Sparks of Progress✨: Liberty, Legislation, and Local Impact

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Happy July! As we settle into the heart and heat of summer, I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the warmer days and taking time to recharge with family and friends.

This past month, my team and I have been working hard both in the district and at the Capitol, continuing to advance legislation that reflects the values of Senate District 15. We remain committed to progress on affordable housing (SB 750), transportation improvements (SB 1177), educational equity (SCA 5), public safety (SB 1246 and SB 1250), and more. I am proud to announce that many of these bills have passed the State Senate and are working their way through Assembly Committees. To stay up to date on my complete legislative package, see here.

July also brings important moments for our community to come together in-district. As we honor the 250th Anniversary of our nation's founding on Independence Day, I hope you will consider joining me or my office for one of TWO July 4th Celebrations in Senate District 15 (in Morgan Hill and San Jose). Check out the free community events below to learn more.

As always, I am deeply grateful for your continued engagement and support. It is the privilege of a lifetime to serve Senate District 15. Wishing you and your families a safe and joyful July!

To stay updated with our work, look out for district initiatives on my website and check out the community events below! As always, if you need any help navigating state services, accessing emergency resources, or participating in local events this month, please don’t hesitate to call my District Office at (408) 723-4154 or send an email to Senator.Cortese@sen.ca.gov. 

In Service,

Dave Cortese, Senator
California State Senate - District 15

 

 

IN THE DISTRICT & AT THE CAPITOL

I was honored to participate in the Stemtree San Jose grand opening celebration! Located in the Evergreen Village Square, Stemtree aims to serve K-12 students through hands-on learning in Science, Engineering, Coding, and Math. Congratulations to owners, Naga and Chetana Prasad, on this exciting accomplishment!

I was honored to speak at Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.'s Food & Ag Issues Summit about the future of California agriculture.

In the Legislature, I've served on the Senate Agriculture Committee and worked to protect California's agricultural lands, including through my SB 462 to preserve working farms and ranches through the California Farmland Conservancy Program.

 

Check out more of my recent community involvement on my website’s Photo Gallery here!

 

 

MY WORK, IN THE NEWS

If you and/or your organization support any of the following bills, I urge you to submit an official Letter of Support here: California Legislature Position Letter Portal!
 

SB 1392: “JAY LENO’S LAW” - SMOG EXEMPTIONS FOR CLASSIC AND COLLECTIBLE VEHICLES

SB 1392 expands smog exemptions for certain collector cars used in parades, exhibitions, and charitable events.

• BangShift: SUPPORT SURGES FOR LENO’S LAW AS CAR CULTURE DEMANDS COLLECTOR’S RIGHTS: Letters Pour in from California’s Lowrider Community and International Car Preservationists in support of California SB 1392
• Road Track: FIA Leadership Backs 'Leno's Law' Classic Car Emissions Exemption Rule in California
• Motorious: Leno’s Law Gains Momentum as Lowrider Community and Global Preservation Advocates Rally Behind California Measure
• CarBuzz: Leno's Law Reboot Is Getting Serious Backing From Global Sources

SCA 5: EDUCATION EQUALIZATION ACT

SCA 5 seeks to close the funding gap between basic-aid school districts and non-basic-aid school districts. The measure establishes the Education Equalization Act to provide supplemental funding for non-basic aid school districts to narrow per pupil spending gaps between basic aid and non-basic aid districts.

• LA Focus News: Some Calif. Schools in Same District Receive Double the Funding of Others. Bill Aims to Change That
• The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint: Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
• CalMatters: Some California schools get three times more funding than others. Here’s why
• Politico: When bad budgets come for ballot measures

 

SB 1250: PRIORITIZES ROADWAY SAFETY BY PREVENTING WILDLIFE-VEHICLE COLLISIONS

SB 1250 makes wildlife connectivity a priority in state transportation planning, improving habitat access while strengthening coordination and public input in infrastructure decisions.

• Sierra Club: We have active wildlife corridors (Blog)
• Sierra Club: Wildlife Corridors and 30x30 (Blog)

CHECK OUT OTHER NEWS HIGHLIGHTS & MENTIONS

• California Transit Association: Transit Partners Fight Back on Proposed Cap-and-Invest Cuts
• The Mercury News: Major battery storage project proposed in San Jose’s Coyote Valley
• AgriPulse: Growers warn soaring regulatory costs are squeezing California agriculture
• The Mercury News: Civil grand jury says VTA failed to manage nearly $13 billion San Jose BART extension

Check out my full 2025 legislative package HERE!

 

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

JOIN ME OR MY STAFF AT ONE OF TWO JULY 4TH CELEBRATIONS!

I am excited to invite you to walk with me OR my 15th Senate District staff at one of TWO July 4th celebrations!

• South County Residents: Join me at the Morgan Hill Freedom Fest and Parade!  

• San Jose Residents: Join my team at the Rose, White, and Blue Parade in San Jose!

For those of you joining me for the Morgan Hill Freedom Fest: This event is an annual community celebration that brings residents together through family-friendly events, live entertainment, patriotic traditions, and one of the region's largest Independence Day festivities.

If you would like to walk with me alongside my classic red truck at the Morgan Hill Freedom Fest Parade on Saturday, July 4th, please REGISTER HERE!

For those of you joining my team at the Rose, White and Blue Parade:  Since 2008, the parade has attracted thousands of local residents all along the Rose Garden and Shasta-Hanchett neighborhoods in San Jose to celebrate Independence Day. You may learn more about the rich history of the parade here.     

If you would like to walk with my staff at the Rose, White, and Blue Parade on Saturday, July 4th, please REGISTER HERE! 

 

2026 SAN JOSE ARTS, CRAFTS & HANDMADE SHOW

Discover unique art, crafts, and handmade treasures at the 2026 San Jose Arts, Crafts & Handmade Show! This is a vibrant three-day summer event filled with handmade treasures, artisan goods, unique crafts, delicious food, and family-friendly fun. Explore a lively marketplace featuring talented makers, artists, crafters, and small businesses from across the region. This event takes place on July 24-26, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at History Park (635 Phelan Ave San Jose, CA 95112).

For more information, see here: https://allevents.in/san-jose/2026-san-jose-arts-crafts-and-handmade-show/100001990058216697 

 

KEEP IT CLEAN FROM CREEK TO COAST

Join Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful for a community creek cleanup event. Meet new people, improve a neighborhood park, and build community around a shared sense of service. Groups welcome and Community service hours available. The event will occur on Sunday, July 5th from 9-11AM in San Jose (Exact location TBD).

For more information, see here: Keep it Clean from Creek to Coast Tickets, Sunday, July 5  •  9 AM - 11 AM | Eventbrite

 

CELEBRATE THE WORLD CUP ACROSS SAN JOSE

San Pedro Square (87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110) is San Jose’s official World Cup 2026 Fan Central! Additionally, Santana Row is hosting The Row Cup, a five-week celebration of food, fun, and fan energy taking place from June 11 – July 19 in Santana Row (377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128).

To check out more free World Cup events and Watch Parties throughout the month across San Jose, please see here: World Cup 2026 San José | Matches & Fan Festivals.

 

ALMADEN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 

Join neighborhood concerts in Almaden Valley from 6:30-8 pm on July 9, 16, 23, and 30 at Greystone Park on the corner of Mt. Carmel and Camden Avenue! Bring your own lawn chairs, drinks, and snacks and enjoy a great evening with your friends and family! Free and open to all, no RSVP required! 

For more information, see here: Almaden Valley Summer Concert Series 2025 | Almaden Valley Real Estate.

 

E-BIKE BASICS CLASS (VTA)

Considering getting an e-bike? Join the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition for free E-Bike Basics class and learn the most important tips!

This class is being held in the Madrone Room of the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center (17000 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037) on July 20th from 7-8PM. Water and snacks will be provided. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to gain the knowledge and tools to ride safely, legally, and confidently in this rapidly evolving industry. This class run by Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC) and is provided to the public for FREE with funding from 2016 Measure B courtesy of VTA, in partnership with the City of Morgan Hill Parks and Recreation Department. 

For more information, see here: E-Bike Basics Class (VTA) Tickets, Monday, July 20  •  7 PM - 8 PM | Eventbrite

 

SAN ANDREAS REGIONAL CENTER SUMMER FESTIVAL

San Andreas Regional Center will be hosting their Annual Superhero 5k/10K Walk/Run/Roll & Summer Festival in support of individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. The Superhero Summer Festival is Inclusive and Free to the Public. It will include: Community Resources, Food Trucks, Arts & Crafts, Festival Games, Free Backpack Giveaway, Multicultural Entertainment by Individuals with Differing Abilities, and more.

The event will take place on Saturday, July 25th from 10AM-2PM at Almaden Lake Park - 15652 Almaden Expy., San Jose, CA. For more information, see here: Superhero 5K/10K Walk-Run-Roll & Summer Festival in Support of the Special Needs Community hosted by San Andreas Regional Center.

 

COYOTE CREEK VISITORS CENTER BIOBLITZ

Get ready to explore the hidden wonders of the Coyote Creek Visitor Center with fellow nature enthusiasts at the BioBlitz event! Join Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful and partners in cataloging and documenting all of the wildlife that reside in Coyote Creek. We will have experts in various fields to help guide participants through all the cool plants and wildlife. The event will take place at the Coyote Creek Visitors Center in Morgan Hill, CA on Saturday, July 11 from 9 AM - 11:30 AM,

For more information, see here: Coyote Creek Visitors Center BioBlitz Tickets, Saturday, July 11  •  9 AM - 11:30 AM | Eventbrite

 

SANTANA ROW MAKERS MARKET

Join Makers Market for the 2026 Local Artist Street Fairs at Santana Row! Join this season of creativity, community, and incredible goods made here in the Bay Area. Come support talented makers, discover beautiful artisan products, and enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors on Saturday, Saturday, July 11 from 11am - 6pm at Santana Row in San Jose, CA. 

For more information, see here: Makers Market™ Local Artist Street Fair @ Santana Row Tickets, Saturday, July 11  •  11 AM - 6 PM | Eventbrite

 

COMPOSTING BASICS WORKSHOP

Join in person for a fun and easy-going Composting Basics Workshop! Whether you're a total beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, we'll cover all the essentials to get your compost pile thriving. Bring your questions and enthusiasm to Alviso Branch Library in San Jose, CA on Saturday, July 11  from 10 AM - 12 PM.

For more information, see here: Composting Basics Workshop Tickets, Saturday, July 11  •  10 AM - 12 PM | Eventbrite

 

 

 

To get all state and local resources, from health insurance to building permits, click here: Resources | Senator Dave Cortese.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions‚ comments‚ or concerns. I can be reached at senator.cortese@sen.ca.govor by calling (408) 723-4154.

 

IMPORTANT UPDATES & RESOURCES

SEE CHANGES TO FEDERAL STUDENT AID STARTING JULY 1ST

Starting on July 1st, there will be a number of changes affecting recipients of federal student aid, including borrowers. Of note:

• Starting on July 1, 2026, borrowers seeking a professional degree will have different loan limits compared to borrowers pursuing a graduate degree.

For up-to-date information on all July 2026 updates, see here: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates.

SUBMIT YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO RENAME SAN JOSE’S PLAZADE CESAR CHAVEZ

As San Jose considers a new identity for one of its oldest public spaces, residents have the opportunity to weigh in on the city’s downtown plaza.

Residents can submit name suggestions through July 7 before city staff review submissions and launch a ranked choice survey at the end of July. The Parks and Recreation Commission is expected to review recommendations Sept. 2 before the City Council makes a final decision in the fall. Please submit your suggestions here: SurveyMonkey Powered Online Survey.

APPLY TO CAL FIRE’S WILDFIRE PREVENTION GRANTS!

CAL FIRE's Wildfire Prevention Grants Program provides financial support for projects that reduce the potential for destructive wildfire in and around communities. Eligible activities include hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education aimed at increasing readiness and reducing wildfire ignition potential. Projects that also deliver carbon reduction benefits will receive additional consideration.

Grant applications are now open. Completed applications must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on July 8, 2026.

APPLY TO SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITY GRANTS!

SVCE has launched its newest round of grant funding, the Community Grants Program. The grant program will provide a total of $3.2 million in capital funding for schools and community organizations in the SVCE service territory to support building electrification, transportation electrification, and energy resilience projects. SVCE will offer opt-in technical assistance to address financial and capacity-related barriers, and to make the transition to all-electric more affordable and feasible for mission-driven organizations. No matching contribution is required.

You can access the grant application here (on the SVCE solicitations page). The Application Submittal Deadline is July 22nd. 

APPLY FOR THE CALASSIST MORTGAGE FUND

The state's CalAssist Mortgage Fund provides much-needed relief from mortgage payments for families whose homes are destroyed or severely damaged to the point they have been deemed uninhabitable as the result of a qualified disaster.  Eligible homeowners can qualify for 3 months of mortgage payments, up to a maximum of $20,000. Funds never have to be repaid and it’s free to apply. Learn more about the program and apply here. 

CALIFORNIA’S CALRX® INSULIN IS AVAILABLE TO CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS!

Following the Governor’s Executive Order N-01-19 and Senate Bill 852 (Chapter 207, Statutes of 2020), we are pleased to announce that CalRx® Insulin Glargine pens are now available to Californians at a maximum recommended price of $55 per five-pack of pens. This milestone significantly expands access to this lifesaving insulin medication at an affordable price, supporting efforts to combat diabetes across California. This CalRx® insulin product is interchangeable with Lantus® and will be available to any pharmacy in the state. You can find more information about the Insulin Initiative here.

STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE’S SAVINGS PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS

The State Treasurer’s Office's Savings Programs for Individuals (SP4I) offer free tools to build financial security across life stages. These are free, life-changing resources, and many families are unaware they are eligible and have free money waiting for them. Check out the following programs: 

• CalKIDS: Savings account with funds for public school students and newborns - over two billion dollars available today!

• CalSavers: Retirement accounts for workers without employer plans

  • For employers with 1-4 employees, be sure to register by December 31st, 2025!

• CalABLE: Tax-free savings for people with disabilities

 

JOIN THE CALIFORNIA SERVICE CORPS

Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday announced California is seeking people to join the California Service Corps. California Service Corps programs offer participants meaningful work experience while making a real impact in their communities — while reducing the burden of college debt.

The California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs: #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, California Climate Action Corps, Youth Service Corps, and AmeriCorps California.

Learn more and join at http://www.CAServiceCorps.com. *Please note that recent federal funding cuts to this program may limit capacity.