Katcho Achadjian was sworn in for his second term on December 3, 2012 to represent the 35th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Maria.
In 1971, Katcho came to California to complete his education and pursue the American Dream. He carried with him a distinctive work ethic instilled in him by his Armenian parents in Lebanon - an ethic that has served him well in his roles as businessman, community volunteer and legislator. On December 17, 1982, a day that serves as a continuous source of pride for him, Katcho became a United States Citizen.
Katcho attended Cuesta Community College and graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Business Administration. He and his wife Araxie were married in 1984 and they have a son, Hratch, and daughter, Nyri.
A lifelong community volunteer, Katcho has volunteered in support of numerous civic, service and nonprofit organization. He has served as a Member of the Board of Directors of Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and Chairman of San Luis Obispo's French Hospital. Since 2008, he has also served as a mentor to college students through the Executive Partners Leadership Council at Cal Poly's Orfalea College of Business.
The recipient of numerous awards and honors, Katcho was named a Cuesta College Distinguished Alumnus in 2007 and he was given the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Community College League of California in 2008. He was also recognized as Arroyo Grande Citizen of the Year in 1984.
Katcho knows first-hand how difficult the Legislature has made it to create and retain jobs in California. He founded a successful local small business in 1978, and has built it up to employ some 30 workers at three locations. In the Assembly, he is fighting to reduce the burdens of mandates, regulations and taxes that are driving businesses and jobs away.
Reforming government to make it more efficient and accountable to taxpayers, cutting wasteful spending and programs, and making California's economy more competitive for job creation are some of Assemblyman Achadjian's top legislative priorities.
Fighting hard for the Central Coast's working families, Assemblyman Achadjian currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Local Government Committee, as a member of the Assembly Committees on Accountability and Administrative Review, Banking and Finance, Joint Legislative Audit Commitee and Transportation.
Member since: 2011