LOCAL RESIDENT JOHN LAIRD HAS CONCEDED THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL THE 15TH SENATE DISTRICT SEAT. SAN LUIS OBISPO RESIDENT SAM BLAKESLEE WILL REPRESENT MEMBERS OF THE COASTAL SENATE DISTRICT. THE SEAT WAS VACATED WHEN FORMER SENATOR ABEL MALDONADO WAS APPOINTED TO BE THE STATE’S LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.