Portion of Highway 152 to be Renamed as the “Rusty Areias Highway” Under CA Senate Proposal

SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D–San José), as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 129 (SCR 129) to honor the legacy and distinguished public service career of former California Assemblymember Rusty Areias. SCR 129 would designate a portion of Highway 152 as the “Rusty Areias Highway.” The Senate Transportation Committee approved SCR 129 advancing efforts to honor the legacy of the former Assemblymember.  SCR 129 is co-authored by 21 members of the legislature. 

Rusty Areias, who represented the Central Coast and portions of the Central Valley in the State Assembly, was widely respected for his leadership on transportation, agriculture, and regional economic development. He authored over 100 pieces of legislation that were signed into law under two Republican governors. During his tenure on the Assembly Transportation Committee, Areias was instrumental in securing $150 million for improvements to State Route 152 over Pacheco Pass Road — a critical investment that strengthened the connection between the San Joaquin Valley and the southern Bay Area.

The improvements to Highway 152 were essential in enhancing one of the region’s most vital transportation corridors, supporting agricultural commerce, commuter travel, and regional trade. By securing the funding necessary for these upgrades, Areias helped ensure safer and more efficient travel for generations of Californians.

Following his time in the Assembly, Areias was appointed by Governor Gray Davis to serve as the Director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. There, he oversaw the passage of $6 billion in park bonds to invest in park and wildlife maintenance throughout the state. He also cut park fees in half, which increased attendance in our state parks by over 23 million visitors and made some of our most beautiful places even more accessible to Californians and visitors from around the world. 

As Director, Areias was critical in securing state land for the Martial Cottle Park in Santa Clara County. As a result of his instrumental work, over 300 acres of farmland surrounded by urban development was preserved and donated to the state and county to create a one-of-a-kind farm park with educational programs, a walking trail and community gardens that continues to be enjoyed by the public today.

Rusty served in the California State Assembly from 1982 to 1994 overlapping his tenure with former California State Assemblyman Dominic L. Cortese, Senator Cortese’s father. 

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

###