Senate Passes Resolution Honoring Rusty Areias

California State Senator Dave Cortese said on May 21 that the Senate had passed SCR 129, a resolution to designate part of State Route 152 as the “Rusty Areias Highway.” Cortese’s office said the measure honors former Assemblymember Rusty Areias for his work on transportation, agriculture, parks and regional development. The resolution now goes to the Assembly for further review and consideration, according to Cortese’s statement. SCR 129 was introduced earlier this year and had already cleared the Senate Transportation Committee before reaching the floor. ### Who is Rusty Areias, and why is Highway 152 part of the tribute? Rusty Areias served in the California State Assembly from 1982 to 1994, according to Cortese’s office. The April 7 announcement introducing SCR 129 said Areias represented the Central Coast and parts of the Central Valley and was known for work on transportation, agriculture and regional economic development. (sd15.senate.ca.gov) State Route 152 is central to the tribute because Areias was credited with helping secure $150 million for improvements over Pacheco Pass Road while serving on the Assembly Transportation Committee. Cortese said those upgrades improved safety and commerce along a corridor once known as “Blood Alley.” The same release described the route as a key connection between the San Joaquin Valley and the southern Bay Area. (sd15.senate.ca.gov) ### What did Cortese say when the Senate passed the resolution? Dave Cortese said in the May 21 release that Areias “helped shape California through pragmatic leadership and bipartisan collaboration.” Cortese said Areias’ work ranged from improving Highway 152 and public safety along Pacheco Pass to expanding access to state parks and preserving open space. (sd15.senate.ca.gov) The May 21 statement also said SCR 129 received bipartisan support from 21 legislative co-authors. Cortese linked the measure to Santa Clara County as well, saying Areias helped preserve what is now Martial Cottle Park. Cortese noted a personal connection, saying Areias had served in the Legislature at the same time as his father, former Assemblymember Dominic L. Cortese. (sd15.senate.ca.gov) ### What else did Areias do outside the Assembly? Governor Gray Davis appointed Areias to serve as director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation after his Assembly tenure, according to Cortese’s office. The April 7 release said Areias oversaw passage of $6 billion in park bonds for park and wildlife maintenance statewide. (sd15.senate.ca.gov) That same release said park fees were cut in half during Areias’ tenure, which Cortese’s office said increased attendance at state parks by more than 23 million visitors. Cortese’s office also said Areias was critical in securing state land for Martial Cottle Park in Santa Clara County, preserving more than 300 acres of farmland for a public farm park with trails, gardens and educational programs. (sd15.senate.ca.gov) ### Where does the resolution stand now? SCR 129 was introduced on February 19, according to the Senate Daily Summary cited in legislative records surfaced by the California Senate website. Cortese’s office said on April 7 that the Senate Transportation Committee had approved the measure, and on May 21 said the full Senate had passed it. The next step is in the Assembly. (sd15.senate.ca.gov) Cortese’s May 21 statement said the resolution will move there for further review and consideration, and his 2025-2026 legislation page lists SCR 129 as a measure honoring Areias by naming a portion of Highway 152 in Santa Clara County after him. (sd15.senate.ca.gov) (senate.ca.gov)