Harvest Hues & Hometown News: A Season of Gratitude in Senate District 15 🦃

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy November! In the spirit of gratitude, I am thankful for the opportunity to be home in Senate District 15, serving the residents and organizations that make this community so strong. 

With the 2025-2026 legislative cycle complete, I am especially grateful that so many of my bills, including SB 1392, SB 1246, SB 1250, SB 1375, and SB 750, among several others, were signed into law. For a complete refresher on my bills for the 2025-2026 cycle, from public safety to affordable housing initiatives, see here. I am now looking ahead to the 2027-2028 legislative cycle, working to develop and refine new legislative proposals in partnership with community members, local leaders, and advocates. This early planning process is an important opportunity to identify emerging needs for next year. If you have a legislative proposal of your own, let us know here!

I am also delighted to share that our 4th Annual Picnic by the Lake: Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair was a great success! Check out the recap below to see how thousands of residents come together at Hellyer County Park to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Senate District 15 and connect with valuable community resources. 

I urge every eligible voter to cast their ballot on or before November 3rd. Participating in our elections is an important way to help shape the future of our community! This month also welcomes Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, Diwali, and Día de Los Muertos, with each occasion bringing us together in the spirit of gratitude, remembrance, and renewal. May we take this opportunity to connect with loved ones and enjoy all that this season brings. 

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 [email protected]. 

In Community,

Dave Cortese Signature

 

 

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PICNIC BY THE LAKE: A RECAP

Senator Cortese photographed with the Pilipino Association of Workers and Immigrants (PAWIS) at Picnic by the Lake

: Senator Cortese photographed with the Pilipino Association of Workers and Immigrants (PAWIS) at Picnic by the Lake


On Saturday, October 10th, 2026, thousands of neighbors gathered at Hellyer County Park for my 4th Annual Picnic by the Lake Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair. I am deeply grateful to everyone who attended, and to everyone who helped make the day possible. 

Our Co-Partners: Thank you to the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department and the San Jose Japantown Lions Club for partnering with my office once again.

Resource Booths and Vendors: More than 80 nonprofits, County and State agencies, and vendors offered services, giveaways, and interactive displays. A special thanks to:

  • County of Santa Clara Valley Health Care, for administering 155 free flu shots,
  • County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Management, for free emergency preparedness kits,
  • Milpitas Executive Lions Club, for free vision, hearing, blood pressure, and diabetes screenings,
  • CalFire Department – Local 2881, for grilling free beef and veggie burgers, and
  • San Andreas Regional Center, for hosting the Kid’s Zone with face painting, bubbles, and free snow cones.

Program and Performances: Thank you to our emcees, former KPIX reporter Len Ramirez and Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cristina Cortes, and to Lewis Tecson of Bytes & Notes for running the sound system. Thank you also to Julie Dominguez for the Land Acknowledgement from the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe.

Thank you also to our performers, who showcased the diverse cultures of Silicon Valley: Bytes & Notes; Dream Achievers Band – Musicians with Autism from FCSN; LD Dancers and Singers; Leleka Ukrainian Dance Group; Silicon Valley Korean American Citizens League; Pilipino Association of Workers and Immigrants (PAWIS); Overfelt High School Polynesian Club; El Grito de la Cultura Academy; Kriyaa Dance Academy; and the San Jose Cambodian Cultural Dance Troupe.

1) Senator Cortese photographed with MC, Len Ramirez; 2) Silicon Valley Korean American Citizens League performing a traditional Katuri dance

1) Senator Cortese photographed with MC, Len Ramirez; 2) Silicon Valley Korean American Citizens League performing a traditional Katuri dance

Our Volunteers: Thank you to every volunteer who gave their time and energy to keep the day running smoothly. I was grateful to be joined by Silicon Valley Career Technical Education Fire Science Academy students, Boy Scout Troop #817, and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Work Program participants. 

Senator Cortese photographed with Fire Science Academy volunteers

Senator Cortese photographed with Fire Science Academy volunteers

Our Event Sponsors: This free event would not be possible without the generosity of:

United Association Local 393 – Plumbers, Pipefitters, Steamfitters, and HVACR Technicians; Silicon Valley Community Foundation; Santa Clara Family Health Plan; Kaiser Permanente; KeyPoint Credit Union; Sutter Health; Republic Services; Amazon; San Jose Sharks; California Nurses Association; Microsoft; San Jose Water; Silicon Valley Clean Energy; Santa Clara Valley Water District; Google; Safeway; San Andreas Regional Center; Plenary Americas USA; San Francisco 49ers; San Jose Giants; San Jose Conservation Corps; Nob Hill Foods; In-N-Out; Chik-Fil-A; Community Cycles of California; City Cruises; Provident Credit Union; and Ike’s Love and Sandwiches.

Picnic by the Lake is an all-free celebration of our vibrant, diverse community. We can’t wait to see you again next year!

 

 

IN THE DISTRICT & AT THE CAPITOL

Senator Cortese photographed with Our City Forest Founding President and CEO Emeritus Rhonda Berry and former State Senator Jim Beall

Senator Cortese photographed with Our City Forest Founding President and CEO Emeritus Rhonda Berry and former State Senator Jim Beall

What an honor to speak at the Our City Forest “Growing Our Future” Gala, celebrating more than 30 years of growing a greener, healthier Silicon Valley, with over 80,000 trees planted across Santa Clara County since 1994. 

I was joined onstage by former State Senator Jim Beall, with whom I presented a Senate Resolution to Founding President & CEO Emeritus Rhonda Berry for her decades of leadership! Thank you also to Executive Director Tara Sreekrishnan and OCF’s volunteers for carrying the mission forward. 

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

 

 

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MY WORK, IN THE NEWS

 

SB 1392: “JAY LENO’S LAW”

SB 1392 expands smog check exemptions for certain collector cars manufactured between 1976 through 1985. This bill was signed into law!

I recently held a rally in support of Leno’s Law, where car enthusiasts came together in support of preserving California’s automotive heritage. Check out the livestream here! 

 

SB 1375: SAN JOSE DIRIDON STATION CEQA EXEMPTION

SB 1375 streamlines the environmental review process for the Diridon Station expansion in San José, moving this important project forward more quickly. This bill was signed into law!

 

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. This bill was signed into law!

 

 

SB 1425: SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

SB 1425 creates a permitting program for the High-Speed Rail Authority in order to promote infrastructure development and streamline new construction. This bill was signed into law!

 

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

SB 1250 makes wildlife crossings a priority in state transportation planning, improving habitat access while strengthening coordination and public input in infrastructure decisions. This bill was signed into law!

 

SB 750: UNLOCKING AFFORDABLE HOUSING INVESTMENTS

SB 750 establishes a program to help finance affordable and multifamily housing across California by reducing financial risks for lenders and developers. This bill was signed into law!

 

CHECK OUT OTHER NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

 

Check out my full 2025-2026 legislative package HERE!

 

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FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

VETERANS STAND DOWN

Veteran Stand Down


Connect with essential services and support at Santa Clara County’s 2026 Veterans Stand Down, a free, two-day event designed to assist local veterans, with a particular focus on those experiencing homelessness, at risk of becoming unhoused, or facing food insecurity. Veterans can access a range of supportive services and resources intended to help address their needs and connect them with assistance. The event will take place on Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM each day at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, including Pavilion Hall and Fiesta Hall (344 Tully Road, San Jose, CA 95111). Veterans are encouraged to review the registration information before attending. 

For more information and veteran registration, see here: Veterans Stand Down this November 5th, 2026 - Santa Clara Fairgrounds.

 

SAN JOSÉ ROOTS

Graphic reading “San Jose Roots with History San Jose”

Celebrate San José’s rich history and cultural diversity at San José Roots, a free, family-friendly festival hosted by History San José. Attendees can participate in hands-on activities highlighting California’s Spanish and Mexican eras, explore local history through tours of historic homes, visit community booths hosted by cultural and historical organizations, and enjoy cultural performances. The event will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 12:00-4:00 PM at San Pedro Square Market (87 North San Pedro Street, San Jose, CA 95110). 

For more information, see here: San José Roots, San Pedro Square Market, San Jose, 7 November 2026 | AllEvents.

 

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION

: Graphic reading “Santana Row Dia de Los Muertos Celebration”


Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Santana Row Día de los Muertos Celebration, a free community event honoring loved ones and celebrating Mexican culture and traditions. Attendees can enjoy mariachi music, dance performances, face painting, crafts, community ofrendas (altars), and more. The event will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Santana Row (377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128). Activities are scheduled throughout the day (10:30AM – 6PM), with a cultural market running from 12:00 - 6:00 PM and mariachi and dance performances from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. 

For more information, see here: Día de Los Muertos Celebration, 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA, United States, California 95128, 1 November 2026 | AllEvents.

 

OUR CITY FOREST FALL FEST AT THE NURSERY 2026

Graphic reading “Our City Forest Fall Fest”


Celebrate the fall season at Our City Forest’s Fall Fest at the Nursery 2026, a free, family-friendly community event at the organization’s nursery and training center. Attendees can enjoy workshops, entertainment, games, informational tables, and activities while learning more about Our City Forest’s work to grow and care for trees throughout the community. The event will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Our City Forest Nursery and Training Center (1000 Spring Street, San Jose, CA 95110). 

For more information and to register, see here: Fall Fest at the Nursery 2026 Tickets, Saturday, November 14  •  9 AM - 2 PM | Eventbrite.

 

SUPPORTING BRAIN HEALTH IN OUR COMMUNITY – SOUTH SAN JOSE

Graphic reading “Supporting Brain Health with On Lok”


Learn practical ways to support lifelong brain health at Supporting Brain Health in Our Community – South San Jose, a free educational presentation hosted by On Lok in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. Attendees can learn about science-backed steps to support brain health. The event is open to all and will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 4:30 - 5:30 PM at the On Lok PACE South San Jose Center (151 Martinvale Lane, San Jose, CA 95119). 

For more information and to RSVP, see here: Supporting Brain Health in Our Community - South San Jose Tickets, Thursday, November 5  •  4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Eventbrite.

 

VTA TRANSIT CAREER DAY 2026

Graphic reading “Valley Transportation Authority Transit Career Day”


Explore career opportunities in public transportation at VTA Transit Career Day 2026, hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) in recognition of National Transit Career Day. The event will connect veterans, transitioning service members, military families, students, and other job seekers with VTA representatives to explore career pathways, receive career guidance, and learn how military experience and transferable skills can translate into transit careers. Attendees can also learn about VTA’s Veterans’ Preference Program. The event will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at VTA Headquarters (3331 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95134). Free parking is available. 

For more information and to register, see here: VTA Transit Career Day 2026 Tickets, Thursday, November 12  •  2 PM - 6 PM | Eventbrite.

 

DISTRICT 4 COMMUNITY TOWN HALL – MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Graphic reading “Santa Clara County District 4 Mental Health Town Hall”


Join Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg for the District 4 Community Town Hall – Mental Health Services to learn more about current and upcoming mental health services and initiatives in Santa Clara County. The town hall offers community members an opportunity to hear about the County’s work in this area and engage with local leadership on mental health services. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 6:30-8:00 PM at Bascom Community Center (1000 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128). 

For more information and to RSVP, see here: District 4 Community Townhall - Mental Health Services Tickets, Wednesday, November 18  •  6:30 PM - 8 PM | Eventbrite.

 

VIVA CALLECITA

Graphic reading “Viva Callecita”


Enjoy an opportunity to walk, bike, skate, roll, and connect with neighbors at Viva Callecita, a smaller-scale, open-streets event inspired by San José’s Viva CalleSJ program. The event will transform a designated street route into a car-free space for recreation, outdoor activities, and community connection. The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 10AM to 3PM in Downtown San Jose.

For more information about the map, meeting location, and updates, see here: Viva Calle San Jose.

 

CELEBRATE DIWALI: STORYTIME AND ART ACTIVITY

Celebrate Diwali San Jose Public Library Graphic


Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, at this family-friendly program hosted by the San José Public Library. Children and families can enjoy an engaging storytime celebrating Diwali’s traditions, followed by a hands-on, Diwali-inspired art activity. The program is intended for young children, children ages 5-10, and preteens ages 10-12. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM at the Edenvale Branch Library (101 Branham Lane East, San Jose, CA 95111). 

For more information, see here: Celebrate Diwali: Storytime and Art Activity | San José Public Library | BiblioCommons.

 

 

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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 [email protected] or by calling (408) 723-4154. 

 

IMPORTANT UPDATES & RESOURCES

 

ATTEND A CASH FOR COLLEGE WORKSHOP NEAR YOU

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is hosting numerous Cash for College Workshops over the next few months until the 2026-2027 California Dream Act Application (CADAA) & Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Priority Deadline for State Aid on March 2, 2026. Find a FREE Cash for College Workshop near you to get 1:1 support with your application here. 

SANTA CLARA COUNTY CLERK-RECORDER’S OFFICE TO EXPAND SERVICES

The Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office plans to expand services in South County! They have created this survey to help them better understand the services that will be needed most when they expand their vital records service to Gilroy on January 13, 2027. 

APPLY FOR THE CALASSIST MORTGAGE FUND

The CalAssist Mortgage Fund has announced that November 2nd is the last day to apply for the program.

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. 

DOWNLOAD AWARECA TO STAY UP TO DATE ON EMERGENCY ACTIVITY

AwareCA is a new mobile application designed to help Californians stay informed about emergency-related activity near their current location (when location access is enabled) and the places they care about. Information in AwareCA is published by participating public safety agencies and trusted emergency management partners, giving elected officials access to authoritative public incident information from the agencies responsible for managing and responding to emergencies. AwareCA is working with CalFIRE and is available for download in all App Stores.

CHECK OUT SAN JOSE’S FLOOD HAZARD ZONE INTERACTIVE MAP

As we brace for potentially extreme weather this “Super El Niño” season, I urge you to check out this City of San Jose Flood Hazard Zone Interactive Map, to determine if your San Jose Neighborhood may be at risk of flooding. This interactive map shows designated flood areas from the FEMA National Flood Hazard layer. 

JOIN ON LOK PACE’S VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Are you or someone you care about seeking support to manage healthcare needs as you age? On Lok PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) offers comprehensive, coordinated services to help seniors live independently in the community. Join their FREE Open House every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. to learn more about how On Lok PACE helps provide medical, social, and daily living support, how to enroll, eligibility requirements, and more. To register, see here.

CHECK OUT THE TRADES ORIENTATION PROGRAM

The Trades Orientation Program (TOP) is a free pre-apprenticeship program that helps participants take the first step toward a stable, hands-on career in the union construction trades. No experience needed—just a strong work ethic and the drive to learn something new.

Whether you want to become a carpenter, electrician, ironworker, HVAC technician, sheet metal worker, plumber, or explore another high-demand construction trade, TOP will help you get there. Participants gain foundational skills, connect directly with local apprenticeship programs, and receive one-on-one support from people who care.

CALIFORNIA’S OPIOID TREATMENT SUPPORT HELPLINE

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of CA Bridge Connect, a free statewide call- and text-based service offering immediate help and support to Californians seeking treatment for opioid use. This is part of a broader strategy to take on the opioid and overdose epidemic, which includes expanding access to addiction treatment. 

To get help, call 1-800-944-1807 or text 1-833-308-0461. For more information about the program, see 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.