Pumpkin Spice & Civic Ties: Wrapping Up the 2025 Legislative Session 🎃

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

As we wrapped up this year’s legislative session, I’m proud of the progress we made together—passing measures to support our workforce, strengthen transit, clean up neighborhoods, and protect our environment. I am especially proud to announce that 15 bills that I authored made it through the Legislature and to the Governor’s desk for signature. Of these, SB 429 and SB 653 will create the nation’s first public wildfire risk model and expand home hardening. SB 753 will reduce neighborhood blight and recover abandoned shopping carts. SB 61, SB 400, SB 597, and SB 693 will secure fair pay and wage theft protections. SB 30 and SB 695 will prioritize climate-resilient transportation projects, and SB 551 and SB 553 will reduce recidivism. 

Of course, none of this happens separate from the state’s bigger budget picture. This year’s budget was not easy. Despite a significant billion-dollar shortfall triggered by federal policy changes, we passed a balanced plan that preserves $15.7 billion in reserves. Some major budget victories include $137.6 billion secured for pre K–12 education, $500 million for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and protections for other vital social service programs. California is adding space for over 5,000 people to get mental health and substance use treatment at any given time and creating capacity for tens of thousands more to receive ongoing care in community clinics. We are also growing CAL FIRE’s permanent year-round workforce. Now 3,000 seasonal CAL FIRE firefighters will be moved to full-time, permanent positions. With fire season now year-round, this is essential.

To hear more about our legislative accomplishments this session, join me for my Virtual 2025 Legislative Update Town Hall this upcoming Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 6PM-7:30PM! This town hall will give you the opportunity to hear updates about my 15 legislative proposals that made it to the Governor’s desk. It will also give us the opportunity to hear your thoughts and ideas for future legislation!

•    WHAT: Virtual 2025 Legislative Update Town Hall with Senator Dave Cortese
•    WHEN: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM
•    WHERE: Online – Zoom Webinar Registration Link: http://bit.ly/3IB8QDO. 

If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact my Policy Analyst Liaison, Mario B. Lopez, via email at Mario.lopez@sen.ca.gov or by phone at 408-545-8205. 

That being said, the end of session isn’t the end of our work. Over the next few months my team and I will be focused on implementation, making sure the resources and benefits we fought for reach the people who need them most. As we watch bills become laws this month, I am grateful for your partnership and for the motivation you provide every day. Let’s carry this momentum into the months ahead and continue building a California where everyone has an equitable place in our shared future.

October is a perfect reminder that community spirit thrives beyond the Capitol. From autumn festivals and pumpkin patches to neighborhood clean-ups and multicultural celebrations, there are countless opportunities to connect with one another. In fact, my office is preparing for our biggest event of the year. Be sure to attend this year’s 3rd Annual Picnic by the Lake: Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair on October 25th from 10AM – 3PM. We will have a day packed with multicultural performances, resource booths, a pumpkin patch, free food, and much more! Be sure to bring your family and friends! For more information about this event, see here: 3rd Annual Picnic by the Lake: A Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair | Senator Dave Cortese. For any questions or concerns about this event, please contact my staff at zachary.contini@sen.ca.gov. 

With Halloween, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Diwali around the corner, be sure to send wishes to your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. May this month be full of celebration, remembrance, safety, and fun! For more ways to get engaged with our community this month, check out free community events that are listed at the bottom of this Newsletter.

Finally, if you need any help navigating state services, accessing emergency resources, or participating in local events, please don’t hesitate to call my District Office at (408) 723-4154 or send an email at Senator.Cortese@sen.ca.gov. 

HERE IN DISTRICT 15

PARADING WITH PRIDE

Senator Cortese photographed with community leaders and volunteers at the Silicon Valley PRIDE parade

Congratulations to Silicon Valley PRIDE on its 50th Anniversary! Thank you to the organization's Board of Directors for coordinating the weekend's festivities, including its annual parade. Special thanks to those who joined my parade float, including members of Indivisible San Jose, Lincoln Law School Dean Jason Amezcua and his daughter, Mt. Pleasant School Board Member Derek Grasty, and many others.

 

---

ACHIEVING EQUALITY THROUGH COLLECTIVE POWER AND PURPOSE

Staffer Mario Lopez among leaders and honorees at the Women’s Equality Day event

Women’s Equality Day - commemorating the adoption of the Nineteenth amendment which secured women’s right to vote in 1920 - was celebrated at the Mexican Heritage Plaza.

The Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women celebrates this milestone annually, but this year’s event took a profoundly different approach. In 2025, the organization recognized that true equality cannot be achieved in isolation - it requires community care, collective power and shared purpose. This year’s theme was “Rooted In Community We Rise Together.” It embodies the belief that supporting each other is how we create lasting change for women and girls.

 

---

CELEBRATING A DEAR FRIEND

Senator Dave Cortese and Trustee Pattie Cortese photographed with Rita Chavez Medina

Pattie and I were honored to celebrate the 100th birthday of my dear friend Rita Chavez Medina, a great advocate for education and justice for many years. As the only living sibling of Cesar Chavez, Rita was instrumental in laying the foundation for what became the UFW with her brother Cesar. She is one of the founders of the Chavez Family Vision, an organization that empowers and educates future generations. Rita is the rock and glue who kept the family together all these years! 

 

---

EXPLORING THE SENIOR SAFARI

Seniors engaging in an activity at a Happy Hollow table.

Senior Safari at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo was once again a hit this month! 

If you missed it, there is another Senior Safari to come on October 23rd. Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a place for the young and the young at heart. To better serve older adults in our community, visitors age 50 and up take over Happy Hollow Park, get free entry into the park and zoo and several other perks. This program is designed to help older adults improve their health, avoid social isolation, and enjoy a unique environment that stimulates both mind and body. See here for more information about the next event: Senior Safari – Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. 

 

---

TOURING TRANSIT HIGHLIGHTS

Community members at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Tour

September was Transit Month and what better time for Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to have a tour highlighting all of Santa Clara County transportation investments delivering bus, light rail and paratransit services. The tour started in Palo Alto and concluded in San Jose, highlighting the remarkable progress of the BART Silicon Valley Phase II as well as the long-term vision for an integrated and accessible transportation network for our County.

As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am fighting hard to secure transportation funding for San Francisco and the Bay Area as well! Stay tuned for more transportation progress that will help ease congestion.

 

---

FINDING FAMILY AT EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE

Staffer Zach Contini presenting a Resolution to President Vinicio Lopez

The 50th anniversary celebration of Evergreen Valley College in San Jose was very meaningful to me and my family because our orchard, including the Cortese Fruit Stand, sat next to the college in 1975 when it first opened. Evergreen Valley College is also where I took summer classes to help with my college education. Rosanne and Suzanne Cortese attended the celebration along with my staff member Zach Contini. I was honored to be included in a video that was presented about the history of the college and our farming community. Click here to see the video: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov/.../evergreen-valley-college...

My staff presented a Senate Resolution to EVC President Vinicio Lopez.

 

---

GROUNDBREAKING FOR SECOND HARVEST

Pictured are Councilmember David Cohen, Councilmember Rosemary Kamei, Mayor Ellen Kamei, Leslie Bacho, Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, and Supervisor Lisa Gauthier.

The groundbreaking for the future headquarters of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley in San Jose marks a new chapter in the organization’s mission to end hunger in County of Santa Clara, California and the County of San Mateo. The new facility will enable Second Harvest — one of the largest food banks in the nation — to unify most of its operations, which currently run out of three locations, under one roof. The increased capacity is essential because food insecurity is higher in the Silicon Valley than the national average. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027. 

 

---

COMMEMORATING 60 YEARS OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Staffer Mario Lopez photographed with members of Telecare Corporation

Happy 60th anniversary to Telecare Corporation! For 60 years, Telecare has served the community offering behavioral health treatment services and resources. Through its inpatient residential treatment center known as Muriel Wright, thousands have benefitted and have been able to recover from active addiction, transforming their lives, and reintegrating successfully back to their communities where many continue to share their experience, strength, and hope with others. 

Thank you to its Muriel Wright Rehab Center Administrator, Dr. Jennifer Briscoe for extending the invitation to commemorate this occasion.

 

---

CELEBRATING A CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN

Staffers Mario Lopez and Meghan Bedi presenting a Resolution to Dana Bunnett

We celebrated the well-earned retirement of Dana Bunnett, the innovative executive director of Kids in Common a Santa Clara County non-profit. She has improved the lives of countless children and youth with her tireless work spanning 25 years.

Dana helped expand the “College Day” initiative across all of Santa Clara County, adding a Family and Community Conference to help students and their families prepare and plan for college. Dana also helped improve the juvenile justice system by ending the use of pepper spray in juvenile hall and prohibiting the detention of children under 13. I worked directly with Dana on the Children’s Bill of Rights and child impact statements on every Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors agenda item. We honor her and all she has done for our children in Santa Clara County. Happy Retirement Dana!

 

---

TOURING THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB IN MORGAN HILL

Senator Cortese photographed at tour, alongside three fifth graders

I had a terrific tour of the Boys and Girls Club Morgan Hill Clubhouse Boys & Girls Clubs of America, led by fifth graders. I got to see and hear about all the programs from after school homework help, tutoring, educational enrichment, college preparation classes to sports and fitness programs! 

The highlight was hearing from the Youth Leaders about their experiences with all the programs! Thank you Larry Carr & Fred McCasland for all you do to promote Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

 

---

CYCLING FOR CHANGE

Staffer Mario Lopez, photographed among community leaders, at the Ribbon Cutting ceremony.

Community Cycles of California celebrated its 8th anniversary in its new retail shop on Race Street and honored the volunteers who make the wheels go round! Community Cycles is such a vital force in San Jose. The volunteers provide transportation, create workforce opportunities and promote community safety.

They also provide free or low-cost bikes and repairs for people experiencing homelessness. The new location is at 253 Race Street – Happy 8th Anniversary and thank you for you do to keep our residents on the move!

 

---

HONORING COURAGE AND SACRIFICE

Photograph of wreath with writing, reading “Viet Nam War”

It was a moving ceremony at the Vietnamese & American Cultural Center when American Prisoners of War and those Missing In Action were honored for their courage and sacrifice. The commemoration was a reminder to never forget their service and to stand with their families.

 

---

COMMENDING DECADES OF SERVICE

Staffer Mario Lopez photographed presenting a Resolution to Rose Amador

A heartfelt thank you to Rose Amador for her many decades of service to the community as she retires as CEO of ConXión To Community! Through her leadership, ConXion has served thousands of children and families get connected to culturally responsive social services so that they may transform their lives. 

As a pillar in the community she has shepherded the La Raza Roundtable de California bringing local elected officials and cross-sector stakeholders to identify and implement strategies to uplift the Latino community. 

 

---

PROMOTING RECOVERY AND INTERVENTION

Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, Staffer Phuong Nguyen, CEO of Recover Nick Gulino, and Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo.

The grand opening of the Santa Clara County “Recover Gilroy” at 7600 Eigleberry St., Gilroy, is such a significant step for residents with substance abuse addictions. 

The new outpatient clinic will provide a wide range of services from counseling to medications for addiction, to patient education, recovery services, and crisis intervention for Gilroy residents. It has the capacity to serve 600-700 people each year. Help is always available by calling 988.

 

---

MEETING NEW TALENT

District Intern Mariam Ghallab and Senator Dave Cortese photographed

This past month, I had the honor of swearing in our new District Office intern, Mariam Ghallab. Our team is honored to have you! 

 

---

IN OUR STATE CAPITOL

STANDING STRONG FOR THE FUTURE OF HIGH-SPEED RAIL

Senator Cortese speaking at a podium among colleagues in the legislature and community leaders

I stood with my colleagues in the legislature, labor and business leaders, and community voices to call on the Legislature to support the Governor’s proposal to dedicate $1 billion annually from Cap-and-Trade revenues to keep California’s high-speed rail on track. I’m thrilled to share that we were able to secure this funding in our state budget.

This project can be transformative for our state - it has already created over 14,600 high-quality jobs, engaged over 900 small businesses, and will prevent 142 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. I am working to ensure the project not only moves forward but also helps pay for itself by leveraging growth and private sector investment along the 400-mile corridor. We must finally lower the burden on taxpayers while securing long-term funding for this vital public transportation infrastructure. We owe it to our generations to come.

 

---

COMMENDING SENATE FELLOWS

Senator Cortese photographed with Senate Fellow Akali Warmsley

The California Senate Fellows graduation ceremony took place on the Senate floor and included my office’s Senate Fellow Akali Warmsley. Akali has done incredible work on numerous pieces of critical legislation and causes like Mothers' Milk Bank California and the Sacramento Bus Trip for Education. Congratulations Akali!

 

---

ADVOCATING FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS AND RIDESHARE AFFORDABILITY

Senator Cortese on the Floor presenting on AB 1340

As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, it gave me great pleasure to present AB 1340 on the Senate floor, a bill that will empower gig workers and improve rideshare affordability. This landmark bill now heads to the Governor’s desk.  AB 1340, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) and Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), establishes collective bargaining rights for more than 800,000 rideshare drivers. It sets up a new system for drivers to form organizations and negotiate with companies like Uber & Lyft with neither company opposing the bill. 

 

---

THESE BILLS & MANY MORE REACHED THE GOVERNOR’S DESK THIS MONTH!

8 informative graphics for SB 653, SB 695, SB 551, SB 683, SB 753, SB 30, SB 400, and SB 597.

Above are some highlights of bills that I authored this session that reached the Governor’s desk. A special shout out as well to:

• SB 429, which establishes the first-in-the-nation Wildfire Catastrophe Public Model to assess wildfire risk, inform insurance rates, and educate the public.
• SB 653, which supports environmentally sensitive vegetation management.
• SB 616, which establishes a Community Hardening Commission to develop new wildfire mitigation standards that reduce fire risk and improve insurance access.

Thank you to my team and colleagues in the California Legislature for making these momentous changes possible. To read more about these bills, and to track others that reached the Governor’s desk this year, read here: 2025-2026 Legislation | Senator Dave Cortese.

 

 

My Work, In the News

 

SENATE BILL 429: THE NATION’S FIRST PUBLIC WILDFIRE MODEL

SB 429 establishes the first-in-the-nation Wildfire Catastrophe Public Model to assess wildfire risk, inform insurance rates, and educate the public. This bill will ensure transparency to help homeowners understand if they’re getting a fair deal on insurance. This bill will also improve wildfire preparedness and response through better data and planning tools. Check out these articles to learn more:

• Consumer Watchdog: From the Office of Sen. Dave Cortese: Bill to Establish the Nation’s First Catastrophic Model for Wildfires Passes the Assembly
• The Almanac: Midpen outlines year-round efforts to prepare, prevent wildfires
• Politico Pro: California to create first public wildfire model for insurance
• Pluribus News: California aims to use computer modeling for wildfire risk assessment
   

---

SENATE BILL 653: ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

SB 653 supports environmentally sensitive vegetation management (ESVM) by guiding the implementation of funding for ESVM projects. ESVM will preserve biodiversity, prevent habitat degradation, and improve wildfire resilience, so that the state’s wildfire prevention strategies protect both communities and ecosystems. Check out these articles to learn more:

• Sierra Sun Times: As Wildfires Erupt Throughout the State of California, State Senator Dave Cortese’s Bill Reducing Wildfire Risk While Protecting Native Plants Is Approved by the California Assembly
• NBC Bay Area: Newsom expected to sign new wildfire protection bill
  
   

---

HIGH SPEED RAIL & BAY AREA TRANSIT

• CBS News: Gilroy could become critical link to connect California's high-speed rail to Bay Area
• The Sacramento Bee: Legislature, Gov. Gavin Newsom agree to fund high-speed rail through 2045
  • Repost by The San Luis Obispo Tribune
• Los Angeles Times: High-speed rail project slated to received $20 billion in state funding
• The Mercury News: Newsom, legislative leaders reach deal to fund high speed rail with ‘historic’ $1B annual commitment
• Washington Examiner: California officials to approve $20 billion for high-speed rail to keep project alive
• Post News Group: $96 Million Allocated So Far to Black-Owned Firms as High-Speed Rail Project Expands Jobs, Boost Local Economies
• Mass Transit Magazine: CA: High-speed rail project slated to receive billions in state funding
  
   

---

CHECK OUT OTHER NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

• The Mercury News: With marathon meetings and secret negotiations, state Legislature barrels toward end of session
• Contra Costa News: Bill To Allow Rideshare Drivers to Unionize in California Heads to Governors Desk
• KFI AM 640 iHeartRadio: California Moves Closer to Allowing Uber, Lyft Drivers to Unionize
• The U.S. Sun: Cart Chaos: Full list of areas where Walmart, Target, and Kroger are facing fines up to $80 under ‘abandoned’ cart policies
• CAIR: CAIR-CA Denounces Senate Education Committee Vote to Advance AB 715
• Lassen County Times: Lara advocates for wildfire recovery, consumer protection, health access bills, urging governor’s signature
• NBC Bay Area: Sen. Cortese leads charge to balance California school funding
• Press Bee: 8 bills the California Legislature approved this year, from de-masking ICE agents to AI safeguards
• SEMA: Leno's Law Stalls, But the Movement Accelerates
• L.A. Car: Leno’s Law Made Progress, but it won’t happen in 2025

 

---

 

Check out my full 2025 legislative package HERE!

 

Free Community Events

 

PICNIC BY THE LAKE: MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL AND RESOURCE FAIR

Promotional graphic for event reading “Senator Dave Cortese 3rd Annual Picnic by the Lake multicultural festival and resource fair”

You are invited to my 3rd Annual Picnic by the Lake: A Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair! Picnic by the Lake will take place on Saturday, October 25th, 2025 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Hellyer County Park located at 985 Hellyer Avenue in San Jose, CA.  

The Multicultural Festival and 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.

For more information, see here: 3rd Annual Picnic by the Lake: A Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair | Senator Dave Cortese.

 

---

VIRTUAL 2025 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE TOWN HALL

Join me for my Virtual 2025 Legislative Update Town Hall this upcoming Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 6PM-7:30PM! This town hall will give you the opportunity to hear updates about my 15 legislative proposals that made it to the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature, two of which have already been signed into law! It is also an opportunity for us to hear your thoughts and ideas for future legislation. You’ll also be able to engage with me on key issues facing our community. 

• WHAT: Virtual 2025 Legislative Update Town Hall with Senator Dave Cortese
• WHEN: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM
• WHERE: Online – Zoom Webinar Registration Link: http://bit.ly/3IB8QDO. 

If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact my Policy Analyst Liaison, Mario B. Lopez, via email at Mario.lopez@sen.ca.gov or by phone at 408-545-8205.

 

---

2025 BAY AREA DIWALI FESTIVAL

Festivities at the Bay Area Diwali Festival include a wonderful feast of food, music, and dance, a traditional Rangoli display, and local artisanal vendors. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of a cultural kaleidoscope of activities and performances. The festival appeals to all the senses: delicious Indian food, music, dancing, a photo booth, henna and more.

The 23rd Annual Diwali Festival of Lights will be held at Memorial Park in Cupertino on Saturday, OCT 11, 2025, from 11 am to 6 pm. For more information, see here: 2025 Bay Area Diwali Festival (It's Free!) Tickets, Sat, Oct 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite.

 

---

EAST VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL “TRUNK OR TREAT”

The East Valley Christian Schools Trunk or Treat event is a family fun event for our whole community a place where kids and parents can enjoy the season together in a safe and welcoming environment.

Bring the family for an evening filled with decorated trunks, delicious treats, exciting games, and fun activities for all ages at East Valley Christian School – Preschool (2725 South White Road) on October 31st from 5:30-8:30PM. Children are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy trunk-or-treating in a joyful, family-friendly atmosphere. For more information, see here: East Valley Christian Schools "Trunk or Treat" Tickets, Fri, Oct 31, 2025 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite. 

 

---

SILICON VALLEY WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S

Walk in this year's Silicon Valley Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, October 11th at 9:00 a.m. at Lake Cunningham Park, 2305 S. White Road in San Jose! Held annually each Fall across the country and in 40 communities throughout California, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. And the Silicon Valley Walk is the largest in the nation, attracting over 600 participants and raising over $2 million last year. Register and find more information here: 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Silicon Valley, CA | Walk to End Alzheimer's. 

 

---

2025 PUMPKINS IN THE PARK

Pumpkins in the Park is back on October 11th from 10AM – 4PM! Join at Discovery Meadow located at 180 Woz Way in downtown San José for a fun-filled day celebrating all things fall. Get ready for free pumpkins, a costume contest, delicious food trucks, vendors and more! This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to embrace the autumn spirit. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to enjoy the season with your community. For more information, see here: Pumpkins in the Park Tickets, Sat, Oct 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite. 

 

---

8TH ANNUAL LITTLE ITALY SAN JOSE ITALIAN FESTIVAL

Celebrate all things Italian in San Jose's Little Italy district and the adjacent Guadalupe River park at our annual Italian Festival returning Sunday October 5th, 2025 from 11am – 7pm at Little Italy San Jose. Highlighted by the Supercars of Italy showcase, the Little Italy Italian Festival also features nonstop Italian entertainment, an Italian food festival, arts & crafts, & Italian Cultural activities. Festival is FREE to attend. For more information, see here: 8th Annual Little Italy San Jose Italian Festival Tickets, Sun, Oct 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite. 

 

---

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AND POLICY SUMMIT 2025

Hosted at SJSU on October 18th from 9AM – 4:30PM, join Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong & Silicon Valley leaders for the empowering 8th Annual Santa Clara County Women's Leadership & Policy Summit!

This full-day event will feature a series of engaging workshops, thoughtful discussions, and community-centered activities focused on equipping participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks to drive positive change in their communities. This year’s summit will focus on Women Leading Change – Fierce Futures: Rising Together, reflects the urgent need to come together in the face of growing threats to our health, safety, and basic rights. From Medicaid cuts to rising food insecurity and attacks on public education, many of our communities are feeling the pressure. This Summit is about standing strong together, learning from one another, and building a future where everyone can thrive. For more information, see here: Women's Leadership and Policy Summit 2025 Tickets, Sat, Oct 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite.  

 

---

2025 TRUNK-OR-TREAT @ THE PLEX 

In addition to going door-to-door, your little ones can get a head start on gathering treats at The Plex parking lot on October 30th at 7:30PM! Not only will there be a fantastic display of cars, but there'll also be plenty of treats for everyone to enjoy while supplies last. It's a fun-filled event that's perfect for families and car enthusiasts alike. For more information, see here: Trunk-or-Treat @ The Plex 2025, The Plex, San Jose, 30 October 2025 | AllEvents. 

 

---

THIRD FRIDAY ART WALK IN GILROY

Join 6th Street Studios & Art Center the 3rd Friday of every month from 5 to 8 PM to discover new artists, explore Downtown Gilroy, and see performers and more on the streets of Gilroy’s charming downtown. Be sure to join this month on Friday, October 17th. For more information and to reserve a spot, see here: https://visitgilroy.com/event/third-friday-art-walk/1840/. 

 

---

SANTA CLARA COUNTY 2025 STAND DOWN

Santa Clara County’s 2025 Stand Down is a free 3-day event designed to provide services to support all veterans with a focus on those who are unhoused, at risk of becoming unhoused, or food insecure. For more information, please see the 2025 Stand Down Information page. 

 

---

 

CHECK OUT OTHER FREE EVENTS IN DISTRICT 15: 

• Free San Jose, CA Events | Eventbrite
• Free Gilroy, CA Events | Eventbrite
• Free Morgan Hill, CA Events | Eventbrite