Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
Last week, I introduced AB 366, a bill aimed at tackling the growing crisis of drunk driving. I'm grateful to my fellow legislators who joined me in co-authoring this bill, including Senator Bob Archuleta, who tragically lost his grandchild to a drunk driver over the holidays.
Just this month, Orange County has witnessed two heartbreaking DUI-related tragedies. In Dana Point, 88-year-old Melvin Weibel was killed by a repeat offender—someone with three prior drunk driving convictions. In Tustin, an LAPD sergeant, previously arrested for DUI, was involved in a hit-and-run that took the life of 19-year-old Imanol Salvador Gonzalez.
These deaths were preventable. Drunk driving remains an epidemic in America, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. It's time for common sense solutions that save lives. AB 366 is a crucial step forward—a proactive measure to prevent more families from experiencing the heartbreak of losing a loved one to a drunk driver.
The overwhelming support that AB 366 has received from legislators, advocates, and public safety leaders has been amazing. To help spread the word about this important legislation, I have assembled the Safe California Roads Coalition, bringing together survivors, victims' rights advocates, public safety officials, and other experts. I hope you'll join me in this fight. Click here to sign up for the California Safe Roads Coalition and help advocate for AB 366.
We must act now. Lives depend on it.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I am committed to addressing the issues that are important to you. As always, if there is anything that my team or I can do to assist you with a local or state issue, if you have questions or concerns about what I am working on, or anything in between, please contact my office. My team and I are here to help!
Yours faithfully,
Cottie Petrie-Norris
California State Assemblywoman
IN THE NEWS
To watch the full press conference on AB 366, click here.
To watch my interview with CBS2/KCAL on the Dana Point Incident and the introduction of AB 366, click here.
To read the Streetsblog California article on AB 366, click here.
To read the OC Register article on AB 366, click here.
I was honored to join the California Municipal Utilities Association during their Annual Capitol Day for a discussion on the state's energy and water policies. It was a great opportunity to share information about our legislative package of permit reform bills that will help cut green tape without cutting corners and help get clean energy projects up and running in our State at a faster pace. As Chair of the Utilities & Energy Committee, my priority remains creating a sustainable, reliable and affordable future for California's energy and water systems.
February is American Heart Month, a time to spotlight heart health and prevention. Each year in the Assembly, we Wear Red to raise awareness that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.—yet many cases are preventable. This month, take charge of your heart health by eating nutritious foods, staying active, managing stress, and scheduling regular check-ups. Small steps can lead to a healthier heart and a longer life. Check out these helpful resources provided by UCI Health on diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, coaching, and education.
I had the pleasure of joining the 2025 California Higher Education Policy Institute to engage in meaningful discussions and share insights on the critical challenges and opportunities facing California's higher education system. From reimagining education to better serve today's learners to examining AI's evolving role in the classroom, and from exploring innovative funding approaches to strengthening workforce alignment, these conversations are essential to shaping the future of higher education in our state.
Do you know an inspiring woman who has made a difference in your life? My office is accepting nominations for our 7th Annual Women of the Year Ceremony! Help us recognize outstanding women in our community. Click here to submit a nomination by Feb. 20!
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Team Cottie was excited to celebrate the grand opening of the Goddard School of Tustin! With a focus on academically endorsed methods, the Goddard School creates a fun and engaging environment where children develop essential skills for lifelong success. Congratulations on this wonderful new preschool, offering a nurturing space for young learners to grow, explore, and thrive!
Team Cottie was honored to celebrate Carl Greenwood and David B. Smith at the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana's 1st Annual Recognition Awards! With over a century of combined service, their dedication truly embodies "Service Above Self." Their impact on our communities is immeasurable, and we are grateful for their leadership and commitment.
Team Cottie joined the Tustin Community Foundation's annual Paper Football Challenge, all for a great cause! This fun event helps raise funding for local nonprofits and school groups, bringing together community leaders and Tustin residents to support one another. Love seeing our community come together!
RESOURCES
Did you make less than $67,000 in 2024? You might be eligible to file your taxes for free and claim cash-back credits. Through the OC Free Tax Prep program, Orange County United Way and countless dedicated partners are working with our community to increase the number of financially stable households in Orange County.
Do you know what tax credits you might be eligible to receive this tax season? Find out if you qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit, Young Child Tax Credit, federal tax credits, and more at caleitc.org.
The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region.
GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit from February 24, 2025 – March 10, 2025.
Irvine Ranch Water District is calling all young illustrators in their service area to round up their art supplies and show off their creative chops in IRWD's annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. Students in grades K-12 are encouraged to participate by creating a poster showcasing what this year's theme means to them: "Water Heroes: Saving Every Drop."
Entries will be judged for originality, artistic ability, and adherence to the water efficiency theme and contest rules. Contest entries are due to IRWD by Feb. 26.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mar. 6 - Tustin Small Business Clinic
The Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is excited to announce the Tustin Small Business Clinic, a program offered in collaboration with the City of Tustin with the goal of bringing business assistance and support to small business owners in the community.
During the program, business owners will get the opportunity to meet with an SBDC consultant at no cost for a 30-minute one-on-one session/meeting to answer their immediate needs pertaining to marketing, operations, or financial assessment. All participants will also be aligned with a primary consultant for follow-up assistance to receive no-cost continuous support in an effort to help them grow and expand their business.
Mar. 11 - Irvine Small Business Clinic
The Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is excited to announce the Irvine Small Business Clinic, a program offered in collaboration with the City of Irvine with the goal of bringing business assistance and support to small business owners in the community.
During the program, business owners will get the opportunity to meet with an SBDC consultant at no cost for a 30-minute one-on-one session/meeting to answer their immediate needs pertaining to marketing, operations, or financial assessment. All participants will also be aligned with a primary consultant for follow-up assistance to receive no-cost continuous support in an effort to help them grow and expand their business.
