Dorothy Pemberton announces candidacy for city council

DOWNEY – Dorothy Pemberton, a longtime Downey resident and civic leader who was instrumental in the recall of former councilwoman Catherine Alvarez, announced she is running in the special election to fill the vacated District 3 council seat. 

“After serving my community for so many years, I feel it is important to bring back leadership to our district. Character and ethics does count in Downey, and I believe I am the most qualified to help lead our city forward,” Pemberton said in a statement.

Pemberton has a record of community service dating back to the 1980’s with Soroptimist International of Downey and the Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She initially engaged many organizations that involved both of her daughters, Shelby and Whitney, including Downey Ponytail. 

She is the former chairwoman and current member of the Downey Family YMCA; former Board Member and current member of Gangs Out of Downey (GOOD); and past president of Downey Council PTA and Director of the PTA HELPs food pantry. 

Pemberton led a grassroots recall campaign against Alvarez which resulted in a historic result for Downey. On January 31, 2023 the recall efforts succeeded by removing from office a sitting council person with 90% of the vote, the first time in our city's history.

Pemberton announced several endorsements already, including from former mayors Rick Rodriguez, Mario Guerra and Alex Saab, current mayor Claudia M. Frometa, and school board president Giggy Perez-Saab.

“Dorothy Pemberton has proven to have the best interest of Downey in her heart. Her track record of volunteerism, passion for our community and work ethic speaks for itself. Dorothy Pemberton is uniquely qualified to serve all Downey residents,” said Rodriguez, who represented this district in the past.

For more information about her positions or to read Pemberton’s full bio, visit her website at www.DorothyPembertonForDowney.com.