Homelessness is an issue that affects not only our city but the entire nation. Many of you would like to know what the city is doing about this.

We have contracted with the Coast to Coast Foundation to provide homeless outreach services. They assist in encampment cleanup efforts, and help to organize supplemental assistance for outreach efforts including coordinating community volunteers and donations to help homeless individuals. Additionally, they accompany the Downey Police Department and the Downey Public Works Department on a twice-a-month outreach to homeless individuals to provide case management, connections to resources and real time support.

If you encounter a homeless person near your home or business, please contact (562) 904-7284.

This year’s Downey One Day of Service was such a success, that we have decided to add another date! Join us on Saturday, October 26, at 9 am for the second Downey One Day of Service. There are various opportunities for you, your business or organization to volunteer.

For more information on how you can participate please email jmontenegro@downeyca.org or call the City Manager’s office at 562-904-7284.

Our Clergy Council continues to grow. We recently moved to a larger location to accommodate the ever growing crowd. Meetings are held the second Monday’s of the month at 6 pm at the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center. We are dark this month, but I hope you can join us at the next meeting on October 14.

The City of Downey and Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) have joined forces to help our animals find forever homes. Through the Mayor's Choice program a featured pet of the month will be available for free adoption. Animals will be altered, micro-chipped and receive initial vaccinations.

Please contact SEAACA for further information or visit my Facebook page to view the pet of the month at facebook.com/MayorRickRodriguez.

Don’t forget to join us at the International Food & Music Festival. It will take place in the heart of beautiful Downtown Downey on Saturday, September 21 from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Bring your appetite and enjoy delicious food from our local restaurants.

There will also be live entertainment, food trucks, a beer & wine garden, festival attractions and family friendly activities for everyone to enjoy.

In honor of September “Emergency Preparedness Month”, the city will be hosting an Emergency Preparedness Fair at Calvary Chapel Downey. Join us on Saturday, September 7 from 10 am to noon for free lunch and giveaways and to learn how you can better prepare yourself and your family for emergencies.

On Sept. 28 from 9 am to noon, Congressmember Lucille Roybal-Allard will be hosting the annual U.S. Service Academy Workshop inside the Downey Council Chambers. Attendees will learn about our nation’s five service academies and how to obtain a Congressional nomination. It is a great opportunity to meet you congressmember and learn more about our US Armed Forces.

Please join us as we pay tribute and honor our fallen heroes at the September 11 Ceremony. Event will take place at 10 am at the Downey Cemetery. Lastly the Columbia Space Center will closed from September 3 to September 9 for staff training.

In the event you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me or call the council office.

God Bless,

Rick Rodriguez
Mayor

562-904-7274
#AlwaysForward
rrodriguez@downeyca.org
facebook.com/MayorRickRodriguez
instagram.com/mayorrickrodriguez
twitter.com/MayorRRodriguez

Mayor's Corner: A busy fall awaits Downey