Skip to main content

Latest News

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

CPN presenting AB 825
Legislative package delivers major wins on energy affordability, grid reliability, wildfire safety, housing, and public safety reforms.

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 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.

Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris, OC United Way Deliver Free School Supplies for Over 1,400 Tustin Students

3rd Annual Tustin School Supply Drive

Tustin, CA – Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Orange County United Way and local partners provided over 1,400 school supply kits to students in the Tustin Unified School District through the 3rd Annual Tustin School Supply Drive. The school supply kits—filled with essential items like backpacks, notebooks, paper and writing utensils—will be distributed to elementary students at Title I schools by teachers and Family Resource Centers as the new school year begins.

Be Well OC renews contract with city for providing mobile mental health services

Laguna Beach Independent

Laguna Beach residents may notice a blue van driving along its streets with “Hope Happens Here” boldly written along its side. Within its doors, they will find a team of counselors from Be Well OC, an organization providing crucial mental health services throughout the city.

The city of Laguna Beach has officially renewed its contract with Be Well OC through at least June 2, allowing the organization to operate its Mobile Crisis Response Team throughout the city, seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and provides mobile mental health services to those in need wherever they are.