Catching up with Cottie - 07/14
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Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
California continues to lead the nation in DUI-related deaths, and without action, the crisis will only deepen. Drunk driving fatalities in our state have jumped 40% in just four years, far outpacing the national average. These are not just statistics. These are lives cut short, families devastated, and communities impacted by entirely preventable tragedies.
This week, AB 366 passed out of the Senate Public Safety Committee. I introduced this bill to make California’s ignition interlock device (IID) program permanent and expand it to apply to everyone convicted of driving under the influence. These devices prevent a car from starting if the driver has been drinking—and they work. In 2023 alone, IIDs stopped more than 30,500 attempts to drive drunk in California.
My bill will make sure proven DUI prevention laws stay on the books and expand to protect more Californians. We can save lives with every start.
All Californians deserve protection from the threat of gun violence.
My bill, AB 451, strengthens community safety by requiring law enforcement to enforce firearm restrictions tied to restraining orders quickly and consistently. Firearms must be collected or transferred within 24 hours of serving a restraining order, and proof of compliance must be submitted to the court within 48 hours. These are straightforward, preventative steps that help reduce the risk of harm before it happens.
I am also proudly coauthoring AB 1363, Wyland’s Law, in response to the tragic 2020 shooting of Wyland Gomes during a supervised visit with his father. This bill requires courts to confirm they have properly transmitted firearm-related protective orders. It also authorizes the Department of Justice to create an automated notification system to alert people when protections are not in place.
Thank you to Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America for supporting AB 451 and AB 1363, and for their unwavering commitment to preventing gun violence in our communities.
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 met with Jeff Ball, President and CEO of the Orange County Business Council, to talk about the important work OCBC is doing to support economic growth, workforce development, and long-term opportunity in our district. By supporting local businesses, OCBC helps create the foundation for our communities to thrive.
Too many people struggling with mental health or addiction end up without the care they need—that is why I secured $750,000 in state funding to expand behavioral health services at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter. This investment adds more beds for individuals facing serious mental illness and substance use challenges, doubling the number of behavioral health beds now available.
This is about making sure no one falls through the cracks. With the right support—access to care, dedicated case managers, and a path to permanent housing—people have a real chance to heal and rebuild their lives. I am grateful to the City of Costa Mesa, the County of Orange, and all the partners working together to make this progress possible.
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent webinar with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) on how to protect yourself against identity theft. More than 270 people signed up to learn how to spot the signs of cybercrime, avoid bank fraud and phishing scams, and take steps to safeguard their personal information. We are grateful to DFPI for their partnership in helping our community stay informed and secure.
In case you missed it, the recorded webinar is attached here! Slides can be found here, as well.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Team Cottie joined the grand reopening of Centennial Park—Tustin’s very first park, now freshly renovated! From brand-new playgrounds and a fitness area to improved courts, shaded swings, and public art, the park is more welcoming and inclusive for all ages. Great to see the community come together to enjoy this revitalized space!
We were honored to attend the Find Your Light Finale Showcase and see the creativity and growth of their young campers. Through music and dance, they found awesome ways to express themselves—showing how vital arts education is for building strong communities.
Exciting things are happening in Irvine! The ribbon cutting for Westcliff Early Learning Academy, hosted by the Greater Irvine Chamber, celebrated a new space where curiosity, creativity, and confidence take center stage. With a blended Montessori and Reggio-inspired approach, the academy supports children from infancy through kindergarten in a nurturing, engaging environment designed to help them thrive.
RESOURCES
Diaper & Infant Items Drive-Thru Distribution
On August 1st, Community Action Partnership of Orange County and the OC Diaper Bank are hosting a special distribution event offering free diapers and infant essentials—including strollers, cribs, and more—recently donated to the food bank. This drive-thru event is a great opportunity for expecting mothers and families with infants to stock up on much-needed supplies.
When: August 1, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: 11870 Monarch St, Garden Grove, CA 92841
Are you a restaurant owner? Join the Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center for a free webinar on Wednesday, July 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., to optimize your business operations and boost profitability.
July is Parks and Recreation Month! Here in District 73, we’re fortunate to have countless opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors in Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Tustin. Whether you're taking a stroll, playing sports, or simply soaking in nature, there’s a park for everyone.
Check out the local park lists below to plan your next visit:
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 2025 ($120 total).
Tustin Unified School District is offering free, nutritious meals to children ages 1–18 through its Summer Meal Program, running from June 2 to August 1. The program aims to ensure continued access to healthy food while school is out of session. No enrollment, paperwork, or income verification is required.
Meals are available Monday through Friday at two locations: the Boys and Girls Club (580 W. Sixth St.) offers breakfast from 7:30–8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., while the Tustin Public Library (345 E. Main St.) offers lunch from 12–1 p.m. Sites will be closed on June 19 and July 4 in observance of holidays. Per federal guidelines, all meals must be consumed on site.
Need Help with a State Agency?
Our office can assist with issues involving California state agencies like the Employment Development Department (EDD), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Franchise Tax Board (FTB), and Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). Whether you are dealing with delayed benefits, licensing issues, or tax concerns, we are here to help navigate the process.
Struggling with a broken car A/C? The Cool Air Rebate (CAR) Program may be able to help. This state-funded program covers 90% of the cost to fix a specific refrigerant leak (R-134a) in vehicles made between 1993 and 2019. Eligible low-income Californians—including those enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWorks, or Healthy Families—can apply online and, if approved, receive repairs for just a fraction of the usual cost.
On average, customers pay just $110 out of pocket for a $1,100 repair. The program is available in over 110 cities, with nearly 230 participating shops in Southern California alone. Free leak testing is also available at approved locations.
To learn more, check eligibility, or find a local repair shop, visit CoolAirRebate.org or call 888-534-4728.
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2-1-1 Orange County (2110C) is a FREE service that connects you to thousands of local health and human services resources to help with:
- Domestic Violence
- Food/Cal Fresh
- Healthcare
- Housing
- Income & Financial Support
- Job Resources
- Mental Health
- Senior Care
- Substance Use
- Veteran/Military Support
Staffed by caring trained specialists, help is available 24/7 in more than 200 languages. All calls are free and confidential. Access the 2110C partner network to streamline multiservice needs and coordinate care.
Extreme heat can be dangerous for anyone—especially during prolonged heatwaves. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke.
Stay safe by visiting a nearby cooling center when the weather heats up: OC Cooling Centers
Find more ways to stay cool and prepared: HeatReadyCA.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join me and Rising Above Disabilities (RAD) Camp to help close out an unforgettable week of camp with joy, gratitude, and celebration!
RAD Camp is California’s largest residential summer camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Each summer, the camp brings together campers, caregivers, and volunteers in a vibrant, inclusive space filled with connection, laughter, and lifelong memories.
Volunteer at the RAD Camp Closing Ceremony and help make the final day just as meaningful as the first. You will support with…
- Running fun activity stations
- Handing out prizes and snacks
- Assisting campers with packing
- Helping with general setup
- Bringing energy and encouragement as we send off this amazing community
The 17th annual Superheroes of Tustin Awards Celebration is set for Monday, August 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Community Center at the Market Place.
This Oscars-style event honors the everyday volunteers who make Tustin stronger—from youth coaches and tutors to food drive organizers and nonprofit leaders. Each honoree will receive a gift bag and the signature red cape.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to support the Tustin community? Nominate them by July 31!
Location: 2961 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA
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.
- Saturday, July 19— Family Style Blues and Soul
- Saturday, July 26— 1969 The Tribute '60s Rock and Roll
- Saturday, August 2— Your Mom '90s and more
- Saturday, August 9— DW3 R&B, Soul, Old School Funk
