Senator Cortese Newsletter: Juneteenth Fulfills the Promise of Independence Day

Dear Neighbors,

Check out below for some July 4 celebrations and fireworks display locations! This year, as we celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on the ideals of freedom and equality. The Fourth of July honors the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our founding document that promised liberty and justice. However, the freedoms celebrated on July 4 originally excluded Black people.

Enter Juneteenth: a day that demonstrates the promise of American freedom more than any other chapter of our national story. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed the freedom of all enslaved people in Texas — an announcement memorialized as Juneteenth to honor the end of slavery. Juneteenth has come to represent the struggle, perseverance, and many contributions of our African American community. These two holidays differ in their origins and focus, but celebrating one holiday shouldn’t detract from our embrace of the other. Juneteenth helps Independence Day fulfill its promise and live up to its greatest ideal.

Back in 2020, our community demanded that Santa Clara County become the first in California to recognize Juneteenth as a paid county holiday. I spearheaded the effort that created the County’s Juneteenth holiday, and this year I commit to do whatever I can to support June 19th becoming a paid state holiday. Every Juneteenth, people should have the opportunity to join their loved ones and attend events where they can learn about — and embrace — Black history and culture in America. The holiday deserves recognition and observance by all Californians.

How do you celebrate these holidays? Tell me by emailing senator.cortese@sen.ca.gov and we may feature you on social media. My team and I represent you, and we want to hear from you. We’re always open to hearing your feedback and concerns.

Be well,

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Senator Dave Cortese

 

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4th of July All City Picnic: July 4, Santa Clara Central Park, 12pm-5pm: Event includes carnival games, live entertainment, food and more. 969 Kiely Blvd, Santa Clara, 95051. 

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Rose, White & Blue Parade: July 4, San Jose, 9:45am to 12pm: Located at Shasta Ave, between Sequoia Ave and Alameda, this festival celebrates diversity, public spirit, and our floral and agricultural heritage. Includes a car show, live concert and food trucks.

Fireworks Festival at Almaden Lake Park: July 4, San Jose, 3pm-10pm: Includes Food Court, Costume Contest, Letters to Soldiers, Facepainting, Giant Connect 4, Jenga, and more. Almaden Lake Park at 6099 Winfield Blvd, San Jose, 95120.

Fireworks at Discovery Meadow: July 4, Discovery Meadow, 9:30pm: The Rotary Club of San Jose invites you to celebrate the holiday with your community and enjoy a night of dazzling entertainment, incorporating sustainable practices and innovation. 108 Woz Way, San Jose, 95110

Cupertino Fireworks Celebration: July 4, Hyde Middle School, 9:30pm: The City of Cupertino will once again conclude Independence Day with a colorful fireworks show in the sky above Cupertino. Fireworks are launched from the Hyde Middle School. 19325 Bollinger Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014

 

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San Jose residents: Save the Date for National Night Out on Aug. 1: NNO is annual night across San Jose, hosted by the San Jose Police Department, that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood fun. Every year I attend NNO block parties across the city and they are always exciting and memorable! Register your neighborhood here. If you live outside of San Jose and want to plan a National Night Out, contact me at Senator.Cortese@sen.ca.gov.

 

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Last week, I joined my colleagues in passing the State Budget Act of 2023. This budget will help all the residents of Santa Clara County. It protects the progress that California has made in supporting and creating economic opportunity for the state’s most vulnerable people. This budget also invests in young people and their future, with historic investment in childcare, public schools, and higher education.

Click here to check out some investments from our 2023-24 budget that directly support Santa Clara County.

Here are some other recent state investments in Senate District 15, outside of the recently passed budget:

Wildfire Prevention in Santa Cruz Mountains

Cal Fire recently approved a $6.3 million grant to the Los Gatos Creek Watershed Collaborative to expand its fire mitigation project in the Santa Cruz mountains by 841 acres. The fire mitigation area includes the neighborhoods of Aldercroft Heights and Lupin Lodge, which have a significant fire risk. The watershed also holds water reservoirs that serve over 100,000 people, reports the Mercury News.

New State Funding Will Help Turn Detention Facilities into Rehabilitation Centers

I’m happy to announce that Santa Clara County will receive $8 million to the County Behavioral Health Services Department for jail diversion programs. The investment will improve rehabilitation for incarcerated people through mental health and substance abuse treatment, and trauma-centered services.

 

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Mercury News: Lawmakers Reach Transit Deal

The Observer:  State Senate Passes Bill Creating Path To Freedom For Those Serving Life Without Parole

NBC Bay Area: A Deeper Look at Cinco de Mayo Off-ramp Closures

Mercury News: Editorial: California Must Get Ahead of the Deadly Fentanyl Epidemic

KRON 4: Santa Clara County asking for public’s help in cleaning up trash

Davis Vanguard: Bill Establishes Opioid Prevention and Education Programs In California Schools

The Sacramento Observer: State Senate Passes Bill Creating Path To Freedom For Those Serving Life Without Parole

     

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    I had a great BBQ with my rural neighbors at the Mt. Hamilton Range Association, with Cal Fire and CHP.

     

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    Mabuhay! We enjoyed a memorable morning at the 125th Philippine Independence Day Fiesta celebrating with Filipino food and culture. Thank you Bayanihan Fil-Am Foundation.

     

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    My staff joined the Writers Guild of American West and the South Bay Labor Council at Apple Park to let the public know that quality TV isn’t possible without reasonably paid writers.

     

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    It was my honor to join Assemblymember Ash Kalra and other elected officials and hundreds of devotees to Balaji Temple’s 11th anniversary, which coincides with the birthday of founder Narayanananda Swamiji (and my birthday!). It was an awesome celebration of Indian cultural performances and music.  

     

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    Our Lady of La Vang Church suffered a devastating fire in 2012. Restoration is complete and on May 13 we celebrated the church’s rise from the ashes and its consecration. Congratulations Pastor Loi Huynh.

     

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