June Bloom☀️: Session, Solstice, and Summertime Service

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Happy June! As we approach the Summer Solstice, I’m looking forward to brighter days and reflecting on a productive season for Senate District 15.

This past month, I was honored to host our 23rd Annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education, where students, educators, families, and community members traveled to Sacramento to experience California’s legislative process firsthand. Read below and hear more about our event in our short video recap here: https://youtu.be/VfZazMHJGuA!

At the Capitol, my team and I continue advancing and supporting legislation focused on affordable housing (SB 750), transportation improvements (SB 1177), consumer protections (SB 870), educational equity (SCA 5), public safety (SB 1246 and SB 1250), and more. As we reflect on the Governor’s May Budget Revise, I am eager to continue building a healthier, safer, and more equitable California for all. To stay up to date on my complete legislative package, see here.

June is also a time to recognize Pride Month, honor Juneteenth, celebrate Father’s Day, and more. These celebrations remind us that progress is built through community, compassion, and collective action. Thank you for staying engaged and involved this month. It is an honor to serve Senate District 15! 

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

In Service,

Dave Cortese Signature

 

Dave Cortese, Senator
California State Senate - District 15

 

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IN THE DISTRICT & AT THE CAPITOL

Senator Cortese photographed with attendees at 23rd Annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education.

 

I hosted my 23rd Annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education on May 18th, where nearly 200 students, parents, educators, & leaders experienced California’s democracy firsthand at the State Capitol, directly following the Governor’s May Budget Revise!

This year’s event was complete with a group photo at the Capitol, an interactive speaking program at the Secretary of State’s Auditorium, a catered lunch by Crisp Catering, and a trip to the Capitol Senate and Assembly Galleries to briefly watch Session before returning home. The received Floor Introductions in both chambers! Watch our video recap of this year’s event here: https://youtu.be/VfZazMHJGuA. 

I want to express my deepest gratitude to our speakers: Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, Senator Mike McGuire, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, Senator John Laird, David Schapira from the California Department of Education, Assemblymember Darshana Patel, Assemblymember Lori Wilson, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Nichole Munoz-Murillo from Governor Newsom’s Office, Seth Bramble with the California Teachers Association, and Ron Walker from California School Employees Association. Many of our dignitaries were returning speakers. We are so grateful and hope to see them again next year!

This event would also not be possible without our incredible event partners: the San Jose Japantown Lions Foundation, the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, San José State University, AT&T, the San Francisco 49ers, the Latino Education Advancement Foundation, San Jose Behavioral Health, and the California School Employees Association. Their partnership and commitment to civic engagement and educational opportunity help sustain this important tradition, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.

For over two decades, this Bus Trip for Education has brought together constituents representing every corner of our educational ecosystem: K-12 teachers, classified employees, higher education leaders, parents, students, nonprofit organizations, labor advocates, and civic leaders -- all united around a shared belief that education remains the greatest investment we can make for our future. See you next year for our 24th Annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education!

NOTE: A comprehensive account of the event, including legislative priorities, questions, and comments discussed during our speaking program, will be released shortly. Please keep an eye out and call our District Office with if any questions or concerns. 

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

 

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MY WORK, IN THE NEWS

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

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

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


SB 1319: THE PRIVATE EQUITY SUNSHINE ACT

SB 1319 aims to increase transparency and accountability over how billions in public retirement funds are invested, enabling policymakers, workers, and taxpayers to better assess returns, risks, and the impacts of private equity-backed companies.


SB 1246: AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE REMOTE OPERATOR AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE STANDARDS

SB 1246l standardizes AV remote operations, improves communication with local first responders, and provides first responders with the resources and assistance they need to deal with stalled AVs on our roads. 


SB 1177: CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

SB 1177 strengthens oversight of the High-Speed Rail project by requiring key data and analyses to remain part of regular reports to the Legislature, ensuring continued transparency and accountability.


CHECK OUT OTHER NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Check out my full 2025 legislative package HERE!

 

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FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

Community Event at Cahalan Park

Photograph of group at a previous Community Clean Up event.


Join SJ Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services for a fun-filled day at Cahalan Park on Saturday, June 13th from 8:45AM-12PM to help beautify Cahalan Park grounds and make a positive impact on our shared community spaces! Choose clothing you will feel comfortable moving around in. Sun protection is a must! Your clothing choices matter for this event. 

For more information, see here: Community Event at Cahalan Park Tickets, Saturday, June 13  •  8:45 AM - 12 PM | Eventbrite.

 

ROOTS COMMUNITY HEALTH: ROOTS FAMILY DAY

Roots Family Day Graphic


Join us at Emma Prusch Farm Park on June 6th from 12-3PM for a fun and exciting day at Roots Community Health: Roots Family Day! This special event is all about bringing people together and making everyone feel supported and happy.

Roots Community Health is proud to officially welcome and announce Santa Clara Family Health Plan as our Wellness Grove Community Sponsor for the 2026 Roots Family Day! You’ll have a great time with fun activities, important talks about family, maternal health and wellness, including ways to get your body moving. There’s something for everyone, no matter your age.

For more information, see here: Roots Community Health: Roots Family Day Tickets, Saturday, June 6  •  12 PM - 3 PM | Eventbrite.

THE FUTURE OF DATA CENTERS IN SAN JOSE

Graphic reading “Data Center Teach-In” with information about date, time, and location.


Join community members, experts, and academics for an important discussion on the 12 new data centers planned for San José on Saturday, June 6 from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM @ 38 South Second Street, San Jose, CA 95113. Hear from them about how data centers operate, their potential impacts, and how we can work together to protect public health and our neighborhoods. The event is either in-person or online on Zoom. In-person space is very limited, so please RSVP in advance. 

For more information, see here: The Future of Data Centers in San José (In-Person) Tickets, Saturday, June 6  •  10:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Eventbrite

VOLUNTEER FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL COLOR WALK AT LAKE CUNNINGHAM PARK

Image of older adults celebrating at a prior year’s Color Walk


Join SJ Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services to celebrate our Older Adults while making a positive impact in our community, by volunteering at the 3rd Annual Color Walk at Lake Cunningham Park on June 5th, from 9:30AM-2PM at 2305 S White Rd. San Jose, CA 95101.

Please download and bring your completed Volunteer Service Agreement form. For more information, see here: Volunteer for the 3rd Annual Color Walk at Lake Cunningham Park Tickets, Friday, June 5  •  9:30 AM - 2 PM | Eventbrite

 

GARDEN TO TABLE’S SUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL

Graphic reading “Garden to Table’s Summer Solstice Festival”


Garden to Table Silicon Valley invites you to celebrate the beginning of summer with a small festival and community potluck! There will be live music, exciting workshops, seed and plant shares, educational and informational booths, a small business artists’ market, family-friendly activities, and chickens! Join on Saturday, June 20th from 12:30-4PM at 200 West Taylor Street San Jose, CA 95110. 

For more information, see here: Summer Solstice Festival Tickets, Saturday, June 20  •  12:30 PM - 4 PM | Eventbrite

 

CALHFA & GUILD MORTGAGE FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP

Photograph of blue house


The City of Gilroy welcomes you to the CalHFA and Guild Mortgage First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Workshop! Whether you speak English or Spanish, this event is perfect for you. Join us in-person at the Gilroy Library for a comprehensive session about first-time homebuyer assistance. CalHFA and Guild Mortgage experts will answer your questions and provide valuable tips. Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your homeownership journey. Register now!

CalHFA & Guild Mortgage First Time Homebuyer Assistance Workshop Tickets, Wednesday, May 27  •  6:30 PM - 8 PM | Eventbrite

 

EL MERCADITO CREEKSIDE NIGHT MARKET

Graphic reading “A weekly cultural night market at Creekside”


El Mercadito is a curated FREE entry weekly night market bringing a fresh, culturally driven energy to downtown San José, right by the SAP Center! Starting May 27, join us every Wednesday through October 7 at 105 South Montgomery Street San Jose, CA 95110 for a night of community and culture under the stars. 

For more information, see here: El Mercadito Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite.

 

BIKE REPAIR EVENT AT GOOD KARMA BIKES

Image of volunteers with bikes at previous event.


Repair bicycles with AAi on June 28th from 1-4PM at Good Karma Bikes (82 S. Montgomery St. San Jose, CA 95110) to provide transportation for transformation so unhoused neighbors can do more than just survive. Donated bikes need repair for safe and reliable operation. Space is limited. All volunteers must pre-register online.

For more information, see here: AAi Bike Repair Tickets, Sunday, June 28  •  1 PM - 4 PM | Eventbrite

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING LOAN GUARANTEE SUMMIT 

Graphic reading “Affordable Housing Summit”


On Friday, June 12, 2026, Good River Partners, in collaboration with Sobrato Philanthropies, is hosting the Affordable Housing Loan Guarantee Summit at the Sobrato Center for Nonprofits in Redwood City. This event will bring together policymakers, capital providers, and industry leaders to explore how credit enhancement tools can help unlock financing, reduce risk, and accelerate the production and preservation of affordable housing.

I, as the author of SB 750, will be joining a strong group of loan guarantee experts and practitioners, including:

  • Elizabeth Wampler, Executive Director, LISC Bay Area
  • Bob Simpson, President, Multifamily Impact Council
  • Margot Johnson, AVP, Locus Impact (Community Investment Guarantee Pool)
  • Adam Briones, Director of Housing Security, Sobrato Philanthropies

Join from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Networking + Panel + Lunch) at Sobrato Center for Nonprofits, Redwood City. If you're actively working in affordable housing, finance, or policy, I think you’ll find this conversation both practical and timely. Register here: https://luma.com/aubsgj3f!

 

SANTANA ROW MAKERS MARKET

Image of Makers Market with text reading “Makers Market Local Artist Street Fair”


Join Makers Market for the 2026 Local Artist Street Fairs at Santana Row! Join this season of creativity, community, and incredible goods made here in the Bay Area. Come support talented makers, discover beautiful artisan products, and enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors on Saturday, Saturday, June 13 from 11am - 6pm at Santana Row in San Jose, CA. 

For more information, see here: Makers Market™ Local Artist Street Fair @ Santana Row Tickets, Saturday, June 13  •  11 AM - 6 PM | Eventbrite

 

CHECK OUT OTHER FREE EVENTS IN DISTRICT 15:

 

 

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

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

 

IMPORTANT UPDATES & RESOURCES

CALTRAIN’S YOUTH FARE IS STILL ONLY $1!

If you’re 18 or younger, ride Caltrain for just $1 one way or $2 all day, across all zones. Anytime. Any day. Whether you’re heading to school, meeting friends, catching a game, or exploring the Bay, getting there is easy — and seriously affordable. For more information about Caltrain Youth tickets, see here: Caltrain Youth Tickets Start at $1 | Caltrain.

APPLY TO CAL FIRE’S WILDFIRE PREVENTION GRANTS!

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

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

APPLY TO SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITY GRANTS!

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

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

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOTE “I VOTED” STICKER DESIGN

For the first time, the County of Santa Clara invited local students to design the official “I Voted” sticker for the November 3, 2026 General Election. The response was remarkable: a total of 203 sticker designs were submitted by students from elementary school through college and trade schools across the county. Submissions are now closed, and a review panel has selected 30 finalists. Now it is your turn to help choose the winning designs! Help choose the official stickers that will be shared with voters throughout Santa Clara County here. Voting closes on June 7th. 

CALIFORNIA LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM PROVIDING FREE DIAPERS TO NEW PARENTS

California is launching a first-in-the-nation program to provide 400 free diapers to every newborn, easing costs for families and supporting infant and maternal health as the state explores how CalRx can help bring down diaper costs. 

Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state is partnering with Baby2Baby, a leading national nonprofit organization headquartered in California, to launch a first-in-the-nation program to provide free diapers to all new babies born in California. Leveraging the bulk purchasing power of the state, this new effort known as Golden State Start will distribute high-quality, mass-produced diapers directly to families through participating hospitals statewide.

APPLY FOR THE CALASSIST MORTGAGE FUND

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) awarded California Competes Tax Credits (CalCompetes) to 17 innovative companies across the Golden State, as a part of the California Jobs First initiative. The awards will support the creation of 4,489 new jobs, with an average weighted annual salary of $132,218, and generate $1 billion in new private investment in communities up and down the state.

APPLY FOR THE CALASSIST MORTGAGE FUND

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

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

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

STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE’S SAVINGS PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS

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

  • CalKIDS: Savings account with funds for public school students and newborns - over two billion dollars available today!
  • CalSavers: Retirement accounts for workers without employer plans
    • For employers with 1-4 employees, be sure to register by December 31st, 2025!
  • CalABLE: Tax-free savings for people with disabilities

 

JOIN THE CALIFORNIA SERVICE CORPS

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

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

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