Catching Up With Cottie - 09/24
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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.
This week, I returned to Sacramento to Chair the Petroleum and Gasoline Supply Committee. The Special Session is an opportunity to identify solutions to help stabilize prices, and to deliver real relief for California families. I look forward to continuing these important discussions next week. ICYMI – you can learn more about the Special Session in my interview with FOX Business.
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, eight Orange County Fire Authority Handcrew members were involved in a devastating rollover crash on a freeway in Irvine while returning from battling the Airport Fire. All eight were injured, with six in critical condition. My heart goes out to these courageous firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect our community. Now, they need our support. Please keep them in your thoughts and consider helping their families during this difficult time in any way you can. Your support can make a difference. Click here to learn more.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Team Cottie had an amazing time celebrating at Fiesta Latina en Irvine, filled with vibrant culture, delicious food, and lively music!
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers who participated in our Hunger Action Month events with Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County! Your generosity, compassion, and time made a real impact, helping to provide nourishing meals to families across Orange County, where nearly 330,000 people face food insecurity. Watch the highlights of our event here!
But the fight against hunger doesn’t stop with Hunger Action Month—you can always get involved. Click here to explore volunteer opportunities with Second Harvest and find more ways to make a difference!
I recently chatted with Pat Fong Kushida, CEO of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce for the "Space at the Table" podcast. We had an engaging discussion about California's shift from carbon dependency and its impact on our economy, especially for small businesses. To listen to the conversation, click here.
This week, my office hosted a successful Senior Scam Stopper Seminar in Irvine! If you haven’t attended one yet, don’t miss your chance—our final seminar of the year is happening in Costa Mesa on October 1st! Reserve your spot today and learn how to protect yourself from scams. Want to know more about our Senior Scam Stopper Seminars? Check out the highlights video from a past event!
My team was thrilled to join the community in Irvine for the Heart of the Great Park Showcase! This vibrant space will soon feature exciting new amenities, including an amphitheater, Grand Promenade, Great Meadow, Full Circle Farm, North and South Lakes, and the iconic Timeline Bridge. With completion expected in early 2027, we can’t wait for the community to experience all that this incredible project will offer!
Team Cottie was excited to participate in the City of Irvine’s Healthy Living Expo, an outstanding event dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of our senior community. The expo featured engaging fitness demonstrations, free health screenings, informative presentations, and a diverse array of exhibitors focused on health and well-being. It was a wonderful opportunity to support our seniors in leading healthier, happier lives!
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Team Cottie had a blast celebrating the grand opening of Wanderlust Creamery in Costa Mesa and enjoyed some refreshing treats. Here's to many more scoops of sweet success ahead!
We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who have answered the call of a nation to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. They have all demonstrated great valor and commitment to protecting our nation. They continue their life of service by working with veterans, neighbors and organizations to make a positive impact in our communities. Help us honor our American heroes! Please submit your nomination for Veteran of the Year by September 30, 2024. The nominees must reside or work in Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin, served on active duty in the military, and have been discharged under honorable conditions.
RESOURCES
Now you can add your California driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch. So you can present it easily and securely in person and in app.
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.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
If you or a family member or friend have been impacted by the Airport Fire, check the County of Orange for assistance and resources.
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance companies to preserve residential insurance coverage for approximately 750,000 policyholders affected by the Airport, Bridge, and Line fires located in the counties of Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino.
Attorney General Rob Bonta reminds all Californians that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396. Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please see here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sep. 26 - Costa Mesa Small Business Clinic
The OCIE SBDC is excited to host the SBDC Small Business Clinic, a program offered in collaboration with Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, the City of Costa Mesa, and the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce for Costa Mesa-based businesses with the goal of bringing into the community business assistance and support to small business owners.
Join me, American Red Cross and the Tustin Community Foundation for a session to learn how to perform life-saving chest compressions to respond during a cardiac emergency.
Sep. 28 - 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 1:00 p.m. at the Lions Park Event Lawn. Enjoy food, games, activities, DJ music along with special performances.
Oct. 1 - Costa Mesa Senior Scam Stopper Seminar
Come learn how to protect yourself from common scams related to home improvement, auto repair, insurance, telemarketing, real estate and more. A panel of experts will provide information to seniors and caregivers about scams and how they can protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud. Attendees will get their questions answered and obtain assistance if they have been scammed. Resource agencies and organizations will also provide helpful information about various programs and services.
Oct. 2 - Path to Homeownership Webinar
Are you ready to take the first step toward owning a home? Join this FREE webinar to learn about the homebuying process, how to prepare, how to avoid mistakes, and the resources and financial assistance to achieving the dream of homeownership. Special guest speakers include the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and Department of Real Estate (DRE); who will also be answering your questions live!
Oct. 3 - Home Insurance Workshop
Join a FREE interactive virtual workshop hosted by my office and the Automobile Club of Southern California that is designed to educate the public on insurance coverage, risks and claims. This workshop will help you better understand policies and coverage, and private practical and simple tips to help avoid potential losses.