May 2026 Round-Up

Image of Lt. Gov. Kounalakis at the podium at the CA API Coalition Advocacy Day event

The ancient Greeks believed May was the month Persephone returned from the underworld to her mother Demeter, and that her homecoming brought spring’s bloom and summer’s harvest. It is a myth about hope made real.

Across California, May carries its own tradition of hope – commencement season. Our state university system grants more than 200,000 bachelor’s degrees each year, and behind every one is a graduate stepping into a future they have worked hard to shape.

There is no doubt that we are navigating unprecedented and trying times. But after a month of listening to Californians, reflecting on the sacrifices of those who came before us, and celebrating our state’s extraordinary diversity, my conviction holds: the arc of history bends toward justice. And California is at the front of that bend.

 

Image of Lt. Governors signature

Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California

Welcoming President Salvador IIIa and the Catalan Delegation

On May 14, it was an honor to welcome President Salvador Illa of the Government of Catalonia to California. The visit celebrated California and Catalonia’s 40-year partnership and reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing innovation, strengthening economies, and building a sustainable future. As our federal government steps away from American allies, California will continue to fill the void with our international friends and partners.

Image of Lt. Gov. Kounalakis greeting President Salvador IIIa at the Stanford Mansion in Sacramento, CA.

Honoring the Fallen at Peace Officers and CHP Memorial Ceremonies

This month, I attended both the CA Peace Officers and CA Highway Patrol (CHP) memorial ceremonies to honor the 13 CA peace officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last year and the 232 CHP officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice since the CHP was founded in 1929. Their courage and unwavering commitment to public safety reflect the very best of CA, and we are deeply grateful for their service and sacrifice. We remember them and their families, always.

Image of Governor Newsom, Lt. Gov. Kounalakis and Police Officers walking

Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, and I was grateful to be able to celebrate with Rabbi Noah Farkas for a fireside chat at Jewish California’s Capitol Summit. We discussed how California is proud to celebrate and stand with the Jewish community, as well as the vital role Jewish Americans have in shaping our state and nation.

Image of Lt. Gov. Kounalakis sitting on the stage with Rabbi Noah Farkas speaking at the Jewish CA event in Sacrament, CA.

Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is also Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In celebration of this month, our office attended the CA API Advocacy Coalition’s Annual Reception in support of our intern, Natalie, and the API Advocates’ mission to uplift the API community and empower young leaders who are advocating for positive change.

Image of Lt. Gov. Kounalakis and interns at the CA API Advocacy Event

Supporting Creative Ideas Catering and Cafe for Small Business Month 

To celebrate Small Business Month, I visited with entrepreneurs and small business owners who power our communities and drive our economy forward. California is home to the largest number of small businesses compared to any other state across the country. There are over 4 million small business owners, like Lina Mills from Creative Ideas Catering and Cafe, who I spent time with this month. These small businesses are the backbone of our economy, employing half of California’s workforce. Let’s do our part to support our small businesses this month and every month.

Image of Lt. Gov. Kounalakis with owner and staff of Creative Ideas Cafe and Catering in San Francisco, CA.

Honoring Our Brave Men and Women on Memorial Day

On Memorial Day, I attended the SF National Cemetery Memorial Day event to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. We also took a moment to remember the families who have lost a loved one, and stand with them, united in remembrance and gratitude. May the legacy and heroism of our brave heroes continue to live on in the freedoms we are privileged to cherish every day.

Lt. Gov Kounalakis speaking at the podium during the Memorial Day event in San Francisco, CA.

Connecting with Union Leaders at the Teamsters Local 2010 Leadership Conference 

The last week of May, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Teamsters Local 2010 Leadership Conference. They represent the skilled trades workers of the California State University System, ensuring that our campuses function and thrive. Unions have been instrumental in raising workplace safety standards, wages, and opportunities for working Californians for many decades. I am grateful to have the opportunity to share time and hear from many of the union leaders.

Image of Lt. Gov. Kounalakis with Union Leaders at the Teamsters Local 2010 Leadership Conference in Oakland, CA.

Ushering in New Leadership at the UCSB Chancellor Inauguration

I was honored to provide remarks at the inauguration of Dennis Assanis as the 6th Chancellor of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). UCSB is one of California’s premier public universities, and Dennis’s bold vision and commitment to student success will help lead the campus into an exciting new era.

Image of Lt. Gov. Kounalakis at the podium in Santa Barbara, CA.