Mayor's Corner: July 2025
Hello Downey,
It’s officially summer, warm days, clear skies, and the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy our city. Whether you're spending time in the parks, cooling off at community \ events, or exploring local activities, there's no better time to be out and about in Downey.
Community Engagement
Some of our favorite summer community events and programming are here! We invite everyone to join these upcoming City activities.
Aloha to Summer - Race Day Fun (+)
Saturday, August 2, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Downey City Library - 11121 Brookshire Ave
Recreation Swim - Last Tuesday (*)
Tuesday, August 5
Downey High School Pool - 11040 Brookshire Ave
Fee: $3 per person
STEM Activities in the Workshop (+)
Tuesday, August 5, from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Downey City Library - 11121 Brookshire Ave
Lego Stop Motion 4 Day Workshop (+)
Wednesday, August 6 to Saturday, August 9, from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Downey City Library - 11121 Brookshire Ave
Ice Cream Making (+)
Wednesday, August 6, from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Downey City Library - 11121 Brookshire Ave
Recreation Swim - Last Day (*)
Tuesday, August 7
Downey High School Pool - 11040 Brookshire Ave
Fee: $3 per person
Medicare & Medi-Cal Plans (*)
Friday, August 8, at 10:00 AM
Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center - 7810 Quill Drive
First Day of School: Photoshoot (+)
Wednesday, August 13, from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Downey City Library - 11121 Brookshire Ave
Blockbuster Talent Night (*)
Saturday, August 16, from 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center - 7810 Quill Drive
Fee: $6
Literary Magazine Workshops - Journaling + Self (+)
Thursday, August 21, at 4:30 PM
Downey City Library - 11121 Brookshire Ave
Tiny Shelf Concerts - Field Daze (+)
Saturday, August 30, from 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Downey City Library - 11121 Brookshire Ave
For more information and to register, contact:
(*) Parks and Recreation Department at (562) 904-7238 or visit www.downeyca.org/PR. (~) Columbia Memorial Space Center at (562) 231-1200 or visit www.cityofstem.org. (+) Downey City Library at (562) 904-7360 or visit www.downeylibrary.org. (-) Downey Police Department at (562) 861-0771 or email sarroyo@downeyca.org. (^) City Manager’s Office (562) 904-7284 or email sduren@downeyca.org.
Summer Event Spotlights
National Night Out
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and join us for National Night Out, a community-building event celebrated across the country. Here in Downey, National Night Out promotes public safety, crime prevention, and community awareness, all while bringing neighbors together for a fun evening of connection.
This year’s event will feature food, children’s activities, a chance to suit up with the SWAT team, inflatables, community information booths, and a crime prevention workshop. It’s a great opportunity for families to engage with local police and learn more about the resources available in our city. For more information, please contact Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Stephanie Arroyo at sarroyo@downeyca.org.
Concert Under the Stars - Downey Symphony
Join us for the final Concert Under the Stars of the summer season with Downey’s very own Downey Symphony, a professional orchestra that has been a proud part of our community since 1958. Under the direction of Music Director Sharon Lavery, the symphony brings beautiful orchestral music to life for audiences of all ages.
This free outdoor concert takes place on Wednesday, August 6, at 7:00 PM at Furman Park, 10419 Rives Ave. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy an evening with family and friends.
America’s Freedom Tribute - The Vietnam Traveling Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute
Honor our nation’s heroes by attending the City of Downey for America’s Freedom Tribute and experience the Vietnam Traveling Wall and Cost of Freedom Tribute
from Thursday, August 7, 8:00 AM - August 9, 8:00 PM, (Open 24 Hours) at Discovery Sports Complex - 12400 Columbia Way. This exhibit will be free and open to the public. For more info, contact the City Manager’s Office at (562) 904- 7284.
G.O.O.D. Backpack Distribution
Each year, Gangs Out of Downey gives away hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies to help local students start the school year ready to succeed. Families are invited to enjoy a community-focused afternoon with helpful resources and support for a successful school year.
Join us on Saturday, August 9, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Golden Park (8840 Golden St.). For more information, please visit www.downeygood.org/contact.
Rocket Fever
Explore the science of rockets at Rocket Fever on Saturday, August 16, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Columbia Memorial Space Center (12400 Columbia Way).
Take part in hands-on activities and launch your own rocket for a $5 fee. This event is great for all ages to learn about space and have fun.
Keep Downey Beautiful
The Keep Downey Beautiful program is on summer break and returns in September.
For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (562) 904-7102 or visit www.downeyca.org/kdb.
Public Safety
Summer Water Safety
Last year, there were 73 drownings in Los Angeles County. Each summer, the Downey Fire Department responds to several near-drowning incidents. Families can enjoy a safe and fun swimming season with simple precautions. Check extension cords for any signs of damage or wear.
• Constant Supervision: Never leave children unattended in or around the pool, even for a moment. Designate a responsible adult as the "water watcher."
• Barriers & Alarms: Ensure your pool has a secure fence (at least 4 feet high) with self-closing, self-latching gates. Consider gate alarms and pool alarms that detect entry into the water.
• Swim Lessons: Enroll children and non-swimming adults in swimming lessons.
• Life Jackets/PFDs: Young children and inexperienced swimmers should always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when in or near the water.
• No Diving in Shallow Water: Prevent head and spinal injuries by never diving headfirst into shallow water.
• Emergency Preparedness: Have rescue equipment (e.g., a life ring or shepherd's hook) readily available. Know how to perform CPR and basic first aid.
• Clear the Deck: Keep toys and tripping hazards away from the pool edge. • Drain Safety: Teach children to avoid pool drains and suction outlets. • Buddy System: Encourage older children to swim with a buddy. • Set Rules: Establish and consistently enforce clear pool rules.
Coffee with a Cop
July’s Coffee with a Cop was a success, building connections with the community, one cup of coffee at a time. Residents joined Downey police officers for meaningful conversation in a relaxed setting, asking questions, sharing concerns, and getting to know the officers serving our neighborhoods daily.
Events like these help strengthen and create a safer, more united community. I encourage all residents to be on the lookout for the next Coffee with a Cop and take part in this important dialogue. For more information, please contact Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Stephanie Arroyo at sarroyo@downeyca.org.
Resources
The City of Downey is excited to announce that an updated version of the Downey App will launch soon. The improved app will continue to allow residents to report incidents such as illegally dumped items, street repairs, trash issues, graffiti removal requests, neighborhood light repairs, and more – now with enhanced features and an improved user experience. Details about the app launch and how to get started will be shared on the City’s official social media channels and website. We encourage all residents to download the new app and use this upgraded service tool once it becomes available.
Graffiti Hotline
(562) 923-4484
Abandoned Shopping Carts
(800) 252-4613
Illegal Dumping
(562) 904-7194
Homelessness Hotline
(562) 299-6770
Code Enforcement
The City of Downey is committed to keeping the community safe and welcoming for all. Proactive steps are taken to maintain our neighborhoods, ensuring Downey remains vibrant for everyone. Here are ways you can help.
How to Report a Code Violation
City of Downey Code Enforcement: Report bulky items, large trash/debris, and encampments on public property in the City of Downey.
(562) 904-2392
CodeEnf@downeyca.org
Downey App
Caltrans: Report bulky items, large trash/debris, and encampments at freeway/underpasses.
Online Customer Service Request: https://csr.dot.ca.gov/
Union Pacific: Report bulky items, trash/debris, and encampments at railroad tracks.
(888) 877-7267
Online Communication Center: www.UP.com.notifyUP
A Quality Neighborhood Starts With You
To assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment, the City of Downey has put together a helpful resource guide. This guide offers valuable information on addressing common neighborhood concerns, including maintenance, safety, and property upkeep.
For more details on maintaining a quality neighborhood, download the brochure at www.downeyca.org/qualityneighborhood.
Thank you for your support. Stay connected by following our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @cityofdowneyca and @discoverdowney.
Hector Sosa
Mayor, City of Downey