Dear Editor:I am sure many of your readers were surprised to find out that a hair salon that has been in Downey for decades will be taken over by a Circle K convenience store. ("Circle K Gets Approval to Open Store Here,"‚Äà12/22/11) Even more surprised was the owner of that salon, Judy Maddox. Judy first read that her salon, Sam's Hair Repair, was part of the plan for this new business when she saw it in your paper! She told me that she never received any notice of the planning commission proceedings from either the property owner or the city. I have been one of Judy's customers for several years. This is a business that goes back to its origins on Imperial next to the old Brass Dolphin restaurant. I believe it is the oldest operating hair salon in Downey. I was devastated when I found out that Judy did not know anything about the plans or the meeting until she read it in the paper. She and her fellow stylists/barbers should not have been treated like this. When I told Judy that I was going to write a letter to your paper, she wanted me to make sure and let everyone know that her salon is still open. She says that Sam's will continue to serve the people of Downey, even if they are forced to move somewhere else in the city. It's good to know that there are some Downey landmarks that won't allow others to destroy it! --Kathy Perez, Downey

********** Published: December 29, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 37