Mayor's Corner: Downey's future shines bright

Mayor Alex Saab with the Downey Lions Club at last month's Veterans Day ceremony.

Hello Downey,

The election season is finally over and with that comes new change. A new year is upon us and the future of Downey is brighter than ever. 

Thank you to all the candidates for their interest and desire to serve in our wonderful City. A big congratulations to incoming Councilmember’s Rick Rodriguez and Blanca Pacheco for their victories. 

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the residents of Downey for reelecting me to serve you for another four years. I am looking forward to continuing the progress we have made together.

City Hall will continue to remain focused on serving our residents and businesses. As we reflect on the previous 60 years of our City and look forward to the next 60, we should be proud to know that Downey has been and continues to be the beacon of the Gateway Cities in Southeast Los Angeles County.  

Downey’s values and priorities are what have always distinguished us and have set us apart from others.  We have seen great growth and are always making strides to better improve our services and the quality of life of all. I look forward to working together with our residents, staff and fellow Council Members to continue our City’s overarching policy goals for 2017: Fiscal Responsibility, Efficiency and Adaptability, Economic Vibrancy, Quality of Life, Neighborhoods & Infrastructure, Public Information and Engagement.  

I am proud to humbly serve on the Downey City Council and look forward to another great four years. 

As 2016 winds down, there are many events happening in our City. This Sunday, December 4, the Downey Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Downey Christmas Parade on Downey Ave. at 1:00 pm. This year’s grand marshal will be Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. Don Knabe has served Los Angeles County honorably and we are grateful for his service.  

There will also be an inaugural 5k Elf Run. The run will be along the annual Downey Christmas Parade route in the morning.  First place male and female runners will win a ride on the parade.     
On Monday, December 5, the City of Downey will host our Annual Tree Lighting ceremony as well as the official 60th Birthday Celebration of the City in front of City Hall. This free event will feature entertainment from local schools, a snow play area, arts & crafts, photos with Santa Claus, a special anniversary cake and more.  

The Downey Lions Club will be provide free hot chocolate and candy canes. The Downey Rose Float Association will be selling food and refreshments.   

Also that night, I will be naming the winners of the Holiday Home Decoration Contest.  This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit.   

On Tuesday, December 6, Caltrans will be hosting a community open house to discuss the Interstate 5 (I-5) HOV/Florence Avenue Interchange project. Caltrans will reduce the Florence Avenue Bridge over the I-5 to one lane in each direction and close the I-5 Florence Avenue northbound on-ramp.  

Please attend the community open house to learn about the lane reductions and alternative routes. Project representatives will provide a project overview and will be available to answer questions.

As always, I welcome your comments, concerns and questions.  You can reach me at (562) 904-7274 or at asaab@downeyca.org                
Mayor Alex Saab