Mayor's Corner: September 2025
Hello Downey,
Happy Fall, Downey! As the season changes, our community will begin to enjoy cooler days and the many outdoor events that bring us together. From family activities to city celebrations, this time of year offers plenty of opportunities to connect and take part in what makes Downey special.
Community Engagement
Fall programming is here! We invite everyone to join these upcoming City activities.
Havana Nights (*)
Friday, October 03, from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Downtown Downey - Downey Ave between 2nd & 4th St
Beyond the Book (+)
Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Downey City Library - 11121 Brookshire Ave
Hands-Only CPR (*)
Wednesday, October 15, from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Barbara J Riley Community and Senior Center - 7810 Quill Drive
Fee: Free
Spooky Quill (*)
Wednesday, October 15, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center - 7810 Quill Drive
Registration required
Ages: 50+
Free Mulch and Shredding Event (=)
Saturday, October 18, from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Downey City Hall West Parking Lot - 11111 Brookshire Ave
Spooky Science Night (~)
Saturday, October 18, from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Columbia Memorial Space Center - 12400 Columbia Blvd
Fee: $5 or Free to Columbia Memorial Space Center Members
Senior Monday Registration – November 3rd (*)
Monday, October 20
Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center – 7810 Quill Drive
Fee: $5 per person
Ages: 50+
Pumpkin Patch (*)
Friday, October 31, from 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Downey Adult School - 12340 Woodruff Ave
For more information and to register, contact:
(*) Parks and Recreation Department at (562) 904-7238 or visit www.downeyca.org/PR.
(=) Public Works Department at (562) 904-7102 or mpineda@downeyca.org
(~) Columbia Memorial Space Center at (562) 231-1200 or visit www.columbiaspacescience.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.
Fall Event Spotlights
Coffee with the Mayor
I’d like to personally invite you to join me for a cup of coffee and a conversation. Please join me at the Columbia Memorial Space Center for Coffee with the Mayor on Thursday, October 2nd from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This is a free event, open to everyone in the community, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and answering your questions. I hope to see you there!
Havana Nights
Join us on Saturday, October 3rd, as the City of Downey presents the 11th Annual Havana Nights. This annual celebration is returning to Downtown Downey on Saturday, October 3rd, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The festivities will take over Downey Avenue between 2nd and 4th streets, featuring a live band, energetic performances, a dedicated beer and wine garden, a cigar area, and so much more! For more information, contact the Downey Parks and Recreation Department at (562) 904-7238.
Beyond the Book
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11! The Downey City Library invites you to the Beyond the Book Festival, a day filled with creativity, discovery, and hands-on fun from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy interactive activities for all ages that inspire learning, spark imagination, and encourage sharing your talents. The celebration also features live music and food vendors. For more information, contact the Downey City Library at (562) 904-7360.
Keep Downey Beautiful
The Keep Downey Beautiful program will host a cleanup to help keep our community clean and attractive.
Monthly Clean-Up: Columbia Memorial Space Center
12400 Columbia Blvd. - Saturday, October 11, 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
National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month. Here are some key actions and tips for National Preparedness Month:
• Make a Plan: Discuss with your household how you will communicate and what you will do before, during, and after an emergency.
o Establish a family meeting place and an out-of-state emergency contact.
o Practice evacuation routes and emergency procedures.
o Consider the specific needs of everyone in your household, including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pets.
• Build an Emergency Kit: Gather supplies that can sustain you and your family for at least three days.
o Include a supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and non-perishable food.
o Pack a first-aid kit, and a one-month supply of prescription medications if possible.
o Gather important documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank records, in a waterproof container.
o Don’t forget essentials like a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and a portable charger for your phone.
o During September, Downey Fire Department is providing FREE drawstring backpacks to help residents organize their emergency kits. Go to the Fire Department counter on the first floor of City Hall to receive yours.
• Stay Informed: Know the risks and stay up-to-date on emergency alerts.
o Sign up for Downey Alerts and Downey Fire Department’s Community Connect.
o Have multiple ways to receive information, such as NOAA weather radio, local TV and radio broadcasts, and wireless emergency alerts on your phone.
• Get Involved: Support community preparedness efforts.
o Take first aid and CPR classes.
o Consider volunteering for Downey’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to help our community during disasters.
Community Development
Electronic Plan Check Submittal Update
In an effort to offer our customers greater convenience, as of January 1, 2025, the City has transitioned to 100% electronic plan check review (EPR) submittals, via the City’s online submittal site, known as Accela Citizen Access Portal (ACA), (https://aca-prod.accela.com/downey). As of mid-July, the ACA system has been upgraded to further assist applicants with streamlining resubmittals, while providing automated notifications to applicants.
The City’s Building Division EPR webpage contains various short video tutorials and handout links to assist the public with:
• Creating an ACA login and account registration;
• Understanding what documents must be submitted via the ACA portal; and,
• How to request an inspection via ACA, once plans have been approved, and a building permit has been issued.
Visit the Building Division’s EPR webpage at https://www.downeyca.org/our-city/departments/community-development/building-safety-division/electronic-plan-check-submittal-copy for more information.
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.
General Plan 2045: Community Engagement
The City is continuing its work on the General Plan Update, a comprehensive guide for the city’s growth and development over the next 20 years. The city’s planning staff has been actively engaging the public and has attended multiple community events throughout 2025.
For the latest information and to learn how you can participate, visit the Comprehensive General Plan Update page on the City’s website. (https://www.downeyca.org/our-city/departments/community-development/planning/general-plan-update)
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
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