Press Releases

Statement from Assemblymember Petrie-Norris on the phased reopening of Laguna Beach and San Clemente, effective today

Monday, May 4, 2020

“Our beaches are a respite for many of us - and provide our community with an invaluable outlet for outdoor recreation and mental health.”

“This progressive plan will re-open Laguna beaches in the most responsible way, ensuring public safety and a continued flattening of the curve.”

“I commend Mayor Whalen and the City Council for their thoughtful, judicious and strategic response, now and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As we navigate this unprecedented crisis, we will continue to be led by science and facts - not by politics and not by fear.”

Progressive Plan Image

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris Press Statement on Announcement by Orange County on Property Tax Fees and Fines

Monday, April 6, 2020

Applauds Greater Use of Flexibility to Those Impacted by COVID-19

COSTA MESA – The OC Treasurer-Tax Collector is now directing homeowners, small business owners or other property owners who have experienced significant and demonstrated economic hardships due to COVID-19, to request a penalty cancellation. Cases will be decided on a case-by-case basis.  Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris released the following statement applauding the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector on these immediate actions to provide relief on property taxes:  

“I would like to thank OC Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari L. Freidenrich for harnessing the flexibility of current state law to waive penalties for our constituents who are unable to pay property taxes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have been directly working with her and her office and am pleased with this outcome. Taxpayers unable to pay their property taxes by April 10th because of the COVID-19 pandemic, should be granted every form of relief available.

Fairview Developmental Center Selected as Alternative Care Site to Fight COVID-19

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

1,100 New Beds for Medical Surge Capacity in Orange County 

COSTA MESA – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to re-open the Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa as part of California’s strategy to build surge capacity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach) voiced her support of the strategy, stating: "Around the world and in other states, we have seen the horrific images and heard the heartbreaking stories of COVD-19 patients dying in hospital corridors because there are not enough beds," said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris. "We are aggressively preparing for California’s surge to try to avoid that nightmare. The Fairview Developmental Center will provide critical surge capacity in Orange County in order to decompress local hospitals and save lives."

RELEASE: Legislation Expanding Senior Services Signed into Law - AB 1128 will Reduce Red Tape & Increase PACE Programs for Aging Californians

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

SACRAMENTO—Assembly Bill 1128, authored by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. This bill will expand access to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) by consolidating the responsibility of licensure functions within the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

RELEASE: California Governor Approves Bill to Expand Access to Birth Control - AB 1264 Clarifies Vague Telehealth Law for Patients

Friday, October 11, 2019

SACRAMENTO – Building on the state’s historic $100 million investment in reproductive health in the 2019-20 state budget, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed into law Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris’ AB 1264, which clarifies vague telehealth law in order to reduce medically unnecessary barriers to telehealth prescribing, including oral contraceptives.

RELEASE: Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act Signed Into Law

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

SACRAMENTO — Assembly Bill 963, authored by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach), has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. Over the last weeks of session, students from all over California came to advocate on behalf of AB 963, the Student Civic and Voter Empowerment Act, which will give California Universities and Colleges the necessary tools to increase civic engagement and participation in democracy among young voters.