June 2025 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

We are officially half-way through 2025! As we celebrate the birth of our nation, I am deeply grateful for all that our community has accomplished so far and eager for all that is yet to come. 

July offers us a unique opportunity to reminisce, reflect, and reform. With that said, I am happy to share ongoing developments from the Capitol and Senate District 15. A record 21 of my bills have passed the Senate and now head to the Assembly! From environmental leadership and wildfire preparedness, to education equity and public safety measures, I am grateful for all the support and collaboration that has helped move this important legislation forward. Learn more about my complete 2025-2026 legislative package here!

With Independence Day around the corner, may we work to be beacons of freedom and justice. Now more than ever, may we stand in solidarity with our community’s most vulnerable and advocate on behalf of those who may be unable to do so. I am immensely proud to represent everyone in Senate District 15, and I am honored to work among a community that stands strong for the health, wellness, and dignity of all people. As constituents and residents of SD 15, I can ensure that your safety, independence, and freedom are among my top priorities. 

With warmer weather and summer in full swing, it’s as good a time as any for wildfire preparedness. On July 10th, 2025, from 6:00pm-7:30pm, my office will host a virtual town hall on wildfire safety and mitigation. We will be joined by Seth Schalet, CEO of the Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council, and others, as we discuss what actions are being taken to mitigate wildfires and what you can do around your own homes to mitigate wildfire risk in your community. A zoom registration link will be sent out to those who RSVP for the event here: RSVP LINK. 

As always, please take a look at the events below and be sure to stay up to date with all the new legislation and district initiatives that my office is coordinating. Wishing you a happy July! Let the next 6 months be an opportunity for positive change, strength, and community wellness.

In Service, 

Dave Cortese, Senator
California Senate District 15

 

A REFLECTION: OUR 22ND ANNUAL BUS TRIP FOR EDUCATION

As we reflect on our collective accomplishments, I am especially eager to shout out everyone who made our 22nd Annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education such a success! The event was an extraordinary educational and advocacy effort, with over 230 community members, teachers, parents, students, and educational stakeholders from Senate District 15 who showed up to make their voices heard. Through our outreach efforts, we reached over 200,000 constituents of all ages. We received positive news coverage from a number of networks in both SD-15 and Sacramento! 

The event would not have been possible without our partners and sponsors: the San Jose Japantown Lions Foundation, the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, San José State University, the California School Employees Association, the Latino Education Advancement Foundation, AT&T, the San Francisco 49ers, Tarana Wireless Inc., San Jose Behavioral Health Hospital, the Santa Clara County School Boards Association, and Republic Services.

State Legislators from all around California came to speak about their work, answer questions, and voice their support for education during the program. After my opening remarks, Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire offered invaluable insight and hope. “Here’s the bottom line, despite the challenges we are having with the budget this year, we are going to continue record investments in public education across the state of California,” he said.

Assemblymember Gail Pellerin followed. “These amazing Wellness Centers that we are seeing on schools are so critically important to the health of our children that we need to be able to fight to continue to staff those and provide them essential services in our schools,” she said.

State Senator John Laird joined in next: “On the scholarship side, we have worked hard with our partners trying to expand the eligibility of higher education scholarships together with what they cover. And the middle class scholarship has been a central part of that.”

Following remarks by State Senator Jesse Arreguin, Senator Sasha Renee Perez intently added, “We were very happy to see the Governor bring down the cuts facing the UC system and the CSU system… we’re going to continue to fight for more because we know that education is the great equalizer.”

The Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi spoke next, followed by Senator Lena Gonzalez, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Senator Josh Becker, and Assemblymember Alex Lee. 
Assemblymember Ash Kalra provided closing remarks and forward direction. “As the state continues working through our own budget process, we are committed to our students’ right to an education and will fight to preserve public schools across the state,” he said. 

Constituents also had the opportunity to hear from representatives from the California Department of Education, the California School Employee Association, the California Teacher Association, and the Office of Governor Newsom. I want to extend my deepest appreciation once again to everyone who made this trip possible for the 22nd time. See you all again next year!

Check out this news coverage to learn more about the event: 

• NBC Bay Area: San Jose to Sacramento: Annual school bus trip for education
• KCRA 3 Sacramento: San Jose educators head to Capitol for 22nd Sacramento Bus Trip for Education

 

---

 

Here In District 15

 

HONORING FALLEN HEROES ON MEMORIAL DAY AT OAKHILL AND CAMPBELL

Senator Cortese presenting a Certificate of Recognition to Oakhill Hill Memorial Park and to the Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation 

It is always an honor to pay tribute, commend, and mourn the U.S. military servicemen and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The Oak Hill Memorial Park tribute was beautiful and moving. So many in our community, including Blue Star and Gold Star families, came together to reflect and remember those who sacrificed their lives for our democracy and liberty.

The Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation also honored veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Every year this ceremony is attended by so many of our neighbors and leaders in the West Valley who want to make sure their friends and family are never forgotten.

 

---

 

DETOXING WITH THE INDIAN HEALTH CENTER

Three members of the Indian Health Center photographed in traditional clothing

As part of Mental Health Month, the Indian Health Center in San Jose hosted a public Healing and Blessings event. Three people from the La Plazita Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico performed the ancient ritual to detox & de-stress. 

 

---

 

PRESENTING DIPLOMAS TO METROPOLITAN ADULT EDUCATION GRADUATES

Senator Dave Cortese at a podium on stage, speaking to graduates.

I was honored to hand out diplomas to the happy graduates at the Metropolitan Education District’s Silicon Valley Adult Education Ceremony.

We celebrated the incredible achievements of our adult learners. The MetroEd campus is a regional provider of Career Technical Education and Adult Education. Silicon Valley Adult Education offers a wide range of educational programs for adults 18 and older focusing on skills development, career training, and high school completion. 

 

---

 

TRAILBLAZING AT THE BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL

Senator Cortese among a crowd of community members, celebrating the Bay Area Ridge Trail Opening at Calero County Park

As a huge fan of our parks and open space preserves and as Co-Chair of the Legislative Outdoor Caucus, I was beyond happy to help dedicate 14 miles of trail that stretches from Calero County Park to Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve as a new segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail! The dedication was hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. 

The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a key regional trail in the Countywide Trails Master Plan, envisioned to become a 550-mile trail connecting the nine Bay Area counties on or just below the principal ridgelines nearest the Bay.

 

---

 

HEALING IN COMMUNITY

Senator Cortese presenting a certificate to member of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Dr. Kale 

Pattie and I were thrilled to be the guests of honor at the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. It was my honor to speak to this group of doctors who have been instrumental in public health leadership.

 

---

 

RESEARCHING EDUCATIONAL EQUITY

Group of educational professionals gathered in a conference room around tables 

My office attended the Stanford Center of Racial Justice “Roses Talk Project Convening” with San Jose Union School District and Gunderson High stakeholders, trustees, the superintendent, principals, Stanford professors, and others. The group convened to discuss improvements to educational access and educational equity, in review of a recently completed project report.

 

---

 

ENGAGING WITH THE SOUTH BAY ISLAMIC ASSOCIATION

Senator Cortese sitting on a panel with Assemblymember Lee, Mayor Mahan, and Officer Paul Joseph.

I had a fabulous time with my good friends at the South Bay Islamic Association and the Evergreen Mosque. We shared a meal and had a wide-ranging discussion with community leaders about challenges facing us today as Americans and Californians. Also attending were Assemblymember Lee, Mayor Mahan, and Officer Paul Joseph.

 

---

 

OPENING UNION HALL WITH SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS

Senator Cortese speaking to attendees at the Santa Clara County Firefighters Union Hall grand opening

The Santa Clara County Firefighters had a festive grand opening of the newly remodeled Union Hall at the historic Cambrian fire station in Campbell. It will serve the community well for many years to come.

These firefighters serve the communities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Serrano, Redwood Estates, Saratoga, and various unincorporated areas throughout Santa Clara County. 

 

---

 

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF WINEMAKING

Senator Dave Cortese presenting a certificates to the Guglielmo brothers

Pattie and I had such a fun night with friends in Morgan Hill celebrating 100 years of Winemaking Heritage at the Guglielmo Family Centennial Gala!

We were surrounded by beautiful vineyards and longtime friends Gene & George Guglielmo and their families. The Guglielmo brothers helped establish the Santa Clara County Wine Trail & the Agriculture Preservation Plan in South County. Congratulations on 100 years of winemaking and doing so much for the South County economy. The wine industry in California is an $81 billion dollar contributor to the economy.

 

---

 

BREAKING NEW GROUND

Photograph of map reading “Southbound Ramps Intersection”

Phase 1 of the U.S. 101/SR 25 Interchange Project is off & running after the official groundbreaking this past month! This will be a larger reconfiguration just north of the current interchange in Gilroy in our Senate District 15.

As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I know this interchange project is going to make a big difference when it comes to the safety of our commuters. It will reduce accidents and high-speed driving while improving merging conditions. It’s also going to relieve congestion, making conditions safer for all drivers.

 

---

 

COMMENDING SCHOLARLY EXCELLENCE

Scholarship awardees photographed with Senate certificates

It is always inspiring to see the next generation of professional women get rewarded for their hard work! At the West Valley Branch Library, my office presented Senate Certificates of Recognition to seven scholarship winners at the Vietnamese American Professional Women of Silicon Valley’s Vietnamese American Professional Women Association of Silicon Valley annual scholarship reception. Each year, VAPW awards scholarships to stellar female students in the Bay Area. 

 

---

 

UNVEILING HISTORY AT THE SAN JOSE FIRE MUSEUM

Senator Dave Cortese photographed with John McMillan

I was honored to attend the San Jose Fire Museum’s Open House! 

Alongside a hearty pancake breakfast, the museum’s 1945 Fire Engine Company No. 6 was unveiled. This engine is an American LaFrance that operated out SJFD Fire Station 5 for many years and was recently restored. It was great to spend time with my longtime friend John McMillan, the president of the San Jose Fire Museum.

 

---

 

TRANSFORMING THE SOUTH BAY CORRIDOR

Community leaders photographed with shovels at the Groundbreaking Celebration

SR 85 is undergoing a transformation! My office joined the celebratory groundbreaking of two projects along this important South Bay corridor. The Silicon Valley Express Lanes Phase 4 (South US 101/SR 85) Project & SR 85 Noise Reduction Program together will reshape segments of the corridor, making a difference for both those commuting and those living nearby.

 

---

 

CELEBRATING NEURODIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Leaders of Pragnya for Autism speaking and tabling at the “NeurOlympics” event

Pragnya for Autism held their “NeurOlympics,” a very special community event that brought so many wonderful people together! This event is part of their First Responders for Neurodiversity initiative. 

Neurodivergent individuals - including those with autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other neurominorities – met with first responders in a setting designed to foster mutual understanding, trust, and inclusion.

 

---

 

ADDRESSING COLLEGE OF ADAPTIVE ARTS GRADUATES

Senator Cortese on stage at a podium, speaking to graduates

There was so much joy at the College of Adaptive Arts Graduation Ceremony in San Jose. I had the great honor of speaking to these talented and driven graduates. 

 

---

 

CONVENING FOR CULTURE, HISTORY, AND LITERATURE

District Representative presenting a Senate certificate to members of the Vietnamese Cultural Center

My office attended a special book launch at the Vietnamese Cultural Center for author Nguyễn Kỳ Dzương, who discussed his latest work, “Reeducation Camp & the Destinies Shaped by Fate.”

This powerful memoir reflects on the experiences of political prisoners after the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the enduring spirit of those who survived the reeducation camps.

 

---

 

PARADING AT THE PORTUGAL FESTIVAL

Senator Cortese photographed with young girls in traditional Portuguese attire

San Jose’s annual Dia de Portugal Festival in San Jose was filled with laughter, Portuguese food, a traditional Portuguese parade & art! We celebrated the great work of the Portuguese Heritage Society of California and honored the legacy of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s most revered poet. I always enjoy catching up with all my friends in the Portuguese community!

 

---

 

AFFIRMING SISTERHOOD

Members of the Open World delegation performing aside a Ukrainian flag

The Open World Delegation from Ukraine gave a stunning performance at a flag raising ceremony at the Santa Clara County Government Building. 

The County has affirmed our support for Ukraine and our local Ukrainian American community by changing the Sister Commission’s name from the County of Santa Clara/Moscow Commission to the Ukraine Citizen Diplomacy Commission.

 

---

 

RAISING FLAGS WITH PRIDE

The California State flag and the Pride flag flying together

In honor of Pride Month, the annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony in Morgan Hill celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community through a colorful and meaningful ceremony on the Civic Center lawn. There is a shared commitment in the Morgan Hill community to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. 

 

---

 

FEASTING WITH THE CALIFORNIA RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

The California Retired Teachers Association Evergreen Valley Division 70 sharing a meal in Japantown San Jose

The June Picnic for the California Retired Teachers Association Evergreen Valley Division 70 in Japantown San Jose brought together educators and longtime friends!

The California RTA’s mission is to protect and advocate for retired educators’ pensions and other retirement benefits, and to support public education in our communities. CalRTA has a colorful history beginning in 1929. As the country struggled through the Great Depression, a small group of teachers banded together to fight for better pensions for colleagues who were living in poverty after a lifetime of teaching.

 

---

 

CELEBRATING STRONG LEADERSHIP

District Representative Zach Contini presenting a Senate resolution to David Mineta

We celebrated the strong leadership of my good friend David Mineta, who has served as Momentum for Health’s President and CEO since 2015! David will be moving on to become the new CEO of Alum Rock Counseling Center after the retirement of Steven Eckert. It was my pleasure to provide a State Senate Resolution to David at the Saratoga Springs event for all his behavioral health work with underserved communities. 

 

---

 

GETTING READY TO BALL!

A crowd of young athletes, photographed in soccer gear around a commemorative plaque.

Excitement was in the air at the Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park next to Levi’s Stadium! The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just 1 year away, including six soccer matches here in the Bay Area!  

Surrounded by young, budding soccer stars & community, the celebration was kicked-off with an unveiling of the plaque commemorating Santa Clara City and Levi’s Stadium as one of the host sites! 

 

---

 

HONORING PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

District Representative Phuong Nguyen presenting a Senate certificate to community leaders at the Philippine Independence Day event

The Philippine flag was raised outside the Santa Clara County Government Building in honor of Philippine Independence Day. On June 12, 1898, the Declaration of Independence marked the end of nearly four centuries of Spanish colonial rule. In our County, we celebrate the culture and traditions of this very vibrant community every year. This particular ceremony symbolized the Filipino people’s enduring spirit and their fight for autonomy and self-governance.

 

---

 

STANDING WITH COMMUNITY AT THE 44TH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

Lion’s club members and leaders, seated at a convention, watching a speech.

Juneteenth is always a special day for our community and the state of California! In Santa Clara County, we are proud to be the first in the state to recognize Juneteenth as a paid county holiday! I proposed that initiative when I was a County Supervisor because it represents our commitment as a state to address the injustices of the past.

I was once again honored to participate in the Juneteenth Official Grand Opening at the African American Community Service Agency and the 44th Annual Juneteenth Festival! 

 

---

 

In Our State Capitol

 

LUNCHING WITH CARRY THE VISION

Senator Cortese presenting a resolution alongside Pattie Cortese, Mark Ashford, and Ann Fisher. 

We celebrated the California Nonprofits of the Year at the annual luncheon in Sacramento. I was honored to recognize District 15’s Nonprofit of the Year “Carry the Vision” located in Gilroy and serving all of Santa Clara County.

Carry the Vision is committed to helping people who are currently and formerly incarcerated successfully work through many of life’s challenges. The organization is committed to ensuring racial and gender equity, diversity and inclusion are part of its fabric.

 

---

 

RECOGNIZING THE JAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Graphic reading “Senator Cortese Introduces the Jain Center of Northern California”

On the floor of the state Senate it was my honor to recognize the Jain Center of Northern California and 34 of its leaders! Please take a minute to hear about all the wonderful work these volunteers do! Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnqFpZ4V_6Q&feature=youtu.be
 

 

---

 

ADJOURNING FOR AN OLD FRIEND

Senator Cortese photographed with Al Castellano

The California Senate adjourned in memory of San Jose’s beloved Al Castellano. It was an honor for me to do this for my friend who always gave so much back to our community. Please take a minute to listen by clicking on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpayf7GpBP4

 

---

 

FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY

Members of the State Democratic Caucus photographed speaking

Standing on the steps of California’s democracy and standing strong for America’s democracy, the state Democratic Caucus condemned the physical assault of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla in Los Angeles, the aggressive round-up of hardworking immigrants, and the excessive use of force by federal agents.

 

 

My Work, In the News

 

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 and wrapping municipal bonds, 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. 

• Davis Vanguard: SB 750 aims to accelerate affordable housing development in California
• The Mercury News: A Silicon Valley senator is proposing to insure multifamily development loans. Could it help spur more construction?
• Vanguard News Group: California Senate Passes SB 750 to Boost Housing Development

 

---

 

SENATE BILL 30: DECOMMISSIONING DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES

California’s aging diesel trains - those once used on routes from San Francisco to San Jose that are now electrified - are being exported abroad after retirement, shifting our pollution to countries with fewer environmental safeguards. SB 30 prohibits a public entity from selling, donating, or otherwise transferring certain diesel-powered on-track railroad equipment for continued use. Here is a statement I released on SB 30: “As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I believe California should be leading the world in clean energy—not shipping our pollution problems elsewhere. But that’s exactly what’s happening when outdated diesel trains are shipped off to other countries for continued use.”  

• [My opinion editorial on SB 30] The Mercury News: Cortese: California should not be exporting dirty pollution
• [Spanish] Actualidad Ambiental: Senador de California insiste en que trenes donados a Lima son contaminantes
• Youtube: Old Trains, Public Money, and a Ghost Company: Caltrain’s Deal With Peru

 

---

 

SENATE BILL 753: ABANDONED SHOPPING CART RECOVERY

SB 753 modernizes state law to allow cities and counties to immediately recover and return abandoned shopping carts, eliminating blight. This bill is sponsored by the City of San Jose and Mayor Matt Mahan. Check out these articles to learn more:

• ABC7 News: San Jose rolls out stricter abandoned shopping cart rules for large retailers

• East Bay Times: San Jose approves stricter rules to combat abandoned shopping cart epidemic

• San Jose Spotlight: San Jose tightens abandoned shopping cart policies

 

---

 

SENATE RESOLUTION 36: COMMITMENT TO THE PARIS CLIMATE ACCORDS

SR 36 reaffirms California’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and aligns the state’s policy direction with a long-term vision of restoring the atmosphere to safe, pre-industrial levels of greenhouse gas concentrations. The resolution underscores California’s leadership in climate adaptation, clean energy, and sustainable job creation as well as declaring climate restoration, net-zero, and net-negative carbon emissions as core policy priorities for the state.

• Vanguard News Group: California Reaffirms Commitment to Paris Climate Agreement

 

---

 

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

California has nearly half a million CSU students—but no public law school in the CSU system. SB 550 changes that by authorizing the incorporation of a state-accredited, law school into San José State University. 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:

• India West Journal: CA Senate Advances Bill To Establish First Public Law School At San Jose State

 

---

 

CHECK OUT OTHER NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

• The Morgan Hill Times: Officials dedicate 14.1 miles of Bay Area Ridge Trail in Morgan Hill
• Redheaded Blackbelt: California Senate Passes Sweeping Wildfire Resilience Package
• New India Abroad: California Assembly, Senate pay respects to Jainism and Jain community
• Capitol Weekly: Capitol Briefs: Weed, wildfires, classic cars and Hollywood 

 Check out my full 2025 legislative package HERE!

 

 

Free Community Events

 

WILDFIRE SAFETY & MITIGATION VIRTUAL TOWN HALL

On July 10th, 2025, from 6:00pm-7:30pm, my office will host a virtual town hall on wildfire safety and mitigation. We will be joined by Seth Schalet, CEO of the Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council, and others, as we discuss what actions are being taken on the issue of wildfire mitigation. We also will present tips for you about what you can do around your own homes to mitigate wildfire risk in your community. After the presentation, we will invite the audience members to participate in a Q&A with our panelists so you are able to get your questions answered! A Zoom registration link will be sent out to those who RSVP for the event here: RSVP LINK. 

Please contact my office at (408) 723-4154 if you have any questions about the town hall or reach out to Zach Contini at Zachary.Contini@sen.ca.gov. 

 

---

 

ROSE, WHITE, & BLUE PARADE AND FESTIVAL

The RW&B Parade starts near the campus of Lincoln High School. At the staging area, the lineup of parade participants, classic cars, bands, dance groups, and community troupes are organized while children finish decorating their bikes and wagons in red, white and blue streamers. The parade winds its way through the Shasta/Hanchett and Rose Garden neighborhoods (Dana to Naglee to The Alameda). The festival is located at the corner of Shasta Ave. and The Alameda. For more information, see here: https://www.rwbsj.org/the-parade. 

Date: 
July 4th, 2025

Time: 
The parade is from 10AM – 12PM, and the Festival is from 11AM – 3PM. 

Location: 
1100 Shasta Ave., San Jose

 

---

 

BAY AREA PRIDE COMMUNITY PICNIC

Join a joyful day of connection, celebration, and community at the 2nd Annual Bay Area Pride Community Event, hosted by the nonprofit My Life’s Path. This free, family-friendly event brings together LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies, families, and friends for an afternoon of music, dancing, games, and good old-fashioned picnic fun! For more information, see here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bay-area-pride-community-picnic-tickets-1384485676929?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. 

Date: 
July 6th, 2025

Time: 
11:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: 
Central Park Pavillion, 909 Kiely Boulevard Santa Clara, CA 95051

 

---

 

ACCESS PARATRANSIT COFFEE WITH THE COMMUNITY

Join the VTA for a special Coffee with the Community event dedicated to our ACCESS Paratransit riders and partners. This free, family-friendly gathering is a great opportunity to: Meet VTA’s new paratransit operations partner, GET a firsthand look at the new ProMaster paratransit vehicle, help launch the Ride with Respect & Kindness campaign, connect with VTA staff, and learn about valuable programs and resources. Enjoy light refreshments, fun giveaways, and more! For more information, see here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/access-paratransit-coffee-with-the-community-tickets-1406714734639?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. 

Date:
July 26th, 2025

Time:
10AM – 1PM

Location:
Emma Prusch Park, Multicultural Arts Center, 647 S. King Road, San Jose.

 

---

 

THE 60TH ANNUAL JAPANESE BAZAAR

Check out the 60th Annual Japanese Bazaar, hosted by the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church! Join for a day filled with delicious food, traditional performances, and many other activities and games. For more information, see here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/60th-annual-japanese-bazaar-tickets-1391831949829?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. 

Location: 
The event will be held at the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church. 

Date & Time: 
Saturday July 19  |  11am to 7pm & Sunday July 20  |  11am to 3pm

 

---

 

MORGAN HILL ART WALK: FROM CURA TO COLIBRI

Join for an educational tour spotlighting artwork from current Morgan Hill exhibits! Start your art walk at Cura Contemporary, and then make your way down to sister gallery Colibri! Everything in the tour is based on direct observation, no prior art knowledge required. No worries if this is your first time in a gallery! This event is most approachable for children, but all ages are welcome. There will be something for everyone to enjoy! For more information, see here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-walk-from-cura-to-colibri-tickets-1369732840799?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. 

Date & Time: 
July 5th at 11AM – 12PM

Location: 
17395 Monterey Road Morgan Hill, CA 95037

 

---

 

CAMPBELL RELAY FOR LIFE 2025

Relay for Life is a chance for people to join together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fund raise to fight back against all forms of cancer. The annual Campbell Relay for Life event was one of the original relays in California and is still one of the most successful ones. This is also your chance to camp out for a cause on the field at the Campbell Community Center. For more information, see here: https://www.downtowncampbell.com/event/2025/07/campbell-relay-life-2025. 

Dates & Times: 
July 12th 10AM – July 13th 10AM

Location: 
Campbell Community Center, 1 W Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

 

---

 

AGE-FRIENDLY SANTA CLARA COUNTY COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSIONS

Did you know that Santa Clara County was the first county to have all of its cities designated as “Age-Friendly” by the World Health Organization? The World Health Organization’s Age-friendly Cities framework addresses eight interconnected “domains of livability” that identify and address barriers impacting the well-being and participation of older individuals. 

At these community listening sessions, hosted by Age-Friendly Santa Clara County, survey results will be presented to the community help interpret the results and hear us more voices. We hope that you can join and share your voice at these sessions. Snacks and thank you gifts will be provided! See here for more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/age-friendly-community-listening-sessions-tickets-1388502892529?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. 

Dates, Times, Locations:
July 2nd @ 3PM (Zoom)
July 8th @ 2PM (Gilroy Library Community Room)
July 10th @ 2PM (MLK Library in San Jose).

---

 

AT THE CROSSROADS: IMMIGRATION TODAY WEBINAR

Join for a timely conversation on the urgent immigration issues shaping our communities and our country. As legal battles rage and policies shift, explore the real-life impact on migrants, families, and futures—while spotlighting the courage and resilience emerging in response. This is more than a discussion about borders and bureaucracy—it’s a call to imagine new pathways, to uplift human dignity, and to reclaim justice in the face of adversity. Join to listen, share, and activate.

All registered participants will receive a post-event email including a survey and additional resources. A recording of the event will be publicly available on the Dock C. Bracy Center for Human Reconciliation website, in the days following the event.

For more information and to register, see here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/at-the-crossroads-immigration-today-en-el-cruce-de-la-inmigracion-tickets-1400382143689?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. 

Date, Time, & Location: 
July 15th, 2025 at 4PM over Zoom.

 

---

 

SOUTH FIRST STREET NIGHT MARGET

The South First Street Night Market is an event showcasing vintage vendors, artists & creators, the best food, and live music in the heart of Downtown San Jose, right on First Street. Join on July 26th on 300 South First Street, San Jose CA from 4-10PM. For more information, see here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/south-first-street-night-market-presented-by-culture-night-market-popupsj-tickets-1361798789839?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.  

 

---

 

THE TRUSTED RESPONSE URGENT SUPPORT TEAM HOST “TRUST AT THE LIBRARY”

TRUST is a community service that helps Santa Clara County residents during urgent mental health or substance use situations. TRUST treats every situation on a case-by-case basis, providing responsive care without involving law enforcement and triaging other teams when needed. The Santa Clara City library is partnering with TRUST and hosting them monthly at Central Park Library and Mission Branch Library. During these visits, the TRUST team will provide information about their services and resources to our community members.

Join at Central Park Library on July 3rd from 3-5PM! For more information, see here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trust-at-the-library-trusted-response-urgent-support-team-tickets-1279927470519?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. 

 

---

 

THIRD FRIDAY ART WALK

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, July 18th. For more information and to reserve a spot, see here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/third-friday-art-walk-tickets-1310630524179?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.   

 

---

 

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