Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor the lives lost to gun violence and acknowledge the enduring impact on survivors. As we remember those affected, we renew our commitment to creating a safer society.
Gun safety remains at the forefront of my priorities as your representative. I am dedicated to pushing for legislation that will reduce gun violence and protect our communities. By prioritizing common-sense gun safety policies, we can work towards a future where such tragedies are significantly diminished.
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
Orange County is home to more than 1,800 companies and 51,000 jobs in the MedTech and bio-science spaces, and I am always proud to highlight the lifesaving research, development, and manufacturing that occurs right here, at home. I kicked off the week by speaking at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization's international convention about the importance of our statewide economic and workforce development policies in ensuring the industry remains invested in the Golden State. California is the birthplace of the life sciences industry - and the sector is a critical economic engine for our state. I'm pushing policies to encourage more investment, more growth, and more great jobs in our state!
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our world at a rapid pace, and it is imperative that we understand and prepare for the impacts that it will bring to our daily lives. I participated in an insightful roundtable discussion with industry leaders about how best to support technological innovation, strengthen our workforce, and safeguard our democracy.
I had a fantastic meeting with local educators who made the trip up to Sacramento to advocate for a budget deal that prioritizes students and staff, maintains the transformative education investments made in recent years, and improves outcomes for Orange County students. As a mom of two young boys and as a proud product of California public schools, I understand how important a quality education is for the success of future generations.
I was honored to join local leaders to inspire young women to explore a future in public service at the City of Tustin's annual "Girls in Government" summit. The discussion focused on various career paths in government, the perspective that women bring to the table, and the barriers that women face in elected and non-elected public service roles. A huge thank you to Councilwoman Leticia Clark for launching such a successful program!
I had the privilege of judging impressive diaper structures created by homebuilders, law enforcement, and community managers at HomeAid of Orange County's annual Diaper Drive! This event helps families in our community who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness gain access to basic necessities such as diapers, wipes, and baby food. I'm pleased to report that the creativity and dedication on display earned perfect 10s across the board!
Thank you to the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to its first Small Business Resources Fair in partnership with IKEA, the Small Business Administration, and the Orange County-Inland Empire Small Business Development Center. Small businesses are the heart and soul of our economy, and supporting their success is a top priority for me.
It was a pleasure to tour the state-of-the-art B. Braun Medical facility, located right here in Irvine. This impressive facility produces essential medical products that treat millions of patients in hospitals and outpatient settings nationwide. During my visit, we discussed crucial legislation, such as state-wide efforts to eliminate certain harmful toxins from IV bags. The safety and well-being of patients are imperative, and the state must remain committed to improving healthcare standards for all.
We had an incredible turnout at the Costa Mesa Community Health Resource Fair! Nearly 1,500 residents took advantage of the opportunity to apply for Medi-Cal and CalFresh, receive free food and diapers, and learn about valuable community resources. A heartfelt thanks go out to our partners CalOptima, Supervisor Katrina Foley, the City of Costa Mesa, the Orange County Health Care Agency, and the Orange County Social Services Agency for making this event a great success!
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
It was great to meet again with Matthew Chang, a student at Woodbridge High School and founder of an impressive, national student climate change organization. "Climate Garden" includes over 300 volunteers from across the country who advocate for climate change education and food justice for K-12 students. I am proud of his accomplishments and am inspired by his commitment to a cleaner, greener world!
Team Cottie joined the groundbreaking of Landmark Hall at Cal State Fullerton. Congratulations on this state-of-the art facility dedicated to leadership education!
RESOURCES
June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month. Every 66 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer's. Over 164,000 people in Orange County are affected by dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Whatever your age, now is the right time to take actions that help promote a healthy brain. Get familiar with brain health and learn what steps you can take if you or someone you love has memory concerns. It is important that we raise awareness about the impact of Alzheimer's and continue to support one another. Learn more from our partners at Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer's Orange County.
DMV is eliminating the need to complete simply transactions in a DMV office by expanding digital services. Starting June 3, the DMV will only process the following transactions through out-of-office options: vehicle registration renewals not past the due date; driver's license renewals that do not require an in-person visit; requests for copies of vehicle registration records; requests for copies of driver's license records; or replacing a lost or stolen driver's license/identification card. If you have any issues with the DMV, please contact my district office for assistance.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
June 21 to 32 - Irvine Greek Fest
The Irvine Greek Festival is taking place on June 21, 22, & 23, 2024 at Saint Paul's Greek Orthodox Church. The festival evokes the sights, sounds and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. Enjoy the hospitality of the St Paul's community and experience the simple pleasures of life in a Greek village.
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!
