Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
I was proud to join the groundbreaking for the new Cal OES Southern Region Emergency Operations Center in Costa Mesa—an important milestone for our region's preparedness and resilience. Alongside Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, the California Department of Developmental Services, the Department of General Services, and the Governor's Office of Operations, we celebrated the start of a project that will strengthen our ability to respond to emergencies and protect our communities when disaster strikes.
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!
I met with members of UAW Local 4811, which represents 48,000 academic workers across the University of California system, including UC Irvine, to discuss how federal cuts to science and research funding are affecting their campuses. We talked about the importance of working together to protect critical research that advances treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's, strengthens wildfire and climate resilience, and guards against emerging infectious diseases.
It was great catching up with Alberto Sandoval and Kristin Vellandi from UCI Government and Community Relations to discuss ongoing collaborations and ways we can continue strengthening partnerships that benefit UC Irvine and our broader community. Thank you for this awesome picture!
We had a great turnout at our Costa Mesa Small Business Clinic, co-hosted with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, the City of Costa Mesa, and the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce! Local business owners had the opportunity to receive free one-on-one consultations with experts on topics ranging from operations to finance—helping them strengthen and grow their businesses right here in our community.
In celebration of International Credit Union Day, we were proud to recognize Financial Partners Credit Union and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union—both serving the 73rd Assembly District! Thank you for your continued commitment to providing accessible, community-focused financial services for our residents.
My team joined the City of Irvine, UC Irvine, and Irvine Valley College to get updates on the proposed Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at the Great Park. It was exciting to see the incredible work of UC Irvine engineering students, who are building a full-scale replica of a WWI Marine Corps biplane—a great example of innovation, history, and community coming together!
It was great to join the 2025 California Connects: Regional Convening in Anaheim, hosted by the Governor's Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications bringing together community partners, state agencies, and local leaders to strengthen collaboration across our region. Through engaging sessions and interactive discussions, participants shared ideas, built connections, and gained practical tools to better serve our communities.
We had a fang-tastic time at RAD Camp's Trunk-or-Treat with our spider-themed trunk! Seeing campers explore each creatively decorated car and enjoy collecting toys and trinkets filled the evening with energy and excitement. The laughter, imaginative Halloween displays, and community connections made it a memorable highlight of the fall season.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
For 35 years, Jamboree Housing has been building stronger, more inclusive communities across California. By expanding access to affordable housing, investing in neighborhood well-being, and uplifting vulnerable populations, Jamboree has helped transform lives and strengthen our community.
Coast Philatelics has been more than a stamp shop—it's been a place where generations have discovered the world through stamps. For 50 years, what began as Bob and Barbara Chisholm's shared passion has grown into Orange County's last dedicated stamp store, preserving stories and inspiring collectors. As they celebrate this milestone, we honor their dedication to philately and their lasting impact on the Costa Mesa community!
Congratulations to the American Legion Auxiliary Newport Harbor Unit 291 on celebrating an incredible 100 years of service! For a century, the Auxiliary has stood as a pillar of support for veterans, military families, and local communities—honoring those who served and strengthening the spirit of patriotism across our nation. Here is to a proud legacy and the continued impact you make every day.
My team had the honor of celebrating another significant chapter this week with St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Costa Mesa as they mark their 70th anniversary! The church has been a cornerstone of faith and fellowship, by welcoming all and uplifting the community through service, outreach, and compassion. From programs like Laundry Love to youth mentorship and neighborhood support, St. John the Divine continues to make a lasting difference in our district. Congratulations to the entire congregation on this remarkable achievement!
RESOURCES
The Costa Mesa Police Department will be participating in the National Drug Take Back next Saturday, Oct. 25. That gives everyone plenty of time to go through their home and collect all expired, unused, and unwanted medications to discard.
✅ Accepted: prescriptions, over the counter medicine, vitamins, supplements, pet medicine, and liquid medicine.
🚫 Not accepted: needles and sharps, inhalers, illicit drugs, chemotherapy medication, mercury thermometers, bulk pharmaceutical waste.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., bring us your expired, unused, unwanted medications and we'll take them off your hands so they don't fall into the wrong hands at home.
Stop by Costa Mesa PD at 99 Fair Drive to dispose of the drugs. This is a national event so other nearby police departments will also be participating.
The City of Irvine has established a designated passport acceptance facility at City Hall, providing community members with convenient access to new passport services. In partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Passport Agency, the City will begin accepting appointments for new passport applications today. Appointments are available on the first floor of City Hall in the Office of Records and Information on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Nov. 8 - Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event - Love Irvine Day
Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, Councilmember William Go, Councilmember Melinda Liu and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County invite you to join a Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event on Love Irvine Day Citywide Serve Day!
Love Irvine Day is a citywide effort where volunteers come together to serve the community and our neighbors. Learn more about Love Irvine Day and explore additional volunteer opportunities.
Nov. 22 - Turkey Giveaway
Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris invites you to her 2nd Annual Turkey Giveaway! Individuals who register will receive a free frozen turkey and food bag, while supplies last. Free event open to community members in the 73rd Assembly District from Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin. Registration is required. Registrant must be present to pick up turkey and food bag. Limit one per household.
