My Downey wish list for 2023
It’s no secret: I love my town.
The “big, little city.” “The city that raised me.” “Where everybody knows your name” (you know, like that show Cheers).
That’s what has made the last several years so hard to watch, both as a journalist working in the city, and as a resident myself; things have felt more melodrama than plucky, wholesome sitcom.
The city has been through a lot in 2020, 2021 and 2022; so much so that it seemed almost daunting to consider what positives or improvements may lay ahead as each year rolled into the next.
Many of us, myself included, simply wanted to stop the bleeding.
Finally, this year feels different. While we are not entirely out of the fog of the pandemic and the other nonsense, there is a definite feel of positive progress; of getting ourselves off the ground, dusting ourselves off, and moving forward.
Speaking of forward, as has become tradition, here is my wish list for 2023.
Stability: Okay, let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. The City Council’s top priority right now should be the hiring of a new, quality city manager. Once they find whoever that is, then the city can start plugging the holes left by other department heads and staff who either retired or left during the “great exodus of 2022.”
The application window for City Managers just closed, so thankfully the city seems to be on the right path. I look forward to seeing who takes the helm in the coming year.
A bigger spotlight on Downey Historical Society: The Downey Historical Society has become a closet favorite of mine in the city, and I am not afraid to say that President Bob Thompson is one of my favorite people in the community.
The members of the Historical Society possess a wealth of knowledge and information, and have an even greater desire to share it all, yet they sit in a small building at Apollo Park that is already crowded and almost filled to the brim. They could use a bigger space.
Moreover, they are a resource I’m not sure many people realize we have in the city. They have a handful of young individuals who they are hoping will be the core of their future, but their numbers are still relatively small.
Downey claims to value its history, but hasn’t done the greatest job protecting and preserving it (just look at the Rives Mansion). It’s time to fix that, and the Downey Historical Society is a great place to start; how wonderful would it be to see buses full of students on field trips, learning about the city they live in?
It is my hope that they grow their footprint in the city, be it through their own means, through the city, or even perhaps an outside donor. If nothing else, go give them a visit on your own just to see it and say you did; I guarantee you’ll learn something.
More small businesses established by young entrepreneurs: No offense to some of the older shop owners in town, but some of my favorite businesses are those established by individuals around my age and younger. Stores like Brick LA, OG Collectibles, and Gypsy Queen bring fresh, new personality to the city while offering a glimpse into the potential future of Downey’s economic and business future.
Downey already has a knack for retaining many of its young people, often times bringing with them knowledge, expertise, business, or other contributions earned from outside education or world experience. In 2023, I’d like to see that trend continue.
Target: My previous entry aside, I enjoy a trip to Target just as much as the next person, and it absolutely blows my mind that Downey doesn’t have one (neighboring Norwalk has two!).
I know Trader Joes is Downey’s favorite store to scream about from its soap box, but this is mine. Let’s see what it would take to bring those big, red circles into Downey!
Give Stonewood Mall some TLC: Maybe it’s just because I was a kid, but I remember when a trip to Stonewood Mall was an excursion I looked forward to: Lunch in the food court, a trip to KB Toys, and a ride on the train in front of Macy’s before stopping at Mrs. Fields for a bag of mini semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies on the way out. When I got older, trips included stops at FYE and the video game store, before blowing a few bucks at the arcade.
Stonewood has changed a lot since those days, and not for the better. Now, it’s just the mall I go to when I’m too lazy or in too much of a hurry to go to Lakewood or Cerritos.
Cerritos has a movie theater. Lakewood has a Round 1. Both are significantly more attractive looking inside and out.
In an age of online shopping, I realize it’s likely a tall feat to ask for a total refresh of the mall, but Stonewood is in desperate need of something. It’s gone too long feeling like a glorified swap meet.
More family-oriented entertainment options: As a teenager, I used to say that there was nothing to do in Downey (but we were 30 minutes away or less from something in any direction).
This has gotten somewhat better with Cinemark and Look Dine-in Cinema, but we’re still lacking. Downey would benefit from more varied options for families and teenagers to choose from. Things that come to mind: a Dave and Busters / arcade, a roller-skating rink, laser tag, mini golf, go karts / bumper cars, a trampoline park, an escape room.
It is an honor and beyond a pleasure to be able to do what I do at the Downey Patriot, and I hope I can continue to do so in 2023.
Be safe, be healthy, and be happy. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and happy new year.