Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a landmark package of energy bills that I was proud to champion—including two of my bills (AB 825 and SB 254). Together, these new laws will help lower utility bills, expand renewable power, improve wildfire safety, and make long-term investments in clean air, safe drinking water, housing, and renewable energy.
This package is one of the biggest steps California has ever taken to make energy more affordable, reliable, and sustainable—while also creating good-paying jobs and keeping our economy strong. I'm proud of what we accomplished and excited about the positive impact it will have on families across our state.
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
A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible volunteers who joined our Hunger Action Month events with Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County! Nearly 360,000 people in Orange County face food insecurity, but thanks to your generosity and time, we're fighting back.
Together, over 100 volunteers harvested and processed 16,000 pounds of mixed produce—providing nourishing meals to families across the county. We couldn't do this without you!
Tackling food insecurity was also a priority in the Legislature. In June, my colleagues and I passed a state budget that demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing food insecurity through both immediate support and longer-term enhancements.
Thank you to the men and women of the Irvine Police Department who serve our community every day! It was inspiring to see firsthand the work that keeps Irvine consistently ranked as the safest city in the nation. The incredible turnout at this year's Irvine PD Open House truly reflects the department's motto—"in partnership with the community."
My team was busy out in the district this week! We loved connecting with neighbors at the final Tustin Sunset Market of the year and spending time with our senior community at the Tustin Senior Resource Fair. It was also a pleasure to join Councilmember Melinda Liu's Youth Conference, where we met with young people eager to get involved. Our team shared opportunities to intern in my district office or participate in our Young Legislators Program—two great ways to gain experience and make an impact.
The Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Regional Training Facility is now 95% complete, with final inspections just around the corner! This state-of-the-art facility will enhance training and readiness for our firefighters and recruits. I'm proud to have secured $2.5 million in state funding to make this project a reality and strengthen the safety of our community.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
There was no better place to recognize Tyler, Fiona, and Tobias Law than at our Harvest Solutions volunteer event. Through their nonprofit, The Ace Serve Giveback, they've made a tremendous impact—distributing daily essentials and more than 40,000 pairs of socks to those in need, while also providing free tennis lessons for children. Thank you for the inspiring work you do!
RESOURCES
During National Suicide Prevention Month, let's remind each other that no one has to go through tough times alone. Reach out, listen, and offer support. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available: 988.
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. 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.
Oct. 8 - Costa Mesa Senior Scam Stopper
Oct. 9 - Irvine Senior Scam Stopper
