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April 2026 Community Events & Involvement

As a Senator, one of my favorite things to do is to connect with young people who are interested and passionate about pursuing a public service career. I enjoyed welcoming students from both Bellarmine College Preparatory (my alma mater) and Presentation High School to my Capitol office and hearing from them directly about the legislative priorities rooted in social justice that they are passionate about.

I want to thank my Senate colleagues for supporting my Senate Resolution 93 (SR 93) in honor and recognition of Jim Plunkett, former Mexican-American Raiders quarterback and two time Super Bowl champion. My SR 93 calls upon the National Football League's (NFL) Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee to once and for all induct Jim into the Pro Hall of Fame as part of its 2027 class of inductees.

I was honored to join the dedicated educators and advocates at the Santa Clara County Service Center Council (SCC) annual brunch. As a regional hub of the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association, SCC plays a critical role in supporting teachers, strengthening local chapters, and advancing public education. Thank you for your tireless work to uplift students, protect educator rights, and build a stronger future for our communities.

I had a great time visiting and meeting our Cal Fire first responders at their Morgan Hill Headquarters! Thank you to Cal Fire Local 2881 Chief, Marcus Hernandez, for giving me a brief tour of the HQ facility as well as the opportunity to connect with the firefighters. As a co-author of the Fight for Firefighters Act, I helped secure $38 million in General Funds and $78 million in ongoing funding to bring the roughly 3,000 Cal Fire firefighters from part-time to full-time status year-round.

Indigenous, Native American women are ten times more likely to be murdered than any other racial group of women in the U.S. That is unacceptable. I commend the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley on its Missing and Murdered Indigenous People's research project detailing the challenges confronting the Native American community across the Bay Area and here at home in San Jose. My Communications Director, Mario B. Lopez, attended a press conference in honor of the murdered and missing indigenous women.

Congratulations to the San José City College community on the grand opening of its new Career Education Complex! The complex will become the central hub for Career and Workforce Education programs. My District Representative, Meghan Bedi, presented a Senate Certificate of Recognition on my behalf to San Jose-Evergreen Community College District Chancellor Dr. Chaidez and campus President Dr. Flores.

In collaboration with the City of San José, I introduced my Senate Bill 1375 (SB 1375) which will dramatically speed up the transformation and modernization of San Jose's Diridon Station by easing state regulatory requirements. Diridon Station is already a critical transit hub servicing Caltrain, Amtrak, ACE rail, and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority light rail/bus lines, with future expansions planning to integrate BART and High-Speed Rail.

It was a privilege to welcome leaders of the Catholic Diocese of San José and their High School Student Social Justice Council to my District Office. Hearing directly from these student leaders, representing Catholic and public high schools across Santa Clara County, was a powerful reminder that the next generation is already leading with compassion, conviction, and a deep commitment to justice.

Congratulations to Notre Dame High School in Downtown San Jose on an incredible 175 years of academic excellence! For generations, Notre Dame has been a cornerstone in our community—nurturing, inspiring, and empowering young women to grow into the leaders of tomorrow. As one of the two oldest high schools in California, its legacy is a testament to the enduring power of education, opportunity, and purpose. Here’s to 175 years of shaping minds and changing lives—and to many more ahead!

For 50 years, the California Arts Council has elevated local artists and performers from across the state honoring those who've had an indelible creative impact in their local communities and our state. This year, that includes the wonderful folks over at San Jose Taiko honoring the rich contributions and history of the Japanese and Japanese American community. Luis Valdez from El Teatro Campesino was also awarded and recognized for their incredible storytelling and performances capturing human condition.

San Jose joins millions around the world in commemorating Vesak Day, also known as Buddha’s Birthday—a time to reflect on the life and teachings of Buddha and the values of compassion, mindfulness, and peace. My District Representative, Phuong Nguyen, attended and presented a Senate Certificate of Recognition on my behalf to the Vietnamese Buddhist Community of Northern California who organized the recent celebration.

It was a pleasure for my office to attend the 7th Annual Sacred Heart Community Service Solidarity Summit at Notre Dame High School. This year’s summit, entitled “Reimagining the Safety Net,” focused on reimagining the social safety net at a time when fundamental public systems are under direct threat. Thank you Sacred Heart Community Service for putting together this gathering and discussion! My District Representative, Zach Contini, attended on my behalf.

I had the honor of delivering the Welcome Address at the UC Master Gardener Program of Santa Clara County’s Annual Spring Garden Fair and Plant Sale Fundraiser! Across California, the UC Master Gardener Program empowers communities to grow sustainably, supporting more than 1,286 demonstration, community, and school gardens in 52 counties. With my own background in agriculture, I’m especially proud to support this work and the dedicated volunteers who make it all possible.

My staff had the honor of recognizing Evan Johnson during an aquarium installation that he and his team organized at the Villas at Saratoga. Evan runs a San Jose-based non-profit dedicated to combating depression, dementia, and anxiety in senior assisted living facilities. Thank you Evan! My District Representative, Meghan Bedi, presented a Certificate of Recognition on my behalf.

Congratulations to Martin Slyngstad from Spire Autism on having his flag design selected and raised at San Jose City Hall in honor and recognition of April as Autism Acceptance Month! My District Representative, Meghan Bedi, attended the flag raising ceremony on my behalf and presented Martin with a Senate Certificate of Recognition.

I was honored to have had my District Representative, Phuong Nguyen, join the Ninh Thuan Association of California to present a Senate Certificate of Recognition. This incredible organization continues to uplift and unite the Vietnamese community through culture, service, and leadership. I am proud to recognize their lasting impact and commitment to preserving heritage here in California.

Breaking ground on the Lupina affordable housing development project is a powerful step forward in addressing our housing crisis by producing 99 critically needed affordable home units in the Guadalupe-Washington neighborhood. Located near the Virginia VTA light rail station and Downtown, this six-story, mixed-use development will connect residents to jobs, transit, and essential services. My District Representative, Zachary Contini, attended the groundbreaking ceremony on my behalf.

Each year, the California Senate selects a few college graduates to participate in its one-year Fellowship. The Fellowship is an all-hands on deck, immersive training program for up-and-coming public servants dedicated to improving the daily lives of Californians. Fellows gain real-world work experience by advancing legislative proposals through the legislature with the guidance of our staff. It was my pleasure to sit down with the Fellows as part of their brown bag luncheon series with a Senator.

The Boulevard Kings Car Club in San Jose stopped by this month’s La Raza Roundtable meeting. They shared more about what preserving Chicano identity means to them and how much they contribute to Silicon Valley. My Communications Director, Mario B. Lopez discussed “Leno’s Law” with them, which would provide smog exemptions to collectible cars. The Boulevard Kings are in support! You or your car club organization may also submit letters of support here: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/.

It was a pleasure for my office to attend the 2026 Celebrate Morgan Hill Awards Celebration, which honored individuals and businesses displaying outstanding service in the Morgan Hill community. The event was hosted by the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. My District Director, Michelle Pelayo-Osorio, attended and presented Certificates of Recognition on my behalf. Congratulations to all the honorees!

My staff had a blast at the 2026 Bay Area Community Health (BACH) Superheroes Run at Hellyer County Park. BACH is a long-term community partner that delivers compassionate care to thousands of children, adults, and seniors across the Bay. Congratulations on another successful race! My District Director, Michelle Pelayo-Osorio, attended on my behalf.

Congratulations to the Portuguese Organization for Social Services and Opportunities (POSSO) on five decades of commitment to serving the diverse needs of Portuguese Americans and other under-resourced populations in the Bay Area! My District Representative, Zach Contini, attended the 50th Anniversary Dinner and presented an official Senate Resolution on my behalf.

My office celebrated an incredible accomplishment by Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley, who recently renovated a historic San Jose building and rehabilitated four units of affordable housing for local families! My District Representative, Mariam Ghallab, attended the 4th and Reed Home Celebration on my behalf. Congratulations, Habitat for Humanity!

Congratulations to Prosperity Lab on the official launch of Mesa Redonda Community Kitchens! This new Community Kitchen Incubator serves as a critical launchpad for emerging culinary talent, working to build a resilient local food economy from the ground up! My District Representative, Meghan Bedi, attended the Open House & Launch on my behalf.

Thank you, Momentum for Health, for the invitation to join the Donor Appreciation Lunch & Tour of Parisi House on the Hill. Parisi House on the Hill is a tremendous residential treatment facility for addiction in Santa Clara County. Their work continues to inspire my own work in the legislature and within our district!

San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) has been a long-time community partner and disability services organization in our community. My office had a great time on a recent tour of housing properties. Thank you, SARC, for all that you do in our district and beyond!

Congratulations to the Wang & Qu Family Learning Resource Commons at West Valley College on a celebratory Grand Opening! Institutions such as West Valley continue to empower a future of affordable education for all. As I continue this work in the legislature, I remain committed to working closely with community colleges and local schools in Senate District 15. My District Representative Phuong Nguyen, presented a commendation on my behalf.

Congratulations to Than-Phong International Martial Arts for 3 years of teaching leadership, discipline, and cultural dedication to our community’s youth! My District Representative Phuong Nguyen was grateful to attend and presented a commendation at the Anniversary Celebration.

It was an honor for my office to attend the Bay Area Turkic Communities Novruz 2026 Celebration! My District Representative Mariam Ghallab presented an official Certificate of Recognition. Happy Nowruz to all who celebrate!

My office had the great pleasure of attending the Silicon Valley Chao Chow Community Center’s Inauguration of the 11th Term Board of Directors and the 18th Term of Board of Executives. The Center remains a staple of cultural exchange, service, and social connection in West Evergreen!

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