Summer updates from Downey Mayor Mario Trujillo
Hello Downey,
Happy 4th of July. Independence Day commemorates the founding of our great nation, built on the principles of freedom and unity. This is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought for the liberties we enjoy today and to honor the spirit of independence that defines us. God bless you, and God bless America.
Summer Safety Tips
Summer has officially kicked off in Downey, and our programs and events are in full effect! As summer approaches, it's essential to prioritize safety while enjoying the sun and outdoor activities. The City of Downey offers cooling centers at the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center located at 7810 Quill Dr., Downey 90242, and at our Downey City Library next to Downey City Hall on 11111 Brookshire Avenue.
General Safety
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during hot days.
• Protect your skin with sunscreen, and wear sunglasses and hats to protect your eyes and face from the sun.
• When swimming, ensure there’s a lifeguard present and always supervise children around the water.
Pet Safety
• Never leave pets in a parked car, as temperatures can rise rapidly.
• Avoid walking pets during the hottest parts of the day.
• Protect paws from hot pavement, which can cause burns.
Elderly Safety
• Encourage elderly family members to stay hydrated and drink water regularly.
• Keep living spaces cool with fans or air conditioning. If these are unavailable, visit cooling centers or public places like malls.
• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives frequently, ensuring they are coping well with the heat.
Child Safety
• Never leave children unattended in vehicles, even for a short time.
• Keep them hydrated and encourage regular water breaks during play.
• Supervise children around water at all times, whether it's a pool, lake, or ocean.
Community Engagement
The summer season brings many activities for the family to enjoy. I invite you to join in the following festivities:
Concerts Under the Stars | Evenings of live musical entertainment
• Furman Park - Every Wednesday at 7:00 PM until August 7
Park Pop-Ups | Free entertainment and activities for the family
• Furman Park - Every Thursday until July 25 (times vary)
Recreation Swim | Open pool for all. Admission is $3 per person
• Downey High School - Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Rocket Fever | Annual event celebrating all things rockets
• Columbia Memorial Space Center - Saturday, August 10, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Summer Reading Program | A summer of literature
• Downey City Library – Running until July 31 (times vary)
2030 Downey Forward Strategic Plan
In January 2024, the City of Downey set out to develop a new strategic plan that reflects the community’s vision and values and guides the City’s activities for the next 5 years. Known as the Downey Forward, 2030 Strategic Plan, its objective is to pinpoint key strategic priorities for the city and establish a definitive roadmap to accomplish these goals. This plan will be closely coordinated with the city’s annual budget development, capital project planning, and other initiatives to ensure strategic alignment with available resources and maximize successful outcomes.
The finalized plan is accessible at www.downeyca.org/downey2030sp. Additionally, brochures outlining the key highlights will be distributed at all public City facilities.
Fiscal Year Budget 2024-2025 Budget
The City of Downey adopted the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget and has been honored with the prestigious CSMFO and GFOA Awards for its Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget. These awards are the gold standard in governmental budgeting and reflect the City’s dedication to excellence and commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Economic Development
Exciting economic developments are taking place across our city. These establishments will generate employment opportunities, boost local commerce, and foster our city's continued growth. Here are just a few of the exciting places set to open soon:
Sprouts Farmers Market
• 12060 Lakewood Blvd, Downey, CA 90242 | Coming 2024
Shake Shack
• 8300 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241 | Coming 2024
Silver Lake Ramen
• 8428 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241 | Coming 2024
Keep Downey Beautiful Monthly Cleanups
Keep Downey Beautiful is currently on summer break and will resume activities in September when temperatures cool down. Your participation in these cleanups is appreciated in maintaining the beauty of Downey. I encourage you to join us when cleanups resume.
Stay updated on the schedule by following our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @cityofdowneyca .
Resources
Download the Downey App on your mobile device. Through the app, you can report incidents such as illegally dumped items, street repairs, trash issues, graffiti removal requests, neighborhood light repairs, and more.
Graffiti Hotline
• (562) 923-4484
Abandoned Shopping Carts
• (800) 252-4613
Illegal Dumping
• (562) 904-7194
Code Enforcement
The City's Code Enforcement Division is continuing proactive efforts to beautify the city. Over the past few months, the City has increased its focus on identifying and addressing areas that need attention. This includes removing litter and ensuring properties are well-maintained and up to code. Resources and guidance have been provided to raise awareness about the importance of property upkeep and its impact on our city's appearance.
Additionally, the division remains dedicated to coordinating homeless encampment clean-ups in partnership with key partners such as the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, LA Homeless Services Authority, Southern California Health & Rehabilitation Program, and the Downey Police Department.
Maintaining our community is truly a community effort. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Code Enforcement Division at (562) 904-2392.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our community. Be sure to stay connected and look out for the Mayor videos. Follow our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @cityofdowneyca and @discoverdowney. Have a safe and great summer!
Mario Trujillo
Mayor, City of Downey