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August 2026 Community Events and Involvement

It was an honor to speak at the 44th Annual Italian Family Festa Opening Ceremony at History Park, hosted by the Italian American Heritage Foundation and dedicated to the late Rod Diridon, Sr. As a proud Sicilian descendant, I was honored to present Certificates of Recognition and a Senate Resolution.

Lots of enthusiasm as dozens rallied at the Capitol in support of my SB 1392, “Jay Leno’s Law 2.0.” Coauthored with Senator Shannon Grove, the bill would provide smog exemptions for classic vehicles made between 1976–1985, preserving a piece of California’s automotive heritage. Thank you to SEMA, the Sacramento Lowrider Commission, and all the classic car enthusiasts who joined us! Watch our full livestream here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6hTU9GnDSw.

It was a pleasure serving as a panelist at BizFed Sacramento Day alongside Assemblymembers Mike Gipson, Lori D. Wilson, and Laurie Davies. We had a thoughtful discussion on automation and our workforce, the future of California’s ports and goods movement, and the need for reliable transportation funding to keep our state moving and our economy competitive. Thank you to the Los Angeles County Business Federation for hosting this important conversation.

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a member of the Cortese Crew, especially Katie Manno. After joining my office as a California Senate Fellow following her graduation from Wellesley College, Katie quickly became an invaluable member of our team and the first member of my staff to have a bill signed into law this session. Thank you, Katie, for your dedication to SD 15 and our community. I presented her with a Senate Resolution, alongside Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón!

I was proud to recognize Samuel Myers for his outstanding work as a 2026 California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) Science Fellow on my Senate Transportation Committee. Sam analyzed 26 bills and resolutions covering zero-emission vehicles, aviation, passenger rail, freight rail, and more, bringing focus and dedication to every challenge. Thank you, Sam, for your countless hours of research and service. We were joined by Senate Pro Tempore S. Monique Limón.

I was proud to present at the California Trucking Association for California Trucking Day! Trucking is the transportation lifeblood of our economy, moving more than 70% of our freight, delivering essential goods, connecting businesses, and supporting millions of jobs. California cannot afford to take our transportation infrastructure for granted. We must continue investing in a safe, reliable, and efficient freight network.

Pattie and I were honored to join the Pakistani American community in celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day! It was a privilege to celebrate the rich culture, heritage, and contributions of Pakistani Americans who make our communities stronger and more vibrant. Thank you to Samina Sundas of American Muslim Voice and County of Santa Clara Board President Otto Lee for helping organize this wonderful celebration. Our diversity is our greatest strength!

I was honored to have had Meghan Bedi represent my office at San José Councilmember Domingo Candelas’ Indian Independence Day flag-raising ceremony at San José City Hall, held in partnership with the Association of Indo-Americans. We’re proud to celebrate Independence Day for India, the largest democracy in the world with nearly 970 million voters, and to recognize the vibrant Indian American community whose contributions continue to strengthen San José and Silicon Valley.

I was honored to have had Meghan Bedi represent my office at San José Councilmember Domingo Candelas’ Indian Independence Day flag-raising ceremony at San José City Hall, held in partnership with the Association of Indo-Americans. We’re proud to celebrate Independence Day for India, the largest democracy in the world with nearly 970 million voters, and to recognize the vibrant Indian American community whose contributions continue to strengthen San José and Silicon Valley.

It was an honor to have District Interns Andrew Lieu and Leyla Rivera join my office this summer. Their work was instrumental in our community outreach and in-district constituent services. I was proud to present them with Certificates of Recognition at their farewell celebration. Thank you, Andrew and Leyla, for your incredible work this summer!

Congratulations to Mark Fishler on his retirement from Parents Helping Parents after 10 years of dedicated service as Chief Development Officer. Mark’s leadership and passion have strengthened an organization providing vital support, resources, and advocacy for people with disabilities and their families. Thank you, Mark, for a decade of service. Mariam Ghallab presented him with a California Senate Resolution on my behalf.

I was proud to recognize Shantanu Narayen on the Senate Floor as he transitions from 18 years as CEO of Adobe to Chairman of the Board. His visionary leadership helped transform Adobe into a global leader, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening California’s innovation economy. Congratulations on an extraordinary career, and best wishes continuing to lead one of the 15th Senate District’s biggest employers here in San Jose.

My office had a great time at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose’s Summer Sake Fundraiser! Thank you to JAMsj and Executive Director Vanessa Hatakeyama for your continued work preserving and sharing Japanese American heritage in Senate District 15. Zach Contini presented JAMsj with a Certificate of Recognition on my behalf.

I recently had the honor of welcoming representatives from the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) to the California State Capitol as we recognized October 2nd as the International Day of Nonviolence. I have partnered with the Jains on many convenings throughout our district. Thank you to JAINA for your partnership and continued commitment to promoting peace, compassion, and stronger communities across California.

More than 7,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions occur each year on our roadways, posing a significant public safety risk. SB 1250, if passed, will incorporate wildlife crossings & connectivity projects into transportation planning. Thank you to all who participated in my Press Conference: The Nature Conservancy, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Green Foothills, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, and others. Let’s urge Governor Newsom to sign the bill!

I joined Assemblymember Liz Ortega for General Motors’ Innovation Showcase at the Capitol, where we got a firsthand look at the next generation of automotive EV technology. One of the highlights was getting behind the wheel of the stunning 2027 red Corvette!

Congratulations to Eden Housing on breaking ground on its East Santa Clara Senior development, bringing 68 new affordable homes for seniors, including 20 permanent supportive housing units for those exiting homelessness. With thousands of older adults experiencing homelessness in Santa Clara County, we must keep building housing that allows our seniors to age with dignity, stability, and security.

I stood with advocates and legislative colleagues at the Capitol to defend investments in transit, affordable housing, clean air, and clean water. More than 200 Californians joined us to demand we keep our promises and protect the progress made through the Cap-and-Invest program. It’s never okay to leave our communities behind.

Thank you to Belmont Village Senior Living for hosting a breakfast honoring the dedication and sacrifices of our law enforcement professionals and first responders who serve older adults in our community. I’m grateful for their commitment to keeping our communities safe. Zachary Contini attended on my behalf.

My District Representative, Mariam Ghallab, had a great time connecting with our next generation's environmental youth leaders at the 2026 Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action's (SVYCA) youth climate leadership summit roundtable discussion. Earlier this year, I named SVYCA as my Senate District 15 Nonprofit of the Year because of their advocacy and commitment to training youth to be leaders.

My District Director, Michelle Pelayo-Osorio, was proud to celebrate Pride with our South County community with Pride Social South County in Gilroy! It was inspiring to come together with LGBTQ+ residents, families, advocates, and allies to celebrate who we are and reaffirm that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and included.

My District Representative, Phuong Nguyen, and District Intern, Andrew Lieu, had a great time at Bay Area Community Health's Resource Fair. They presented a Certificate of Recognition to Development Director Lucy Hernandez for her leadership and commitment to strengthening our community.

Pattie and our District staff had a great time celebrating National Night Out with friends and neighbors across Senate District 15! It was wonderful to see our community come together with public safety professionals and first responders who work every day to keep us safe. Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers who made these events possible and continue to strengthen our communities.

My District Director Michelle Pelayo-Osorio and District Intern Andrew Lieu had a great time tabling at the East Side Union High School District’s Back to School Summer Bash and Resource Fair, where they spoke to ESUHSD students and families about state and government resources ahead of this year’s back-to-school season. Here's to a successful new school year!

My District Representative, Meghan Bedi, was honored to speak on a career panel hosted by the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League, sharing the work of our office and her experience in public service. District Intern Leyla Rivera also attended. Thank you to the SVUDL team and CEO Rolland Janairo for empowering young leaders across Senate District 15 and beyond.

Everyone had a blast at Councilmember Domingo Candelas’ Music in the Square Summer Concert Series at Evergreen Village Square. Thank you to Councilmember Candelas for bringing the community together for another wonderful evening of music, connection, and civic engagement.

Congratulations to Morgan Autism Center on the grand opening of its Dream Campus 2.0! This remarkable expansion will create even more opportunities for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Mariam Ghallab attended and toured the new facility on my behalf alongside San José Councilmember Michael Mulcahy.

San Jose’s Japanese American community joined local leaders to reaffirm support for our immigrant neighbors and oppose the proposed ICE detention facility in Gilroy. Speakers reflected on the lessons of Japanese American incarceration during WWII and called for dignity and humane treatment. The fight continues, and together we will keep pushing for justice.

My staff, Phuong Nguyen and Zach Contini, provided resources at the Sunday Friends Foundation Community Day at the Sobrato Center for Nonprofits in San Jose. Thank you to Sunday Friends for 26 years of empowering San Jose families with food, education, and vital support.

My office was honored to attend the Gilroy Picnic in the Park for Autism Awareness at Christmas Hill Park, hosted by Jay Nolan Community Services. For more than 50 years, JNCS has supported children and adults with autism. Thank you to Regional Director Micaylah Stewart and the team for your dedication. My District Director, Michelle Pelayo-Osorio, presented Certificates of Recognition on my behalf.

We were pleased to celebrate culture and community at the 42nd Annual Taiwanese and Chinese American Athletic Tournament Opening Ceremony. Congratulations to the organizers on another successful event!

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