Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
We kicked off April with another busy week in the Capitol and across the district. April is Earth Month and I am hosting two terrific community volunteer events:
April 13- Harvest Solutions Farm Event, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank.
April 20- River Channel Cleanup, in partnership with Orange County Coast Keeper.
I hope you will join me!
On a personal note, this week we celebrated my son Dylan's birthday, it really feels like time is flying!
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!
To share this newsletter or see it on my website, use this link: Catching Up With Cottie.
Yours faithfully,
Cottie Petrie-Norris
California State Assemblywoman
I am proud to share that my bill, AB 2759 passed out of Assembly Public Safety Committee. This life-saving bill strengthens and clarifies existing law that permits law enforcement and security guards, who have committed a domestic violence offense, to retain their firearm for their professional duties in order to protect victims and the public. A huge thank you to the Women's Foundation California's Solis Policy Institute for their partnership on this important issue.
I joined the Bioenergy Association of California annual reception where I spoke about energy policy in California and the role of bioenergy in providing clean power and renewable fuels. In order for California to meet its climate goals, we need an "all of the above" approach to build a more sustainable, more reliable, and more affordable electricity supply.
I love my role as Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee. On Wednesday, I chaired a U&E where we held a good discussion and debate regarding 11 bills. I also presented two bills at the hearing, including AB 2292, to expedite permitting timelines for energy projects.
On Thursday, my colleagues and I introduced AJR 15, calling on the Federal Government to repeal the cap on state and local tax deductions. This Trump tax law means that many Orange County families are paying taxes twice on the income they earn. It's time to repeal this unfair law!
In the district, I joined Irvine Councilmembers Tammy Kim and Kathleen Treseder for an E-Bike Safety Town Hall to discuss proposals to create a safer, more sustainable e-bike environment in Irvine. Thank you to all who participated - your feedback will help us develop solutions that will keep everyone safe!
Congratulations to Irvine Valley College on the dedication ceremony of the Fine Arts Village. The $61 million Arts Village includes studios, rehearsal spaces, an auditorium and so much more! This new central hub will bring together the Music, Dance, Visual Arts, and Fine Arts departments - serving as a vibrant space where our student artists can collaborate and showcase their talent.
Team Cottie was honored to participate in this year's Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana's Police and Firefighter Awards. Congratulations to the awardees and thank you for your continued dedication and selfless commitment to keeping our community safe!
Team Cottie also attended the Children's Water Education Festival, hosted by the Orange County Water District, where students had the opportunity to learn all about the legislative process in California by participating in a mock government class.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Last 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!
Congratulations to Amity Health on their ribbon cutting and grand opening in Costa Mesa! Thank you for all you do to provide our residents with patient-centered care. Best wishes!
I would also like to extend a warm welcome to MoonGoat Coffee and congratulate them on the opening of their UCI Research Park location! Welcome to Irvine, and best wishes for continued success!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Apr 20 - Earth Day River Channel Cleanup
Join me and Orange County Coastkeeper for a River Channel Cleanup in celebration of Earth Day. You can prevent hundreds of pounds of trash from entering the marine environment. Invite your friends and family to take action, preserve California's coastal waterways for generations to come, and discuss legislation protecting the oceans and environment.
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.
