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 traveled to San Francisco for an important informational hearing on permitting reform to advance climate resiliency. Tackling climate change requires collaboration and streamlined processes, and I'm committed to ensuring California meets its ambitious climate goals.
Since my election in 2018, climate action has been a top priority. I'm proud to have authored 14 bills that address the climate crisis and align California's policies with the development of a greener economy. I'm also proud to have successfully advocated for $500 million in funding to support coastal protection efforts against the threat of sea-level rise. Learn more about these bills and funding initiatives here.
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
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Team Cottie and the City of Costa Mesa proudly joined Human Options for their annual "Shine the Light" walking vigil, a powerful community event dedicated to raising awareness and honoring those impacted by domestic violence. As a steadfast advocate for survivors, one of my top legislative priorities is curbing domestic violence in California.
Victims of domestic violence are five times more likely to be murdered when their abusers have access to firearms. That's why I authored a bill to help protect victims from this lethal threat. This legislation is part of my ongoing commitment to ending domestic violence, ensuring survivors have the legal protections they need, and holding abusers accountable. You can read more about the bill here.
I am proud to have authored HR 128 declaring October 17 as International Credit Union Day! Team Cottie was proud to join SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union to mark the occasion. Credit unions and cooperative financial institutions bring people together to grow financial inclusion and make local communities stronger. Congratulations on celebrating 76 years and thank you to all credit unions for your commitment to serving members and promoting economic growth!
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Team Cottie had an exciting time joining the Greater Irvine Chamber to congratulate Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse on their newest location in Irvine! Excited to see this new addition thrive in our community.
In honor of Veterans Day, I invite you to join me at my annual Veterans of the Year ceremony at Irvine Valley College, recognizing three veterans for their outstanding military service and contributions to fellow veterans and the community. Click here to RSVP.
This year's honorees are:
- Victor Bakkila, U.S. Army Reserve (Costa Mesa)
- Martha McDonald, U.S. Marine Corps (Irvine)
- Michael Carter, U.S. Marine Corps (Tustin)
To watch last year's event click here.
RESOURCES
Tracking your vote-by-mail ballot-when it is mailed, received, and counted-has never been easier. The California Secretary of State is now offering Where's My Ballot?-a new way for voters to track and receive notifications on the status of their vote-by-mail ballot. Powered by BallotTrax, Where's My Ballot? let's voters know where their ballot is, and its status, every step of the way.
Sign-up at WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to receive automatic email, SMS (text), or voice call notifications about your ballot.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, now more than ever, it's crucial to protect yourself and your family from cyber threats. Here are some top resources to help you stay safe online:
The 3-cart exchange/delivery schedule is organized according to your regular trash day. Find your date by clicking on your weekly collection day and searching for your address.
Please set out your trash carts any time between 5:00 p.m. on the day before exchange day to 7:00 a.m. on exchange day and leave them out until 7:00 p.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct. 26 - Costa Mesa Prescription Drug Take Back Event
Costa Mesa Police Department is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day by providing a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. You are encouraged to drop off - anonymously and free of charge - your expired, unused or unneeded prescription drugs to the Costa Mesa Police Department on Saturday,October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oct. 26 - Irvine Prescription Drug Take Back Event
Irvine Police Department 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. at the Irvine Police Department and Hoag Health Center. This free service, which allows the public to anonymously discard prescription medications, addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.
Oct. 26 - Trunk or Treat
You are invited to attend the 5th annual Power of One Foundation's Trunk of Treat Halloween event on Saturday, October 26, from 3 p.m. to 7p.m., at IKEA Costa Mesa.
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. 2 - Love Irvine Citywide Serve Day
You're invited to volunteer at the 4th Annual Love Irvine Citywide Serve Day Saturday, November 2, from 7:30 a.m. to noon. There are more than 25 projects available, and many ways for residents to make a meaningful impact. The entire community is encouraged to come together and serve, creating a lasting difference in the City and beyond. A kickoff event will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Heritage Community Park, and afterward, volunteers will report to their respective volunteer locations.
Nov. 5 - Veterans Resource Fair
Join Irvine Valley College and Team Cottie for an exclusive opportunity to connect with veteran support organizations, access invaluable resources, and pay tribute to those who have bravely served our country. The resource fair will take place on Tuesday, November 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Irvine Valley College Quad outside the Student Services Building. Free eye exams (and prescription glasses if needed) by Lestonnac Free Clinic and free dental check-ups by UCI Delta Delta Sigma Dental Clinic are also available (registration recommended).
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.
Nov. 14 - Theft Webinar
Join AAA for a free interactive workshop designed to provide education on identity theft, fraud prevention tips, and the Dark Web. This workshop is good for all ages and anyone who wants to become more knowledgeable on identity theft prevention. Learn from Experian® experts about the steps you can take to protect your identity.
