Catching Up With Cottie - 04/22

Welcome to “Catching Up With Cottie” - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.

Happy Earth Day!

First celebrated on April 22, 1970, Earth Day was created to raise awareness and inspire action to protect our environment. Each year, we honor this important day by recommitting to care for our planet and working toward a cleaner, healthier future for generations to come.

There are so many fun ways to celebrate here in Orange County! You can explore one of our beautiful trails with a scenic hike, attend an environmental talk at the Crystal Cove Conservancy, or join the City of Costa Mesa’s annual Earth Day Festival.

However you choose to celebrate, take a moment to appreciate that we are lucky to call one of the most beautiful places in the world home.

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

I had the opportunity to co-host a tour of the Ironworkers' Training Center alongside Assemblyman Phillip Chen, Assemblywoman Diane Dixon, Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu, Andrew Gonzalez from the LA/OC Building Trades Council, and representatives from other state and local elected offices.

It was truly inspiring to see firsthand the incredible work being done to train the next generation of skilled workers. The Ironworkers’ apprenticeship program not only provides world-class training but also opens doors to good-paying, high-demand careers — strengthening our economy and building a stronger, more resilient workforce.

Programs like these are vital to California’s future, offering a pathway to opportunity, economic mobility, and the continued growth of the skilled trades. Thank you to the Ironworkers for your leadership and for investing in the success of our communities and workers!

I’m proud to share the bill package I introduced this year, focused on tackling some of California’s most urgent challenges including energy affordability, combating drunk driving, strengthening our wildfire response, accelerating California’s clean energy transition, protecting our communities from gun violence, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.

Police officers play a vital role in maintaining public safety, building trust, and protecting the well-being of our communities. My team was proud to join the 12th Annual Costa Mesa Police Department Employee Recognition Ceremony where police officers and professional staff were recognized for going above and beyond to protect and serve their colleagues and community. Congratulations to all who were honored!

Many of us felt the recent earthquake centered in San Diego — a familiar reminder that in California, preparation is key. While earthquakes, wildfires, and other emergencies are part of life here, it’s always a good time to brush up on how to stay ready.

On May 28, I’m co-hosting a virtual one-hour presentation with the American Red Cross focused on practical steps you can take to prepare yourself, your home, and your loved ones. We’ll cover key actions for the most common hazards — and leave plenty of time for your preparedness questions, too.I hope you’ll join us for this important conversation!

Team Cottie was proud to join the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana, Tustin Host Lions Club, and Tustin Kiwanis Club during their annual tri-club luncheon! Our local service clubs play a vital role by promoting education and improving health and well-being through dedicated volunteerism.

Congratulations, Dimitri Kaviani, on being honored as Woodbridge High School’s Teacher of the Year. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to your passion, dedication, and the lasting impact you make in the lives of your students. Thank you for inspiring the next generation and for all you do to make Woodbridge High a place where students can thrive.

Applications are now open for the Minerva Scholarship, established by Women in California Leadership.

The Minerva scholarship offers female students financial assistance to meet educational expenses. This year there are up to 126 one-time $3,000 scholarships and one $10,000 Golden Minerva Scholarship. The deadline to apply is May 31st, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

Requirements to be eligible for a Minerva Scholarship:

• All California residents may apply and will be considered
• Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college for the 2025-2026 academic year
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Eligible students must gender identify as a woman or girl, or are female regardless of gender identity

To learn more or to make a reservation, click below.

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. We will be hosting a booth at the event to share helpful resources and help constituents with state-related issues.