Catching Up With Cottie - 09/17
Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
Affordability remains one of the biggest challenges for Californians. This year, my top priority was passing legislation that puts money back in families’ pockets while building a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
I’m proud to share that several landmark bills I championed have passed the Legislature, advancing major progress on energy affordability, climate resiliency, public safety, and housing.
The Energy Affordability & Climate Resilience Package
AB 825 – Lower Costs, Stronger Grid, Cleaner Future
- Cuts energy bills, saving families and businesses more than $1 billion annually by expanding regional energy markets and reducing wasted renewable power.
- Strengthens grid reliability and reduces blackouts by accessing a more diverse pool of energy resources across the West.
- Accelerates clean energy development, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and helps meet California’s climate goals.
SB 254 – Improves wildfire safety and lowers energy costs by strengthening utility oversight, expanding the Wildfire Fund, and requiring more transparency in utility practices.
SB 614 – Helps California reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 by setting safety standards for carbon capture projects, ensuring public safety, and creating high-quality skilled labor jobs.
AB 1207 & SB 840 – Reauthorize California’s cap-and-trade program, keeping the climate credit on utility bills (with adjustments to deliver relief during peak billing months) while securing $1 billion annually for housing, transit, clean air, wildfire prevention, and safe drinking water.
SB 237 – Protects Californians from gasoline price spikes by stabilizing in-state petroleum production, diversifying transportation fuels, and strengthening safety standards for pipelines and communities near petroleum wells.
Additional Legislative Achievements
Beyond energy and climate, I advanced several key bills that reflect community priorities:
AB 366 – Saves lives by requiring DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices.
AB 420 – Speeds up housing and renewable energy projects by streamlining minor land transactions.
AB 451 – Strengthens gun safety by requiring proof within 48 hours that firearms are surrendered after a restraining order.
AB 915 – Accelerates approval of a groundbreaking renewable energy storage project—the first of its kind in California.
AB 963 – Ensures fairness by requiring publicly funded projects to verify subcontractors are paid prevailing wage.
AB 1050 – Helps turn vacant commercial centers into housing by extending laws that remove barriers to mixed-use and mixed-income development.
Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my dedicated Capitol team, whose hard work and expertise were instrumental in advancing these bills and delivering real results for Californians.
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
The rise in gun violence across the U.S. is a sobering reminder that we must work harder—and stand united—for stronger gun safety measures. No one should ever be targeted in our schools, universities, places of worship, or at public events. Gun violence is a devastating and despicable crime, and we have a responsibility to build safer communities for all.
Sept. 20 - Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event
Join me and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County for a Hunger Action Month volunteer event at Harvest Solutions Farm on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 8–10:30 a.m.! Together, we'll harvest fresh produce to help neighbors in need. Our efforts have already collected 60,200 lbs, and with your help, we can do even more!
IN THE NEWS
This week, I was honored to speak with The New York Times about the bills I championed to lower fuel and energy costs for California families. You can read the article here.
For additional coverage about the energy bills that passed the legislature this week, check out these articles from Politico, CalMatters, and Daily Energy Insider.
Also, I am sharing some articles about my bill AB 825 by Solar Power World, Utility Drive, American Public Power, and CalChamber.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! The City of Irvine’s Fiesta Latina en Irvine is such a popular event! It is always wonderful to see the community come together to enjoy the music, culture, dancing, and of course… amazing food!
Congratulations to Estancia High School in Costa Mesa on the grand opening of their brand-new Performing Arts Center! This incredible space will be home to creativity, talent, and unforgettable performances for years to come.
Exciting news from UC Irvine! The brand-new Mesa Court Oso Tower is officially open, giving students more access to safe, affordable housing right on campus. Thanks to the California Higher Education Student Housing Grant program, students can focus on their education and thrive in their community.
RESOURCES
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month
Wildfires and earthquakes are two of the most serious natural disasters we face here in California. Wildfires can spread rapidly, threatening homes, communities, and lives, while earthquakes can strike without warning. Preparation is key to protecting your family and staying safe during an emergency.
Get ready for wildfire by:
- Signing up for local emergency alerts at AlertOC.com to ensure you receive critical notifications.
- Creating a defensible space around your home and having a “go bag” ready.
- Reviewing wildfire safety guidance from CAL FIRE’s Ready for Wildfire.
Be prepared for earthquakes by:
- Making a family emergency plan and practicing “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
- Securing heavy furniture and items that could fall during shaking.
- Reviewing earthquake safety tips at Ready.gov Earthquake Preparedness.
Preparedness saves lives. This month—and every month—take the time to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, TUSD hosts food distributions throughout our district. These events are open to the community, and no personal information is required. Food typically includes milk, protein, fruits and vegetables, along with shelf-stable items. Please bring your reusable shopping bags.
Thank you to Second Harvest Food Bank and the volunteers who make these events possible for our community.
Earthquake Brace + Bolt Grant Program Now Open for 2025 Applications
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) Program is now accepting applications for grants to help Californians strengthen older homes against earthquake damage. Homeowners in more than 1,100 eligible ZIP Codes can apply between August 20 and October 1, 2025 for grants of up to $3,000 to complete a seismic retrofit.
For the first time, the program is also open to rental and other non-owner-occupied properties, giving landlords and property owners an opportunity to safeguard more homes and protect the residents who live in them. Income-eligible households earning $89,040 or less per year may qualify for up to $7,000 in supplemental funding to cover most or all retrofit costs.
Learn more, check eligibility, and register at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Sept. 20 - Tustin Senior Resource Fair & Community Flea Market
Sept. 25 - Costa Mesa Knowledge & Health Fair Expo
You are invited to the 10th Annual Knowledge & Health Fair Expo on Thursday, September 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Senior Center, located at 695 W 19th Street.
The Knowledge & Health Fair Expo is an annual event where seniors and their families can learn about valuable resources and services in the community from local community partners. Free health screenings and raffles.
No RSVP required. For more information, contact the Costa Mesa Senior Center at (714) 327-7550.
Sept. 26 - Irvine Mid-Autumn Festival
The City of Irvine, in partnership with South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, will gather the community for the fifth annual Mid-Autumn Festival at the Great Park on Friday, September 26, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Explore unique cultural displays and discover valuable resources provided by local community organizations. This family-friendly festival will feature educational displays, live entertainment, crafts, specialty food trucks, artistic demonstrations, and more.
Sept. 27 - Costa Mesa Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Join the City of Costa Mesa for the 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lions Park Event Lawn. Enjoy food, games, activities, DJ music along with special performances.
Oct. 1 - Costa Mesa Sanitary District Eco Expo
Join the Costa Mesa Sanitary District for the 4th Annual Eco Expo, where you'll discover practical ways to live green and reduce your waste footprint! Chat with environmental industry experts to learn best practices, dig into eco-smart gardening tips, and enjoy interactive booths and demos for every age. It's the perfect gathering for curious minds and sustainability enthusiasts alike!
Oct. 3 - Costa Mesa Senior Scam Stopper Seminar
Come learn how to protect yourself from fraud. A panel of experts will provide information to seniors and caregivers about scams and how they can protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud. Topics will include home improvement, identity theft, email/texting scams, mail fraud, credit monitoring, and much more.
Oct. 4 - Irvine Healthy Living Expo
Enrich your health and wellness by accessing educational resources at the City's Healthy Living Expo. This outdoor event will feature a wide variety of exhibitors offering information and services for individuals and families of all ages. Enjoy access to City of Irvine resources, health screenings, fitness demonstrations, educational presentations—including topics like fraud prevention and internet safety—and more. Admission and parking are free.
