Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
At the State Capitol, I remain very focused on supporting clean energy initiatives. As Chair of the Assembly's Utilities and Energy Committee, we passed several pieces of legislation to further our energy goals - including supporting enhanced use of biomass. In other clean energy news, I spoke at California Hydrogen Leadership Summit to discuss how hydrogen can contribute to our clean energy economy. Finally, as a member of the Select Committee on Permitting Reform, we heard from a multitude of experts on the impediments they face in getting good energy projects up and running in a timely manner, and also policy recommendations for the Legislature to consider to better streamline permitting approvals.
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
This week, I joined the California Hydrogen Leadership Summit to talk about the role that hydrogen can play in powering our clean energy economy.
As the Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee, we considered and passed several bills aimed at supporting California's energy goals.
At the Select Committee on Permitting Reform, we received recommendations on how to cut red tape and streamline permitting processes.
I had the pleasure of hosting Orange County Museum of Art CEO Heidi Zuckerman at the State Capitol to meet with our other Orange County representatives and provide updates on the Museum's operations and programming. Her presentation highlighted the role the Museum plays in enriching the cultural landscape of Orange County.
My team was honored to participate in Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley's Women and Girls Roundtable. This impactful event brought together county agencies to discuss critical issues affecting women, with a particular focus on mental health and the resources available to address these challenges.
Team Cottie also attended the OC United Way Free Tax Prep Volunteer & Partner Appreciation Event. Thank you to the 473 volunteers and 35 partner organizations that assisted in preparing 13,629 tax returns for free, helping OC taxpayers receive $17.9M in refunds/tax credits and saving $3.4 million in tax preparation fees during the Orange County United Way OC Free Tax Preparation. Proud to work with OC United Way to expand free tax prep services to Tustin and promote services in 73rd Assembly District.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Team Cottie was proud to honor Robin Fry, 2023-24 President of the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana. She and our local Rotarians have accomplished so much during her tenure to unite our communities and create lasting change. I am grateful for our partnership with the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana on the Tustin School Supply Drive and working to support our local students and educators. Learn more about the Rotary Club.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the nearly 120 volunteers who joined my office and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, our 2024 Nonprofit of the Year, to help harvest an incredible 20,000 pounds of cabbage last week! I am always amazed by the strong turnout at these events. Despite the heat, these dedicated individuals spent their morning working to feed those in need in our community. If you're interested in volunteering at our next event with Second Harvest Food Bank, stay tuned for details about an upcoming opportunity in September.
RESOURCES
The OC Power Authority's annual Bright Futures Grant program is a funding opportunity aimed at supporting local non-profits, schools, and educators in their efforts to inform communities about the benefits of renewable energy and Community Choice Aggregation (CCA). OCPA will be granting up to $20,000 to applicants who bring forward the most creative and unique ideas. The application submission deadline is July 1, 2024 with grants being awarded later this summer.
Starting this summer, you can buy more food for your child with California SUN Bucks, also called Summer-EBT. SUN Bucks works just like CalFresh, but for the summer. Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application or an Alternative Income Form, or get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal, are automatically enrolled. You don't need to do anything to sign up. SUN Bucks provides $40 per month for food for June, July and August 2024 ($120 total).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jul 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 Fair & Event Center. 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. Live music performance by the Tijuana Dogs and 80's All-Starz!
Jul 4 - Tustin Fourth of July Celebration
The City of Tustin invites you to its annual Fourth of July celebration at Tustin High School! The celebration will feature live music, fireworks, and delicious food. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
Jul 13 - Sustainable Saturday Social
Victoria Square will be hosting a Sustainable Saturday Social in Costa Mesa on July 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Join your neighbors to learn about sustainable living, protecting our environment and shopping local.
Jul 26 - IgniteHer Girls Summit
Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Girls Inc. of Orange County invite 7th-9th Grade girls to participate in a FREE IgniteHER Girls Summit on Friday, July 26, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Orange Coast College.
