Political Notebook

Central Coast

Robert Cuthbert, the Lompoc Democrat who tried unsuccessfully to unseat Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee in 2006, will make his second attempt for the seat in November.

In a statement Friday, Cuthbert said he filed papers at the Santa Barbara County Elections Office on Friday to appear on the June primary ballot.

Cuthbert is a one-time Lompoc mayoral candidate and former organizer for farm labor leader Cesar Chavez. He also has fought against crackdowns on illegal immigration and supports enhanced environmental protections.

Blakeslee, R-San Luis Obispo, had more legislation signed into law than any other freshman Republican in the Assembly in 2005-06. He was first elected in 2004 and was re-elected in 2006.

The 33rd District covers San Luis Obispo County and parts of northern Santa Barbara County.

—Stephen Curran

San Luis Obispo

Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell will appear at a fundraiser for 3rd District Supervisor Jerry Lenthall’s re-election campaign March 12. The event is set for 5:30 to 8 p. m. at Downtown Brewing Co. on Garden Street.

Tickets begin at $50, and other sponsorships are available for those who want to have a professional photograph taken with Liddell, the former UFC light heavyweight champion.

Contact the campaign at 439-0470 to inquire about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, or e-mail Lenthall at jerry@jerrylenthall.com .

—Bob Cuddy

Arroyo Grande

A “Yes We Can” Barack Obama party is planned for 4 p. m. Sunday at 518 Gaynfair Terrace, between Elm and Halcyon streets, according to hosts Gina Whitaker and Ken Hill.

The event is being organized nationally by MoveOn . org’s political action committee and will focus on the Tuesday Texas primary that many experts say could decide whether Obama or Hillary Clinton becomes the Democratic nominee for president.

—Bob Cuddy

Paso Robles

The city Firefighters Association has announced its endorsement of Paso Robles Mayor Frank Mecham for 1st District county supervisor.

Mecham is running against incumbent Harry Ovitt for the position.

Firefighters Association President Paul Patti said the group decided to endorse the mayor based on his leadership of the city, which includes overseeing the Fire Department.

Mecham said law enforcement and fire prevention are among his budget priorities.

—Leah Etling

San Luis Obispo

The organizations that successfully sued the backers of Measure J will hold a party and fundraiser March 9 to celebrate the victory.

Measure J, which county voters approved in November 2006, would have allowed development of 131 acres of farmland west of Highway 101 and south of Madonna Road. The Dalidio Ranch plan included 530,000 square feet for retail, a business park, a hotel, 60 units of housing and other developments.

Citizens for Planning Responsibly and the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo County sued, arguing that the ballot measure allowed the project to evade normal planning procedures.

On Jan. 31, Superior Court Judge Roger Picquet nullified the initiative.

The celebration is scheduled from 3 to 6 p. m. at the ECOSLO headquarters at Marsh and Nipomo streets in San Luis Obispo. Organizers are asking that those who attend bring a potluck dish and beverage.

For more information, call 544-8365.

—Bob Cuddy

Los Osos

The Los Osos Grassroots Democrats’ monthly meeting is set for March 19.

January’s meeting at the South Bay Community Center featured a question-and-answer session with Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara.

For information, contact grassrootsdems@charter.net , or visit www.losososgrassrootsdems.com .

—Tribune staff report