Candy Canes & District Gains 🍬: An End-of-Year Reflection
Candy Canes & District Gains🍬:
An End-of-Year Reflection
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As another year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together in 2025. Amid Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other diverse holiday celebrations, December is also a prime time for reflection. Let us take this time to recommit ourselves to the values that make our district a place of resilience, innovation, and hope.
In the Capitol, this year undeniably brought its share of challenges to the State Legislature. When fires ravaged Los Angeles back in January and devastated the state budget, we recommitted ourselves to wildfire prevention and climate resilience with bills such as SB 429 and SB 653. We refocused on workforce development with SB 61 and SB 597, public safety with SB 753, educational equity, housing, veterinary care, and much more. Together, we secured funding for critical infrastructure, high-speed rail, education, and sustainability. And in the face of a turbulent federal administration, we fought to preserve due process and justice for all.
From our Unhoused Health Fair in January and our 22nd Annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education in May, to various town halls on wildfire resilience, traffic concerns, and legislative updates, our in-district events this year have continued to ensure that constituent voices are heard. In fact, our 3rd Annual Picnic by the Lake Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair in late October was yet another tremendous success in the district. Check out this video and our District Event highlights below for more information about the event.
In this season of reflection, I hope you’ll take pride in how far we’ve come and join me in looking to 2026 with optimism and resolve. As we look towards our upcoming Unhoused Health Fair in late January 2026, I encourage you to donate coats to our District Office Coat Drive for those in need. In partnership with Opening Doors, be sure to stop by our office (1155 Meridian Ave Suite 100, San Jose) during business hours, drop off a coat, and receive a receipt for your donation.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and connection. Thank you for allowing me the continued honor of serving as your voice in the State Senate. 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.
With Cheer,

Dave Cortese, Senator
California Senate District 15

HERE IN DISTRICT 15
OUR ANNUAL PICNIC BY THE LAKE: MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL AND RESOURCE FAIR
It's always an uplifting and rewarding experience building community with others at my annual Picnic by the Lake Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair, which took place on October 25th at Hellyer County Park! Thousands of residents and scores of volunteers, from all corners of Senate District 15 showed up and enjoyed free grilled burgers, pumpkins, cultural performances, flu shots, a rock climbing wall, and inflatables. In addition, over 80 nonprofits and government agencies offered resources and services to those who joined us throughout the day.
I want to give special recognition to our event co-partners, Santa Clara County Parks and the San Jose Japantown Lions Club and Foundation. Picnic by the Lake wouldn't have been possible without our sponsors as well, listed below.
Thank you to our Partners!
- Sutter Health
- Santa Clara Family Health Plan
- UA Local 393
- Keypoint Credit Union
- Southwest Airlines
- Amazon
- Republic Services
- San Jose Water Company
- Santa Clara Valley Water District
- Silicon Valley Clean Energy
- Kaiser Permanente
- Silicon Valley Community Foundation
- San Andreas Regional Center
- New York Life Insurance
- Safeway
- Keypoint Credit Union
I wish to recognize San Jose Firefighters Local 230 for firing up the grill and serving over 2,000 free beef and veggie burgers with the help of future firefighters from Metropolitan Education District's Fire Science Academy program. I also want to thank CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit for bringing out two of their fire trucks for kids to enjoy.
Thank you to Julie Dominguez from the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area who delivered our Land Acknowledgement at the beginning of our event. I also want to express my deep sense of gratitude to all of our performers and resource booth participants, as they are the life blood of Picnic by the Lake.
Last but not least, I want to thank my Senate District 15 staff: Suzanne Wheaton, Zachary Contini, Phuong Nguyen, Meghan Bedi, Mario Lopez, Natasha Waxman, and Mariam Ghallab. My staff dedicated their time and energy these past few months coordinating all the last minute details that allowed us to have another successful Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair. Thank you - and see you again next year!
TOURING BOBCAT OF THE BAY IN GILROY
I was recently able to tour Bobcat of the Bay in Gilroy to learn more about the challenges confronting local, family-owned small businesses that support our local construction, agricultural, and public works industries. Thank you to the Associated Equipment Distributors for extending the warm invitation to visit.
HARNESSING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
This past summer, I had an engaging conversation with Northeastern University Silicon Valley's Regional Dean Caroline Simard, which led to my recent panel discussion with cross-sector industry leaders about the proliferation, unique opportunities for growth, and challenges involved in navigating artificial intelligence in the workplace.
Without a doubt, AI has transformed and will continue to transform how we work. As we harness this new technological frontier, we must ensure that it is done so in an equitable and transparent manner. I want to thank my fellow panelists: Dr. Merhdad Aliasgari, Dean of SJSU College of Information, Data and Society; Dawn Carter, Strategic Global Talent Acquisition Leader; and Mary Murphy, Founder and CEO of Equity Accelerator and author of the book, Cultures of Growth.
ADVANCING EDUCATION WITH STUDENT LEADERS
I want to thank the California Association of Student Councils (CASC) for inviting me to be their keynote speaker at their Student Advisory Board on Legislation in Education (SABLE) conference in Sacramento. The conference drew over 100 students from across the state to workshop legislative proposals about changes they wish to see within the education system, and presented their ideas to the Senate Education Committee, which I am a member of.
Last year, I had the honor of working with CASC leadership to introduce Senate Bill 1445 (SB 1445), which Governor Newsom signed into law. SB 1445 was borne out of last year’s SABLE conference and was a student-led, restorative justice measure that now allows student school board members across California the opportunity to weigh in on their peers’ expulsion hearings. The bill recognizes the invaluable perspectives students bring to discussions on student discipline and school safety.
MEETING AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY LEADERS
As the Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I was honored to attend the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) conference, which showcased the innovation, craftsmanship, and passion that drive America's automotive industry forward. I got to meet legendary NASCAR Hall of Fame stock car driver, Richard Petty, at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) conference! Richard's illustrious career spans over 30 years and includes many trophies and victories, including 200 wins, the most in race car history, earning him the nickname, "The King!"
I am always grateful for the opportunity to connect with industry leaders who continue to inspire excellence both on and off the track.
TABLING FOR DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Thank you to Sandy Flores, President of the Capitol Park - Goss Neighborhood Association, for inviting my office to participate in Aptitud Academy's Festival Day of the Dead this afternoon!
We celebrate Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de Los Muertos, as a way to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. My District staff, Meghan Bedi and Mariam Ghallab, tabled and greeted friends and neighbors from the community.
LAUGHING FOR GOOD HEALTH
Doctors often say "Laughter is Good Medicine," and they're right! That is what we celebrated at Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley's annual gala, reminding us just what the doctor ordered. Laughter has been shown to have many medical benefits including reducing stress, help with pain relief, improved cardiovascular health, and immune system boost just to name a few.
At a time when funding for hospitals and medical clinics across the country is being cut, our community is stepping up in a big way to financially support the Center and its many clinics. The proceeds from the gala will help the Center to keep its doors open in order to continue offering culturally responsive prevention care and services to American Indian and Alaska Native youth countywide. Thank you to the Center's Chief Executive Officer, Sonya Tetnowski, for her leadership stewarding the organization through these challenging times.
PLANTING WITH OUR CITY FOREST
Since 1994, Our City Forest has planted over 75,000 trees across San Jose with a 93% survival rate. In doing so, it secured itself as the South Bay’s anchor institution for urban forestry and climate workforce development. Preserving the health of our city’s urban forest is critical to reducing energy costs for consumers, improved mental health and well-being for residents, decarbonization, decreased water runoff, and increased home values and incomes. Those are a few takeaways we walked away with at the organization’s annual Fall Festival.
I want to thank its CEO/President, Rhonda Berry, for giving my district staff a brief tour and the opportunity to participate in a workshop repotting some plants. Learn more about their work and see if you qualify for a free tree at https://www.ourcityforest.org/free-trees.
CELEBRATING EXELLING ALUMNI
As a former East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD) Board Trustee, I wish to recognize and congratulate District alumni who were inducted into the East Side Education Foundation's Thomas P. Ryan Hall of Fame at its annual gala.
The Hall of Fame celebrates and uplifts alumni who've had a positive impact in the fields of public service, arts, science, business, athletics, education and beyond. Join me in congratulating the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Join me in congratulating the Hall of Fame Class of 2025:
- Winston Ashby - Mt. Pleasant HS, Class of ’89
- Dr. Troy Brown - Santa Teresa HS, Class of ’92
- Gabby Chavez-Lopez - Evergreen Valley HS, ’05
- Kiet Do - Yerba Buena HS, Class of ’93
- Lisanna Dominguez - Independence HS, Class of ’02
- Sandra Garcia - Silver Creek HS, Class of ’84
- Dr. Craig L. Gilbert - William C. Overfelt HS, Class of ’87
- Kaushik C. Joglekar - Oak Grove HS, Class of ’94
- Adam King - Andrew P. Hill HS, Class of ’89
- Maritza Maldonado - Mt. Pleasant HS, Class of ’77
- Marco Ramirez - Silver Creek HS, Class of ’89
- Ruben Resendez - Mt. Pleasant HS, Class of ‘00
Thank you to everyone who also contributed to the Foundation. The proceeds from the gala will go toward awarding scholarships to ESUHSD students who have excelled academically, contributed to the community, and show financial unmet need as they go on to pursue their higher education dreams.
ENGAGING WITH BROWNIE GIRL SCOUTS

I enjoyed meeting with Cupertino's Brownie Girl Scouts this month! These 2nd and 3rd graders are learning so much about the importance of civic engagement and teamwork through hands-on experiences that instill lifelong leadership skills. Our future is in good hands because of them!
PARADING FOR VETERANS
This past Veterans Day marked the 107th anniversary since Armistice Day was declared, marking the end of World War I. It was a day to honor all those who have served in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and National Guard.
I started Veterans Day this year at the City of Campbell's Veterans Day ceremony, along with Harold Hervey, President of Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation, and ended at the Veterans Day Parade in San Jose. Thank you to Col. Ray Watts, community leader Mike Hennessy, and their team of supporters and volunteers who made this year's San Jose celebration and parade a success.
CONNECTING THROUGH ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
For as long as civilization itself has existed, art has served an important role in our lives. It has served as a historical record, reflecting the culture, experiences, and values of societies over time. It has served as commentary on societal issues, challenging norms, and sparking conversations that have led to social change. It has broadened our imagination and connected us closer to the human condition through storytelling and emotional expression.
I want to thank SV Creates for inviting me to welcome the Board of California for the Arts and California Arts Advocates to San Jose at its reception this month.
CONVENING FOR CIVIC EDUCATION
Each year, the Judicial Council of California recognizes a select few K-12 schools across the state with its prestigious Civic Learning Award. The awards are granted to schools who have provided an excellent civic education to their students. At a time when the fabric of our democracy is tested daily, we must do all we can to have an educated and informed future electorate, and that starts teaching our children and youth at an early age.
This year, we had two Senate District 15 school campuses who were given this prestigious award: Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary as well as August Boeger Middle School, both in the Mt. Pleasant School District! Join me in congratulating them!
ENSURING WILDFIRE PREPARATION AND TRANSPARENCY
It was a great honor to discuss the recent passage of my bill, SB 429, with community leaders in the district who are committed to wildfire catastrophe preparation and risk transparency. The creation of a Public CAT Model is an important step to ensure transparency in the home insurance marketplace. As insurance companies start to base their rates on CAT models created specifically for them by private entities, they may overstate risk.
The SB 429 public wildfire model, the nation’s first, serves as a much-needed benchmark to protect consumers from being overcharged. It will protect policyholders by serving as a critical check and balance to help expose if private CAT Models are overstating risk, understating mitigation, or being used to justify excessive rates.
FEASTING WITH PARENTS HELPING PARENTS
As a member of Parents Helping Parents' Executive Leadership Council, I am proud to recognize and celebrate the organization on fifty years of excellence supporting families with children and adults with disabilities.
The support they provide is immensely beneficial for the parents themselves as it helps reduce stress and provide them with helpful coping skills leading to burnout prevention. More importantly, it helps parents feel less alone and isolated and more connected to other parents who also have children with disabilities. Thank you for inviting my office to the annual PHP Volunteer Potluck this month!
GIVING AT OPERATION GOBBLE
A big shout out to San Jose Water Company for inviting our South Bay Legislative Delegation to participate once again at its annual “Operation Gobble,” gifting 100 $25 gift cards to an organization of our choosing to help feed food insecure families and individuals ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
In the spirit of giving, I selected South County’s Corazon Project, spearheaded by Enrique Flores. The organization assists and supports families with autistic children by creating safe, indoor playgrounds.
HOUSING AT-RISK VETERANS
Last week, my office worked with Destination: Home and the United Effort Organization to successfully secure temporary housing for two unhoused veterans at risk of becoming homeless yet again.
I credit the All the Way Home campaign, which I co-led with now Congressman Sam Liccardo back in 2015, for acting swiftly in helping secure temporary housing for them as their permanent housing becomes available. I also wish to thank the various stakeholders involved, who have helped decrease homelessness among veterans by 21% over the past two years, resulting in the lowest number of unhoused veterans in over 20 years.
UPLIFTING AN INSPIRING JOURNEY
The San Jose Public Library Foundation held its 2nd Annual Signature Author event with New York Times best-selling author, Vicky Nguyen! In her book titled, “Boat Baby: A Memoir,” Vicky chronicles her inspiring journey from being a Vietnamese refugee escaping communist Vietnam to becoming an NBC News Daily anchor and chief consumer investigative correspondent.
The conversation was moderated by Santa Clara County Board Supervisor, Betty Dương, the first Vietnamese-American Supervisor to ever serve on the Board. The City of San Jose is home to the largest city-specific Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam.
GROUNDBREAKING FOR ELECTRICAL VEHICLES
I want to congratulate Ionna on the groundbreaking of its new Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging station at the Robertsville Shopping Center off Branham Lane and Almaden Expressway in SJ City Council District 9!
Investing in and expanding California’s EV charging station infrastructure is a major step toward a cleaner, more connected future – one where reducing our gas emission footprint and greater access to sustainable transportation go hand in hand. As Chair of the CA Senate Transportation Committee, I have also championed efforts to ensure residents of multi-family buildings have the same level of EV charging station access as those in single-family homes.
IN OUR STATE CAPITOL
SECURING ESSENTIAL FOOD BENEFITS
California continues to stand up for its most vulnerable residents by successfully securing two additional court rulings, compelling the federal administration to stop playing political football with the CalFresh benefits of 5.5 million Californians who rely on the program for food assistance amid the federal government shutdown. The courts have compelled the federal administration to immediately issue 100% in funding for the CalFresh food benefits.
In total, the state secured $1.1 billion in previously and congressionally approved funding for the program, ensuring that no Californian goes to bed hungry.
ADVOCATING FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SAFETY
Last year, I introduced Senate Bill 915 (SB 915) which would have granted local cities and counties the authority to regulate autonomous vehicles with the goal of ensuring basic safety standards to protect both pedestrians and riders alike.
Without clear local oversight, communities are left in the dark about safety, accountability, and public input. There is a pressing need to hold autonomous vehicles accountable to the communities they serve. Learn more about my SB 915 here.
FUNDING TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
Recently, a U.S. District Court ruled again that the federal administration cannot withhold funding to state and local jurisdictions who do not cooperate with its federal immigration enforcement demands.
This most recent court ruling helps to restore billions of dollars previously allocated for transportation related projects, including funding to maintain our roads, bridges, and highways. As Chair of the state’s Senate Transportation Committee, I am excited to see transportation infrastructure projects move forward.
COLLABORATING TO CLEAN UP OUR FREEWAY INTERCHANGES
California recently announced that the City of San Jose has entered into an agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to help clear blight, litter, and encampments on state rights-of-way in the city. Following a meeting with Caltrans I called late last year in my capacity as Senate Transportation Chair, the City of San Jose has agreed to collaborate with Caltrans to address freeway cleanups within its city limits. San Jose is joining 21 other cities that have already signed such agreements.

My Work, In the News
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. This bill will reduce sidewalk obstructions, environmental pollution, and flood risks caused by abandoned carts. Check out these recent articles to learn more:
- The Cool Down: Officials take action to fix all-too-common eyesore across US: 'Cuts through red tape'
- The Mercury News: San Jose mayor building statewide coalition to advocate for “Back to Basics” agenda
- CBS News Bay Area: Morning Edition Highlight re: SB 753
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 recent articles to learn more:
- KRON 4 News Highlight re: SB 429 (following my recent SB 429 Press Conference)
HOUSING AND AFFORDABILITY
- CalMatters: What veto drama and a Texas trip tell us about a potential shift in California’s homelessness strategy
- LAist: Sober housing
- Silicon Valley at Home: There’s More Time to Protect Housing Affordability in San Jose’s IHO!
TRANSPORTATION
- Politico: Why apartments are the next EV frontier
- Mission Local: KitKat killing drives experts to say Waymo must come clean
- KQED: San Francisco Supervisor Calls for Robotaxi Reform After Waymo Kills Neighborhood Cat
- The Mercury News: In U.S. first, pioneering Mountain View robotaxi company Waymo will take to Bay Area freeways
- CBS News: Waymo service expanded to San Jose, including first commercial airport service in California
CHECK OUT OTHER NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
- San Jose Spotlight: Newsom signs off on Silicon Valley lawmakers’ bills
Check out my full 2025 legislative package HERE!

Free Community Events
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK - DOWNTOWN PARK EXPERIENCE
Walk through the enchanted forest of decorated trees, marvel at over 40 animated displays including the famous Lima Train, and step inside San Jose’s 50-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy free photos with Santa, nightly entertainment, and holiday refreshments at this year’s Christmas in the Park. The event will run from Nov 28, 2025 - Jan 1, 2026, @ Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Daily from 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM.
For more information about the event and the park experience, see here: Christmas in the Park – Festivity, Lights, and Community Spirit.
PARENTS HELPING PARENTS TOWN HALL WITH SUPERINTENDENT DR. TOSTON, SR.
Join the upcoming Education Town Hall, hosted by Parents Helping Parents with Dr. David M. Toston, Sr., the new superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education. The event is ONLINE on Monday, December 1st, 6-7pm. See here for language-specific registration links: English | Spanish | Vietnamese.
The town hall event is being presented in English with simultaneous translation in Spanish and Vietnamese. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions prior to the event to Mouna (mouna@php.com).
SAN JOSE CAREER FAIR

Join this exciting career fair! Meet face to face with recruiters and HR managers from local and Fortune 500 companies to learn about open career opportunities. Hiring managers are onsite to fill positions in sales, retail, customer service, education, admissions, production, financial services, banking engineering, healthcare, project management and more. Join on December 1st from 9:30AM – 1:00PM in Downtown San Jose (exact address will be given to registrants). For more information and to reserve a spot, see here: San Jose Career Fair Tickets, Mon, Dec 1, 2025 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite.
FIESTA NAVIDEÑA ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
Every December, the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza) shines with twinkling décor, an 18-foot Christmas tree, and community cheer. This year, the 15th annual Fiesta Navideña will light up the night on Saturday, December 13. The celebration features a free concert by Carlos y Charlos, whose passionate norteño and conjunto sounds will resonate through the Mayfair neighborhood for La Plaza’s final event of the year.
The event will take place on December 13th from 5:30PM – 9:30PM at 1700 Alum Rock Ave. For more information, see here: Fiesta Navideña Tickets, Sat, Dec 13, 2025 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite.
MOVE BAY AREA TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT
Come hear me deliver the keynote speech at this year’s final Move Bay Area South Bay Summit!
Emissions from transportation are the largest single category of carbon pollution. At this summit, Move Bay Area will explore the connections between climate, health and transportation, and how we all benefit from cleaner air and abundant, accessible, affordable and safe public transportation. Learn more at movebayarea.org.
Attend this local summit, complete with a panel discussion, free food, and distinguished speakers, on December 5th from 8:30AM to 3PM at 1 Washington Square. For more information and to reserve a spot, see here: Move Bay Area Transportation, Climate, and Health South Bay Tickets, Fri, Dec 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM | Eventbrite. Hope to see you there!
2025 HOLIDAY BIKE BUILD

Help Turning Wheels for Kids build 1,000 bikes for kids in need at their 2025 Big Bike Build. This season, Turning Wheels is creating brand-new bikes for children from low-income families across the community. Volunteer your time on December 13th from 8:30AM to 4PM at 344 Tully Road. For more information, see here: 2025 Holiday Bike Build Registration, Sat, Dec 13, 2025 at 8:30 AM | Eventbrite.
FEATHERED FRIENDS CLEANUP DAY

Join Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful for a community creek cleanup event. Meet new people; improve a neighborhood park; build community around a shared sense of service. The cleanup event will be held on December 14th from 9AM to 12PM, Location TBD. For more information, see here: Feathered Friends Cleanup Day Registration, Sun, Dec 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite.
OUR CITY FOREST ORCHARD PARK COMMUNITY PLANTING
Join Our City Forest for a hands-on morning of greening the community at Orchard Park! Volunteers will help plant new trees that will provide shade, cleaner air, and beauty for years to come. You’ll learn proper tree-planting techniques and work with the team to dig, plant, stake, mulch, and more!
The event will take place at 1097 Pear Orchard Dr. on December 6th from 9AM-12PM. For more information, see here: Orchard Park Community Planting with Our City Forest Tickets, Sat, Dec 6, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite.
MERRY MORGAN HILL MARKET
Join the Merry Morgan Hill Market, hosted by 501© Visit Morgan Hill and the Merry Morgan Hill Task Force, for a joyful evening filled with holiday cheer, community spirit, and a touch of Christmas magic in the heart of Downtown Morgan Hill. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, shop over 30 local vendors, enjoy the Merry Hot Cocoa Bar, and more on December 18th from 5-9PM at 17440 Monterey Highway (The Granada).
The Merry Morgan Hill Task Force is a collaborative group made up of representatives from several community nonprofit organizations dedicated to bringing festive cheer to Downtown Morgan Hill during the holiday season. Members include Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner, the Downtown Morgan Hill Improvement District, Visit Morgan Hill, the Morgan Hill Downtown Association, the Mushroom Mardi Gras Association, the Edward Boss Prado Foundation, Morgan Hill Kiwanis, and the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, see here: Merry Morgan Hill Market Tickets, Thu, Dec 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite.
CHECK OUT OTHER FREE EVENTS IN DISTRICT 15:

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.gov or by calling (408) 723-4157.
IMPORTANT UPDATES & RESOURCES
GET FLOOD READY WITH VALLEY WATER!
The rainy season has arrived, bringing the possibility of storms and flooding. While Valley Water’s flood protection projects have reduced flood risks for more than 100,000 homes, businesses, and properties, some areas of Santa Clara County remain vulnerable each year. Now is the time to make sure you and your loved ones are ready for potential flooding or other emergencies.
To get emergency alerts and gain essential tips in preparation for flood season, see here: Get Flood Ready Essential Tips | Santa Clara Valley Water.
CHECK OUT THE STUDENT LOAN EMPOWERMENT NETWORK
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has partnered with Student Loan Empowerment (SLE) Network grantees to promote a new video series for student borrowers, linked here: https://studentloanhelp.dfpi.ca.gov/videos/. These videos examine a wide range of student loan topics to help borrowers manage their student loans, guide borrowers through repayment options, explain loan types, and provide information on loan forgiveness and relief programs.
FAMILY GUIDE FOR DONOR HUMAN MILK
Mothers’ Milk Bank California recently produced a new educational resource for young families, parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers who may be seeking support with donor human milk. This Family Guide for Donor Human Milk provides clear, easy-to-understand information about donor human milk, including when it may be recommended, how the donation and safety processes work, and how families can access it.
CELEBRATING 2025 CALIFORNIA HONOR ROLL SCHOOLS IN OUR DISTRICT!
The Educational Results Partnership (ERP) recently released the Annual California Honor Roll, recognizing 1,834 schools and 158 districts statewide for helping students of all backgrounds achieve at higher levels. I am proud to announce that over a dozen schools in Senate District 15 made this list! The full list and honorees can be viewed here: www.HonorRollSchools.com.
Join me in congratulating all those who contributed to this great achievement!
THE SACRAMENTO PRESS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Sacramento Press Club is pleased to announce an expansion in its annual scholarship program. Applications are now open and will be accepted through midnight on Jan. 23, 2026 for 13 scholarships for college journalists. Scholarships range from $6,000 to $10,000.
Applicants must be college juniors, seniors or in a graduate program during the 2026-27 school year. They must demonstrate an interest in journalism, either through their designated major or work experience on or off campus. Details about the scholarships, the eligibility criteria, and a link to our online application can be found at www.sacpressclub.org/scholarships/.
NAVIGATING MEDI-CAL CHANGES FOR ADULT IMMIGRANTS
The Western Center and National Health Law Program (NHeLP) have new consumer resources on 2026 and 2027 Medi-Cal Changes for Adult Immigrants (link) and Medi-Cal and Immigration Privacy (link). These resources can also be found on the Heath Consumer Alliance website: Medi-Cal Changes and What You Need to Know. The HCA website also includes the Medi-Cal Changes for Adult Immigrants (ages 19 and up) fact sheet in the following languages: Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese.
2025 UC APPLICATION RESOURCES
As a UC Alum, I encourage students to check out new UC Application resources provided below. The application period for fall 2026 runs through Dec. 1, 2025, and you can learn more on the admissions site here.
Application Q&As
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What’s the most important part of the UC application? Our admissions experts weigh in - Admissions directors explain how applications are reviewed and what factors matter most.
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Shaping your personal narrative: PIQ tips and more from UC admissions experts - Practical advice for approaching the Personal Insight Questions (PIQ) and crafting a compelling story.
Financial Aid Guidance
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10 tips on financial aid at the University of California - Nearly 70% of UC undergraduates receive gift aid that does not need to be repaid—and over half of California undergrads pay no tuition.
Resource Roundup
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Working on your UC application? Find resources and inspiration here - A comprehensive collection of resources covering everything from application strategy and financial aid to choosing a major and exploring UC campuses.
BE AWARE OF FINANCIAL FRAUD!
The California’s Little Hoover Commission recently held a series of meetings on Financial Scams and Fraud. It is crucial that in today’s age of technology, that all constituents remain aware and on alert for scams and financial fraud tactics. The commission’s meetings can be watched here:
CALIFORNIA’S CALRX® INSULIN WILL BE AVAILABLE TO CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS SOON!
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 coming soon to Californians at a maximum recommended price of $55 per five-pack of pens beginning January 1, 2026. 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 this announcement via the Governor’s press release and CalRx’s website.
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:
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CalKIDS: Savings account with funds for public school students and newborns - over two billion dollars available today!
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CalSavers: Retirement accounts for workers without employer plans
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For employers with 1-4 employees, be sure to register by December 31st, 2025!
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CalABLE: Tax-free savings for people with disabilities
THE LIVE BEYOND CAMPAIGN
The Live Beyond Campaign is a California statewide initiative focused on raising awareness about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress and providing resources for healing. It specifically targets youth, young adults, and their caregivers to help them understand the impact of ACEs and toxic stress and to encourage them to seek support and healing. Toolkits and resources for CBOs, libraries and educators, and healthcare providers are available for download in multiple languages at livebeyondca.org/campaign-resources/. Physical toolkits can be mailed to organizations upon request by emailing info@livebeyondca.org.
REPORT A CONCERN THROUGH GILROYCONNECT
To our Gilroy constituents, be sure to check out the newly launched mobile app, GilroyConnect, to submit and track service requests to the City of Gilroy Government! The app is available on Apple and Android. Check out the GilroyConnect website here and download the app on your mobile device!
JOIN THE CALIFORNIA SERVICE CORPS
Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) Director Josh Fryday announced California is seeking 10,000 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.