Hello Downey,

The International Food & Music Festival last week was a huge success. Over 10,000 people strolled the streets of Downtown Downey enjoying live music, food, and exploring some of our local businesses. Many thanks to our wonderful parks/recreation and public works staff as well as all who came to help make this year’s festival another memorable and safe event. 

On another festive note, don’t forget to join us next Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 pm for the 2nd Rooftop Concert “My Big Fat Greek Night.” This is a free event with live Greek music, food and art at the top level of the parking structure adjacent to Krikorian Theatre. If you haven’t been to one of these events before, you are missing out. Arrive early and bring your lawn chair and an appetite.    

The City of Downey and Neighborhood Housing Services have partnered to provide up to $60,000 in assistance for first time homebuyers to purchase a home in the City of Downey. For more information and an application, please attend the information session on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 12 pm at the Barbara J. Riley Senior Center.  

Did you know that only one pint of blood could “Save a Life?”  The City of Downey will be hosting a blood drive on Monday, Sept. 26 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Downey Library. Please consider donating. The need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you’ll feel good knowing you’ve helped change a life.

On Sunday, Oct. 2, the Downey Arts Coalition and the City of Downey will be hosting the “Stardust Art Festival” to celebrate Art, Film and Space. The festival will take place from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Downey Civic Theatre, with free movies provided by GlennFest Film Festival.  

The Aerospace Legacy Foundation will hold a panel discussion about Downey’s role in aerospace history with a feature called “Journey to the Stars and Beyond.”  There will be artist booths on the plaza, live music, food trucks, and a special curated art exhibit in the theatre lobby called “Cosmic.” We hope to see you all there.

After a yearlong celebration of the City of Downey’s 60th Anniversary, the City is working on a time capsule to commemorate Downey. The time capsule will be sealed during a special dedication ceremony on Monday, Oct. 17 at 4 pm at The Promenade and will be opened in the year 2056, on the City’s 100th Anniversary. Everyone is invited to submit their ideas and be a part of history. 

The City will be holding a Student Essay & Art Contest and is asking Downey students grades K-12 to submit an essay and/or an art piece about their life and experiences in Downey.  You can also submit a picture of what Downey means to you. Winners will be selected to have their entries placed in the time capsule. Deadline to submit is Oct. 3. For more information, visit www.downeyca.org

As always, I welcome your comments, concerns and questions. I will be hosting another “Coffee with the Mayor” at the newly opened “Green Olive” restaurant at the Promenade this Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10:00 am. You can reach me at 562-904-7274 or at asaab@downeca.org   
Mayor Alex Saab