Dear Downey Residents and Friends:As we close out 2011, I'm happy to report that Downey has continued to thrive this year under the leadership of outgoing Mayor Luis Marquez and retiring City Manager Gerald Caton. I know I'm one of thousands who have been personally touched by their leadership. It is this and other important City news that has prompted me to start this monthly Mayor's Corner. I want to make sure that you are as informed as possible about the goings-on in our City. An e-news version is also available - sign up at our City's website, www.downeyca.org. So what's happening in Downey? Just last Wednesday, my fellow Council Members and I recognized the winners of our Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. If you haven't had a chance to see some of these amazing light displays, I encourage you to take a walk or drive through our neighborhoods and catch the holiday spirit, or check out the photos on our City's Facebook page. Speaking of holiday spirit, I'd like to acknowledge the volunteer efforts of various city departments to help make the holidays brighter for the less fortunate children and families in our community. From the Angel Tree to the City of Hope Toy Giveaway to Operation Santa to Adopt-A-Family to the Downey Annual Toy Drive, city volunteers have collected and distributed hundreds of toys and other holiday supplies that have touched the lives of many. Also last week, the City Council honored the Robotics Delegation from our own Columbia Memorial Space Center. The City built the Space Center as a lasting monument to the Space Shuttle Columbia and its Crew, and to the 80 years of contributions Downey has made to the American Space Program. We're so proud of these students from Downey and Warren High Schools who, in their first competitions, brought home the Excellence Award Trophy, Robot Skills Trophy, judges Trophy, Design Trophy and Innovation Award. Two of the Space Center's teams are now qualified for the VEX National and World Finals! Want to join in on the fun at the Columbia Memorial Space Center? You can participate in one of two "Return to the Moon" Missions at the Space Center on Dec. 23 or Dec. 30 - call or visit the Space Center website for more information. (And you'll notice on your drive to the Space Center that you can now turn left from southbound Lakewood Boulevard onto Columbia Way). If the last ten days have been this exciting, just wait until 2012, which promises to be another banner year for Downey. In January alone, we should see the opening of the La Barca Restaurant and the City Council's hearing on the Tierra Luna Specific Plan Amendment. Tierra Luna is the last piece of redevelopment of the former Downey/NASA site, and the plans call for up to 1.1 million square feet of retail commercial floor area (including dining and entertainment opportunities), 300,000 square feet of office space and 116,000 square feet of hotel space. Also beginning in January, we will welcome our new City Manager Gilbert Livas and new Assistant City Manager John Oskoui. I am confident that they will provide the innovative, sound guidance necessary as our City kicks off a new era of leadership. Until next month, I wish you and yours a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Mayor Roger C. Brossmer

********** Published: December 22, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 36