Santa Maria Sun / News

Political Watch 3.18

On March 9, the Lompoc Police Officers Association announced in a press release its endorsement of Joshua Lynn for Santa Barbara County District Attorney. The endorsement is based on a membership poll. Lynn is running against senior deputy district attorney Joyce Dudley to fill the position, which was vacated earlier this year by Christie Stanley because of health reasons. Lynn and Dudley will square off in a public debate on April 7 at the central branch of the Santa Barbara Public Library at 40 E. Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara. The debate is being sponsored by the Santa Barbara and Ventura colleges of law. The 90-minute debate will begin at 7 p.m. in the Faulkner Gallery. Stan Roden, former district attorney for Santa Barbara County, will moderate the event. Any candidate who joins the race by the filing deadline will also be invited to participate. The general election will be held June 8.

’Tis the season for endorsements: On March 8, Katcho Achadjian, candidate for 33rd District State Assembly, announced he has received support from four past chairs of the San Luis Obispo County Republican Central Committee, René Bravo, Tom Christian, George Galvan, and Mike Whiteford. “In the many years I have lived and worked in this community,” Bravo said in a press release, “Katcho Achadjian stands out as a Republican leader who has brought business expertise to government and made it possible to keep good jobs from leaving the Central Coast. Katcho has demonstrated unparalleled accountability to the people he serves and will be an effective Republican leader in the state assembly.” Katcho is one of four Republicans running for the seat. His opponents include Fred Strong, Matt Kokkonen, and Etta Waterfield. Hilda Zacarias is the sole Democrat running.