Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, R-San Luis Obispo, was first elected to the California State Assembly in 2004 to represent the 33rd Assembly District. He was re-elected by overwhelming margins in both 2006 and 2008.

During his time in office, Assemblyman Blakeslee has compiled an impressive record of bi-partisan legislative accomplishments, delivering meaningful achievements on issues of job creation, government reform, renewable energy, agriculture, conservation, health care, public safety, disabled rights, consumer protection, and seismic safety.

Education

Sam Blakeslee was raised on the Central Coast and attended public schools. He graduated from San Luis Obispo High School and then began a career in construction. Years later, he returned to school and attended Cuesta Community College. He later earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in geophysics from University of California, Berkeley.

Furthering his education, Sam Blakeslee earned a Ph.D. from University of California, Santa Barbara for his research in seismic scattering, micro-earthquake studies, and fault-zone attenuation. He is published in numerous scientific journals.

Private Sector Experience

After graduation, Sam Blakeslee worked as a research scientist at Exxon's research lab in Texas, where he received a patent for inventing an innovative technique for imaging geological formations. Later, he moved into management and became a strategic planner where he was responsible for creating and managing Exxon budgets.

Upon returning to the Central Coast, Sam Blakeslee assumed the role of president of the family business—the investment firm Blakeslee & Blakeslee—which was founded in 1971. He applied the lessons he learned with Exxon to help to grow and strengthen the firm into the thriving, multi-branch business it is today.

Community Involvement

Prior to his election to the California Legislature, Sam Blakeslee served on a number of boards—most notably as an elected two-term Trustee for Cuesta College—a top-achieving community college in the state.

In 1999, Sam Blakeslee authored the successful DREAM Initiative. Passing by 75%, the DREAM Initiative was a countywide advisory ballot measure that sought to create a long-term vision for the future of PG&E's 12 mile scenic coastline known as the Diablo Canyon Lands.

Sam Blakeslee was honored with winning San Luis Obispo's Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alumni Award in 2000. In 2001, he received the Rhode's leadership award from the League of Women Voters. Additionally, he served on the President's Advisory Board of St. Joe's High School in Santa Maria.

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