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Downey council orders tighter ethics language on logo use and social media after heated debate
Summary
After an often contentious exchange among councilmembers May 12, Downey’s council directed staff to draft more detailed code-of-conduct amendments addressing unauthorized use of city logos (apparel, business cards), behavior at city‑funded events, and social‑media conduct; the motion passed with one abstention.
Following a heated and at-times personal exchange on May 12, the Downey City Council directed staff to return with more granular language amending the city’s code of ethics and conduct to clarify expectations for councilmembers, commissioners and committee members when they use city insignia or speak in an official capacity, and to add guidance for social‑media conduct.
Mayor Claudia Foretta led the discussion, saying the current code — adopted in 2021 — does not explicitly address emerging issues driven by social media and modern communications. In support of clearer language the mayor proposed specific draft prohibitions for staff consideration, including a provision that public representatives should “refrain from posting, sharing, endorsing or amplifying content that promotes violence, threats, intimidation or harassment,” and that discriminatory or demeaning language directed at an individual or group should be prohibited when a person acts in an official capacity.
The underlying catalyst for the discussion included earlier staff outreach to commissioners after staff identified unauthorized use of city marks on apparel and business cards by an appointed committee member; that commissioner subsequently resigned. Councilmembers spoke sharply about prior incidents, the limits of existing tools (censure, removal of appointed commissioners under the charter) and the need for clearer processes. City Attorney and City Manager advised that the municipal code already prohibits unauthorized use of city marks without manager approval, but council asked staff to draft specific, enforceable language and an administrative complaint/reporting and due‑process procedure that could apply to both appointed and elected officials.
Motion and vote: the mayor’s motion directing staff to prepare amendments covering unauthorized logo use (apparel, business cards), prohibited social‑media conduct, and standards for conduct at city‑funded events was adopted; one councilmember abstained. Staff will return with proposed draft language for council review.
Next steps: staff will draft code amendments and a clear procedure for reporting, investigating and, where appropriate, sanctioning violations; council requested language that applies to both commissioners/committee members and council members.
