Kailee Caruso
3rd District Council Candidate

1. How long have you lived In Long Beach?
   I first moved to Long Beach during undergrad at Cal State Long Beach in 2001.
2. What job or past role will most help you be an effective councilmember?
   My volunteer work with community organizing, policy advocacy and my job with a non-profit assisting people experiencing homelessness throughout LA County will help me be an effective council member.
3. Describe the key characteristics/elements that you feel unify this city across its 9 districts and disparate geography.
   We all love this city deeply and we are hopeful about the future of Long Beach!
4. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
   I am both. I love chatting with people and building community and I recharge at home or in nature.
5. Which (living) national leader in any arena — politics, arts, culture, business, etc. — do you admire and why?
   I admire Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). She is bold, relatable and always stands with the people.
6. What is your favorite L.B. hangout with friends and/or family?
   Open Sesame is one of my favorite restaurants to order in with my family. My kids and I love the Bay, parks and public libraries.
7. List the top three quality-of-life issues you see Belmont Shore residents dealing with right now.
   Housing instability
   Climate resiliency
   Supporting local small businesses
   
8. What is your preferred or most used social media platform?
   Instagram
9. Outside of Long Beach, where in the state is your happy place?
   I love a weekend getaway to Santa Barbara. I grew up there and Long Beach has similar small beach town vibes.
10. Name something about the Third District you wish more people were aware of.
    The Third District is on Tongva (Kizh) land, who were the native indigenous people to reside in what we call the Third District. We have a responsibility to care for the land and acknowledge those who were here before us.

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