Downey Coordinating Council: what does it do?

Downey Coordinating Council hosts an annual awards ceremony where local organizations honor their Volunteers of the Year. In this 2018 photo is then Councilmember Blanca Pacheco, school board member Martha Sodetani, Gangs Out of Downey president Julie Garcia, and Mayor Pro Tem Rick Rodriguez. (Photo by Claudia Gomez)

Volunteer groups in Downey have been coming together for over 50 years to exchange information about their activities. Contrary to popular opinion, what the Downey Coordinating Council does not do is keep a community calendar that coordinates their activities, much as that would be appreciated.

“That’s too much to keep track of,” said Lois Buchannan, a founding member of the group that is composed of representatives from some 40 local organizations. What the members do achieve in their monthly meetings, said Carol Kearns, president of the DCC, is give timely updates of their activities. 

How else would we be aware that the Christian Women’s Club along with the Newcomers are doing their best to help local restaurants by meeting at different Downey eateries, this month Stox, next time IHOP, with lively program speakers?

So many different constituencies: the City of Downey’s representative announced Havana Night, and the Downey Police’s participation in the Pink Patch fundraiser for breast cancer,. Assistance League of Downey has activated its fall Operation School Bell, when needy children can choose new clothes, a sure way to start back to classes on a happy note.

Attendees took notes: BSA Scouting wants to start a Girl’s Troop in Downey; the Historical Society is holding an open house fund-raiser with memorabilia from Downey’s past; the Downey Patriot conducted an October candidates forum; Rotary Club of Downey’s golf tournament to support the Arc of Los Angeles & Orange Counties, headquartered at 12049 Woodruff Avenue, is coming up on Nov. 5. 

So many opportunities to participate: The Friends of the Downey City Library supplied fliers about their luncheon fun fundraiser, Quartermania, and the Downey Rose Float Association announced the Miss Downey Pageant is set for October 22. Patrons of the Downey Symphony Orchestra’s concerts in the Downey Theatre can always find a discount coupon when they read the ad in the Downey Patriot. This month’s Firebird Suite is illustrated with a striking orange bird flying off the page.

That’s the kind of information members take back and share with their members. 

Program Chair Martha Sodetani arranges a monthly speaker to give an in-depth look at Downey. At the October meeting Warren High grad Gabriel Enamorado, director of Stay Gallery, explained their new mission and direction, with emphasis on programs and after-school art classes, with teacher feedback.

Representatives of elected officials share in the exchange of information. Ivan Sulic of Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office said the homeless are a focus, as well as the mental health facility at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey. “Traumatic events impact mental health as well as the body,” said Ivan.  

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard has served Downey for 20 of her 30 years in Congress, and Christopher Perez from her office said she would be working right up until January 2. Applications for admission to the US Service Academies are now available through her office. Chris thanked Downey on the Congresswoman’s behalf for the consideration and support Downey has shown her.  

One future occasion etched for members is the Coordinating Society’s annual awards banquet, set for May 10 in 2023, at the Downey Woman’s Club. Groups take tables to honor volunteers for their special contributions. Everyone marked the date.