DOWNEY – A memorial plaque dedication in honor of fallen police officer Ricky Galvez will take place this Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 9 a.m. in front of the Downey police station. 

The formal ceremony will feature the unveiling of a memorial plaque in honor of Galvez, who was killed Nov. 18. 

The plaque will be added to the fallen officers’ memorial in front of the police station. 

The ceremony is expected to last about 30 minutes and is open to the public.

 

ROSE PARADE: Downey’s Parks and Recreation Department has a limited number of tickets for a Jan. 2 excursion to the Tournament of Roses Parade. 

Tickets include grand stand seating and a bus ride to and from the parade. 

For more information, call (562) 904-7223 or visit the Barbara J. Riley Center. 

 

SPACE CENTER: Downey’s Columbia Memorial Space Center is opening a temporary new exhibit Saturday: “Engineering the Unlimited Future: Albert ‘Buddy’ Lawbaugh.” 

The exhibit will highlight the life of Albert Lawbaugh and his role in Downey’s aerospace history. 

Lawbaugh was a major figure at Downey’s North American Aviation facility at the time of the city’s incorporation in 1956. 

“This exhibit gives the space center the rare opportunity to look at Downey at the time of its birth through the lens of one of the people who was working here when the city became a city,” city officials said. 

The space center collaborated with Lawbaugh’s family to produce the exhibit, which includes rare artifacts and memorabilia. 

The opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. and will include speakers, light refreshments and a celebration of what would have been Lawbaugh’s 101st birthday. 

For more information, call (562) 231-1200 or go online to columbiaspacescience.org.

 

NWDLL: Northwest Downey Little League will conduct sign-ups this weekend for the spring 2017 season. 

Early registration begins Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Furman Park. Other early registration dates are Dec. 3 and Dec. 17. 

Fee is $95 for kids ages 4-7, $110 ages 8-12, and $125 ages 13-18. Registration is free for its Challenger Division for physically challenged players. 

All children, regardless of ability level, can participate in NWDLL provided they live or go to school north of Firestone Boulevard. 

Parents should bring their child’s birth certificate and three proofs of address to registration. 

For more information, email nwdowney@gmail.com or call Kaye Quintero at (562) 417-2041 or Ed Wormald at (562) 417-2042.

 

PTA DRIVE: Downey Council PTA is hosting a membership drive contest between Warren and Downey high schools Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 6-8 p.m. at Stay Gallery. 

Representatives from both schools will be at the event to discuss a $750 scholarship available from the California State PTA, along with details on the application process. 

 

DOWNEY 5K: Registration is now open for the fifth annual Healthy Downey 5K run/walk, taking place Feb. 25 at 8 a.m. at Apollo Park. 

Early registration is $25 for adults and $15 for kids, and includes a commemorative T-shirt. 
Prices increase Feb. 1 and do not include T-shirts. 

The event raises funds for the Downey TLC Center, which provides health and human services to Downey students and their families.

“Our annual Stay Healthy Downey 5K run is an incredible opportunity for members of the community to support our efforts to ensure healthy and successful futures for all our children,” said Luz Perez, TLC coordinator. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available and range in price from $50 to $1,000 or above. 

Landmark distance signs are also available to purchase for $100 and will be located around the route. Deadline to purchase a landmark sign is Jan. 31. 

The 5K will be held rain or shine. No bicycles, skateboards, scooters or pets will be allowed (except service animals). 

To register, or to purchase a vendor booth, sponsorship or landmark sign, visit dusd.net/tlc or call (562) 904-3577.

Same-day registration will begin at 6 a.m., and bibs can be picked up from 6:30-7:30 a.m. 
Opening remarks and warm-up exercises start at 7:30 a.m., followed by the race at 8.

 

JEFF GARCIA: A comedy fundraiser to help raise money for needy children in Mexico will be held Friday, Nov. 18, at the Embassy Suites in Downey. 

Scheduled to perform are Jeff Garcia, Sebastian Cetina, Johnny Sanchez, Julio Gonzalez and Mike Cano. 

There will also be raffles, music and surprise guests. 

Tickets are $25 and proceeds will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for children in Tecate, Baja Mexico. 

For tickets or information, call Monica at (562) 644-6514 or Ernie at (562) 760-5816.

 

MILITARY: U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class David Munguia graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. 

He completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

He is the son of Norma Munguia, of Downey, and former ward of Sandra Aguillon, of Whittier.

 

HOLIDAY DECORATING: Downey’s Parks and Recreation Department is inviting residents to participate in the city’s annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. 

Entry forms can be downloaded at downeyca.org and emailed to parksandrec@downeyca.org. 

Participating homes will be judged on various categories including Best Use of Lights, Best Lawn Display, Best Religious Display, Christmas Tree Window Display, and more. Within each area, best overall entry winner and honorable mention will be awarded. 

Also, one Mayor’s Award will be given to each category. This award is the most prestigious and is given to the home with the best total display in each area. 

Participating homes will be divided into four judging areas: 

Area 1: All homes East of Downey Ave and South of Firestone Blvd.
Area 2: All homes West of Downey Ave and South of Firestone Blvd.
Area 3: All homes West of Downey Ave and North of Firestone Blvd.
Area 4: All homes East of Downey Ave and North of Firestone Blvd.

Entry to the contest is free and all entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Judging will take place Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. (rain or shine). 

Winners will be featured on the city website and presented their awards on Monday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

For questions or more information, call the Barbara J. Riley Center at (562) 904-7223.

 

CHRISTMAS PARADE: The 65th annual Downey Christmas Parade will take place Sunday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. along Downey Avenue. 

This year’s grand marshal is Don Knabe.

 

TREE-LIGHTING: The city of Downey will hold a “tree-lighting event” -- presumably for Christmas -- on Monday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. 

There will be arts and crafts, a snow play area, live entertainment, and photos with Santa Claus. 

There will also be a cake-cutting celebration in honor of Downey’s 60th anniversary.