Catching Up With Cottie - 10/14
Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
I’m proud to share a legislative update on my bill package recently signed by the Governor. These measures enhance public safety, expand access to housing, advance clean energy, and cut red tape to make government work better for Californians. Together, this legislation will help lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and strengthen reliability across our state.
AB 825 – Potential to save Californians over $1 billion annually by increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and expanding access to affordable renewable power.
SB 254 – Requires greater transparency in utility practices to ensure affordable, accountable investments in the grid.
AB 1207 & SB 840 – Extends California’s cap-and-trade program, the state’s most cost-effective climate tool.
SB 237 – Reduces volatility in gasoline prices by diversifying California’s fuel supply and stabilizing refinery operations.
SB 614 – Enables safe CO₂ pipelines to store emissions underground—advancing climate progress, driving clean energy investment, and creating thousands of good jobs statewide.
AB 366 – Extends the Ignition Interlock Device program, requiring DUI offenders to install breathalyzers that prevent impaired driving and save lives.
AB 420 – Speeds up housing and renewable energy projects by streamlining minor land transactions.
AB 451 – Strengthen gun safety laws by requiring proof within 48 hours that firearms are surrendered after a restraining order is issued.
AB 915 – Speeds up the approval process for a cutting-edge energy storage project that stores extra renewable power underground using compressed air—the first of its kind.
AB 1050 – Helps turn vacant commercial centers into housing by extending current law that removes covenants or restrictions blocking mixed-use and mixed-income development.
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
Help us honor our American heroes! Please submit your nomination for Veteran of the Year by October 24th. 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. You are also invited to our Veterans of the Year Ceremony at Irvine Valley College on November 4th to honor our local heroes!
We recently wrapped up a successful series of Senior Scam Stopper Seminars, attended by more than 235 seniors. In partnership with the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, Contractors State License Board, and the Council on Aging, experts discussed common scam tactics—whether by phone, online, or in person—and shared valuable resources to help seniors protect themselves and recover if they become victims of fraud. If you experience fraud, reach out to my office, we can help connect you with the appropriate agencies and resources for assistance. Thank you to the cities of Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin for hosting our annual Senior Scam Stopper Seminars!
I was grateful to join California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot and CEC Commissioner and former State Senator Nancy Skinner at the Los Angeles Business Council’s 19th Annual Sustainability Summit to discuss new legislation advancing California’s clean energy future—including my bill, AB 825. Together, we’re lowering costs, strengthening our energy grid, and accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable California.
Vans has a long and proud history in Southern California, with its headquarters right here in Costa Mesa. During my tour we discussed their innovative sustainability model and how they’re turning recycled materials into new, stylish products!
Supporting foster youth is essential to helping them build stability, confidence, and opportunity for the future. I had a great meeting with the Orangewood Foundation to learn more about their incredible work providing education, housing, and career resources that empower current and former foster youth to thrive. Through their support, 416 young people have found stable housing including 25 survivors of trafficking.
For more than 100 years, Easterseals Southern California has been dedicated to empowering people with disabilities—serving over 25,000 individuals each year. I had an inspiring meeting with their team to learn about their impactful work, from job training and early childhood education to disability services and community inclusion programs—all helping people live more independent, connected lives.
Thank you to Supervisor Katrina Foley for hosting the 2025 Senior Summit! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our senior community, share valuable resources, and discuss ways our office can continue to support older adults across Orange County.
The Irvine Global Village Festival is a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the city’s incredible diversity and vibrant community spirit. Now in its 24th year, Team Cottie was thrilled to join in the festivities—enjoying the amazing cultural performances, delicious food, and rich traditions that make Irvine so special.
IN THE NEWS
I recently spoke with Stateline about the benefits of joining a Western Energy Market—including lowering energy costs, strengthening grid reliability, and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
California continues to lead the nation in clean energy innovation, and ARCHES exemplifies how public-private partnerships can accelerate our climate goals while creating good jobs. This ecosystem approach proves that smart coordination and commercial focus can deliver both environmental and economic benefits for all Californians.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Congratulations to Rosselyn Ruiz and Jeremy Lohr! It’s wonderful to see two of my former Young Legislators continue their leadership journey as Student Board Members for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. I’m so proud to see them using their voices to help shape the future of their district and represent their peers with thoughtfulness and integrity.
If you’re in high school and are interested in how government works and how local and state policies are shaped, consider applying for our 2026 Young Legislators Program. Participants learn directly from elected officials, take part in hands-on workshops, and gain real-world insight into public service — valuable experience for anyone looking to make a difference in their community.
It’s always inspiring to see our local students shine! Congratulations to the incredible honorees recognized at the Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary Club’s Student of the Quarter luncheon. Team Cottie was proud to celebrate their hard work and can’t wait to see all they achieve next!
After 33 years of teaching English, Lisa Alvarez is retiring from Irvine Valley College and embarking on an exciting new chapter as an author! We’re proud of her incredible contributions to generations of students and her lasting impact on IVC’s success as one of California’s most distinguished community colleges.
RESOURCES
This Veterans Day, help us celebrate the courageous men and women who served our nation. If you know a veteran age 50 or older living in Irvine, you can honor them with an American flag delivered right to their yard or doorstep — a heartfelt tribute at no cost.
Flags will be personally delivered November 5–6 by City dignitaries, staff, and volunteers, turning neighborhoods into a sea of gratitude.
Don’t miss the October 31 deadline — register today at yourirvine.org and help a veteran in your life feel celebrated and appreciated.
Want to recognize more than one veteran? Contact us at 949-724-6800 or rfrankston@cityofirvine.org.
National Prescription Take Back Day
About: This national initiative allows residents to drop off medicine with no questions asked, which helps prevent drug misuse and promotes public safety.
When: October 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Click here to find the nearest drop-off location.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct. 16 - Costa Mesa Small Business Clinic
The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (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 with the goal of bringing into the community business assistance and support to small business owners.
During the program, business owners will get the opportunity to meet with an SBDC consultant at no cost for a 30-minute one-on-one session to answer their immediate needs pertaining to marketing, operations, or financial assessment. All participants will also be aligned with a primary consultant for follow-up assistance to receive continuous, no-cost support in an effort to help them grow and expand their business.
Oct. 25 - Tustin Dental Clinic
Join us at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Tustin to receive free dental care for all ages from the UCI Delta Delta Sigma Dental Clinic. Services provided include dental exams, cleanings, and the opportunity to schedule treatment follow-up with the same team.
Nov. 1 - Costa Mesa Free Paper Shredding Event
You're invited to a free paper shredding event at Costa Mesa City Hall on Saturday, November 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Shredding is available to all attendees — first-come, first-served. No RSVP or proof of residency is required. Limit 5 banker boxes per household.
Nov. 4 - Veterans of the Year Ceremony
You are invited to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris’ Veterans of the Year Ceremony on Tuesday, November 4 at Irvine Valley College. 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.
