Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
Happy Women's History Month! This is a time to celebrate the remarkable progress women have made throughout history and to honor the incredible women in our lives and communities who are working hard to create a better future for generations to come.
I kicked off my Women of the Year celebration by recognizing Sirisha Bandla on the Assembly Floor as the Woman of the Year for the 73rd Assembly District. Sirisha is an aeronautical engineer, commercial astronaut, and Virgin Galactic leader who made history as the second Indian-born woman to travel to space, and the fourth person of Indian descent ever to reach space aboard the Virgin Galactic Unity 22 spaceflight.
Please join me on Thursday, March 27 in Costa Mesa for our 7th Annual Women of the Year Celebration to recognize this year's honorees – Sirisha Bandla (Virgin Galactic), Yulan Chung (South Coast Chinese Cultural Center), and Katie Webb Brundige and Meghan Clem (RAD Camp). These extraordinary women are creating positive change, uplifting those in need, and inspiring the next generation of women leaders to reach for the stars. Click here to register.
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
During this week's Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation, I joined several of my colleagues in opposition to budget trailer bill language that would expand the regulatory fee authority of the California Air Resources Board. The proposal is too broad and gives CARB unprecedented power to impose new fees on businesses and consumers in California. In today's tough economic climate, now is not the time for additional fees.
Alzheimer's Association of Orange County volunteers are unwavering advocates and many of whom are living with the disease or caring for loved ones. Through their dedication and countless hours of service, they are raising awareness, supporting families, and pushing for a future without Alzheimer's.
Proud to partner with our local water agencies on legislation that strengthens emergency water supplies and enhances water resilience during times of drought or supply interruption. Thank you Irvine Ranch Water District for your leadership and investment in water resilience in Orange County!
Drunk driving deaths in California have surged 53 percent in the last five years taking thousands of lives. That's why I joined the Attorney General Alliance, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and advocates to highlight my bill, AB 366, which renews and strengthens California's expiring Ignition Interlock Device (IID) program by requiring convicted DUI offenders to install a breathalyzer in their vehicle to prevent them from driving drunk. Read more about the bill here.
It's always a pleasure to meet with students from my district during their Capitol visits! This week, an inspiring group of young leaders from Irvine Unified School District stopped by to say hello. Their passion, curiosity, and engagement were truly impressive and I wish them all the best as they pursue their educational goals.
It was wonderful to welcome students, parents, educators, and nonprofit leaders to Sacramento for the California Afterschool & Summer Challenge at the Cordial Caucus Reception! Their advocacy for expanded learning programs is essential to ensuring all kids have access to safe, enriching afterschool and summer opportunities.
Nothing beats a day with our local heroes! I had an incredible time at the Orange County Fire Authority Open House, connecting with the community and watching live demonstrations of the skill and dedication it takes to protect us in any emergency situation. Huge gratitude to our firefighters for their bravery and lifesaving work every day!
My team attended the City of Irvine's State of the City Address, celebrating 20 consecutive years as America's safest city! Mayor Larry Agran delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting Irvine's legacy of strategic planning and setting bold goals to ensure it remains a national leader. With a vision to make Irvine the safest, smartest, greenest, healthiest, and kindest city in America, the future looks bright for this thriving community!
PBS has been a part of so many of our lives, from childhood learning to community storytelling! Team Cottie had a great time at PBS SoCal's open house in Costa Mesa, checking out their studios and creative spaces. And the best part? We got a picture with Arthur!
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
It's always exciting to see students excel! Congratulations to the outstanding honorees at the Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary Club Student of the Quarter luncheon. My team was proud to celebrate their achievements, and we can't wait to see all they accomplish in the future!
Ensuring food security for everyone in Orange County is a cause we're proud to support. Team Cottie joined Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County at Tanaka Farms for the third annual Walk to Feed OC, it is wonderful to see the community come together to take action against hunger!
IN THE NEWS
Voice of OC recently featured a story on wildfire prevention efforts in Irvine's Bommer Canyon, highlighting the critical funding I advocated for to make this project a reality. Read more here.
RESOURCES
Join Cal Volunteers for a panel discussion with alumni of the California Service Corps - the largest service force in the nation - as they share how these paid service programs advanced their careers while driving environmental and community impact. Through personal stories, they will explore how service fosters leadership, resilience, and lasting change. Learn how you can get involved in programs that elevate your skills, empower communities, and promote sustainability.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 27 - Apr. 11 - OC Free Tax Prep
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 work to increase the number of financially stable households in Orange County.
OC Free Tax Prep provides free tax preparation services to thousands of low-income residents while also conducting outreach and education to raise awareness of and access to tax credits, like the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), which results in more money returned to our community, often bolstering a struggling family's ability to provide for their children, pay for rent, food, and medical expenses, while simultaneously stimulating the local economy.
Mar. 22 - Women's Health & Wellness Fair
To celebrate Women's History Month, the offices of Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Irvine City Councilmembers Melinda Liu and William Go, invite you to our first Women's Health and Wellness Resource Fair with Yoga Event!
Come join us to connect with organizations dedicated to enhancing the well-being of women and families of all ages across Orange County. Unwind and recharge with your community through a relaxing guided yoga session (please bring your own yoga mat).
Mar. 27 - Women of the Year Celebration
You're invited to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris' 7th Annual Women of the Year Celebration on Thursday, March 27 in Costa Mesa. During the event, we will honor three distinguished women from Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin for their extraordinary leadership and service in our communities. To watch highlights from last year's ceremony, click here.
Apr. 8 - Costa Mesa Small Business Clinic
The OCIE SBDC is excited to host the SBDC Small Business Clinic, a program offered in collaboration with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, the City of Costa Mesa, the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and the Coast Community College District for Costa Mesa-based businesses.
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 continuous, no-cost support in an effort to help them grow and expand their business.
