Hello Downey!

While the world has continued to change through the pandemic, our city has continued to grow through its business and residential developments. Numerous developments have continued to come to our city to grow and prosper. A new restaurant is coming to 10000 Paramount Blvd. The Chicken Koop will serve oven-roasted chicken with homemade dipping sauces. They anticipate opening this summer. A new 43,905 square foot commercial building will begin construction at 12021 Woodruff Ave. This project will not only bring a brand-new development to the city but also bring new jobs. The anticipated completion date is summer of next year. Another commercial development that will break ground will be at 9432 Telegraph Road. The 5,378 square foot building will be a multi-tenant commercial building that will bring new business to the northern part of the city. While housing shortages continue to be a concern nationwide, our city is doing its part to address the issue. Three housing developments are currently in the works throughout the city. Once complete, the three projects will bring fifteen additional homes to Downey.

Now that we return to normalcy and we can hold events, I have requested for the city to bring back the Business Watch Program. This program was developed to serve as a tool for businesses who seek information on reducing the chances of becoming a victim of a crime. Through the Business Watch Program, merchants learn crime prevention techniques and strategies that help mitigate business-related crime. The program also allows business owners to become familiar with the Downey Police Department resources available. Quarterly seminars will be offered, and topics will include:

• Active Shooter Training

• False Identification

• Identify theft

• Fraud

• Robbery Prevention

• Credit Card Fraud

• Building Security

• Shoplifting Prevention

• Merchandise Display and Layout

I invite all Downey businesses to the next seminar on Wednesday, May 18th at 9 am at City Hall. Come and learn how the Business Watch Program focuses on teaching employees how to be observant and aware. Trained employees are a business's front line and a great resource to deter crime.

Our Neighborhood Watch is active again, holding in-person meetings. The successful program works by creating partnerships with our residents and the Downey Police Department to address crime in our city to maintain the integrity of our neighborhood and our high quality of life. If you are interested in joining the Neighborhood Watch Program, please contact the police department at 562-904-2374.

Another event planned is from the Keep Downey Beautiful Program. They will be having a clean-up at Independence Park on Saturday, May 14, at 9 am. Come join us as we continue to beautify our city and do our part to clean the environment.

The American Red Cross has been experiencing donation shortages since the pandemic. A blood drive will be held on Friday, May 27, at the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center. Donating blood is a vital way to help save lives. A single donation can save three lives. For more information on how to sign up for an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org.

This month we celebrate Public Service Recognition Week and National Public Works Week. Our Public Works staff is responsible for maintaining 214 miles of roadways, 276 miles of waterlines, 187 miles of sewer mains, 115 traffic signals, 6,600 street lights, 20,000 trees, 115 acres of parklands, and 237 fleet vehicles. Our various department's staff has served the 1.2 million visitors to our parks, the 89,727 borrowers for our library, the 40,000 calls received by our Police Department, the 10,000 service calls to our Fire Department, the 77,523 meals distributed to our seniors, and the 22,000 people who visited the counters at City Hall. Our dedicated city employees are truly extraordinary.

This month we also welcomed our new Interim City Attorney, Lauren Langer, who will be replacing our City Attorney, Yvette M. Abich Garcia, who has served our city for the past 11 years. We will all miss Mrs. Garica’s professionalism, legal expertise, and dedication to the City of Downey and wish her much success in her future endeavors. We also look forward to working with Ms. Langer, who brings a wealth of legal knowledge and experience to our city. I know she will do great in our city, and I look forward to working with her.

Lastly, our city is home to many service organizations and clubs. I encourage you to join a service club, volunteer at our city library, or work with our seniors at the Senior Center. Volunteering is a fulfilling way to give back to your community and a way to meet your neighbors. If you ever have any questions about these programs or questions for me, please reach out to me at bpacheco@downeyca.org or 562-904-7274.

Thank you, Downey, for the opportunity to serve you as Mayor. Please stay safe and be kind to one another.

Blanca Pacheco

Mayor