California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones will come to the Central Coast on March 8 to meet with local Democrats and talk about how the state intends to implement the federal Affordable Care Act.

The state’s top environment official, Resources Secretary John Laird, also will be on hand at the Democrats’ second annual “Dining with the Stars” event at the Gardens of Avila Restaurant at Sycamore Mineral Springs in Avila Beach.

Jones, elected insurance commissioner in 2010, strongly supports health care reform and is known as a consumer advocate.

Jones and Laird will celebrate local volunteers and organizations.

The event is “a chance to celebrate Democratic successes in the November election,” according to Pat Harris, chair of the San Luis Obispo County Democratic Party. “And with all the changes the Affordable Care Act will bring, we are looking forward to (his) insights.”

A no-host cocktail hour will open the evening, followed by dinner and a silent auction. Jones will be the main attraction at a reception held with sponsors prior to the event.

For more information, visit www.slocdp.org, or call the Democratic headquarters at 805-546-8499. Tickets are $115 each and available online at: https://secure.actblue.com/page/diningwithstars2013.