Senator Lena Gonzalez Presents: 2026 Small Business Saturday

Senator Lena Gonzalez invites community members to celebrate Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 28, at 10:00 AM along Pacific Boulevard in Huntington Park. During this special event, Senator Gonzalez will visit local small businesses to recognize their contributions to the community, encourage residents to shop locally, and celebrate the entrepreneurs who help strengthen Southeast Los Angeles. The event will also feature a special presentation of state funding to the SELA Collaborative, supporting efforts to promote economic development and expand opportunities for local businesses. Community members are encouraged to join Senator Gonzalez in celebrating and supporting the small businesses that contribute to the economic vitality and vibrancy of Huntington Park.

To RSVP, please our event page here. For any questions, please contact our office at (323) 277-4560.

City of Bell Carnival

November 5, 2026 l 5-11PM

For more information, please visit the Bell Event Directory

City of Long Beach Veterans Day Event

November 7, 2026 l 12:00PM-4:00PM

Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave, Long Beach, CA  90805

For more information, visit the City of Long Beach website

Community Drive-Thru Sandbag Distribution

Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 8AM – 2PM 

LBCC Liberal Arts College in Lot M, 4901 E. Carson St, Long Beach, CA 90808

For more information, visit the Long Beach Event Page

City of Avalon Veterans Day Event

November 11, 2026 l 11:00AM

Veterans Memorial Park, 108 Pebbly Beach Road, Avalon, CA 90704

For more information, visit the City of Avalon website

Cudahy Thanksgiving Food Distribution

Thursday, November 19, 2026 l 9:30- 11AM

Clara Street Park, 4835 Clara Street, Cudahy, CA 90201

For more information, visit the City of Cudahy website

City of Signal Hill Tree Lighting Ceremony 

Wednesday, November 19, 2026 | 6PM 

Signal Hill City Hall, 2175 Chery Ave Signal Hill, CA 90755

For more information visit, Signal Hill Event Page

Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at Plaza Mexico

Friday, November 20, 2026 | 5:00PM-8:00PM

Plaza Mexico Courtyard, 3100 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262

For more information, please visit the Plaza Mexico Event page

Maywood Holiday Turkey/Pie Giveaway

Tuesday, November 24, 2026 | 8:00AM

Maywood Park/ YMCA, 4801 E 58th St, Maywood, CA 90270

Community Turkey Giveaway at Plaza Mexico

Tuesday, November 24, 2026 l 12PM

Plaza Mexico Courtyard, 3100 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262

For more information, please visit the Plaza Mexico Event page

Voting FAQs & Resources  

What if I missed the deadline to register to vote?

If you missed the deadline to register to vote, you can use Same Day Voter Registration, known as Conditional Voter Registration in state law, which is a safety net for Californians who miss the deadline to register to vote or update their voter registration information for an election. If you are registering or re-registering less than 15 days before an election you will need to complete the Same-Day Voter Registration process. 

Visit caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov for a list of early voting locations where you can complete the Same Day Voter Registration Process. 

Need to register on Election Day? Use the polling place lookup tool to find your local polling location.

Have additional questions about locations where you can complete the Same Day Voter Registration process? Contact your county elections office.

Where can I vote?

To find a ballot drop box near you, visit lavote.gov/dropbox. You can drop off your completed mail-in ballot at any drop box in California - it does not need to be the one nearest to you. Find a complete list of ballot dropboxes in Senate District 33 here.

You can find your polling place at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place by entering your address. To see additional locations you may visit your county elections official’s website or visit CaEarlyVoting.sos.ca.gov. Find a full list of voting centers in Senate District 33 here.

How can I know if my ballot was counted?

You can sign up for notification to ensure your ballot is accepted at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter. 

For additional information, including voting rights information, voting resources for people with disabilities, multilingual voter hotlines, links to important election information, and more, visit: bit.ly/LG-VotingFAQs

El Niño Resources

LA County

LA County Public Works crews prepare for storm season months in advance by inspecting dams and channels, removing debris and sediment from reservoirs, maintaining storm drains and pump stations and ensuring flood control facilities are ready before winter storms arrive. County teams are coordinating resources across departments and partners so they can respond quickly when conditions deteriorate.

LA County residents can visit the Public Works Sandbags Dashboard to find sandbag distribution locations and call (800) 933-0930 to speak to a Public Works engineer about property-specific preparation.

LA County is also taking steps to protect vulnerable residents. People experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable during severe rain, flooding, high winds, cold temperatures and other extreme weather. Homeless Services and Housing outreach teams are connecting unhoused neighbors to safe, warm shelter ahead of winter storms. 211 LA can help connect individuals with services and housing resources. Visit their website or call 2-1-1.

LA County’s Aging & Disabilities Department is working to ensure older adults, who may face heightened risk during extreme weather, have the resources and support they need to prepare and stay safe.

For more information and resources, visit LA County's webpage for information about heavy rains and sign up for LA County's El Niño Preparedness Guide. 

Long Beach

The City of Long Beach has a dedicated El Niño webpage with information on sandbags, how to prepare, forecasts, and more. Additionally, the City has proclaimed a local emergency as a result of the impacts from Hurricane Marie and the developing El Niño event and winter storm season. Read the full proclamation here.

Stay Informed - Sign up for Emergency Alerts

LA County: ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications/

Long Beach: longbeach.gov/lgb/resources/emergency-alerts/

Cities, special districts, employers, schools and universities may each have their own emergency notification systems.

For more information, please visit the SD33 El Nino Resource Page.

Small Business Resources

Small Business Grants Available in Long Beach

The City’s Safe & Secure Grant Program provides eligible small businesses with up to $750 or $1,500 for security improvements such as cameras, lighting, alarm systems, and other eligible upgrades. The Visual Improvement Program also offers eligible businesses and nonprofits up to $1,000 to help repair storefront damage caused by vandalism or property crime.

See available grants, eligibility requirements, and how to apply. Please visit the Long Beach Small Business Grants page. For help with an application, businesses can contact the City’s BizCare Hotline at 562-570-4BIZ (4249).

LA28 Opens Applications for Local Food Businesses

LA28 has opened applications for its L.ocal A.uthentic Program, creating opportunities for hundreds of small and local food businesses, including food trucks, food carts, and pop-ups, to serve spectators during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Selected businesses will also receive mentoring and tools to help prepare for Games-time operations and grow beyond 2028. Applications are open September 10 through November 16.

Learn more and apply through RAMPLA’s LA28 L.ocal A.uthentic Program page.