Hello Downey,

We are halfway through the year and the City of Downey has been bustling with excitement and living true to its motto of “Future Unlimited.”  We continue to move forward and improve the quality of life for our residents with ongoing community development projects and lively recreational events. 

The Downey Library Volunteer and Major Donor Awards Lunch event took place last month to give recognition to volunteers who spend countless hours volunteering to better the lives of others.  They are an inspiration and great role models to follow and we are fortunate to have them in our City.  If you are looking for a way to give back to the community, come to the library and discover summer opportunities.  You can speak with representatives about what the volunteers do and start this summer with a plan.

City of Downey honored the Public Works staff with an Awards Ceremony for the Public Works 2015 Employees of the Year.  The men and women of our Public Works department maintain the infrastructure and services that provide us with our daily quality of life.  I would like to congratulate our Public Works 2015 Employees of the Year: Ed Estrella, Grissel Chavez and Randy Humphrey, and thank them for all their hard work they do for our City and the citizens of Downey.

As Mayor, public safety in the City of Downey is a top priority.  We are fortunate enough to have resources such as Andrew Stevens the city’s, Emergency Manager, available to train us on community disaster planning and volunteer disaster relief.  He recently represented Downey at the CFED-California Fire EMS Disaster, and elite symposium where firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement, emergency managers, and public health officials from across the state networked and trained together.  With this kind of knowledge on hand, the City is addressing our greatest earthquake vulnerabilities proactively and strategically.

The Promenade construction is continuing at a vigorous pace.  A majority of the main road has been completed, the 24 Hour Fitness building has been erected, and the adjoining building that will host the 16 screen CineMark Theaters is currently under construction.  I am happy to announce two new tenants have joined the Promenade:  Floor & Décor and Green Olive Restaurant.  Two new Starbucks locations are also coming to Downey.  Both will be on Imperial Blvd, one on the corner of Bellflower Blvd and the second off Paramount Blvd.  This is part of our ongoing commitment to our residents to provide big city amenities while keeping our small town feel.   

Summer is just around the corner and the City of Downey has worked hard to put together a schedule full of fun, safe and exciting activities and events for our residents.  The Summer 2015 City News and Parks & Recreation Guide was mailed early last month and features numerous activities to keep little ones busy during school vacation and to enjoy what our City has to offer. 

What better way to Discover Downey than by discovering the library?  There are an array of classes available in June including free computer classes for adults and kids.  Don’t miss out on the “Book Your Summer” all-ages all summer reading program:  Help Downey read ONE MILLION MINUTES and enter to win raffle prizes all summer!  The library has chosen its winners for the new library card design.  Check out the winning designs and get your new card today.  Lastly, the library has partnered with the Downey Civic Theatre to co-present a six-part Monday family performance series beginning June 22nd.  For details and times, as well as more information on Storytimes and Family Story Nights please visit the library’s website at www.downeylibrary.org.

Another event that promises to add to a memorable summer is the Rooftop Concert Series.  This free event celebrates live music, art and performances.  Bring the family, grab dinner from one of our local downtown restaurants, and enjoy the night overlooking the Downey skyline.  In honor of being chosen as a host town for the Special Olympic World games, we will open this year’s event with Irish band Slugger O’Toole and the Kerry Dance Troupe on June 24th in Downtown Downey. 

Talking about the Special Olympics World Games, there is still time to volunteer and to be a part of this wonderful event.  Please visit the City’s website, www.downeyca.org, and search for the Volunteer Interest Card to learn more about the Host Town Volunteer Program including “Fans in the Stands” opportunities.  In addition, our official Downey Host Town fundraising merchandise is available at the Parks & Recreation office and at major upcoming City events.  To view the merchandise, log on to our City website or City Facebook page.  All proceeds go toward supporting the Special Olympics athletes’ visit.  The actual Host Town program will take place July 21st to the 24th with a concert to welcome our guests at the Downey Civic Center on July 22nd.

The Rio Hondo Golf Club will have its annual Music on the Greens event on June 28th featuring classic rock tribute band Kings of 88.  The public is invited to attend a free community open house with free activities throughout the afternoon.  This is a great opportunity to come see what Rio Hondo Golf Club has to offer including two lakes, pristine fairways, a driving range and banquet and restaurant facility.  

Lastly, I am pleased to announce that radio station KNX 1070 will be at Porto’s on Friday, June 12th to record its live show “On Your Corner”.  The Downey community will be highlighted including Porto’s, the Taco Bell building, Bob’s Big Boy Broiler, and the oldest operating McDonald’s among many others.  I will be on the air promoting our city.  Tune-in to KNX 1070 and listen with Downey pride!

It’s a wonderful time to live in the City of Downey and I am honored to serve as your Mayor!
As always, the City Council welcomes your comments, concerns, or questions.  You can reach me or any other Council Member by calling 562-904-7274, or by using the links to our email addresses located on the “Mayor & City Council” page of the City website at www.downeyca.org.  

Until Next Month, 
Mayor Luis H. Marquez