Public Comment Item No. 18
Linda Thai
From: Alicia Duarte
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 4:39 PM
To: Linda Thai
Subject: FW: Appointment For Vacant Seat For District 2 Attachments: Letter To Downey City Council March 18 2022 re Mario A. Guerra.docx From: Dn. Mario A. Guerra
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2022 11:28 AM
To: Blanca Pacheco ; Mario Trujillo ; Claudia M. Frometa
Cc: Alicia Duarte ; Yvette M. Abich Garcia ; Gilbert A. Livas
Subject: Appointment For Vacant Seat For District 2
March 18, 2022
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Downey City Council,
I am writing to seek your appointment to fill out the remaining term formerly held by Councilman Ashton. I have lived in District 2 for 45 years and in the same house for over 35 years. My wife Ann and I have been married for 38 years, we have raised 5 kids here in Downey and we have 4 grandchildren.
I have had the honor to serve as Mayor (2008-2009 and again in 2013-2014) and City Councilman in Downey from 2006 to 2014. I consider this one of the privileges of my career. I was proud to have been the first refugee to have been elected to the Downey City Council.
I served when we were in a recession and had to make hard cutbacks and I also helped our city achieve large reserves in later years. Iserved on the Budget Subcommittee Committee and Downtown Sub Committee for 8 years and I enjoy seeing some of the results. I know you will also at the end of your terms.
I feel I could help bring some of my experience to our city for this short appointment period. I have no political agenda except to serve and help move our city forward. From economic development to infrastructure to businesses retention and recruitment, these are some of the things I could potentially assist the council in a short period of time. I do not plan on initiating any new items that would take away staff time from the directions you have started. I'm not interested in trying to undo any of the initiatives the council has already started or instigated.
If appointed I will work with all members of'the council to make sure our residents get representation and have a voice in District 2. I have worked with three of our current council on many Downey issues and charitable groups, and I welcome that opportunity again.
You know me and my heart and I think you all know that I am a team player for our city. I will be very supportive of all your council items and again. I do not have any personal agenda to pursue new items that would divert time away from your stated goals. I feel I could add value to you and our city by being a steady hand on the things our residents would have questions on. My only goals would be to support you as a council and help our city. The blocking and tackling, fundamentals, of city work would be my only priority and helping to respond to issues from District 2 residents.
Since I would not be eligible to run again, I feel that my appointment would not be seen as political and could possibly help our community representation from District 2 during this time. I could help provide a stable and experienced voice for a short period of time. I feel I could also help each of you as a cheerleader for our city, council and all things Downey.
Three of you know me very well and know that my heart and agenda is to serve Downey and nothing more. I do not have any political aspirations nor personal agenda and I look at this as an opportunity to bring a little institutional history back into our city, even for a short period of time.
I've attached a condensed CVfor your consideration and some items I have worked on in our city before. Thank you for reading this. Please feel free to contact me at any time. I welcome the opportunity to serve our council and our city.
Sincerely,
Mario A. Guerra
Cell
UNCLASSIFIED
Dn. Mario A. Guerra CPTA
Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army
11 Cell
www.MarioAGuerra.com
Public Comment Item No. 20
Linda Thai
From: Anna Muggleton
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2022 4:37 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: RE: Public Comment — Stay Gallery Extended Funding Dear Downey City Council,
I am writing to urge Downey to approve the extended funding for Stay Gallery. The arts are such a vital component to our community. Stay Gallery is the only arts gallery located in Downey and they have provided programs for our families and children. They support local artists.
Gabe and Juliana have volunteered their time to judge multiple National PTA Reflections competitions at our Downey schools. They have a sincere passion for keeping the arts alive and thriving within our community.
I am a Downey resident and a proud parent of 2 children in DUSD.
I appreciate your time and consideration of my request.
Anna Muggleton
Gallatin PTA
1 Public Comment Item No. 20
Linda Thai
From: Polaris Castillo
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2022 11:36 AM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment — Stay Gallery Extended Funding Dear Downey City Council,
I am Polaris Castillo, a local artist who has worked in and with the arts in Downey for the better part of a decade now.
This includes working with Stay Gallery and the kind team of Gabriel and Juliana who have done such a tremendous job reviving the spirit of the space to provide an essential art experience to the community. I fully support Stay's extended funding as I believe it would further expand and enhance Downey's art world to new heights for artists of all ages.
I had a wonderful and positive time showing my art with them at their UNIDOS exhibition last summer, as well as hosting a guided watercolor workshop for kids and adults as part of South Gate's first ever Art Walk. These and more events prove the Stay team are a flexible, versatile, and most importantly committed group who truly aim to create a safe and honorable art space for Downey and the surrounding SELA community.
Thanks for your time,
Polaris
Public Comment Item No. 20
Linda Thai
From: Roger Miller <
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2022 6:10 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Stay Gallery Extended Funding.
Dear Council members
Stay Arts is that special thread in the fabric of Downey Take it from the little boy who went through the 2nd grade twice here in Downey.
Fortunately he wound up learning the ART of Woodworking from a Warren high School teacher with an Industrial Arts Degree. Sadly that ART degree is no longer offered. The teacher, Mr. Archuleta, paved the way for the boy's success in high school. That little boy's 2 tours of 2nd grade were turned into 2 college degrees with no grade lower than a "B".
That little boy's annual tax bill is a reminder that, on average, every dollar a city spends on the ARTS results in a $4.00 return.
Stay Arts can create generation after generation of Mr. Archuletas if the city will give it the needed funding.
I join the vocal and not so vocal in asking the Downey City Council to preserve this city treasure.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Roger Miller
Downey Historical Society
President Elect Downey Sister Cities
Downey Coordinating Council
(All titles held thanks to the ARTS)
Public Comment Item No. 20
Linda Thai
From: Jennifer Subasavage <
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2022 8:55 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Stay Gallery Extended Funding Request
I am writing tonight to express my desire for the city council to pass the extended funding request that Stay Gallery recently submitted. This business is a fantastic addition to the city of Downey. Not only are they a great place for new artists to display their work, the gallery owners are also amazing members of the community.
I was on the committee for Gallatin Elementary PTA Reflections program this school year, and we needed judges to help sort through the large number of entries. Juliana and Gabriel offered their help, and spent nearly 3 hours pouring over all of the entries, from drawings to 3D art to musical compilations. They took their time to thoughtfully grade each one.
They also offered to display the winning entries in their gallery, which is such an exciting prospect for a young student! They are passionate about their work, and giving children the opportunity to experience and make art. With covid restrictions easing, I'm excited about the prospect of enrolling my own children in the art classes they offered previously. I fully believe that granting their extended funding request would be a great move for the city.
Thank you for your time,
Jennifer Subasavage
Public Comment Item No. 20
Linda Thai
From: cindita m
Sent: Monday, March 21, 2022 4:12 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment — Stay Gallery Extended Funding Attachments: stay letter of support.pdf
Downey City Council:
Please find my letter in support of extending funding for stay gallery. bestest,
cindy m
Cindy "cindita" Macias
March 21, 2022
WzzM3X3zff=
My name is Cindy "cindita" Macias, a practicing artist and a Downey High Class of 2014 Alumni. It is with great hope and deep care that I write a letter of support for the Stay Gallery.
As an eager journalist, I joined the Downey Legend, The School Newspaper of Downey High School.
Having moved from Compton to Downey, I was scared of creating a new home but was curious about exploring parts of the city, meeting people, and learning something new. I vividly remember the day I walked through the doors of Stay Gallery. For the first time in Downey, I felt at home in the space; this was my first time seeing art on the walls that reflected my lived experiences and it was being operated by people who looked just like me! I returned to the space even when it wasn't for an assignment and in 2014, I exhibited with friends at the Downey & Warren Photography Exhibit.
After high school, I was able to use the space for my "Noche de Loteria," a fundraiser that would allow me to transfer to the University of California, Riverside. Upon returning from college and exploring careers, I started Cindita's Tiendita, a shop that features earrings and accessories inspired by candy, canciones and culture. Last fall, I was not only invited to be featured as a local maker for their artisan shop but was given the opportunity to host collage and jewelry -malting workshops with and for the community at the LA River End of Summer Festival. I have felt first hand the impact and vital need for community art spaces like Stay Gallery. I urge you to consider extending funding to continue the work for more generations of community members of the beautifully resilient Southeast Los Angeles region. in deep gratitude,
Public Comment Item No. 20
Linda Thai
From:
Carol Kearns <
Sent:
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 8:13 AM
To:
Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject:
Stay Gallery Extended Funding
To: The Downey City Council
Re: Stay Gallery Extended Funding
I hope the City Council will find some way to extend its support for Stay Gallery beyond this coming April.
Throughout its years of existence, Stay Gallery, especially under the leadership of Gabe Enamorado, has made valuable contributions to our community through its support and promotion of local artists across a variety of genres.
As a former board member and officer of the Downey Arts Coalition, I personally enjoyed the process and results of our collaboration with Stay for myriad events.
• Poetry Matters, a monthly event hosted by Lorine Parks and DAC, was held at Stay Gallery for many years. Featured readers included well-known poets from various parts of LA and Orange counties.
Visiting poets often commented on how beautiful the Stay venue was. • Make Music Downey, a free, public, day -long music festival organized by DAC for three years in the Downtown Downey area, benefited from having Stay as one of its venues. The setup for these events, including chairs and sound equipment, was somewhat complex, and the Stay people were always helpful.
Audiences and performers were multi -ethnic and multi -generational. Many who came to hear one band stayed to hear others. I still hear comments today on what a great experience this was. • Staged readings of work by local playwrights were also held at Stay. Not only did the audiences enjoy these opportunities, the playwrights themselves expressed what a benefit it was to hear their words brought to life publicly.
• A book launch by local writer and artist, and life-long Downey resident, the late Rosalie Sciortino, was also held at Stay. Family and friends commented on the elegance of the event. I was especially thrilled that we could make this happen because Rosalie had given so much to Downey over her lifetime, as an active member of the Downey Art League and a 30-year member of Writers Workshop West.
In addition to these events which I personally helped to organize, I have enjoyed many of the art exhibits and other events presented by Gabe and his partner Juliana.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of such endeavors for any community. We define ourselves and our culture through the arts. I hope the city council will continue to support Stay Gallery and its contributions to the cultural life of Downey.
Sincerely,
Carol Kearns
Member of Downey Arts Coalition
.� •lltt'l '71,0 �,
Linda Thai
From: Lindsay Franklin
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 9:22 AM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Public comment- Stay Gallery Extended Funding
Hello Downey City Council,
When I heard the news of the Stay Gallery experiencing a funding cut and requesting an extension it truly saddened me.
Julianna and Gabriel are so sweet, caring, kind, and give so much more. They always greet you with a smile. Arts are so important and we need them here in Downey. The Stay Gallery does just that. They give local Artists the chance to show their beautiful art pieces at the gallery. They even had an exhibition at the city council hall with Artist pieces. During the pandemic they held virtual Art classes for our children here in Downey. My daughter participated and could not wait for the day art class started! She loved them so much that she kept asking for more of them. It was truly a highlight for her.
She was so inspired by the different techniques she learned and projects she got to do. As a family we participated in a virtual art class and we had so much fun bonding together and laughing as we painted because all of our paintings came out differently. Before the pandemic they put on family events as well in person. Not only do they go above and beyond for our families, they also do for our schools. Both Juliana and Gabriel opened their gallery to our Downey students who participated in the Reflections program where they could showcase their entries who won in Downey. They were out at the Street faire and car show supporting our community this past Saturday. With this being said Juliana & Gabriel and the Stay Gallery have supported our community in numerous ways. I believe they are a huge asset here in Downey keeping the Arts alive and supporting local Artists.
Please consider extending their funding. They have so much more to give and offer everyone here in Downey and locally.
Thank you,
Lindsay Franklin
Public Comment Item No. 20
Linda Thai
From: Laura Vazquez Rodriguez
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 11:05 AM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment- Stay Gallery Extended Funding
My name is Laura Vazquez Rodriguez and I am one of the many local artists who calls Downey home. I have lived here for twenty years and I have watched as the Stay Gallery has taken root in our community. Stay has become part of Downey's identity. It plays a vital role in positively engaging the youth of our community. It helps to promote social consciousness and inspires creativity in the young and old alike, connecting people from all walks of life.
I have had the privilege of watching my own children showcase their art, photography, and sculptures at Stay. I know the significant impact it had on their self-esteem as young teens looking for acceptance and affirmation, helping to further motivate them.
Galleries like this help to shape our society by promoting interactions and building relationships. Stay Gallery honors and celebrates members of our community like Rosalie Desimone Sciortino, an artist, and poet who was a board member of the Art League and a member of the Downey Symphony Guild supporting music in the schools. She spent her life promoting the arts and was given her first solo show there at Stay. She was 92 years old. The house was packed, she was glowing and we were all so proud of her. I have also had the opportunity to exhibit my art, most recently in city hall during Hispanic Heritage Month. Gabriel and Juliana did a beautiful job of curating the exhibit. City Hall never looked more beautiful.
We need to hold on to every gem in our city, that uplifts the human spirit and fosters community pride. Stay is one of these gems. One of the important things that draw people to communities is Visual art, theatrical arts, shops, and restaurants.
People want to see local artists when they come into a community.
Stay reflects the spirit and culture of our city. It plays an essential role in the revitalization of downtown Downey. Stay Gallery makes our community a more vibrant place to live in. It is a place that connects our community. It is a place for everyone.
I look forward to continuing to work with Stay.
Sincerely,
Laura Vazquez Rodriguez
Public Comment Item No. 20
Linda Thai
From: Alicia Duarte
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 11:26 AM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: FW: Stay Gallery
From: george rdfox
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 11:20 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Stay Gallery
Hello Downey City Council,
I would just like to add my support to Stay Gallery for continued funding. I believe their current management team has done a great job with new programs and funding for the gallery. Even during these hard times of Covid 19 they have still managed to keep the space relevant to our community. I am looking forward to continued support of their space.
Thanks,
George Redfox
Public Comment Item No. 20
Linda Thai
From: kathy perez >
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 1:12 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment - Stay Gallery Extended Funding [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
On behalf of The Downey Conservancy, I am writing this letter in support of the Stay Gallery and its important place in our community.
The Stay Gallery is a vitally needed entity in Downey and its presence on Downey Ave. is equally important to sustain and enrich our lives.
A city's downtown area has always been and should be the heart and soul of a city. We know that Downey Ave. has undergone many changes in our history. Businesses have come and gone, buildings have been remodeled and demolished. In recent years, most of the new businesses which have opened are restaurants. We have less and less of any kind of business or space which feeds our cultural soul. The Stay Gallery is that space, that source of culture and the arts in Downtown Downey.
Stay Gallery provides our community, young and old, with opportunities to experience and participate in the arts through a variety of exhibitions and workshops.
These meaningful and impactful experiences enhance our quality of life in Downey and strengthen our city's soul.
We, therefore, believe it is vitally important that our council members vote in favor of Stay Gallery, vote in favor of Downey's soul, and approve their request for extended funding.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kathy Perez
Public Comment Item No. 20
Linda Thai
From:
elizabeth munzon
Sent:
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 1:40 PM
To:
Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject:
Letter of Support - Stay Arts
Attachments:
letter of support -Stay arts.pdf
Please see attached for public comment.
Elizabeth Munzon
Artist
Owner and Director of Flatline Gallery
March 22, 2022
Drear Downey City Council,
My name is Elizabeth Munzon, I am an artist and owner of a contemporary art gallery in North Long Beach. I am writing in response to the Extension of Funding Request recently submitted to Downey City Council by Stay Arts. I am in support of their request which will allow them to continue operations for the remainder of the fiscal year.
I have worked with Stay Arts as an artist where they have given me to opportunity to showcase my artwork in their space as well as expand my art community beyond my own. It has been a pleasure to be a part of their mission and see all the good they do for the arts community in Downey and surrounding areas. They are a huge asset to the arts and culture of Downey and it would a joy to see them stick around and grow.
As a gallery owner myself, I know what it takes to run a space and it takes a lot of work, heart and dedication which I know both Gabe and Juliana have, and they are just getting started.
Downey is lucky to have them, and I hope they get the opportunity to continue their mission.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Munzon
.01
www.flatlinegallery.com
Non -Agenda Public Comment
Linda Thai
From: glenn robinson
Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2022 7:51 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Los Ojos Locos
I am writing you concerning Los Ojos Locos. This business will pose a large threat to the youth of the community seeing that it is only one block away from a public high school.
I am urging you to buy back the property from Los Ojos Locos.
Issue a declaration against Los Ojos Locos in Downey/near schools.
Regulate for no minors inside without parent or gardians.
No 2:00 P.M. Happy hour. No happy hour before 5:00 P.M.
Security guards seven days a week during all business hours.
Thank you for your consideration.
Glenn Robinson
1 Non -Agenda Public Comment
Linda Thai
From: Carol Nelson >
Sent: Monday, March 21, 2022 7:18 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Tell Ojos Locos They Are Not Welcome In Our Community! [CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I oppose the opening of Ojos Locos in Downey. It is unacceptable to open this kind of business near a school.
Carol Nelson
Sent from my iPhone
Non -Agenda Public Comment
Linda Thai
From: ValnTina Johnson <
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 8:30 AM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Ojos Locos Bar
[CAUTION EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I'm writing this email to tell you that as a 30 year resident of Downey -1 DONT want this bar near ANY local high school! Actually I don't want this sort of bar ANYWHERE in Downey! I will be so doing some homework on those who allowed it through chambers and make sure NOT to vote for them again!
Thank you for your time and attention
TJohnson
Sent from my iPhone
Non -Agenda Public Comment
Linda Thai
From:
Yeni Garcia
Sent:
Tuesday, March 22, 2022 12:26 PM
To:
Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject:
No Hojos Locos
Let's make things better!!!
Extra traffic, more things like adult -oriented and sexually-themed sports bar is not how I want to represent the city I live in!!!
by does it have to be a sexually themed bar for adults?? Why can't it just be a sports bar??
Why, not have a family friendly place to watch sports and have fun? Why do girls have to prance half naked to earn a living? This place is discriminating against, age, sexual preference and more!
sec guys be servers? I hope so!HH!
Sent from my iPhone
1 Public Comment Item No. 13
Linda Thai
From: Horacio Ortiz <
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 12:49 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Dress Code -Ojos Locos
My name is Horacio Ortiz Junior and I am proud resident of Downey, and also the single planning commissioner that voted against the CUP and Site Plan Review of the "Ojos Locos" project. Tonight, I write to you not as a planning commissioner but as a concerned resident expressing my approval for the city ordinance regarding employee's uniform.
Firstly, as an experienced restaurant owner, I understand how all elements of the restaurant business can attract a specific clientele. These elements are equally as important in navigating an enjoyable and safe environment for patrons. For instance; a live DJ may attract a certain audience, while live music like a Mariachi band would attract another. The staff uniform is equally as important, and the proposed dress code changes to the Municipal Code standards are a step in the right direction. It is critical that restaurants provide a safe environment for both patrons and staff.
Additionally, we must recognize the recent crime increase in our city and how the attire at this establishment may ignite further incidents. Downey PD Lieutenant Rosario recently contacted other police departments that have dealt with other "Ojos Locos" locations. They advised Lieutenant Rosario that criminal behavior has indeed been an issue, with incidents ranging from fights, shootings, motorcycle gang presence, and stabbings. This can be for many reasons, but it is clear what their true target consumer base is, and what their brand is all about with their uniform and what they advertise with their very own social media platforms.
And I know that branding is one of the most if not most valuable aspect of any business. And no matter how hard the Ojos Locos representatives hid it, their brand will always guide every decision made in their restaurant, making sure it is always staying true to their restaurant's mission, vision, and values. Downey welcomes new businesses in the city, but it should not come at the cost of public safety. Thank you for taking up this matter and to "Ojos Locos" I say to you: you are coming to our great City uninvited and unwelcomed.
Non -Agenda Public Comment
Linda Thai
From: Yeni Umana <
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 12:50 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: NO! HOJOSLOCOS!
This place is set to cater "Latinos"
Am a Latina and I don't want to be represented that way! Am a minority! This is expected of us!
Do the unexpected!! Open things that will motivate our youth, to be proud, to be educated, to feel good of their roots and the way the they carry them self!
Don't open things that objectify women! Empower themes Give them their crown as young ladies!! Leave the lingeries for the bedroom, and personal places where u want to show off!!