News

Irvine, CA (November 15, 2024) - Restoration of a heavily trafficked 49-acre portion of Bommer Canyon Preserve is underway through Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) efforts.

IRC's goal is to build a more resilient habitat to wildfires through strategic fuel modification zones and enhance habitat quality for local wildlife. The restoration project is the largest undertaking that IRC has collaborated with the city of Irvine. With nearly 9,000 container plants ordered, the project is also one of the largest in planting scale.

Irvine, CA (November 14, 2024) - Irvine introduced its first “universal” playground Thursday, Nov. 14, at Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park. The wheelchair-accessible play area is designed as an inclusive space for all residents, regardless of ability.

Among its unique features, the outer space-themed playground includes adaptive swings, a sensory garden and Bankshot basketball, which the brand describes as mini golf but with a basketball. The Bankshot court features an array of creatively angled backboards of various shapes and sizes.

Irvine, CA (November 1, 2024) - Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) on Friday hosted the sixth annual Veterans of the Year ceremony at Irvine Valley College to recognize three veterans living in the 73rd Assembly District.

The honorees, Victor Bakkila, Martha McDonald and Michael Carter, were selected for the honor not only for their military service but their contributions to fellow veterans and the community.

Costa Mesa, CA (September 6, 2024) - City and state leaders joined the Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue team Friday morning for the groundbreaking ceremony of a new training tower facility located at Fire Station No. 4.

The new building was made possible with $3.5 million in city capital improvement funds and $2.5 million of state budget funding, according to city officials. The 57-year-old existing tower will be demolished to make way for the project.

Laguna Hills, CA (August 27, 2024) - Orange County legislators are calling for 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,” the legislators said in a letter sent Monday, Aug. 26.

Costa Mesa, CA (August 22, 2024) - California’s housing department in August awarded a $29 million grant to convert the Travelodge by Wyndham Orange County Airport/Costa Mesa on Bristol Street into permanent supportive housing for those at risk of homelessness.

The state grant will support a partnership between the county and the cities of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach to remodel the motel to create 76 affordable rental units, according to a news release from Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris.

Costa Mesa, CA (August 15, 2024) - Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie Norris (D-Irvine) joined Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley Wednesday in announcing the allocation of $29 million in grant funding from the Department of Housing and Community Development toward completion of the project.

Petrie Norris called the grant award a “strong commitment” by state, county and city leaders to provide needed housing and services to the area’s most vulnerable individuals.

Costa Mesa, CA (July 30, 2024) - A couple hundred girls had the opportunity to dream big on Friday, as they listened to leading women across various fields during the IgniteHER Girls Summit at Orange Coast College.

The event was put on as a collaboration between Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) and Girls Inc. of Orange County, which is celebrating its 70th year. Petrie-Norris presented a resolution recognizing the milestone.

San Jose, CA (July 28, 2024) - In California law, there is no age limit to marry. A minor must get the permission of at least one parent or guardian and approval from a judge to obtain a marriage license or domestic partnership. California is one of only four U.S. states that does not set a minimum age for marriage, allowing individuals of any age to marry with the permission of a parent and a judge.

Irvine, CA (June 19, 2024) - Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and its volunteers received recognition for their collective efforts on Saturday, when Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) visited the farm to present a proclamation naming it her district’s Nonprofit of the Year.