Father Adam Carillo, mother Lena Gonzalez, and baby Luca Benjamin Carillo. Photo originally posted to Adam Carillo’s Instagram; used with permission.
The first family of Long Beach’s first district got a little bigger late Tuesday night, as Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Luca, at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
Gonzalez was present at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, as were two Long Beach Fire Department paramedics, in case she went in to labor during the meeting. Several agenda items were moved up to allow Gonzalez to be present and vote at the meeting, an unusual move according to Mayor Robert Garcia.
And it’s no wonder such a move is considered unusual; according to Silissa Smith, Gonzalez’s Chief of Staff, Gonzalez is the first woman to give birth while serving on City Council.
“We have all been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Baby Luca, and we [are] so overjoyed that he is finally here,” said Councilwoman Gonzalez in a statement. “Adam and I are so blessed to have the support of our family, friends and colleagues at this time.”
According to a Facebook post from father Adam Carillo, Luca was born at 11:23PM, weighing in at 6 lbs. 10 oz. and 19 1/2 inches in length. Both mother and child are doing well and are getting some much-needed rest, according to first district staff. Luca is Gonzalez’ second son, and Carillo also has a son from a previous relationship.
Gonzalez is expected to take time off following Luca’s birth. The Post is awaiting details on the length of the councilwoman’s planned leave, and who will be representing the first district in her absence. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.