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.
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.
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.
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.
Legislators are still considering a bill that would mandate anyone convicted of driving under the influence to install a device on their car that would prevent them from starting if alcohol is detected.
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.
Tustin, CA – Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris honored Arvida Book Co., a woman-owned, independent bookstore in Old Town Tustin, as the 2025 Small Business of the Year for California’s 73rd Assembly District.
Each year, Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris invites community members to nominate a local small business that has made a meaningful and lasting impact in their community. This year’s honoree, Arvida Book Co., stood out as a vibrant cultural and community hub, promoting literacy, inclusivity, and a love for storytelling in Orange County.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A new California bill aimed at preventing drunk driving moved one step closer to becoming law after receiving unanimous approval from the Senate Public Safety Committee.
Assembly Bill 366 would require all DUI offenders in California, including first-time violators, to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. These devices prevent cars from starting if the driver has been drinking.