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Council members stress homelessness response and public safety; Metro grant to upgrade bus stops announced
Summary
Mayor Pro Tem and councilmembers discussed heightened security after a recent homicide, the city's multi-step homelessness strategy, and a Metro-funded program to add nine bus shelters with smart lighting, Wi‑Fi and chargers; design is expected June 2026, construction by December 2027.
Council members used their remarks to outline public-safety steps and community programming. Mayor Pro Tem Dorothy Pemberton cited the recent murder of Rinaldo Lafontz and described added private security at the Civic Center, increased foot patrols downtown and ongoing coordination with police, Caltrans and county agencies. She urged state-level action on conservatorships and mental-health facilities and suggested SB 43 reforms. Pemberton also thanked CERT volunteers who trained at Fire Station No. 1 and promoted the Downey Symphony and other cultural events.
Pemberton told the council the city has a Metro grant to upgrade about nine to 10 bus stops (noting Florence Avenue between Old River School Road east to the 605 and further to Cecilia) with new shelters featuring smart lighting, Wi‑Fi, device charging and digital information displays; she said final design is anticipated in June 2026 with major construction concluding in December 2027 and that the improvements would be paid by grant funds.
City Manager Roger Bradley reiterated the city’s coordination among Police, Code Enforcement and contracted outreach staff to engage unsheltered residents and confirmed increased Civic Center patrols and citations. Bradley also noted Measure A funds appearing on the agenda that evening to bring additional resources to the city for homelessness work.
Council Member Trujillo and others raised local infrastructure items: Trujillo requested staff inspect and repair the slurry-seal work on Paramount Boulevard near Warren High School (Stewart to Gray, up to Firestone), and announced community meetings about a proposed dog park (Sept. 28 and Oct. 1).
