MAYOR'S CORNER: A Safer, Cleaner, Stronger Downey

As we welcome the fall season, I am pleased to share encouraging news about public safety in Downey.

Year-over-year crime data for the first two quarters of 2026 show that violent crime decreased by approximately 5.6%, from 198 to 187 reported cases, while property crime declined by approximately 9.2%, from 1,432 to 1,300 cases.

These improvements reflect the importance of public safety efforts and the dedication of our Downey Police Department. We are also increasing enforcement of traffic laws, with more vehicle and speeding citations to help protect motorists, pedestrians, and families on our streets.

The downtown enforcement continues and conversations with downtown businesses are also continuing. We want to see a lively downtown, not lawless and being pro-business does not mean lack of accountability.

BinIt Campaign: Keeping our neighborhoods clean from illegal dumping

Keeping Downey clean and well-maintained is a shared responsibility. Through our BinIt campaign, we continue to encourage residents to take pride in their neighborhoods, dispose of waste properly, and help reduce illegal dumping. A cleaner city begins with each of us doing our part.

Our Code Enforcement team is also working to uphold the city’s regulations prohibiting vehicles from being parked on lawns DMC Section 9728. These standards help preserve neighborhood appearance, protect residential properties, and maintain the quality of life our residents deserve. I encourage everyone to help keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and welcoming.

Homeless Outreach

Our commitment to the community also means reaching out to residents experiencing homelessness. Last week, on October 21, Downey collaborated with the Los Angeles County Department of Homeless Services and Housing (HSH), in partnership with Cities of South Gate, and Bell Gardens. Fourteen individuals were provided services through this coordinated effort. This work reflects the importance of collaboration, compassion, and connecting people with resources while continuing to address the impacts of homelessness in our community.

Fall Festivities and Community Engagement:

Our fall festivities are in full swing. Due to the forecasted rain this weekend, the Halloween celebration will take place at Apollo Park this Saturday, from 5pm-8:30pm inside the gymnasium providing families with an indoor area to enjoy.

I also invite everyone to join us for Downey’s 13th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Sunday, beginning at 11am - 8pm outside the Theatre. This meaningful celebration honors loved ones who have passed while recognizing the rich cultural traditions, art, and heritage that make our community special.

A note on Elections:

As we approach Election Day, I encourage every resident to participate in our local elections. Municipal elections are nonpartisan, and our decisions should be guided by candidates’ qualifications, integrity, leadership, conduct and commitment to Downey—not political party labels. The strength of this city has been rooted in nonpartisanship. Our city’s infrastructure, our streets, our lights and our sewers are nonpartisan.

In today’s digital age, the proliferation of artificial intelligence and the explosion of anonymous social media pages and accounts raise serious concerns about the spread of false and misleading information. When these platforms are used to tarnish reputations, distort facts, or manipulate public opinion, they undermine informed decision-making and erode the trust that holds our communities together. Misinformation doesn’t just hurt individuals; it hurts voters, and ultimately our entire community.

I encourage residents to verify information, seek credible sources, and engage in respectful dialogue before making decisions at the ballot box. The strength and future of Downey rests in the hands of its voters. Let us ensure our choices are informed by facts, character, and a shared commitment to the well-being of our city.

As we look ahead to November, I invite our community to join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. The City of Downey will host its annual Veterans Day Memorial Service on Wednesday, November 11, at 10 a.m. at the Columbia Memorial Space Center. I encourage every veteran and their family members to participate as we come together to express our gratitude, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and recognize the courage and dedication of all who have worn our nation’s uniform.

Today, Oct. 28th, we mourn the passing of a pioneering labor and civil rights activist, Dolores Huerta whose lifelong dedication to farmworkers, women’s rights and social justice left a lasting mark on our nation. On the Governor’s order, we will fly our flags at half-mast to honor her passing.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving Downey. #engagedcommunitiesarestrongcommunities, #mayorfrometa, #mayorscorner, #thisisdowney