Mayor's Corner: Optimism for the future
Mayor Claudia M. Frometa
Hello Downey! We are continuing to face and respond to a historic pandemic, and some of the greatest challenges we have faced in our lifetime are before us. Yet, I am encouraged. I am filled with hope, enthusiasm, and grit! It is during great times of adversity that our collective character is revealed.
As the greatest British statesman of the 20th century and leader of the British Army responsible for the victory in WWII, Sir Winston Churchill once said, “The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” And here we are Downey, we will tackle the challenges ahead and move our city forward.
This week has been historic for the State of California and certainly for LA County as the first shipment of the Pfizer approved COVID-19 vaccine arrived for distribution and inoculation.
And while we are celebrating the vaccine that will eradicate this virus and bring us closer to ending this historic pandemic, my message to our Downey residents is: We must continue to remain vigilant and protect each other by avoiding large gatherings especially with Christmas and the Holidays upon us.
Yes, while this virus has over a 90% survival rate in LA County alone, we have seen a 300% increase in hospitalizations over the last two months. Currently, there are over 4,200 people hospitalized in LA County (this number is changing daily) and our hospitals are running out of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity. There are not enough beds for all who may become extremely ill. These are the most critical times we have faced during 2020. Neighboring county hospitals are running out of ICU beds and space.
I say this with the intention NOT to contribute to additional fear-mongering but as someone in the healthcare industry, currently seeing first-hand what is happening in our hospitals across Southern California. As an Emergency Management professional in healthcare for the last 15 years, the surge that our hospitals are experiencing, coupled with the shortage of staff is both alarming and unprecedented.
Healthcare staff is exhausted and hospitals have been on disaster response mode all year.
As we approach the Christmas and New Year Holidays, my ask as your Mayor is that we as a community, take responsible steps to safeguard our families and our children. We all desire to get back to normal.
I also want to take this opportunity to address a few important issues of concern many of our residents have placed before me:
Excessive trash all over our city – littering, especially around fast food places. The city is working with the management of these establishments to keep up with the maintenance. We need to work together and all do our part to maintain the cleanliness of our city.
Speaking of trash littering on our streets and the potential for viral infections - As we continue to deal with a public health crisis, our city will continue with its normal street sweeping schedule. This is important as we strive to maintain public safety and the health of our community.
Illegal dumping – We are seeing an excessive amount of bulky items thrown out. Please contact the city’s illegal dumping at 562-904-1161 or contact Cal Met to schedule a pick up at 562-259-1239. The city has increased Code Enforcement surveillance from two times per week to five times per week.
Speeding throughout major intersections - our Police Department will continue to conduct speed enforcement in different areas of our city.
Our parks and playgrounds are open - While we want to avoid large gatherings to minimize the increase in community infection spread, we know our youth and children need the outdoor space. Our youth and children have had a very tough year with distance learning and the elimination of many activities this year. For our mental health, let’s utilize our parks and playgrounds responsibly.
This coming year will continue to bring us great challenges but it will also bring tremendous opportunities for collaboration, growth and the strengthening of our city. I invite you to be involved and be the change you want to see in our city by coming alongside me and working collaboratively to strengthen relationships and unify our community.
As the 47th Mayor of this city, the 11th largest city in LA County, I promise to lead our City of Downey through this great time of adversity with strength, compassion, integrity, and empathy. It is during these uncertain times our collective effort must be focused on our strengths and we must come together in unity.
I am full of hope and optimism that better days are ahead of us, but in the meantime, we must continue to exercise good sense, be kind and take care of each other and our community by avoiding gatherings. We will get through this together. Thank you for allowing me to serve you Downey. God bless our city. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
If you or someone you know needs assistance for mental health and/or are suffering from domestic violence please contact the LA County Resources:
Mental Help 800-854-7771
Domestic Violence 800-978-3600
Please stay safe. We are #DowneyStrong