Dominic L. "Dom" Cortese

My memories of the late Norm Mineta are in the www.Almadentimes.com, page 10. Thanks to Times Media Group Editor William Bellou. Support our community newspapers!

Just some of the good memories and photos with Former Secretary Norm Mineta.

I am honored to be endorsed in my state senate race by Norman Y. Mineta, former Secretary of US Commerce and Transportation, US Representative and Mayor of San Jose. Norm is seen here handing out Halloween pumpkins and saluting veterans with my father Dominic L. Cortese.

My wife Suzanne and I had the pleasure of being interviewed and photographed by the staff of The Villages Spotlight Magazine. We are impressed by the kindness and professionalism of everyone associated with the magazine and the high quality of the publication.

A reminder to mail your ballot today for the March 3, 2020 Primary Election. To learn more, follow and like Dave on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and his website www.DaveCortese.com Dave Cortese for State Senate 2020

See what Dave is posting on his web site and social media these days leading up to the March 3rd election on Instagram , Facebook Dave Cortese for State Senate 2020 and his website www.DaveCortese.com.

I had the opportunity to meet Muhammad Ali personally after he was introduced on the State Assembly Floor in the 1980's. In the photo we are discussing a mutual friend, Julius Menendez. Julie coached the U.S. Boxing Team when Ali won the Gold Medal. He also coached at Bellarmine College Preparatory and Santa Clara University when I attended those schools and we became good friends. Ali was extremely interested in the fact that I knew Julie and how I knew him. He wanted to know how far San Jose was from Sacramento, perhaps to drive there to see him. Ali told me that Julie was a major influence in is life, especially teaching him self esteem and about staying cool. He always told Ali that he would one day be the world champ if he led a clean life and never let up on training. Julie believed that you had to start out believing you were going to win. I personally believe that Ali's later comments, such as telling opponents "I'm gonna beat you..." started way back then.

Long before this week's release of the remake of The Magnificent Seven classic film, there was the so-called Class of '80.

A special TBT:
Former US Representative Don Edwards: 1915-2015
Congressman Don Edwards’ public service began ahead of mine. His perseverance, political philosophy and grit were major factors motivating my own decision to enter public service.
Growing up in San Jose, my family’s Toyon Avenue ranch home and 54 acre apricot orchard were within just a few blocks of the Edwards family home on Fairway Drive.
Later as a business owner I would visit Don’s “office”. It was a desk placed right in the middle of his busy title company's main floor.
While I was chairing the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, I led a delegation to visit Don’s Washington DC office seeking support for the creation of the new county transit district. He arranged for us to meet with the then Secretary of Transportation, enjoy snacks at his Watergate apartment and attend a social event or two. I am grateful that he and his staff were always available to me and it was not unusual to get a personal phone call from him.
Pictured in circa 1980 photo, left to right: Don Edwards, Dominic L. Cortese, Suzanne Cortese, Norman Y. Mineta

Being given the 2015 L'Espirit de Francoise Award from Notre Dame High School in San Jose, CA was a wonderful honor for Suzanne and me. This article, written by Marylou Schoone, recalls some great memories.

Throwback Thursday: 1979, pictured Left to Right, then-California Assemblyman John Vasconcellos, then-Santa Clara County Supervisor Dominic Cortese, Comedian Pat Cooper.