Hello Downey,

Under the current challenging times our City has faced, City staff has responded in innovative and strategic ways to keep Downey residents informed and safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Here is a quick summary of the numerous ways the City has responded.

A dedicated webpage has been set up on the City’s website with the most updated information
Over 2,800 posts on the City’s social platforms
23 Press Releases have been distributed to keep the public informed
A dedicated COVID-19 hotline that has thus far received over 2,500 calls
Plexiglas and 6 foot distancing markers have been installed at City facilities
Non-Contact temperature screenings are conducted at City facilities
City staff regularly sanitize city facilities, equipment and playgrounds
410 businesses have been contacted regarding compliance guidelines
14,400 masks have been distributed to the public through various drives, meal distributions and at City Facilities
Two successful food distribution events were held and 4,760 households were served
The Parks & Recreation Department provides 1,500 meals to 200 seniors every week
The Parks & Recreation Department conducts 350 Senior Wellness Check Calls twice a week
In partnership with Kaiser Permanente a Virtual Online Recreation Center called “Downey At Home” was created with activities and contests for children and families. Activities and contests include:
- Downey Virtual 5K
- Rec on the Go
- Mayor’s Photo Contest
- Patriotic Home Decorating Contest
- Mayor’s Halloween Pet Costume Contest
- Halloween Home Decorating Contest
The Parks & Recreation Department and the Columbia Memorial Space Center also created innovative programming to allow families to participate in activities outdoors while social distancing, including Mayor Drive-in Movie Nights and the upcoming Halloween Candy Crawl
A biweekly series of Mayor’s Outreach Videos have been created to update the community on the latest news affecting Downey
The Community Development Department created a Residential Rental Assistance Program with a budget of $700,000 to assist those that have been affected
Instituted a temporary Eviction Moratorium to help residential and commercial tenants during the health crisis
The Community Development Department developed a Temporary Outdoor Dining program to assist businesses continue operations while complying with Los Angeles County health orders
The Community Development Department has developed additional COVID-19 Resident and Business Assistance Programs through the use of CDBG funds
Both the Downey City Library and the Columbia Memorial Space Center have continued to engage children at home through their online programing including:
- Summer Reading Program
- Free summer reading packets
- Virtual Space Summer Camp
- Virtual Rocket Fever
- The Summer of STEM Learning Program, which served 7,000 children
The Downey Library has provided free Wi-Fi access at viral locations throughout the City
Free use of Dial-a-Ride and DowneyLink for riders during the local emergency
Regular meetings and discussions with partner agencies to ensure all areas of the community are met

I would like to recognize all of the essential workers willing to sacrifice their safety and well-being during this health crisis, my council colleagues and I are eternally grateful. I wish you safety and health as you forge ahead and lead us to the other side of this pandemic. Your contributions are greatly appreciated and we thank you in our hearts and minds each and every day.

I would also like to say thank you to the Downey community for their continual resilience and strength as we work together to respond to the health crisis. It is this effort and dedication to our community that makes us unique and #DowneyStrong.

Sincerely,

Mayor Blanca Pacheco

Mayor's Corner: Keeping residents safe during the pandemic