Celebrating #LatinosMarinos: Sen. Lena Gonzalez
In this edition of Celebrating #LatinosMarinos, we spoke with Sen. Lena Gonzalez, who represents California’s 33rd District as a State Senator and serves as the Senate Majority Leader. In 2023, Sen. Lena Gonzalez received Azul’s Estrella Marina Award for her long-time commitment to ocean conservation and healthy communities.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What kind of work do you do, and what led you to this work? What are you up to when you aren’t working?
I grew up in Long Beach, surrounded by hardworking role models who deeply influenced my life. My father, a dedicated truck driver, navigated California’s freeways, delivering goods to warehouses and ports, embodying the resilience and commitment that powers our state’s goods movement and, ultimately, the nation. My mother, a brave soul who emigrated from Mexico at the age of 7, brought with her a spirit of determination and resilience that I learned from immensely. She, along with my aunts and grandmothers, were strong women whose wisdom shaped my world. They taught me the importance of voicing my opinions and standing up for what I believe in, lessons that have become the bedrock of who I am today.
I never imagined a career in politics, but as I gained experience, it became clear that our government needed more voices like mine. At nineteen, I became a mother while simultaneously pursuing my education at Cal State Long Beach, an experience that was challenging but so rewarding and so worth it. Being a mom taught me invaluable skills and deepened my understanding of the struggles working families face every day, inspiring me to strive to make a difference and fueling my commitment to volunteerism and public service at a young age.
My career took off in politics when I began working for the City Council, which eventually led me to run for Councilmember of Long Beach’s 1st District. Today, I proudly represent California’s 33rd District as a State Senator and serve as the Senate Majority Leader. I also serve as Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus, where I focus on advancing legislative priorities that benefit Latinos and all Californians.
When I’m not working, I am enjoying time with my family and our dog, enjoying delicious local cuisine, visiting a park and just enjoying time together outdoors.
The 2024 National Azul Poll found overwhelming support from Latinos across the U.S. for policies to protect our ocean and candidates who support these policies, including a willingness to pay more in energy and food costs in order to advance ocean justice priorities. What do these findings mean for your work?
This poll reinforces what we already know: our communities want change.
Latinos, people of color, and low-income families, who have historically been disproportionately burdened by pollution, need this change the most. They understand better than anyone that we must do more to ensure a livable planet for future generations.
These communities have witnessed firsthand the effects of pollution. For example, burning fossil fuels, one of the biggest sources of emissions, not only contaminates the air we breathe but also pollutes our oceans.
Since my days on the Long Beach City Council, I have been advocating for ocean protection policies, particularly from plastic pollution, which is also made with fossil fuels. I was proud to work on the #FoamFreeLB campaign, to reduce Styrofoam pollution in my home city. This and similar work over the years to phase out fossil fuel production and use is driven by the communities I have the privilege to represent. Information from new polls like this one is encouraging, because it highlights the importance of this work to our communities.
In 2023, you received Azul’s Estrella Marina Award for your long-time commitment to ocean conservation and healthy communities. Can you tell us about one of the victories you’re most proud of?
The communities I represent have some of the worst air quality in the United States. Hard-working, predominantly families of color, who deserve to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live free from pollution. The reality of these communities is always at the front of mind with everything I do in the Legislature.
This year, we achieved a significant victory against Big Oil when they withdrew a measure from the ballot that sought to overturn Senate Bill 1137. This bill, which I authored, aims to protect frontline communities from pollution and end neighborhood oil drilling. Additionally, the state is suing Big Oil for misleading the public about the negative impacts of fossil fuels on our planet and our health.
Every year at the Legislature we work on policy to advance environmental justice and combat climate change. However, there is still much more work to be done.
What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they have the power to be an ocean advocate?
I would say, we need you. Don’t let your fears hold you back because, trust me when I say, people like you—everyday people—are the most powerful voices we could hope to have in this movement.
Change doesn’t happen because of any one person or group. It takes the power of the people, and that only comes from a grassroots level.
So next time you have the itch to go to your local environmental group or neighborhood group meeting, do it! If you see Azul or other trusted organizations doing beach cleanups and other good work, sign up and join them! And if you don’t know any, call my office or your state representative to help you find that information, but don’t hesitate.
One of my favorite parts of the work I do is that I get to meet all kinds of individuals from different backgrounds and experiences who are brought together by their passion to protect our oceans and our environment. Unity helps drive change, and you can be a part of that, with the added bonus that you’ll make new friends and have some fun along the way.
What is your first or best memory of the ocean or the beach?
I have many fond memories at the beach, and I am fortunate to live very close to it. However, one transformative memory profoundly impacted who I am today.
When I was about nine years old, I was at the beach with my grandmother. A man approached us and started insulting us with racist comments, such as “go back to your country.” My grandmother advised me not to pay attention, and we continued on, but the experience left a lasting impression on me.
To this day, I vividly remember how it made me feel and realize that no one owns the beach, it is for everyone! Now that I am in a position to create change, it is a top priority for me to uplift our diverse communities and ensure equitable access to public spaces like the beach. These spaces are for everyone to enjoy, and all of our communities deserve to experience nature and the outdoors. I truly believe California is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and everyone should be encouraged and welcomed to benefit from our beaches, coastline, and ocean.
Thank you Azul for your commitment to oceans – to access, equity, and preservation!