Press Releases

Sacramento, CA – This year, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris proudly launched the inaugural Young Legislators Program, welcoming a cohort of 29 passionate and civic-minded high school students from Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin.

“This extraordinary group of young leaders gives me so much hope for the future,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “They showed incredible insight, dedication, and compassion—and I’m so proud to have shared this journey with them.”

Irvine, CA – On Saturday, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County hosted a Harvest Solutions Farm Volunteer Event in Irvine to help harvest seasonal produce so that Orange County residents have consistent access to nutritious food creating a foundation for community health and well-being.

Laguna Beach, CA – Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach (BGCLB) celebrated the grand opening of the new Dream Play Yard at the Laguna Canyon Enrichment Center—a dynamic space designed to support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of local youth. The project was made possible through $400,000 in state funding secured by the Assemblywoman in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 state budget, as well as local donors.

Sacramento, CA — After 17 years of tireless advocacy, families who have lost loved ones, survivors of drunk driving crashes, and public safety champions are celebrating a significant milestone as the California State Assembly passed AB 366, authored by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris. This landmark legislation would mandate the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for all DUI offenders in California.

Sacramento, CA — Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris recognized Pretend City Children’s Museum as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year for the 73rd Assembly District. Each year, CalNonprofits invites California Assemblymembers and State Senators to honor a Nonprofit of the Year for their district during a luncheon celebrated near the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Sacramento, CA – Today, the Assembly Public Safety Committee passed AB 366, authored by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), to advance California’s fight against the drunk driving epidemic. The bill would establish the state’s first-ever statewide ignition interlock device (IID) program for all DUI offenders, a proven strategy to reduce repeat offenses and save lives.

Costa Mesa, CA – Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris marked Women’s History Month by honoring Sirisha Bandla, Yulan Chung, Katie Webb Brundige, and Meghan Clem as the 2025 Women of the Year. The 7th annual Women of the Year celebration helps shine a light on women who deserve recognition for their extraordinary contributions and leadership in Orange County.

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) and Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), who tragically lost his grandchild to a drunk driver over the holidays, were joined by Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the California Police Chiefs Association, the Association of Highway Patrolmen, AAA, and Assemblymembers Ransom, Soria, and Krell to announce the introduction of AB 366, the Save Lives with Every Start bill.

Sacramento, CA - Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) issued the statement below following Governor Newsom’s 2025-26 State Budget proposal.

“Governor Newsom’s proposed budget highlights the significant challenges facing California while presenting an opportunity to have critical discussions about how to best serve our state. With a modest surplus, there is an opportunity to prioritize energy affordability, protect vulnerable Californians, and strengthen our preparedness for natural disasters.