As the Sun Shines Bright, Our Work Heats Up!

Dear Neighbors,

It’s been lots of long evenings in the state Capitol as I push forward bills that will lift up and empower our most vulnerable residents. I’m proud to say that all 26 of my bills have passed their Senate policy committees, and we hope to carry them forward into the Assembly. After each intense week, it’s refreshing to head home to connect with old and new friends at community events in Senate District 15. Last month, we honored Black April, Palm Sunday, Passover, Ramadan, and other cultural holidays. It’s a joy to join together in embracing traditional foods, dress, and dance. As the sun shines bright and the weather warms, Senate District 15 wishes you comfort, safety and fun!

Be well,

Senator Dave Cortese

Upcoming Community Events

 

Wednesday, May 17: Donate to Martha's Kitchen's inaugural Day of Giving and help support its mission to provide food security to those in need. Each month, Martha's Kitchen's provides nearly 250,000 meals to people struggling with food insecurity. Please consider making a donation here.

May 19; 7pm: Santa Clara County Preservation Alliance Awards Night. Showcasing exemplary preservation throughout the community and recognizing individuals and organizations in the community who have made contributed to historic preservation. Tickets and more information here.

May 18, 19, 20: May is Bike Month, and you are welcome to ride with thousands of people on May 18, 19 and 20 for Bike to Wherever Days. By taking the pledge, you can get a free “Bike to Wherever Days 2023” tote bag on the days of the event (if you get to a station before they run out) and you will be entered into a random drawing for prizes as well. You’ll also be kept in the loop about Energizer Stations in your neighborhood and the Bike Bash celebration, hosted by the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition. Take the free pledge here.

May 20; 10am-6pm: Boogie Campbell's Music Festival. Two jam-packed days of live music on four stages, a variety of mouthwatering food and drink, rows of artisans selling their handcrafted works, and just loads of fun for the whole family. Information here.

Honoring a Visionary Labor Leader

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April marked the 30th anniversary of the passing of Cesar Chavez, and I was honored to spend time with both his sister Rita and his son Paul. Cesar Chavez founded the United Farm Workers (UFW), and his non-violent strategies created profound change in California and the rest of the world.
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In early April, we commemorated “Cesar Chavez Day” by recognizing Rita Chavez Medina, Cesar’s sister, at the Chavez Family Vision Gala at the Santa Clara Convention Center. A few weeks later, we bussed constituents to La Paz, the former home and the gravesite of Cesar Chavez, now a National Monument. It was awesome and inspiring to spend time with Paul Chavez, Cesar’s son, and current UFW President Teresa Romero.
 

Holding Caltrans Accountable for Off-Ramp Closures on Cinco de Mayo

When I learned of the Caltrans highway blockades stopping East San Jose residents from joining downtown Cinco de Mayo celebrations, I vowed to find out who was responsible for violating the civil rights of our community. Normal traffic controls are one thing – but shutting down major highway access to people traveling from the Eastside on the pretense of fear of multicultural celebrations of Cinco de Mayo is racist targeting. The State of California does not have the right to speculate that violence may occur as a basis for trampling First Amendment Rights of freedom of assembly. Our community was segregated as a result of the strategy that Caltrans deployed. I’ve followed up with California’s Secretary of Transportation and am awaiting a response. When that response comes, we’ll share it with you.
 

Ramping up efforts to clean up litter across the County

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We had a great event with Supervisor Cindy Chavez and other Santa Clara County officials to highlight recent efforts to pick up litter in neighborhoods across the County. Litter harms the environment and impacts public health — and it hurts community morale. In 2021, I helped secure $2 million in the state funding to help the county remove trash from streets and highways — they have already cleared 30 tons of solid waste from the ground. Great progress!

If you spot garbage along a street, sidewalk or highway on-ramp, please report it on the county’s new web portal.
 

Funding Announced to Extend Eastridge Transit Center to BART

 

We were thrilled to join other transportation leaders in announcing that VTA had received funding to extend the Eastridge Transit Center in East San Jose to BART and destinations throughout the Greater Bay Area. When the voters approved funding the Eastridge Project Extension over two decades ago, our dream was to create quick, reliable public transit in East San Jose’s largest hub.  

This light rail to BART connector will allow easy bicycle, pedestrian and park & ride options, cutting down on traffic and air pollution in some of San Jose’s lowest-income and most transit-dependent neighborhoods. It will also help the State of California reach its climate goals.
 

Recent news coverage:

San Jose Spotlight: San Jose Cinco de Mayo street closures seen as ‘racist’

Mercury News: In push for accountability, San Jose’s homelessness spending to be audited by the state. The request was made by Sen. Dave Cortese

Los Angeles Times: After ‘Rust’ shooting, California moves closer to impose film set safety rules

NBC Bay Area: Sen. Dave Cortese on Bill That Would Make Companies Track Violence in the Workplace

SacBee: California lawmakers and Muslim community members gather at the Capitol to celebrate Ramadan
 

Senate District 15 – In the Community

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It was awesome to celebrate the Japanese-American experience, culture, and heritage at the 45th annual Nikkei Matsuri festival on April 23 in Japantown San Jose. This photo honors Moschel Kadokura, who performed at the first Nikkei Matsuri Festival in 1978 and now serves as its Foundation President. Moschel’s father, Minoru Yamate, was the festival’s first chairperson.

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It was great to meet with SJSU students visiting the Capitol to chat about college access and the basic support that every student needs to thrive.

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We joined with friends to observe Himachal Day, which celebrates the statehood of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. In addition to being the third fastest-growing economy in India, Himachal Pradesh is called ‘Dev Bhoomi’ or the abode of the Gods, and considered by some as an earthly paradise. Thank you to Mahesh Nihalani for the invite and to Assemblymembers Ash Kalra and Alex Lee; County Supervisor Cindy Chavez and County Board of Education Member Tara Sreekrishnan.

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At a Power Soccer practice by the San Jose Steamrollers, I had the privilege of scrimmaging with some of San Jose’s most dedicated athletes before they blew me away with their dynamic skills.

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We shared a lovely Iftar with the West Valley Muslim Association, Congressmember Anna Eshoo, Los Gatos Councilmember Rob Moore, Monte Sereno Councilmember Javed Ellahie, Saratoga Councilmember Belal Aftab, and friends.

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We hosted a Senior Scam Stopper event at The Villages Golf and Country Club, a 55+ community. People need to know how to protect themselves from scams and deceptive business practices. In 2021, the Governor signed my SB 461, which helps communities fight back against scams and other unethical business practices.

PSA: Consider Flood Insurance

2023 has a high risk of flooding because the extraordinary rainfall has placed pressure on dams and levees. However, homeowners’ and commercial insurance policies typically do not include flood insurance. Flood insurance is available through the Federal Flood Insurance Program and must be in force for 30 days prior to a flood —so consider getting it now before you need it.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments or concerns. I can be reached at senator.cortese@sen.ca.gov. State resources and services available are below and posted on my website: sd15.sen.ca.gov.

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