Hello Downey!

A new year is upon us, and with that comes the opportunity to further our City’s mission. I am honored to once again be chosen to serve as your Mayor and plan to do so with the City’s best interest at heart. The following are initiatives we plan to put in place to further Downey’s continued success.

Our City continues to be one of the most sought after cities in Southern California. Property values continue to rise and new businesses continue to open in Downey. With all the prosperity we also face new challenges.

Homelessness continues to be a national phenomenon and our City is not immune to it. This year the City in collaboration with Wesley Health Centers, LA County Mental Health, Downey Police and Fire, hospitals, local churches and local civic groups will be meeting to launch the “Homeless Mental Health Roundtable”. Councilman Rick Rodriguez and I will be spearheading this project so stay tuned as more information will be posted on the City website in the upcoming months.

One of the many reasons that our City continues to be the gem of the southeast is that we have our own Police and Fire departments. I made a promise to the residents of Downey that during my tenure as Mayor we will continue to make public safety our No. 1 priority. I said it before and I’ll say it again, we have the best Police and Fire departments in America! As a result of Measure S, a promise I made to both Chief Charles and Chief Gillaspie is that I would do my part in keeping their departments running efficiently and effectively using modern day technology to keep Downey safe.

The City has committed $2 million for additional police officers to increase the amount of police officers, a $1.5 million upgrade to our communications center that includes a new radio system. The Fire departments stations are in dire need of rehabilitation -- $2 million has been set aside for repairs and upgrades to the City's fire buildings and radio system.

As a result of Measure S and other local funding sources, the City plans double its local road improvement funding by allocating $3 million to continue with its Local Residential Resurfacing Program. As a resident and business owner I understand just how much our streets are in need of repair so be on the lookout for the twelve miles of street resurfacing this year. Finally, expect Lakewood Blvd., between Gallatin Road and Telegraph Road, to begin street pavement efforts this spring.

Our parks will continue to receive playground improvements and walking trails. Just a few days ago, we dedicated new playground equipment at Apollo and Independence Park. Next on the list is Golden Park. It will receive a much needed walking trail and new ADA compliant playgrounds equipment under the watch of Councilmember Blanca Pacheco.

Through the Aspire program, Downey Unified School District and the Downey Family YMCA, local non-profit, “Home Field Advantage” will be hosting an 8-week soccer pilot program for fourth and fifth graders to teach them about soccer, wellness, nutrition and leadership skills. The initial program begins early spring with one school from each council district with full roll out of the program by the fall. The goal is to have all schools in the district participate in the summer’s “Downey FIFA World Cup Tournament” that will take place in Downtown Downey.

These are just some of the many great things that planned of our City this year. As always, I welcome your comments, concerns and questions. You can reach me at (562) 904-7274 or at fvasquez@downeyca.org

Fernando Vasquez
Downey Mayor

Mayor's Corner: New year, new opportunity