SD 33 Pride Month Nominations

Pride Month 2026 is coming in June, and my office will be recognizing extraordinary individuals across Senate District 33. We are looking to honor LGBTQ+ leaders, allies, and advocates who are helping build a more inclusive and equitable future through volunteerism and community service. This is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate someone making a positive difference in your life or community. Submit your Pride Month Recognition Nomination by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. on our online nomination portal. 

Shoemaker Bridge Closure Updates

Contrary to some recent reports, the Shoemaker Bridge connecting the 710 Freeway to downtown Long Beach is not permanently closing this year. Instead, the bridge will temporarily close for one weekend as part of the phased demolition of nearby on- and off-ramps to make way for the Port of Long Beach Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility. The ramps connecting the bridge to Ninth and 10th Streets in West Long Beach will permanently close on May 4, with additional temporary freeway and bridge closures expected over select weekends during construction. These ramp demolitions are separate from the city’s long-term proposal to replace the 72-year-old Shoemaker Bridge ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games, which remains dependent on securing additional funding. Find more information on the Shoemaker Bridge Ramp Closure.

Register for the next LA28 Ticket Draw

Planning ahead for the 2028 Summer Olympics? Registration is now open for the next LA28 ticket draw, giving fans another opportunity to purchase tickets for Olympic events during LA28 Ticket Drop 2 this August. The upcoming ticket release will include refreshed inventory across all Olympic sports at a variety of price points. Registration for the ticket draw is free and open to individuals ages 18 and older, though ticket availability is not guaranteed and additional terms and conditions apply. Find more information on the LA28 Ticket page.

Updated Scholarship Opportunities

Virtual Community Forum: Tracking License Plated and Protecting Privacy

Recent reporting has raised serious concerns about the unchecked use of surveillance technologies across Los Angeles County, including the use of Automated License Plate Readers and the impacts these tools may have on immigrant communities. The Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission will host a public forum where residents can hear from subject matter experts, ask questions, share concerns, and provide first-hand insight to help shape County recommendations on privacy, transparency, data use, and accountability. Community input is critical to ensuring oversight policies reflect the lived experiences and safety concerns of the people most impacted.

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is hosting a series of community events throughout the month to promote mental wellness, connect residents with resources, and support families across the region. Residents are encouraged to attend free wellness fairs, workshops, and community celebrations taking place across Southeast Los Angeles County and Long Beach. Events will feature mental health resources, wellness activities, youth and family programming, and opportunities to connect with local service providers. Community members of all ages are welcome to participate in these important conversations and events focused on mental wellbeing and support: 

May 5 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Resource and Wellness Fair
Rio Hondo College — 3600 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier

May 9 | 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Family Wellness Celebration
Brookshire Ave. between 5th St. & Firestone Blvd., Downey

May 12 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Resource and Wellness Fair
Long Beach City College — 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach

May 16 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Mental Wellbeing Workshop
12417 Philadelphia St., Whittier

May 22 & Saturday, May 23 | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Free Walk-Through Wellness Experience
Lakewood Center — 500 Lakewood Center Mall, Lakewood

May 29 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Youth Mental Health and Wellness Fair
14608 Paramount Blvd., Paramount

District Events

33rd Annual Catalina Island Rugby Festival

May 02, 2026 l 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Avalon Canyon Rd Avalon, CA 90704

For more information, click here.

Catalina Island Cinco de Mayo Celebration

May 05, 2026 l 03:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Wrigley Stage, Avalon, Ca

For more information, click here.

Paramount Unified School District AANHPI Celebration

May 16, 2026 l 11:00 A.M.-2:30 P.M.

Lincoln School 15324 California Ave. Paramount, CA 90723

Senior Sound Bath and Nature Walk

May 1, 2026 l 9:30 A.M.-1 P.M.

El Dorado Nature Center 7550 E. Spring St. Long Beach, CA 90815

Must be 50+. For more information on this event and other free senior events in Long Beach, click here.

Friday Night Paramount

May 1, 2026 l 5:00- 9:00 P.M.

Downtown Paramount (Paramount Blvd. and Jackson St.)

For more information, click here.

Lakewood Shreds

May 2, 2026 l 9:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M.

City Hall Back Parking Lot, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, 90712

For more information, click here.