Autumn Has Arrived

September 25, 2024

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Friends,

It is that time of the year again when I invite you to join me once more at my annual Picnic by the Lake Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair. Picnic by the Lake will be held this upcoming Saturday‚ September 28th‚ 2024 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Hellyer County Park located at 985 Hellyer Ave. in San Jose‚ CA.

Last year’s Picnic by the Lake was a great success with nearly 100 resource booths showcasing local nonprofits as well as city‚ county‚ and state agencies and departments providing a wealth of resources and services to residents. Quite impressive was the County’s Office of Emergency Management handing out over 700 emergency preparedness kit bags within the first hour! Local County firefighters also grilled and handed out over 2‚000 beef and veggie burgers throughout the day. Meanwhile‚ the County’s Health and Hospital System administered nearly 200 flu shots just in time for flu season. To top it all off‚ we had 15 performance groups entertain the crowd with culturally diverse performances. And much‚ much more!

This year’s Picnic by the Lake will continue to be an all-around free event open to the public‚ which will feature:

A kid’s zone with inflatables and face painting!
A rock climbing wall
Raffle prizes – including game tickets to the San José Sharks and two free airline travel tickets to a destination of your choice!
100+ resource booths
COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots
Multicultural performances from local community groups
Free beef and veggie burgers while supplies last
Pumpkin patch with free pumpkins while supplies last

This year’s Picnic by the Lake is being held in partnership with the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department and San José Japantown Lions Club.

PARKING

Free parking will be made available at Hellyer County Park on the Cottonwood entrance side as well as at the Family Life Christian Center. There will be free shuttle services providing event guests rides to and from the Family Life Christian Center parking lot and Hellyer County Park.

I also want to thank our Picnic by the Lake event sponsors for making it a reality‚ and remain open to the community for free. Thank you to our Gold and Silver Sponsors noted below:

ABOUT HELLYER COUNTY PARK

Hellyer County Park offers 178 acres of urban land and is located in the heart of Santa Clara County’s regional park system. The Coyote Creek‚ which meanders through the center of the park‚ is the focus of the park’s natural environment. A thick undergrowth and tall trees characterize the well-defined creek channel which is home to many different species of wildlife.

For more information about the event‚ please visit my website.

Sincerely‚

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Dave Cortese‚ Senator
California Senate District 15

Statement on the County of Santa Clara Acquiring Regional Medical Center in East San José

The County of Santa Clara continued to be an audacious leader in the fight to protect and uphold healthcare as a basic human right by acquiring Regional Medical Center which sought to eliminate and downgrade its life-saving medical care services to the community.

As the lead pro bono attorney who fought to protect indigent care when the Regional Medical Center was first purchased by HCA Healthcare‚ I am now happy to see full community health care access finally return to the historically underserved and under-resourced communities of East San Jose. Residents on the east side will now have a chance to lead healthy lives. Read my full statement here.

Statement on the Appointment of California High-Speed Rail Authority’s New Chief Executive Officer‚ Ian Choudri

As Chair of the CA Senate Transportation Committee‚ I commended and congratulated Ian Choudri for being appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the CA High-Speed Rail Authority. Mr. Choudri brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the transportation sector making him uniquely qualified to oversee the completion of California’s transformational and ambitious high-speed rail project linking the Bay Area‚ Central Valley‚ and Southern California. Read my full statement here.

Congratulations to San José Olympians‚ Rachel Sung and Taylor Averill

Congratulations to all Olympians who competed in this year’s Olympic Games‚ including San Joseans Rachel Sung (table tennis player) and Taylor Averill (Men’s National Volleyball Team Member)!

Thank you for your dedication and many sacrifices in representing San José and our country during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Senator Cortese at VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Extension Project Phase II Press Conference

I joined fellow South Bay leaders as well as Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) representatives in announcing and celebrating the Federal Transit Administration (FTA’s) $5.08 billion investment for the construction and completion of VTA’s BART Silicon Valley Phase II Project. I extended my deep appreciation and gratitude to the FTA for responding so positively to our request for funding for this transit project. This five-mile transit project will ease traffic congestion‚ reduce greenhouse gas emissions‚ improve pedestrian public safety‚ and connect an estimated 54‚600 South Bay passengers on a daily basis to the rest of the Bay Area by 2040.

Senator Cortese at Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action – Leadership Summit

I had a great time and opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action’s Leadership Summit. Previously‚ I successfully secured $2 Million for the Santa Clara County Youth Climate Initiative which builds partnerships with school districts‚ regional colleges and more to help youth who are passionate about the issue get involved in their local communities.

Senator Cortese presents Italian American Heritage Foundation with a California Senate Resolution at its Festa event

I congratulated the Italian American Heritage Foundation on another successful Festa at History Park in San Jose. As a Sicilian descendant‚ I was proud to present the Foundation with a resolution officially adopted by the California State Senate recognizing the Foundation’s dedication to uplifting the voices‚ cultural vibrancy and historical contributions of Italian Americans for the betterment of San Jose.

Senator Cortese at Indian Christians Day Celebration

Thank you to Pastor Finny Abraham of Westgate Church for having me attend the Indian Christians of Silicon Valley and Santa Clara’s celebration of Indian Christians Day. I was honored to provide remarks about nonviolent action and Rev. John Dear’s new book Gospel of Peace to the group as they honored St Thomas and promoted greater love‚ service and unity of faith traditions.

Residents of the Erikson Neighborhood Association at National Night Out

My Senate District 15 staff was out in full force during this year’s National Night Out neighborhood festivities! It was a great way to build community and long lasting relationships neighbor to neighbor in an effort to build safer and stronger communities. I was happy to see law enforcement‚ first responders as well as nonprofit providers and city‚ county‚ and state departments table and share valuable resources and services to constituents.

Senator Cortese’s Senior Field Representative‚ Mario B. Lopez (he/him)‚ at Indian Independence Day

It was a great gathering and showing of support for the Association of Indo Americans’ Indian Independence Day celebration. It was a day to celebrate the rich history and diversity of the Indo American community in San José and across the world as we commemorated the end of British colonial rule over 77 years ago. My Senior Field representative‚ Mario‚ attended on my behalf.

Senator Cortese at Queer Silicon Valley’s LGBTQ+ Exhibit with Honorable Ken Yeager (he/him)

I stopped by Queer Silicon Valley’s grand opening of its museum-like historical art exhibit. The historical art exhibit showcases the rich cultural history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in the Valley of Heart’s delight‚ and how the community faced and gained many hard fought victories for equitable treatment‚ visibility and inclusion. Simply put‚ Silicon Valley would not be what it is today without LGBTQ+ community members in public service‚ business‚ the arts‚ and more. Thank you Ken Yeager for your continued work. The exhibit was made possible through a $250‚000 state grant‚ which I helped secure.

Senator Cortese at his SB 1299 Press Conference with UFW and Yolo Six Farmworkers

As a former farmer and farmworker‚ I know first-hand how high the stakes are to one’s health and safety while working under extreme heat weather conditions out in the field. Without heat prevention measures in place‚ lives have been lost. And despite California’s landmark legislation over 19 years ago adopting and instituting heat prevention solutions in the workplace‚ nearly 50% of farmworkers today still report their farming employer not complying with existing law.

That is why I introduced Senate Bill 1299 (SB 1299)‚ to bring farming employers into compliance. But more importantly‚ to save farmworkers’ lives. I am grateful to have had the United Farm Workers (UFW) and the Yolo Six farmworkers who were fired for exercising their rights in the workplace join us for a press conference on SB 1299. You may view the press conference here.

Senator Cortese at San José State University’s “Spartan Village on the Paseo” Press Conference

I was honored to have joined San José State University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson‚ and fellow colleagues at the City and State level‚ at the unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the university’s newly rehabilitated student housing development‚ “Spartan Village on the Paseo.”

My Senate Bill 1431 helped clear the obstacles so that Spartan Village could become possible and open in time for school. Spartan Village will house nearly 700 students‚ including 120 below-market housing beds.

Senator Cortese at Governor Newsom (he/him) Press Conference and Signing of Anti-Retail Theft Bills at Home Depot in San Jose

I had the distinct honor of welcoming Governor Gavin Newsom‚ CA Attorney General Rob Bonta‚ Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire‚ CA Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas‚ fellow County and State colleagues as well as law enforcement officials to the heart of my Senate District 15 in San José for a historic signing of 10 bills combatting retail theft crime.

It’s simple: retail theft and property crimes across California must stop. And that is why this stands as the most significant bipartisan public safety bill package in our state’s modern day history. This comprehensive bill package will enable law enforcement and prosecutors to keep consumers and retailers safe‚ and hold criminals accountable.

Senator Cortese joined Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee (he/him)‚ Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein (he/his)‚ and Santa Clara County Board Trustee Tara Sreekrishnan (her/hers)‚ at Sunnyvale’s India Day Celebration

I stopped by Sunnyvale for India’s Independence Day celebration. Over 77 years ago‚ India gained its independence from British colonial rule through nonviolence and civil disobedience. Their struggle for independence has provided us with many lessons on how to move forward our social justice movements today.

Mrs. Senator Cortese (her/hers) with the Honorable Blanca Alvarado (her/hers) at the 25th Anniversary of School of Arts and Culture’s Mexican Heritage Plaza

Over the past 25 years‚ the School of Arts and Culture’s Mexican Heritage Plaza has been a beacon of hope as well as resilience‚ strength‚ and vibrancy providing a safe space for cultural expression for thousands.

This was all made possible through the visionary determination‚ leadership‚ and will of East San Jose’s Champion‚ former County Supervisor Blanca Alvarado. Through her tireless advocacy and work‚ the dream for a Mexican Heritage Plaza was made a reality. More than a place‚ the Plaza stands as a reminder of the power behind community and the many possibilities of building brighter and better neighborhoods.

Senator Cortese and his Capitol Office Staff at Annual Legislative Softball game
From left to right: Ashonte Smith (he/him)‚ Clare Recinos (her/hers)‚ and Lauren Winn (her/hers)

I enjoyed my time at the Annual Legislative Softball game this past Monday. I was joined by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we aimed to raise funds for Mustard Seed‚ a school for unhoused children.

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Senator Cortese recognizes 2024 CA Senate Fellow‚ Lauren Winn (her/hers)

Throughout my public service career‚ I have had many smart and talented young individuals serve my office as staff representatives but only a handful are as truly exceptional and outstanding as my Senate District 15 Fellow‚ Lauren Winn.

It was my honor and privilege to recognize Lauren before the full Senate for her hard work‚ dedication‚ and sacrifice to improving the lives of Senate District 15 constituents as well as all Californians. Over the past year‚ I have witnessed her grow and become a remarkable compassionate‚ empathetic‚ and kind leader. I am excited for what the future may hold for her‚ and enthusiastically look forward to cheer for her as she leads us into a better tomorrow. You may view her recognition here.

Senator Cortese recognizes UFW and Yolo Six Farmworkers

In August‚ I had the honor and privilege of recognizing the Yolo Six farmworkers who were fired from their job for speaking up and exercising their rights in the workplace in order to avoid heat injury‚ illness or death. The lived experiences of the Yolo Six farmworkers are why I introduced my Senate Bill 1299‚ and why I urged both my Senate and Assembly colleagues as well as the Governor to support my bill. To view my recognition of the Yolo Six‚ please click here.

Adjournment in Memoriam of former California Supreme Court Justice‚ Edward “Ed” Panelli (he/him)

Last month‚ I had the honor and privilege of adjourning our Senate Floor Session in memory of former California Supreme Court Justice‚ Edward “Ed” Panelli. A son of Italian immigrants‚ Honorable Justice Panelli grew up during the Great Depression pulling onions at a young age. His humble upbringing informed his approach to his relationships and future work spanning over 60 years.

His first judicial appointment was in 1972 to the Santa Clara County Superior Court. He then went on to serve at many levels of California’s courts‚ including the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco‚ Sixth District appellate branch‚ and finally the California Supreme Court where he served for eight years.

I am grateful for his many years of service to the County of Santa Clara and the state of California. Honorable Justice Panelli was 92. May he rest in peace. You may view the adjournment here.

Adjournment in Memoriam of Yoshihiro “Yosh” Uchida (he/him)

Last month‚ I also had the honor and privilege of adjourning our Senate Floor Session in memory of beloved Yoshihiro “Yosh” Uchida. Yosh was a legendary fixture at San José State University leading its judo martial arts program for over 66 years resulting in more than 40 winning titles and grooming a handful of U.S. Olympians.

I worked alongside him to support the Yu Ai Kai community center in Japantown as well as on SJSU historic preservation issues. I truly admired his work with at-risk youth whom he believed could be Olympians too. He was 104. May he also rest in peace. You may view the adjournment here.

Recognition of Italian-American Heritage Month in October 2024

In August‚ I co-authored and introduced Senate Resolution 103 before the Senate Education Committee. The resolution recognizes October as Italian-American Heritage Month. I remember growing up experiencing ethnic slurs and insults against me and other Italian Americans because of our Sicilian background. One would think that would never happen in California‚ but it did. Now‚ I am proud to be one of a handful of Italian-Americans serving our state legislature. I thank my colleague‚ Senator Portantino‚ for bringing the resolution to the full Senate for its adoption.

Recognition of the 40th Anniversary of California-Taiwan Sister Statehood

In August‚ I also introduced a Senate Resolution commemorating the 40th anniversary of California-Taiwan Sister Statehood. Since our sister statehood bond was established in 1984‚ Taiwan has enjoyed extensive‚ close‚ and friendly relations with the State of California. In fact‚ Taiwan is now California’s third largest trading partner‚ with a bilateral trade volume of $38 billion contributing to more than 120‚000 jobs statewide. You may view the Senate Floor Session recognition here.

Governor Newsom Signed SB 956 and SB 1226 into Law

I am excited to announce Governor Newsom signed two of my Senate Bills this past month. Governor Newsom signed:

SB 956 – Modernizing K-12 School Facilities
- This bill will enable K-12 school districts across California to save millions of taxpayers’ dollars when renovating or constructing new on-campus facilities by leveraging the design-build contract process. Ultimately‚ SB 956 aims to improve outcomes for students by providing them with a safe‚ environmentally sustainable‚ and positive learning environment.
SB 1226 – Right to Hunt in Navigable Waters
- This bill reinforces the constitutional right of Californians to access navigable waterways for outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing. Any person in California lawfully accessing navigable floodwaters‚ as promised by our state’s Constitution‚ can now do so without the threat of an unwarranted trespassing charge. It strikes the right balance between respecting private property and ensuring Californians’ rights to enjoy our natural resources.

Senate Bills Head to Governor Newsom for His Signature

Overall‚ I have 10 Senate Bills which have advanced to the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature. The bills range from addressing the fentanyl crisis affecting our children age 5 and younger‚ addressing our nurse workforce shortage‚ advancing life-saving legislation for farm workers‚ banning archaic “prone restraint” practices within our schools‚ and much‚ much more. Stay tuned to next month’s newsletter when I will share more about them.

Community Updates

As always‚ our community has plenty of fun ways to enjoy the summer months and each other’s company.

Campbell

Campbell residents are invited to complete the city’s Community Survey for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Campbell is creating its first-ever Parks and Recreation Master Plan to identify needs and priorities for the city’s park system over the next 10 years. The plan will help the city strategically allocate resources to address community needs. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete. You may complete the online questionnaire here.

Cupertino

The City of Cupertino invites its residents to submit nominations for the CREST Awards (Cupertino Recognizes Extra Steps Taken) to honor the outstanding contributions of its community members. The city is currently accepting nominations for the following award categories: Lifetime Achievement‚ Volunteer of the Year‚ Organization of the Year‚ and Rising Star. To submit a nomination or two‚ please visit the city’s website here. Follow-up questions can be sent to the Communications Office email at communication@cupertino.gov.

Cupertino’s citywide Garage Sale is scheduled to take place on September 28th and 29th. You may register to have your garage sale advertised on the city’s interactive online map and list‚ in local newspapers‚ around City facilities‚ and on social media. Maps will be available on Tuesday‚ September 24th. More information may be found on the city’s website here.

Town of Los Gatos

CalTrans will perform overnight lane closures on northbound Hwy 17 Monday through Friday between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM from Redwood Estates to Idylwild Road. The nightly lane closures will begin August 26 and last through mid October 2024. More details may be found on the city’s website by clicking here.

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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.