Falling into Community: Session’s End & September Service🍂

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Happy September! As we turn the page from summer to fall, I look forward to spending this season of transition here in Senate District 15, alongside community.

With the Legislature’s final day of session behind us, I have gratefully returned to District 15 for the interim period between the close of the 2025-2026 legislative cycle and the start of the 2027-2028 cycle. After months of committee hearings, negotiations, and floor votes, I am proud of the progress we made this year, and I am pleased to see so many of my bills reach the Governor’s desk, including SB 1250 on Roadway Safety and Wildlife Crossings, SB 1392 on Classic Cars, SB 1246 on Autonomous Vehicle Standards, and more. In the time before session resumes on December 7th, I will be devoting significant time to generating new bill ideas, alongside community partners, constituents, and leaders here in Senate District 15. I look forward to continuing to serve the needs of our district throughout this next year. For a refresher on my complete legislative package for the 2025-2026 cycle, see here.

In the meantime, I am eager to spend more time in our district and connect with residents at events throughout the South Bay, alongside my District team. With that said, I encourage you to join me at my 4th Annual Picnic by the Lake: Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair at Hellyer County Park on Saturday, October 10th. For more information about the event, see here. September also brings a crucial opportunity to participate in democracy, with National Voter Registration Day on September 15th. I encourage eligible constituents to make sure they are registered to vote, check that their voter information is up to date, and make their voices heard in our upcoming November 3rd election. 

4th Annual Picnic by the Lake Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair” with additional details for the event.

To stay updated with our work, look for district initiatives on my website and check out the community events below! As always, if you need any help navigating government services, accessing emergency resources, or participating in local events this month, please don’t hesitate to call my District Office at (408) 723-4154 or send an email to Senator.Cortese@sen.ca.gov. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful start to this fall season!

In Service,

Dave Cortese Signature

 

 

Banner that says "Dave Days"

IN THE DISTRICT & AT THE CAPITOL

Senator Cortese presenting a Senate Resolution to the family of the late Rod Diridon, Sr. at the Italian Family Festa

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. 

Check out more of my recent community involvement on my website’s Photo Gallery here!

 

 

Banner that says "News You Can use"

MY WORK, IN THE NEWS

 

SB 1392: “JAY LENO’S LAW”

SB 1392 expands smog exemptions for certain collector cars manufactured between 1976 through 1985. 

SB 1246: AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE REMOTE OPERATOR AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE STANDARDS

SB 1246 makes our roads safer and builds trust in autonomous vehicles, including robo-taxis, by setting clear standards for remote assistance, speeding up emergency responses, and improving coordination with first responders.

 

SB 1375: SAN JOSE DIRIDON STATION CEQA EXEMPTION

SB 1375 streamlines the environmental review process for the Diridon Station Program in San José, moving this important project forward more quickly. 

 

SB 1250: PRIORITIZES ROADWAY SAFETY BY PREVENTING WILDLIFE-VEHICLE COLLISIONS

SB 1250 addresses one of California's most dangerous and growing roadway safety challenges: collisions between vehicles and wildlife. California experiences thousands of wildlife-vehicle collisions annually, creating significant human safety risks, costly vehicle damage, and devastating impacts on wildlife populations. This legislation helps ensure that new transportation projects consider both public safety and ecological needs in transportation planning. 

 

SCR 129: DESIGNATING HIGHWAY 152 PACHEO PASS AS RUSTY AREIAS HIGHWAY

SCR 129 honors former California Assemblyman Rusty Areias by naming a portion of Highway 152 in Santa Clara County after him. Areias was my own State Assemblymember from 1982 to 1994, representing parts of Santa Clara, Merced, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties. Areias also served as Director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation from 1998 to 2001. During his service, he was instrumental in making Martial Cottle Park a reality in South San Jose. I am grateful that this resolution honoring him was recently enacted! 

 

TRANSPORTATION NEWS MENTIONS

 

CHECK OUT OTHER NEWS HIGHLIGHTS & MENTIONS

 

Check out my full 2025 legislative package HERE!

 

Banner that says "Community Updates"

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

JOIN ME AT THE 4TH ANNUAL PICNIC BY THE LAKE!

4th Annual Picnic by the Lake Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair” with additional details for the event.


Join me at my 4th Annual Picnic by the Lake: A Multicultural Festival and Legislative Resource Fair! Picnic by the Lake will take place on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Hellyer County Park located at 985 Hellyer Avenue in San Jose, CA. 

Picnic by the Lake is being held in partnership with the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department and the San Jose Japantown Lions Club and Foundation. The Multicultural Festival and Legislative Resource Fair is an all-free event open to the public which will feature: A kid’s zone with inflatables, face painting, and bubbles, a rock climbing wall, raffle prizes, nearly 100+ resource booths, flu shots, multicultural performances from local community groups, free beef and veggie burgers while supplies last, and a pumpkin patch with free pumpkins while supplies last. 

Parking at Hellyer County Park and numerous offsite parking sites with shuttle bus services will be provided for free as well! This specific information and real-time updates about the event will be accessible here. For any additional questions, comments, or concerns regarding the event, please reach my District Representative, Zach Contini, at Zachary.Contini@sen.ca.gov or call (408) 723-4154.

 

SAN JOSÉ BOOK FESTIVAL

Graphic reading “San José Book Festival”


Join the free San José Book Festival! The San Jose Book Festival will bring together more than 100 authors and publishers, along with bookstores and community organizations. Meet local authors, discover new books, talk with publishers, purchase signed books, and learn more about the local literary community. The festival will feature New York Times bestselling author Karen Joy Fowler as the keynote speaker. The event will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10AM-5PM, at Eastridge Center in San José.

For more information, see here: San Jose Book Festival.

 

VIVA CALLESJ: INTO THE VALLEY

Graphic reading “Viva CalleSJ: Into the Valley”

Join Viva CalleSJ: Into the Valley, a free, car-free celebration transforming six miles of South San José streets into a space for walking, biking, rolling, and connecting with neighbors. Explore the communities, history, and natural beauty of South San José while discovering local businesses along the route. Stop by Activity Hubs at Martial Cottle Park, De Anza Park, and Cahalan Park for free activities, entertainment, and community fun. The event will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 10AM-3PM, with activities all along the 6-mile Into the Valley route in South San José.

For more information, see here: Viva Calle San Jose

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY PRESENTATION

Graphic reading “City of San Jose Environmental Services Department Community Presentation”


Join the free City of San Jose Environmental Services Department Recycle Right Community Presentation. Learn how to recycle correctly, reduce contamination, and make the most of San José’s recycling resources through interactive activities, videos, and discussion. This practical presentation is a great opportunity for residents to get answers to their recycling questions and learn simple ways to improve recycling in their community. The event will take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 PM, at City Hall – Wing Public Rooms in San José.

For more information and to RSVP, see here: ESD Community Presentation (In Person) Tickets, Thursday, September 3  •  6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Eventbrite

 

COMMUNITY DAY AT THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN

Graphic reading “Community Day at the Japanese Friendship Garden”


Join the free Community Day at the Japanese Friendship Garden! Volunteer alongside community members to help beautify the Japanese Friendship Garden and make a positive impact on one of San José’s treasured public spaces. It's a great opportunity to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with others while supporting the local community. The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 8:45 AM–12:00 PM, at the Japanese Friendship Garden in San José.

For more information and to RSVP, see here: Community Day at Japanese Friendship Garden Tickets, Saturday, September 19  •  8:45 AM - 12 PM | Eventbrite

 

AAI SACK LUNCH MAKING

Graphic reading “AAi Sack Lunch Making”


Join the free AAi Sack Lunch Making event! Volunteer with community members to prepare peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and assemble more than 550 sack lunches for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. The completed lunches will be distributed through local organizations serving unhoused individuals and low-income families. The event is a meaningful opportunity to give back while working alongside volunteers from diverse faith communities. The event will take place at 48A Race Street, San Jose, CA 95126, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 10:00 AM–12:30 PM.

For more information and to RSVP, see here: AAi Sack Lunch Making Tickets, Thursday, September 10  •  10 AM - 12:30 PM | Eventbrite

 

SAN JOSE NIGHT MARKET AT GRAND CENTURY MALL

Graphic reading “San Jose Night Market at Grand Century Mall”


Join a free San Jose Night Market! Enjoy a vibrant weekend market featuring 50+ local vendors, delicious street food, shopping, live music, cultural and dance performances, raffle giveaways, and more. Admission and parking are free, making this a great opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy an evening with family and friends. The event will take place on Friday--Saturday, September 25–26, 2026, from 4:00–10:00 PM, at Grand Century Mall in San José.

 

GREENING TULLY FIELDS WITH OUR CITY FOREST

Graphic reading “Greening Tully Fields with Our City Forest”


Join the free Greening Tully Fields event with Our City Forest event! Volunteer with Our City Forest for a hands-on morning of environmental restoration and community greening. Participants will help sheet mulch and maintain a new habitat planting along Coyote Creek while learning about local conservation efforts. No experience is needed—tools, gloves, and guidance will be provided. The event will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, at Tully Fields along Coyote Creek in San José.

For more information and to RSVP, see here: Greening Tully Fields with Our City Forest! Tickets, Saturday, September 12  •  9 AM - 12 PM | Eventbrite

 

COASTAL CLEANUP DAY 2026

Graphic reading “Coastal Cleanup Day”


Join the free Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 – Site #02: Guadalupe River, San José! Volunteer with community members of all ages to help protect local waterways and reduce pollution as part of California Coastal Cleanup Day. Hosted by the City of San José – Airport Department, this cleanup event is a great opportunity to make a positive environmental impact and help keep Santa Clara County’s waterways clean and healthy. The event will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, at Guadalupe River in San José.

For more information and to RSVP, see here: Coastal Cleanup Day 2026 - Site #02: Guadalupe River, San Jose Tickets, Saturday, September 19  •  9 AM - 12 PM | Eventbrite

 

 

Banner that says "State and Local Resources"

 

To get all state and local resources, from health insurance to building permits, click here: Resources | Senator Dave Cortese.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions‚ comments‚ or concerns. I can be reached at senator.cortese@sen.ca.gov or by calling (408) 723-4154. 

 

IMPORTANT UPDATES & RESOURCES

 

ATTEND A CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION’S CASH FOR COLLEGE WEBINAR!

The California Student Aid Commission, in partnership with the California Student Access & Opportunity Program (Cal-SOAP), is offering free Cash for College webinars that can help you get started on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)! Aid is available for students attending California Community Colleges or eligible career & technical education programs this fall. Join for FREE and get personalized one-on-one assistance from local college financial aid professionals and trained volunteers. Support will be available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. For more information and to register for a webinar, see here: Cash for College Online Webinars | California Student Aid Commission. 

 

READ THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE’S NEWEST CONSUMER BRIEFING

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) prepared a briefing to help Californians better understand the pressures shaping today’s insurance market. It explains the climate driven disasters affecting insurance worldwide, how those events influence California’s market, and the work underway at CDI and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to modernize regulations and improve long term stability. Read the full consumer briefing here.

 

SAN JOSE’S RESPONSIBLE LANDLORD ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE IS BACK!

The Responsible Landlord Engagement Initiative (RLEI) is back and serving the San José community in partnership with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County! RLEI is a free, confidential program that collaborates with community leaders, residents, property owners, and the City of San José to address ongoing issues at privately owned residential properties and improve quality of life for tenants and surrounding neighborhoods. RLEI helps address issues at problem properties affected by: health and safety standards, chronic blight/crime issues, and continuous code enforcement violations. Learn more about the program here.

 

SAN JOSE MINETA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WILL LAUNCH A NEW SENSORY ROOM

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), in partnership with Nutanix and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, will launch a new sensory-friendly room, The Nest by Nutanix, designed to support families traveling with children with autism and other sensory sensitivities. The Nest by Nutanix sensory room aims to provide a calm, welcoming environment that helps reduce the stress and anxiety associated with air travel, while preparing children for the flight ahead. For more information, see here.

 

LEARN ABOUT THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRESAFE COUNCIL’S INAUGURAL WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING TRAINING

The South Bay Prescribed Burn Association, managed by the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, held its inaugural wildland firefighting training at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Twenty participants earned their Fire Fighter Type II certifications, the entry-level qualification for wildland firefighting and participation in prescribed burns. 

These trainings, made possible through support from the California Coastal Conservancy, enhance Santa Clara County's wildfire resilience by building a certified local workforce to safely manage vegetation and execute controlled burns through cross-agency collaboration. Read more about this training here.

 

APPLY FOR THE CALASSIST MORTGAGE FUND

The state's CalAssist Mortgage Fund provides much-needed relief from mortgage payments for families whose homes are destroyed or severely damaged to the point they have been deemed uninhabitable as the result of a qualified disaster.  Eligible homeowners can qualify for 3 months of mortgage payments, up to a maximum of $20,000. Funds never have to be repaid and it’s free to apply. Learn more about the program and apply here. 

 

CALIFORNIA’S CALRX® INSULIN IS AVAILABLE TO CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS!

Following the Governor’s Executive Order N-01-19 and Senate Bill 852 (Chapter 207, Statutes of 2020), CalRx® Insulin Glargine pens are now available to Californians at a maximum recommended price of $55 per five-pack of pens. This milestone significantly expands access to this lifesaving insulin medication at an affordable price, supporting efforts to combat diabetes across California. This CalRx® insulin product is interchangeable with Lantus® and will be available to any pharmacy in the state. You can find more information about the Insulin Initiative here.

 

STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE’S SAVINGS PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS

The State Treasurer’s Office's Savings Programs for Individuals (SP4I) offer free tools to build financial security across life stages. These are free, life-changing resources, and many families are unaware they are eligible and have free money waiting for them. Check out the following programs: 

  • CalKIDS: Savings account with funds for public school students and newborns - over two billion dollars available today!

  • CalSavers: Retirement accounts for workers without employer plans

  • CalABLE: Tax-free savings for people with disabilities

 

 

JOIN THE CALIFORNIA SERVICE CORPS

The Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement is seeking people to join the California Service Corps. California Service Corps programs offer participants meaningful work experience while making a real impact in their communities — while reducing the burden of college debt.

The California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs: #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, California Climate Action Corps, Youth Service Corps, and AmeriCorps California. Learn more and join at http://www.CAServiceCorps.com.