Tricks, Treats, & Triumphs 🎃: New Laws and Local Cause

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy October! With fall in full swing, I am looking forward to another month of connecting with residents, community leaders, and organizations right here in Senate District 15.

I am honored and proud to share that many of my bills have been signed into law by the Governor, including SB 1392 on Classic Cars (Leno’s Law), SB 1246 on Autonomous Vehicle Safety Standards, and SB 1250 on Roadway Safety and Wildlife Crossings, and more! [will remove any that do not get signed] For a complete refresher on my legislative package for the 2025-2026 cycle and to track updates on which of my bills have been signed, see here. With the 2025-2026 legislative session now behind us, this interim period offers a valuable opportunity to step away from the Capitol and spend more time listening, learning, and serving here at home. I am grateful for the many conversations, community events, and partnerships that continue to shape my work and inform the legislation I will bring forward in the next legislative cycle. 

October is also a wonderful time to celebrate the diversity and traditions that make our community so vibrant. From recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day and celebrating Diwali to enjoying the fun and festivities of Halloween, this month offers many opportunities to celebrate with friends and neighbors. With that said, I encourage you to join me at my 4th Annual Picnic by the Lake: Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair at Hellyer County Park on Saturday, October 10^th. This completely FREE community celebration will bring our diverse communities together for a day of multicultural performances, resource booths, health screenings, free food and pumpkins, and one-of-a-kind raffle prizes! For more information about the event, see here.

To stay updated with our work, look for district initiatives on my website and check out the community events below! As always, if you need any help navigating government 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,

 

IN THE DISTRICT & AT THE CAPITOL

What a privilege to visit the College of Adaptive Arts (CAA), a long-time community partner working to make higher education accessible to adults with disabilities! 

In 2023, I secured a $2.2 million state investment for the institution, and it is remarkable to see how far they’ve come! Thank you to founders DeAnna Pursai and Pamela Lindsay, and to the entire CAA team for welcoming me. 

CAA continues to be a resource for adults with disabilities to access workforce development resources and support. Their work in innovation and access is evidenced through their incredible body of student work, including their Student Newsletter HERE!

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

 

 

MY WORK, IN THE NEWS

 

SB 1392: “JAY LENO’S LAW”

SB 1392 expands smog exemptions for certain collector cars manufactured between 1976 through 1985. 

I recently held a rally in support of Leno’s Law, where car enthusiasts came together in support of preserving California’s automotive heritage. Check out the livestream here! 

• The Mercury News: Newsom signs ‘Leno’s Law,’ easing smog checks for some classic cars
• CBS News: California's "Leno's Law" signed, expanding classic car smog exemptions
• Los Angeles Times: Some California cars will get to skip smog checks. What to know about Jay Leno’s Law
• FOX 40: Classic car bill backed by Jay Leno passes the finish line with governor signature
• FOX 11 Los Angeles: 'Leno's Law': California bill exempting classic cars from smog inspections signed by Newsom
• KTLA Los Angeles: Newsom signs ‘Jay Leno’s Law’ easing smog checks on classic cars
• SEMA News: VICTORY: Leno's Law Signed by California Governor Newsom
• California Globe: Jay Leno’s Law Signed, Providing Smog Check Exemptions for Classic Cars
• The Auto Wire: California Just Gave Classic Cars a Smog Exemption That Expires in 2033 — By Design
• Road & Track: California Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Jay Leno’s Classic Car Smog Exemption Into Law
• KCRA 3: Gov. Newsom signs 'Jay Leno's Law' to expand smog exemptions for classic cars

• Guessing Headlights: California Has Approved Leno's Law — Here's What It Means For Classic Car Enthusiasts

   

SB 1375: SAN JOSE DIRIDON STATION CEQA EXEMPTION

SB 1375 streamlines the environmental review process for the Diridon Station Program in San José, moving this important project forward more quickly.

• San Jose Spotlight: State bill could speed up San Jose Diridon Station rebuild

• Local News Matters: Diridon Station rebuild project could move faster under proposed CEQA exemption

   

SB 1246: AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE REMOTE OPERATOR AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE STANDARDS

SB 1246 makes our roads safer and builds trust in autonomous vehicles, including robo-taxis, by setting clear standards for remote assistance, speeding up emergency responses, and improving coordination with first responders.

 

• NBC News: Robotaxi emergency phone numbers found disconnected and unstaffed

   

SB 1425: SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

SB 1425 creates a permitting program for the High-Speed Rail Authority in order to promote regional development and bolster emergency management services.

• Secret Los Angeles: After over a decade of construction, California inches closer to laying high-speed rail track before the end of 2026

• Sierra Sun Times: California State Senator Dave Cortese’s High-Speed Rail Bill Clears Assembly Appropriations, Cutting Red Tape Along Critical Rail Corridor

   

SB 753: ABANDONED SHOPPING CART RECOVERY

Signed into law last year, SB 753 modernizes state law to allow cities and counties to immediately recover and return abandoned shopping carts, reducing sidewalk obstructions, environmental pollution, and flood risks caused by abandoned carts.

• New York Post: California city slaps grocery stores with fines over growing cart ‘nuisance’

• Hoodline: Wildomar Slaps Grocery Stores With $100 Fines Over Runaway Shopping Carts

   

SECURING HOUSING, CLIMATE, & TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

I recently supported a $1.128 billion proposal to backfill affordable housing, transit, and clean air and water programs.

• The Center Square: Dems advance funding proposal for priority climate programs

• KLAW CapRadio: State legislature attempting to save transportation funding

   

  ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION MENTIONS

• CBS News: Will Gov. Newsom veto the high-speed rail oversight bill that his own watchdog calls essential?

 

CHECK OUT OTHER NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

• East Bay Times: Grow something: San Jose nonprofit founder shares seeds to success 
• San Jose Spotlight: Santa Clara County youth career program pays dividends
• Hoodline: San Jose Autism Center Buys Land Across Street for $5M Dream Campus 2.0
• The Mercury News: ‘We were there as Americans’: San Jose marks 25 years since Sept. 11 attacks
• Morgan Hill Times: A Picnic by the Lake: Culture, Community, and Connection

 

Check out my full 2025-2026 legislative package HERE!

 

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

JOIN ME AT THE 4TH ANNUAL PICNIC BY THE LAKE!

Join me at my 4th Annual Picnic by the Lake: A Multicultural Festival and Legislative Resource Fair! Picnic by the Lake will take place on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Hellyer County Park located at 985 Hellyer Avenue in San Jose, CA. 

Picnic by the Lake is being held in partnership with the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department and the San Jose Japantown Lions Club and Foundation. The Multicultural Festival and Legislative Resource Fair is an all-free event open to the public which will feature: A kid’s zone with inflatables, face painting, and bubbles, a rock climbing wall, raffle prizes, nearly 100+ resource booths, flu shots, multicultural performances from local community groups, free beef and veggie burgers while supplies last, and a pumpkin patch with free pumpkins while supplies last. 

Parking at Hellyer County Park and numerous offsite parking sites with shuttle bus services will be provided for free as well! This specific information and real-time updates about the event will be accessible here. For any additional questions, comments, or concerns regarding the event, please reach my District Representative, Zach Contini, at Zachary.Contini@sen.ca.gov or call (408) 723-4154.

Read more about this event and its history here: Morgan Hill Times: A Picnic by the Lake: Culture, Community, and Connection!

 

COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA FALL 2026 CAREER & COMMUNITY RESOURCE EXPO

Explore career opportunities and community resources at the County of Santa Clara Fall 2026 Career & Community Resource Expo. Attendees can learn more about careers in County government, connect with County departments, and discover the wide range of services and opportunities available throughout Santa Clara County. The event will include opportunities to speak with recruiters, learn about available positions, and explore careers in public service. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at James P. McEntee Plaza (70 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110).

For more information, see here: County of Santa Clara Fall 2026 Career & Community Resource Expo Tickets, Tuesday, October 27 • 11 AM–2 PM | Eventbrite.

 

2026 LITTLE ITALY SAN JOSE ITALIAN FESTIVAL

Celebrate Italian culture and community at the 2026 Little Italy San Jose Italian Festival. The event will showcase iconic Italian supercars, entertainment, cultural exhibits, and children’s activities to community members for a day celebrating Italian heritage and culture. The event will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 11AM to 7PM at Little Italy (323 W. St. John Street, San Jose CA 95110).

For more information, see here: Little Italy San Jose Street Festival | Italian Festival | Italian San Jose.

 

4TH ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOODS CONFERENCE

Join fellow San José residents and neighborhood leaders for the 4th Annual Neighborhoods Conference, a day of learning, networking, community conversations, and workshops focused on strengthening our neighborhoods. Attendees will have opportunities to connect with fellow community members, learn about City programs and resources, and participate in discussions centered on neighborhood engagement. The conference will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Rotunda at San José City Hall (200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95112).

For more information and to RSVP, see here: 4th Annual Neighborhoods Conference Tickets, Saturday, October 3 • 9 AM–2 PM | Eventbrite.

 

SANTA CLARA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION CLASSIFIED JOB FAIR

Looking for a career supporting students and schools? Join the Santa Clara County Office of Education Classified Job Fair to connect with representatives from school districts throughout Santa Clara County and explore a variety of classified employment opportunities. The job fair will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (1290 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95131)

For more information, see here: Santa Clara County Office of Education Classified Job Fair Tickets, Saturday, October 3 • 9 AM–12 PM | Eventbrite.

 

AVENIDA DE ALTARES

Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Avenida de Altares, an evening bringing families and community members together to honor loved ones and celebrate Mexican culture and tradition. Attendees can experience community altars, art, music, cultural performances, and other activities that highlight the beauty and significance of Día de los Muertos. The event will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 5:30–10:30 PM at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95116).

For more information and to RSVP, see here: Avenida de Altares Tickets, Saturday, October 31 • 5:30–10:30 PM | Eventbrite.

 

DAY ON THE BAY 2026

Celebrate Day on the Bay 2026, the County of Santa Clara Parks and Santa Clara County District 3’s annual FREE festival along the beautiful South Bay shores of Alviso. This year's theme, "A Healthy Earth, A Healthy Life," features a resource fair centered on environmental health along with kayak rides, youth activities, multicultural entertainment, wellness resources, flu shots and health services, a pumpkin giveaway for kids, and the Bike to the Bay Ride. The event will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10 AM-2 PM at Alviso Marina County Park (1195 Hope St., Alviso, CA 95002).

Fun Fact: I began this event in 2009 during my time as a Santa Clara County Supervisor! Thank you to Supervisor Otto Lee for carrying on this tradition. 

For more information, see here: Day On The Bay 2026 | Supervisor Otto Lee I District 3 | County of Santa Clara.

 

SAN JOSE DIWALI CARNIVAL -- FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, at the San Jose Diwali Carnival. This vibrant community celebration will feature music, food, cultural performances, and festive activities for attendees of all ages. The carnival offers an opportunity for residents and families to come together and experience the joy, traditions, and cultural richness of Diwali right here in San José. The event will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 1:00–10:00 PM. Hosted by the Association of Indo Americans, this event will take place at San Jose’s Downtown Plaza (1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113).

For more information, see here: San Jose – Diwali Carnival – Festival of Lights Tickets, Saturday, October 24 • 1 PM–10 PM | Eventbrite.

 

OUR CITY FOREST -- DIY LAWN CONVERSION WORKSHOP

Join Our City Forest for a DIY Lawn Conversion Workshop, held every 3rd Saturday at the Our City Forest Urban Forestry Education Center. This hands-on workshop teaches homeowners about the Valley Water rebate program and how to convert their lawn into a drought-tolerant garden. This session is available on Saturday, October 17 at the Our City Forest Urban Forestry Education Center (391 Chynoweth Avenue, San Jose, CA 95136).

For more information, see here: DIY Lawn Conversion Workshop Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite.

 

 

 

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) 723-4154. 

 

IMPORTANT UPDATES & RESOURCES

 

GET FREE FLU SHOTS AT GILROY LIBRARY ON OCTOBER 3RD

Flu season is coming! The influenza (flu) vaccination helps all of us stay happy and healthy. On Saturday, October 3^rd from 10AM to 2PM, Stanford University, School of Medicine will be administering FREE Flu Shots at Gilroy Library (350 W. Sixth Street) in partnership with the Santa Clara County Library District. For more information, see here.

• No appointment needed
• First come, first served
• While supplies last
• For ages 6 months and older
• No ID Required 

JOIN ON LOK PACE’S VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Are you or someone you care about seeking support to manage healthcare needs as you age? On Lok PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) offers comprehensive, coordinated services to help seniors live independently in the community. Join their FREE Open House every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. to learn more about how On Lok PACE helps provide medical, social, and daily living support, how to enroll, eligibility requirements, and more. To register, see here.

 

CALIFORNIA’S NEW OPIOID TREATMENT SUPPORT HELPLINE

Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the launch of CA Bridge Connect, a free statewide call- and text-based service offering immediate help and support to Californians seeking treatment for opioid use. This is part of a broader strategy to take on the opioid and overdose epidemic, which includes expanding access to addiction treatment. This is part of California’s “no wrong door” approach to care, as we build a system that gives everyone access to the services and resources they need to get back on their feet and live a healthy life.

To get help, call 1-800-944-1807 or text 1-833-308-0461. For more information about the program, see here.

 

SAN JOSE MINETA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WILL LAUNCH A NEW SENSORY ROOM

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), in partnership with Nutanix and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, will launch a new sensory-friendly room, The Nest by Nutanix, designed to support families traveling with children with autism and other sensory sensitivities. The Nest by Nutanix sensory room aims to provide a calm, welcoming environment that helps reduce the stress and anxiety associated with air travel, while preparing children for the flight ahead. For more information, see here.

 

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), 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
• CalABLE: Tax-free savings for people with disabilities

 

JOIN THE CALIFORNIA SERVICE CORPS

The Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement 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.