On the Fourth of July, Californians and Americans will come together at fairs, festivals and community gatherings to celebrate our nation's independence. Our state and national celebrations highlight the birth of our country and the honor we bestow on those who protect us.

With great determination, our Founding Fathers and the thirteen colonies defeated one of the most powerful empires in the history of the world. And their sacrifice is mirrored by the many veterans and active service members of the Armed Forces who have fought to guarantee our freedoms.

America's birthday reminds us of the principles on which our nation was founded: a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Every year we are so fortunate to celebrate our independence and freedoms on July 4th without persecution or fear.

The Central Coast is home to thousands of active duty military personnel and brave veterans who have served our state and nation. I ask Californians to remember the reason they are free to enjoy our national birthday: the sacrifice of brave men and women in the armed forces to preserve democracy.

America has been and always will be a pinnacle of diversity and freedom. The 4th of July should be a time of celebration and a time of remembrance.

The Central Coast is home to several wonderful 4th of July celebrations. Those of you still looking for a way to celebrate may wish to look into one of the following events:

PARADES

Templeton Independence Day Parade: One Nation, One People

10:00 AM, Main Street, Templeton

Cayucos Annual Parade

10:00 AM, Ocean Avenue, Cayucos

Lompoc Childrens Sidewalk Parade

11:30 AM, Veteran's Memorial Building, Lompoc  

FIREWORK SHOWS 

Lompoc

5:30 PM (doors open) Lompoc High School Football Stadium

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Santa Maria

3:00 PM (fairgrounds open), Santa Maria Fairpark

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Cayucos

Fireworks begin at dusk, Cayucos Pier

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Morro Bay

9:00 PM, Tidelands Park

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Cambria

9:30 PM, Shamel Park

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Pismo Beach

9:00 PM, Pismo Pier 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Paso Robles

9:15 PM, Barney Schwartz Park

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

This year marked the 75th Anniversary of the American Legion's Boys State program, in which outstanding young men from high schools throughout California participate in a weeklong leadership program at Sacramento State University.  As part of the program the young men are educated in civic leadership and have the opportunity to participate in a mock legislative session. I am extremely proud of the young men from the Central Coast who participated in the program. I look forward to seeing them continue to grow as leaders and hope that in the future we will see these young men, as well as the outstanding young women who participated in Girls State in Los Angeles, serve in elected positions at the local, state, and federal levels.

To see photos of all the young men who visited my office as part of Boys State please click here.

While my staff and I work very hard to make ourselves available to residents of the 33rd Assembly District, I realize that not everyone has the time or ability to make it to my district office in San Luis Obispo. To ensure that all my constituents have access to the services that we provide, I am pleased to offer periodic community office hours in different locations throughout the district. During community office hours my staff is available to assist constituents with state issues, offer guidance on navigating state bureaucracy, and to listen to ideas on how to improve California government. Recently, my staff held community office hours in Templeton, and I am pleased to announce that next week my staff will be available to meet in Lompoc.

Who: Office of Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian  

What: "Community Office Hours" in Lompoc with 33rd Assembly District Staff   

Where: Office of Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joni Gray, Veteran's Memorial Hall, 100 E. Locust, Lompoc

When: Tuesday, July 3, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Walk-ins are welcome, however appointments are encouraged.

Please call (805) 549-3381 to schedule an appointment.

Hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer in the United States, and more than 15,000 Americans die each year from Hepatitis B or C - more than those who die from AIDS.  But with early detection and treatment, no one should ever have to die from Hepatitis B or C.

Experts recommend that all baby boomers be tested for Hepatitis C. So if you were born between 1945 and 1965, ask your doctor for a Hepatitis C test. If you are infected, there are highly effective treatments to prevent the disease from permanently damaging your liver. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but with the right treatment, many people can be cured.

Hepatitis B is a common infection in much of the world and can be passed from mother to baby at birth. Persons who were born in Asia or the Pacific Islands, Northern Africa or Central- Eastern Europe, or whose parents were born in those regions should be tested for Hepatitis B. There is a vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis B and there are quality treatments available to prevent liver damage to those who are infected. Even if you have been vaccinated, it is a good idea to ask your doctor if you should be tested. The vaccine is not a cure for those already infected.

If you are unsure about whether or not you should be tested, you may wish to visit the Center for Disease Control's website to take a 5 minute self assessment. You should also ask your doctor if you and your family should be tested for Hepatitis B and C, and vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

The following resources are available for those living with, or those who have questions about, Hepatitis B and C:

SLO Hepatitis C Project               San Luis Obispo County Aids Support Network  

slohepc.org                                   asn.org

(805) 543-4372                            (805) 781-3660

National Hepatitis C Helpline       San Francisco Hep B Free

help4hep.org                                sfhepbfree.org

(877) 435-7443                            (888) 311-3331