Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: JASON CHACON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
DATE: MARCH 11, 2025
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CITY MASCOT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will discuss the development and implementation of a City mascot and provide staff direction on how it would like to proceed. This initiative aims to foster community engagement, promote unity among City residents, and bring the City’s rich aerospace history to life.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Provide staff with direction regarding the development and implementation of a City mascot.
BACKGROUND
As part of a future agenda item request, the City Council requested staff to research the development of a City mascot. City mascots are commonly used to promote community spirit, enhance City events, and create a sense of identity and pride among residents.
City staff researched various cities that have implemented mascots.
Staff found that the cities of Lancaster, Paramount, Santa Clarita, and Santa Ana, and their unique characteristics, history or cultural heritage. For example, the City of Paramount is home to Petunia the Cow, symbolizing its dairy farm history, while Lancaster features Princess Poppy and Andy the Antelope.
The proposal for a City mascot for Downey seeks to further engage the community, promote tourism, and enhance the City’s brand. Given Downey’s deep-rooted aerospace history, a space themed mascot has been suggested, with an astronaut as the primary concept. The mascot would serve as a tribute to the City’s aerospace legacy, creating a memorable and meaningful symbol for residents and visitors alike.
DISCUSSION ON THE DEVLOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CITY MASCOT MARCH 11, 2025
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2 ANALYSIS
City staff have started outreach with a promotional mascot designer, to develop conceptual designs for the City’s proposed astronaut. Two options are being explored that include the following:
•Option A: A friendly, child-like astronaut with a visible face •Option B: A standard astronaut with a traditional spacesuit design Both designs will feature a white spacesuit with custom patches inspired by NASA’s layout, including:
•The orange boxed “D” logo on the right sleeve
•A USA flag on the left sleeve
•The City seal on the right chest (similar to NASA’s logo placement) •The full “D” – City of Downey logo on the back “backpack” •A potential Apollo inspired patch on the chest
To proceed with development of the City mascot, staff is seeking the City Council’s direction and feedback on selecting the preferred design. Both options honor Downey’s aerospace heritage and community spirit, while offering distinct visual styles. Option A presents a more whimsical child-friendly approach, while Option B reflects a more traditional and detailed astronaut aesthetic.
Once the City Council selects a design, staff will develop a strategic plan to introduce the new mascot into the community. The next steps would include:
1.Public Announcement: A press release and social media campaign will be held to get community input for the naming of the mascot.
2.Community Unveiling: A launch event at an existing community gathering to generate excitement and engagement.
3.Brand Integration: Include the mascot in the City marketing materials.
4.Event Participation: Ensuring the mascot is present at key community events to establish familiarity.
By implementing a well-planned strategy, the City mascot will become a recognizable and unifying symbol that enhances the community pride and strengthens Downey’s brand identity.
DISCUSSION ON THE DEVLOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CITY MASCOT MARCH 11, 2025
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3 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in an appropriation of $5,145 from the general fund to the Parks & Recreation Department account # 10-4-4305-0500 for operating budget for FY 24 - 25. There is sufficient fund balance for the recommended actions.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: City Mascot Options
Option A
ATTACHMENT AA
Option B