Dear Editor: 

I've resisted saying anything because I'm generally a positive person, but the photo published by the Downey Police Department over the weekend pushed me over the edge. 

The image showed our very own Mayor Blanca Pacheco at a toy giveaway. In the photo, our mayor is surrounded by 32 people, not including Santa Claus who is perched on top of the police department's SWAT tank. 

What world is Blanca Pacheco living in where she thinks it's ok to gather with 32 people in the middle of a damn pandemic? No wonder Downey's Covid numbers are so high. It's because of our inept Downey leadership who can't pass up an opportunity for a photo opp, even in the midst of a deadly pandemic. 

Blanca Pacheco should be ashamed of herself. Her actions are a slap in the face to the Downey residents who are taking this pandemic seriously by sheltering at home. 

She owes the Downey community an apology. Or better yet, she needs to resign as mayor. 

Carmen Garces
Downey