A Message to our Santa Clara County Family, Upcoming Town Hall & Legislative Updates
It was with deep sadness and extreme sorrow that, in harmony with my friend Assemblymember Ash Kalra in the Assembly, I asked the Senate to adjourn in memory of the nine victims of the mass shooting in our District that occurred at the San Jose VTA railyard.
There are no words that capture the grief and loss being felt by our community at this time.
These men were essential workers who served as a lifeline to our community and kept the light rail and buses operational during the pandemic:
- Abdolvahab Alaghmandan, 63, worked with VTA for 20 years as a substation maintainer
- Adrian Balleza, 29, started as a bus operator trainee in 2014 and later became a maintenance worker and light rail operator
- Alex Ward Fritch, 49, a substation maintainer
- Jose Dejesus Hernandez III, 35, started in 2012 as a transit mechanic
- Lars Kepler Lane, 63, started in 2001 as an electro-mechanic and later became an overhead line worker
- Paul Delacruz Megia, 42, started in 2002 as a bus operator trainee and later became a light rail operator
- Taptejdeep Singh, 36, a train operator
- Timothy Michael Romo, 49, served over 20 years as an overhead line worker
- Michael Joseph Rudometkin, 40, started in 2013 as a mechanic, later as an electro- mechanic, and then an overhead line worker
They leave behind countless family members and friends, and they will be deeply missed. As a former Santa Clara County Supervisor and having served on the VTA Board for 17 years, this tragedy hit extremely close to home as I’m sure it did for all of you.
Our mass shooting epidemic continues to give rise to unimaginable heartbreak and loss. This tragedy has served as only another indication that meaningful steps must be made in our State Legislature to address the mass shooting epidemic that plagues our country. As a legislator, my resolve to put an end to this type of violence has only been strengthened.
To this end, I am calling for the improvement and expansion of our state’s “Red Flag” laws.
California was one of the first states to enact “red flag” laws, laws that allow temporary restraining orders or seizures of guns by law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office from people identified as potentially dangerous. These gun violence restraining orders have confiscated guns from over 3,000 people deemed as threats in the last three years across the state.
We cannot help but wonder if, in this instance, were our red flag laws invoked, could they have potentially saved members of our community?
There are barriers that can be addressed to strengthen these laws so that they are able to prevent even more tragic deaths and I have officially requested the partnership of our District Attorney to do just that at the state level.
To the families who lost loved ones, please know that we are with you and our entire community is with you.
The legacy of those we lost will carry on in our communities.
I traveled the District this Memorial Day to pay tribute to our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. With the tragic events of this past month deeply affecting our community, I know many of us are took this time to spend with our loved ones, reflect, and remember all of the heroes we have lost. Their bravery and courage continues to inspire us to rededicate our efforts towards the pursuit of peace and justice.
I joined the Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation as well as the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County for ceremonies to honor and remember the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes. It was a peaceful and meaningful day of reflection.
The United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County compiled messages from different community leaders across our District, including myself, that you can watch at this link.
I would like to give a personal thank you to Mike and Susan Hennessy who co-organized the Oak Hill ceremonies and put together the thoughtful video compilation. Thank you for keeping this wonderful tradition in our community alive.
Photo courtesy of Mike and Susan Hennessy
Current California law mandates a sentence of death or life without the possibility of parole for anyone convicted of ‘murder with special circumstances,’ even if the person did not kill anyone, nor intend for anyone to die. On average, 130 people a year in California are sentenced to die in prison for a crime they did not commit.
Read more about how I’m trying to right this wrong in our state’s criminal justice system through my bill, SB 300, the Sentencing Reform Act of 2021, in my recent Op-Ed published in the Mercury News co-authored by Joanne Sheer, Founder of Felony Murder Elimination Project, and Yolanda Ledesma, an organizer at Silicon Valley De-Bug.
I recently joined Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate and Assembly leadership, and Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins to sign a bill I co-authored into law - SB 7. Built on our state’s principles of equity, economic development, resiliency, and environmental leadership, SB 7 is an investment in not only our local community here in Santa Clara County, but in communities across the state of California. SB 7 will tackle many of the greatest challenges we face as a state in conjunction: climate change, our housing crisis, and recovering from our current economic climate brought on by the pandemic. Learn more about SB 7 in recent news coverage:
The Mercury News: Newsom signs law streamlining environmental reviews for big projects
NBC Bay Area: Newsom Signs Bill Paving Way for More Affordable Housing in California
San Jose Spotlight: San Jose: Gov. Newsom fast-tracks housing, economic projects with new bill
I’m proud to announce that many of my bills in my inaugural bill package are moving forward – some first-of-its kind pieces of legislation:
- SB 739, the Universal Basic Income for Transition Age Foster Youth Act, has passed through the Senate and is headed to the State Assembly. SB 739 would provide unconditional and direct cash assistance of $1,000 a month to approximately 2,500 youth aging out of the Extended Foster Care Program in California and is based on a pilot program I created here in Santa Clara County.
- AB 1171, of which I am a co-author, would remove California’s archaic spousal rape exception. This bill has passed that State Assembly by 65-0 and will next be heard in the Senate. Rape is rape, regardless of the relationship between the rapist and a victim. Although marital rape is illegal in all 50 states, California is one of eleven states that distinguishes “spousal rape” from “rape.”
- SB 791 has also cleared the Senate and is headed to the Assembly. SB 791 will expedite the construction of affordable housing on local government surplus land to help alleviate our incredibly high housing burdens in California. Spurring the production of affordable housing across our state is one of my highest priorities.
Many of my other bills are also advancing. You can follow all of the bills in my 2021-2022 Legislative Package at this link. Click on the bill number then click “History” to see where each bill is in the legislative process.
A group of California state lawmakers, including myself, are calling for federal action and funding to address the climate crisis. With just nine years left to prevent the worst of the climate crisis, we need bold action by our leaders in Washington. We need significant investments in clean energy and transportation, green jobs, and dedicated resources to the communities that are being hardest hit by climate change. Learn more at this link.
Below are some safe opportunities to explore and volunteer in our local community!
- 40th Annual Juneteenth Festival! – The African American Community Service Agency Highlights will be hosting their 40th Annual Juneteenth Celebrations! I was honored to work in partnership with the African American Community Service Agency to declare Juneteenth an official holiday in Santa Clara County last year. For over 39 years, the Juneteenth Festival in San Jose/Silicon Valley has averaged over 6,000 attendees. Entertainment has ranged from artists like Anthony Hamilton, Case, Jaguar Wright, Jon B., Reuben Studdard, and Brandy to groups like the Drifters with a wide range of local artists from Rap/Hip Hop to R&B, Gospel, and Jazz. Learn more and view the festival schedule at this link where you can also find a recording from our announcement of Juneteenth as an official County holiday.
- Bay Area Older Adults Virtual Walking Tours in June – Join Bay Area Older adults for a virtual park tour to learn about the history and wildlife in our open spaces! Learn more and register at this link.
- Virtual Yoga for Adults in June – This series is hosted by the Santa Clara County Library District and no yoga experience is necessary! Learn more and register at this link.
Pregnancy and Vaccines
Pregnant parents are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Getting vaccinated protects parents and their babies.
Learn more about scheduling a vaccine appointment here: https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/
COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations
The total number of deaths due to COVID-19 in Santa Clara County is 2,143 as of Friday June 4th (up from 2,068 as of May 7th, 2021). The total case count as of June 4th has reached 119,163 (up from 118,698 as of May 7th, 2021) with a 7-day rolling average of new cases based on specimen collection date of 28 cases per day (down from 79 cases per day as of May 7th, 2021).
More data can be found through the Public Health Department’s Data Dashboards.
County COVID-19 Testing
Even if you are vaccinated, please do continue to get tested, especially if you have symptoms, are exposed to a known case, or before/after traveling.
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center continues to offer free drop-in and appointment-based COVID-19 testing at several locations across the county. Residents can book an appointment for various sites in Vietnamese, Chinese, Spanish, or English. Visit www.sccfreetest.org to search for an available site by City or Date, or to see the complete list of available County testing sites.
Additional Community-Based and State-Operated Testing Options
Roots Community Health Center and Gardner Health Services continue to organize free, community-based drop-in COVID-19 testing events every Wednesday. Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) provides similar community-based testing every Friday at their Story Road site. No appointments are necessary, and all individuals are served regardless of insurance or immigration status.
• Gardner Health Services: Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San José, 95116. For more information, call 408-457-7100.
• AACI Health Center: Story Road Clinic: 749 Story Rd, #50, San José CA 95122. For more information, call 408-975-2763.
In addition, there are several testing sites now operated OptumServe, a State contractor. These sites are free but require appointments. Visit here or call (888) 634-1123 to schedule an appointment:
• Independence High School (drive through): 617 N. Jackson Ave., San José.
• Mount Pleasant High School (drive through): 1750 S. White Road, San José.
• Gilroy Civic Center: 7351 Church St., Gilroy
• Gavilan College: Social Science Building, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd, Gilroy CA 95020.
• Grange in Morgan Hill: 40 E 4th Street, Morgan Hill CA 95037.
• James Lick High School: 2951 Alum Rock Ave., San José.
County COVID-19 Vaccination
The County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard continues to be updated daily with information about vaccine allocation and administration by healthcare providers throughout the county. Vaccine data from the California Department of Public Health’s California Immunization Registry (CAIR2) shows that 76.7% of county residents age 12 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 1,314,823 total residents now partially or fully vaccinated.
The latest updates on vaccine eligibility and how to schedule an appointment are available on the County’s website at sccFreeVax.org. In addition, residents without internet access or who need additional assistance can make appointments for the County Health System vaccine sites through the Valley Connection Call Center at 408-970-2000. The Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 4:30pm. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and other languages.
Video Gallery
In the Video Gallery posted on my website you can find recordings of my recent Town Halls, interviews, news conferences, video compilations, bill hearings, and more. Missed a recent SD 15 event or want to learn more about my budget and legislative priorities? Check out my Video Gallery at this link!
State Resources Posted on My Website
State resources and services available during the pandemic have been posted on my new website: sd15.sen.ca.gov. Just click on the "COVID-19" link under the “Resources” tab of my website to get connected to some of the most frequently used state resources, including resources for businesses and employers, students, those in need of housing and financial assistance, and more.
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.
Thank you,
Dave Cortese
