Turning a New Leaf: September in Swing 🍁

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

As the seasons change this month, I eagerly welcome new opportunities for service and change, in Senate District 15 and beyond. With the California Legislature back in session, I have been in committee rooms, presenting bills, making final changes, and awaiting the Governor’s signature. I am honored to announce that several of my bills are progressing through both the Senate and Assembly, and, if passed, will head to the Governor's desk. In fact, some of my bills have already been signed by Governor Newsom! These include bills like SB 61 and SB 693, which protect small business and support water utility employees across California. I am deeply grateful for all the Senate District 15 constituents and organizations who showed their support and brought us to this point. You can track my complete 2025-2026 legislative package here! 

California continues to lead in national politics, technology, and public safety, but we couldn’t do it without your opinions and stories. So as the session comes to a close, be sure to contact my office to vocalize your positions on current legislation. 

This past month, we partnered with neighborhoods and organizations across Senate District 15. National Night Out in early August, an annual nation-wide community building campaign promoting police and community partnerships, was a great success! My staff and I visited over 25 neighborhood celebrations, where we immersed ourselves in dialogue and neighborly spirit. 

I joined the LGBTQ+ community at this year’s Silicon Valley Pride that was also a joyous celebration - one which has been held for 50 years now. I also recently held a Virtual Wildfire Town Hall, where we discussed a plethora of resources and wildfire prevention strategies. With wildfire season year-round, it was great to hear more from experts in the field. 

Watch the Town Hall here. 

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.

Lastly, with Fall in the air here in Senate District 15, my office is preparing for our biggest event of the year. Mark your calendars for 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 any questions or concerns about this event, please contact my staff at zachary.contini@sen.ca.gov. 

As leaves begin to fall and classrooms reopen, may we remain committed to education, truth, unity, and service. 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

CELEBRATING NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Senator Cortese photographed with various members of the community at National Night Out celebrations.

On August 5th, my staff and I stopped by various National Night Out celebrations across Senate District 15. We stopped all over San Jose and all the way down to Gilroy. My wife Pattie and I had fun engaging with residents, alongside Gilroy Mayor Bozzo, Councilman Zach Hilton, and Councilmember Tom Cline.

This annual event is designed to strengthen police-community partnerships and promote neighborhood spirit! It also encourages residents to participate in local events such as block parties to foster safer, more caring neighborhoods. The San Jose, Morgan Hill, and Gilroy Police Departments actively participate in this national event.

 

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SPREADING BACK-TO-SCHOOL GEAR & CHEER

Attendees receiving free backpacks from San Andreas Regional Center.

It’s hard to believe we’re already gearing up for the school year. The San Andreas Regional Center for Individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, their Families, & the Community hosted the free Superhero Summer Festival to pass out backpacks! The event included a 5k/10k race, food trucks, face painting, and arts and crafts.

Thank you Francisco Frank Valenzuela, the Director of Government Relations at SARC for all your work on this event!

 

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FLYING THE FREEDOM FLAG

Staff member Phuong Nguyen photographed at Flag-Raising Ceremony alongside various community leaders.

India’s Independence Day from British rule was celebrated at San Jose City Hall with a Flag-Raising to honor our engaged Indian-American community, their heritage, their freedom, & the Indian flag called the Tiranga. It was a patriotic display of community pride and togetherness!

The event was sponsored by the San Jose City Council with Councilmembers Domingo Candelas & George Casey. Mayor Matt Mahan, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, and Diplomats of India were also in attendance.

 

Staff member Meghan Bedi photographed presenting a certificate to Narendra Pathak.

The Association of Indo Americans in Sunnyvale celebrated India’s Independence Day as well with a flag-raising! Meghan Bedi from my office recognized Narendra Pathak for his tireless work on India's Independence Day and on the Human Rights Commission.

 

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WELCOMING BACK THE GILROY GARLIC FESTIVAL

Senator Cortese and Pattie Cortese photographed in front of a Gilroy Garlic banner.

Pattie and I helped welcome back the Gilroy Garlic Festival with a sell-out crowd of thousands! 

The event featured food, music, dancing, crafts, cooking demonstrations and more. It is hosted by the nonprofit Gilroy Garlic Festival Association, which uses the festival to raise money for local charities and schools and to solidify Gilroy’s reputation as “The Garlic Capital of World.”

This year the festival was held at Gilroy Gardens’ South County Grove. It’s a smaller venue which is why tickets were limited to 3,000 per day throughout the weekend. The event sold out in hours.

 

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COMMEMORATING THE JAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Members of the Jain Center of Northern California photographed on stage.

The 25th anniversary of the Jain Center of Northern California Temple was celebrated with a parade and reception in Milpitas. JCNC is a 50-year-old organization, making it one of the oldest Indian organizations in the country. It serves all people in the Bay Area. 

Thank you to Ajay Bhutoria and Girish Shah for all your work on this special event. Thank you also to California Assemblymembers Ash Kalra and Alex Lee, representatives from Rep. Ro Khanna’s office, Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, and Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano for attending this wonderful event. 

 

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COMMENDING PAKISTANI PRIDE AND INDEPENDENCE

Staffer Phuong Nguyen photographed with Samina Sundas and Otto Lee.

Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated this month at a special flag-raising ceremony at the Santa Clara County Government building. Kids’ presentations, music, delicious Pakistani snacks, and more made it such a special night. It was sponsored by Supervisor Otto Lee and Samina Sundas of the American Muslim Voice Foundation.

 

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CELEBRATING ITALIAN HERITAGE AND HISTORY

Senator Cortese among other dignitaries on stage at the Festa.

It’s with great pride that I attended the annual Italian Family Festa in San Jose because of my Italian heritage. My deepest gratitude to the Italian American Heritage Foundation for giving us a sense of our history by hosting this event every year.

This is the 50th anniversary of the Italian American Heritage Foundation’s service to our community! This year’s free, two-day festival featured live music, food vendors, a wine garden, cultural performances and activities for all ages. 

 

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HONORING IMMIGRANTS

Staffer Mario Lopez photographed with members of the New American Fellowship Program.

My office joined a great panel discussion about Santa Clara County‘s New American Fellowship Program. My staffer Mario Lopez and I founded the program while I served on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.

The New American Fellowship (NAF) honors the contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States. Each year, Santa Clara County hosts a group of New American immigrants who are poised to make significant contributions to U.S. society, economy, culture, and in their academic field.

 

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GOLFING & GROWING WITH FIRST-TEE SILICON VALLEY

Senator Cortese photographed with First Tee Silicon Valley and other dignitaries.

This was the 25th Anniversary of First-Tee Silicon Valley, a 501(c)(c) and community based agency.

I honored Victor M. Arrañaga Jr., who first created the Eagles junior golf program for East San José youth at Rancho del Pueblo before it evolved into First Tee. I also thanked George Maxe for running the First Tee programs in San Jose and South County.

The money from the event will help fund First-Tee’s Financial Aid Program to serve more kids and teens by providing affordable access to its youth development programs.

 

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LOOKING FORWARD

Seated attendees watching Mayor Lopez’s address.

Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez addressed a number of critical issues in his 2025 State of the City address. They included affordable housing, the unhoused population, support for local small businesses, public safety and more. The event took place in the Orchard City Banquet Hall. 

 

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INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS

Photograph of SVUDL’s table at the new office celebration.

It was so impressive and inspiring this past month when our young, future leaders celebrated at the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League’s new San Jose office after the organization moved from Milpitas.

The Silicon Valley Urban Debate League empowers high school students to use their voices to compete, excel, and change the world.

Thank you to SVUDL’s chief executive officer Rolland Janario & all the program specialists and administrators for giving our students the power of their voices along with student internships and fellowships. Your work will live on in the voices of our future leaders.

 

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IN OUR STATE CAPITOL

FIGHTING BACK & EMPOWERING VOTERS

Image 1: Senator Cortese among other California Representatives at a podium.
Image 2: Senator Cortese speaking in committee about ACA 8 regarding  congressional redistricting.

I stood with fellow California Democrats including Representative Zoe Lofgren, Representative Pete Aguilar, Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, Speaker Robert Rivas, and more as we introduced a package of bills calling for a special election in November, empowering voters to protect our state’s economy and democracy & fighting back against gerrymandering occurring in Texas designed to cheat our elections.

The legislation that I coauthored allows for a new redistricting process. It has since passed and now calls for a special election on November 4.

The proposed maps are now available on the Senate and Assembly Elections Committee websites. Click here to view maps. 

 

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LEVERAGING HIGH-SPEED RAIL

As Senate Transportation Chair, I have authored SB 545 to explore how California High-Speed Rail can leverage private funding to lower the burden on us taxpayers while generating clean energy and supporting development, countless new jobs, and economic growth statewide. Click here to read more.

 

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EXPANDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

A decades-old constitutional rule is stopping us from building hundreds of thousands of much-needed affordable housing units in California. But we have a chance to fix this!

I have authored SB 750, The California Housing Finance & Credit Act (CAHFCA), which will ask voters to amend the California Constitution so that the state can use its own credit - not our General Fund - to guarantee loans and municipal bonds for affordable housing, both for rent and for sale.

Read my latest Op-Ed in The Sacramento Bee to learn more about this first-of-its-kind housing finance solution that could fast-track the construction of countless affordable homes across our state, without burdening taxpayers.

 

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FIGHTING FOR FARMWORKERS

THE LOS ANGELES TIMES: The law “is failing because of a lack of enforcement. It’s not doing what it was intended to do,” said state Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), a former farmworker who carried legislation last year that would have made it easier for farmworkers to receive workers’ compensation if they were stricken by heat illness on the job. The measure was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. “It is the kind of thing that should be keeping legislators up at night. People are dying.”

Read more about this crisis and my above statement.

 

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DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY

When I called for a state audit of San Jose’s homeless response, it wasn’t about pointing fingers, it was about demanding accountability and ensuring every dollar we spend helps people get off the streets and into stable housing.

I will continue to push for a public hearing on this audit so that the public can see exactly what’s working and what isn’t, both locally and statewide. The homelessness crisis demands this type of transparency and urgency. 

Read more here: San Jose Spotlight: San Jose lags on state homeless audit recommendations

 

 

My Work, In the News

 

SB 545: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE HIGH-SPEED RAIL CORRIDOR

SB 545 sets the foundation for leveraging commercial and residential development along the high-speed rail corridor to create jobs, attract businesses, and generate new revenue streams that will help fund construction, operations, and long-term maintenance. By requiring the state’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to, on or before July 1, 2026, examine strategies such as land value capture, development incentives, and public-private partnerships along the High-Speed Rail corridor, SB 545 will ensure California maximizes the economic potential of this project.

• KMPH FOX 26 News: Senate Bill 545 requires a study of economic benefits of CA high-speed rail project
• YouTube: Senate Bill 545 requires a study of economic benefits of CA High-Speed Rail project
   

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SENATE BILL 550: EXPANDING ACCESS TO LEGAL EDUCATION IN SAN JOSE

San Jose is the third-largest city in California, the largest City in the Bay Area, and one of the largest cities in the United States without a public law school. My bill, SB 550, authorizes a program allowing San José State University (SJSU) and a state-accredited nonprofit law school to partner in jointly awarding Juris Doctor (JD) degrees and undergraduate legal education certificates. This would create the first public law school in San Jose and Santa Clara County, expanding affordable legal education and opening new pathways to legal careers—especially for working adults and underrepresented students in Silicon Valley and across the state. Check out these articles to learn more:

• EdSource: Potential pilot with San Jose State could bring big changes to Silicon Valley law school

 

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SENATE BILL 602: EXPANDING ACCESS TO VETERINARY CARE

SB 602 will make veterinary care more accessible by expanding access to low-cost veterinary care and reducing barriers for underserved pet owners and shelter animals. A public health measure, this bill will enhance disease control efforts by ensuring more pets are protected from common diseases in a timely manner. Sponsors of this bill include the California Veterinary Medical Association, the SF Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the San Diego Humane Society. Check out these articles to learn more:

• Newsy Today: Senator Dave Cortese’s Bill to Expand Health Services For Animals In Shelters Clears First Legislative Committee
  • Since this article’s publication, SB 602 has passed both houses and now head’s to the Governor’s desk for signature
     

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SENATE BILL 750: UNLOCKING AFFORDABLE HOUSING INVESTMENT

SB 750 establishes the California Housing Finance and Credit Act (CAHFCA), a state-backed credit enhancement program administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). By guaranteeing loans, CAHFCA reduces financing risks for housing developers and accelerates the construction of multifamily housing at all income levels. There is no cost to the state’s General Fund, as fees cover program administration. 

• The Sacramento Bee: I’m introducing a Senate bill to address California’s housing crisis | Opinion

 

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HIGH SPEED RAIL & BAY AREA TRANSIT

• The Mercury News: California high-speed rail has a plan to build to Gilroy, Palmdale simultaneously with Central Valley segment
• E&E News by Politico: Trump admin agrees to preserve Calif. high-speed rail grants during court case
• The Mercury News: California high-speed rail boss courts private investors with proposals for AI, energy revenue
• KPBS: California strikes deal to temporarily protect $4B in bullet train funds, but project’s future still uncertain
• Newsweek: California High-Speed Rail Protects $4B in Federal Funding Amid Lawsuit
• East Bay Times: Congressional committee launch investigating into California’s high-speed rail project

 

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CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING PLAN

• San Francisco Chronicle: Newsom faces a tight timeline to redistrict California. Here are the roadblocks
• The Center Square: WATCH: CA Democrats pass congressional redistricting plan
• Hoover Institution: Newsom's Congressional Redistricting Fight with Texas
• The Mercury News: Democratic lawmakers in Bay Area ‘reluctantly’ support Newsom’s gerrymandering ploy

 

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CHECK OUT OTHER NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

• Governor Newsom: Governor Newsom signs legislation 7.30.25
• San Jose Spotlight: San Jose lags on state homeless audit recommendations
• Los Angeles Times: Farmworkers keep dying from heat illness, 20 years after California vowed to protect them
• The Bond Buyer: A California bill to create a housing finance tool advances
• WREX: Rockford's 42nd Annual Polish Festival rooted in community and culture
• SiliconValley.com: Mother of Santana Row teen stabbing victim sues Federal Realty and security company
• Palo Alto Daily Post: Supervisors put surprise sales tax increase on November ballot
• The Bond Buyer: Demand for bond insurance remains strong
   

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Check out my full 2025 legislative package HERE!

 

Free Community Events

 

CITY OF SARATOGA: SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL DAY + STATE OF THE CITY 2025

Join a FREE, family-friendly community celebration hosted by the City of Saratoga! Safe Routes to School Family Fun Day kicks off on September 20th at 10:00 AM with activities that promote healthy and safe ways for students to walk, bike, and roll to school. 

Then at Noon, stick around for the Annual State of the City Address with Mayor Belal Aftab. Learn about Saratoga’s latest achievements, upcoming projects, and how they’re building a stronger, more connected community.

Bring your bike, helmet, family, and friends for a day full of fun, food, and city pride on September 20th at 10AM to Argonaut Elementary School (13200 Shadow Mountain Drive, Saratoga)! For more details, click here.

 

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MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDEN PARK ANNUAL FALL CLEAN-UP

Join San Jose Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services for their Annual Fall Clean-Up at the Municipal Rose Garden Park on September 6th from 8:45AM - 12PM. For more information and to sign the Volunteer Service Agreement, click here.

 

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VALLEY HEALTH FOUNDATION ACCESSIBILITY DAY 2025

Join the Valley Health Foundation on September 18th at 11AM for their Accessibility Day event at Renova Park! The purpose of Accessibility Day is to bring together local organizations supporting and providing products/services for people with disabilities and those who would benefit from the products and services including former patients, current patient’s family members, SCVMC physicians and staff, and community members. Accessibility Day will also showcase various accessible sports, vehicles and recreational activities. A free lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.

Find out about accessible gaming, accessible climbing, services, scholarships, therapy options, going back work, accessible driving, accessible sports and many other great services available to the disabled community. For more information, click here.

 

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SAN JOSE DISTRICT 2 PUBLIC SAFETY TOWN HALL

Join Councilmember Pamela Campos for a San Jose District 2 Public Safety Town Hall at the Southside Community Center Auditorium on September 4th at 6PM! The San Jose Police Department, the Department of Transportation, and the San Jose Fire Department will be in attendance! For more information, click here.

 

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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, September 19th. For more information and to reserve a spot, click here.

 

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GUADALUPE RIVER PARK CONSERVANCY ROTARY PLAYGARDEN 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

You are invited to a special celebration marking the 10th Anniversary of the Rotary PlayGarden, a place where children of all abilities have come together to laugh, learn, and play since 2015. 

This joyful event on September 13th at 10AM on the Rotary PlayGarden will feature family-friendly activities, music, and special tributes to the community members, partners, and visionaries who helped make the PlayGarden possible. For more information, click here.

 

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CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP DAY, SITE 22

California Coastal Cleanup Day is a statewide effort to protect our creeks, rivers, lakes, coastal areas, and wildlife from trash and debris. Since its inception by the California Coastal Commission, more than 1.5 million volunteers have removed over 25 million pounds of litter from beaches and inland waterways. The Creek Connections Action Group coordinates the effort in Santa Clara County.

Join the local Site #22 at Guadalupe Creek (1354 Oslo Ln) and be the solution to water pollution in Santa Clara County! Volunteers of all ages are welcome! For more information and to register, click here.

 

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SILICON VALLEY CLEAN EVERGY FEDERAL TAX CREDIT WORKSHOPS

Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is offering free virtual workshops in August and September to help you take advantage of federal tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs), efficient heat pumps for heating and cooling, heat pump water heaters, and solar and battery systems before they expire. Sign up for any of the sessions below and bring your questions!  

To register for the EV Discounts and Tax Credits Webinars on September 11th at 12PM or September 17th at 6:30PM, see here.

To register for the Stack Federal Tax Credits with Rebates for Home Upgrades Webinars on September 4th at 12PM or September 9th at 6PM, see here.

 

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BAY AREA OLDER ADULTS GUADALUPE RIVER CLEANUP DAY

Guadalupe River Cleanup Day is on September 18th from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. Come show your support for our native fish and keep our drinking water clean by joining this volunteering event! All activities will be standing up and supplies and tools are provided in addition to snacks, lunch and a bottle of water. For more details and to register (required), please click here.

 

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COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP AT ROOSEVELT PARK

Join SJ Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services for a rewarding morning of community service at Roosevelt Community Center (901 East Santa Clara Street), on September 20th from 8:45AM-12PM. They are coming together to help beautify the park grounds and make a positive impact on our shared community spaces!

For more information, click here.

 

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VALLEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN OPEN HOUSE

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) invites you to a special 30 Years in Motion: Strategic Plan Open House to learn about VTA’s future vision—and to share your ideas and feedback. This Open House is your chance to meet the VTA team, explore our services, and learn how we’re working every day to make transit more reliable, sustainable, and accessible.

Join them at Roosevelt Community Center (901 East Santa Clara Street), on September 25th from 6-8PM. For more information, click here.

 

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MAKERS MARKET LOCAL ARTIST STREET FAIR

Maker’s Market’s Local Artist Street Fair is returning to Santana Row on Saturday, September 13th from 11AM-6PM, showcasing the finest local artisans, creators, and small businesses for a shopping experience full of seasonal magic. Welcome the crisp charm of fall with creativity, community, and extraordinary handmade goods crafted across the country! Shop unique, handcrafted finds perfect for cozy weather and festive gifting. Celebrate local craftsmanship, discover beautifully made fall-inspired pieces, and soak up a joyful day in the open air! 

For more information, click here.

 

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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