Mayor's Corner: October 2025
Fall programming is here! We invite everyone to join these upcoming City activities.
Coping with Stress Workshop (*)
Wednesday, November 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center – 7810 Quill Drive
Ages: 16+
Fee: Free
Veterans Day Ceremony (*)
Tuesday, November 11th, 10:00am
Columbia Memoria Space Center – 12400 Columbia Way
Fee: Free
Holiday Quill Registration (*)
Wednesday, November 19th, Downey Residents Only registration 8:30am, Non-Residents & over the phone registrations – 12:00pm
Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center – 7810 Quill Drive
Ages: 50+
Fee: $5
Thanksgiving Break Camp (*)
Monday, November 24th – Wednesday, November 26th
Furman Park
Ages: 6-12 years old
Fee: $100 residents/$104 non-residents
For more information and to register, contact:
(*) Parks and Recreation Department at (562) 904-7238 or visit www.downeyca.org/PR.
Event Spotlight
Holiday Home Decorating Contest
Residents are invited to submit their entry for the annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Those wishing to participate can submit online by visiting www.downeyca.org/specialevents. Entries are due by Friday, November 21st, at 5:00 p.m. Homes will be judged on Tuesday, November 25th.
Keep Downey Beautiful
The Keep Downey Beautiful program will host a cleanup to help keep our community clean and attractive.
Monthly Clean-Up: Sizzler
10315 Lakewood Blvd. - Saturday, November 15, from 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM
(Students are eligible to receive documented volunteer hours. An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 16).
For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (562) 904-7102 or visit www.downeyca.org/kdb.
Public Safety
Fire Safety Month
October is Fire Safety month. One of the best ways that we can promote fire safety throughout Downey is through the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms.
Here are a few tips to make sure that our residents are safe:
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Change the batteries in smoke alarms each time that the clocks change
o Change the clock…change the batteries
• Make a home fire escape plan for your family and make sure that everyone knows where to meet in case of emergency
• Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.
• Sign up with Community Connect – Downey Fire Department’s system that lets first responders connect with residents in emergencies. This tool lets Downey Firefighters know details about your home and your family that can help save lives
o About Community Connect: https://www.communityconnect.io/
o Sign up for Community connect: https://www.communityconnect.io/info/ca-downey
Equipo de Respuestas a Emergencias Comunitarias - Clases CERT en Español
La capacitación presencial de CERT está programada para el 7 de Noviembre de 2025 de 6:30 p.m. a 9:00 p.m. (Viernes) y los días 8 y 9 de Noviembre de 2025 (sábado y domingo) de 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.
Para registrarse, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a ready@downeyca.org con la siguiente información:
• Nombre de cada participante
• Edad del menor (si aplica)
• Dirección de correo electrónico
• Número de teléfono
*Cualquier persona menor de 18 años debe ser mencionada en el correo electrónico y debe estar acompañada por un adulto durante toda la capacitación.*
Community Development
Pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Plan Program
The City of Downey has created a Pre-Approved ADU Plan Program to help homeowners build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) faster. This program allows designers and architects to get their ADU plans pre-approved by the City, giving homeowners a variety of ready-to-go designs to choose from. By selecting a pre-approved design and submitting it with their specific site information, homeowners can significantly expedite the permitting process.
The City is continually accepting construction documents from design professionals which, when approved, are made available to the public. For design professionals, the initial submittal and review process will be very similar to our normal plan check/submittal procedure. To have your plans included in the City of Downey’s pre-approved ADU plan program, you will:
• Submit a permit application for each plan to be reviewed
• Under address please use AB1332 PA-ADU
• Obtain pre-approval (the OK to submit) from Planning
• Submit your plans to the Building Division for review
• Pay the plan check fee for each standard plan submitted for review
For more information please visit, https://www.downeyca.org/our-city/departments/community-development/building-safety-division/preapproved-adu-plans, or call the Planning Division at (562) 904-7154.
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 Connect 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.
Resources
The City of Downey has officially launched its brand-new mobile app, Downey Connect. The new app is an upgrade to our existing platform and is designed to make connecting with city services easier and more convenient than ever before. If you're already using the old "City of Downey" app, all you need to do is "update" the app to start using Downey Connect. New users can download the app right now from the Apple App Store or Google Play. It's a refreshed, convenient way to have Downey right at your fingertips. So, download Downey Connect today and start connecting with your City!
Graffiti Hotline
(562) 923-4484
Abandoned Shopping Carts
(800) 252-4613
Illegal Dumping
(562) 904-7194
Homelessness Hotline
(562) 299-6770
homelessservices@downeyca.org
www.downeyca.org/homelessresources
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