Catching Up With Cottie - 05/06
Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
I’m proud to share that several of my priority bills advanced this week — focused wildfire mitigation and energy affordability.
My bill AB 270 advanced, launching a pilot program with the Orange County Fire Authority to deploy the nation’s first autonomous firefighting helicopters. This innovative approach will help strengthen our emergency response capabilities and better protect our communities from wildfires.
Lowering energy costs remains my top priority. AB 825, part of my affordability bill package, passed the Utilities and Energy Committee this week. This bill will reduce the cost of building new transmission infrastructure.
I’m also proud that AB 514, developed in partnership with the Irvine Ranch Water District, is moving forward. This bill supports the development of emergency water supplies for use during droughts or unexpected service interruptions.
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
It is always a pleasure connecting with the Orange County Realtors, representing over 15,000 real estate professionals across our region. We had a meaningful conversation about the state of the housing market and how we can work together to make homeownership more accessible for all.
May is Small Business Month, and it's time to celebrate the backbone of our economy—California’s 4.2 million small businesses! Here in Orange County, 96% of businesses have fewer than 50 employees and power nearly 44% of our workforce. Know a standout local business making a big impact? Nominate them for Small Business of the Year and help us recognize their hard work, innovation, and dedication to our community.
Congratulations to JSX on their exciting expansion at John Wayne Airport! We’re thrilled to see their new terminal take flight right here in Orange County — offering travelers a smoother, more comfortable experience and new direct routes.
Team Cottie was proud to attend the Irvine Valley College Student Services and Student Union Groundbreaking Ceremony — a major milestone for student support on campus! I was especially honored to see the future Veterans Services Center taking shape as part of this new facility. Supporting our student veterans has always been a top priority, and I’m proud to have secured state budget funding to help expand services dedicated to those who’ve served our country.
My team joined a briefing and tour of the Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Anaheim Hills, hosted by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, alongside CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin, Supervisors Katrina Foley and Doug Chaffee, members of VALOR, and other local officials. We’re grateful for the opportunity to honor and support our veterans by learning more about this important project and the work being done to make it a reality.
Congratulations to Share Ourselves on the grand opening of their new Costa Mesa clinic! This modern facility will offer comprehensive health services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, vision care, pharmacy access, and care management to help patients navigate both health and social services.
Team Cottie had a sweet time celebrating the grand opening of Gelatissimo in Irvine! From handcrafted gelato to heartfelt community spirit, the event was a true treat. We joined the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network, the OC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and leaders from the City of Irvine to welcome this delicious new addition.
May is Older Californians Month, and Team Cottie was proud to partner with the Tustin Area Senior Center during their Get Fit Week to connect with our vibrant senior community. We shared valuable information on state resources—including the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and the Contractors State License Board—and highlighted our upcoming Emergency Preparedness virtual event with the Red Cross, it’s not too late to sign up and join us!
Some heroes don’t wear capes—they carry compassion, courage, and a drive to help others. The Orange County Heroes Awards celebrated incredible individuals who stepped up in moments that mattered most. Team Cottie was honored to join the American Red Cross in recognizing these lifesavers.
IN THE NEWS
Read the article about my bill, AB 366, unanimously passing Public Safety Committee here.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Teaching is heart work — and during Teacher Appreciation Month, we're especially proud to celebrate the Teachers of the Year honored by the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation! Thank you for the creativity, care, and commitment you bring to your classrooms every day. Our students and community are better because of you.
Big shout-out to the amazing students recognized as 2025 Coastline ROP Distinguished Achievers! Your commitment to learning, growing, and gaining real-world skills is what Coastline ROP is all about. Whether you're headed to college, a career, or something in between — you're already making a difference.
A wave of care has arrived in Costa Mesa with the opening of Ocean Pediatrics! This new clinic brings compassionate, expert care to our community’s youngest residents — creating a space where children’s health and wellness come first. Wishing the entire Ocean Pediatrics team great success as they begin this exciting new chapter.
RESOURCES
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 6 - State of the Great Park
Attendees will enjoy interactive exhibits from Great Park partners, a unique virtual reality (VR) experience that immerses guests in the present and future of the Great Park, a look at the updated walkable timeline at the Great Park, live music, refreshments, and more. The event is free, family-friendly, and open to the entire community.
Join Trellis, the City of Costa Mesa, and your neighbors for the 8th Annual Love Costa Mesa Day, a community-wide event where we come together to serve, connect, and celebrate our city! This is a day dedicated to making a difference through meaningful volunteer projects that benefit our local community.
May 21 - Protect Yourself From Fraud Webinar
Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) are hosting a free webinar to help you learn how to protect yourself from fraud. Topics will include identity theft, email/texting scams, mail fraud, credit monitoring, and much more.
May 28 - Earthquake & Wildfire Preparedness Webinar
Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and the American Red Cross invite you to join us to learn how you can prepare yourself and your household for earthquakes and wildfires.
In this virtual 1-hour presentation, we will talk about how to take action at home during the focus hazards and what steps to take to prepare yourself and your loved ones. We will also have time for you to ask your preparedness-related questions.
May 31 - Costa Mesa Compost Giveaway & Shredding Event
Costa Mesa Sanitary District, CR&R Environmental Services, and Orange Coast College invite CMSD customers to a free drive-thru Shredding and Compost Giveaway Event!
