Midsummer Roundup 2024

August 2, 2024

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Friends‚

I hope the summer has been good to you and your family. As we end July, I’m excited to share some important updates and milestones with you. This month, we celebrated the implementation of key legislation, advanced important initiatives, and now look ahead to some great community events and updates on key legislation I authored or co-authored as they make their way through the Assembly and ultimately, the Governor’s desk. Your ongoing support makes all this possible, and I’m grateful for your continued engagement.

Sincerely,

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Dave Cortese

Announcements:

SB 553: Workplace Violence Prevention Act Now in Effect

I am proud to announce that my landmark legislation, SB 553 (the Workplace Violence Prevention Act) is now officially in effect. This crucial legislation is a significant stride in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers across California.

With SB 553, we are taking a proactive approach to protect employees by requiring comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans and training. Every worker deserves a safe environment, and this law ensures that employers will identify and mitigate potential hazards before they escalate. Many of you know the origin of this bill. Inspired by the horrendous loss of life during a mass shooting at our VTA headquarters, this law will make workplaces safer for all Californians. Workplace violence is all too common. We hope to prevent tragedies like the ones we’ve seen in our local and statewide communities at VTA, Half Moon Bay, grocery stores, nightclubs, and all other everyday workplaces from ever occurring again.

The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency is now hosting a number of Injury and Illness Prevention Program trainings for small business employers. Trainers from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health will lead the trainings on how to identify and improve health and safety concerns in the workplace.

Upcoming Trainings:

July 30th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
August 6th, 9:30 AM - 12:30PM
August 8th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sign up today!

Open Position: SD-15 Director of Communications

I’m excited to announce an opening to join our team as our new Communications Director (Press Secretary). This is a unique opportunity for independent and motivated individuals with a passion for public service and a strong background in communications. We have a dedicated team in the District Office serving the State of California and the vibrant Santa Clara County community.

Our current Director of Communications, Kian Lechner, is leaving the team to pursue a law degree at Georgetown University. He has this to say about the position:

“Working as the Communications Director for Senator Cortese has been an incredible experience. The work the Senator and his team do saves lives, innovates for California, and represents everything public service should be. This role offers invaluable opportunities for professional growth, and I highly encourage those passionate about public service, journalism, and communications to apply.”

Click to learn more about the position.

Sen. Dave Cortese and Pattie Cortese participate in the annual 4th of July Rose, White, & Blue Parade in their ’57 Chevy pickup.

Rose‚ White‚ & Blue

We had such an amazing time celebrating Independence Day at the annual Rose, White & Blue parade in San Jose. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the 4th of July with the community. I’m already looking forward to next year.

Sen. Cortese, Sen. Steve Bradford, and student/scholarship recipient Alexandra at the annual First Tee Silicon Valley awards banquet.

I was proud to stand alongside Senator Steve Bradford of LA and Alexandra, an SD 15 resident, at the annual First Tee Silicon Valley awards banquet. Alexandra received a well-deserved scholarship and will be joining SJSU this Fall. Your dedication and hard work are inspiring, Alexandra! Here’s to a bright future ahead.

The newly unveiled “Thank You, America” Monument in San Jose

We recently unveiled the “Thank You, America” Monument, a powerful testament to the strong bonds between our Vietnamese-American community and the broader San José family. Honoring the bravery and sacrifices of American and South Vietnamese soldiers, this monument serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of those who sought a better life here.

I’m proud to have been part of this journey since my time on the San Jose City Council, and I look forward to seeing the Vietnamese Heritage Garden flourish as a vibrant cultural hub for our community.

Sen. Cortese stands with fellow legislators and then-Acting Governor Mike McGuire to witness the signing of AB 247 and SB 867

My colleagues and I gathered for the bill signing of two critical bond measures: SB 867, focusing on clean water and wildfire prevention, and AB 247, aimed at modernizing our schools. These measures were approved by both houses and will be on the November ballot, allowing Californians to invest in our environment and education system.

In the absence of the Governor and Lt. Governor, Senate Pro Tem, and Acting Governor Mike McGuire signed the bills, marking a significant step forward for our state’s future.

A group of runners getting ready to begin the Stars & Strides Run in downtown San Jose

I enjoyed the Stars & Strides Run in downtown San Jose with Sen. Josh Becker, Mayor Matt Mahan, Supervisor Cindy Chavez, and Carl Guardino. Big shoutout to Tarana Wireless for raising over $248,000 for the VMC Foundation. Community support at its best!

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Two Critical Bond Measures

I am pleased to announce that I voted in support of the following two bills last month to place critical bond measures on the ballot which were recently signed by the Governor. These measures aim to address significant needs in our state’s education system and environmental resilience. You will have the opportunity to vote “yes” or “no” on each of these bonds in November:

The Kindergarten Through Grade 12 Schools and Local Community College Public Education Facilities Modernization, Repair, and Safety Bond Act of 2024 focuses on enhancing our educational infrastructure. This $10 billion bond will allocate $8.5 billion to K-12 schools and $1.5 billion to community colleges, funding essential construction and modernization projects. This investment will address urgent needs such as lead mitigation in drinking water, extreme heat reduction, and facilities for transitional kindergarten and career technical education.
The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 is a $10 billion bond measure dedicated to combating climate change and protecting our environment. It includes substantial investments in safe drinking water, wildfire, and forest management, and initiatives to mitigate the impact of sea level rise. This measure reflects our commitment to building a resilient California that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.

Both of these measures reflect our ongoing efforts to invest in the future of California, ensuring that our schools provide safe, modern learning environments and that our state is equipped to handle environmental challenges like fire resilience and clean water. I am proud to have supported these initiatives and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our communities.

Advancing Farmworker Safety with SB 1299

Another update for California: My bill, SB 1299, successfully passed the Assembly Insurance Committee. This crucial legislation aims to save lives by ensuring employers comply with state heat regulations for our agricultural workers. If you’ve felt the heat this summer, you know why we’re doing this.

Teresa Romero, President of the United Farm Workers, provided powerful testimony in support, highlighting the life-threatening risks faced by California’s agricultural workers and the urgent need for this bill. “Across California, farm workers continue to endure extremely high temperatures that create life-threatening risks,” she said. “California’s outdoor heat regulations increase the chances that farm workers come home safe. We applaud Senator Cortese for his leadership in encouraging more employers to comply with basic standards such as cool water, access to shade, and rest breaks from the exhaustion that comes from heat.”

This committee passage reflects our commitment to ensuring safer and fairer working conditions for the people who form the backbone of our agricultural industry.

We also received a notable endorsement from Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, who has joined as a co-author of SB 1299. His support underscores the bill’s importance and strong legislative backing. As someone who grew up in a family of farm workers, he knows firsthand the challenges and sacrifices intrinsic to their work. SB 1299 is a critical step towards ensuring dignity, safety, and fair treatment for these hardworking individuals. Their labor sustains our communities, and it is our duty as leaders and legislators to protect their rights and well-being.

We are committed to pushing forward and ensuring this bill becomes law, protecting the health and safety of those who work tirelessly to put food on our tables.

Community Updates

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

County of Santa Clara

Santa Clara County Fair

The Santa Clara County Fair is back from August 1st to the 4th! Join me and my family as we support the county, the Fair Board, our future farmers, 4-H kids, musicians, artists, students, and other exhibitors who have kept this great tradition going for the past 80 years. The County Fairgrounds will be buzzing with excitement, featuring thrilling rides, delicious food, live music, and fun for the whole family. Don’t miss out on the festivities!

Mark your calendars for National Night Out (NNO) on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024!

Each year, thousands of neighbors meet with one another to celebrate National Night Out (NNO) together. NNO falls on the first Tuesday of each August, and has become a long standing block party tradition bringing local residents together with law enforcement and first responders to celebrate, build safer and stronger communities, and have fun! To learn about your local NNO event, please visit the following links or contact my office at 408-558-1295.

San Jose Residents
Cupertino Residents
Campbell Residents
Los Gatos and Monte Sereno Residents

City of Campbell

Downtown Weekly Farmers’ Market

The Campbell Farmers’ Market will be held on Sundays (9:00 am - 1:00 pm). Campbell Farmers’ Market is consistently rated as one of the best year-round Farmers’ Markets in the South Bay. Visit to enjoy the festive and vibrant community-oriented atmosphere that attracts fans of the Campbell Farmers’ Market. There are many local businesses and artists to discover and support. As always, the City of Campbell’s emergency services departments also have booths, providing key information to those who need it.

City of Saratoga

Summer Movie Nights - Kung Fu Panda 4

The City of Saratoga will have one of its ’2024 Summer Movie Nights’ on August 9th, presenting ’Kung Fu Panda 4’ at approximately 8:00 pm, at El Quito Park (12855 Paseo Presada, Saratoga)

City of San Jose

Paint the CitySJ August 8th

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Placemaking Program is hosting a ’Painting in the Park’ series. ’Paint the CitySJ’ offers a painting class in the park led by an in-house art instructor.

This free event will be located at Paul Moore Park, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on August 8th.

Save the Dates! August 24th and 25th, 2024
Silicon Valley Pride Parade and Festival

Each year, we join the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to celebrate the power of love. For 49 years, Silicon Valley Pride Parade and Festival has brought thousands of South Bay residents together to celebrate and commemorate the hard fought victories for equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This year, the Silicon Valley Pride Parade and Festival will be held on:

FESTIVAL

August 24th from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM &
August 25 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Meeting at Plaza de César Chávez Park in Downtown San Jose.

PARADE

August 25th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
From Julian St and Market Street to
Plaza de César Chávez Park in Downtown San Jose.

Sen. Cortese with attendees at last year’s Picnic By The Lake at the free pumpkin patch

2nd Annual Picnic By The Lake Multicultural Festival And Resource Fair

I’m excited to invite you to join us at our 2nd Annual Picnic by the Lake Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair!

When: Saturday, September 28th, 2024 from 10 AM to 3 PM
Where: Hellyer County Park (985 Hellyer Ave. San Jose, CA)

We host this event in partnership with the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department and the San Jose Japantown Lions Club. It is a free event open to the public, and will feature:

A kid’s zone with inflatables and face painting!
A rock climbing wall
Raffle prizes
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

HOST A RESOURCE BOOTH!

Local 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations as well as City, County, or State departments and agencies are invited to host a resource booth at Picnic by the Lake. Those interested in hosting a resource booth are invited to complete and submit the following form by no later than Friday, August 30th, 2024. Each resource booth participant will be provided with one table and two chairs as well as a canopy/tent, while supplies last. There are no costs associated with hosting a resource booth.

PERFORMERS WANTED!

Local performers and performance groups are also invited to perform at Picnic by the Lake. Those interested in performing a culturally-responsive performance are invited to complete and submit the following form by no later than Friday, August 30th, 2024. Each performer and performance group will be given 15 minutes to perform.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Local community members, high school and college students are invited to volunteer at Picnic by the Lake. Those interested in volunteering may sign up for one or more three-hour volunteer shift by completing and submitting the following form by no later than Friday, August 30th, 2024. All Volunteers will be assigned specific roles helping with resource booth participant set-up and clean-up, guiding event guests to proper parking, and more. All volunteers will be provided a light breakfast and lunch.

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

City of Cupertino

Shakespeare in the Park

Free Shakespeare in the Park performs “The Tempest” at Cupertino’s Memorial Park this summer. All shows start at 6:00 pm and run approximately 90 minutes without intermission.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Aug 3, and Sun, Aug 4. Learn more here.