golden state government relationsGolden State Government Relations is pleased to welcome Amber Johnson to their team as the Central Coast Engagement Manager covering Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Ms. Johnson is a seasoned government relations and strategic communications professional with over two decades of experience in campaign management, grassroots advocacy, and public policy.

Because of her vast experience with agriculture regulations and energy policy, Amber will support clients through land-use initiatives as well as local and statewide advocacy related to land use planning including family farms and residential properties. This expansion will aid in the development of new programs and strengthen Golden State’s ability to meet growing client demand.

Amber is a Central Coast native. Her family has made their home in San Luis Obispo County for seven generations. Her career spans many years working in both public and private sectors, including the California Assembly as Field Director for former Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian (R-Stockton) and in Washington DC as a staffer for former US Congressman Darrel Issa (R-San Diego). As the sole proprietor of Pacific Coast Strategies, a political consulting business specializing in building advocacy campaigns for candidates, non-profit organizations and business, Amber has managed local and state-wide campaigns as well as high profile land-use initiatives such as the recent defeat of the anti-oil Measure G in San Luis Obispo County.

Amber is a delegate for the California Republican Party and has served as a RNC delegate and alternate at the ‘04, ‘08 and ‘16 conventions. She is an elected member of the Republican Party of San Luis Obispo County, active in the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce on the Legislative Affairs Committee. She is also a member of the SLO County Farm Bureau, Arroyo Grande Sportsman’s Club and COLAB.

“I am proud that my family has made the Central Coast our home for generations,” Johnson stated. “My goal in my new position with Golden State has and continues to be building strong, working relationships between our honored agriculture community and elected bodies so clients and family businesses can survive today’s regulatory environment. It is important to me and to the future of our coastal community.”

The development follows a successful first year for Golden State, which has had a hand in shaping local cannabis ordinances and seeing several businesses through successful project completion.


Golden State Government Relations is a land-use, regulatory and code compliance, and state licensing firm with a specialty in cannabis businesses. Amber’s addition to the team opens up the company’s expansion to the Central Coast. Golden State’s new office is located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo in the historic JP Andrews building at 979 Osos Street, Suite F-4.