Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
I had the opportunity to tour Heirloom's direct air capture facility and see firsthand how California is leading the way in climate innovation. I'm proud to author AB 881, which establishes safety standards for carbon dioxide pipelines — helping us meet our climate targets safely, support high-quality jobs, and strengthen our green economy for the long term.
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
We had an important informational hearing in the Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation to review proposals based on the Governor's May Revise. Given the state's current fiscal outlook, it's essential that we approach every investment with care and ensure that every dollar is spent wisely.
Grateful to meet with our Orange County and Costa Mesa firefighters to talk about legislative priorities, firefighting innovation, and how we can better support those on the front lines. Thank you for your bravery, service, and unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe!
Workers power our communities— I met with several unions this week including the Orange County Labor Federation to discuss priorities that support and uplift working people.
I also met with the United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 6 to discuss the issues that matter most to working families. From safe working conditions to the future of clean energy jobs, their advocacy is shaping a stronger, more equitable economy.
It was great catching up with the LA/OC Building Trades! Their work opens doors to high-demand, skilled careers that provide real pathways to economic mobility. Their commitment to training and opportunity is laying the foundation for stronger communities across our region.
Congratulations to Councilmember Betty Martinez Franco on her swearing-in as the 7th member of the Irvine City Council! I look forward to working together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.
We had a fantastic turnout at our river channel cleanup for Love Costa Mesa Day! Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our incredible volunteers, we removed 1,200 pounds of trash—preventing it from polluting our precious coastal waters. A big thank you to OC Coastkeeper for your valuable partnership in making this event a success!
The Ranch Community Center at the OC Fair is such fun! a vibrant 7.5-acre space celebrating horses, ranching, and the great outdoors right here in Orange County! From after-school programs to equine-assisted therapy and horse shows, The Ranch is a community gem offering free and low-cost activities for all ages.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Congratulations to Michele Richards on a well-deserved retirement after years of dedicated leadership at the OC Fair! Throughout her tenure, Michele helped expand community events, elevate entertainment experiences, boost local tourism, and strengthen the regional economy. Her vision and commitment have left a lasting impact on the fairgrounds and the broader Costa Mesa community. Thank you, Michele, for everything you've done — enjoy your next chapter!
Irvine continues to grow as a dynamic business hub, and it's always a pleasure to celebrate a new addition to our community. Congratulations to ConsumerDirect on your grand opening! Your presence brings fresh opportunities, supports local job growth, and strengthens our regional economy.
A heartfelt congratulations to the Students of the Quarter honored by the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence are truly inspiring. Keep shining — your future is bright!
Excited to welcome the new Hampton Inn by Hilton to our community! From creating local jobs to offering visitors a comfortable place to stay, this new addition brings both warmth and opportunity.
RESOURCES
The Randall Preserve is Orange County's newest nature preserve. The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) and the Coastal Corridor Alliance (CCA) have partnered to plans that will guide the long-term stewardship of this vital landscape.
Join us in supporting the advancement of the Preserve by participating in the upcoming Open House Series! Learn about the team's progress and provide comments on three plans that will shape the vision for this vital OC landscape: the Resource Management Plan, Public Access Plan, and the Coastal Resilience Strategy. Attend the meeting that's right for you.
Join the City of Irvine for the launch of the Floatie Exchange Program — a new initiative to help families swap non–Coast Guard-approved floaties for free, approved life jackets for kids ages 6 and under. Life jackets will be available, while supplies last, at the Woollett Aquatics Center and at several City-sponsored events throughout the year.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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 26 - Tustin Memorial Day and Remembrance Event
May 26 - Irvine Memorial Day Service
In observance of Memorial Day, the City of Irvine invites the community to participate in two meaningful ceremonies that honor and remember the lives of U.S. military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice — the Northwood Memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony Sunday, May 25, at 4 p.m. and the Memorial Day Ceremony at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park Monday, May 26 at 10 a.m.
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!
June 4 - Protect Yourself from AI Scams Webinar
AI-powered scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder to distinguish fact from fiction. Join our crucial webinar to explore the emerging landscape of AI-related scams and fraud. We'll talk about deepfakes, AI-generated phishing attempts, and other manipulative tactics. Learn how to spot the red flags, protect your identity, and safeguard your finances in the age of AI. Don't be caught off guard – register today and stay ahead of the curve!
June 4 - Costa Mesa Dental Clinic
Join us to receive dental services for all ages from Families Together of Orange County, including Dental Exams and Cleanings. Families Together accepts Medi-Cal and PPO insurance. Patients with HMO insurance are kindly referred to the dental provider assigned to them by their plan.
Uninsured? You are welcome. Families Together can provide a free dental exam at the clinic. Some patients may be referred to their office for follow-up care, which may include a charge.
June 7 - Irvine Free Paper Shredding Event
In partnership with the City of Irvine, Waste Management is hosting a free paper-shredding event Saturday, June 7, 9–11 a.m. at Lakeview Senior Center. Irvine Residents can safely and securely dispose of up to five banker-size file boxes. The event is first-come, first-served and will end early if the truck capacity is reached. Customers who wish to watch their paper be shredded will need to park in a designated area away from the truck and staff.
June 7 - Costa Mesa Community Health Resource Fair
You're invited to join Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Supervisor Katrina Foley, Congressman Dave Min, CalOptima Health, County of Orange, City of Costa Mesa, and nonprofit organizations for a FREE Community Health Resource Fair at Lions Park in Costa Mesa!
- Learn about community resources for basic needs, health and wellness and mental health resources
- Apply for CalFresh and Medi-Cal
- Free health and dental screenings
- Free diapers and food distribution (while supplies last)
- Enjoy family-fun activities
