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Welcome to "Catching Up With Cottie" - a weekly update about what I am working on as your representative in the California State Assembly.
This weekend, I joined the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and Local 3631 for a fire ground operations orientation where I got to be a firefighter for the day!
The first challenge comes with mastering the equipment, from the heavy bunker gear to the intricate tools used for fire suppression and search and rescue operations. I gained a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices firefighters make on a daily basis. From battling towering flames to extricating victims from wreckage, their job demands courage, skill, and unwavering determination.
Thank you to OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy and all of our local firefighters who stand in the face of danger and adversity with courage and resilience to ensure the safety of our homes, businesses and our lives.
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 proudly stood with my colleagues in the Assembly to support crucial investments in port infrastructure and catalyze offshore wind development in California. Offshore wind is a critical component of our clean energy strategy and we must start now.
On Monday, we observed Holocaust Remembrance Day on the Assembly Floor to honor the millions of lives lost during one of the darkest chapters in human history. We must never forget the atrocities committed and the lessons learned. To mark the occasion, each Assemblymember was given a photo of a victim who shares their birthday. I received a photo of Jacob Vischjager who was born on August 7th, 1938. He was deported from Amsterdam to Auschwitz in 1942 and was murdered in a gas chamber. Looking at this photo was a chance to reflect on the past and to strive to preserve the memory of the victims for a world of tolerance, compassion, and peace.
On Tuesday, I had an energizing meeting with the Green California Network which includes over 100 organizations to discuss the issues that matter most, including addressing the climate crisis, protecting public lands, improving drinking water quality and access, and keeping our communities safe from pollution and exposure to toxic chemicals. I am excited to collaborate with passionate advocates who are driving positive change for California.
Wednesday was a busy day at the Capitol. I got to catch up with many advocacy groups including a meeting with representatives from United Domestic Workers (UDW) who are doing incredible work to ensure that our home and child care workers receive the respect and dignity they deserve.
It was also great to meet with IUSD Special Education Local Plan Director Melanie Hertig, and Irvine Special Education Community Advisory Committee members, to learn about the work they do to improve the educational outcomes of IUSD students with disabilities.
I had the opportunity to meet with members of the California Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association. They represent over 8,000 public safety professionals who provide a calming voice on the other end of the line when an emergency strikes. As the first point of contact, the work that they do is essential to our public safety network.
The Association of Hawaiian Civic Club youth members dropped into my office for a conversation during their annual advocacy day at the Capitol. It's always nice to see young people learning about the legislative process and how to advocate on behalf of their community.
It was good to catch up with Orange County Realtors who represent 15,000 licensed real estate salespersons, brokers and appraisers. We had an engaging discussion on the housing market and expanding home ownership opportunities.
Thursday was no ordinary day at the State Capitol! The Assembly Floor was transformed into an intergalactic realm and was taken over by Star Wars characters in an early celebration of May the Fourth! It didn't matter who chose the light side or the dark, we all came together to celebrate our shared love for Star Wars!
On Friday, our team bid farewell to John Otair, an outstanding intern who supported our Capitol office. He exemplified the very essence of work ethic and dedication. We will miss his presence and the energy he brings to the team. I have no doubt that John will achieve great success in all his future endeavors. Thank you for everything, John!
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Team Cottie was honored to celebrate the 34th Annual Orange County Auto Theft Advisory Commission Awards to recognize our local law enforcement agencies who perform exemplary work in the recovery of stolen vehicles. We are grateful for the continued selfless and brave service of our officers.
Congratulations Everspring Modern Chinese for the grand opening in The Market Place in Tustin- wishing you continued success!
RESOURCES
May marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on an issue that affects many of us. Let's use this month to educate ourselves, support one another, and break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help. Often times we prioritize our physical health over our mental health, so let's take this opportunity to remind ourselves to pause and reflect on the needs of our minds and our soul. Join the conversation, spread kindness, and let's make mental health a priority every month, not just in May. Take a look at the local resources available to you, and remember to take care of yourself.
Applications are now open for the Legislative Women's Caucus's scholarship programs - the "Minerva Scholarship" and the "Breaking Barriers Scholarship."
The Breaking Barriers Scholarship Program is designed to support female students enrolled in certification, apprenticeship, or other STEM-specific job training programs, or who are pursuing a degree in a STEM field. The Minerva Scholarship Program is a more general scholarship program designed to support female students in their pursuit of a higher education degree. More information about each program is available on the foundation's website.
The California State Library provides free online tutoring for California K-12 students, available through public libraries. Through HelpNow, live real-time homework assistance is available 24 hours a day by laptop, tablet, or phone from qualified tutors using state curriculum and standards. Anyone using a computer inside of California can benefit from the live "HelpNow" program. Simply visit the HelpNow login page to get started with a live tutoring session now. The average wait time is 23 seconds.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 18 - Costa Mesa Household Waste & Shredding Event
Do you have bulky household items you need to throw away or important documents to shred? Bring your household waste, e-waste and documents to Estancia High School on Saturday, May 18, from 8-11 a.m. (or until intake capacity is reached).
May 18 - River Channel Cleanup - Love Costa Mesa Day
Join me and Orange County Coastkeeper for a volunteer River Channel Cleanup on Love Costa Mesa Day. On this day, volunteers will participate in projects across Costa Mesa serving the homeless community, beautifying our local parks, schools and neighborhoods, and so much more. Learn more about Love Costa Mesa Day and view other volunteer opportunities.
May 18 - Love Costa Mesa Day
Join my office, Trellis, City of Costa Mesa, and your neighbors for the 7th Annual Love Costa Mesa Volunteer Day! You can participate by hosting a volunteer project or volunteering.
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.
