Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
I hope you had a good Memorial Day weekend. I was honored to join the Memorial Day ceremonies in the cities of Tustin and Irvine. Today, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and for our freedom.
May we honor their memory not just with words, but with actions that uphold the values they fought to protect. Let us never forget the debt of gratitude we owe to our fallen heroes and their families.
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 was a busy week at the Capitol as we worked in the Assembly to pass over 500 bills to meet the House of Origin deadline. I am proud to announce that my nine bills passed the Assembly and are on their way to the Senate! I am working diligently to address Californians' concerns around energy and climate action, public safety and reproductive rights.
On Wednesday, I joined the Budget Subcommittee 4 where we had a robust hearing and received updates from a number of state agencies on the Governor's May Revise budget proposal. Over the next several weeks, we will be closely evaluating the proposed funding shifts as we work to pass the 2024/2025 budget by June 15.
In the district, it was great to tour TS Conductor's newly established ‘Smart Wire' manufacturing facility, right here in Huntington Beach! In 2022, I was happy to support their application for a grant from the California Energy Commission to fund their project to help the state meet its energy goals. They are doing impressive work to modernize our electricity grid as well as increase energy efficiency, grid resiliency, and public safety, while also significantly mitigating the risk of wildfire throughout the state.
On Friday, Hayden and I joined Get Inspired and students from the Orange Coast College Aquarium Science for a juvenile sea bass release. In 2021, I worked with Get Inspired's founder, Nancy Caruso, to pass legislation to support marine life restoration on the California coast. It is always terrific to reconnect with her and support Get Inspired's incredible work!
Marking Harvey Milk Day, Team Cottie joined the City of Irvine's Progress Flag raising and Pride celebration in support of the LGBTQ+ community!
Team Cottie also joined the OC Sanitation District at the grand opening of their new headquarters in Fountain Valley! Thank you for your dedication to sustainability and for utilizing eco-friendly features to achieve net-zero energy. I hope that this new location will prove an exceptional hub to continue serving the residents of Orange County.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Congratulations to these exceptional employees for receiving the Tustin Unified School District's Classified Employee of the Year award! Thank you for your exemplary service to the students of TUSD and for your dedication and contribution towards educational excellence.
Congratulations to these outstanding students for earning the Save Our Youth (SOY) Scholarship Award. Your hard work and dedication to academic excellence and leadership are the cornerstone of your success. Wishing you a bright future!
RESOURCES
As wildfire season approaches, it's crucial to prioritize safety and preparedness. An emergency like a wildfire can cause a lot of stress, especially if you need to leave your home quickly. By taking the necessary precautions and staying vigilant, we can all play a role in minimizing the impact of wildfires on our communities. Stay safe, California. Read more about wildfire preparation from Califoria Office of Emergency Services below.
The population of the Golden State is getting older, and California has taken steps to make the aging process easier for older adults and caregivers to obtain the resources they need for a more joyful future.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 2 - Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
The 40th Annual Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This annual party takes place in the streets of Old Town Tustin holds the distinct honor of being the largest one-day chili cook-off in the country, according to the International Chili Society. The event comes alive with a variety of exhibitors featuring crafters, community organizations, food and chili booths, and craft beers and wine.
June 8 - Costa Mesa Community Health Resource Fair
You're invited to join me, Supervisor Katrina Foley, 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!
June 15 - Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event
Join me and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County at the Harvest Solutions Farm to help harvest seasonal produce or plant crops so that our neighbors have consistent access to nutritious food creating a foundation for community health and well-being.
June 22 - Tustin Household Waste & Shredding Event
Do you have bulky household items you need to throw away or important documents to shred? Bring your household waste and documents to Columbus Tustin Park on Saturday, June 22, from 8-11 a.m.
July 8 - August 2 - Eureka! Girls Summer Camp
Calling all Strong, Smart, and Bold students! Join Girls Inc. for a summer filled with STEM and life-skills activities, guest speakers, and weekly field trips! At Eureka! students gain the skills to fuel themselves today, tomorrow, and in the future. Be a part of a fun-filled summer!
