20 Instagram accounts to follow if you’re from Downey
DOWNEY — Like so many are, I am guilty of spending too much time on Instagram.
And while I admittedly have partook in many of the classic rituals and cliches (you’ll often find me at the bottom of a rabbit hole of cute puppy videos), Instagram has grown to also be a fascinating and effective tool for community growth, information, and engagement.
In Downey, this is no exception.
While in no particular order, here are 20 Instagram accounts everyone in Downey should be following.
1. The Downey Patriot (@downeypatriot)
Okay, let’s get the cheap plug out of the way. The Downey Patriot is a great place to start for your Downey news when you just can’t wait for Friday’s edition.
2. Downey Dispatch (@downeydispatch)
Relatively to the scene, Downey Dispatch is a blend of news, feature, events and activities, history and nostalgia blended into one. Created in support of the new weekly newsletter of the same name, the Dispatch promotes increased community engagement, discussion, and collaboration.
3. Downey Collective (@downeycollective)
Downey Collective has aimed to promote local small businesses through its several pop-up markets. Between each event, it has used Instagram to highlight and showcase several vendors from within Downey and the surrounding area.
4. Downey Memes (@downeymemes)
You can’t take yourselves too seriously these days. Downey Memes gives Downey residents a playful, albeit sometimes humbling, look into the mirror. Before you say it, yes, Downey needs a Trader Joes.
5. Downtown Downey (@thedowntowndowney)
Downtown Downey puts the spotlight on, well, Downtown Downey! The page is a wealth of food, shopping, art, and activity found at the heart of the city.
6. Talking Downey (@talkingdowney)
Not able to catch the latest episode? Talking Downey posts clips of each show, where former mayor Mario Guerra sits down, discusses and analyzes all the current happenings in Downey, along with the occasional interviews of councilmembers, candidates, and other community leaders.
7. City of Downey (@cityofdowneyca)
Following the official city Instagram is a great way to keep tabs on upcoming events and announcements that may be significant to everyday life for residents.
8. Discover Downey (@discoverdowney)
As part of its new Spend Local Campaign, the City of Downey revamped its Discover Downey Page to highlight the business community. Discover Downey is a great place to find somewhere to eat, discover a new shop, and generally get to know the business community around you.
9. Downey Council Members (@mayor_mariotrujillo, @claudiafrometafordowney, @mayorprotem_hectorsosa, @councilman_horacioortizjr)
Alright, I’m cheating a bit with this one, because I’m technically combining several accounts into one mention. Downey’s city council members are becoming increasingly regular on Instagram, be it to share updates, deliver quick and fast info, or simply connect with constituents. Whether you follow the whole council or just your specific representative, it’s a great way to stay informed. (As of writing, Councilwoman Dorothy Pemberton has not set up an official Instagram profile but is active on Facebook).
10. Downey Chamber of Commerce (@downeychamberofcommerce)
A great place to start for aspiring and inquiring future business owners in the city, The Chamber of Commerce is consistently hosting mixers, workshops, and other events to help point local entrepreneurs in the right direction. If nothing else, their footage of last year’s Christmas Parade is worth at least a watch.
11. Columbia Memorial Space Center (@columbiaspace)
Blast off into a world of STEM with the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Used for more than just upcoming events and announcements, the CMSC uses its Instagram profile to highlight its exhibits and expands the learning past its doors and into the palm of your hand.
12. Downey Police Department (@Downeypolice)
Downey PD uses their Instagram to regularly update residents on current and recent incidents. As well as post feel-good moments such as swear-ins, retirements, and community outreach events. If nothing else, you may see the occasional picture of Police K9 Howdy (who, as far as I’m concerned, is the official DPD mascot).
13. Mash-Up Ice Cream (@mashupicecreamco)
Who doesn’t love Ice Cream? A Downey business still just over a year old, Mash Up creates custom ice cream flavors that tell stories; they even designed a signature flavor for the Embassy Suites. There are new flavors constantly announced. Muffins for Breakfast and Sour Cherry Kisses? Yum!
14. Ignacio Gonzalez (@yosoyelnacho)
I originally was going to list the Nacho Said So Podcast (which Gonzalez is the host of), but ultimately decided that I wanted to feature him as a whole. There’s not much that “Nacho” doesn’t do (he’s a comedian, playwright, and podcaster), and his profile is a unique blend of his humor, politics, and passion for the arts. And even if you don’t want to follow him, you should at least check out @Nacho_said_So, the profile for his podcast.
15. OG Collectibles (@OGCollectibles)
The OG Collectibles store makes the list not for its retro video games and vast selection of Funko Pops, but for its constant flow of exciting autograph signing event announcements. From TV show stars to professional wrestlers and anime voice actors, you never know who is coming through Downey by way of OG Collectibles.
16. South of Downey (@southofDowney)
News as it happens. South of Downey regularly fields tips and is on scene. South of Downey also posts captivating time-lapses, whether it be at city events or driving on a patrol.
17. First Date Guide (@firstdateguide)
Warren High School graduate Ashley Rodriguez has gone far and wide to find all the best eats, drinks, and hangs from around LA, Orange County, and beyond. If you weren’t ready for this Valentine’s Day, give her a follow and be prepared for next!
18. The Locker Room of Downey (@thelockerroomofDowney)
Ever wondered why there’s a long line camping outside of the sports store in Downtown Downey? Locker Room of Downey is known for it’s special, limited-edition caps and other merch. Give them a follow to see when your next piece of drip hits.
19. Lock and Key (@lksdkitchen)
Known for its signature cocktails, unique burgers, and massive tomahawk steaks, Lock and Key has already gone viral before, if not several times over. Worth a follow just for the spectacle of it all, and equally as fun to post about on your own page if you visit.
20. Downey Pizza Company (@Downeypizzaco)
I opened up Instagram to do one last finalization of this list and was met with a picture of a pastrami pizza. Need I say more?