Senator Cortese Newsletter: Fostering Connection on National Night Out

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Dear Neighbors,

As a third-generation Californian, I have witnessed the power of community when neighbors come together. It is during these moments that we realize the true strength and unity that exists within our diverse region.

You are all invited to National Night Out, a series of block parties and cookouts held this year on August 1. National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships and fosters connections among neighbors. In our expansive region, where dense urban landscapes and sound walls sometimes isolate neighborhoods, events like National Night Out on August 1 help people connect over meaningful conversations.

It is up to all of us to establish open lines of communication and understanding with our neighbors and with law enforcement. National Night Out lets families meet with the peace officers who patrol their communities. This open dialogue, often over delicious barbeque on a relaxing summer evening, builds trust and partnerships with peace officers, and helps us all remember that law enforcement officers work for you, and they are here to keep you safe.

The registration deadline through the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office is July 21. You can register here.

If you need assistance with planning or wish to learn about events near you, contact me at Senator.Cortese@sen.ca.gov. Let's strengthen our community bonds and create a safer, more connected Santa Clara County.

Be well,

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Senator Dave Cortese

 

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Cooling Centers Open Daily at the Following Locations: Stay safe during the summer heat waves! Santa Clara County is providing cooling centers in these public buildings to help residents cool down and relax. Click here for hours.

Locations:

  • Milpitas Library, 160 North Main Street 
    Milpitas, CA 95035
  • Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre Avenue 
    Cupertino, CA 95014
  • Saratoga Library, 13650 Saratoga Avenue 
    Saratoga, CA 95070

Santa Clara Is Offering Swim Lessons for Kids and Recreation Activities. Youth Scholarships Available!: The City of Santa Clara’s Department of Parks and Recreation is offering a variety of activities to keep the entire family entertained throughout the summer! This includes affordable swim lessons, with scholarships and grants available for child swim lessons and activities. At the Santa Clara Recreation Center. Click here to explore activities and schedules.

Donate Food for Underprivileged Families: 11am to 1pm. Deliver non-perishable, dry food. Located at the Evergreen Islamic Center: 2486 Ruby Avenue, San Jose. Open on the following days:

  • Saturday, July 22 - 11am to 1pm
  • Saturday, August 19 - 11am to 1pm
  • Saturday, September 16 - 11am to 1pm

CityDance: A Monthly Dance and Music Series: Every Third Thursday of the Month, 6pm-9pm: A monthly, free, all-ages music and open-air dancing series that provides professional dance lessons followed by dancing with a live band or DJ. Located in the Circle of Palms, just outside of the San José Museum of Art. 127 S Market St, San Jose. Every month will focus on a different genre of music. Located at Circle of Palms Plaza, 127 S Market St, San Jose.

  • Thursday, July 20 – K-Pop
  • Thursday, August 17 – Salsa
  • Thursday, September 21 – World Dance Mosaic

Free Animal Adoptions Offered by Animal Care and Services Through July!: The San Jose Animal Care Center has over 800 furry friends looking for new homes. Click here to search adorable cats, dogs, and rabbits up for adoption! Located at 200 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose.

Fiesta del Mariachi: Saturday, July 29: 6-10:30pm: Get ready for an incredible celebration of regional Mexican music! There will be a variety of vendors providing food and crafts. Located at Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Pock Ave, San Jose.

Free, Healthy School Meals for Kids During the Summer-Second Harvest of Silicon Valley: Enter your address, city, or zip code to find a summer meal provider near you. This is offered to all kids in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties—there is no documentation or registration required. You can also get the location of nearby meal sites by calling Second Harvest Food Bank's Food Connection team at: 1-800-984-3663. Offered all summer long. Click here for Locations.

Parents Helping Parents: Mondays through August 21: Parent Support for Children with Special Needs (ages 2-8): This group is for parents/caregivers of children ages approximately 2-8 with any diagnosis. The journey to, through, and beyond a special needs diagnosis can make the parenting experience all the more intense. Join an intimate circle of fellow travelers for sharing, listening, and supporting each other with practical advice. Click here to register.

 

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Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action—Youth Leadership Summit: Join me on July 29, from 9:30 am-4:30 pm at De Anza College: All youth, change-makers, and eco-enthusiasts are invited to a day of learning, networking and discussion around climate solutions and strategies. This summit will include action-oriented breakout sessions, panel presentations, and keynote speakers that will empower all attendees to get involved to fight climate change. Click here to RSVP.

 

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Since our last newsletter, the Governor signed my legislation to grow California's job training pipeline and bring job quality standards to state and federal infrastructure programs. These programs will benefit roads, bridges, rail systems, clean drinking water, affordable high-speed internet, and sustainable industry. We also want those workers to have good-paying jobs and benefits.

The Governor also signed my legislation to create the nation’s best worker safety standards on Hollywood motion picture productions. Negotiations for that bill started immediately after the 2021 tragic death of a cinematographer on the ‘Rust’ film set. The Legislature is also advancing my bill to ensure that minor league baseball players will be classified as salaried employees and see a pay bump and benefits under their collective bargaining agreement. Now, play ball!

In case you missed it, I joined Santa Clara Board President Susan Ellenberg in announcing $3 million in state funding I secured for a guaranteed income program for homeless students exiting high school. San Jose has the highest youth homelessness rate in the country. This program builds on the successful program I spearheaded to provide transition age foster youth direct cash assistance. These two programs guarantee monthly income for a limited time, but it can also be a guarantee of upward mobility. We’re piloting the program in Santa Clara County, but I have a pending bill to scale it statewide!

 

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Mercury News: Santa Clara County to give $1,200 monthly payments to homeless students finishing high school

Los Angeles Times: California bill calls for violence prevention plan

CBS Bay Area: Newsom signs bill on film industry gun safety in wake of 'Rust' shooting

Business Insider: A California state senator is calling for a labor investigation into $12B HR startup Deel over 'brazen employment misclassification' after Insider's reporting

     

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    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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    Pattie and I enjoyed returning to the Rose, White & Blue Parade in San Jose! We were honored to once again join in this San Jose tradition.

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    I enjoyed a Pride Month celebration with Assemblymember Alex Lee and San Jose City Councilmember Domingo Candelas. This event was hosted by Berryessa Union School Board Jaria Jaug, Assemblymember Alex Lee, and San Jose City Councilmember Omar Torres.

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    A great crowd of about 150 joined our Town Hall with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren on June 24th where we talked about education, homelessness, green jobs, and the fentanyl crisis. We love to see the community members asking questions, giving feedback, holding us accountable, and helping us represent all of you!

     

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