Dear Neighbor,

Good morning and welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.

Today is Election Day - the last day to vote in the 2024 Primary Election.

There are more choices and more options than ever for Orange County voters. You can vote by mail, return your ballot at a ballot drop box or vote in person at any Orange County vote center. Visit the Orange County Registrar of Voters website to find a vote center or ballot drop box near you.

As always, if you have questions or need assistance with a state program or agency, please reach out to my office. We are here to help!

Yours faithfully,


Cottie Petrie-Norris
California State Assemblywoman

I am committed to being accessible and available. To stay up to date, follow me on Facebook, Instagram and X.

I am proud to share that this session I have introduced legislation to end child marriage in California. California is one of only five states in the country with no minimum age to marry. In 2021 alone, more than 8,700 children are estimated to have been married in California. When I learned that, I was shocked and horrified.

I am determined to end this practice in California. My bill AB 1294 is sponsored by Unchained At Last, a survivor-led nonprofit organization committed to ending forced and child marriage in the United States. You can read more about the bill here.

In other exciting news, I was proud to receive the TechNet 2024 Champion of Innovation Award. I was recognized by TechNet for legislation that I authored last year - AB1027 - to help keep kids safe online. AB1027 makes it easier for law enforcement to partner with online platforms to stop sales of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. We still have a long way to go - my work to make our kids and communities safe continues.

This week at the capitol, we welcomed the Association of California Airports for California Aviation Day. There were Great displays by the California Aerospace Museum, Bay Area Urban Eagles, California Capital Airshow, and many more!

I joined Equality California to celebrate the 25^th Annual Equality Awards. Congratulations to all of the winners for your incredible contributions to California!

I welcomed Orange County representatives from the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) during their visit to the Capitol to discuss their policy priorities. I look forward to continuing our work together for a stronger California.

I enjoyed meeting with a passionate group of UCI students to discuss climate change, protection of public health, feeding the hungry and protecting our democracy. It is always insightful to hear about what our next generation really cares about.

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION

This weekend, I had a wonderful time at the OC Lantern Festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Thank you to the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center and Pacific Symphony for bringing the community together to celebrate Year of The Dragon. Wishing everyone best of luck, success and prosperity!

Congratulations to Full Circle Fitness for celebrating nearly a decade in Tustin! Thank you for providing a unique space for our 50+ residents to take care of their health and thrive.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mar 8 - Women in Leadership Summit

Marking International Women's Day, I will be attending the 2nd Annual Orange County Women in Leadership Summit. I look forward to engaging with many women community leaders and hear about their inspirational stories!

Mar 9 - Car Seat Safety Check-Up

Please join me, the California Highway Patrol, the Costa Mesa Police Department and the City of Costa Mesa for a car seat safety check-up event on Saturday, March 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Costa Mesa City Hall.

Mar 14 - 6^th Annual Women of the Year Celebration

In honor of Women's History Month, Please join me at a ceremony on Thursday, March 14 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Costa Mesa to recognize Joyce LaPointe (Costa Mesa Police Department), Annette Walker (City of Hope Orange County) and Soledad Rivera (CalOptima Health) as the 73rd Assembly District's Women of the Year! Kindly RSVP by Monday, March 11. Space is limited, and RSVP is required.

Mar 20 - Costa Mesa Blood Drive

You are invited to an American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Orange Coast College Main Quad on Wednesday, March 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The need for blood is constant and your donation is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. You will feel good knowing you've helped change a life.

Mar 23 - Irvine Household Waste &Shredding Event

Do you have bulky household items you need to throw away or important documents to shred? Bring your household waste and documents to the Jeffrey Park and Ride in Irvine on Saturday, March 23 from 8:00 a.m. - 11 a.m.