Dear Editor:Our Downey neighborhood watch team leaders, Josephine Jacquez, Ray Metzger and Dawn Sebastian, give special thanks to our councilmen Mario Guerra and Roger Brossmer, along with Jane Guzman, our newly-appointed neighborhood watch coordinator, and Officer Valenzuela of the Downey Police Department, who took time from their weekend to join us to dicuss our neighborhood's concerns. All issues and questions asked were addressed. Officer Valenzuela made us aware of the new technology now in use that most of us were not aware of. Working together as a team through neighborhood watch, we can help our police department in the prevention of crime. According to Ms. Guzman, we now have 90 neighborhood watch teams and growing. Our many thanks to our 30 neighbors who attended the meeting; to Gilbert Medina, for lending his chairs and a table for our refreshments; William Sanchez, for his chairs and canopy which shielded us from the hot sun; and Patrick Chung for setting up the canopy, as well as Patti Ortiz who helped prepare and serve refreshments. Together they made it possible to have a successful and comfortable environment for our meeting. In the event of a catastrophe, we will be able to unite and help one another as well. Getting involved in your community can make a big different; everyone benefits from it. -- Ray Metzger, Downey

Dear Editor: The residents of the Dunrobin Avenue Neighborhood Watch would like to publicly thank Councilman Mario Guerra, Councilman David Gafin, Neighborhood Watch coordinator Jane Guzman and the Downey Police and Fire Departments for attending our third annual barbecue. It was truly appreciated that they took time out of their busy day to help make our day successful. Very professional . Job well done! -- Dunrobin Avenue neighbors, Downey

********** Published: September 01, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 20