Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
Thank you to the Climate Action Campaign for recognizing my work and leadership on energy rate stabilization. It was truly heartwarming to be acknowledged during a meaningful community celebration. This year, my top priority was passing legislation that puts money back in families' pockets while building a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future. I'm proud to share that several landmark bills I championed were signed into law, marking progress on energy affordability and climate resiliency. I remain focused on the important work ahead to continue delivering results for our communities and our planet.
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
Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly evolving technology that's becoming an intigrated part of our daily lives. I was honored to join Assemblymembers Lori Wilson, Patrick Ahrens, Diane Dixon and Senator Tom Umberg for a panel discussion hosted by Calchamber on AI regulation. I shared insights from my work on the Assembly's Privacy Committee—where we carefully vet legislation to ensure responsible oversight of AI while protecting California's innovation ecosystem.
In partnership with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC), I had the opportunity to meet with local small business owners to discuss how we can better support entrepreneurs, strengthen our small business community, and advance key legislative priorities. It was wonderful to see Arvida Bookstore and Taylor Made Cuisine—both previously recognized as Small Businesses of the Year. Thank you to Georgia's Restaurant for hosting and contributing to such an engaging and productive conversation.
We joined our partners at the City of Irvine to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at the Great Park. We can't wait to see this museum take shape as a place where history, learning, and community come together to honor the legacy of Marine Corps aviation.
Education is the foundation of strong communities. It was a pleasure to attend Newport-Mesa Unified School District's State of the Schools event and celebrate the teachers, students, and families shaping a brighter future. Their progress and commitment to academic excellence are truly inspiring.
The Boys & Girls Club of Tustin's Trunk-or-Treat was an absolute blast! From creative costumes to plenty of sweet treats, it was wonderful to see families and kids celebrating the fun and spirit of Halloween together.
Protecting your identity is more important than ever. Our free community paper shredding event had a great turnout — giving residents a safe, secure way to dispose of sensitive documents and protect their personal information. Thank you to the City of Costa Mesa for hosting this event.
IN THE NEWS
Exciting progress at Ketchum-Libolt Park in Costa Mesa! I'm proud to have secured $2.5 million in state funding for the park's expansion, set to be completed this summer.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
It's great to see Mastro's Ocean Club expand in the 73rd Assembly District with its second location at the Irvine Spectrum! Known for its fine dining experience, Mastro's has become a popular destination for special occasions.
We've been enjoying some beautiful weather lately—it's the perfect time to stop by HeyTea at Harvard Plaza for a refreshing drink and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Congratulations on your Grand Opening, and cheers to your success!
RESOURCES
The Clerk-Recorder on Wheels is coming to Tustin! Join the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's mobile team at Veterans Sports Park on Saturday, November 8 (10 AM–2 PM) to apply for a U.S. passport or take passport photos. Appointments required, call: 714-834-2248
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Dec. 4 - Protect Yourself From Fraud Webinar
Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) are hosting a free webinar to help you learn how to learn how to safeguard your personal identifying information, avoid scams targeting older adults, and protect yourself from financial fraud.
Dec. 5 - Keeping the Keys Workshop
Keeping the Keys is a FREE workshop designed to help keep senior drivers on the road for as long as safely possible. The presentation is filled with tips and resources for older drivers and their families. All attendees receive a free resource packet and giveaway mailed upon completion.
Dec. 6 - Free Paper Shredding Event
You're invited to a free paper shredding event at Beckman High School on Saturday, December 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (shredding event located on El Camino Real behind high school)
Shredding is available to all attendees – first-come, first-served. No RSVP or proof of residency is required. Limit 5 standard medium moving boxes per household.
What to shred: Documents, envelopes, file folders, and credit cards. No need to remove staples, paper clips, or rubber bands.
What NOT to shred: Accordion folders, binders, binder clips, books, cardboard, plastics, common trash, hazardous materials, CDs, DVDs, x-rays, and electronics.
For more information, call (949) 251-0074.
