Downey is a city located in southeast
Los Angeles County. As of the 2000
census, the city had a total population of 107,323.
Downey is located at (33.938164, -118.130801). Map of Downey.
Interesting Facts:
The 1953 McDonald's restaurant at 10207 Lakewood Blvd (at Florence Ave.) was the fourth McDonald's built and is the oldest surviving McDonald's. It was listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 1994 list of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. It was one of the first restaurants franchised by Dick and Mac McDonald, prior to the involvement of Ray Kroc in the company, and it still has the original "Golden arches" and a 60-foot animated neon "Speedee" sign.
With low sales, damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and the lack of a drive-up window and indoor seating, the restaurant was closed. However with both the public and preservationists demanding the restaurant be saved, McDonald's spent two years restoring the restaurant and reopened it. Customers today can visit the original restaurant and an adjoining gift shop and museum.
Glen Bell opened the first Taco Bell restaurant on 03/21/1962 in Downey.
Crime
Antigang activities
In the late 80's and early 90's, Downey saw an increase in gang activity. In response, Downey formed GOOD (Gangs Out Of Downey), a community-based organization that helps encourage young people between the ages of 10-20 to stay away from gangs. GOOD is also responsible for organizing many community events and programs such as various sports, after school care, scholarship programs for at-risk students looking to attend college, and counseling for both young people and their parents. GOOD has kept a close partnership with Downey Police and have been effective in preventing and eliminating gang activity.