Hello Downey,

Although this year is starting to wind down, there are many exciting things happening in Downey. 

The Columbia Memorial Space Center collaborated with the local non-profit Girls, Inc., to submit a grant application to the LA 2050 Foundation in order to use the Space Center’s Girls in STEM Club as a model to grow similar programs. I am excited to report that the proposal was approved for the next stage of consideration. This stage involves getting as many people as possible to vote online for the project. The organization with the most votes will be awarded the grant.  

Please go to https://challenge.la2050.org/entry/girls-in-stem-club-network to learn more about the project and to cast your vote. STEM education is vital for the future of our children and winning this grant would continue to fund the resources needed to keep STEM growing in Downey. 

I am proud to report that the City Council approved the passage and funding of a new Downey Police Civilian Volunteer Program. The goal is to provide administrative and patrol related services by community minded volunteers. We believe a civilian program will be beneficial to both the police department and the community. The Downey Police Civilian Volunteer Program will use non-compensated volunteers for various tasks thereby freeing staff to fulfill other primary functions and continue to keep our city safe. The more eyes and ears we have in the streets, the safer our City will be.

Since 2014, the City has been replacing old street signs with newer ones using our updated City branding efforts. As a result, staff has collected over 1,200 old signs. The old signs are available for purchase for $25 each. Purchases may be made at the cashier in City Hall and then picked up at the public works yard. Visit City Hall today and own a little piece of Downey history.

The great organization Keep Downey Beautiful gathers regularly to keep our community clean and to provide informational classes for all. The next Smart Gardening Workshop event is scheduled for next Saturday, Nov. 12 at 9:30 am at Wilderness Park. They will be a demonstration of drought friendly plants and how to care for them.  For more information, call (562)904-7103.

The Friends of the Downey City Library will be hosting their Annual Open House & Holiday Marketplace inside the Cormack Room this Saturday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. On Nov. 16, they will be hosting a fundraiser at Johnny Carino’s at the Downey Landing to support their great programs. Stop by to help support their mission which is to  encourage members of the community to make use of the Downey library services, strengthen the ties between the library and the community, and raise funds to provide additional library services and programs for the community.

November is a month to reflect on the year and to give thanks for all our blessings. Let us also never forget to honor and give thanks to the men and women who risked their lives for our freedom. On this Veterans Day, I hope you can join me in front of the Veterans Memorial at City Hall at 10 a.m. for a special ceremony to pay tribute to all veterans. And please, say thank you to a veteran whenever you see one.

A year ago our city suffered the loss of one of our own, Downey Police Officer Ricky Galvez. Our community lost a bright, dedicated young officer; our nation lost a brave Marine. Ricky left a mark in Downey and in our hearts. We will be honoring Officer Galvez on the 1-year anniversary of his passing with a special dedication ceremony in front of the Downey Police station on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 9 a.m. Officer Galvez’ name and plaque will be added to the permanent fallen police officer memorial. Please join us that morning to pay tribute to Officer Galvez and honor his memory.

As election day approaches, I would like to encourage you to exercise one of the most fundamental rights we have as Americans and vote. Apathy is a democracy’s worst enemy. Whatever the outcome, our country will continue to be the beacon of hope for the entire world. But we must do our part. Polls throughout the city will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lastly, just a reminder that due to the election, the City Council meeting has been moved to Monday, November 7. The meeting will still be held at its regularly scheduled time at 6:30 p.m. 

As always, I welcome your comments, concerns  and questions. You can reach me or any other council member by calling (562) 904-7274 or at asaab@downeyca.org.  

 Mayor Alex Saab