Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
Each year, I have the honor of recognizing a small business that embodies the spirit of our community. I am proud to name Arvida Book Co., a woman-owned, independent bookstore in Old Town Tustin, as the 2025 Small Business of the Year for California's 73rd Assembly District.
Founded in 2020 by Sam and Mike Robertson, Arvida Book Co. has grown from a small, curated shop into a vibrant cultural hub. More than just a bookstore, it's a welcoming space that fosters connection, creativity, and a love of reading. From author events and poetry nights to book clubs and local artisan pop-ups, Arvida brings people together and uplifts diverse voices.
This year's honoree stood out for their commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and storytelling. Sam and Mike have built something truly special, creating a space that inspires, supports, and strengthens our community. I'm proud to celebrate their vision and their impact.
To learn more about Arvida Book Co., watch the highlights video here.
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
Our 2nd annual IgniteHer Summit was such an inspiring day focused on empowering young girls through the voices of incredible visionaries, thought leaders, and trailblazers! I am proud to share with you this highlights video from this impactful event.
It's hard to believe that back-to-school season is almost here! I'm proud that our office is once again teaming up with local organizations to host our 3rd Annual Tustin School Supply Drive.
Last year, this effort brought together community members and supporters to collect 2,000 school supply kits for elementary students at all Title I schools in the Tustin Unified School District. We're building on that momentum again this year—because every student deserves to start the school year feeling ready and supported.
Huge thanks to our partners for their tireless dedication: Orange County United Way, Santa Ana Elks Lodge, Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana, Tustin Community Foundation, Tustin Public Schools Foundation, and Arvida Book Co. I'm grateful for your continued commitment to our students.
I am grateful for our incredible summer interns! Their curiosity, drive, and insight help keep our office running strong. It's been a joy having them with us and I'm excited to see where their paths lead next!
IN THE NEWS
My bill, AB 366, passed the Senate's Public Safety Committee – please read the ABC 10 article here.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Happy 10th anniversary in Irvine and 46th birthday to tech innovation leader, Ingram Micro! As a key player in the global IT sales channel, Ingram Micro has worked to connect manufacturers and cloud providers with business-to-business technology experts. Congratulations on this exciting milestone!
Team Cottie joined Grocery Outlet in celebrating their 5-year anniversary! Grocery Outlet has been dedicated to providing local residents with their favorite brands at affordable prices. Thank you for your valuable contributions to the Irvine community. Wishing you continued growth and success!
RESOURCES
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.
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
The City of Irvine is launching its own Public Library system, offering more localized services, personalized experiences, and equitable access to education, all while strengthening community and civic engagement.
The grand opening is on Sunday, August 3:
- Heritage Park Library: 1 - 4 p.m.
- University Park Library: 2 - 5 p.m.
The Orange County Power Authority is giving away FREE Energy Efficiency Kits to local residential customers in Buena Park, Fullerton, and Irvine!
Each kit includes 2 LED lightbulbs, a 7-outlet smart power strip, a Wi-Fi plug, and rubber weather-stripping—simple tools to help you save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
This is a limited-time offer, so don't wait! Learn more and request your kit here: https://www.ocpower.org/energy-efficiency-kit/
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jul 30 - Costa Mesa Neighborhoods Where We All Belong Open House
The City of Costa Mesa invites residents, local businesses, and community organizations to a Housing Open House on Wednesday, July 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Norma Hertzog Community Center (Costa Mesa Room), 1845 Park Ave.
This interactive event is an opportunity to learn about upcoming housing initiatives, explore new opportunities, and share your vision for Costa Mesa's future.
The evening will include free food and refreshments, activities for kids, and Spanish interpretation to make the event welcoming for all.
Jul 31 - RAD Camp Volunteer Event
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
Aug 2 - NMUSD Back to School Expo
In partnership with the Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living and IKEA, Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) invites you to a fun-filled back-to-school event to connect you with community partners offering a variety of resources for school-aged children. My office will host a booth with resources for children and families.
Aug 5 - Costa Mesa National Night Out
The Costa Mesa Police Department invites you and your family to come out and enjoy National Night Out, a FREE fun-filled evening at Lions Park (570 W 18th St.), on Tuesday, August 5, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy hot dogs, raffle prizes, inflatable slide, music, face painting, photo booth, and many other free activities.
Aug 5 - Irvine National Night Out
Join the Irvine Police Department for National Night Out, an event that brings neighbors and public safety together for a safer and stronger community.
The event will take place Tuesday, August 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex. Meet Irvine Police officers and Orange County firefighters, see the police and fire vehicles and equipment, and take part in activities. There will also be food trucks, community booths, and giveaways.
The Great Park is located at 8000 Great Park Blvd. Free parking is available in Lot 2.
Aug 5 - Tustin National Night Out
The Tustin Police Department welcomes the public to their National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The free and fun family event will take place at Veterans Sports Park located at 1645 Valencia Avenue, Tustin, CA 92782.
Friends and families are welcome to take pictures and interact with the various utility vehicles and police department vehicles on display in our Touch-A-Truck area including vehicles from S.W.A.T, Crime Scene Investigation, K9, and Traffic.
Aug 11 - Superheroes of Tustin Awards Celebration
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, 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, August 2— Your Mom '90s and more
- Saturday, August 9— DW3 R&B, Soul, Old School Funk
