Resources, Updates, and Events for Senate District 26 - May 2026

Dear Neighbors,

Spring is in full swing across Senate District 26, and our office has been busy - out in the community, moving legislation, and securing resources for the families who need them most.

This month, we're sharing updates on over $243 million in new mental health funding coming to our neighborhoods, free services and upcoming events across the district, and resources to help with rising costs. Furthermore, as the June primary election approaches, I also want to make sure every one of you has what you need to make your voice heard.

As always, my office is here for you. Read on for everything happening in Senate District 26 this May.

Every year, working families leave billions of dollars on the table - not because they don't need it, but because filing taxes without help is hard. This month, we brought free tax assistance back to Boyle Heights through our annual Tacos and Taxes event, and the turnout was incredible.

I'm proud to have secured state budget funding to keep these services free so our communities can claim every dollar they've earned. Thank you to Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, our amazing volunteers, and the organizations who made it happen: CalEITC4Me, Eastmont Community Center, New Economics for Women, Puente LA, and El Centro de Ayuda.

If you still need free tax filing help, visit the LA Public Library's free tax preparation program at lapl.org.

This is big. Over $243 million in new state funding is headed to Senate District 26 to expand mental health and substance use disorder treatment - bringing more beds, more treatment slots, and more pathways to recovery closer to home.

From Hollywood to Westlake/MacArthur Park, Pico Union to Lincoln Heights, this is what we fought for. Here's where the investment is going:

• St. Vincent Behavioral Health Campus (Westlake/MacArthur Park) - $135.8M
• CRI Help Lincoln Heights Recovery Campus - $41.3M
• St. Anne's Brighter Futures Center (Rampart Village) - $20M
• City of LA / National Community Renaissance Huntington Villas (El Sereno) - $15.6M
• HACLA / RightWay Foundation New Buildings (Koreatown) - $12.5M
• County of LA Warm Landing Place Facility (Downtown) - $8.8M
• Jail Guitar Doors Brother Wayne Peer Respite House (Hollywood) - $6M
• Aunt Mele's Healing House (Pico Union) - $3.6M

Thousands of Angelenos have waited far too long for care. These investments will change lives.

Our team spent Earth Day weekend where it matters most - out in the community. From Hollywood and Boyle Heights to the LA River near Atwater Village, we joined neighbors and partners to clean up the places we call home.

These cleanups are part of our ongoing commitment to protect natural spaces, expand access to parks, and build a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

Make a plan to vote. The primary election is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. LA County voters can use their vote-by-mail ballot or vote in person at any vote center. Some vote centers open as early as May 23.
Plan your vote at plan.lavote.gov.

My 2026 legislative package was built with renters, workers, immigrants, and families in mind. Bills to expand healthcare access, protect tenants, advance workers' rights, and open real pathways to opportunity are moving through the Legislature now.

Learn more at our website.

As our nation faces economic pressures tied to the conflict in Iran, many families across SD 26 are feeling rising costs for gas, groceries, and rent. You are not alone, and help is available.

Food Assistance

• CalFresh: Apply at benefitscal.com or call (866) 613-3777.
• CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot: If you receive CalFresh, get a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh produce - up to $60 per calendar month - at over 90 participating stores, including Mother's Nutritional Centers and the LA River Farmers Market in Chinatown. This pilot program will be available until funds are depleted. Find participating locations here.
• Summer EBT (SUN Bucks): School-age children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals may be eligible for summer grocery benefits. Visit cdss.ca.gov/sunbucks for details.
• LA Regional Food Bank: Find a food pantry near you at lafoodbank.org or call 211.

Health Coverage

• Medi-Cal / Covered California: Despite federal and state changes to Medi-Cal and Covered California plans, you may still be eligible for no-cost or low-cost health coverage. Please visit coveredca.com to see what’s available for you.

Cash and Family Assistance

• CalWORKs: Families with children may qualify for cash assistance and support services. Apply at benefitscal.com or call (866) 613-3777

Utility Bill Help

• LIHEAP: One-time assistance with heating or cooling bills. Find your local provider at the California Department of Community Services and Development website.
• CARE Program: Income-qualified households can receive a 30–35% discount on electric bills and 20% off gas. Contact your utility to apply.
• Energy-Saving Home Improvements: Free home weatherization and appliance replacements may be available through LIHEAP or your utility provider. Visit csd.ca.gov, ladwp.com, socalgas.com, or sce.com for details.

Phone / Internet

• California LifeLine: Discounts on your home phone, cell phone, or broadband service for income-qualified households. Visit californialifeline.com or call 1-877-858-7463. 

Transportation

• Metro LIFE Program (Low-Income Fare is Easy): New enrollees receive a free 90-day unlimited transit pass, then 20 free regional rides per month loaded onto their TAP card, usable across Metro and participating transit agencies. Apply at metro.net/life or call (213) 922-2378.

• Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP): Income-qualified Californians at or below 300% of the federal poverty level can receive grants of up to $7,500 and financing of up to $30,000 toward a new or used electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Apply at drivingcleanca.org.
• Replace Your Ride: South Coast AQMD residents can receive up to $12,000 to replace an older, high-polluting vehicle with a cleaner option, including EVs, plug-in hybrids, e-bikes, or an alternative transportation card. Apply at replaceyourride.com or call (844) 797-2223.

Legal Aid

• LawHelpCA.org is a statewide resource that helps Californians find free or low-cost legal assistance. It provides self-help information and connects users with local legal aid providers and pro bono services for matters like immigration, family law, housing, and disability rights.

General Assistance

• Dial 211: Free, 24/7 connection to health, housing, and emergency resources.
• My District Office: Call (213) 483-9300 for help navigating state services or finding support.

There is no shame in asking for help. That's what we're here for.

Click here to download the bilingual Know Your Rights Card (English/Spanish)

As your State Senator, I stand with you and am committed to ensuring you have immediate access to vital legal information, trusted resources, and unwavering support to protect your families and uphold your rights.

These cards are also available in:

• Arabic
• Chinese (Simplified) / Chinese (Traditional)
• Farsi
• Tagalog
• Vietnamese

If you have concerns if you see ICE in your neighborhood or if someone you know is detained, you can call the Los Angeles Rapid Response Hotline: 1-888-624-4752. This is a multilingual, confidential hotline.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This article and these documents are for general informational purposes only. The California State Senate is not responsible for the content of this non-Senate document and its presence does not constitute legal advice by the Senate. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney.

The best way to stay up to date on what we're doing in Sacramento and across the district is to follow us on social media. We share event updates, legislative news, and community resources regularly. Use the icons below to find us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

And if you ever need help navigating state services, have a question about legislation, or just don't know where to turn - please reach out. Call my district office at (213) 483-9300 or visit my website. We are here, and we want to hear from you.