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May 2026 Community Events and Involvement

I hosted my 23rd Annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education on May 18th, bringing together nearly 200 students, parents, educators, & leaders to experience California’s democracy firsthand at the State Capitol! I was joined by Sen. President pro Tempore Monique Limón, Sen. Mike McGuire, Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Sen. John Laird, David Schapira, Asm. Darshana Patel, Asm. Lori Wilson, Asm. Al Muratsuchi, Nichole Munoz-Murillo, Seth Bramble, and Ron Walker.

Pattie and I were honored to attend Pivotal’s year-end celebration recognizing the incredible achievements of Pivotal scholars and graduates who are foster youth overcoming great odds. We joined Pivotal's Chief Development Director Chelsea Souza and her husband Adam. These young leaders have worked hard to overcome challenges, pursue higher education, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Their determination and resilience are inspiring.

My wife Pattie and I were honored to join Santa Clara County Board Supervisor Otto Lee at his Palestinian flag raising ceremony at the County Government Center. The event was a powerful celebration of Palestinian culture through art, music, and community — uplifting the rich traditions, resilience, and humanity of the Palestinian people.

Thank you to the Silicon Valley Leadership Group for inviting me to speak at this year’s Sacramento Advocacy Day alongside leaders shaping the future of California innovation. As AI and data center demand continue to grow, California must lead with policies that both promote innovation and provide thoughtful guardrails for consumers, energy reliability, and sustainability.

May is Affordable Housing Month, and it was an honor to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Mariposa Place here in Senate District 15. This project is an important investment in affordable housing and in the future of our community — creating stability, opportunities, and a place to call home for working families and residents.

At the Santa Clara County Peace Officers Memorial ceremony, we honored the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities. Peace Officers Memorial ceremonies remind us of the courage and dedication of those who gave their lives protecting others. Thank you to Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office's Sheriff Bob Jonsen for hosting this meaningful ceremony and honoring the fallen.

It was great to attend the SEIU California State Council reception celebrating its new President, Arnulfo De La Cruz, and recognizing the tremendous accomplishments and leadership of former President David Huerta. With more than 750,000 members strong, SEIU continues to be a driving force in the fight for workers’ rights, economic justice, and dignity for working families across California

As a former Santa Clara County Supervisor, I partnered with SJSU’s Record Clearance Project. This May 2026, SJSU’s RCP celebrates its 15th year of service helping justice-involved clients clear their records. My District Representative, Meghan Bedi, attended a special reception on my behalf.

Members of Jewish California stopped by my Capitol office to advocate on behalf of the estimated 1.2 million Jews residing within our state. I appreciated meeting with them to discuss our shared commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare, alleviating poverty, addressing homelessness, and defending immigrant communities across California.

This AAPI Heritage Month, I’m proud to recognize Vanessa Hatakeyama, Executive Director of the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, for being honored by the California Senate as an outstanding AAPI leader. Vanessa’s leadership has helped preserve and elevate the stories, history, and contributions of Japanese Americans in San José. The Japanese American Museum is located in one of the last three remaining Japantowns in the United States.

Congratulations to Bellarmine College Preparatory on celebrating 175 years of shaping generations of leaders, scholars, and public servants. Bell-a-Palooza felt like a coming home meeting up with former Bellarmine President Fr. Jerry Wade and fellow alumni Congressman Rep. Sam Liccardo, SJ Councilmember Michael Mulcahy and Councilmember George Casey.

I had a great time meeting friends and neighbors of the Winchester Orchard Neighborhood Association at their 2nd annual WONAPalooza! This year's WONAPalooza is extra special as it coincides with the grand opening of the new Winchester Orchard Park. WONAPalooza brings the community together for a day filled with family-friendly activities and resources. Thank you WONA for having me provide brief remarks on the importance of neighborhood civic engagement.

Congratulations to Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful on 10 years of protecting and restoring one of Santa Clara County’s most important natural treasures. For a decade, their volunteers and community partners have worked tirelessly to clean our waterways, restore habitats, and inspire environmental stewardship across our region. I am grateful for their lasting impact and commitment to keeping Coyote Creek beautiful for future generations.

Thank you to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation for stopping by my Capitol office to advocate on behalf of more affordable housing, equitable transportation, and accessible childcare!

I had the opportunity to meet with the Associated General Contractors of California to discuss the future of infrastructure, workforce development, and economic growth across our state.

What an honor and a privilege to attend the NFL’s inaugural Hispanic Hall of Fame celebration and witness San José’s own Jim Plunkett receive this well-deserved recognition alongside six other football Hispanic legends who were inducted as well. Earlier this year, I introduced Senate Resolution 93 on the Senate floor, honoring him. Hear more from me about Jim Plunkett’s Induction here: https://youtu.be/pm94kMKlMQk?si=m25pmznJmhlt7gzj&t=557.

Child Care Providers United are there for families through some of the busiest and most important moments of their lives — caring for children, supporting working parents, and helping our communities thrive. Behind that work are providers who are juggling rising costs and constant challenges just to keep their doors open. They deserve our support. My Legislative Aide, Anastasia Hatzakos, met with providers on my behalf to hear firsthand about their experiences and the work still ahead.

Evergreen Valley College continues to lead the way in setting the gold standard of what a high-quality community college education looks like, especially through its student support services. This includes the ASPIRE+PLLUS program, a student support program that helps minimize barriers in marginalized communities within the AAPI community to promote academic and personal success among students. My District Representative, Phuong Nguyen, presented Certificates of Recognition to this year's students.

Congratulations to Gilroy High School on receiving the 2026 Exemplary Arts Education Program Award from the California Department of Education — a prestigious recognition of the school’s commitment to creativity, expression, and student success. My District Director, Michelle Pelayo-Osorio, attended and presented on my behalf a Senate Certificate of Recognition to the school and students.

I had the tremendous honor of returning to address the Italian American Heritage Foundation 2026 Scholarship Luncheon. The event honored the 8 students and recipients of this year’s IAHF scholarships. These students are the future of Italian American success and greatness! Thank you, Scholarship Chair Marie Dalldorf, for your great work and dedication.

My office had a great time at the Salsa Fest Cinco de Mayo San Jose charity event. Hosted by Opening Doors Silicon Valley, all proceeds will go to low-income seniors, families, and people experiencing homelessness in San Jose! Thank you, Opening Doors, for fostering a sense of belonging, care, and celebration. My District Representative, Mariam Ghallab, attended on my behalf.

Congratulations to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority on the groundbreaking of its new Heart's Delight Trail in Coyote Valley - an exciting investment in outdoor recreation and environmental preservation. I was joined by Congress members Rep. Jimmy Panetta and Rep. Sam Liccardo, Hon. John L Varela Director District 1, Valley Water District, Hon. Kathy Sutherland, Board Chair/Director District 4, and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

I am deeply honored and humbled by my alma mater, Lincoln Law School of San Jose, for naming one of its lecture rooms after my father and me in recognition of our collective work on behalf of our communities. The lecture room will now be referred to as the “Cortese Conference Room!” Lincoln Law School provides an accessible, affordable, and diverse pathway to legal education for working adults. Thank you to Lincoln's new Dean, Dr. Mary Fuller, for having me speak at your Open House this past week!

The state of our economy depends in part on whether Latinos have earned a college degree, especially as the nation faces a projected shortage of 5 million workers with a college education. That is why the Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF) as an organization is so important to the prosperity of first-generation and immigrant Latino students. My District Director, Michelle Pelayo-Osorio, attended LEAF’s annual luncheon where scholarship recipients were recognized for their academic achievements.

Thank you to Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office - DA Jeff Rosen for hosting a town hall discussion with the Vietnamese community at the Vietnamese American Service Center. These conversations are important to strengthening trust, improving public safety, and ensuring our communities feel heard and supported. My District Representative, Phuong Nguyen, attended on my behalf.

On April 30th, we came together to support the Vietnamese community here in Senate District 15 and across the world in commemorating the Fall of Saigon commonly referred to as #BlackApril. On this day, fifty-one years ago, the Vietnam War came to an end having already taken over 3 million lives. Today, we honor the lives lost, the families displaced, and the resilience of the Vietnamese community following the Fall of Saigon.

Thank you to the organizers of this year’s California Boating Congress, a two-day policy conference held in Sacramento. I had the opportunity of serving as one of its panelists where I discussed the future of our state’s waterways, infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship. Thank you to the Marine Recreation Association for bringing together such a strong coalition committed to keeping California’s boating and maritime communities thriving.

I was proud to join my county colleagues for a resolution honoring National County Government Month at the State Capitol. I joined CSAC President and Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, Monterey County Supervisor Luis A. Alejo, Lake County Supervisor Bruno Sabatier, and CSAC Executive Director Graham Knaus.

My District Office and I honored Denim Day by wearing denim in solidarity with survivors and to raise awareness about sexual violence. Survivors deserve justice, accountability, and respect. In 2024, I passed SB 554, the Survivor’s Protection Act, ensuring that survivors of abuse can seek restraining orders in California, even if they relocate. We stand with survivors every day.

My office celebrated the Lao New Year at the Wat Lao Buddhaxinaram Buddhist Temple in San Jose. I’m grateful for the opportunity to advocate for such a diverse constituency. Happy Lao New Year to those who celebrate! My staff, Phuong Nguyen, attended on my behalf and presented a Senate Certificate of Recognition.

My office was grateful to attend the Nepali New Year 2083 Community Picnic and Cultural Celebration, hosted by the Sunny Sagarmatha Society at Hellyer County Park. With Nepali dance, food, and music, today’s celebration was a great display of our district’s rich cultural diversity. Zach Contini represented Senate District 15.

My office was graciously welcomed to the 72nd Annual Spice of Life Awards Gala, hosted by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. The annual event recognizes businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations that make Gilroy such an incredible part of our district! My District Director, Michelle Pelayo-Osorio, attended on my behalf and presented Certificates of Recognition to awardees.

Thank you to Empower And Excel for having my office at your Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event! Empower And Excel, founded by Ayesha Charagulla, inspires and mentors youth ages 5-18 to volunteer and give back to their communities. Their volunteer work has a direct and positive impact on underserved communities in our district and beyond!

My office was grateful to participate in the Moreland West Neighborhood Litter Pick Up and Plant Swap at the Moreland Community Garden. Here’s to keeping our community healthy and clean! My District Representative, Mariam Ghallab, attended on my behalf.

It was a joy to attend the Operating Engineers Local Union 3, District 90 Picnic at Christmas Hill Park. They know how to bring in a crowd! Operating Engineers Local 3 is the largest construction trades local in North America. Their work continues to enrich our district and our state. The County Employees Management Association (CEMA), a part of Operating Engineers Local 3 representing county management from both Santa Clara and Monterey Counties, helped spearhead this event!

My office was honored to participate in the Youth Mental Health Town Hall, co-hosted by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin and Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga at Bret Harte Middle School. Drawing focus to youth mental health is fundamental to creating long-lasting change in our behavioral health system! My District Representative, Meghan Bedi, attended on my behalf.

It was an honor to participate in Our City Forest’s 2026 Arbor Day Celebration & Community Planting at Brigadoon Park! This year for Earth Month, Our City Forest brought together over 70 volunteers, community leaders, and partners to celebrate Arbor Day and plant 41 trees. Thank you Our City Forest and the Arbor Day Foundation for making California greener!

I am honored to have attended the San Andreas Regional Center's 29th Annual Legislative Luncheon. San Andreas Regional Center continues to set the gold standard for how we care for and support individuals with developmental disabilities—and just as importantly, how we uplift the dedicated professionals and families who make that care possible every day. I am grateful for their leadership and commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate California.

Congratulations to Jody Muirhead on being recognized and commended for her outstanding leadership and service as part of Jewish Heritage Month this May. As a local school board trustee, Jody has been a dedicated advocate for students, families, and public education throughout our county. It was wonderful to meet her husband Richard and her mother on this special occasion.

I am proud to stand with Parents Helping Parents —an organization that truly lives its mission of support for families navigating the challenges of raising children with disabilities. As a member of their Executive Leadership Council, I’ve seen firsthand the impact they have in empowering parents with the tools, advice, and community they need to thrive. Thank you to the Founders, Board of Directors, and Supervisors Supervisor Betty Duong and Sylvia Arenas for joining us in celebration of what PHP offers.

Food insecurity is an ever-pressing problem as wealth inequality widens between those who have and those who do not. That is when and where Martha's Kitchen steps in. They confront hunger in the community by serving 2.2 million meals to those in need on an annual basis. Congrats to them on their inaugural Spring Luncheon! My Communications Director, Mario B. Lopez, presented them with a Senate Certificate of Recognition on my behalf.

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