DOWNEY – All things considered, 2019 was a pretty good year for Downey.

Downey broke ground on the most expansive and robust infrastructure improvement project in its 63-year history, with work nearing completion on four new fire stations, seven renovated parks, and a revamped civic center plaza. The Downey City Library has been completely hollowed out in preparation for a 21st-century modernization that is expected to wrap up next summer.

Downey continues to benefit from a City Council that is engaged, ethical and puts the best overall interests of Downey at the forefront of their decision-making, even if their votes sometimes spark disagreement. City Hall has enjoyed steady leadership and limited turnover among department heads, indicating that Downey remains a desirable city to work for.

Looking ahead to 2020, there’s little reason to believe Downey won’t continue to grow and evolve. 

But there’s always room for improvement, so I compiled a wish list: things I’d like to see more or less of in Downey next year. Some of these ideas are serious, others are tongue in cheek.

A new YMCA – The current Downey Family YMCA facility is outdated and broken. Not only is it unattractive, but it’s inefficient with its maze of stairs and hidden offices. And I say that as a huge supporter of the Y’s mission.

Talks are ongoing between the YMCA and Downey Unified School District that could result in a new Y facility on the campus of Sussman Middle School. Building a YMCA on a public school campus, with the proper security protocols in place, has been proven to work in other communities and I hope it happens here in Downey.

A second dog park – The David Gafin Dog Park located within Rio San Gabriel Park is heavily used and a second one would likely be just as popular. The only question is where. I’m thinking possibly Independence Park or Golden Park?

Olympic viewing parties – Tokyo is set to host the Summer Olympics next summer. Can you imagine how fun it would be to gather downtown to collectively cheer on the U.S. in soccer, volleyball, swimming, or even baseball and softball (assuming we qualify)? It would also be a boon to downtown businesses.

The return of Arby’s – Nothing against Dunkin’ Donuts, but I really miss Arby’s. I took them for granted, thinking they would always be around. Did you know we’re in the center of an Arby’s oasis? The nearest location is in Lakewood. 

Oh, Arby’s. They had the meats.

Porto’s online ordering – This isn’t a criticism of Porto’s Bakery but rather a humble suggestion. (As if they need any help with their business model.)

I wish I could order Porto’s food online — perhaps a Cuban sandwich with a guava strudel on the side — and pick it up at a designated pick-up counter. Sometimes you want Porto’s but don’t have 30-45 minutes to spare.

I hesitate to say anything critical of Porto’s Bakery because they have become so ingrained in our Downey community. They donate tons of food (literally) to countless groups and non-profits, with zero fanfare.

Good candidates for city council – 2020 will be a critical year in regards to local government representation, with three City Council seats up for grabs.

Mayor Blanca Pacheco and Councilman Rick Rodriguez are up for re-election. As the incumbents, they should be considered front-runners to win if they choose to run again.

The bigger question is the city-wide District 5 seat, currently occupied by Councilman Alex Saab. After two terms and eight years on the council, Saab will be termed out next year.

Downey is lucky to have a deep pool of smart and dedicated residents that would make quality council members. But there is also the threat of candidates who run to further their partisan agenda or who put their political party ahead of what is right for Downey.

I hope Downey voters will choose a candidate with a proven track record of community service and with a vision for Downey going forward. Thus far, Downey has managed to steer clear of the corrupt politics that have plagued other Southeast L.A. County cities and we need to keep it that way.

More concerts in the park – There’s something about the summertime concerts at Furman Park that make you feel good. The music is secondary; it’s about relaxing outdoors with your friends and neighbors. 

The concert schedule has been gradually reduced in recent years. If the budget allows, it would be nice to restore the concert series to its full length.

Less Facebook — I’m guilty of wasting time on social media but Facebook has really become toxic. It’s full of disinformation, skepticism and negativity. The only bright spot is the “Positively Downey” group, which succeeds in shining a positive light on our community.

A second hotel — We’ve been told for some time that a second hotel is coming to Downey but so far the empty patch of land next to Dunkin’ Donuts is still just an empty patch of land. City officials say construction could begin early next year. I hope so.

An ability to photograph in parks — Unfortunately, Downey’s municipal code prohibits commercial photography in our parks, which means you can’t take wedding photos or do modeling shoots without a permit. That seems unnecessarily restrictive, especially for a place such as Wilderness Park, which used to be a popular location for wedding shoots. 

Freeway signs for the Columbia Memorial Space Center — I don’t know the state’s requirements for putting up freeway signs (“Columbia Memorial Space Center: Next Exit”) but it would be cool to see these along the 105, 605 and 710. 

A new home for the Downey Historical Society — Downey’s history center badly needs a larger space for its growing collection of Downey artifacts. What’s unknown is where it could move to or how it would be financed. 

The return of DowneyDailyPhotos.com — Downey Daily Photos was a trio of talented photographers that chronicled Downey with charming daily posts on their blog. It’s a tall order to post every single day and they’re currently on a well-deserved break. Hopefully they’ll return one day.

More trees on our residential streets — [ducks]

May 2020 be filled with health, happiness, and appreciation for our community of Downey. Happy New Year!