Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.

I feel incredibly blessed and deeply grateful to have celebrated my 50th birthday surrounded by the people who mean the most to me. Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone so special-it's been an absolute joy! I'm excited for all that lies ahead, both personally and professionally, and look forward to the adventures to come.

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

Team Cottie had a great time at National Night Out in District 73! A big thank you to the Costa Mesa, Tustin, and Irvine Police Departments for hosting such meaningful events that bring neighbors together, strengthen community bonds, and honor those who work tirelessly to keep us safe.

Did you know that every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood? Join me, Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu, and American Red Cross at a blood drive on Wednesday, September 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Northwood Community Center. To register click here.

Congratulations to all the honorees - including our very own 2023 Woman of the Year, Dr. Samar Aziz - for being recognized at the Superheroes of Tustin event, hosted by the Tustin Community Foundation! Your dedication to service and commitment to strengthening our community inspire us all.

It was an honor to take part in the Boys and Girls State Awards Ceremony, celebrating outstanding student leaders who go above and beyond in their commitment to civic engagement. These remarkable young people embody the values of leadership, service, and community, and it was inspiring to witness their passion for making a difference. The future is bright with leaders like them paving the way.

Congratulations to MoonGoat Coffee on the opening of their fifth location! It was a pleasure to join the celebration in Costa Mesa and support a local favorite as you continue to grow.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Shake Shack! We were excited to celebrate the grand opening of the newest location right here in Irvine. Wishing you all the best in your newest home!

Almuerzo Café just celebrated their Grand Opening in Tustin, and Team Cottie was thrilled to join OC Biz and the community in the festivities! Be sure to stop by and enjoy their delicious Mexican cuisine.

The State of California is trying to return approximately $13 billion to its rightful owners. Is some of it yours? California's unclaimed property laws require "holders," such as corporations, business associations, financial institutions, insurance companies, and others, to annually deliver and report to the State Controller's Office after there has been no customer contact for over three years. Often the owner forgets that the account exists, moves and does not leave a forwarding address, or the forwarding address expires. To find potential money, visit the State Controller's Office and search the Database of Unclaimed Properties for money that the state may owe you.

Sept. 3- Irvine Blood Drive

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu, and American Red Cross invite you to a blood drive. The need for blood is constant and your donation is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. You will feel good knowing you've helped change a life.

Sept. 19- Second Harvest Distribution Center Volunteer Event

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County invite you to a Hunger Action Month Volunteer Event at the Second Harvest Distribution Center. Join us this September for Hunger Action Month to help distribute and harvest seasonal produce so that our neighbors have consistent access to nutritious food, creating a foundation for community health and well-being. Volunteers assist in a variety of food processing projects, including sorting and inspecting produce, packaged foods and boxes at the Distribution Center in Irvine. This is an indoor opportunity.

Sept. 20 - Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County invite you to Harvest Solutions Farm to help harvest seasonal produce. Join us this September for Hunger Action Month to help distribute and harvest seasonal produce so that our neighbors have consistent access to nutritious food, creating a foundation for community health and well-being.