Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
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 their communities and organizations to advocate for their brothers and sisters in arms.
In honor of Veterans Day, I invite you to join me at our annual Veterans of the Year Ceremony on Tuesday, November 4, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., at Irvine Valley College, recognizing local veterans for their outstanding service and contributions to the community. Kindly RSVP in advance to attend the ceremony.
This year's honorees include:
- Charles Wolfe, Specialist, U.S. Army
- Harwood Garland II, Petty Officer 2nd Class, U.S. Navy
- Elizabeth Buckley, Captain, U.S. Air Force
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
Thank you to the Orange County Veterans and Military Families Collaborative for hosting an informative and engaging meeting on public partnerships! It was great to hear from representatives from the Orange County Health Care Agency, EDD Veteran Employment Services, and CalVet about the vital programs and collaborations that support our local veterans and military families.
My team was honored to join the City of Irvine and Irvine Police Department for the Human Options Shine the Light Walking Vigil to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This important event brought together community members to raise awareness, support survivors, and advocate for an end to domestic violence. Together, we stand united in our commitment to fostering a safer, more supportive environment for all.
The annual Harvest & Heroes Gala, hosted by the Asian Business Association of Orange County, brought together community leaders, business owners, and local partners to celebrate the spirit of service and entrepreneurship that drives our region forward. We were especially proud to see Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent honored as a Community Hero for his exceptional leadership and dedication to public safety.
Congratulations to John Wayne Airport for receiving its second consecutive #1 ranking in Customer Satisfaction among large airports in the J.D. Power 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. This recognition reflects JWA's continued focus on quality and convenience and its investment in improvements that enhance every step of the guest experience.
My office is proud to recognize Red Ribbon Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of drugs and promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles. We distributed certificates to schools throughout the 73rd Assembly District to recognize our students' commitment to prevention, education, and making positive choices.
In honor of Dental Hygiene Month, we partnered with UCI Delta Delta Sigma and Aldersgate United Methodist Church to offer free dental care including exams, cleanings, and more for our Tustin constituents! Thanks to our volunteers and partners for making healthy smiles accessible to all.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Congratulations to Bertain Escobar Wealth Management on the Grand Opening of their new Irvine office! Your commitment to helping individuals, families, and small businesses build financial confidence and long-term success strengthens our community.
Exciting to welcome Generator Superstore to Irvine! Their expertise in backup power and energy solutions helps keep homes and businesses safe and prepared when it matters most. Congratulations on your Grand Opening!
Congratulations to all the graduates that participated in the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center's MADE Program in Tustin! The MADE Program assist start-up produced-based businesses with entering the marketplace to validate their concepts. During the eight-week program, participants learned about core concepts to create a successful business. We're proud to support small businesses in Orange County and be part of this incredible celebration of entrepreneurship.
RESOURCES
There are 32 Vote Centers open across Orange County. Here's what you can do when you visit:
- Cast your vote
- Register to vote or update your registration
- Request a replacement ballot
- Get help with any voting-related questions
You can visit any Vote Center in the county—choose one that's convenient for you, whether it's near your home, work, school, or favorite shopping spot.
Already filled out your Vote-By-Mail ballot? Drop it off at any Vote Center—or use one of five drive-thru drop-off locations if you prefer to stay in your car.
All Vote Centers meet ADA accessibility requirements and have convenient parking. Stop by a Vote Center to drop off your ballot or check in to vote in person.
Language assistance is available at all locations. Translated reference ballots in Farsi (Persian), Gujarati, Hindi, Japanese, and Tagalog will be available for eligible precincts. All election materials are fully translated into Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Every Vote Center is equipped with electronic poll books and ballot-on-demand printers, ensuring you receive the correct ballot for your precinct and language—no matter which location you choose.
Find your nearest Vote Center and learn more at ocvote.gov/votecenter.
The City of Irvine, in collaboration with Community Action Partnership of Orange County, is offering The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Eligible residents will receive a box of food weighing approximately 30 pounds once a month. The box contains a variety of dried beans, fresh produce, canned and frozen vegetables, fruit/vegetable juice, meat (when available), poultry, fish, nuts, milk, cheese, rice, cereal, and pasta.
The City of Irvine has established a designated passport acceptance facility at City Hall, providing community members with convenient access to new passport services. 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
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.
