
Palacio Podcast
Suely Saro is a Candidate for Long Beach City Council District 6
Suely Saro is unabashedly straightforward explaining her reasons for running against the incumbent, Dee Andrews, for his City Council seat.
“I’m running for City Council District 6 because I think this district has been neglected for far too long.”
Saro joins four other candidates competing against the incumbent.

Suely Saro points to her background of labor and community organizing as well as policy work as motivation for her entering the race.
“…and I am frustrated like many other residents in this district and feel it’s time for new leadership and a new vision to improving the lives of people who live here and do business here.”
PalacioMagazine.com interviewed City Council candidates for Districts 2, 6, and 8. We asked each candidate the same three questions with follow-ups for clarification and more in-depth information.
- Why are you running?
- What is your vision for the District?
- Name and discuss two or three Policy issues
PalacioMagazine.com sat down with District 6 candidate Suely Saro to get her answers to these questions.
More on Suely Saro
“Suely Saro is running for Long Beach City Council District 6 in the March 3rd, 2020 election. As a field representative for the Office of former State Senator Ricardo Lara, Suely had the opportunity to work closely with residents in District 6 and throughout Long Beach. As past Chair of Long Beach’s Citizen Police Complaint Commission, Suely supported the mission of providing independent, impartial and objective investigation of alleged police misconduct and reviewed the services provided by members of the Long Beach Police Department. A committed civic leader, she cares deeply about ensuring a bright future for all the residents of Long Beach.
Suely Saro, who was the first in her family to graduate from college, holds a Doctorate in Education (Pd.D.) in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne, is an adjunct faculty member at the School of Social Work at California State University, Los Angeles and serves as a Consultant to the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC).
Suely understands the immigrant experience firsthand. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand to parents who survived the Cambodian Genocide, Suely and her parents eventually settled in the City of Los Angeles before she moved to the City of Long Beach. The neighborhoods Suely grew up in mirrored District 6 in many ways. She understands the unique challenges that confront immigrant communities, including many who suffered the effects of war and genocide, post-traumatic stress and resettlement challenges such a language and cultural barriers. With passion, drive, and persistence, Suely was determined to make the most of her public school education, gaining access to academic programs that set her on a course to attend college. Focused on a future of organizing, civic engagement, and advocacy, Suely earned three degrees, graduating from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology. From California State University, Long Beach with a Master’s degree in Public Administration and from the University of La Verne with a Doctorate in Education (Pd.D.) and Organizational Leadership.” Source: Campaign website. For more information on Suely Saro, visit her campaign website HERE.
More on the March 3, 2020 Election
- Feb 03, 2020-Feb 25, 2020: Vote by Mail — First and last day to apply. VBM Applications may be submitted between these dates (both dates inclusive). Applications received prior to the 29th day preceding the election will be kept and processed during this period.
- Feb 18, 2020: Last day to register to vote.
- Feb 22, 2020-Mar 03, 2020: Vote Centers Voting Period. Vote Centers open beginning 10 days prior to the election day.
- Mar 03, 2020: Election Day.
Visit the Long Beach City Clerk website for more information on the candidates and ballot measures.