Hello Downey,

Entering our third month makes one realize just how quickly this year is going. In just the first quarter of 2018, the city has accomplished many of its goals it has set for its residents; one of them being to continue to improve our roads.

The Brookshire Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project was recently completed and it’s a significant improvement in that incorporates bike lanes. Having bike lanes on our roads encourages people to bike for transportation and to provide an attractive and healthy transportation option, helping to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.  

Other upcoming road projects are: Old River School Road between Imperial Hwy. and Arnett St., as well as Lakewood Blvd. between Gallatin Road and Telegraph Rd. Also included in the road improvements are 6.9 miles of residential streets just this year alone. 

Earlier this year my council colleagues and I approved a $50,000 grant contract with the Los Angeles County to develop a Downey Homeless Action Plan. In November 2016, the voters of Los Angeles County approved a 10-year, quarter-cent sales tax measure to provide funding for homelessness prevention services and coordinated care and housing for homeless individuals in Los Angeles County. As part of the County’s adopted homeless strategy, the County is asking local agencies to develop their own individualized Homeless Action Plans. These plans are intended to further integrate resources of nonprofit agencies, faith organizations; county and state services, railroad and flood control agencies; healthcare organizations; environmental response organizations; and local government services such as public works, library, community services, police, fire and emergency medical agencies.

The City of Downey applied for and was granted $50,000 in Measure H funds to develop a local Homeless Action Plan. The goals of the City of Downey Homeless Plan are: 

•    Development of an inventory of existing governmental and non-governmental services
•    Identify service gaps and develop a plan to address the gaps
•    Enhance the efficacy of existing services,
•    Educate staff and community members on the resources available
•    Create a framework for any future policy implementation.

Our city’s and nation’s homeless problem is not an easy problem to solve, but this will assist us in helping address some of the issues Downey has in providing services to our homeless population. 

In my capacity as part of the Downey City Council, I have had the pleasure of serving on the Lower LA River Working Group. Many residents don’t realize that we have an actual river running right through middle of the City of Los Angeles.  Unfortunately, due to lack of funds, the river has been neglected over the years. Under California State Assembly Bill 530, cities and advocates banded together to create the Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan (the Plan), which describes opportunities for improving the environment and residents’ quality of life along the river.

The Plan ensures that the voices of the people are heard now and in the future as the river is re-imagined and revitalized into an integral part of a healthy, equitable, and sustainable community.  To view the Plan and how it will possibly affect Downey and its surrounding communities go to http://lowerlariver.org/the-plan/. 

The “If I Were Mayor” Student Contest is still going strong. All students kindergarten through twelfth grades who live or attend schools in the City of Downey are encouraged to submit their ideas on how to make our City a better place to live. Entries may be an essay, artwork or a photograph. Winners will be recognized with an official city certificate by the Mayor and the City Council at a City Council meeting.  

Also nominations are open for the Mayor’s Downey DNA Award. The Mayor's Downey DNA Award recognizes individuals and businesses which through their actions have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and exceptional service in an effort to make our community and world a better place. Winners will receive special recognition at a City Council meeting.  

Lastly, I would like to invite you join me as I highlight the goals and accomplishments of the past year and share my vision for the future State of the City. The 2018 State of the City Address will be on Monday, March 26, 2018 at noon at the newly renovated Rio Hondo Golf Club.  For more information and to RSVP please contact the Downey Chamber of Commerce at 562-923-2191.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. Thank you for allowing me to serve you. 

Sean Ashton
Mayor
City Council Office: 562-904-7274
Email: sashton@downeyca.org
Twitter: @realseanashton
Facebook: facebook.com/electsean4downey