Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
Sharing some exciting news, my bill AB 270 passed the Emergency Management Committee this week!
Thank you to Chief Brian Fennessy for joining me in Sacramento to testify in support this effort. This bill will launch a pilot program with the Orange County Fire Authority to deploy the nation's first autonomous firefighting helicopters. This means improved safety for pilots, faster response times, and stronger firefighting—especially at night and in extreme conditions. With wildfires now a year-round, statewide threat, it's critical for California to invest in innovative solutions to protect our communities.
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
Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing and most vital parts of our economy. I was honored to join the National Association of Women Business Owners at their Propel 2025 Advocacy Panel, where I spoke alongside my colleague Senator Shannon Grove to a group of inspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs. We explored how to better support women-owned businesses across California—discussing access to capital, mentorship, equitable policy, and sustainability. Thank you, NAWBO, for your leadership and advocacy!
We had a smile-worthy visit from the California Dental Association! They stopped by the office to share their insights and advocate for the needs of both dentists and the patients they care for. Grateful for their work to keep California smiling.
As an Assemblymember, I love connecting with the next generation about my work and what motivates me to serve. I recently sat down with a group of Chapman University film students to discuss women in leadership and reproductive healthcare. Their insightful questions reflected not only their passion, but also how deeply engaged they are with the issues shaping our world today. I can't wait to see their movie!
Team Cottie had the pleasure of meeting with representatives from the American Heart Association—including one of the incredible students from our Young Legislators Program! They shared their important work to raise awareness about heart disease and discussed key legislation they're championing to support heart health across our communities.
I'm so grateful for the amazing work Orange County United Way is doing in our community! Team Cottie had the privilege of attending their annual Scorecard Event, where we were inspired by the significant progress being made—from supporting student success to providing housing for those in need, and empowering families on their journey to financial stability. A heartfelt thank you to everyone dedicated to making a lasting impact in our county. Read more about the accomplishments of the FACE 2024 Project here.
A heartfelt thank you to the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, the City of Costa Mesa, and the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce for your partnership! Thanks to your support, our Small Business Clinic was a success. Local business owners were able to take advantage of free, one-on-one consultations with experts, gaining valuable tools to help them grow and succeed.
Incredible work on display by future trades workers at the Construction Industry Education Foundation's Design-Build Competition in Orange County! Proud to cheer on one of our Young Legislators from Estancia High School participating in the competition.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Proud to welcome Laura's House to Costa Mesa! This resale store helps you shop with a purpose — every purchase supports their life-changing programs. We're grateful for the incredible work they do to provide vital services to individuals impacted by domestic violence.
A new ramen spot just opened in Costa Mesa, and it's officially part of District 73! Team Cottie stopped by to congratulate Ramen Nagi on their grand opening and give them a warm welcome to the community. Wishing them lots of success ahead!
So much talent on display in Tustin! It was such a joy to celebrate our amazing young artists and the incredible teachers who inspire them every day. Big shout-out to the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts for all they do to keep creativity alive and the arts thriving in our schools and community.
RESOURCES
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced that select offices in the greater Los Angeles area will open an hour early, by appointment only, from April 14 to June 27. These early hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, will be dedicated exclusively to REAL ID appointments. The Costa Mesa DMV office at 650 W. 19th St. is one of the locations offering this service.
California is launching a new incentive on April 29 that will provide income-eligible Californians up to $2,000 toward the purchase of a new e-bike – the latest example of how the state is expanding access to zero-emissions transportation options to residents who need the boost the most. Up to 1,000 online applications will be approved. Check eligibility and apply below.
To learn more or to make a reservation, click below.
Got torn clothes, jeans that need patching, broken jewelry, busted lamps, or even wilted plants? Bring them to the Earth Day Fix It Fair at Segerstrom Center for the Arts's Julianne and George Argyros Plaza in Costa Mesa for some free repair help! Happening on Saturday, April 19 starting at 1 p.m., this community event is a collaboration between Segerstrom Center and Eco Now. All repair services are completely free and offered on a first-come, first-served basis—so come early and give your items a second life!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Apr. 23 - Financial Literacy Month Resource Webinar
Follow the Path to Financial Well-being! Register for the free California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation's (DFPI) Financial Literacy Resource Webinar. DFPI will focus on consumer spending behavior helping you better understand what factors influence your financial habits and how they affect your relationship with spending.
Apr. 26 - Costa Mesa Earth Day Festival
Join your neighbors for fun activities and sustainable education at the annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Costa Mesa City Hall.
Apr. 26 - Tustin Mobile Dental Clinic
Join us at Aldersgate United Methodist Church – Tustinto receive free dental care for all ages from the UCI Delta Delta Sigma Dental Clinic. Services provided include dental exams, cleanings, and the opportunity to schedule treatment follow-up with the same team.
