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 joined the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy for a Legislative Study Tour in the United Kingdom. The focus of our tour was on issues related to Energy and Insurance, two topics that are high on my priority list as your representative. Important note - taxpayer dollars were NOT used to fund this trip. I want to share some of the highlights from our trip, as part of this week's newsletter.
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
Our delegation began our trip with a wide-ranging briefing at the U.S. Embassy in London. We met with the Bank of England and Lloyd's of London to discuss the challenges facing the global insurance market in our climate-impacted world. We also visited Octopus Energy, where we discussed cutting edge energy management solutions for homes and businesses.
We met with the United Kingdom's Department For Energy and Net Zero. The U.K. is grappling with very similar challenges to California as we work to decarbonize our economies and build our clean energy future.
We visited the Rolls-Royce Headquarters where we got to see the exciting work their team is doing on the development of hydrogen fuels, sustainable jet engines and other innovation to decarbonize the aviation sector. We also visited the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), where Rolls-Royce is developing their Small Modular Reactor Program with a vision of clean, affordable energy for all.
The last stop in our energy focused tour was at Port of Nigg and Port of Invergordon in Inverness, Scotland - a growing hub for offshore wind. Port infrastructure underpins our ability to deliver offshore wind in California. To hit our goals, we need to get started now.
In the district, Team Cottie attended a briefing and a tour by the Orange County Transport Authority on their hydrogen fuel buses! This $22.9 million program follows a pilot program in which OCTA became the first large public transportation agency in Southern California to operate a hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus. This program is designed to provide a clear path for protecting our environment.
The team also attended the Children's Water Education Festival, hosted by the Orange County Water District. Students got to know all about the legislative process in California by participating in a mock government class.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
As Women's History Month comes to an end, I wanted to reiterate my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the distinguished women in our community for everything they do, to make our cities and communities a wonderful place to live. This year, I had the pleasure to recognize Annette Walker (City of Hope Orange County), Joyce LaPointe (Costa Mesa Police Department) and Soledad Rivera (CalOptima Health) as our 2024 Women of the Year.
(Click on image to view highlights from the 2024 Women of the Year Celebration)
The 6th Annual Women of the Year celebration helps shine the light on Orange County women that deserve recognition for their extraordinary contributions and leadership. This year's honorees are working each and every day to keep our communities healthy and safe, and they serve as inspiring role models for women and girls in Orange County to pursue their goals and ambitions.
This weekend, I was honored to join OC Supervisor Katrina Foley's 3rd Annual Women Making A Difference Awards. Congratulations to the incredible women honorees from our legal community who represent change and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. Thank you for all you do! I would also like to shout out Matt Fitt for the great pictures!
Each year, I have the opportunity to honor nonprofit organizations for the essential work they do for Orange County residents as part of California Nonprofits Day (June 7). The services that nonprofit organizations provide continues to be essential.
I invite you to nominate a nonprofit that you believe should be honored for their positive impact. We are considering nominations for nonprofit organizations that are located in or serve the cities of Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin. Please submit your online nomination by April 5, 2024.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Apr 14 - Irvine E-Bike Safety Town Hall
Join me, Irvine Councilmembers Tammy Kim and Kathleen Treseder for an E-Bike Safety Town Hall to learn about proposals to create a safer, more sustainable e-bike environment in Irvine. Your feedback is important as the City of Irvine works with state and local representatives to develop solutions that benefit the community and keeps everyone safe on our roadways.
Apr 13 - Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event
Join me and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County at Harvest Solutions Farm, to help harvest seasonal produce or plant crops, so that our neighbors have consistent access to nutritious food, creating a foundation for community health and well-being. Click here for more information.
Apr 20 - Costa Mesa Household Waste Event
Do you have bulky household items you need to throw away? Bring your household waste to the Costa Mesa Senior Center on Saturday, April 20 from 8-11 a.m.
Apr 24 - DFPI Financial Literacy Resource Webinar
Unlock the Path to Financial Empowerment! Register for and join the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation's (DFPI) 2024 Financial Literacy Resource Webinar. This year, DFPI is highlighting how you can safeguard your finances, spot the red flags, and protect yourself from frauds and scams.
Apr 27 - Costa Mesa Prescription Drug Take Back Event
On April 27, the 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. No RSVP required. For more information, please contact the Costa Mesa Police Department at (714) 754-5280.
