Thursday, February 9 - On Thursday evening, we joined a drum circle music lesson held at Graham Library in Florence Firestone celebrating Black History Month! It was a fun event hosted by the County of Los Angeles providing a great music and arts opportunity for kids, parents and young adults!

Friday, February 10 - Before the week came to an end, we celebrated the unveiling of a statue paying homage to Mexican singer Vicente Fernández at Plaza Alameda in Walnut Park. Local partners like Ajuaa and Don Chente Bar and Grill were there to celebrate with the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) community the statue that is not just a symbol of a thriving Mexican culture but a symbol that unifies all of our Hispanic/Latino people who listened to his music.

Monday, February 13 - This was a great day in Long Beach as we congratulated McDowell's BBQ on their Grand Reopening. With the assistance of the Downtown Long Beach Business Alliance and Mayor Richardson, our community gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for this business that was impacted by COVID-19, and like many others, had closed its doors for a while. Now they reopen optimistic and resilient!

Tuesday, February 15 - It was fun to join the Lynwood Senior Center for a Valentine’s Day lunch. Through innovative collaborations with organizations like Human Services Association the center provides great opportunities and resources for Lynwood senior residents to be active and practice a healthy lifestyle. 

Tuesday, February 15 - The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement District held an event where companies were able to express their concerns, share ideas and speak directly on what's important to the community. This comes at a vital time when small businesses are still recovering from the pandemic and have been the target of recent storefront vandalism. We are working in collaboration with the City of Long Beach in addressing local business issues and encouraging them to apply to new Economic Development Department Grant Programs.

Wednesday, February 15 - Team Gonzalez toured the Universal Technology Institute, a trade and vocational school in Long Beach. Since 2015 they have provided education and tools for careers in transportation and skilled trades helping to develop a strong workforce. As industries have changes, they have adapted their focus to electric vehicles and introducing Aviation Mechanic Training. As Transportation Chair, it is great to see local educational institutions preparing our future workforce in Transportation industries.

Wednesday, February 15 - Team Gonzalez learned about the Advanced Building Systems factory in Downey where they construct tiny homes made out of light gauge steel providing a sustainable and affordable option to meet the housing needs in our state. The homes being built during our visit were planned for the Watts and South Los Angeles once approved by the state and local inspectors. This is an example of how innovation can help lower environmental impacts by reducing GHG emissions from manufacturing and transportation involved in building homes. 

Friday, February 17 - During a roundtable event as part of a crime prevention program for the Lakewood business community, my office heard firsthand from business owners regarding business safety, such as storefront vandalism. Businesses provided ideas for programs and resources to help with the recent uptick in crime, such as a “see something say something program”, and a grant program to help with window repairs and updated security systems. Business safety is critical to economic resilience and growth and my team is continually working with local agencies to share about assistance and resources.

Friday, February 17 - We joined Long Beach City College Pacific Coast campus for their Black Heritage Month reception that exhibited African-American artifacts and showcased the unique culture of the African diaspora. Associate Vice President Dr. Alisia Kirkwood and the Black Faculty and Staff Association uplifted the stories of extraordinary leadership and contributions of the Black community throughout our country’s history. 

Friday, February 17 - Team Gonzalez toured the SA Recycling facility in Long Beach to learn about their metal recycling work. The process of recycling metal material saves 90% of greenhouse gas emissions by diverting millions of tons of material away from landfills and waste incinerators. Recycling the material allows for more recycled material to be used around the world. 

Friday, February 17 - Congratulations to the Southeast Community Development Corporation Robowarriors, our local robotics team based out of the Bell Tech Center! They won second place at the First Lego Robotics Tournament in San Diego and Team Gonzalez came to congratulate the team on their huge success. The group, comprised of young students, is excited for what the future has in store as they continue to explore the STEM field.