Item No. 20.
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY:VANIAH DE ROJAS, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
DATE:JUNE 23, 2026
SUBJECT:
APPROVAL OF A STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION REQUEST BY DOWNEY
FOUNDATION FOR INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM FOR THE FINAL MATCH WATCH
PARTY EVENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider approving a request for a Parade Permit/Street Closure Application submitted by the Downey Foundation for Independent Journalism on behalf of the Downtown Downey Improvement Association (DDIA) for a special event scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The special event will be a watch party for the final FIFA World Cup soccer match, and will include food trucks, vendors, petting zoo, soccer experience, and live broadcast of the soccer match.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Approve a street closure for the Final Match Watch Party, which will occur at Downey Avenue and 3rd Street between the following intersections:
• Downey Avenue from 2nd Street to 4th Street
• 3rd Street @ New Street
• 3rd Street to end of south parking lot entrance of US Bank
BACKGROUND
The Downey Foundation for Independent Journalism is a non-profit organization that has submitted a Street Closure and Special Event Permit Applications on behalf of the Downtown Downey Improvement Association (DDIA) to host a Final Match Watch Party event.
The DDIA and the Downey Foundation for Independent Journalism both have experience overseeing special events in the Downtown and surrounding areas, including the the Downtown Downey Night Market on Thursdays and the annual Downey Street Faire, respectively.
ANALYSIS
Table 1
Applicant: Downey Foundation for Independent Journalism Event: Final Match Watch Party
Applicable City Fees, Materials and Labor Costs
Department Estimated
Value Cost Details
On May 29, 2026, the City received a street closure request to close Downey Avenue from 2nd Street to 4th Street and to close 3rd Street from New Street to the end of the south parking lot entrance of US Bank. The closure will accommodate the Final Match Watch Party to celebrate the final match of the FIFA World Cup. The event will be a family-friendly festival that will include food trucks, an open-air vendor market, outdoor seating, broadcast of the final match, petting zoo, soccer activities and kids’ zone. The full event description and layout is included in this report as Attachment A.
The vendor booths will consist of merchandise and food vendors offering pre-packed food options while some will be cooking on-site. Vendors selling pre-package food and/or food cooked on-site will be required to provide health permits from the Los Angeles County Health Department. A stage is proposed to be located on Downey Avenue at 2nd street and will feature a screen to broadcast the game and a disc jockey. As this is a FIFA World Cup broadcast, the applicant has obtained a licensing approval from FOX under the "Special Non-Commercial Public Viewing Events" category due to their expected attendance being between 500-950 people (the applicant can not exceed 1,000 attendees under this licensing category). If the attendance rises above 1,000 the event is considered a Commerical Public Viewing Event and there is particular licensing category and associating fees in relation to this type of event per FIFA regulations. The applicant has acknowledged these requirements and understands that they are responsible, not the City, for any licensing and fees required by FIFA.
The following street closures will be closed to all traffic from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, 2026, to accommodate the Final Match Watch Party:
Hard street closure on Downey Avenue at the intersections of 2nd and 4th Streets.
Hard street closure on 3rd Street at the intersections of New Street and to end of south parking lot entrance of US Bank.
The City’s Development Review Committee (DRC), which is made up of representatives from the Police, Fire, Public Works, and Community Development Departments, has reviewed the site layout proposed for the event and have provided standard conditions of approval to ensure the event will not cause adverse impacts on the health or safety of surrounding users. Those conditions include, but are not limited to, providing trash receptacles, portable restrooms, security guards, police officers, placement of road closure signs, approval from the Los Angeles County Health Department permits for food vendors, and assurance that the event site is to be restored to its previous state. Lastly, “No Parking” signs will be posted along Brookshire Avenue 72 hours in advance of the street closure.
The full conditions of approval are included in this report as Attachment B.
The event organizers will be responsible for the complete set-up and breakdown of the event. As with all Special Use Permits, fees are required of the applicant to receive the required permits. Fees for this event are outlined in ‘Table 1’.
1. Police Department $7,536.70*
The cost of Police Department
Personnel staffing the event
calculated at the current overtime
rates by rank. This estimate is for 5
DPD Officers plus 1 supervisor
2. Fire Department $240*
Fire Special Event Permit Fee
Includes Inspection
3. Public Works Department –
Maintenance Division $ 5,450*
Estimated labor and materials costs
to provide Street Closure & Traffic
Control Services using City staff, and
resources.
3. Public Works Department –
Maintenance Division $500
Special event waste management
deposit- Refundable Deposit. Not
taken into account in the cost total
4. Building & Safety Division TBD
Permits and Special Inspection
required for generators over 25kw,
stages, and canopies/structures
greater than 120 square feet
6. Planning Division $241 Special Event Permit Application Fee – Non-Profit Rate
7. Application Processing Fee $300 Special Event Processing Fee Discounts/Waivers
-$4,750
A 50% discount of up to $4,750 will
be applied per the City of Downey
Non-Profit Fee Waiver
(Applicable to fees and services,
identified by an ‘*’)
TOTAL DUE:$9,017.70
Applicant would be responsible for
payment of all costs associated with
the event
*Final cost subject to final calculation of permit costs, labor, and materials expended
At the July 23, 2024, City Council meeting, Council adopted the Fee Waiver, Table Sponsorship, Foursome Golf Voucher Donation, and Showmobile Use Policy for Non-Profit Organizations. Per this policy, there will be a deduction of 50%, up to $4,750, applied to all eligible fees, as specified in Section 2.A of the policy. The total amount of fees waived for this event equals to $4,750. The City’s non-profit fee waiver is not applicable to the Planning Division’s special event permit application fee of $234 as this fee is set to a discounted price specific to non-profit organizations.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Economic Vibrancy
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in an estimated revenue increase in the amount of $9,017.70 that will be received for applicable City fees, materials, and staff labor costs as outlined in Table 1; the Downey Foundation for Independent Journalism will be invoiced for these costs. Subsequently, revenues will be disbursed to the appropriate departmental revenue accounts.
Attachments
Attachment A. Special Event. Street Closure Application.pdf Attachment B Final Match Watch Par ty Conditions.pdf
World Cup Final Block Party Event
Conditions of Approval
Planning Division
1. Submit payment for a Large–Special Event permit for the amount of $241
2. The event organizers will be responsible for the complete setup starting no earlier than 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2026. Site breakdown and cleanup must be completed by 8:00 p.m. on the same day.
3. The event organizer must provide written notification to all businesses in the Downtown Downey area, located on Downey Avenue, between 4th Street and 2nd Street, and businesses, churches, and residents on 3rd Street between La Reina Ave and Civic Center Drive, of the upcoming street closure. The notification shall include the street-closure date and time, and the event contact information. The notification must be provided at a minimum of 10 days prior to the street closure event. A copy of this notification must be provided 14 days prior to the event, to the Planning Division [email protected] for review and approval, before being sent to all businesses.
4. The ‘TV screen truck’ monitors shall not be visible from Firestone Blvd. Such amenity shall be screened or relocated to mitigate traffic impacts and safety concerns from Firestone Blvd.
5. Amplified speakers, microphones, or the like shall be oriented away from residential areas.
6. The applicant shall ensure all food truck vendors have a Public Health Permit from the LA County Department of Public Health.
7. The event organizer shall patrol the event and be responsible for the removal of trash from the event site, including parking lots, nearby sidewalks, and neighborhoods. Trash bins shall be emptied frequently to prevent overflow and spillage onto City Streets and sidewalks.
8. Submit property owner authorization for use of any private property for the special event.
9. All luminated lights and flashes emitted by the event shall be directed in a way that does not create any distractions for the vehicle along the entrance and exit along Firestone.
10. Any outdoor sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited unless proof of a license from the California State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is provided to the City Manager's office, Planning Division, and the
Police Department. In addition, an updated Site Plan and security plan shall be provided showing the beer garden area and compliance with ABC regulations.
Fire Department
11. Special event permit ($240)
12. Event action plan submitted to [email protected] 10 days prior to the event.
Police Department
13. Recommend a total of 5 PD Officers plus 1 supervisor for the event. The cost of hiring 6 sworn DPD Officers for the event would be around $7,536.70.
Building Division
14. If any generators 25kw and over are utilized, the applicant shall be responsible for obtaining permits from the Building & Safety Division. The location of generators shall be subject to review and approval by the building inspector.
Generators shall be properly grounded and not be located within 10 feet of the lot (property line) and 20 feet of tents/membrane structures.
15. Temporary structures that cover an area greater than 120 square feet or used for the gathering of 10 or more persons require permits. The documents shall include a site plan indicating the location of the temporary structure and information delineating the means of egress and the occupant load. The temporary structure shall be located in accordance with the requirements of California Building Code Table 602 based on the fire-resistance rating of the exterior walls proposed type of construction (10 feet minimum from property line based on Type VB). Requests for permits shall be submitted to the Building Division 14 days prior to the special event.
16. Stages require permits and shall be designed and constructed per Section 410 of the California Building Code. The documents shall include a site plan indicating the location of the stage and information delineating the means of egress and the occupant load. The stage shall be located in accordance with the requirements of California Building Code Table 602 based on the fire-resistance rating of the exterior walls proposed type of construction (10 feet minimum from property line based on Type VB). Temporary Stages shall meet all required structural, egress and accessibility regulations as prescribed by the CBC. Provide stage manufacturer engineering specifications required for scheduled inspection to verify all necessary components and materials.
17. In the event a temporary structure or facility is used, it shall meet the requirements of Chapter 11B of the California Building Code. The site plan shall include a site accessibility plan identifying exterior routes of travel and detailing
running slope, cross slope, width, pedestrian ramp, curb ramps, handrails, signage, and truncated domes. Path of travel shall be provided from the public right of way and accessible parking to the building/facility and the accessible restrooms. The design professional shall ensure that the site accessibility plan is in compliance with the latest Federal and State regulations.
18. This project must comply with the 2025 Title 24 California Code of Regulations and Article VIII Building Regulations of the Downey Municipal Code of Ordinances – Including, but not limited to:
2025 California Building Code
2025 California Accessibility Code
2025 California Electrical Code
2025 California Mechanical Code
2025 California Plumbing Code
2025 California Fire Code
2025 California Green Code
2025 California Energy Code
2025 Downey Building Code
Public Works Department
19. Public Notifications – The owner/applicant shall hand deliver public notifications to each resident and business within the special event or road closure parameters at least one week prior to the event/closure. Public notifications shall be submitted to Public Works for review/approval prior to distribution.
20. Traffic Control Plans – The City of Downey has designated three (3) pre- approved locations for special events and street closures. Should the proposed event fall within the parameters of one of the pre-approved locations, the owner/applicant shall utilize the pre-approved Traffic Control Plan on file with the City of Downey for this location. The Traffic Control Plan shall be implemented by a licensed contractor and adhere to the CAMUTCD.
a. If the event or closure will extend beyond the parameters of one of the pre-approved locations, the owner/applicant shall submit a Traffic Control Plan, including a detour plan, stamped by a Registered California Professional Engineer (PE) or Traffic Engineer (TE) to the City of Downey Engineering Division for review and approval prior to the event.
21. No Parking Sings – No Parking Signs shall be the City approved layout as shown in the Encroachment Permit Application. Signs may be printed at Zumar Industries in the City of Downey (562-941-4633) or at a vendor of the owner/applicant’s choosing. No Parking Signs must be posted at 50’ increments a minimum of 72 hours prior to start of work. once posted, the owner/applicant shall submit photographs with a date and time stamp to [email protected].
No Parking zones shall be designated on the Traffic Control Plans.
22. Advanced Warning Signs – The owner/applicant shall provide the necessary Changeable Message Signs (CMS) to notify the public of the road closures at least three (3) days prior to the event. Signs shall display the limits of the closure, beginning and end dates of the closure, and statement advising motorists to seek alternate routes during said closure. CMS board locations shall be shown on the Traffic Control Plans and be placed a maximum of 1000’ away from the closure.
23. Open Sidewalk Access – All sidewalks shall remain clear at all times to allow pedestrian access. If sidewalks must be closed due to the event or closures, proper pedestrian detour signs must be posted in compliance with CAMUTCD and shown on the Traffic Control Plans.
24. Encroachment Permit – The Traffic Control company placing the Traffic Control shall pull an Encroachment permit with the City of Downey Engineering Division at least one week prior to the event. Traffic Control Company shall submit the approved Traffic Control Plan along with the necessary documents needed to pull the encroachment permit. Note that all traffic signals that are within the road closure limits shall be placed on red flash. The owner/applicant shall coordinate with the Public Works Department on traffic signal modifications. A fee of $5,950 shall be paid to the City Manager’s office prior to the issuance of the encroachment permit.
25. Coordination with Transit – The owner/applicant shall coordinate with all transit providers that will be impacted by the closure to temporarily relocate their routes and stops during the impacted timeframe.
26. NPDES Compliance – The owner/applicant shall comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act; the General Construction Activities Stormwater Permit (GCASP) of the State Water Resources Control Board; and Ordinance 1142 of the Downey Municipal Code (DMC).
a. Street maintenance by water hosing method shall be prohibited at all times (refer to Attachment A: Best Management Practice). It shall be the responsibility of the owner/applicant to maintain the street area free from debris during the duration of the street closure.
b. Please sign and date the attached Storm Water Pollution Requirements form and return to public works prior to issuance of the encroachment permit.
27. Waste Facilities – The event shall provide sufficient trash and recycling receptacles for the disposal of food and debris at the event.
City Fees
Applicant: Downey Foundation for Independent Journalism Event: World Cup Final Block Party
Applicable City Fees, Materials and Labor Costs
Department Estimated Value Cost Details
1. Police Department $7,536.70*
The cost of Police Department
Personnel staffing the event
calculated at the current overtime
rates by rank. This estimate is for 6
DPD Officers plus 1 supervisor.
2. Fire Department $240* Fire Special Event Permit Fee
Includes Inspection
3. Public Works
Department –
Maintenance Division
$5,450* This fee covers the rental, setup
and removal of the traffic controls.
4. Public Works
Department –
Maintenance Division
$500
Special event waste management
deposit- Refundable Deposit. Not
taken into account in the total
5. Building & Safety
Division TBD
Permits and Special Inspection
required for generators over 25kw,
stages, and canopies/structures
greater than 120 square feet.
6. Planning Division $241 Special Event Permit Application Fee – Non-Profit Rate
7. Application
Processing Fee $300* Special Event Processing Fee
Discounts/Waivers
-$4,750
A 50% discount of up to $4,750 will
be applied per the City of Downey
Non-Profit Fee Waiver
(Applicable to fees and services,
identified by an ‘*’)
TOTAL: $9,017.70
Applicant would be responsible for
payment of all costs associated with
the event
Final cost subject to final calculation of permit costs, labor, and materials expended