Marketing concerns loom over VenueTech vote Tuesday

DOWNEY — City Council will vote at their meeting on Tuesday to approve a three-year extension to the existing agreement with VenueTech Management Group, Incorporated, who has presided over management of the Downey Civic Theatre since late 2010.

The cost of the contract totals to an estimated $205,000 annually with reimbursable costs, including labor and in-house production and in-house production expenses at approximately $686,233. However, the actual contract cost of theatre labor depends on number of rentals and are reimbursed by the rental client.

While Venuetech manages and services the theatre, it is the City that provides directive and oversees Venutech’s management.

Unfortunately, there seems to be some concern amongst officials that Theatre’s marketing is falling below where the city would like it to be.

“Our theatre is a beautiful theatre first of all,” said Mayor Pro Tem Rick Rodriguez. “I think it’s just undermarketed. It’s used quite a bit, its just the story isn’t told enough. That’s the problem; it’s not publicized enough.”

Rodriguez went on to say that he feels that the city is not “putting it’s best sales foot forward” enough.

To supplement some of these concerns, Rodriguez has slowly but intently introduced accomplished singer and artistic director Chad Berlinghieri into the community over the last several months.

“I met Chad outside he city of Downey. He does a phenomenal job in Orange County, in Long Beach, in Signal Hill, the beach areas,” said Rodriguez. “I wanted to bring that talent into our city because he brings his followers, associates, colleagues to us as well.”

“I recently attended a play over at the Mark Taper Theatre over in Downtown Los Angeles; it’s a small 300-seat theatre, but they had a beautiful play…every seat was taken. You wonder how’s a little theatre like that - with terrible parking, with Downtown traffic, that’s hard to get to – how do they draw people from the Valley? How do they draw people from Downey? From Long Beach, from Whittier…it’s all because of the sales efforts.”

A Theatre sub-committee was formed in 2009. The sub committee meets regularly and reviews types of shows, financial aid requests, and other Theatre business. It is currently served on by Councilmembers Alex Saab and Blanca Pacheco.

Council wishes to make the theatre a regional draw, however there are a few hurdles that the city has struggled with, including the theatre’s size and the amount of local competition.

“That’s one of the challenges we’ve had over the years to draw certain performances is the size and also the geographical location,” said Saab. “We are close to these other larger theatres that can sell more seats and thus draw bigger performances.

Councilmember Saab was able to shed a little light on the options that the sub-committee were currently exploring, and what ultimately may be the center of discussion on Tuesday.

“We’re looking to increase the marketing, looking a little bit closer how we can draw a bigger crowd, and the third thing we’re looking at is to increase some more local talent and theatre production through maybe some nonprofits or theatrical groups that can hopefully be able to use the space.”

Saab added that this could include the usage of the stage as a 90-seat space for more interactive and intimate performances.

“I think there’s definitely a lot of room for us to look at different types of use,” said Saab. “Those are the things we’re looking at.”

Another potential option that may be raised Tuesday is the opportunity to put Downey’s Theatre Series out to bid and potentially partnering with an outside entity to put on those performances.

“In years past, VenueTech has been deciding those productions and they’ve put them on,” said Saab. “That’s what we’re going to look at: VenueTech will continue to manage it, but whether we’re going to bring in an outside entity to assist us in putting on those events.”

Crime Report: 11/12/18

Friday, November 2:

At 1:30 am, the victims were at an apartment complex on the 7300 block of Dinwiddie when a suspect tried to steal their marijuana. During a struggle with the suspect, one of the victim’s was struck in the thigh by a small caliber bullet. She was medically treated for a non-life threatening wound. The suspect fled the location with the marijuana prior to police arrival. Detectives are investigating.

At 12:20 pm, officers responded to a robbery at the AT&T store at 8420 Firestone. Prior to our arrival, a male suspect grabbed a display phone from inside the store and ran towards the door. When an employee tried to stop him, the suspect made a verbal threat and simulated a handgun. The suspect then grabbed a second display phone and fled the location.

From 10:30 pm until 2:30 am, two officers working a foot beat in the downtown area issued 5 municipal code citations.

Saturday, November 3:

At 9:25 pm, officers responded to a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 13400 block of Laureldale. Officers located five shell casings in the roadway. One witness confirmed the shots were fired from a vehicle into the air. Suspect vehicle fled the location prior to police arrival.

From 10:30 pm until 2:30 am, two officers worked in the downtown area and issued 3 municipal code citations, 8 traffic citations, and 2 parking citations.

Sunday, November 4:

At 9 pm, officers responded to the 9800 block of Foster Road in regards to a robbery. A male victim was in front of his residence when he was approached by two male suspects. One of the suspects was armed with a knife and demanded the victim's phone and wallet. The victim handed over his iPhone and money. Both suspects fled the location on foot. During an area check, officers recovered the victim's phone to the front of an apartment complex. Detectives are investigating.

Non-profit offers free help with citizenship application

DOWNEY — Ferias Legales, a Downey-based non-profit, will be offering free legal assistance with citizenship applications and fee waiver applications at the Barbara J. Reiley Community Center this Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is in partnership with Downey Councilwoman Blanca Pacheco and is part of their monthly "Naturalize Now: Free Citizenship Clinics" program.

Three licensed immigration attorneys, Rocio La Rosa, Paola Neri, and Juliana Mojica-Moran, will be providing free eligibility screenings and free assistance with citizenship applications.

Ferias Legales (Spanish for "Legal Fairs") is a Downey-based non-profit organization focusing on delivering free services to underserved communities and increasing diversity in the legal field. The citizenship clinics are aimed at encouraging people to naturalize in an effort to help them protect themselves, their families, and their futures by empowering them with the ability to vote and become civically engaged.

Appointments are not necessary but are encouraged.

For more information, please contact Maria Torres, who serves as Executive Director, at (213) 842-6214 or mtorres@feriaslegales.org.

Warren High places first at cross-country finals

DOWNEY – The San Gabriel Valley League girls’ cross-country finals were Oct. 31 at La Mirada Regional Park. All six league schools fielded teams and competed for the league’s fastest times.

League favorite Warren placed first with a score of 26, Downey placed second with a score of 54, Paramount placed third with a score of 61, Gahr placed fourth with a score of 93, Dominguez placed fifth with a score of 160 and Lynwood placed sixth with a score of 165.

The lowest score in cross country running wins based on the five fastest runners from each school.

The Bears’ Nadine Gomez (11) finished 1st overall with a time of 18:27.4, Alicia Liera (11) finished 4th overall with a time of 19:23.3, Arianna Cervantes (12) finished 5th overall with a time of 19:47.8, Valeria Guerra (12) finished 7th overall with a time of 20:05.2 and Bryanna Garcia (12) finished 9th overall with a time of 20:38.8.

The Vikings’ Laura Velasco (12) finished 3rd overall with a time of 18:55.3, Alyssa Tapanes (9) finished 6th overall with a time of 20:04.3, Mia Neuman finished 11th overall with a time of 21:03.1, Emma Vitela (9) finished 15th overall with a time of 22:14.1 and Julianna Cuevas (10) finished 19th overall with a time of 22:35.1.

The boys enjoyed equal success at the same competition.

League favorite Warren placed first with a score of 27, Paramount placed second with a score of 51, Downey placed third with a score of 78, Gahr placed fourth with a score of 81, Dominguez placed fifth with a score of 152 and Lynwood placed sixth with a score of 178. The lowest score in cross country running wins based on the five fastest runners from each school.

Warren finished in an average team time of 16:30. The Bears’ Fabian Gomez (11) finished 2nd overall with a time of 16:08.1, Owen Franco (11) finished 4th overall with a time of 16:26.1, Antonio Munoz (12) finished 5th overall with a time of 16:28.2, Gerardo Rubio (12) finished 7th overall with a time of 16:39.2 and Andres Serna (12) finished 9th overall with a time of 16:52.8.

Downey finished in an average team time of 17:24. The Vikings’ Matthew Enriquez (12) finished 12th overall with a time of 17:06.4, Jesse Sanson (12) finished 15th overall with a time of 17:28.1, Cyrus Gutierrez finished 16th overall with a time of 17:28.5, Jacob Guerrero (12) finished 17th overall with a time of 17:28.7 and Gustavo Garibay (12) finished 18th overall with a time of 17:29.4.

DOWNEY FOOTBALL: The Downey High School football team improved to 6-5 on the season with a 44-14 first round playoff win at La Mirada last Friday night. The Vikings scored early and often in their route of the Matadores.

Downey jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and added 21 more points in the second quarter to take a 38-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Vikings were outscored 7-6 in the third quarter and 7-0 in the fourth quarter. The damage had been done however and Downey cruised to the 44-14 win.

Viking quarterback Kijjon Foots completed 12/18 pass attempts for 303 yards and three touchdowns. The Viking ground game was led by Malcom Perry’s 14 carries for 102 yards and two touchdowns, Alex Cortez’s ten carries for 73 yards and one touchdown and Antonio Ruiz’s four carries for 34 yards.

The Viking receiving corps were led by Noah Skobis’ three receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns, Kevin Caldwell’s three receptions for 56 yards, Dillon Laurer’s three catches for 23 yards and Brenden Hodge’s one reception for 78 yards and one touchdown.

The Viking defense was led by Vincent Willis’ eight solo and three assisted tackles, Isaiah Burton’s five solo and six assisted tackles, Anthony Lopez’s two solo and seven assisted tackles, Justin Cardenas’ four solo and four assisted tackles and Lawrence Joseph’s five solo and two assisted tackles.

Coach Williams, his staff and players are all looking forward to their C.I.F Division 3 quarterfinal game against Citrus Hill of Perris at Downey tonight. Citrus Hill is currently 11-0 and were the Mountain Pass League champions.

The Hawks defeated Damien of La Verne in their first-round game last Friday night at Citrus Hill 52-21.

WARREN FOOTBALL: The Warren High School football team defeated Crescenta Valley at Warren last Friday night, 52-47, in the first round of the C.I.F. Division 7 playoffs.

With the win, the Bears improved to 8-3 on the season and will now play Northview in the second round. Northview defeated Santa Ynez 43-7 in their first-round game at Covina District Field last Friday night.

In the Warren/Crescenta Valley game the Falcons took an early 21-7 lead. The Bears stormed back in the second quarter and outscored Crescenta Valley 24-14. The Bears still trailed 35-31 heading into the locker room at halftime.

Warren outscored the Falcons 21-6 in the third quarter and led 52 41 after three quarters of play. Crescenta Valley outscored the Bears 6-0 in the fourth quarter but Warren had sealed the win and came away with the hard fought, 52-47 win.

Bear quarterback Chris Venegas completed 15/21 pass attempts for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Venegas also carried the ball four times for 67 yards with one touchdown and finished the game with a quarterback rating of 153.3.

Warren’s rushing attack was led by Eimajah Hunter’s nine carries for 60 yards and one touchdown, Arvionte Sheffield’s 12 carries for 46 yards and Damarryea Armstrong’s two carries for 53 yards. The Bear receiving corps were led by Desmond Carnes’ four receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns, Keison Evans’ five receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown and Jabari Hughes’ three receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown.

The Bear defense was led by Damarryea Armstrong’s 12 solo and two assisted tackles, Jason Perez’s nine solo and four assisted tackles, Darin Marquez’s four solo and four assisted tackles and Kevin Arias’ two solo and six assisted tackles.

Paging Dr. Frischer: Food defects

While enjoying a bowl of cereal I noticed something suspicious floating in the bowl. Of course, that was the end of that bowl of cereal; I tossed it down the drain. It was probably nothing, but it got me wondering: what in the world was in there?

Nobody wants to find insect parts, rat hairs, mouse poop or maggots in their food. However, the Food and Drug Administration allows low levels of those unsavory items to be present in our food. In fact, the FDA considers this to be natural and unavoidable.

Most of us have never heard of the FDA Defect Levels Handbook. This is (I hope!) the most disgusting government publication in existence. For more than 100 food items, from allspice to wheat flour, this booklet spells out the maximum allowable levels of “defects” that are permissible before the agency considers the food to be unacceptable. It actually spells out just how much mold, rot, parasites, bugs, and other contaminants are allowed in our food.

The handbook puts it this way: “The FDA set these action levels because it is economically impractical to grow, harvest or process raw products that are totally free of nonhazardous, naturally occurring, unavoidable defects.”

Given the large amount of food that is produced daily in the United States, it is unrealistic to think that some outside materials won’t make their way into the finished product. When grain is harvested, it is inevitable that there will be a bug in there somewhere. After harvest, when it is being processed at a factory, or being stored, or in transit, there might be a mouse, and therefore…mouse poop. These “defects” exist in the environment where foods come from, and it is just impractical and too expensive to remove every little bit if it does not actually pose a threat to our health.

If it’s at all reassuring, do note that food-processing systems are far cleaner, more effective and more efficient than ever before.

The motivation for setting limits is to utilize this inevitable contamination as an indicator of whether there is something dangerously wrong. One mouse hair in food will not harm us, but many hairs may be evidence of an infestation at the factory. Along with an infestation may be bacteria, viruses, or other harmful microorganisms.

Consider these examples of FDA limits:

• · A 16-ounce box of pasta may contain no more than nine rodent hairs.

• · Perhaps there are dark specks in your cornmeal. Maybe they’re just cornmeal, but the FDA’s action levels do allow for up to 13 “fragments” of rodent excreta in a 24-ounce container.

• · The government permits three maggots in a 28-ounce can of tomatoes.

• · A 16-ounce jar of peanut butter may contain up to 136 insect fragments and four rodent hairs.

• · Beer drinkers take note: there is a limit of 2,500 aphids for every 10 grams of hops.

• · Tiny bugs such as aphids, thrips, or mites may come in from the field with the broccoli. The limit is 60 creatures per 100 grams – or 204 in a 12-ounce bag of frozen broccoli.

• · 6% of potato chips may contain rot. However, only 5% of prunes can be moldy, decomposed, or insect-infested.

• · 15 ounces of golden raisins may contain no more than 40 milligrams of sand and grit…as well as 65 fly eggs.

• · Mushrooms can contain up to 20 maggots per can.

• · The cranberry sauce accompanying your Thanksgiving turkey may contain an average of 15% mold filaments.

Honestly, after perusing this FDA handbook, I thought twice about ever eating again. These imperfections sound disgusting.

The good news is that the FDA reassures us that these allowable imperfections present no health hazards. Although the FDA has established these acceptable defect levels, and can take action if a food exceeds those levels, the amounts actually found are much lower. In fact, most food companies set their own quality standards at far stricter levels than these FDA limits.

Note that today’s column does not address intrinsically harmful food contaminants such as pesticides, metals or environmental chemicals, but “merely” defects in food quality. Keep this in mind as you consume your next grasshopper leg.

Bon appétit!

Dr. Alan Frischer is former chief of staff and former chief of medicine at Downey Regional Medical Center. Write to him in care of this newspaper at 8301 E. Florence Ave., Suite 100, Downey, CA 90240.

Helen Jane Gregorio

June 25, 1920 - October 26, 2018

Helen Jane Gregorio, 98, was born on June 25, 1920 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, an only child to Charles Peters and Mary Rhodes. She passed peacefully at her home on Friday, October 26, 2018 in Downey, California.

Over the 60 years she lived in Downey, Helen was a dedicated and devoted church and community volunteer. She served at the Downey Family YMCA and also in countless roles in PTA – including helping in the Downey Council PTA HELPS food bank over the past 30 years it’s been in operation. In addition to PTA, Helen logged over 40,000 hours of service in virtually every Auxiliary role in the 32 years she served at Downey-PIH. In addition to her community service, she also spent countless hours in ministry at Christ Lutheran Church here in Downey by singing in the choir, setting up for communion, greeting, ushering, and doing whatever else was needed. Her time and dedication to blessing others was acknowledged with both Rotary Club and Downey Coordinating Council Outstanding Volunteer Awards.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Angelo, and leaves behind her loving family: son James Edwards (Peggy) and granddaughters Sandy Edwards and Lisa Prough of Paso Robles, California; son Charles Gregorio (Melody) of Downey, California, granddaughter Emily Gregorio of Los Angeles, California, and grandson Evan Gregorio of Downey, California, as well as several other family members and friends who loved her and will miss her dearly.

A service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church (7707 Florence Avenue, Downey) on Friday, November 16th, at 10:00 AM. A light lunch will be served at the church Fellowship Hall following the internment at Rose Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Downey Council PTA HELPS or Downey Family YMCA.

Barry (Herman) Ord

December 12, 1941 - October 31, 2018

Long time Downey resident, Barry (Herman) Ord, passed away peacefully at her home October 31, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved spending time at family gatherings, birthday parties, holidays and sporting events cheering on the grandchildren. She was an amazing person and will be missed dearly.

She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 28 years, Donald Ord, as well as her son, Todd Herman and his wife Margaret, her daughter, Kelly Henderson and her husband Bill and 3 stepchildren, Michael Ord and his wife Cathy, Kim Stromen and her husband Dan and Kevin Ord and his wife Carrie. Also 15 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and her niece Susan Groff Cole.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus Paul Groff and Esther Elizabeth Vincent, her brother Richard P. Groff and daughter Shelly Montgomery.

Memorial Service will be held November 9, 2018, 11:00 am at Miller Mies Downey Mortuary.

Jerry Lee Klett

Jerry Lee Klett, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend has passed away peacefully at 75 on November 2 at his home in Downey.

A memorial will be held Monday, Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. at Rose Hills Mortuary - SkyRose Chapel.

He was born January 13, 1943 to Charles and Mable Klett in Everly, Iowa. He is survived by his children John, Nora, Jason, Dustin, Derek, Darren and grandchildren Autumn, Lincoln, Leyla, Jace, Austin, Aiden, Kaitlyn, Travis, Madelyn, Josh, Dylan, Cassidy, Levi and great grandchildren Aubree Renee and Aria. In the early 80s after being surprised with triplet sons, he ventured off and started his own business to help feed his growing family. He loved spending time with family, camping, boating and gardening. He will be deeply missed, but we know he has once again joined his wife Diana for all eternity.

Claudia Frometa, Giggy Saab win Downey elections

DOWNEY — Claudia Frometa is Downey’s newest council member.

With all precincts reporting, Frometa captured nearly 48% of the vote, beating main rival Carrie Uva by 369 votes.

Tony Hernandez-Ayala, a little-known third candidate, collected an even 600 votes.

In the race to claim the vacant school board seat, Giggy Saab was victorious, beating opponent Carlos Avalos.

Saab will claim the seat of former board member Willie Gutierrez, who resigned earlier this year after moving to Long Beach.

Claudia Frometa, Giggy Saab lead in early results (UPDATING)

DOWNEY — Claudia Frometa maintained an early lead over Carrie Uva in the race for Downey’s fourth district City Council seat, early Wednesday morning.

With 12 of 16 precincts reporting, Frometa had collected 2,244 votes to Uva’s 2,012.

Tony Hernandez-Ayala, the third candidate who did virtually zero campaigning, had 466 votes.

The winner will replace Fernando Vasquez, who is being termed out of office after eight years on the City Council.

In the school board race, Giggy Saab led Carlos Avalos by a slim margin.

With 8 of 10 precincts reporting, Saab had 1,660 votes to Avalos’ 1,504.

Both are seeking to fulfill the term of Willie Gutierrez, who resigned his school board seat earlier this year to move to Long Beach.

UPDATE 1: Giggy Saab appears on her way to victory. With 9 of 10 precincts reporting, she holds a 173 vote lead over Carlos Avalos.

Claudia Frometa leads Carrie Uva by 284 votes with two precincts left to count.

UPDATE 2: Claudia Frometa is poised to win this election.

With 15 of 16 precincts reporting, Frometa had 2,610 votes to Uva’s 2,285.

UPDATE 3: It’s official, Claudia Frometa and Giggy Saab have won their respective races.

A tour of Downey's public art

Without fail, the same thing happens every time Don Lamkin cruises Downey Avenue towards 2nd Street.

“There literally hasn’t been one time where I drove past and someone’s not taking some kind of picture [of Downey Doodle-icious],” Lamkin says, referring to the giant art mural he painted in 2014. “It’s surprising. I never expected anything like this to happen. It’s humbling.”

With its bright colors, cartoonish design, and larger-than-life icons, Downey Doodle-icious has become its own attraction. People walk to Porto’s, but Downey Doodle-icious stops them in their tracks.

Students study the mural. Teens take selfies in front of it. Politicians use the mural as portrait backdrops.

It’s a textbook example of art bringing a community together.

Downey’s Art in Public Places policy has resulted in a scattering of sculptures and murals throughout the city, some more accessible than others. There are also art pieces commissioned by private property owners, and some probably installed under the cover of darkness.

Below is a look at some of Downey’s public art. If I missed something, please let me know at eric@thedowneypatriot.com.

1.) Downey Doodle-icious
Location: Downey Avenue, between Firestone Boulevard and 2nd Street

Installed in 2014, Downey Doodle-icious has already become an iconic part of downtown Downey. Don Lamkin originally created Downey Doodle-icious as a raffle prize to benefit the Downey Museum of Art. He created 10 prints, and all sold within 3 hours at the Downey Street Faire.

Lamkin was later asked by the City Council to paint Downey Doodle-icious on the side of the Porto’s Bakery parking structure. Lamkin agreed, with help from Hector Beltran, Jorge del Toro and Liz Moran.

Lamkin doesn’t currently have plans for any more public art in Downey, but there’s one project he would be excited to complete.

“I always thought it would be great somewhere on school district headquarters to have the same style pop art and include every single school mascot or logo,” Lamkin said. “I thought that would be really cool.”

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2.) Poseidon, Greek God
Location: 9655 Lakewood Blvd.

This 8-ft. fiberglass statue is titled “Reveal” and depicts Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. According to mythology, Poseidon “was god of the sea, earthquakes, storms, and horses and is considered one of the most bad-tempered, moody and greedy Olympian gods.”

The sculpture was created by Jameel Haiat, a designer at Walt Disney.

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3.) Downey Depot
Location: 8150 Nance St.

As far as I can tell, this mural doesn’t have a title. It was installed in 2001 and created by artist Terry Schoonhoven, whose work also appears at Union Station. It’s located at the Downey Depot, near Firestone and La Reina.

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4.) Dona’s
Location: 8636 Imperial Hwy.

This painting isn’t particularly complicated or exotic, but it’s fun and received a ton of attention at Dona’s Donuts’ height of popularity earlier this year. The backdrop is still a popular image on Instagram.

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5.) The Flamingo
Location: 11006 New St.

This nearly 6-ft. tall pink flamingo showed up after Sandoval Bail Bonds closed up shop earlier this year. The building is now vacant and being prepared for a new tenant.

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6.) Florida Restaurant
Location: 10025 Lakewood Blvd.

After doing some digging, this appears to be the work of Hector Ponce. He’s been called “the Warhol of the walls” for his street art in Los Angeles.

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7.) Good Vibes Only
Location: 11405 Paramount Blvd.

Located on the side of boutique fashion store Gypsy Queen, this painting was done by painter and tattoo artist Alfonso Garcia. He owns a private studio in Los Angeles.

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8.) LeBron
Location: 8027 Firestone Blvd.

The uniform doesn’t have a number, so I can’t say definitively that it’s LeBron. But yeah, it’s LeBron.

This 280-ft. painting was done by Long Beach artist JC Ro, who has completed similar projects throughout Los Angeles.

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9.) LOVE
Location: 9102 Firestone Blvd.

It’s isolated and can be difficult to find, but this mural was created by LOVE Crew. It’s located on the side of Research Vintage, a consignment store near Big 5.

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10.) Descending Sphere
Location: 7622 Firestone Blvd.

It’s quite the juxtaposition, a piece of abstract art outside a smog check facility.

Titled “Descending Sphere,” this sculpture was installed in 2008 by artist Jon Seeman, whose work can be found around the world, including in Dallas, Las Vegas and Tokyo.

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11.) John Gately Downey
Location: 11111 Brookshire Ave.

This bust of John Gately Downey was created by Irish sculptor Mark Rode and installed in 2010. An identical sculpture exists and it’s located in Roscommon County, Ireland, Downey’s birthplace.

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12.) Fallen Officer Memorial
Location: 11111 Brookshire Ave.

I hesitated to include this as “art,” but I think it depicts beauty in its own unique way.

The statue pays memory to the two Downey police officers who died in the line of duty. Most striking is that the monument includes space for future names.

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13.) Veterans Memorial
Location: 11111 Brookshire Ave.

This art piece was installed in 2012 in honor of Downey’s military veterans. The sculpture was created by James T. Russell and is modeled after the veterans monument in Cerritos.

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14.) Bumblebee
Location: 8241 2nd St.

The artist known as Bumblebee has been known to create illicit art pieces under the cover of darkness. While this painting was also done at night, it was created with the full permission of the property owner, so it still stands today.

This 20-ft. artwork is located on the side of the Coba Cabana Hair Salon, just around the corner from Downey Doodle-icious.

Crime Report: Nov. 1, 2018

Friday, October 26:

At 11:50 pm, the victims were walking northbound on Guatemala at Otto when they were approached by a vehicle. Two suspects exited the vehicle, pointed a firearm at the victims, and demanded their property. The victims gave the suspects their cell phones and wallets. The suspects fled the location northbound on Guatemala in a vehicle. Detectives are investigating.

From 10:30 pm until 2:30 am, officers worked a foot beat in the downtown area. They issued 4 municipal code citations, 1 narcotics citation, 2 traffic citations, and arrested 1 subject for resisting/obstructing an officer.

Saturday, October 27:

At 3:50 pm, officers located a stolen vehicle in the area of Imperial and Bellflower, where the adult driver and passenger were arrested without incident.

At 6:30 pm, a resident called to report that several headstones had been overturned at the Downey Cemetery (9073 Gardendale Ave). Fortunately, they were not damaged and a report was taken.

From 10:30 pm until 2:30 am, officers worked a foot beat in the downtown area. They issued 14 municipal code citations.

Sunday, October 28:

At 12:30 pm, officers located a stolen vehicle in the area of Lakewood and Gardendale, where the adult driver was arrested without incident.

SHORT STORY: Our very own Good Ship Lollipop

Surrounded by beer joints, wrecking yards, and mom-and-pop markets, how could one ever believe that fantasyland existed in the midst.

It came in the form of Mason’s Drug Store, our very own “Good Ship Lollipop,” with glass covered bins containing an assortment of candy along with the scoops for scoopin’ it up. We left prints on the glass from smooshing our faces up against it to get a closer look at the array of yummy sweets.

There was also an old-fashioned soda fountain that served up a variety of ice cream novelties; malts, milkshakes, floats, sundaes and banana splits. It was nothing fancy, just a fun little place with old-school charm where the neighborhood gathered for licks and sips.

Customers were seated around the sit-down counter with stools that kids would spin, driving the adults crazy! The frenzy was then compounded when adults caught their kids peeking under the counter and being mesmerized by the mess of years of gum and yuk stuck under there!

I recall skating in front of the drug store one day and hearing passersby yelling out the car windows that: “The war is over.” It didn’t mean much to this eight-year old at the time. I was probably just thinking: “Oh goodie, that tasty Fleer’s Double Bubble will be available again at Mason’s Drug Store!”

You know the one…it had comics and fortunes inside. You could blow a bubble so big that it popped and landed on your nose and cheeks. Then you took the gum out of your mouth, used it to remove the gum from your nose and cheeks, then popped it back into your mouth and started chewing and blowing all over again! Fun!

Not long after that, the Masons must have retired or sold the drug store, because a shoe shop soon occupied the space. So, we began taking our shoes to be re-soled, plus all our leather goods in need of repair, to the proprietor, a Mexican man, who was very adept at his craft, and soon fit into the dynamics of the neighborhood.

But it was never quite the same without Mason’s Drug store, our very own “Good Ship Lollipop.”

Sharon Benson Smith is a student in the writing class at the Norwalk Senior Center. Bonnie Mansell is the instructor for this free class offered through the Cerritos College Adult Education Program.

Blind Date: Trying to differentiate the candidates

For the first time in a long time, Downey voters will go to the voting booth Tuesday to elect a new city councilman without having seen the candidates debate beforehand.

This should tell us something about the timidity of the current hopefuls. Instead of observing how smart and nimble they are, or dumb and klutzy (we’ve had those), we won’t know, until it’s too late, who they are, how broad their life experience is, how knowledgeable they are about how a healthy society works, how they field questions on the fly, how they deal with opposing views, what their thoughts on governance are, or if they’re satisfied with the status quo or have ideas on taking Downey into the future.

Instead, we’re supposed to make an informed decision about whom we vote in based largely on the platitudinous drivel of PR releases and pureed public statements.

Some choice.

Technically, three candidates are competing for the 4th District seat of Fernando Vasquez, who will be termed out at the end of this election cycle. In reality there are only two: Claudia Frometa, an emergency management consultant for Kaiser Permanente, and Carrie Uva, a real estate broker and attorney. There is a scattering of lawn posters around town bearing the name of Tony Hernandez, but the only other evidence that a Tony Hernandez actually exists ends with his candidate’s filing with the city. Otherwise, he has not been heard from.

This represents a backward step for the city, not because Downey’s political class and civic leaders have rigged up some kind of Soviet-style apparatchik who would win even if the only vote he got was from his mother. They haven’t—though two candidates hardly represent a wide variety of choice. What no debate and virtually no public appearances (except among friends and supporters) imply is a mounting disconnect between the people of Downey and their political leadership.

Photo by Pam Lane, DowneyDailyPhotos.com

I’m not talking about social Downey’s community-minded esprit and its pride of place. In just the past few weeks we’ve seen the CROP Walk to fight hunger, the Downey Spirit Awards, the generous civic and educational gifts granted by the Mary Stauffer Foundation, and the tireless effort of Lorine Parks to report on a variety of local cultural and fraternal events, which helps inestimably in lending us a sense of cohesion. And councilmen Sean Ashton, Rick Rodriguez and Alex Saab are seen regularly around town representing the city in any number of gatherings and ribbon-cutting events.

No, I’m talking about the unwillingness of the general public to visit the engine room of the city—the city council meetings where crucial decisions are made that affect everyone who lives here. You can criticize the lack of imagination our city leaders have shown in mapping out strategies to deal with local ills, even if they’re systemic in origin, such as homelessness; the precipitous and ultimately destructive rise in housing and rental costs; air and traffic pollution; and the absence of a robust cultural life (no resident theater group, no permanent space to show art, no low-rent space for performance and visual artists to work and rehearse in, no arts council to recommend policy and attract artists, etc). And you can laugh at their follies: does anyone remember the name of our sister city in China, or the one in Ireland?

Hardly anyone shows up at city council meetings. If people do arrive in numbers it’s because an issue pops up that’s specific to that group’s interest. Once it’s resolved, everyone clears out, as if a bomb squad has ordered a mass evacuation. Nobody sticks around to watch the council discuss important issues and then vote on them. No one stays to watch the democratic process in action. Hardly anyone is there to speak up, petition, or just watch and wait for Election Day, and thereby help shape its outcome.

The View apartment complex on 2nd Street in downtown Downey. Photo by Pam Lane, DowneyDailyPhotos.com

The developers stay, however. The people who can make money off the city, they stay too. They’re there for their own commercial interests. The per capita income for Downey is slightly more than $23,000. That’s well beneath the poverty line, and not a good indicator of a city intent on improving the quality of life within its boundaries. That’s why the look of the place is becoming drearier, more generic, even as the general spirit of Downey seems to be picking up.

The Downey Patriot at least managed to get Frometa and Uva to answer a battery of question—the same for each—for its October 10 edition (Hernandez, characteristically, did not respond). The questions asked why they’re running, what they think qualifies them for office, what differentiates them from each other, their priorities, their views on the future of the Downey Civic Theater and the arts in general, local housing development, and if they’d support a homeless shelter in Downey.

Their answers were so similar that differences were moot. (“I care about this city…Downey has been my home since…” etc.). Both have extensive resumes when it comes to engagement with city departments and local businesses and civic organizations. Both use the word “transparency,” a principle, for Uva, somewhat weakened by her unwillingness to communicate in any way other than e-mail or text.

Naturally they want to put their best foot forward, but on the transparency issue, I’ve been waiting for years for someone to explain just what the ethically challenged Fernando Vasquez, who is not a wealthy man, did to get in on a commercial partnership to build a high end restaurant on the corner of 2nd Street and Downey Avenue, and thereby sacrifice a crucial vote on the state of one of the most vital areas of the city. Could a tacit rebuke lie in Frometa’s line, “I don’t have ties to any other business/es that could pose a conflict of interest as an elected city official”?

City council candidate Claudia Frometa. Photo by Eric Pierce

Vasquez supports Frometa, as does a formidable portion of the Downey political and business establishment. I would give her the slight edge here, though Uva has strong support, also from business, and from influential realtors. She’s a lawyer and realtor, president of the local Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Public Works Commission. Frometa has the more interesting job as part of Kaiser Permanente’s National Emergency Management team.

Both support a strong local police force—this has been part of the mandatory police/business mantra every candidate has been sounding for as long as memory serves (if the trend continues, we’ll have candidates calling for martial law at 10 p.m.). Both punted on the question of a homeless shelter. Writes Frometa, “Downey has a rich history that I’d like to preserve and protect for younger generations.” Uva writes, “I’ll keep our local government accountable and serve our community with a strong voice.” Both, and similar, statements reach a tie in the yawn factor.

If I were part of what now must be an imaginary audience, I’d ask Frometa if her membership in the First Baptist Church of Downey, which has property ownership and formidable clout in the downtown area, would have any bearing on her decisions in what went on in that same district. And I’d ask Uva what she means when she says that “nightlife” is causing problems for downtown (a laughable term, really, when it only takes five minutes to walk its entire length), when nightlife—clubs, galleries, theater, performance spaces, music and entertainment venues—is precisely what Downey is missing.

City council candidate Carrie Uva. Photo by Eric Pierce

Both talk about programs for kids (Uva adds seniors). That’s been another mantra, which led local gadfly Harold Tseklenis to observe, years ago, that Downey has an abundance of programs for kids and the elderly; what it doesn’t have is interesting things to do for adults in between.

Uva seemed a bit more specific in her knowledge of some of the problems regarding housing and traffic. Frometa emphasizes family values. What’s less specific is what each of them actually plans to do if elected.

What Downey lacks, and has lacked for some time, is a sense of direction, of identity in an increasingly generic, corporatized environment. But you can’t altogether put the blame on our city leaders after asking so little of them. In a democracy, people get the government they deserve. Now we’re not even asking candidates to interview for us in debate.

This time the blame’s on us.

Downey, Warren, Calvary Chapel all qualify for postseason play

DOWNEY – The Downey High School football team defeated Gahr at Downey last Thursday night in their league and regular season finale, 42-27.

With the win the Vikings improved to 5-5 on the season and 3-2 in league play. The win knocked Gahr out of postseason contention.

Downey will travel to La Mirada later today to face the Matadores in their first-round playoff matchup. La Mirada finished their season with an overall record of 2-8 but were 2-1 in Suburban League play and qualified as the number two entry from the Suburban League, behind Mayfair (8-2, 4-0).

In the Downey/Gahr game the score was tied after the first quarter of play 7-7. Downey scored 14 points in the second quarter and took a 21-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The teams scored a touchdown and converted the extra point each in the third quarter and Downey held on to that 14-point lead at 28-14. The Vikings outscored Gahr 14-13 in the fourth quarter and took the 42-27 decision.

Viking quarterback Kijjon Foots completed 8/11 pass attempts for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Foots finished the game with an impressive quarterback rating of 154.4.

The Viking ground game was led by Malcom Perry’s 18 carries for 119 yards and two touchdowns, Alex Cortez’s 10 carries for 82 yards, Danny Ruiz’s four carries for 17 yards and one touchdown and Antonio Ruiz’s five carries for 36 yards. Downey accumulated 266 yards rushing the football.

The Viking receiving corps were led by Brenden Hodge’s two catches for 61 yards and one touchdown, Xander Orozco’s two receptions for 41 yards, Kevin Caldwell’s one catch for 72 yards and one touchdown and Alex Cortez’s one catch for 28 yards and a touchdown.

The Viking defense was led by Anthony Lopez’s five solo and five assisted tackles, Vincent Willis’ five solo and three assisted tackles, Daniel Mena’s four solo and four assisted tackles and Danny Ruiz’s five solo and two assisted tackles.

Coach Williams, his staff and players are all looking forward to making a run in the C.I.F. Division 3 playoffs.

WARREN FOOTBALL: The Warren High School football team finished their league and regular season schedule last Thursday night against Dominguez with a convincing, 49-18 win.

With the win, the Bears improved to 7-3 overall and 4-1 in league play. With the loss the Dons fell to 3-7 overall and 1-4 in league play.

The Bears finished second in San Gabriel Valley League play behind league champion Paramount.

Warren will host Crescenta Valley later today in their first-round matchup. Crescenta Valley finished their regular season with an overall record of 8-2 and a Pacific League record of 5-2. Crescenta Valley is the number three league entry from the Pacific League.

In the Warren/Dominguez game the Bears trailed early and were down 10-7 at the end of the first quarter. Warren came to life in the second quarter and outscored the Dons 14-0. The Bears took that 21-10 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Bears picked up in the third quarter where they left off in the second quarter by scoring another 21 points. Warren led 42-18 after three quarters of play. The Bears tacked on a fourth quarter touchdown and came away with the 49-18 win.

Bear quarterback Chris Venegas completed 9/13 pass attempts for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Venegas also carried the ball seven times for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Venegas finished the game with an impressive quarterback rating of 127.6.

The Bears ground game was led by Arvionte Sheffield’s 12 carries for 155 yards and three touchdowns, Carlos Pena’s 10 carries for 31 yards and Eimajah Hunter’s five carries for 31 yards.

The Bear receiving corps were led by Keison Evans’ two catches for 38 yards and one touchdown, Robbie Colenzo’s two catches for 15 yards and Eimajah Hunter’s two catches for 15 yards. There were no defensive statistics available at press time.

Coach Lara, his staff and players are all looking forward to making a run in the C.I.F. Division 7 postseason playoffs.

CALVARY CHAPEL FOOTBALL: The Downey Calvary Chapel football team finished their season with an overall record of 6-2 and a third-place finish in the Express League (2-1).

The Grizzlies were defeated by Sage Hill of Newport Beach, 28-12, last Saturday night in their league and regular season finale. For their efforts, the Grizzlies qualified for postseason play.

The Grizzlies will travel to Windward High School of Los Angeles later today for a 3:00 p.m. kickoff. The Windward Wildcats finished their season with an overall record of 6-4 and a league record of 2-1. The winner of the DCC/Windward game will play the winner of the Cate/Desert Christian game in the second round of the Division 1 eight-man playoffs.

In the DCC/Sage Hill game the Lightning scored two first quarter touchdowns and led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. DCC answered back with a touchdown in the second quarter but still trailed 14-6 going into the locker room at halftime.

The Grizzlies added another touchdown in the quarter and cut the Sage Hill lead to 14-12 as the third quarter concluded. Sage Hill came back with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and came away with the hard fought, 28-12 win.

Coach Mike Nuno, his staff and players are all looking forward to C.I.F. postseason play and making a run in their bracket.

UNIFIED CHEER: Downey Unified’s Warren High School debuted their Unified Cheer team during the WHS vs. DHS rivalry football game Friday night Oct. 19. Warren High School has partnered with Special Olympics Southern California to implement inclusive programs that blends individuals with disabilities and individuals without disabilities on teams, clubs and school activities. This program promotes the Inclusion Revolution which provides equal opportunity and access for all students.

Last school year, Warren received state recognition by being selected as a Unified Champion School. This school year, Warren has been recognized on a larger scale by being awarded national recognition by being named on ESPN’S Honor Roll as one of the top five schools in the country for their inclusive programs.

The Unified Cheer team is the first sports team at Warren High to make their debut. Warren has also established a Unified Basketball team and will have a Unified Track team this coming spring. All three teams are under the supervision of Warren’s Athletics Department.

As a Unified Champion School, Warren has made a commitment to the Special Olympics Global Inclusion Movement to use sports, health, education, and leadership programs each and every day to end discrimination against intellectual disabilities and empower those with intellectual disabilities.

Warren will continue to educate their community by hosting on-campus events to create a campus-wide culture of respect, sensitivity, empathy, equality and inclusion.

2018-2019 Inclusion Revolution events:

November 8, 2018: Debut of Unified Basketball team during an exhibition game.

February 12, 2019: ESPN Top 5 Honor Roll Rally and Ceremony

February/March 2019: 2nd annual Abilities Awareness week: A weeklong event with daily lunch activities that highlight and educate students on various disabilities, as well as provide students and staff with an opportunity to “walk a day in the shoes” of students with disabilities ( i.e. autism, learning disabilities, hearing impairments, speech impairments, visual impairments, intellectual disabilities).

Goal: to increase mindfulness and create a culture of acceptance, tolerance, compassion, equality and inclusion.

March 6, 2019: R-word Campaign: A one day campaign to encourage students, teachers, and staff to take the pledge to never use the R-word (retard) again, as well as raise awareness and educate those on the hurtfulness of the R-word.

March/April 2019: Annual Kickball Game: Warren will establish a Unified Kickball team to play against crosstown rivals Downey High School.

April/May: Special Olympics event on May 11-12.

*Track and Field (dates to be determined)

Downey rental prices dipped in October

DOWNEY — Downey rents have declined 0.5% over the past month, but are up slightly by 1.4% in comparison to the same time last year, according to statistics released by Apartment List today.

Currently, median rents in Downey stand at $1,400 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,800 for a two-bedroom.

Downey's year-over-year rent growth leads the state average of 1.3%, as well as the national average of 1.1%.

Anne Frank exhibit opening at Stay Gallery

DOWNEY – A pop-up exhibition about the life of Anne Frank opens next week at Stay Gallery.

“Anne Frank - A History for Today” is presented by the Anne Frank House and the Consultate General of the Netherlands, and tells the history of the Holocaust and World War II from the perspective of Anne Frank and her family.

The exhibit officially opens Wednesday, Nov. 7, with a reception from 5-8 p.m.

Guided tours will be available Nov. 8-9 from 3-8 p.m., and Nov. 10 from 1-6 p.m.

In addition to Stay Gallery, the exhibit will also visit Downey High School.

No library jobs will be lost during renovation, city official says

DOWNEY — With the recent announcement of the Downey City Library’s upcoming year-long closure, library officials are saying that there is no need for concern.

Shockwaves were sent flying last week when Mayor Sean Ashton announced that the library would be closing for more than a year to undergo extensive renovations as a part of Measure S, the sales tax increase approved by Downey voters in 2016.

However, Ben Dickow – who took over management of the Library in July of last year – has said that the library’s extended closure has been in the plans for a while now.

“This has been a really aggressive timeline. I think we found out that we were going to be a part of Measure S back in maybe February or so; I think the preliminary design conversations happened in March,” said Dickow. “It’s been sort of an iterative process since then.”

The library is currently scheduled to be closed from March 2019 to June of 2020.

The expansive renovations planned with the addition of the need to store the libraries vast materials have left the library with no choice but to shutter its doors while the changes take place.

It’s also a matter of beating the Measure S clock.

“Measure S has a time limit on it; you have to get these things done in three years, and we’re already half way through the process,” said Dickow. “We realized that we couldn’t split the resources and keep a temporary thing open and do all the renovation.”

“And we realized in order to get the renovation done the way we had to, we had to renovate the whole thing at once…it’s just the way the building is built you can’t do it that way.”

The library will not offer lending services throughout its closure.

Dickow has also said that he has been meeting with libraries in surrounding communities, and that they are aware of the Downey Library’s temporary closure. While he declined to name any one library officially, Dickow said that “all of our neighbors are going to be really good neighbors.”

“They know that we’re going to be down for a while; they’re welcoming to the overflow,” said Dickow. “In order to make it easier for Downey patrons to use their resources, we’ll probably do some library card drives in the final months that we’re open.”

There are even talks on potentially providing transport to other libraries for Downey patrons, however those discussions are still in early stages and are not yet guaranteed.

Dickow has also attempted to quell any anxieties residents might have about library jobs during the over year-long absence.

“All the jobs are staying, everybody is staying on board,” said Dickow. “Thinking about it I can realize why people would ask this question, but it has never been a question.”

In fact, not much - if anything - will be lost according to Dickow, except for the carpet.

“Really we’re not losing anything,” said Dickow. “We still got the building at the end of the day, and we’re gaining a lot. Project’s like these come around once in a career for most people here, and what it does is it gives us a very specific time to reset and focus…that year is going to be super busy.”

It’s been 40 years since the library has gotten a little “TLC.”

“Next year is the 60th anniversary of the library; it was founded in 1959,” said Dickow. “It got it’s last major renovation in ’79-80… the previous library director would often tell me about how the carpet that’s in there now is the same one that she sat on when she was at story time as a kid, and that has to change.”

Despite the physical building being out of commission for the year, Dickow has reassured that the library will still have a prominent presence within the community.

“At the end of the day it was decided that the community will lose the building for the year, and they will lose physical lending services for a year,” said Dickow. “What they will get is we will continue most of our marquee programs...some of our digital access stuff, some of our events.”

“In the perfect world we’d love to give everybody everything they want, but I think we’ve struck a really good balance between core programming services and access to the digital collection, trading off the actual physical collection until we open in this beautiful space.”

Letter to the Editor: Downey Library

Dear Editor:

How exactly will the Downey City Library interior spaces be reconfigured? The Oct. 25, 2018, Mayor's Corner article did not specify.

Is it true that the Adult and Children's Sections will be switched? Mayor Sean Ashton, please clarify by printing a schematic, a drawing to show how our Downey Library's public utilization will change with the planned interior reconfiguration.

Knowing how much space and how that space is to be used is critical information that Downey citizens should know now.

Zaida Ramos
Downey

COMMENTARY: Let us bring light at a time of intense darkness

Words no longer suffice. They are meager and lacking. They ring hollow to those deep in shock and grief. Many things come to mind, but to write yet another statement will be just that, another statement — more words, wholly inadequate.

The real statement we must make has to be action. We must be one people coming together, standing shoulder to shoulder, speaking out strongly against all violence and in support of peace, decency, solidarity. That must be our statement.

When our sacred Shabbat and sacred places are shattered by unthinkable evil, we must immediately bring a new sacred space into being by the act of being together. We will be there for each other, be strong for each other, support each other. Even a small act, a hand on a shoulder, a hug, a shared tear, is stronger than any statement.

The words in the Torah portion of Shemini come to mind: va yidom Aharon: and Aharon stood quiet. When Aharon’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu, were burning incense to offer the Lord, a fire burst forth and consumed them: a strange fire, an inexplicable fire killed them. There is no explanation for this tragedy. For millennium we have been unable to explain the inexplicable. It is strange fire. When Moses told Aharon what had happened, Aharon spoke no words. He stood silently.

We will stand together in silence. We stand together in prayer. We stand together in sadness. And soon a tomorrow will come when we will stand together in celebration and song.

Hachagiga Nigmeret, by Naomi Shemer

And sometimes, the party is over.
The lights go out, the trumpets say
goodbye to the violins….

Chorus:

To wake up tomorrow morning
With a new song in our hearts;
To sing the song with strength,
To sing the song with pain.
To listen to the flutes sing freely in the breeze
And to start over — from the beginning.
From the beginning,
Recreate your world in the morning.
The lights go out, the trumpets say
goodbye to the violins….

Chorus:

To wake up tomorrow morning
With a new song in our hearts;
To sing the song with strength,
To sing the song with pain.
To listen to the flutes sing freely in the breeze
And to start over — from the beginning.
From the beginning,
Recreate your world in the morning.
The earth, the plants and all the lights,
And then from dust, in the likeness of humans,
Wake up tomorrow morning
And start from the beginning…..

To start from the beginning, lechathil miBereshit. And now we feel sad after such a tragic event. We have the rest of our lives ahead of us. We are a community with lofty dreams and goals.

We need to educate ourselves, increase our Torah intake in our lives. The one thing that gives rise to hatred is ignorance, so we must gather together and get to know one another. We must learn together and bring our children, to imbue them with the principles of friendship and learning together. We must educate them, allow them to grow in their Torah education at this crucial time in their development.

The Psalm for Shabbat begins with the words, “It is good to thank God, and sing to Your heavenly name.” We sing that song to wake ourselves up on Shabbat morning, to get in the mood with that high spirit to celebrate our Sabbath day. May that song inspire us to wake up every morning and start from the beginning. We must do whatever it is that we need to do in order to fulfill our mission to be an Or la Goyim, a light unto the nations. We must be an example for others. And to do that, we have to take care of ourselves and our congregation, and our larger community, by growing spiritually and communally, and increasing our learning.

Most of November is the Hebrew month of Heshvan, also known as Mar Heshvan. Mar in Hebrew could mean bitter, because there are no holidays during this month. Mar can also mean Mister, or Mister Heshvan, a month that can be great if we decide to make it great, if we decide it is a chance for us to Lechathil miBereshit, to start anew every morning with a new song and renewed strength.

Two things we must do this November. First we must vote. We must all go to the polls and each one of us can vote differently. And second, we must come together as a larger community in Downey for Thanksgiving. When we join together with our brothers and sisters of different faiths, we acknowledge that Thanksgiving is a holiday with a universal message, the message of togetherness and gratitude.

We are becoming more and more divided. Often we cannot talk to one another without animosity, forgetting the lesson that we ALL contain God’s spark. Each one of us contains that Godly spark, God’s image and likeness, that unifies us as human beings.

It is precisely at this moment of darkness when we must seek light. Ner Elohim nishmat Adam: the light of God is the soul of the human being. So the more of us that gather together, the more light we will bring to eliminate darkness.

May we be able to be up to our task. Let’s make sure that Temple Ner Tamid lives up to its name, the eternal light. The menorah in the ancient temple in Jerusalem was to be lit at all times, eternally, but that didn’t happen on its own. Our people added oil to it constantly. It is up to each and every one of us to keep adding oil to our Ner Tamid, so our Or laGoyim endures forever.

BeVirkat Shalom, May the blessing of peace, wholeness and goodness shine upon you all.

Daniel E. Mehlman is a rabbi at Temple Ner Tamid of Downey.