Suzanne Reed

I have been a proud resident of Broderick since 2015. I am an environmental scientist by academic training but have spent most of my career in the public sector working on energy, environment, transportation, climate change, and social policy. I retired from the California State Senate where I was a Chief of Staff in 2016 and now spend most of my spare time involved in community action and advocacy. I am Vice Chair of the West Sacramento Parks, Recreation, and Intergenerational Services Commission and sit on the Yolo County Aging and Adult Services Commission and the Yolo County Climate Action Commission. I enjoy working with other members of the community to enhance wellbeing for all residents. This year we successfully advocated for the City Council to adopt a Resolution Declaring West Sacramento a Compassionate City. My advocation is training and competing my horse, Leo, in dressage.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Most of my extended family resides on the East Coast. I have two children and a Grandson who live in Texas.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve worked in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. From those experiences I’ve learned that people and organizations need to learn how to collaborate and work together. We will get more done and stop wasting time and resources. I developed the website, The Collaboration Connection, https://www.collaborationconnection.org/, to give people, government, businesses, and organizations information they need to take action to restore our climate and achieve a just transition to a more equitable and inclusive society. I love seeing people working together for the good of all.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Broderick, Tree House Cafe

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Six years

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tynya Beverly

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Norway to see friends.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
League of Their Own, The Voice

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t dwell on the past, create the future in which you want to live.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Ride my horse on the beach.

Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Home Free

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I’m still discovering all our community has to offer.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Any good friend with whom I’ve lost touch. Tree House Cafe

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the diversity

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Here, still alive, riding my horse, and advocating for change.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m an open book

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Alaska

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
January, New Years Day, Summer Solstice

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My children

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
All Children

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
pine forest, apple pie in the oven

Q: What is one business you would like to have in West Sacramento? (which we don’t have one already)
A bakery

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, security, independence