Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
I invite you to 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
Each year, I have the opportunity to honor nonprofit organizations for the essential work they do for Orange County residents as part of California Nonprofits Day. I am excited to shine a spotlight on the exceptional organizations that are uplifting our communities. I invite you to nominate a nonprofit that you believe should be honored for their positive impact. We are considering nominations for nonprofit organizations that are located in or serve the cities of Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin. Please submit your online nomination by April 9, 2025.
As Chair of the Utilities & Energy Committee, my top priority is making energy more affordable. Too many Californians face rising costs—1 in 4 are at risk of disconnection. At the ARCHES Symposium, I shared the steps I'm taking to prevent future hikes and fast-track clean energy projects. Hydrogen is key to California's clean energy future, and ARCHES—based at UC Irvine—is leading the way in innovation. We have a critical opportunity to grow this industry while ensuring energy remains reliable, sustainable, and affordable for all.
This week, I participated in several key committee hearings, including an oversight hearing in the Insurance Committee on California's growing insurance crisis. Commissioner Ricardo Lara testified—outlining his plans for much-needed reforms. I pushed for greater transparency so homeowners, businesses, and communities get the clear, honest information they deserve about their coverage and costs. This crisis impacts us all, and Californians can't afford more delays—real solutions are long overdue.
At the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection hearing, we dug into several important bills, including how AI uses copyrighted material for training. As AI advances, we need to make sure creators' work isn't taken, repurposed, or profited from without their permission. Innovation is important, but so is protecting the people behind the content. I'm committed to pushing for transparency, fairness, and real protections for creators as we navigate this new technology.
We celebrated California Agriculture Day at the Capitol, honoring the farmers, growers, ranchers, and advocates who help make our state the nation's agricultural powerhouse! With over 400 different commodities grown right here in California, our agriculture industry is vital to our economy, communities, and food security. I had the chance to see some of these incredible products firsthand—including delicious avocados grown at UC Irvine's farm!
I am honored to be recognized as Legislator of the Year by Internetworks! Proud of our collaboration to advocate for policies that support innovation, connectivity, and a stronger digital future for California.
Had a great time meeting with the school administrators from District 73! Grateful for their dedication to our students, teachers, and school communities.
I hope everyone celebrating had a wonderful Nowruz! I know I did—it was so special to celebrate both in the district and at the Capitol, surrounded by community, tradition, and joy.
Thank you to the Irvine Police Department, Orange County Fire Authority, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy for an insightful Wildfire Town Hall! Residents learned how Irvine is prepared to respond to wildfires, what steps they can take to stay safe, and the importance of proactive fire mitigation. Proud to have secured funding for the Bommer Canyon wildfire mitigation project, to help protect our open spaces and reduce fire risk in our community.
Great turnout at the Women's Health & Wellness Fair! Grateful to partner with Councilmembers Melinda Liu and William Go to bring vital resources and support to our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
IN THE NEWS
Politico recently highlighted my bill AB 881, which sets safety standards for carbon dioxide pipelines. This ensures California meets its climate goals cost-effectively while creating high-road jobs and growing our green economy. Read more here.
My Ignition Interlock Device bill, AB 366, was highlighted on ABC 10 ahead of the Public Safety Committee hearing, read about it here.
Read more about the committee hearing in this article by KTLA.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Huge congratulations to Kristie Donavan of Woodbridge High on receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching! Her passion for STEM education is shaping the next generation of innovators.
Congratulations to the recipients of the Attorney Rose Tsai Outstanding Public Service Scholarship! It's truly inspiring to see young leaders making a difference—whether volunteering with medical teams in Nepal, launching anti-aging initiatives, promoting healthy eating at senior centers, or leading cardiovascular health workshops. Your dedication and impact are seen, valued, and celebrated!
RESOURCES
Spring is here! Get your garden ready with FREE compost and mulch available at our locations in Brea, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Apr. 19 - Irvine Earth Day Event
Visit Quail Hill Community Center to enjoy guided hikes, a composting demo, and interactive activities and presentations offered by the City of Irvine and partner agencies Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
