A summertime message from the Mayor

Hello Downey! I hope you are all enjoying our great Southern California weather!

With summer here, it is time for BBQ’s and 4th of July parties. We hope that you have a wonderful time with your friends and family as we celebrate our nation’s freedom.

As a reminder, the city has a zero tolerance for illegal fireworks. The Downey Police Department will be out in full force this 4th of July on the lookout for the use or possession of illegal fireworks. Fines begin at $2,000 for a first offense and increase up to $3,000.

Safe and sane fireworks will be available for sale at fireworks stands throughout the city from July 1-4. You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.

Minors cannot possess or discharge fireworks unless in the presence of a responsible adult. The discharge hours for legal fireworks are on July 4 between the hours of 3-10 p.m. only. The city’s goal is to make 4th of July a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.

The third meeting for the Downey Business Watch Program is scheduled for July 11 at 9 a.m. inside the City Council Chambers. This program is a joint effort between the Downey Police Department and the Downey Chamber of Commerce to help prevent and reduce crime.

The City of Downey’s Business Watch Program was developed to serve as a tool for businesses who seek information on reducing the chances of becoming a victim of a crime. Through the Business Watch Program, merchants learn crime prevention techniques and strategies that help reduce business-related crime. The program also helps business owners become familiar with resources available from the Downey Police Department.

The Business Watch Program focuses on teaching employees how to be observant and aware. Trained employees are a business’ front line and a great resource to deter crime.

The Business Watch Program offers free quarterly training seminars for businesses in the City of Downey. Quarterly seminar topics will be offered in areas including, but not limited to:

• Active Shooter Training

• Fraud

• False Identification

• Identify theft

• Credit Card Fraud

• Building Security

• Burglary Prevention

• Robbery Prevention

• Shoplifting Prevention

• Merchandise Display and Layout

The Twilight Summer Concert series continues in July with the Marine Division Band on July 10 and the The Wiseguys Swing Band July 17. Concerts are held at Furman Park every Wednesday at 7 pm through July 17.

Come and enjoy music outdoors and make sure to bring your picnic blankets, lawn chairs and dancing shoes. Food, beverages and snacks will be available for sale. Pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.

Please do not forget to submit your choice for the Downey Finest Award. Our city is filled with unsung heroes that do great deeds and never ask or receive recognition. They are a large reason of what makes our city great.

I would like to hear your story of how someone helped you. Your experience may have been with city staff, police officers, firemen, or just someone you may know who lives or works in Downey.

Unsung heroes are extraordinary everyday people who do the right thing and are committed to excellence in their work, all while being humble of their everyday contributions. It’s time we give our Downey’s Finest the recognition they deserve.

Please email me at rrodriguez@doweyca.org with your story so that we can recognize the individual at a city council meeting with a city certificate and city coin. I am very much looking forward to reading these stories and meeting our Downey’s Finest.

The library continues to bring summer programs and events for our children to enjoy. On July 15, the summer library show “Kids Imagine Nation” will be held at the Downey Theatre at 4 p.m. Kids Imagine Nation is a children’s musical group which writes and performs their own music and theatrical live shows. They’re a fun bunch to watch and great for kids of all ages.

On July 22, Anthony the Magic is set to visit the Downey Theatre. They are a magic and illusion team that will bring wonder to children’s eyes and spark their imagination.

Both shows are free to the public and are guaranteed to be a great time for the family.

With students out of school for the summer you will see many of them walking our streets to spend time with their friends at local restaurants and shops. Mothers are also walking with their little ones to local parks or to the Columbia Memorial Space Center for summer playdates and summer camps. Please remember to be mindful of your speed and drive carefully. Our police officers are patrolling our city and keeping our city safe but we also need you to do your part and abide by the law.

I wish you all a safe and wonderful summer with your families. Please email me or call the council office with any questions or ideas you may have.

God Bless,

Rick Rodriguez
Mayor

562-904-7274
#AlwaysForward
rrodriguez@downeyca.org
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