Mayor's Corner: October 2021
Dear Downey residents,
While we continue navigating uncharted territory nearing the end of a second year living through a devastating pandemic, I am optimistic we are headed in the right direction.
Vaccination Efforts
The latest figures released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (from 9/30) indicate the vaccination rate for Downey residents 12 years of age and older is now 77.6%. For adults 65 years of age and older, is now 93.2%. If you remember, our goal in Downey was to surpass 75% by the beginning of fall and before the start of flu season. We did it! Thank you for taking care of yourselves and your families and protecting our community. Let's continue increasing our vaccination rate for everyone's safety.
Please call the L.A. County Department of Public Health Vaccine Center at 833-540-0473. The call center is open daily from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm. Information is available in multiple languages by calling 2-1-1, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. For more information, please visit VaccinateLACounty.com. Also, the city will continue to coordinate with Public Health to have mobile vaccination units at upcoming events.
We have a busy month ahead of us with great opportunities to serve and make an impact in our city.
First, we have the return of our acclaimed Havana Nights Rooftop Cultural festival on Thursday, October 7th, from 6-9:30 pm on the rooftop of LOOK Cinemas in downtown Downey. This event has brought our community together to celebrate the Latin American/Caribbean/Cuban culture with food, dance, and art exhibits. We are thrilled to be able to bring it back. We hope to expand this event in 2022 and add additional Latin American representation with added musical talent, arts and folklore during Hispanic Heritage Month.
One Day of Service Returns
I often say, "Engaged communities make strong communities." Well, Downey, if you have been thinking of a way to help give back to our community but are unsure how to get involved, this Saturday, October 9th, from 9 am-noon (only 3 hours) is your opportunity. We will be tackling three different projects, and you may pick from these:
- Graffiti removal
- Trash pick up
- FoodHelp (local food pantry help)
Join approximately 24 local churches and service groups outside our Civic Center at 9 am this Saturday, October 9th, as we join forces to serve our community. See you Saturday!
State of the City Luncheon
As has been customary for a couple of decades now, this year, the State of the City Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, October 19th, at the Rio Hondo Event Center. This annual event is a staple in our community, thanks to the efforts of our Downey Chamber of Commerce. Tickets to the luncheon are still available and are $50 per person. I invite you to join me as I provide timely updates on our community's current state of affairs. I hope to see you there!
Vote of NO Confidence in DA Gascon
I want to address our Council's symbolic vote, giving a Vote of No Confidence to District Attorney George Gascon. The City of Downey joined 30 other L.A. County cities expressing concern and dissatisfaction with how these new special directives are attempting to reform a criminal justice system (while in dire need of reform). It should not be at the expense of victims and the safety and security of our communities.
While the vote was symbolic, it is also representative of our constituents' outcry across 31 cities concerned with the DA's special directives, leading to an increase in crime and the number of cases rejected. When there are little to no consequences to criminal behavior and activity, neighborhoods become less safe.
I have asked my colleague, Council Member Mario Trujillo, to facilitate a meeting with DA Gascon's office. My goal as Mayor, and on behalf of this city, joined by our Police Chief and City Manager, will be to address the directives negatively impacting our city and find ways to work collaboratively with the District Attorneys' office. Standby, more to come.
My sincere appreciation to our Downey Police Department for their continued work on Public Safety and Speed Enforcement:
As your Mayor, Public Safety is one of my greatest priorities. Since taking office, I have been working closely with our Downey Police Department and have asked to increase speed enforcement and focus on street racing activities, including those doing donuts on various parking lots around our city. If there is street racing in your neighborhood, please report it to Downey PD. If you must report a non-emergency issue, please contact the Downey Police Dispatch at 562-861-0770.
ON-GOING
Downey's Anti-Litter Campaign #BINIT
Let's continue to do our part by putting all trash in its place. To report illegally dumped items to the City of Downey, please call 562-904-1161. If you would like bulky items removed, please call CalMet at 562-259-1239 (option 3) and save these numbers on your phone. Please download the Downey App on your mobile device. Through this App, you will be able to immediately report illegally dumped items, street repairs, trash, graffiti removal, neighborhood light repairs, etc.
COVID-19 Business and Rental Assistance
There is still Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding available.
For our Renters
There is STILL funding available. New applicants that qualify and go through the process will automatically receive three months of rental assistance. Those that received one month of assistance previously, please contact our Community Development at 562.299.6706 or visit our website at www.downeyca.org/rentalassistance.
Regarding California's Residential Rent Repayment Program
Downey residents can apply for the state rental assistance program through the state website, at: https://housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/program_overview.html#renter
For those of you who would like to get personal assistance, please call the regional office to seek assistance with submitting their state rental assistance program application. The office is located at:
Cal COVID Rent Relief Program
Community Family Service Center
6662 Loveland Street
Bell Gardens, CA 90201
(562) 806-7654
Also, the state has a Program Hotline for residents and landlords to call for further information or questions/concerns: (833) 430-2122, Monday-Sunday 7 am-7 pm.
Thank you, Downey, for allowing me to serve you as Mayor this year. It is a privilege and an honor to serve you. Once again, I extend my appreciation to our City Manager, our city staff, Public Works, Community Development, Parks & Recreation, and Downey Police and Fire. They continue to work tirelessly to make Downey the great city it is.
Do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns at 562-904-7274 or email me at CFrometa@Downeyca.org. I welcome appointments for in-person visits. You can also follow my Facebook page for regular updates at Claudia M. Frometa Mayor, City of Downey, along with our City's Facebook page, City of Downey Government Agency, for regular updates.
#DowneyStrong, #EngagedCommunitiesAreStrongCommunities, #ThisIsDowney, #UnitingForce, #MayorFrometa