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Volunteers Unite to Tackle Hunger in Orange County

Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event

Irvine, CA — Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County hosted Hunger Action Month volunteer events at the Second Harvest Distribution Center and Harvest Solutions Farm in Irvine. September is Hunger Action Month – a nationwide campaign uniting food banks, anti-hunger organizations and community members to raise awareness and inspire action against hunger. Over 100 volunteers harvested and packaged 16,000 pounds of mixed produce.

Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris Champions Legislation to Cut Energy Costs and Strengthen Grid Reliability

CPN presenting AB 825

Sacramento, CA — Affordability remains one of the most pressing challenges for Californians. This year, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) delivered major wins to lower costs for ratepayers and accelerate California’s clean energy transition. Working closely with colleagues in the Legislature, she championed landmark legislation that puts money back in families’ pockets while building a more reliable and sustainable energy future.

California's Environmental Past Confronts Economic Worries of the Present

New York Times

California has long prided itself as an environmental trailblazer. It was the first state to set its own vehicle emission rules and the first to outlaw plastic shopping bags.

In 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, went so far as to seek a ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Standing in front of several electric cars, he warned automakers against being on “the wrong side of history.”

California legislature approves bill to create Western regional electricity market

Solar Power World

The California legislature recently approved AB 825, a measure that will enhance grid reliability and enable the creation of a West-wide regional electricity market. It is now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.

AB 825 will help California develop more renewable energy to sell to other states and expand market access for renewable energy across the Interior West, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

California Lawmakers Pass Legislative Package That Includes Bills Tied to Electricity Market, Wildfire Funds

American Public Power Association

California state lawmakers on Sept. 13 approved a legislative package that includes the creation of an expanded Wildfire Fund and enabling the Pathways Initiative for a voluntary, west-wide regional electricity market. 

The legislation was announced by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas on Sept. 10.

CalChamber Applauds Regional Energy Plan, Backs AB 825

California Chamber of Commerce

The California Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday joined a broad coalition in supporting final amendments to a plan for the Golden State to participate in an expanded regional electricity market — thanking Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders for their leadership in crafting a bill with strong support from business, labor, and environmental groups.

Costa Mesa expects to open supportive housing in transformed Travelodge this spring

Daily Pilot

The roar of planes taking off from nearby John Wayne Airport Thursday afternoon did little to dampen enthusiasm for a new 76-unit housing complex taking shape on the grounds of an underutilized Travelodge in Costa Mesa.

Officials, developers and nonprofit leaders assembled for a ceremonial groundbreaking at 1400 Bristol St., where the construction of 120 motel rooms into studio and one-bedroom apartments is already underway and anticipated to wrap by spring.

One of the units was available for tours, showcasing a bedroom and living room with a full bathroom and kitchen.

Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris Celebrates Groundbreaking of Homekey Project in Costa Mesa

Avon River Apartments Groundbreaking

Costa Mesa CA — Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris celebrated the groundbreaking of the Avon River Apartments, a new Homekey-funded development that will transform a former Travelodge motel into permanent supportive housing for Orange County residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris helped secure $29 million in Homekey grant funding to support the project.