Agustin Estrada
From:
Donna Escalante
Sent:
Wednesday, July 9, 2025 6:31 PM
To:
Dorothy Pemberton; [email protected]; Hector Sosa
Cc:
Mario Trujillo; Horacio Ortiz; Downey City Clerk - Public Comment; Alexander Escalante Subject:
PLEASE READ: Response to Immigration Resolution/Ordinance Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Council members Fromenta, Trujillo, Ortiz, Pemberton, and Mayor Sosa, My name is Dr. Donna Escalante, and I have been a resident of Downey for the last 16 years. I reside in the area of city council four. I am writing to you to advocate and demand the passing of the resolution and ordinance regarding the federal immigration response. We must protect our residents, residents who are immigrants and/or undocumented.
As a Latina, daughter of immigrant parents, first -generation American Citizen, and college graduate, I wholeheartedly agree that Downey must pass this resolution and ordinance that tries to protect our community from the harassment, racial profiling, inhumane and unconstitutional treatment we are facing. The resolution and ordinance I am supporting goes beyond what was stated in the council meeting agenda on 7/8/2025, we must do more.) support the following:
- Budget allocation for individuals and families negatively impacted by the ICE/Federal raids - Amend the city's legislative platform to include support for immigration reform - Provide training and resources for the community to know their rights - Block local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement unless legally required - Ban city support for unjust immigration actions
- Protect the personal information of Downey's citizens - Require public reporting of ICE/Federal agency contact - Give residents the right to sue if their rights are violated
File a lawsuit against the federal government for these unlawful raids, join class action lawsuits such as the one from ACLU
- Support passage of ordinance banning face coverings, the city of Downey must take a stand on face coverings being unacceptable, as citizens we do not know who a is a federal agent or a thug, kidnapper, criminal, bounty hunter, human trafficker, etc., we must hold these individuals/agencies accountable On June 10, 2025, approximately around 9:55 am, I first-hand experienced the incident where these masked individuals detained a Latino grandpa in front of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Church. These individuals had covered their faces like thugs/bandits, they were wearing regular clothing and were driving unmarked cards. They surrounded the grandpa who was on the ground. We were all scared, in disbelief about what we were witnessing. I am certain all of you have seen this video as it went viral, thank God and thanks to Melyssa Rivas who confronted these men and by the grace of God the grandpa was not taken. This experience was traumatic, unconstitutional, and inhumane. We saw, heard, and read so many other incidents like this happening around our city.
We are living in fear and panic! As a mother of a seven -year -old, Latino boy, I fear for his safety as well. Never in my lifetime, I would ever imagine I have to carry my American passport and my son's passport out of fear of being detained due to the color of my skin.
I am disappointed in all of you, with the exception of Mario Trujillo and Horacio Ortiz who have been vocal and have spoken up on the injustices that our community is experiencing by these raids. The rest of you, Fromenta, Pemberton, Sosa, you have been silent, and silence is complicity.
Downey city leaders must take a stand and speak for its constituents. All of you have an obligation to your constituents and a moral obligation to support this resolution and ordinance that will try to protect our community.
Lastly, you need to stand for the values of this community, defend, protect, and fight for us. You are an elected official, and you are here to serve us.
Sincerely,
Dr. Donna Escalante, Ed.D
Downey Resident
Agustin Estrada
From: S A
Sent: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 10:00 PM
To: Downey City Clerk - Public Comment
Subject: Resident Concerns: Helicopter Noise & Trash Rate Increases Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear Members of the Downey City Council,
As a resident of Downey for over 25 years, I deeply value our community and appreciate your service in maintaining its quality of life. I'm writing to respectfully share two ongoing concerns that I hope the Council will review and address:
1. Escalating Trash Service Rates
The continuous rise in trash service rates by Athens Services (formerly CalMet) is also a growing concern. Since the City approved a 12% annual increase in 2012, the monthly rate has nearly doubled —from approximately $56 to over $100 and rising each year. While we understand that some increases are expected over time, a 12% annual hike indefinitely is excessive and burdensome for many households.
I urge the Council to revisit the terms of this contract and consider renegotiation or seeking alternative providers. A transparent review of this agreement would help ensure fair and responsible service for Downey residents.
2. Frequent Helicopter Activity Over District 2
In recent years, there has been a noticeable and disruptive increase in helicopter traffic over District 2 (Mayor Sosa's district). Flights occur at all hours —including as early as 2:30 AM and as late as 10:00 PM —and often involve helicopters hovering low enough to cause home vibrations and disturb residents' rest. This is a sharp contrast to earlier years when Downey seemed to be largely excluded from such aerial activity.
Many residents are asking:
Has a formal helicopter route been designated over our district? Why are residential neighborhoods being used instead of freeway corridors for these flights? I respectfully request that the Council look into this issue with the appropriate agencies and explore the possibility of rerouting these flights away from residential zones.
Thank you for your time and attention to these matters. I would greatly appreciate any updates the Council can provide regarding these concerns.
Sincerely,
Sandra Avalos
Downey Resident, District 2