Catching Up With Cottie - 06/24

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 my inaugural Young Legislators Cohort has officially completed their program! We wrapped up this exciting journey with a trip to Sacramento, where each student presented thoughtful and innovative bill proposals on the issues they’re most passionate about.

From the start, this incredible group demonstrated deep engagement and a strong commitment to public service. Over the course of the program, they explored the many ways public policy intersects with different sectors and heard directly from leaders across government, education, and advocacy.

Thank you to all of our partners who made this experience possible. Congratulations to the 2025 Young Legislators Cohort — your futures are bright, and I can’t wait to see what you do next!

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

A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible volunteers who joined us this weekend — and to Councilmembers Melinda Liu and William Go — for making our Harvest Solutions Farm event so memorable! Together, we harvested 14,000 lbs of zucchini and yellow squash helping ensure our community has consistent access to fresh, nutritious food.

This marks our seventh volunteer event with Second Harvest Food Bank since 2023. In total, we’ve harvested 60,200 pounds of produce, a powerful testament to what we can accomplish when we come together to support health and well-being in our region.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a vision come to life. I was honored to join the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach to celebrate the grand opening of the new Dream Play Yard at the Laguna Canyon Enrichment Center! This vibrant new space includes a play structure, turf and shaded areas, and a skateboarding zone — all designed to support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of local youth. I'm proud to have secured $400,000 in state funding in the 2022-23 budget to help make this project a reality. Here's to safer, joyful spaces where kids can grow, thrive, and dream big!

Had a wonderful time celebrating some dear friends at the 1st Annual Veterans Hero Awards in Orange County, hosted by VALOR and the Heroes Hall Veterans Foundation. Congratulations to Congressman Lou Correa, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, and Supervisor Katrina Foley on being recognized for your outstanding support of our veterans!

It’s always a great time at the Irvine Greek Fest, from vibrant culture to incredible food! Thank you to St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church for the incredible hospitality.

Thank you to the Orange County Medical Association for inviting me to your annual Officer Installation and Physician of the Year Recognition event. Congratulations to Dr. Shalini Shah for your exceptional service and dedication, your commitment to excellence is truly inspiring.

My team was at the Sunset Market in Tustin to meet with the community and engaging in meaningful conversation about constituent services and resources, legislation and the issues that matter most to local residents.

There’s a brand-new McDonald’s in Tustin! It was great to celebrate this exciting opening alongside the community. Wishing the team all the best as they bring fresh energy, jobs, and golden arches to the neighborhood!

Join us this summer for the 2nd Annual IgniteHer Summit — an inspiring day of workshops, speakers, and empowering conversations designed to help you lead with confidence and spark change in your community. You'll connect with visionary leaders, hear from an incredible keynote speaker, and leave with the tools and support to turn your ideas into action. Don’t miss this chance to ignite your future!

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION

Welcome Back to Corner Bakery who just celebrated their reopening at The Market Place. Congratulations, and wishing you continued growth and prosperity!

Traveling through John Wayne Airport? Active duty service members, veterans, and their families can enjoy the USO Lounge—offering free amenities like a stocked canteen, movies, video games, travel assistance, and Wi-Fi. Thank you to the USO for supporting our military community and congratulations on 10 years of service at the airport!

Rye Goods is growing! Congratulations on the grand opening of their second location at District 73 in Costa Mesa. Wishing you continued success in this exciting new chapter.

Team Cottie stopped by Hide & Squeak Kids in Irvine this week! The store features a curated selection of designer clothing, accessories, toys, and gifts. Bring your little ones for the magic of childhood!

RESOURCES

Join us for the Small Business Capital & Growth Conference – Irvine on Friday, June 27 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Learn how to prepare for funding, connect with up to 15 lenders, and explore strategies to grow your business. Attendees will receive personalized financial benchmarking reports and a website and social media analysis to help take their business to the next level. Register using code Irvinefree to get your tickets.

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.

Learn More

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 3 - Costa Mesa Independence Day Celebration

The City of Costa Mesa is hosting a free Independence Day Community Celebration on July 3 at the OC Fairgrounds.

Bring your own picnic, lawn chairs and blanket and create a memorable day as we celebrate our nation’s independence! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

July 4 - Tustin Fourth of July Celebration

Let freedom ring and sparks fly! Join the City of Tustin for a star-spangled night of fun, music, and fireworks at Tustin’s biggest 4th of July celebration!

July 4 - Irvine Fourth of July Celebration

The City of Irvine invites the community to the inaugural Fourth of July Celebration at the Great Park — a free, family-friendly event Friday, July 4, from 4 to 10 p.m.

July 9 - Protect Yourself From ID Theft 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 identity theft. Topics will include cybercrime, bank fraud, online scams, and phishing attacks.

July 18 - IgniteHER Girls Summit

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Girls Inc. of Orange County invite 7th-11th Grade girls to participate in a FREE IgniteHER Girls Summit on Friday, July 18, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Irvine Valley College.

Imagine being surrounded by amazing visionaries, thought leaders, and trailblazers, all there to inspire you. With engaging workshops and discussions focused on fueling your success, you'll leave with all the tools, knowledge, and support to spark change in your community and beyond!

Students will also have the opportunity to hear from a keynote speaker and panelists sharing their experiences in fueling their futures.

AD73 Movies on the Lawn

Movies on the Lawn:

Hicks Canyon Community Park | Food trucks at 6 p.m. | Movies begin after sunset

Watch family-favorite films under the stars on a giant outdoor screen. Guests are invited to bring low-back chairs, blankets, and picnic meals, or enjoy gourmet options from food trucks on-site. Movies begin after sunset and are weather permitting.

Friday, July 18— Mufasa: The Lion King (PG)
Friday, July 25— Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (PG)
Friday, August 8— Inside Out 2 (PG)

Summer Concerts:

Mike Ward Community Park — Woodbridge | Concerts begin at 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy live performances that bring a range of musical styles to the park, from soulful blues to classic rock and '90s throwbacks. Guests can bring their own snacks or purchase food from gourmet trucks available at each event.