BELLFLOWER — Lifelong Bellflower leader and public servant Victor A. Sanchez today announced he will run for Bellflower City Council in District 4 where he lives, becoming the first to do so ahead of the November 2020 election season.

Council District 4, one of five Bellflower City Council districts created by Bellflower voters in 2016, covers the southwest portion of the city generally between Downey and Ardmore Avenues and between Flower and Rose Streets. This is the first time District 4 will have a direct representative as member on the City Council.

Due to his connection with the community, Sanchez was appointed to the Bellflower Planning Commission in 2016 and currently serves as its chairperson.

Born and raised in Bellflower, Sanchez began his service to the Bellflower community after-hours while attending Bellflower High School. Dedicated to building a strong local community, Sanchez currently serves as the Director of Community and Donor Relations of the non-profit Community Family Guidance Center, whose mission is helping Southeast Los Angeles County’s under-served children and their families “heal from trauma, abuse, emotional, behavioral and mental health issues through proven interventions and compassionate guidance.”

“In terms of business growth, Bellflower has seen a lot of progress in the past few years with much more on the way,” Sanchez said. “As a Planning Commissioner, you have to understand the ‘nuts and bolts’ it takes to make businesses and neighborhoods thrive here. If you’re going to continue the positive momentum, you need a balance of experienced civic leadership and deep grassroots understanding of our community.

“Growing up and now raising a family here in Bellflower, I want to see our city thrive as a place where we can live, play, and work. Engaging our residents and businesses and helping them develop better relationships with law enforcement, community leaders, and with each other is a top priority. A two-way line of communication between District 4 residents and City Hall is the key for our wonderful district and our beautiful city’s future.”  

“I’ve known Victor for many years and am proud to endorse his candidacy,” said Bellflower Mayor Juan Garza.  “He is a wonderful father, husband, friend and community champion who has a fantastic record of bringing people together from diverse backgrounds to unite, be one and solve any challenge before them.”

Prior to his appointment to the Bellflower Planning Commission, Sanchez served on the City of Bellflower Parks and Recreation Commission from 2013 to 2016, during which the city was recognized nationally for its commitment to the enjoyment of city parks and open spaces.  

“Frankly, serving as my neighborhood’s council member would be an extension of my deeply ingrained civic responsibility to District 4 and to our greater community,” Sanchez offered.  

A strong believer in community service, Sanchez is a 12-year member of the Bellflower Kiwanis Club, where he has served as the President and Foundation Chair. In addition, he also serves as the Vice-Chair for the Long Beach Veterans Parade and as a member of the Bellflower Unified School District Citizen Task Force.

Sanchez also serves as board member of Caring Connections, a local non-profit helping ensure resources for our children of Bellflower Unified School District. Sanchez is a former 11-year volunteer coach for the Bellflower Torpedoes Special Olympics team of South East Los Angeles where he continues to support as an advocate for the athletes and their families. 

“As a planning commissioner for our City, deep experience on the continued economic revitalization of our City—including Downtown, the Lower Artesia Commercial Corridor, and the commercial zones along our western border—will bring experienced leadership to our district and city,” Sanchez said. 

“I believe in teamwork and have been part of a dedicated group of fellow planning commissioners, working with city staff, local businesses, entrepreneurs and city residents to continue making great strides to improve our neighborhoods and community, to revitalize our commercial sector and will continue shepherding and expanding this transformation to our District and all corners of our city as a council member.”

Leading up to Sanchez’ announcement, he received endorsements from all Bellflower council members, including Juan Garza, Sonny Santa Ines, Ray Dunton, Dan Koops, and Raymond Hamada. He was also endorsed by Bellflower Unified School District Members Renita Armstrong, Laura Sanchez-Ramirez, Debbie Cuadros, as well as Cerritos College Board Trustee representing Bellflower James Cody Birkey.

In addition, Sanchez is endorsed by city leaders from the Planning Commission Aaron Drake, Bill Mendez, Wayne Brown, and George Franzen, along with Public Safety Commissioners Allan Morse, Rocio Jimenez-Sanchez, Jerry Trautman, Robin Snow, and Larry Wehage, and from the Parks & Recreation Commission Mitch Haack, Margaret Romero, Bob Snow, Larry Myers, and Alex Munoz.

Sanchez, a graduate of Cal State Long Beach, and his wife, Suzie, have a 1-year old son, Santiago.

For more information, please visit SanchezforBellflower.com or follow Sanchez’s campaign on Facebook, and Instagram at @SanchezforBellflower or Twitter @ForBellflowerD4.