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, we wrapped up the end of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session! And, what a week it was. After days of intense deliberation and a Saturday session that brought the year's legislative work to a close, I'm proud to announce that 14 of the bills I authored are on their way to the Governor's Desk. These pieces of legislation focus on a variety of topics - everything from expediting green-energy development to preventing gun violence, from expanding reproductive health care coverage to enhancing the reliability of our electricity grid.
This session has been a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with determination and a clear vision for the future. I am deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of my colleagues, the hard work of my team, and most importantly - the trust of my constituents.
Together, we've laid the groundwork for meaningful progress that will benefit all Californians. Onward to an even brighter future!
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
During the last week of the legislature, I had the privilege of presenting ACR 228 on the Assembly Floor, proclaiming August 26th, 2024, as Women's Equality Day. This date marks 104 years since the passage of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote. We owe immense gratitude to the courageous women who came before us-those who fought tirelessly, refused to accept defeat, and secured this fundamental right.
Today, women in California and across the nation have made remarkable progress. We're witnessing a historic number of women in leadership roles across all sectors, including a record 50 women who served in the California Legislature this year! As we celebrate these achievements, let us honor the trailblazers who paved the way and commit to uplifting the next generation of women every single day.
Amid a busy floor session, I had the chance to step out to celebrate the passage of my bill AB 2368 with our supporters. The bill will modernize the resource adequacy program at the CPUC to ensure Californians have reliable electricity, without relying upon expensive, emergency procurement!
Wrapping up this two-year legislative session was bittersweet, as it marks the last time that many of my colleagues and I will have the opportunity to work with one another. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with, learn from, and serve alongside some very dedicated public servants, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors!
Great news! CalOptima, the City of Costa Mesa and Celebrating Life Community Health Center are partnering together and launching the Street Medicine Program to deliver comprehensive and vital healthcare services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to providing essential medical care and support to the most vulnerable members in our community.
Congratulations to all the businesses recognized by the City of Tustin and Tustin Chamber of Commerce at the 2024 Business Recognition Luncheon! Your hard work and contributions play a vital role in strengthening our local economy. Thank you for all that you do!
My team was honored to join Tustin Community Foundation to recognize these incredible volunteers for their unwavering dedication to serving our community! Your generous gift of time and effort to support our schools, places of worship, and local organizations is truly inspiring. Thank you for making a difference!
Team Cottie was delighted to partner once again with the City of Tustin at the Tustin Area Senior Center to connect with our senior community, ensuring they are informed about the some of the available state resources, including the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), the Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, and the California State Controller and exploring how we my office can best support them!
I will be hosting a Senior Scam Stopper Seminar in Tustin on September12, 2024 in partnership with the Department of Financial Protection & Innovation and the Department of Insurance. Click here to RSVP to this event.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Congratulations to these outstanding students on graduating from the Project SEARCH internship! This remarkable program offers invaluable real-world work experience, combined with training in employability and independent living skills, empowering young people with significant disabilities to successfully transition into productive adult lives. I wish you all continued success and am thrilled for the bright future that lies ahead of you!
My team was honored to celebrate the retirement of Deputy Commissioner Troy Lukkes from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) after 30 years of dedicated service. Thank you for your outstanding contributions to the Department, and I extend my deepest appreciation for your unwavering commitment the safety of our community. Wishing you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
I joined Orange County legislators in calling on the California Department of Motor Vehicles to reconsider the closure of its Laguna Hills office, citing concerns for overcrowding and accessibility. The Laguna Hills Office is a vital state resource for South Orange County residents, particularly older adults, and its closure will cause significant challenges. Read a copy of the letter below:
RESOURCES
September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. Wildfires are a growing concern in California, they can spread rapidly, threatening homes, communities, and lives. Staying informed is fundamental to prepare for the next steps.
Get ready for wildfire by:
- Maintaining adequate defensible space
- Hardening your home
- Incorporating fire smart landscaping
- Reviewing seasonal actions you can take to reduce your wildfire risk.
Natural disasters, like earthquakes, happen unexpectedly. Emergency situations may force individuals and families to quickly find shelter or evacuate from their homes, workplaces, or other settings. By being prepared and planning ahead, Californians can quickly take life-saving actions to keep them safe in an earthquake. To ensure all Californians are earthquake prepared, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) developed Earthquake Warning California, which is the nation's first statewide earthquake warning system that provides several seconds of warning to mobile device users in the area before shaking occurs. Earthquake Warning California offers no-cost earthquake warning and other resources.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sep. 4 - Estate Planning Webinar
Join the California Department of Financial Innovation & Protection for this FREE Estate Planning Webinar on September 4, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and gain the knowledge and confidence to plan, protect, and leave a legacy for your loved ones and the causes that you support.
Sep. 6 - Be Red Cross Ready Emergency Preparedness
Join me and Tustin Community Foundation for a FREE emergency preparedness workshops to your community during National Emergency Preparedness Month! Join us at the Tustin Public Library for a series of presentations to learn how to prepare yourself and your household for emergencies and local hazards.
Sep. 7 - Tustin Police Department Open House
Join the Tustin Police Department on Saturday, September 7, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., at Tustin City Hall for their 27th Annual Open House!
Sep. 12 - Tustin Senior Scam Stopper Seminar
Come learn how to protect yourself from common scams related to home improvement, auto repair, insurance, telemarketing, real estate and more.A panel of experts will provide information to seniors and caregivers about scams and how they can protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud. Attendees will get their questions answered and obtain assistance if they have been scammed. Resource agencies and organizations will also provide helpful information about various programs and services.
Sep. 13 - Second Harvest Distribution Center Volunteer Event
Join me and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County at a Hunger Action Month Volunteer Event at the Second Harvest Distribution Center. Volunteers assist in a variety of food processing projects, including sorting and inspecting produce, packaged foods and boxes at the Distribution Center in Irvine. This is an indoor opportunity.
Sep. 14 - Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event
Join me and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County at Harvest Solutions Farm to help harvest seasonal produce. Join us this September for Hunger Action Month to help distribute and harvest seasonal produce so that our neighbors have consistent access to nutritious food, creating a foundation for community health and well-being.
Sep. 14 - Tustin Dental Clinic
Join us at the Tustin Area Senior Center's Resource Fair to receive free dental care from the UCI Delta Delta Sigma Dental Clinic. Services provided include dental exams, cleanings, and the opportunity to schedule treatment follow-up with the same team.
