Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
Last week, I had the privilege of joining the Be Well OC team for a beam signing ceremony at their new campus in Irvine. I am proud to have secured $16.5 million in state budget funding to support Be Well's critical work in our community.
The new health and wellness campus will serve as a sanctuary for those facing behavioral health challenges, offering them a path towards healing and empowerment, and strengthening our community's resilience.
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
This week, I participated in a legislative panel at the Pacific Offshore Wind Summit. I also joined a roundtable discussion with Senate President Pro-Tempore Mike McGuire, California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild and company CEOs to discuss the future of offshore wind in California. It was a great opportunity for crucial interagency discussions surrounding California's renewable energy future.
It was a pleasure to meet with representative of the Consumer Attorneys of California. Our focus was on legislative priorities, advancing consumer rights, promoting social justice, and strengthening the legal framework to better serve the interests of all Californians.
On Wednesday, I chaired an oversight hearing for the Assembly Utilities and Energy hearing, focused on gas prices and oil refinery profits. We received an update from the Division of Petroleum Market Oversight on the work that they are doing to lower gas prices in California.
Women's Foundation California is focused on racial, economic and gender justice. I met with them to share my advice on how best to advocate in the legislative process. Your voice and your stories are so powerful!
In the district, it was great to tour CTC Global's manufacturing facility, right here in Irvine! CTC is a global leader in advanced conductoring - technologies that make our electricity grid more efficient and effective. With projects in 60 countries, their innovative products are helping to power grid transformation around the world.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Team Cottie was honored to join the American Red Cross to celebrate the awardees at the Orange County Heroes Awards! Providing compassionate care and support to those in need truly makes a difference in people's lives. It's always inspiring to see such dedication to helping others.
Congratulations to these outstanding students on receiving the Les Miller Outstanding Student Award for the 2023-2024 school year! I commend you for your academic and community service achievement and wish you the absolute best in your future endeavors.
Another congratulations is in order for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Teachers of the Year! You are an inspiration to the community for your unbridled commitment to education. Thank you for helping our students reach their full potential!
RESOURCES
May is Small Business Month! A time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of small businesses to our communities and economies. Orange County is one of the most diverse counties in Southern California with the majority of small businesses being minority-owned. Small businesses play a crucial role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering local growth. So, remember to shop local and to support the diverse range of small businesses that enrich our lives every day.
Opening a college savings plan can be overwhelming. So, in honor of National 529 Day, ScholarShare 529 is offering an incentive: open a ScholarShare 529 account with a $50 deposit and add $50 a month for six months and get a $50 bonus. ScholarShare 529 is flexible, affordable and comes with a wide variety of investment portfolios. Plus, there are low fees and qualified withdrawals for use at most colleges, universities and trade schools are tax-free.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 22 - Home Insurance Workshop
Join a FREE interactive virtual workshop hosted by my office and the Automobile Club of Southern California that is designed to educate the public on insurance coverage, risks and claims. This workshop will help you better understand policies and coverage, and provide practical and simple tips to help avoid potential losses.
June 2 - Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
The 40th Annual Tustin Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This annual party takes place in the streets of Old Town Tustin holds the distinct honor of being the largest one-day chili cook-off in the country, according to the International Chili Society. The event comes alive with a variety of exhibitors featuring crafters, community organizations, food and chili booths, and craft beers and wine.
June 8 - Costa Mesa Community Health Resource Fair
You're invited to join me, Supervisor Katrina Foley, CalOptima Health, County of Orange, City of Costa Mesa, and nonprofit organizations for a FREE Community Health Resource Fair at Lions Park in Costa Mesa!
June 15 - Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event
Join me and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County invite you to 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.
June 22 - Tustin 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 Columbus Tustin Park on Saturday, June 22, from 8-11 a.m.
July 8 - August 2 - Eureka! Girls Summer Camp
Calling all Strong, Smart, and Bold students! Join Girls Inc. for a summer filled with STEM and life-skills activities, guest speakers, and weekly field trips! At Eureka! students gain the skills to fuel themselves today, tomorrow, and in the future. Be a part of a fun-filled summer!
