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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A new California bill aimed at preventing drunk driving moved one step closer to becoming law after receiving unanimous approval from the Senate Public Safety Committee.

Assembly Bill 366 would require all DUI offenders in California, including first-time violators, to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. These devices prevent cars from starting if the driver has been drinking.

Thanks to a $750,000 allocation from a state lawmaker, Costa Mesa will soon be add 15 more behavioral health beds at its bridge shelter, doubling its capacity to serve individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues.

City officials announced last week Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) had earmarked funds in the state’s 2025-26 budget to help grow the behavioral healthcare program at the Airway Avenue facility, from 15 dedicated beds to 30.

Now, switching gears – I love it when a plan comes together. Back in Fiscal Year 2022-23 of the California State Budget, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris secured $400,000 in funding, which, when added with contributions from local donors, helped with the redevelopment of the Dream Play Yard.

Not quite three years have passed since a gathering in the backyard of the Boys & Girls Club in Laguna Beach promised funding for a playground of kids’ dreams.

Local dignitaries and public officials returned to the site on Friday to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the now open Dream Play Yard at the branch located at 1085 Laguna Canyon Road.

Pretend City, the real-life experience museum made just for children, was named 2025 Nonprofit of the Year for the 73rd Assembly District by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris.

“Pretend City is more than a museum — it’s a cornerstone of early childhood development in our community,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “Their commitment to nurturing young minds through imaginative play and educational programming has made a lasting impact on countless families. I’m proud to recognize their exceptional work and excited for their future expansion at the Great Park.”​

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Colin Campbell’s eyes light up when thinking about his two kids, Ruby and Hart, both of whom had magnetic personalities and personified kindness.

“Ruby was an amazing artist, she was a character…I call her a proud lesbian social justice warrior,” Campbell said. “...Hart was this amazing clown, he made everybody laugh…he was an amazing superstar of a performer, who just had a crowd of people in his thrall.”

Every time I hear about another drunk driving death, I ask myself the same question: How could we have prevented it?

California is facing a growing drunk driving crisis — and prevention must be our top priority. Since 2019, drunk driving deaths in our state have surged 53%, killing 1,479 Californians in 2022 alone. These are not accidents. These are mothers, fathers, friends, and children. These are lives stolen in tragedies that could — and should — have been prevented.

PETRIE DISHES: Affordability is hot right now, and Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris is right in the center of the debate.

As chair of the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee, she’s taking a hard look at any and all options to lower electric bills and prevent them from skyrocketing further as utilities’ wildfire costs rise.

California Lawmakers have introduced a new bill, AB 366, to tackle drunk driving.

“Members this is an urgent call to action,” said Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “AB 366 is an opportunity for us to save lives…for us to stop these tragic and preventable deaths before the car even starts.”

Most start with just a spark.

A discarded cigarette, unattended campfire or equipment malfunction can start a fire. 

Humans start nearly 90% of wildfires in the United States, with power lines and arson as leading causes in California.