City Council eyes July or August for LGBTQ picnic

DOWNEY — A planned LGBTQ picnic will likely take place in July or August this year.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Downey City Council received a presentation from the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (LA CADA), who will organize the event with city staff.

LA CADA proposed that the festivities could take place at Furman or Apollo parks during the afternoon hours of either July 10, 24, or 31.

With concerns about potential safety risks in the wake of the pandemic, Mayor Pro Tem Blanca Pacheco also suggested that the event could be held in August.

LA CADA said that the picnic, first suggested by Councilmember Catherine Alvarez, would be focused specifically at LGTBQ+ adolescent youth and their families for the purpose of intervention, prevention, and community awareness, and anticipated that the event could draw upwards of 1,000 people.

 They hope to include organizations such as the Downey and Warren High School bands, the Trevor Project, and the Rainbow Alliance, as well as to gain support from Supervisor Janice Hahn.

Entertainment may include inflatable games and jumpers, face-painting, free food, and a petting zoo.

This event will not be sponsored or paid for by the city, with the exception of the waiving of fees and providing of a space.

Instead, the event will be funded by corporate and non-profit sponsors.

The Downey Police Department will provide a patrol vehicle, with Downey Fire providing guidance. City staff will be reimbursed for their participation, while LA CADA staff will serve as volunteers.

Approval from the Health Department is still needed, although it is anticipated that the county will have exited the “yellow tier” by the time of the event.