagement. They will meet at least once a month and make recommendations to the Legislature, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Governor on specific legislative and fiscal issues. The commission will be compromised of 13 individuals between the ages of 14 – 25 and at least 5 commissioners must have experienced a physical disability, youth homelessness, foster care, and juvenile incarceration. To submit an application, click here. Applications must be completed by October 21st.

Scholarships for Students in Transportation

• This Education Fund was established in honor of Jim Ditch, a founder of the Southern California Regional Transit Training Consortium (SCRTTC), now known as the California Transit Training Consortium (CTTC). The fund will provide support to students who wish to pursue or advance their careers in public transportation. There are numerous scholarships awarded each year, up to $2,500 per individual. For more information or to apply visit the James A. Ditch Education Fund Scholarship Application website.

Help For Trucker Days

• Truck drivers and others can sign up for various official programs and certifications they need to work at the San Pedro Bay ports complex at a one-stop event at the Port of Long Beach scheduled for Oct. 18 and 19. For more information call 866-721-5686.
   

New Metro Survey

Metro, in partnership with community members and stakeholders along the I-710 South Corridor, is working on an Investment Plan to identify transportation projects and programs that improve mobility for people and the flow of goods into the future. Please take a moment to share your concerns and recommendations regarding the mobility needs of communities along the I-710 South Corridor with Metro and the 710 Task Force by taking this online survey.

As always, if you need any other information or assistance, please contact my office at (562) 256-7921 or send us a message here. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!  

Sincerely,

Lena Gonzalez
33rd State Senate District