The Brian Velez Memorial Award recognizes an outstanding volunteer, someone who shows up to help time and again. May Gonzalez has been that kind of volunteer at ActiveSGV.

May has lived in the San Fernando Valley for almost all her life. She learned to ride a bike in kindergarten, but it was not until she took a Metro Bicycle Safety Course in 2019 that she truly embraced cycling as a hobby, a lifestyle, and a culture. That class opened a door. On a Metro-sponsored community bike ride soon after, she met her husband, Ernie, and it was through Ernie that she discovered ActiveSGV.

Since then, volunteering has become one of May's favorite ways to spend her time. “Participating in ActiveSGV events has been very enriching,” she says. “It gets me out of my comfort zone, the SFV, to discover new places and meet new people.” For May, the events offer the best of both worlds. She gets to ride her bike and help out when, where, and however she can. Her warmth and willingness to pitch in have made her a familiar and welcome presence at events across the region.

Celebrate May Gonzalez with us at this year's Noche de las Luminarias, ActiveSGV's annual awards ceremony and gala. It will be a warm evening of community and recognition for the people working toward a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley. Every ticket also helps support ActiveSGV's work across mobility, climate, health and wellness, and parks and greening.

Spend the evening with us on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6 to 9 PM at the Grapevine Arbor in San Gabriel. You can learn more about the event and reserve your tickets in advance. We would be so glad to see you there.