Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
Happy LGBTQ History Month! I had a fantastic time at the Orange County LGBT Pride Festival and Parade on Saturday! It was truly a joyous celebration of love, acceptance, and the vibrant diversity of our community. I'm grateful to stand alongside our LGBTQ+ friends, family, and allies to honor the trailblazers who have fought for equality and to continue working toward a more inclusive future for all.
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
Last week, the Assembly reconvened in Special Session to vote on several bills aimed at curtailing retail gasoline price spikes, including my bill, ABX2-9 - which passed almost unanimously. My bill would increase in-state gasoline production by modifying fuel standards, including by taking the first step toward authorizing the use of E15 gasoline in California. E15 gasoline is less expensive for refiners to produce and is considered a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline.
It was great to catch up with Costa Mesa Police Department Chief Ronald Lawrence and Command Staff to discuss our shared public safety priorities. Grateful for their leadership and dedication.
I also had the pleasure of joining the Costa Mesa Police Department for National Coffee with a Cop Day! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect over a cup of coffee, engage in meaningful conversations with community members, and show our appreciation for the dedicated work of our local law enforcement officers.
Thank you to Tricon Residential for giving us a tour of their Tustin space! I am grateful for the work Tricon does to uplift residents in our community, while also maintaining a culture centered around the wellbeing of their employees - many of whom not only work in the 73rd district, but who live here, as well!
It was a pleasure to join the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association for their annual meeting. The auto industry plays a crucial role in Orange County's economy, contributing a remarkable $109 million annually. The dedication and hard work of local dealerships not only drive economic growth but also provide valuable jobs and services to our community. It's inspiring to see their continued success and commitment to the region's prosperity. Looking forward to supporting their efforts in the years to come!
Team Cottie was excited to join CalOptima for its Health and Wellness Resource Fair. Turnout was impressive, and we had a great time connect with students and sharing valuable resources about the services and resources available through our office. Shout-out to Orange Coast College for hosting the fair!
I had a wonderful time at City of Irvine's 23rd Annual Global Village Festival! It was an incredible celebration of our community's rich diversity, filled with lively performances, delicious global cuisine, and a contagious sense of inspiring energy. The festival was a beautiful testament to our multicultural spirit, where people from all walks of life came together to embrace and celebrate the different cultures that make our city so special. I left feeling proud and inspired by the unity and joy shared by all of the event's participants.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
What an exciting announcement! Congratulations to South Lake Middle School in Irvine for being recognized as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence! It's fantastic to see schools in our district receive such distinguished recognition for their commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Congratulations to Ncor on the grand opening in Tustin! It's always exciting to see women entrepreneurs making their mark! Your business is a fantastic addition to the community. Wishing you every success as you embark on this new chapter!
RESOURCES
Need an apostille service? The California Secretary of State is hosting a special pop-up event for Orange County residents on Wednesday, October 9th, at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. Services will be available from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced that drivers 70-years-old and older in California whose licenses expire in 2024 and beyond will no longer be required to take a written knowledge test beginning October 1st. An office visit is still required for a vision exam and an updated photo for those 70 and older who are renewing a driver's license.
OCTA crews are preparing to reconfigure the northbound MacArthur Boulevard off-ramp for the SR-55 Improvement Project, which requires an extended ramp closure scheduled from Friday, Oct.11, to Monday, Oct. 21.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct. 10 - Costa Mesa Dental Clinic
Join us during National Dental Hygiene Month at the Costa Mesa Senior Center to receive free dental care from Families Together of Orange County. Services provided include dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays.
Oct. 12 - Tustin E-Bike Community Presentation
Join the Tustin Police Department on Saturday, October 12th from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, at the Tustin Area Senior Center located at 200 S. C St. in the city of Tustin, for a free presentation on E-bike classifications, rules of the road, and more!
Oct. 26 - Irvine Prescription Drug Take Back Event
The Irvine Police Department (IPD) will be participating in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free service, which allows the public to anonymously discard prescription medications, addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.
Nov. 1 - Veterans of the Year Ceremony
You're invited to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris' Veterans of the Year Ceremony on Friday, November 1 in Irvine. During the event, we will honor three distinguished veterans from Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin for their valor and unwavering commitment to our nation. To watch highlights from last year's ceremony, click here.
Nov. 7 - Small Business Growth Summit
Empower your business with the education, resources, and information to grow at the 2024 Small Business Growth Summit. Network with business owners, meet with local legislators, understand what it takes to access capital, and learn tactical tools to drive your business' revenue.
