Security enhanced at Downey Cemetery

PHOTO BY CLAUDIA GOMEZ

From left: Downey Cemetery District board vice-chair Brian Heyman, board chair David Gafin, Supervisor Janice Hahn, Mayor Rick Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem Blanca Pacheco, Downey Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Calvert, and Councilmember Alex Saab.

DOWNEY – City and county officials gathered at Downey Cemetery last Thursday evening to unveil new security gates and path lighting provided by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn.

Operational since 1928, the cemetery is the final resting place for approximately 9,000 deceased individuals.

However, the site has long been plagued by vandalism and suspected ritualistic activity, culminating in two separate incidents where over 20 headstones were toppled in September of 2017 and January of 2018.

The desecrated monuments caught the attention of Supervisor Hahn, who responded by appropriating a $50,000 grant for the installation of two security gates and new pathway lighting.

“Crime is bad anywhere, but it’s heartbreaking when you think about the 9,000 souls that are here for their final resting place,” said Hahn.

“I really wanted to help your community address this issue, and that’s why I was so happy and grateful to donate the $50,000 to make this place safer, illuminate it and really bring it some respect and dignity that it deserves.”

The two 20 by 6 ft. swing gates are made of wrought iron. The new lighting was recommissioned from lights previously located on Lakewood Boulevard.

With the new security measures, the cemetery will be accessible from dawn to dusk.