News

Sacramento, CA (April 23, 2024) - Two years ago, Angel Renteria was walking her dog when she was struck by a drunk driver. At 16, she spent months on life support and lost the ability to walk or speak.

It's stories like Renteria's that have led Orange County Assembly Member Cottie Petrie-Norris to author a bill to mandate anyone convicted of a DUI to install an interlock ignition device, or IID, such as a breathalyzer, in their vehicle.

Sacramento, CA (April 23, 2024) - Rhonda Campbell with Mothers Against Drunk Driving says lawmakers have passed a new bill, AB 2210, out of the Public Safety Committee to tackle drunk driving.

After years of fighting to move the bill forward, MADD said the committee agreed to a pilot program covering five counties in California. It would ensure all DUI offenders, including first-timers, are required to install ignition interlock devices, or breathing devices, in their cars to prevent them from driving drunk. The current law doesn't apply to first-time offenders.

Sacramento, CA (April 18, 2024) - Advocates gathered alongside lawmakers on Thursday to express support for a bill that aims to strengthen the consequences for anyone convicted of DUI, not just repeat offenders.

It would require first-time offenders to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle.

The bill, also known as Angel's Law, is inspired by Angel Renteria who was run over by a drunk driver while walking her dog in 2022. She was left paralyzed and unable to speak.

Costa Mesa, CA (March 29, 2024) - The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, in conjunction with the office of state Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), earmarked $2.5 million in the state’s 2021-22 budget to allow Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue to upgrade the existing training tower facility at Fire Station No. 4 on Placentia Avenue

Costa Mesa, CA (March 15, 2024) - Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) honored Women’s History Month Thursday by naming three Orange County residents as 2024 Women of the Year.

Costa Mesa Police Deputy Chief Joyce LaPointe, President of City of Hope Orange County Annette Walker and CalOptima Health community relations manager Soledad Rivera were selected to receive this year’s honor, which recognizes extraordinary contributions and leadership by women.

Laguna Woods, CA (February 2, 2024) - Since 2003, the city of Laguna Woods has had a branch of the Orange County Public Libraries operating from behind a 9-foot counter inside City Hall. Last Saturday, Jan. 27, the city finally celebrated the opening of its very own, newly constructed, 3,400-square-foot library building.

Costa Mesa city leaders are beginning to move on a series of park improvements made possible by $11.2 million in funding from two local legislators seeking to expand access to public open space. Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) allocated $1.2 million in the state budget to help widen the footprint of another west-side pocket park, Ketchum-Libolt. 

Los Angeles, CA (January 21, 2023) - On this week’s “In Focus SoCal,” host Tanya McRae looks at new legislation that has gone into effect in California to address some important issues. Rising cases, the urgent need for intervention, and new legislation highlight the severity of the problem as the fentanyl crisis takes a toll on communities and families. 

Orange County, CA (January 23, 2024) - United to End Homelessness℠, an initiative of Orange County United Way, announced that it has housed 1,000 individuals through its WelcomeHomeOC℠ housing navigation and landlord incentive program. The program marks this milestone to start the new year as it continues to actively match individuals and families experiencing homelessness with property providers throughout the county.

Costa Mesa, CA (January 18, 2024) - The state created the program called Homekey three years ago during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Homekey is one way the state is trying to confront the homelessness crisis by funding conversions that come with a far lower price tag than building new housing. The money from the state is typically combined with other funding sources to buy the buildings and renovate them for people to live in.