July 2026 Community Events and Involvement

Pattie and I had a great time at Morgan Hill Freedom Fest’s July 4th Parade—our first since Morgan Hill joined the 15th Senate District! It was wonderful to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with thousands of residents. Thank you to Mayor Mark Turner, Councilmembers Miriam Vega and Yvonne Martínez Beltrán for the warm welcome. My staff also proudly participated in San Jose’s Rose, White and Blue Parade.
Join me in welcoming our new 15th Senate District Intern, Rachel Aguilar! She joins my office after completing her Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago.
It was an honor to attend the America 250 Kickoff Celebration at the California State Capitol, where I joined my Senate colleagues to watch a military flyover. As we mark our nation’s 250th anniversary, I’m proud to honor our veterans, service members, first responders, and all who have helped build and protect this great nation.
My office rounded out July 4th celebrations with the community at Lake Cunningham Park in Evergreen! Thank you to San José Councilmember Domingo Candelas and the Tully Road Eastridge Business Association for hosting another wonderful event. My staff, Meghan Bedi and Rachel Aguilar, presented the Association with a Senate Certificate of Recognition.
It was wonderful to celebrate this year’s Obon Festival with the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin in Japantown, honoring and remembering those who came before us. My District Representative, Mariam Ghallab, and District Intern, Rachel Aguilar, presented the organizers with a Senate Certificate of Recognition commemorating the event.
I had a great time at the Community Picnic Barbecue at the Lick Observatory Picnic Grounds, hosted by the Mt. Hamilton Range Improvement Association (MHRIA). Thank you to MHRIA for its ongoing work supporting the Mt. Hamilton community and preserving this beautiful region. Senate District 15 is a huge district, and the Mt. Hamilton community is a big part of it! I am pictured here with Ray Martinez.
I was proud to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Pro Bono Project Silicon Valley’s 40th Anniversary Lady of Justice fundraiser. I also presented a Senate Certificate of Recognition to Executive Director Sandra Madrigal for her leadership in expanding access to justice. Special recognition to this year’s honorees: John Hedges, Esq.; Honorable Phil Pennypacker; Amy Carlos, Esq.; and Honorable Shawna Schwarz! Congratulations for your outstanding commitment to justice and public service.
Congratulations to the Santa Clara County Medical Association on 150 years of serving our community! Since 1876, SCCMA has advanced medical standards, championed public health, supported physicians and patients, and expanded access to quality care. Zachary Contini, attended the celebration and presented a Senate Resolution on my behalf.
My District Representative, Meghan Bedi, was honored to speak on the recent Career Panel, hosted by the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League, where she discussed the work of our office and her experience in government & public service. My District Intern, Leyla Rivera, was also in attendance. Thank you to the SVUDL team and CEO Rolland Janairo for uplifting the voices and guiding the development of young people across Senate District 15 and beyond.
My office had the pleasure of celebrating culture and community at the 42nd Annual Taiwanese and Chinese American Athletic Tournament (TCAAT) Opening Ceremony, hosted by the Taiwanese & Chinese American Athletic Tournament Association of the San Francisco Bay Area. Pictured is Mariam Ghallab, who attended and presented a Certificate of Recognition on my behalf, along with Leyla Rivera from my office.
Congratulations to all the business leaders, innovators, and changemakers recognized at the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Legends & SV Champions Annual Awards & Celebration! Thank you to the Silicon Valley Chamber for bringing together so many dedicated leaders to celebrate those making a lasting impact across our region.
My office was honored to attend the 76th Korean War Commemoration Ceremony and the 36th Annual U.S. Korean War Veterans Appreciation Dinner at the Quinlan Community Center. Thank you to the Silicon Valley Korean American Senior Citizens League for its continued partnership and dedication to the Korean American community. Phuong Nguyen presented a Certificate of Recognition on my behalf.
Parents Helping Parents and Special Olympics Northern California hosted the 2026 Disability Resource Fair at Santa Clara University connecting individuals with disabilities to valuable services and community support. Staff members Meghan Bedi and Andrew Lieu shared essential state resources and answered questions.
I am proud to have endorsed Measure D, the Peninsula Open Space Trust Action Fund! Now passed by California voters, the Measure will provide approximately $17 million annually to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to protect open space, safeguard clean water, enhance trails, reduce wildfire risk, preserve wildlife habitats, and more! Michelle Pelayo-Osorio attended the Measure D Celebration at the home of former Supervisor Ken Yeager while I was in Sacramento.
Congratulations to LifeMoves on the 3rd anniversary of its Safe Parking Site in Santa Teresa! I’m grateful my District Representative, Zach Contini, joined the celebration of a program that provides safety, stability, and dignity for people experiencing homelessness. This innovative site connects participants with services that help them transition into stable housing and build brighter futures.