Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Architect Nicolò Bini designed Robert Downey Jr.’s Malibu house to be a marvel of human-centered design disaster-ready model for the California home three feet deeper than it would end up,” Nahem recalls yearlong design sprint to transform the sculptural form into something functional The program was straightforward—three bedrooms, a theater, indoor-outdoor living traditional furniture arrangements were out leaned into the organic forms with Roche-Bobois pieces custom fiberglass screens molded in Mexico and playful artisan-made fixtures from Central America and beyond ‘What if we used all three fabrics?’” Nahem laughs “They actually pushed me a little out of my comfort zone the use of the house is surprisingly traditional—hosting friends “Almost every room opens to the outside,” says Nahem “It’s deeply Californian.” Center-pivoting hobbit-like doors add a sense of whimsy while a hidden theater anchors the structure—complete with a garage-style door that opens it to the living space This marks Nahem’s third project with the Downeys and a testament to the trust they’ve built And they really live in the spaces we create.” In the following photographs you’ll see how Nahem’s designs further express the swirling swooping vision of the Binishell and make this radical structure comfortable architect Nicolo Bini explains how the shell itself came to be—and how this strange beautiful structure may just offer a blueprint for the future of building “What was the matter with the typical American house?” “Well, just for an honest beginning, it lied about everything.”  This stark observation encapsulates the fundamental flaws in how we design and construct our homes. From stylistic misreferences to inefficiencies in materials and construction methods, the ways we build often fail us at very basic levels. It is time to reimagine our approach to architecture and shelter, grounding it in principles of resilience, harmony with nature, and efficiency many American homes speak the wrong design language The notion of “coming home” has been reduced to inhabiting a mathematical construct of our own making—cold and impersonal a psychological experiment found that most people preferred an organic reflecting a deep psychological attraction to natural forms Our current homes fail to cater to this innate preference leaving our living spaces disconnected from what feels truly like “home.” Despite these inefficiencies, we continue to build as we have for decades, perpetuating the same mistakes. Insurance policies and building codes encourage rebuilding exactly what was there before eliminate the thermal leaks caused by multiple connections in traditional construction With half the material and a third of the labor we could build homes that are not only more resilient but also stunningly sculptural evoking the comforting enclosures of caves or wombs The responsibility for this transformation lies with architects and builders. We must stop lying to ourselves about what makes a good home. Homes should prioritize safety, sustainability, and harmony with nature. They should inspire us, nurture our psyches, and provide spaces that feel inherently right This isn’t just a dream—it’s achievable. Innovative designs that align with natural forces and use materials efficiently can deliver immense benefits. In Malibu, our Binishells System A prototype was permitted in a record six months reportedly the fastest approval in the area’s history This demonstrates that change is possible when we challenge outdated norms and embrace innovation Our current approach to building homes is fundamentally flawed By looking to nature and leveraging modern advancements It’s time to scrap the old model and start anew building not just structures but spaces that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live in them and smarter—for ourselves and for future generations Nicolò Bini is an architect and CEO of Binishells a construction technology company that builds houses using pneumatic formwork over which concrete is poured He has designed homes and projects for Cara and Poppy Delevingne and the Binishells home for Robert Downey Jr and so much more delivered straight to your door every quarter Copyright ©2025 S Media International Corporation. SUNSET is a registered trademark of S Media International Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy SUNSET may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website Offers may be subject to change without notice COVID-19 Resources. Read more! DOWNEY — The City of Downey has released the schedule for its 2025 Summer Concerts in the Park series a long-standing tradition that brings live music to Furman Park each Wednesday evening during the summer months This year’s concert series will run from June 18 through August 6 with performances scheduled weekly at 7 p.m The lineup includes a range of musical genres from patriotic and classical selections to tributes and popular hits June 25 – New Romantics (Taylor Swift tribute) July 2 – 1st Marine Division Band (Patriotic) July 23 – Banda Las Angelinas (All-female banda) All performances will take place at Furman Park Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating Umbrellas and pop-up shade structures are not permitted Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash The city is also offering free transportation to and from the concert site for Downey residents with disabilities through its Dial-A-Ride service Reservations can be made by calling (562) 904-7215 Copyright © 2023 The Downey Patriot Newspaper The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau doesn’t even get taxpayer money And it has a solid history of helping the people who really need it Kirstin Downey, a former Civil Beat reporter, is a regular contributing columnist specializing in history, culture and the arts, and the occasional political issue. A former Washington Post reporter and author of several books, she splits her time between Hawaiʻi and Washington, D.C. Opinions are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Civil Beat’s views. You can reach her by email at kdowney@civilbeat.org. an effective and useful government agency that works on behalf of ordinary Americans is under ferocious attack in Washington and is on the verge of destruction which was created in the wake of the 2008 mortgage meltdown and ensuing economic crisis has helped to level the playing field for American consumers at a time of rapid technological change and as human customer service representatives who can actually solve problems have been allowed to vanish the CFPB has weighed in on a wide array of problems to helping fend off the proliferation of junk fees This is an agency that is near and dear to my heart But today it is on the ropes. In February, Russell Vought, President Donald Trump’s director of the Office of Management and Budget and a long-time critic of the CFPB, ordered the agency’s employees to stop working About 1,200 of the agency’s 1,700 employees were reportedly targeted for removal Trump acolyte and budget-cutter-in-chief Elon Musk shares this animus for the agency: “CFPB RIP” he tweeted on Feb On March 4, Trump trumpeted his actions against the agency where he said “unelected bureaucrats” were running amok said that some 1,500 employees were told they had lost their jobs in a reduction in force but that they were then returned to work under a court order though many are sitting home on administrative leave The CFPB has been turned into a “ghost town,” she said “People are extremely disturbed,” she said in an interview “These are people with direct experience on why people need them so badly.” The cuts at the agency may not just be temporary. The House Financial Services Committee voted Wednesday along party lines to slash the CFPB’s budget by more than 60%, claiming they are taking that action to reduce the federal deficit Officials in Hawaii have jumped into the legal fight to defend the CFPB. Anne Lopez, Hawaii’s attorney general, has joined an amicus brief filed in a Maryland lawsuit that highlights the damage being done to Hawaii’s consumers because of the “sudden withdrawal” of the CFPB’s oversight over financial institutions The lead plaintiff in the lawsuit is the city of Baltimore Almost 6,000 Hawaii residents have turned to the CFPB for help resolving problems with financial institutions Another large pending lawsuit against the White House actions has been filed by the National Treasury Employees Union on behalf of CFPB workers Trump promised many stringent actions during his presidential campaign but he never said he intended to attack the CFPB he instead criticized the hefty interest rates charged on credit cards saying he planned to impose limits on how high those rates could be If he had any intention of trying to make good on that pledge he would need the CFPB to administer the program who generally chafe at government regulation of all kinds have long fostered a particular hatred for the CFPB Now they appear to be taking advantage of the fog of war and continuing chaos inside the presidential administration to gut the agency saying they are doing it to save money for taxpayers amid the heated debate over federal budget and tax legislation But the CFPB costs taxpayers nothing. It is funded as a separate arm of the Federal Reserve an independent agency which gets its money from interest paid on government securities and from fees it charges the banking industry Much of the partisan acrimony over these issues goes back to the Obama administration’s failure to prosecute bankers who had engaged in criminal activity by knowingly placing homeowners in financial peril through the creation of new and toxic mortgage products that homebuyers didn’t really understand Bush administration had done following the savings and loan crisis in the 1980s the Obama administration swept the situation under the rug and even distributed vast sums of bail-out money that ended up as bonuses in the pockets of bank executives Instead of punishing people who had caused harm The consolation prize for American taxpayers was the creation of this new agency as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act senator but then a Harvard law professor who had established a name for herself as an expert on bankruptcy law and the burdens faced by struggling people who used credit cards for economic survival Its genesis was the widespread recognition that the many government agencies that regulate lenders had failed to watch out for consumers they had all fallen victim to regulatory capture or bureaucratic sloth which occurred with only minimal Republican support which objected to the new scrutiny it was receiving as tech companies have increasingly moved into financial services introducing new app-based banking systems that make it easier to do transactions but also pose new risks for consumers tech leaders joined the chorus of opponents I was an eyewitness to much of this as it happened As a business reporter at the Washington Post I first heard reports in 2005 about the dangers of toxic new mortgages that seemed almost certain to land in foreclosure for hapless homeowners who had been steered into them instead of more traditional mortgages This happened because of a voracious appetite for these loans on the secondary market where they were sold to institutional investors and because politicians in both parties were looking for ways to show their policies were boosting the economy and increasing the ranks of homeownership I heard bankers casually discussing the fact that the first of the bad loans would come due in June 2007 and mass delinquencies and foreclosures would begin (Later banking industry executives testified they had no foreknowledge of impending disaster; that was the same implausible refrain from banking regulators themselves.) we published many news stories about the emerging problems highlighting the dangers to homeowners and lenders But the magnitude of the ensuing economic collapse Then, after I left the Washington Post, I became involved in these issues again when I was asked to serve as an investigator for the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission where we conducted hundreds of interviews with people who had participated in the events that led to the disaster I helped organize field hearings in Florida mortgage lenders and financially devastated homeowners facing foreclosure and bankruptcy frankly described what had happened and what they had seen and experienced political leaders in both parties had decided not to air their dirty laundry They opted not to peer inside the myriad cardboard boxes heaped in the warehouses of bankrupt lenders containing mortgage forms filled with patently fraudulent statements The CFPB was created as a way to try to prevent this kind of thing from happening again The new agency pulled together units of other regulatory agencies that had been asleep at the switch and centralized the power to do a better job I became editor of FTC:Watch watched with interest because part of the Federal Trade Commission’s mission is consumer protection and we recognized that the FTC could have done more to highlight the emerging problems but did not another agency had been created to do what the primary agency should have done which kept a close eye on the CFPB as it came into existence We reported on the agency as it took on myriad important issues: the growth of predatory pay-day lending; service members cheated on costly loans for cars that turned out to be lemons; inadequate mortgage disclosures that allowed uninformed homebuyers to stumble unknowingly into risky loan terms; hefty medical debt and the sky-high burden on student loans Today, record-high consumer debt and duplicitous conduct by online financial services firms remain high on the bureau’s agenda. Here in Hawaii, the CFPB exposed the problem of fees being imposed by software companies on public school lunches Most recently, the agency cracked down on the proliferation of junk fees charges that merchants impose unexpectedly on transactions The CFPB has also done things that have attracted legitimate criticism The agency’s expenses climbed sharply in the four years of the Biden administration according to the Congressional Research Service Bankers and credit unions have complained agency officials have acted capriciously in pursuing administrative actions against firms and sometimes seeking to extract large settlements At a hearing last month before the House Financial Services Committee a parade of lawyers and bankers said the agency had failed to define the legal standards for establishing abusive practices coordinated poorly with other regulators and imposed a heavy burden on firms in terms of requiring vast numbers of documents even the most heated critics at the congressional hearing called for reform of the agency such as creating a new bipartisan management system improving checks and balances for companies accused of misconduct appropriating money for the CFPB rather than taking money from the Federal Reserve and requiring the agency to consider the costs it was imposing when establishing new regulations None called for the elimination or radical dismemberment of the agency but rather more aggressive and effective oversight Bill Foster of Illinois acknowledged that critics “make some valid points about CFPB policies that could be discussed.” But the actions taken by the Trump administration make those congressional deliberations moot “We are rearranging deck chairs on the Lusitania after they torpedoed it,” Foster said referring to a World War I incident where a British ocean liner was sunk by a German submarine Honolulu Civil Beat is a nonprofit organization and your donation helps us produce local reporting that serves all of Hawaii Ideas is the place you'll find essays, analysis and opinion on public affairs in Hawaiʻi. We want to showcase smart ideas about the future of Hawaiʻi, from the state's sharpest thinkers, to stretch our collective thinking about a problem or an issue. Email news@civilbeat.org to submit an idea Sign up for our FREE morning newsletter and face each day more informed and after both men shared pictures of themselves and other Doomsday cast members going to see Thunderbolts* I’m ready for the crossovers to commence A post shared by Simu Liu (@simuliu) Now let’s look at the photos Robert Downey Jr. shared on his own Instagram account which include some other attendees not seen in Liu’s photo: A post shared by Robert Downey Jr. (@robertdowneyjr) Doomsday is shaping up to be one hell of an event who previously helmed Captain America: The Winter Soldier Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame Avengers: Doomsday one year from today, on May 1, 2026. In the meantime, be sure to read our Thunderbolts* review and start getting yourself prepared for The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ release on July 25 Adam HolmesSocial Links NavigationSenior Content ProducerConnoisseur of Marvel Adam is a Senior Content Producer at CinemaBlend He started working for the site back in late 2014 writing exclusively comic book movie and TV-related articles and along with branching out into other genres as well as interviewing creative talent from time to time he also oversees the assignment of movie-related features He graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Journalism and he’s been sourced numerous times on Wikipedia He's aware he looks like Harry Potter and Clark Kent you will then be prompted to enter your display name Why Did Kevin Feige Agree To Make So Many Mediocre Disney+ Marvel Series Anyway Thunderbolts* Director Reveals That Post-Credits Scene Was Directed By The Russo Brothers (But I’m Just Shocked How Fast It Happened) Now I'm Just Hoping Netflix Gives Us A Second Season (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) DOWNEY — The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) is celebrating graduation season by helping dogs and cats “graduate into new homes” through a special reduced adoption fee SEAACA is offering pet adoptions for just $20.25 for all dogs and cats who have been available for adoption for at least one day titled “Class of 2025,” plays off the graduation season theme with adoptable animals donning caps and gowns in promotional materials The reduced adoption fee includes spaying or neutering The offer does not include Boutique Buddies Some adoptions may require an additional deposit for spay or neuter services “Help me graduate into my new home” is the campaign’s tagline encouraging prospective pet owners to visit SEAACA’s shelter at 9777 Seaaca Street in Downey Viewing and interaction hours are available online at www.seaaca.org took to Instagram to praise Marvel’s latest ensemble caper Thunderbolts* but in doing so he let slip a key plot development: the group he gushed over weren’t just a throwback squad—they’d end up rechristened as the New Avengers Fans who hadn’t yet caught the film were left aghast having their “big reveal” handed to them in a single caption excising the tell‑tale “Old Avengers” line The asterisk in the title wasn’t just a quirky design choice—it was Marvel’s way of hinting that this motley crew’s status as Avengers was up in the air a detail now accidentally confirmed by Iron Man himself Robert Downey Jr.’s original Instagram caption read the asterisk in Thunderbolts* flags that the title is unofficial—only after CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine’s press conference does the team earn the “New Avengers” badge Fans noted that the term “Old Avengers” spoiled the twist that Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson contests the new team’s right to the Avengers mantle replacing it with a more neutral congratulatory message that stayed clear of plot specifics Thunderbolts* follows a squad of reluctant antiheroes—including Yelena Belova and US Agent—initially pitted against one another by Valentina’s machinations before uniting to save New York The film’s marketing leaned into the mystery of its asterisk with Kevin Feige promising its meaning would be revealed on release Although RDJ is no stranger to social media fanfare, this marks one of the few times he’s accidentally tipped a major twist; his previous MCU promotions were typically wink‑wink nods rather than outright spoilers. Fans lit up X, calling out the slip; @CultureCrave quipped @cosmic_marvel echoed the chatter: Meanwhile, think pieces at Nerdist and IGN argued that such premature reveals undercut the audience’s discovery experience, likening it to revealing end‑game outcomes before the final act. Despite the controversy, many fans shrugged it off as a harmless misstep—after all, Iron Man is only human. Robert Downey Jr.’s quick edit may have spared some future spoilers, but it also highlighted how a single word from one of the MCU’s biggest stars can ripple across the fandom. While Thunderbolts* delivers its asterisk‑laden surprise on screen, this episode serves as a reminder that in today’s spoiler‑hungry world, even a seasoned pro like RDJ can inadvertently give away the goods—and that sometimes, the real drama unfolds off camera. Copyright © 2025 Snugglefish Media. All rights reserved. The ‘Iron Man’ star is preparing to play the villain in next year’s ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Robert Downey Jr has offered his thoughts on Marvel’s latest superhero team-up Thunderbolts* The 60-year-old Iron Man star is currently preparing to play the villain, Doctor Doom, in next year’s Avengers: Doomsday. Downey shared a picture on Instagram of himself and some of his fellow cast members attending a Thunderbolts* screening. Included in the group were a host of returning Marvel stars including Thor’s Chris Hemsworth Also present were Marvel Cinematic Universe newcomers Vanessa Kirby and Ebon-Moss Bachrach who played the X-Men character Gambit in last year’s Deadpool & Wolverine Big congrats to the New Avengers (and Bob) In a four-star review of Thunderbolts* The Independent film critic Clarisse Loughrey called it “the best Marvel movie in years.” that it’s come courtesy of “a crew of indie veterans who sold out “Then again, if you do hire the team behind Netflix’s razor-sharp comedy series Beef (director Jake Schreier and actually allow them the space and tools to work – well you should end up with something fairly decent “And, so, Thunderbolts* is good. Not “single-handedly save the Marvel cinematic universe” good but enough to make those self-declared victims of ‘superhero fatigue’ reconsider that it might not be the genre itself that’s tapped out but merely the focus on telling stories versus marketing future sequels and the sickly shimmer of nostalgia.” Marvel fans have been urged to stay seated after the end of the movie as the film has two post-credit scenes. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies The Avengers: Doomsday star might be a real bad guy after all the man who will return to the franchise as Doctor Doom said some fans picked up on the "Old Avengers" comment and quickly put the pieces together finally realizing what the asterisk meant after all this time before seeing it for themselves in theaters The man who will be Doom was referring to the film's finale that sees Yelena (Florence Pugh) and her new friends rebranded as the New Avengers much to the frustration of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) who is taking the team to court for stealing the name of Earth's Mightiest Heroes the replies came thick and fast in response to the star's post "Did RDJ just spoiler thunderbolts for me," one fan said "I shouldn’t have read into the caption." Another added "Bro casually gave Thunderbolts* spoiler in caption," and one fan joked "His villain arc is really already starting." Nick StaniforthSocial Links NavigationContributing WriterNick is a freelancer whose work can be found at Screen Rant He also believes that the best Robin Hood is still a talking fox Avengers: Doomsday started shooting in the UK earlier this week and the cast just assembled for a screening of Thunderbolts* Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu was the first to share a photo on social media and fans were quick to point out that he's likely revealed Robert Downey Jr.'s look for his role as the MCU's Victor Von Doom The actor—thankfully—isn't rocking Tony Stark's trademark goatee and instead has short grey hair and no beard whatsoever we either won't see Doctor Doom's face or then he may heal his face and unmask in Avengers: Secret Wars with Mister Fantastic doing so when he put the Multiverse back together Marvel Studios is wise to use the Avengers: Doomsday cast to promote Thunderbolts* particularly as the cast of the latter movie will assemble alongside the rest of Earth's Mightiest Heroes next year "Thunderbolts* redefines superhero storytelling to deliver a moving and powerful story that does for the 'Multiverse Saga' what The Avengers did for the 'Infinity Saga' in 2012," we said in our review "These heroes have earned their place on a Wheaties box." You can check out Liu's photo from the set of Avengers: Doomsday below A post shared by Simu Liu (@simuliu) though we should warn you that the caption on his post contains a Thunderbolts* spoiler it's wild that these characters will all be sharing the screen next year.. A post shared by Robert Downey Jr. (@robertdowneyjr) Here's the confirmed Avengers: Doomsday cast list as things currently stand: A rumour also came out yesterday evening claiming that Avengers: Doomsday will also feature Mark Ruffalo Avengers: Doomsday is set to be released on May 1 2026 with Avengers: Secret Wars scheduled to arrive on May 7 Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application known affectionately by her loved ones as "Boots," passed away on May 1 Maggie was a vibrant force of nature who filled the lives of those around her with laughter Maggie spent an impressive 36 years with Foodtown followed by 17 years at Moongate Luxury Adult Living where her vivacious personality and caring nature shone through establishing friendships all along the way and proudly nurturing the many relationships she built Her life was a testament to her commitment to caring for others notably giving her time and attention to her dear neighbor Maggie possessed a green thumb that allowed her to cultivate a variety of beautiful flowers Her love for the outdoors extended beyond gardening; she cherished family vacations to Marble Lake during birthdays boating on the beloved vessel named the "Maggie D," and fishing along with countless evenings spent playing cards and bowling She raised her children with determination and love and her greatest achievement in life was forming a nurturing home for them Maggie also leaves behind a large and loving family that includes 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts and her siblings—sisters Joan Pool and Jean Steele alongside the countless stories of love and laughter shared with Maggie will continue to resonate with all who knew her No visitation or services will be held to honor Maggies’s wishes donations in honor of Maggie's life can be made to Planned Pethood or any charity of your choice and endlessly caring woman who brought joy into the lives of many Her warm heart and unyielding spirit will be sorely missed but will forever live on in the memories of her beloved family and friends This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors and Trinere performed a new song together Saturday night at the Downey Theatre DOWNEY – The Downey Theatre was electric on Saturday night as a sold-out crowd celebrated the golden era of freestyle music during the “Queens of the 80’s and 90’s Dance Party” concert the high-energy event was a joyful throwback that had fans dancing in their seats and singing along to every lyric With both the orchestra and balcony packed the audience’s enthusiasm was electric as each artist took the stage delivering not only infectious dance tracks but also powerful vocal performances that proved their talents have only grown with time The show was more than a concert—it was a celebration of four decades of friendship and success with the performers sharing memories and camaraderie between songs Safire drew major applause for her rendition of “I Will Survive,” which she famously recorded for the 1989 film She-Devil choreography and backup dancers added flair but it was the vocal strength and charisma of the artists that carried the show captivated the audience with her commanding stage presence “I’m going to be up here until I’m 70,” she told the cheering crowd A special moment came when she invited Safire back on stage to perform a new unreleased song the two recently recorded together Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” blasted through the theater setting a modern tone before Trinere personally thanked the city of Downey and singled out longtime friend Councilman Mario Trujillo sharing that she had even stayed in his home when first moving to Los Angeles and Councilwoman Claudia Frometa joined Trujillo onstage to present proclamations to each of the artists recognizing their lasting impact on music and culture Although the evening ended a bit abruptly with the city officials still on stage the energy and nostalgia of the performance lingered well beyond the final note the concert was not just a night of music—it was a heartfelt reunion with the queens who defined a genre and continue to inspire Betty Dee of Sweet Sensation performed an emotional high-energy set Saturday at the Downey Theatre Dollar Tree is taking over the space vacated by Party City at Downey Landing DOWNEY — Dollar Tree is set to expand its presence in Downey by taking over the former Party City location at Downey Landing This move follows Party City's recent closure amid a nationwide shutdown of its stores was among the locations affected by Party City's decision to wind down operations after exiting bankruptcy in September 2023 Dollar Tree will establish its fourth store within Downey city limits The other three locations are at 8330 Firestone Blvd the Paramount Blvd store was previously a 99 Cents Only Store before Dollar Tree acquired it last year This expansion is part of Dollar Tree's broader strategy to grow its footprint by acquiring leases from retailers undergoing restructuring Dollar Tree moved to acquire 148 Party City stores nationwide following Party City's bankruptcy filing in late December 2024 A student takes notes during Monday’s STEM event at the SoCalGas Center in Downey DOWNEY — Fifty students from across Los Angeles gathered in Downey on Wednesday for a day of hands-on science and career exploration thanks to a STEM event hosted by Southern California Gas Co (SoCalGas) and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) the event brought together youth from the Brotherhood Crusade Kollab Youth Workforce Development Program and Dodgers Dreamteam to learn about the possibilities within science Students participated in interactive breakout sessions on sustainability while also touring SoCalGas' cutting-edge hydrogen microgrid — the first of its kind in North America “This STEM event is a testament to our unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders,” said Andy Carrasco local government and community affairs at SoCalGas “By equipping these young minds with tools and inspiration to pursue STEM careers Speakers from both SoCalGas and LADF shared personal stories emphasizing the importance of education and mentorship Students also had the opportunity to network with SoCalGas employees and other professionals during a lunch and speed networking session “This event is a fantastic opportunity for our youth to explore the possibilities within STEM fields,” said Charisse Bremond-Weaver president and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade SoCalGas has supported more than 100 STEM-focused events and donated more than $2.5 million to workforce development efforts across the region Wednesday’s event continued that mission — empowering local youth and strengthening the future of the STEM industry Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described autistic people as "kids who will never pay taxes, they'll never hold a job, they'll never play baseball, they'll never write a poem, they'll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted." I am embarrassed to admit that growing up, my understanding of autistic people was not far from his. My ignorant view was that the majority of autistic people had high support needs. While my understanding did improve after I received an ADHD diagnosis, it wasn't until I recognized autistic characteristics in myself that it began to change. During my first college party with my friends, I started experiencing sensory overload that felt more intense than what other people with ADHD had described. I was able to retreat to the terrace and enjoy the rest of the part out there, but I would later learn that I was near the point of an autistic meltdown. What I felt during the party was nothing like the images I had seen of an autistic meltdown - a young child rocking back and forth, unable to communicate and possibly engaging in self-harm. What I had felt did make it difficult to talk, but I never lost control or injured myself. Since my view of autistic people was limited to those with high support needs, I thought that was how autism affected others. So, I was in complete denial that I could be autistic. "I'm a journalist and I've been doing this for almost two years," I thought. "How could I have a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects my ability to communicate?" Most of my coverage at that time was reporting on protests. They were loud, overwhelming situations that I did not think an autistic person would be able to be around. I began researching successful autistic people. I learned about Greta Thungberg as she organized efforts in environmental awareness campaigns and led protests for her cause. When I discovered Eric Garcia, an autistic, Latino, Washington correspondent for The Independent, I knew that the argument against my being autistic was blown. I feel privileged that I was able to get a diagnosis within three months of suspecting that I was autistic. Why was my understanding of autistic people so far from the truth? How did this infantilizing and stigmatizing narrative of autistic people become mainstream? I found the common factor came from neurotypical and allistic (non-autistic) people failing to listen to the autistic community. If they had listened to people who knew what it was like to be autistic, there would be a better understanding of autism spectrum disorder. The black-and-white illustration of the "autism spectrum" that I grew up with did not demonstrate that every autistic person is different and experiences autistic characteristics differently. Stimming is not just hand flapping; it can also include rubbing your finger against your lip. Meltdowns can be explosive and external or occur internally as a shutdown. Autistic people are often shown excelling in STEM-related fields, but there are also a large number of autistic authors and writers. My narrow-minded view of autism stemmed from a misrepresentation of the autistic community. The same goes for the ADHD community and the OCD community, that I would later be diagnosed with, too. Kennedy appears to have failed to make this revelation. His blanket characterization of autistic people as not being contributing members of society is false. I paid taxes, I've held a job, I've had romantic relationships and I've made meaningful friendships. While there are autistic people who are nonverbal and have additional comorbidities and intellectual disabilities that require more support, this does not make them a tragedy or a burden. It certainly does not make them deserving of Kennedy's dehumanizing rhetoric. The health and human services secretary expressed his intent to establish a registry of autistic people in the United States by acquiring private health data from doctors and health insurers. While the HHS has backtracked and said the registry will not happen, it can create fear and distrust among those who suspect they are autistic or parents who think their child may be autistic. Along with the stigmatizing rhetoric against autistic people, it's understandable that more people will avoid seeking a diagnosis. The Centers for Disease Control has shared that 1 in 31 people in the United States are autistic. With fewer people seeking a diagnosis, the rate of autism diagnosis may decrease. This will not mean that there are fewer autistic people; it just means fewer people will know they are autistic. By not seeking a diagnosis sooner, I went without accommodations that have changed my life for the better. Wearing noise-canceling headphones when I cover an event can help me focus and tune out background noise. If the lights are too bright in the newsroom, I can wear sunglasses so my eyes don't feel like they're burning. Understanding that I am autistic helps me work with my brain and creates a better understanding of others. If I ask for information to be repeated or if I have trouble with eye contact, others know I am not trying to be rude. I wish I could say there were no risks of discrimination or retaliation in the workplace when an autism diagnosis is disclosed. I will acknowledge, however, that being able to unmask and stop suppressing my neurodivergent characteristics has become less draining than trying to mask and pretend to be neurotypical. Do not let the views of the ignorant and narrow-minded fool you; There is nothing wrong with being autistic. Copyright © 2023 The Downey Patriot Newspaper. Robert Downey Jr., Channing Tatum, Chris Hemsworth, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie and more enjoyed a screening of 'Thunderbolts*' Your Ads Privacy ChoicesIMDb Filming for "Avengers: Doomsday" is underway, and Marvel Studios' latest film, "Thunderbolts*," offers a taste of what's to come Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy We bring you daily editor picks from the best Business Insider news content so you can stay updated on the latest topics and conversations on the African market Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected was arrested on allegations of sexual abuse to a minor on Thursday (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles) DOWNEY — A Downey priest was arrested after accusations of sexual abuse to a minor on Thursday, April 3, and now faces eight felony counts, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  Father Jamie Arriaga, 41, was removed from his position as associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey on Wednesday, April 2, after the archdiocese received a report alleging his sexual misconduct against a minor,the Archdiocese of Los Angeles wrote in a statement.  “The archdiocese has a long-standing commitment to the protection of minors and reporting the prevention of abuse,” reads the Archdiocese statement “Allegations of misconduct against anyone serving in the Archdiocese are reported to law enforcement anyone who is found to have harmed a minor is permanently removed from any capacity in the Archdiocese.” The report alleges an incident of sexual abuse against a teenage girl occurred on Saturday according to court documents and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  OLPH School sent an email to parents earlier this week that the victim is not a student at the school.  surrendered to detectives from the  LASD Special Victims Bureau on Thursday Arriaga was arraigned at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on Monday and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed 8 felony counts of sexual abuse against him detectives believe there might be additional victims,” the LASD wrote in the news release Arriaga served as a transitional deacon at St. Louis of France in La Puente between June to December 2023, and was assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey during January 2024, said the archdiocese.  Father Jamie Arriaga, 41, was removed from his position as associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey, where he was assigned in January 2024. (Photo by Vince Medina) Your Ads Privacy ChoicesIMDb, an Amazon company© 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc. “So cool, fresh, and deep,” writes the “Iron Man” star, who dubs himself one of the “Old Avengers” The “Old Avengers” — Robert Downey Jr., Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie and more stars from “Avengers: Doomsday” saluted the cast of “Thunderbolts” as the “New Avengers.” Downey, who played Tony Stark up through 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” shared photos to Instagram of himself with several Phase Three MCU regulars after a screening of the new movie, which stars Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen and Sebastian Stan as a ragtag team of antiheroes who (mostly) don’t have the same superpowers as the original Avengers. “Dinner and a show with the Old Avengers. So cool, fresh, and deep. Big congrats,” wrote Downey, who is returning to the MCU to play a different character, Doctor Doom, in “Avengers: Doomsday.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Robert Downey Jr. (@robertdowneyjr) Other actors in the photos include Simu Liu (Shang-Chi), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Thing in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”), Channing Tatum (Gambit), Anthony Mackie (formerly the Falcon and now Captain America), and Winston Duke (M’Baku in the “Black Panther” films). “Thunderbolts” also sees the return of Sebastian Stan, who is, technically, not a “new” Avenger as he’s played Bucky Barnes in the MCU since 2011. Jeremy Renner, who is not in the picture — and isn’t among the announced cast of “Doomsday” — commented with four “clapping hands” emojis. Fans responded by offering to pay the “other half’ of his salary to return to his role as Hawkeye. (That of course being a reference to the actor’s explanation on Thursday that he turned down a second season of the Disney+ series of the same name over a disagreement in pay. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Augusta “Dusty” Downey; his children Kenneth (Nancy) and Chris (Tracey); his beloved grandchildren Laura and Austin; and his great-granddaughters Zoey and Hailey where he enjoyed playing football and fishing His high school football career was highlighted by his team winning the Western Massachusetts Football Championship in 1951 which led them to the Peanut Bowl in Georgia on New Year’s Day He continued his football journey at Amherst College where he started at left tackle for all four years and their reunions were always filled with joy and laughter Frank proudly served his country as a jet fighter pilot in the U.S He exhibited incredible leadership skills securing him the “ace” position of his squadron One highlight of his service was being stationed in England where he coached the base football team; he loved sharing stories of their undefeated season and flying the team to the European Championship in France Frank always said that his most meaningful moment was meeting the love of his life and the cherished family they built together more than anything founding and growing three successful companies in the electronics industry: a sales organization for electronic manufacturers in Western Massachusetts a circuit board manufacturing company in Orange an international electronic sales and distribution company with offices worldwide.  Frank and Dusty raised their four children in Orange before fulfilling their dream of living by the water in Milford He took great pride in attending his grandchildren’s special events and sports games Frank and Dusty were loyal friends and benefactors of Notre Dame High School for over 50 years he remained actively involved and served on the board Their unwavering generosity made an ND education possible for many His commitment to ensuring as many families as possible could benefit from a Catholic Holy Cross education was truly unmatched The Downey Family Scholarship Fund supports numerous worthy students every year and has always been at the forefront of their philanthropy gifts in Frank's memory may be sent to Notre Dame High School to support the Downey Family Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance to deserving students with demonstrated need Frank believed deeply in the transformative power of a Catholic education This scholarship will continue his legacy of helping young people achieve their educational aspirations regardless of their financial circumstances We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team of caregivers for their exceptional care and kindness towards our Dad: Thank you to Debbie Health At-Home Hospice was also very caring and attentive to our dad most especially Nurse Coco.  Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM followed by interment at Orange Center Cemetery To light a candle or leave a condolence in his memory please visit www.CodyWhiteFuneralService.com 2025 after a brief but valiant battle with cancer Tracy was a caring friend to others struggling with the disease sharing that cancer "cannot invade the soul" or "conquer the spirit." especially while watching a football game or perfecting a dish in the kitchen She treasured time with her friends and family throughout her life in Milwaukee Minnesota - time that was usually filled with equal parts laughter The love of Tracy's life was her daughter Tracy was preceded in life by her loving parents The family wishes to thank Scott Johnson and the caring professionals at Mayo Clinic has taken to social media to share how the old team is assembling The post on Instagram showed the stars of Marvel attending the screening of Thunderbolts* Shang-Chi’s Simu Liu and Black Panther’s Winston Duke They are the Fantastic Four stars Vanessa Kirby Ebon-Moss Bachrach and X-Men star Channing Tatum said Marvel's decision to focus on depression and loneliness in the film is a "huge deal." It's a huge deal that that theme was made with a Marvel budget and they cared enough about it to make it the main event," he told EW Search autocomplete is currently not responding the Town of Clayton is urging residents to take time during National Hurricane Preparedness Week and we’re proud to introduce Firefighter James Herron as this month’s #MeetUsMonthly feature Herron has been with the Clayton Fire Department for about four months and is already making a positive impact.  The Town of Clayton is proud to join communities across the country in celebrating Professional Municipal Clerks Week sponsored by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) The Town of Clayton joins departments across the country this Sunday and unwavering dedication of firefighters everywhere. Fire Marshal Michael Tatum embodies the commitment of Clayton’s firef.. Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library will close to the public on Monday May 5 as staff prepare to relocate materials and services to a temporary location While access to the library’s physical collection will pause during this move building inspectors help make sure every structure in Clayton is safe the Town is highlighting the dedicated professionals behind that work like Insp.. By Hanna Jubran of Grimesland, NCLocation: Front Street RoundaboutWatch an interview with the artist... Parks and sidewalks across Clayton are looking cleaner and greener as volunteers walk away with a sense of pride after the 2025 Clayton Earth Day Clean Up.  "I am thankful the Town of Clayton organizes this annual event because it s.. WHAT: Downtown Clayton Concert Series: SnapBack  WHERE: Town Square Corner of Main and O’Neil Streets Clayton WHO: Free and open to the public  A group of 30 local children is walking away with a newfound understanding of what it takes to respond to an emergency administrative professionals are indispensable when it comes to supporting departments and making sure tasks are completed efficiently the Town takes a moment to recognize Emily Denison The Town of Clayton announces the hiring of Haley Downey as the new Assistant Planning Director She will officially begin her role on Monday facilitating the review of new developments and land use changes that help shape Clayton’s future.&amp.. Families are enjoying sweet treats following the Town of Clayton’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt It took a matter of minutes to scoop up all the colorful Easter eggs When you flip a switch and the lights come on But behind it is a team of trained professionals working hard to make sure the power is safe and always ready when you need it.  The Town of Clayton is now accepting applications for four paid internship positions These temporary roles give students and young adults the chance to work alongside professionals WHAT: Clayton Earth Day Clean Up                  323 East Main St. Animal Control Appreciation Week runs from April 13 to April 19 and the Town of Clayton is taking this opportunity to recognize the dedication and hard work of Animal Control Officer Patrick Kostka Working under the Clayton Police Department Spring Break is approaching for Johnston County Public Schools and the Town of Clayton is ready to offer families plenty of opportunities to make the most of it take advantage of the time off to get outs.. are gathering for the 38th Johnston County Senior Games But there are more than just medals and friendly competit.. The 2025-2026 Clayton Sculpture Trail is now live featuring 13 striking new sculptures that bring contemporary art to public spaces across the Town This year’s trail continues Clayton’s commitment to making art accessible The Town of Clayton is honoring the dedicated staff at Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library for National Library Workers Day on Tuesday Librarians do not just serve as the curators of books but as champions of literacy and we’re excited to introduce Firefighter Andrew Webster in this month’s #MeetUsMonthly feature Webster has been with the Clayton Fire Department for about three months diving into his responsibilities with enthusiasm.&a.. WHAT:        Easter Egg Hunt   WHEN:       10 a.m WHERE:      Clayton High School:    600 South Fa.. The Town of Clayton is announcing the promotion of Rusty Clawson to Assistant Public Works Director Clawson brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Town’s infrastructure needs to this leadership.. The Town of Clayton is celebrating an incredible achievement by Shaun Mizell who leads the Procurement Division of the Town’s Finance Department.  Mizell is the recipient of the 2025 Hall-Wicker Award from the North Carolina Association.. Join Scrap Paper Shakespeare for a FREE performance of William Shakespeare's "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" Enjoy two engaging pre-show educational programs starting at 2:00 PM designed to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the play The Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library will soon relocate to a temporary location while the current facility undergoes a major renovation library operations and a curated collection of materials will be available at the form.. "Take me out to the park…” where the first pitch is ready to be thrown The Clayton Clovers are back at East Clayton Community Park (1774 Glen Laurel Road) bringing all the action for their 2025 season The Town of Clayton will join millions across the globe in observing World Water Day on Saturday by recognizing the dedicated team that works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the water and sewer systems running smoothly The 2025 Downtown Concert Series is set to bring some amazing live music to Clayton this summer These free outdoor concerts will take place in Town Square (110 West Main Street).  Save the following dates for this exciting lineup:  ROAD CLOSURE ALERT ?? Starting March 24, 2025, sections of E. Second St. from Lombard St. to Hardee St. will be closed for utility improvements. This project will enhance water, sewer, and road infrastructure in the area. Thank you for your patience as we...Read on... The Town of Clayton proudly recognizes Heather Probst as the first recipient of the Byron Poelman Legacy of Excellence: Employee of the Year Award This distinction holds deep meaning for both Probst and the colleagues she works alongside every day.&n.. The Clayton Police Department is now accepting applications for its 2025 Teen Academy an annual hands-on program designed to teach young people about law enforcement while building leadership skills and community connections.  it’s a race against the clock to file on time According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) nearly 30% of Americans wait until the final few weeks before the deadline to file their taxes The Town of Clayton’s Façade Grant Program is revitalizing Downtown Clayton creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors By assisting businesses in improving their storefronts The Johnston County Chorus brings its annual spring concert to The Clayton Center on Saturday Enjoy classic show tunes as the chorale group presents "Give My Regards To Broadway," with performances by local vocalists and dance.. The Clayton Fire Department is making a significant change to enhancing firefighter safety by transitioning to new black turnout gear This upgrade focuses not only on appearance; it emphasizes health and providing top-quality equipment for the d.. a time to recognize the hard work of purchasing professionals across the country the Procurement Division is instrumental in making sure the Town uses its resources wisely will soon undergo a major renovation aimed at modernizing and enhancing the space to better serve visitors of all ages and with it comes more daylight and warmer nights As residents “spring forward” for Daylight Saving Time at 2 a.m. it’s the perfect opportunity to reset not just clocks but also fire .. With recent reports of people falling victim to scams in Johnston County the Town of Clayton is gearing up for Slam the Scam Day on Thursday to help residents recognize and avoid these deceptive schemes The day aims to raise awareness and empo.. The Town of Clayton proudly announces the completion of major enhancements as part of the Clayton Community Park Expansion Project These renovations have revitalized the park and adjacent community center creating exciting new recreational opportunities.. Department of Transportation is inviting public feedback on its updated plans to widen and improve N.C 42 West (Veterans Pkwy) in the Clayton area and we’re excited to introduce Firefighter Earlece Hayes in this month’s #MeetUsMonthly feature Hayes joined the Clayton Fire Department just a couple of months ago and is eager to make a diff.. Celebrate National Craft Month this March with free online access to Craftsy through Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library This platform offers more than 2,000 expert-led creative classes in everything from knitting to baking the Johnston County Water Treatment Plant will temporarily stop feeding ammonia with chlorine for disinfection and start feeding chlorine only for all Johnston County water customers on the Johnston West water distribution system The Clayton Fire Department is making sure the future of fire service stays strong by donating a retired fire truck to Johnston Community College (JCC) This truck isn’t just a piece of equipment It’s a valuable training tool that wil.. The Town of Clayton is in the process of designing two new joint-use public safety facilities to improve emergency response According to Clayton Fire Chief David Ranes the department responded to a record-breaking 3,500 calls last year In celebration of Government Communicators Day on Feb the Town of Clayton is highlighting Visual Communication Specialist Daniel Bizzell whose primary role is to help share important information and stories with the community through engaging video .. most people don’t think about where that water goes But for Engineering Technician Joshua Cotten managing stormwater is a daily responsibility - one that plays a crucial role in protecting the environment and keeping the Town.. the Engineering Department plays a key role in ensuring that new projects meet the highest standards of safety Engineering technicians are in the field every day Spring into reading with amazing deals and a fresh selection of books and movies The Clayton Friends of the Library is excited to host its 2025 Spring Book Sale offering thousands of gently-used materials at unbeatable prices.  As the nation recognizes Engineers Week from February 16-22 the Town of Clayton is highlighting the people who help shape its future Project Controls Specialist Shannon Poole plays a crucial role in keeping important projects on track that improve daily.. and stormwater doesn’t manage itself - but Clayton’s Engineering Department is working every day to make sure these things happen.  The Clayton Police Department is recognizing the dedication and commitment of its School Resource Officers (SROs) in honor of National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day NC – Creativity flourishes in the Town of Clayton where art isn’t just something to look at - it’s something that connects and inspires NC – As part of National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16) the Town of Clayton is celebrating the value of hands-on training and welcoming Nash Ellis the newest apprentice in the Electric Department The Town of Clayton has hired Joseph Stallings as its new Economic Development Director With more than a decade of experience in economic development and public administration Stallings brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Clayton NC – This Valentine’s Day Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is adding a little mystery to the season of romance by offering Blind Date with a Book where readers can fall head over heels for a surprise read Call To Yarns: The Public Art Advisory Board is thrilled to announce plans for another exciting community-focused knitting project and is seeking the active participation of our citizens If you would like to knit single chain pre-made pieces and that means it’s time for another #MeetUsMonthly feature we’re spotlighting Firefighter Nicholas Bishop who joined the Clayton Fire Department just over a month ago.  A newly unveiled sign at East Clayton Community Park (1774 Glen Laurel Road) celebrates the partnership between the Town of Clayton and Carolina Comfort Air highlighting the company’s role as the official sponsor and namesake of the park’s state-of-the-a.. NC – With increasing interest from the community Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is once again offering its free Led by Johnston Community College Instructor Dr NC – Seeing as the kids have been out of school more lately with the recent holiday and winter weather conditions parents might be struggling to keep everyone busy. Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library w.. NC – In celebration of Customer Service Day on Friday the Town of Clayton is acknowledging its exceptional Customer Service Team for their continued hard work and dedication From assisting with billing concerns to helping visitors n.. CLAYTON, NC – The Town of Clayton is excited to share its 2025 Special Events (PDF) a dynamic lineup that celebrates the unique character and energy of the community there’s something for everyone .. The Public Art Advisory Board has installed a new Little Free Library at Clayton Area Ministries This "Double Door Cottage" design is perfect for books of all sizes The Clayton Fire Department is partnering with the University of North Carolina (UNC) to improve firefighter safety and health shaping better practices for fire services nationwide This collaboration is part of an 18-month research study focused on redu.. around 40 Town of Clayton employees participated in Emergency Operations Center (EOC) All-Hazards Event Training at the Johnston County Emergency Services Public Safety Center An arctic blast is bringing frigid conditions to the region and the Town of Clayton is focused on supporting residents as they navigate this cold snap To help the community stay safe and manage their energy use both the Clayton Fire Department and Util.. and we are kicking off the year by recognizing a dedicated member of our team during #MeetUsMonthly.  a Master Firefighter with the Clayton Fire Department and the Clayton Police Department wants to remind everyone to stay safe on the roads it’s important to drive carefully and watch out for students Setting New Year’s resolutions can be a tradition filled with promises but it’s not always easy to stay on track The Town of Clayton is committed to helping residents meet their goals in 2025 with plenty of support the Clayton Police Department brought joy and hope to children and seniors in need through its annual Christmas with a Cop program With support from Walmart and generous community contributions the Town of Clayton looks back at the books that captivated the attention of nearly 10,000 library cardholders over the past year Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is excited to share the most-circulated books from it.. Families and friends gathered at Municipal Park (325 McCullers Street) for Merry Municipal Hot Cocoa The event brought neighbors together to celebrate the season with warmth and laug.. The Clayton Christmas Parade lit up downtown this past Saturday as thousands of spectators lined Main and Second Streets to celebrate the season the parade featured an exciting lineup of participants Thanks to the kindness of our residents and staff this year’s Holiday Toy Drive will make the holidays brighter for many children in western North Carolina Organized by the Town of Clayton Wellness Committee Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library’s Knit Night attendees are gifting more than 100 handmade knitted and crocheted hats and gloves to Harbor Shelter in Smithfield These thoughtful donations aim to provide warmth and relief to local ind.. Santa has new recruits who are ready to celebrate the holiday season The Town of Clayton’s 2024 Elf Academy hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department brings the enchantment of the North Pole right here – just a sleigh ride away... The Town of Clayton kicks off the holiday season with festive cheer and community spirit at the 34th Annual Downtown Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting Thousands of residents and visitors gathered on Main Street to celebrate which means we are recognizing another valued member of our team during #MeetUsMonthly Firefighter Dustin Adkins is approaching his one-year anniversary with the Clayton Fire Department and other seasonal items causing the most danger according to the National Fire Protection Association The Clayton Fire Department is committed to helping residents avoid be.. the Clayton Police Department is reminding residents to protect their packages and personal information porch piracy and holiday scams are on the rise The Downtown Clayton Christmas Committee is proud to announce Ann Austin Ann," as the recipient of the 2024 Christmas Spirit Award Ann’s contributions over the past .. Small Business Saturday is just around the corner, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore Downtown Clayton With more than 250 businesses calling it home - including unique shops WHAT:          Wrap It Up   WHEN:         12 - 6 p.m. WHERE:       Hocutt-Ellington Memoria.. and festive traditions - but fires aren’t on the menu even as fire departments across the country stay busy with extra holiday cooking.  The Clayton Fire Department wants everyone to enjoy a safe.. The Town of Clayton shines with holiday magic this season family-friendly events that bring residents and visitors together to celebrate the festive spirit.  From twinkling lights to joyful gatherings The Town of Clayton has named Donald Perry Perry brings an extensive background in civil engineering and leadership with more than 25 years of experience in managing complex infrastructure projects and teams.&nbs.. It is the first Monday of November which means we are recognizing another valued member of our team during #MeetUsMonthly.   previously an engineer with the Clayton Fire Department The Town of Clayton’s Wellness Committee is launching a holiday toy drive to support western North Carolina families impacted by Hurricane Helene.  Members encourage residents to spread holiday cheer by donating new As National Stormwater Day approaches on Saturday the Town of Clayton is shining a spotlight on Andrew Lyons With a background in meteorology and environmental engineering The Clayton Fire Department is ramping up its fire safety efforts with the launch of a new Community Risk Reduction Specialist role Stepping into this position is Captain Bryan Belvin Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is kicking off the beloved tradition of Letters to Santa This annual initiative invites children to share their holiday wishes by sending heartfelt letters to Santa Claus The Town of Clayton has hired Melissa Poole as the new Library Manager of Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library with more than 10 years of library experience and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the Univers.. As we set our clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. the Clayton Fire Department has a friendly reminder: this is a perfect time to check your smoke detectors While we all enjoy the extra hour of sleep Halloween was a blast in Downtown Clayton where little ghouls and goblins came out to celebrate!  families joined the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department for the annual Trick-or-Treat Main Street event families gathered at the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library for All Hallows Read: An Evening of Spooky Stories haunted space with eerie decorations and plenty of fall treats It’s a chance to harvest some great steals and rare finds while adding to your book The Clayton Friends of the Library are preparing to host the 2024 Fall Book Sale.  Explore thousands of gently-used materials for ch.. The Town of Clayton is seeking nominations for the 2024 Christmas Spirit Award and organizations who embody the spirit of giving WHAT:        Trick-or-Treat Main Street   WHEN:        1 - 3 p.m. WHERE:      Horne Square  The Clayton Fire Department is expanding its team by adding six new firefighters thanks to a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant These new positions will enhance the department’s operational capacity The Clayton Police Department is connecting with the community by inviting residents to learn about police work Through the 'Not-So' Teen Citizens Academy have a better understanding of what police work .. Navigate through Downtown Clayton with our award-winning interactive map The Town of Clayton receives the 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award for Digital Media from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) As the cooler temperatures of fall settle in it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the beauty of the season at one of our great parks.  Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is excited to feature a new book as part o.. Firefighter Rena Smith-Seitz has eight years of experience as an emergency responder As part of National Arts and Humanities Month Clayton Visual Arts (CVA) proudly announces Al White as the first-place winner of Capturing Clayton 2024 Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is looking to expand its offerings by introducing more programs centered around cooking Staff notice a growing interest from the community and are actively exploring ways to meet that demand.  In response to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina the Town of Clayton and the Clayton Police Department are partnering with other Johnston County agencies to host a donation drive to support our neighbors in need The Town of Clayton welcomes Courtney Tanner as the newest addition to its leadership team where she will serve as Deputy Town Manager Tanner brings more than 20 years of experience in municipal planning Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is expanding its collection in an unexpected way it’s currently accepting donations for the Halloween Costume Swap offering a chance for families to participate in.. The Clayton Fire Department has selected Chad Stephenson as its new Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Following a rigorous national selection process that attracted 25 candidates The Town of Clayton's Electric Department has been recognized for having the second fastest power restoration time in the state a remarkable achievement for a team of 12 individuals serving nearly 10,000 customers.  Battalion Chief Andrew Shaw is just shy of observing his 20-year anniversary with the Clayton Fire Department End the Summer Concert Series in the 80's with us On Friday, September 6, a totally 1980s experience takes over Town Square when Kids in America takes the stage Kids In America isn’t just a band; it’s a musical odyssey that st.. As students and parents close the books on the first day of school the Town of Clayton has some grade-A tips to keep everyone on track and ensure a smooth transition into the new academic year “To promote a safe environment around schools Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is closing the book on its 2024 Summer Reading Challenge and staff are thrilled to celebrate with everyone who made this summer a real page-turner.  Get ready to tune into the harmonious magic of a Clayton native who’s hitting all the right notes Please join us for the third show of the Downtown Clayton Concert Series from 6 – 9 p.m. Engineer Brian Ruksznis is a fixture within the Clayton Fire Department having had a part-time position since 2007 and the.. As the 2024-2025 academic school year approaches the Clayton Police Department is committed to erasing barriers and ensuring local students have all the "write" stuff for their first day The Town of Clayton’s busiest intersection of Shotwell Road and U.S 70 Business (BUS) will soon see major improvements that will considerably ease traffic congestion.  After years of collaboration with the Clayton Town Council The Town of Clayton was proud to host NC Governor Roy Cooper at the Sam's Branch Water Reclamation Facility Construction Site on Thursday Clayton Parks and Recreation celebrated National Parks and Recreation Month with a fantastic event at Municipal Park.  The Clayton Police Department is proud to announce the graduation of its 2024 Teen Academy class where young recruits traded in their summer plans for a badge of honor.  The Town of Clayton is proud to recognize its dedicated summer interns in celebration of National Intern Day on July 25.  We're committed to offering a hands-on approach with our interns ensuring they gain the skills needed to prosper in their ch.. There are new innovative tools available in the Town of Clayton to help kids improve early literacy skills and promote learning year-round.  Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library offers more than 20 Launchpad tablets As we reflect on the amazing accomplishments of this summer’s Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library Summer Reading Challenge we’re thrilled to celebrate our top readers The Clayton Clovers baseball team joined in the fun by recognizing t.. The Town of Clayton is excited to announce the hiring of Michael Tatum as the new Fire Marshal Following a thorough and comprehensive selection process bringing over 14 years of extensive experience in fire code enfor.. Bragging rights were on the line as the Clayton Fire Department competed against the Clayton Police Department in the Battle of the Badges a real "nail-biter" that showcased camaraderie and sportsmanship between .. Please join us in congratulating Fire Captain Kyle Driver on a decade of service with the Clayton Fire Department Something special is brewing in the heart of Downtown Clayton the Town’s new social district goes live "The social district is a game-changer for Downtown Clayton,” said Clayton .. WHAT:        Square-to-Square Street Festival                      and Independence Day Fireworks   The award highlights individuals who have e.. K9 Ravka has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s K9 Ravka’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library encourages children and adults to keep their minds active and engaged has interactive elements for the entire f.. The Hocutt Ellington Memorial Library has been bustling with creativity thanks to our engaging craft programs for adults offering participants a hands-on experience in this timeless craft Learn more about the Clayton Comprehensive Transportation Plan (Clayton on the Move) Join us for a Public Open House Meeting from 4 - 7 p.m. June 18 in the Clayton Town Hall Lobby (111 East Second Street) The Town of Clayton operations staff have sponsored three Flags for Heroes in honor of three of their former colleagues: Donnie Baker Fire Captain Royce “Mitch” Boyette is nearing 20 years of service with the Clayton Fire Department As the unofficial start to summer kicks off the Town of Clayton is sharing an array of activities that boast free family fun and adults can make the most of their time outdoors The Town of Clayton is saying goodbye to a devoted employee who has protected and supported the community for three decades Deputy Fire Chief Tony Atkinson officially retires Saturday “I’ll miss it… I will,&rdq.. The Town of Clayton has hired Joshua Baird as its new Water Resources Director Baird brings a wealth of experience and expertise in water resource management and will be pivotal in ensuring the Town's water systems are efficient The Town of Clayton is thrilled to announce that our Water Resources Department was recognized at the 2024 North Carolina Rural Water Association (NCRWA) Annual Conference and Exhibition which took place May 14-16 at the Benton Convention Center in Winst.. Johnston County Flags for Heroes 2024 is returning for its 5th annual event to honor individuals in our community who have been inspirational or impactful.  More than 1,500 flags are expected to grace the fields of UNC Health Johnston - Clayton an.. Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is issuing a new reading challenge to families of budding bookworms 1,000 Books before Kindergarten bolsters early literacy skills by encouraging parents and caregivers to read and bond with their babies which means we are recognizing another valued member of our team during #MeetUsMonthly.  Battalion Chief Mark Morris is a veteran of the Clayton Fire Department and honored to say he has spent his entire career here... Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is expanding its reach in the Town of Clayton thanks to a $15,000 donation made by Dollar General to the Friends of the Library Staff members earmarked the funding for initiatives in four key areas – collectio.. The Town of Clayton has hired Barry Alston as its new Building Inspections Director and this announcement falls on the first day of May which aligns with the start of Building Safety Month Alston is responsible for leading a department that a.. National Internship Awareness Month takes place each April stressing the importance of internships in providing meaningful experience and boosting professional development the Town of Clayton is shining a light on current .. I was participating.” Competition often sparks a drive within us He has been competing in countless sports since the third grade but bowling holds a special place in his h.. We want to introduce you to Interim Engineer Justin Allen who recently celebrated his two-year anniversary with the Clayton.. The Town of Clayton’s Parks and Recreation Department has announced an exciting new partnership with Carolina Comfort Air According to Clayton Parks and Recreation .. Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library collaborated with the Clayton Historical Association to feature the past and future achievements of leading ladies from the Town of Clayton In an exciting development for the residents of Clayton the Town’s Parks and Recreation Community Center and the adjacent Community Park are set to undergo a transformative upgrade.  The Town of Clayton is thrilled to recognize Sergeant Timothy Marquis and Fire Captain Bryan Belvin for being honored with the American Legion Post 71 Police Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year A monumental revitalization effort is underway to breathe new life into a century-old structure Known as "The Station," this ambitious project receiving unanimous approval from the Town Council on.. While a key safe is mandatory among government and commercial buildings due to fire code The Clayton Fire Department is partnering with the Knox® Company to unlock information about the valuable resource and its .. In celebration of National Procurement Month Contracts and MWBE Manager from the Town of Clayton Mizell recently attended the North Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing conference in Cherok.. Different kinds of identification cards are distilling at Deep River Brewing Company Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library partnered with the local business to host “Get (Library) Carded” from 5 – 8 p.m. Clayton Police Department’s K9 Ravka will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s K9 Ravka’s vest is sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s Firefighter Justin Jones is approaching his two-year mark with the Clayton Fire Department Deputy Town Manager Lee Barbee has been named a recipient of the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Life Membership.  Barbee was recognized by the Clayton Town Council for his distinguished career Please join us in welcoming Firefighter Michael Duffy who is a newcomer within the Clayton Fire Department Clayton annually hosts a variety of events throughout the year The Town looks forward to working with partners and local businesses to bring these events to life f.. The Clayton Police Department has an additional safeguard for one of its officers Clayton Area Runners (CAR) presented a K9 ballistic vest to Master Officer Stephen Carter and K9 Officer Tim on Thursday Starting off our first #MeetUsMonthy in 2024 is Interim Fire Captain Jordan Craven Craven is celebrating two years with the Clayton Fire Department His daily tasks consist of responding to calls the Town of Clayton looks back at trending titles among our nearly 10,000 library cardholders over the last year Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is compiling lists of the top 10 most-circulated books from both our physical and.. Clayton Visual Arts is illustrating a new concept and that’s something we want to change,” says Val Taylor the organization’s vice president.  Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is moving some new pieces into its collection More than 30 board games are available for cardholders to choose from Instead of gearing toward mass market options .. The Town of Clayton has named Tim Robbins as its new Public Works Director With nearly 20 years of experience in local and state government Robbins brings a wealth of knowledge to the position particularly surrounding the management of public.. The Town of Clayton recognizes two newly elected council members and one returning leader a swearing-in ceremony took place during the Regular Town Council Meeting Ruth Anderson – issued by Mayor .. Congratulations to Jarret and Jennifer Hamilton The couple are the recipients of the 2023 Christmas Spirit Award receiving recognition during the 33rd annual Downtown Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting on Thursday The Town of Clayton has hired Conrad Olmedo as its new Planning Director.  who served the past three years as the Planning Manager for the City of Burlington brings with him 17 years of local government planning experience Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is delighted to announce the grand opening of the StoryWalk® at East Clayton Community Park This unique literary experience is a testament to the magic that happens when the worlds of literature and nature come t.. The Town of Clayton has completed renovations to Fire Station 2 that will now allow full-time operations to transpire more efficiently.  Fire Station 2 was opened in 2000 as a volunteer fire station The Town of Clayton has hired Chief David Ranes to serve as the next leader of the Clayton Fire Department.  who will officially begin his new role on Oct was selected from more than 70 applicants from across the nation and bring.. Senior games in Clayton and other portions of Johnston County will soon be expanding thanks to a generous $25,000 donation from WoodmenLife.   “This sponsorship will go a long way to i.. Collaboration between the Town of Clayton and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has generated a unique internship opportunity for local high school student Lawhorn is an Academy of Engineering and Advanced Man.. Internships are a great way for students and recent graduates to gain real-world experience and explore potential career paths The Town of Clayton is proud of its intern program and is thrilled to acknowledge the dedication a.. an essential leader of The Clayton Center and Cultural Arts Department for 19 years has recently been selected as the Cultural Arts Director for the Town of Clayton Langston has been serving as the interim Cultural Arts Direct.. Important Information for Town of Clayton North (Riverwood Athletic Club) Water Customers: Johnston County will convert the water distribution system that serves your area from Johnston East to Johnston West The Town of Clayton maintains its streets through an annual pavement resurfacing and preservation program the project will include repaving 5.26 miles of asphalt streets Did you know that July is National Parks and Recreation Month In celebration of Clayton's parks and miles of greenways here are 5 things you can do this summer thanks to Clayton's Parks and Recreation facili.. The Town of Clayton Operations Center has sponsored a Flags for Heroes flag in honor of the late Donnie Sherrill Baker who passed away from complications due to COVID-19 in 2021 Baker worked for the Town of Clayton as a Street Maintenance Crew.. has won first place in this year's Clayton Visual Arts Paint the Town Competition The Clayton Electric Department was excited to take part in the 24th Annual NCAMES Lineman's Rodeo which was held at the Greenville Convention Center from May 16-18.  Our skilled Linemen demonstrated their expertise in various events a leading 100% Fiber Optic Internet and Total Home Wi-Fi service provider in the Mid-Atlantic today announced an investment of over $50 million in Johnston and Harnett County The Town of Clayton has recently invested in a new heavy truck lift that has resulted in significant productivity and efficiency gains The new lift columns have allowed the Fleet Services team to perform in-house.. The new field is part of a partnership between the Town and the high school which will help expand recreational and community involvement opportunities for both parties The Town of Clayton and Clayton High School celebrated the completion of a new artifi.. “What would I do in an emergency?” It is hard to know the answer to that question if you have never faced danger It’s even more difficult in the context of a business Clayton residents will soon see the beginning stages of construction on the new Municipal Park in Downtown Clayton with many of its current features dating back to the earl.. Town Hall:111 East Second StreetClayton NC 27520  Contact Directory Featured artist Pinchi Michi at the Downey Symphony concert in April 2022 the Downey Arts Coalition (DAC) has partnered with the Downey Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and the Downey Theatre to present art exhibits of local artists DAC and the symphony are the two oldest non-profit legacy arts organizations in Downey both the Downey Symphony Orchestra performance and the DAC art exhibit “Live DSO conductor Sharon Lavery begins the concert at 7 pm Downey Arts Coalition president and board member of the Downey Symphony won the DSO’s most recent annual baton auction With that she chose the “Theme from the Game of Thrones” by Ramin Djawadi She will be the guest conductor as the orchestra performs this opening number Art” art exhibit in the lobby and upper level of the Downey Theatre is curated by DAC’s Andrew Hernandez who has been working tirelessly as a curator for years Hernandez earned his BA in Art History from Cal State Dominguez Hills Student art work from Griffiths and Sussman middle schools is curated by the equally dedicated Eloisa Ball The featured artists are the unique visual artists Pinchi Michi well known throughout the Los Angeles area and longtime participants in DAC exhibits better known in the art world as Pinchi Michi is a widely respected artist whose art has always been more than a colorful distraction or casual personal interest instead it has continually functioned as a life line and refuge through the many wounds and struggles of growing up Michi showed interest in art at the young age of five years old She always used art as therapy and as a creative expression She has exhibited her artworks through-out California since 1998 She learned early on that art was meant to reach directly to the people and that any environment was made fuller and brighter for it Her art is highly influenced by her Mexican-American culture and she loves to paint with bold colors and representing her passion for music Born in Argentina and now based in Los Angeles Monica Pucciarelli is a self-taught artist whose work deeply connects to the feminine spirit Pucciarelli is currently expanding her creative boundaries by experimenting with fiber art including painting on burlap and other textured materials This new direction allows her to add depth and tactile dimensions to her exploration of the female experience painting is more than just a medium – it’s her truest form of communication guided by a belief that creativity flows when we tune out external distractions and tap into something greater letting the stories unfold naturally as she selects colors and the works of other artists as well as her native roots Pucciarelli’s paintings are both personal and universal Her work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries across Southern California and Argentina and she has been featured in notable art publications such as Womankind Magazine and Artemisa Cultural a magazine dedicated to Latin American artists operate Moving Still Pictures Photography in Downey Alberto Reyes returns to exhibit his phenomenally sculptured and 3D dragons Reyes discovered his passion for creating dragons It was the impact of the first Halloween he witnessed in the United States He started to assemble the elements of his artistic vision which was to make extraordinary and intense images translated into paper and adhesive He began drawing pictures with the intention of creating a papier-mâché image He incorporating color and texture this evolved into his first work using papier-mâché These are exceptional art pieces perfect to accompany the Game of Thrones performance FEATURED STUDENT ARTISTS: GRIFFITHS MIDDLE SCHOOL DAC is very pleased to continue its partnership with Sussman Middle School and exhibit students work from their art programs Griffiths Middle School is a school dedicated to the pursuit of all students belonging and growing which is evident when you walk into the art classroom The visual arts department has a rich history at Griffiths that continues to produce extraordinary artists year after year Ed Plant was the art teacher and his dedication to the field laid the foundation for the arts at GMS to thrive Plant became the Dean of Students it left an opening to find a new art teacher a longtime Downey resident and educator with 18 years of experience she was named after an artist her parents represented in their art gallery in Minnesota Being exposed to the arts at an early age through Meet the Masters programs in elementary school and photography and ceramics in high school sparked a love of all creative pursuits for Mrs She studied Art History and education at UCLA and received her teaching credential from Cal State Long Beach She loves being inspired by her students in her art design class and providing them opportunities to showcase their gifts and talents Her class is a semester-long class and introduces students to the language and history of art exploring various media and techniques while developing skills in visual communication Students gain hands-on experience including drawing students build a portfolio of their best work to showcase their skills and creative abilities Seelig says: “It is exciting to be able to exhibit the artwork from Griffiths Middle School students through the partnership with the Downey Arts Coalition and provide students to see the arts as a viable career pathway allowing them an opportunity to join a vibrant community of artists to connect with and create art.” Seelig’s students’ artwork was so popular they sold out at DAC’s Annual Dia De Los Muertos Festival Art Exhibit where they also received a certificate from DAC FEATURED STUDENT ARTISTS: SUSSMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL DAC is delighted to welcome back Vanessa Hernandez who teaches Art Design Ceramics Her students’ art also sold out at DAC’s Annual Dia De Los Muertos Festival Art Exhibit we strive to create a robust and inclusive visual and performing arts program,” she said accessible pathways that enable students to engage in meaningful arts education every year ensuring they retain and build upon their creative knowledge and skills throughout their academic journey at our school “A key pillar of Sussman Middle School is raising public awareness of the value of arts within our school and our community; the Downey Arts Coalition has played a key part in our Visual Arts program by sharing our vision of the Arts and showcasing the achievements of our students We are grateful for the opportunities given to us by DAC and we hope to continue to strengthen our partnership for the years to come.” It’s been a busy time for the Downey Arts Coalition DAC will recognize its Volunteer of the Year former artistic director of the Downey Civic Light Opera DAC looks forward to presenting its annual Downey Arts Coalition college scholarship to students from Columbus High School and Warren High School at the Downey Theatre DOWNEY — After more than a decade leading Downey Unified School District and a 33-year career in education His announcement came during Wednesday night’s Board of Education meeting “It has been an incredible honor to serve as superintendent of Downey Unified and I am forever grateful for the trust and support our board members we have built a culture where every student can thrive and I retire with great confidence in the future of Downey Unified.” Garcia took over as superintendent in 2013 and has since overseen significant achievements in the district the district expanded career technical education (CTE) pathways He also championed the Unified Sports program which recently earned the prestigious California School Boards Association Golden Bell Award Garcia led the development of a Strategic Master Plan that redefined the district’s mission and vision emphasizing innovation and student success he played a key role in the passage of Measure O which provided funding for high school construction projects and middle school renovations is supporting modernization efforts at all elementary schools Garcia also strengthened academic programs by aligning CTE pathways with industry standards and increasing A-G completion rates to ensure more students meet California public university entrance requirements His commitment to innovation helped Downey Unified earn 11 Apple Distinguished School designations and recognition as a model National Character Counts Garcia reinstated middle school sports and revitalized STEAM education at the elementary level ensuring students have access to well-rounded learning experiences Garcia,” Board of Education President Linda Saldaña said “His leadership as superintendent has had a positive impact on our schools and community and commitment to student success have shaped our district to be one of the best in the state.” Garcia expressed confidence in the district’s future citing its dedicated Board of Education and strong leadership team The Board of Education will begin the search for a new superintendent in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition before the 2025-26 school year officers responded to a group of suspicious subjects in the 7900 block of Burns Ave The suspects entered a cul-de-sac and fled from the vehicle Both the driver and passenger were located and subsequently arrested an officer on routine patrol in the area of Firestone Blvd attempted to stop a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation The suspect fled from officers but was ultimately located and taken into custody The suspect was found to be in possession of a firearm and narcotics officers responded to the 9500 block of Firestone Blvd Officers arrived and found an unconscious male adult Officers administered Narcan and the male regained consciousness and was transported to the hospital for further treatment officers responded to Stonewood Mall regarding an auto theft that had just occurred An officer located the stolen vehicle near the Downey Promenade The driver of the stolen vehicle began driving erratically at high speeds The pursuit was ultimately terminated by officers in the interest of public safety The vehicle was later recovered by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Receive emails when new obituariesare published to our website When you have experienced the loss of a loved one you can trust Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home to guide you through the process of honoring their life At Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home we pride ourselves on serving families in Oregon Millbury and the surrounding areas with dignity Our staff is experienced in a variety of funeral services and can help you celebrate your loved one no matter your religion professional and compassionate services to help lighten your burden and support you through the difficult times that follow the loss of a loved one We're honored to assist you in your time of need and would like to assure you that we'll do everything in our power to make your experience a meaningful and memorable one family-oriented environment with traditional architecture and tasteful interior decor Our facilities accommodate all types of funerals and memorials large and small meet with one of our experienced professionals and see for yourself why we take such pride in our beautiful and unique accommodations We're proud to do our part in honoring our country's veterans and giving back to those whose sacrifice and patriotism define our great nation Our duty is to provide you and your family with professional and dignified assistance during your time of need and to support you in honoring your loved one for their dedication and selfless service Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home - Oregon Chapel Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home Millbury Chapel Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home | (419) 698-4301 | empfh@sbcglobal.net440 South Coy Road Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home | (419) 836-2150 | empfh@sbcglobal.net1111 Woodville Road © Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral HomeFuneral Home Website Design By Frazer Consultants & TA Your browser may not work with certain site. Upgrade now. Downey Police Chief Scott Loughner addresses the multiple felony counts against three individuals accused of possessing fentanyl in the city during the press conference on Tuesday He is joined by California Attorney General Rob Bonta (left) and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J DOWNEY — Multiple felony counts were filed against three accused fentanyl dealers after the Downey Police Department found they allegedly possessed more than 50 pounds of the drug in an apartment within the city according to local and state officials on Tuesday The charges were announced during a press conference where Downey Police Chief Scott Loughner joined Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J Hochman and California Attorney General Rob Bonta An investigation between the California Department of Justice’s Fentanyl Enforcement Program and the Downey Police Department discovered the cache in a car and the Downey apartment on Jan The department’s “biggest bust yet” included - in addition to the 50lbs (20 kilograms) of fentanyl - five kilograms of heroin narcotics packaging and two firearm suppressors “There's nothing worse than telling the family that their high school child has overdosed and passed away from taking fentanyl,” said Chief Loughner “This investigation shows the level of dangerous drugs that are being brought into our communities To say that this investigation has saved thousands of lives is an understatement.” The approximate street value of the seized fentanyl would be between $453,000 and $1.36 million according to a press release from the district attorney’s office Attorney General Bonta said the amount of powdered fentanyl the department seized would have been enough to make 14 million doses of fentanyl “To give you an idea what 50 pounds of fentanyl looks like we had Attorney General Bonton describe the number of lethal doses that would represent - 14 million lethal doses of two milligrams or more,” said DA Hochman “This one seizure could have killed literally every resident in LA County by itself.” The three suspects were identified as Priscilla Gomez Priscilla Gomez was driving through Downey on Wednesday when officers pulled her over for tinted windows and discovered narcotics in the vehicle The attorney general added that a canine was also activated at the stop He and the DA were unclear about how the drugs were found in the car “We had some reliable information to know about Priscilla Gomez's role as a courier prior to the traffic stop,” said Bonta she led us to the apartment where we were able to identify the ongoing operation with the other defendants and there were cartel elements at the apartment.” The attorney general said at the beginning of the press conference the trio were allegedly involved in "cartel activity.” He did not verify which "cartel elements” were found in the apartment but said certain decor some cartels are known for such as symbols and insignias were present.” District Attorney Hochman said the alleged connection to the cartel would relate to the source of the drugs and “the cartel connection will be developed as the evidence is presented in court.” A pattern for synthesizing fentanyl is through the raw resources from China that are pressed in Mexico and come over the border Priscilla Gomez faces three counts of possession for sale of a controlled substance and a single count of sale transportation or offer to sell a controlled substance She is being held on $35,000 bail and could spend 28 years in prison if convicted as charged She is in federal custody after being recently convicted of a drug trafficking charge Gustavo Omar Gomez has two counts of possession for sale of a controlled substance and faces 24 years in prison if convicted as charged Mariscal is facing two counts of possession for sale of a controlled substance one count of possession of a silencer and another count of unlawful possession of ammunition prohibited by a prior conviction The preliminary hearing for Mariscal and Gustavo Gomez is set for March 20 officers responded to a vehicle burglary in progress Officers located the suspects in a white Infiniti The vehicle pursuit was ultimately aborted because the suspects’ driving posed a threat to public safety officers responded to the area of Stewart & Gray Rd to assist South Gate PD officers with a traffic stop on a wanted vehicle Downey PD K-9 Rex was requested and responded to assist K-9 Rex’s presence at the traffic stop helped ensure all suspects complied with officers All suspects were safely taken into custody without incident officers responded to the 13200 block of Woodruff Ave regarding two male adults suffering from a suspected drug overdose Officers promptly arrived and administered Narcan and medical aid Downey Fire Department ultimately responded and took over medical care Both males recovered and were transported to local hospitals for further medical aid officers responded to a call of shots fired in the 9000 block of Imperial Hwy Officers located shell casings in the area they were unable to locate a victim or suspect an officer on routine patrol observed a vehicle commit a traffic infraction Further investigation revealed the vehicle was reported stolen to the Vernon Police Department and the driver was taken into custody without incident officers responded to the 9400 block of Firestone Blvd A private tow truck driver was performing a tow when he was approached by an unknown male suspect who became increasingly aggressive and ultimately assaulted the driver Officers responded and located the suspect a local transient who was taken into custody without incident officers responded to Golden Park regarding reports of shots fired Officers promptly responded and located evidence of a shooting Officers spoke with several witnesses and canvassed the area for surveillance video Detectives are currently investigating the incident officers responded to the 7300 block of Florence Ave A suspect entered a local business and took alcohol without paying for it The suspect was confronted by the store owner outside the business The suspect threatened to stab the store owner The suspect fled the scene and was located a short distance away by officers The suspect was taken into custody without incident Gerald Henry "Jay" Downey passed into the arms of his Savior in Akron & Mabel (Scherbarth) Downey born on November 9th He is survived by his wife Joyce (nee Wahn-Buso) Downey of 13 years and preceded in death by his wife Jan (nee Eicher) Downey of 53 years He is survived and deeply missed by his children Andy and Parker) and 4 great grandchildren (Liam he is survived by his brother Phillip (Connie) and many nieces' nephews 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren Jay was born during the great depression and grew up in the "Goosetown" neighborhood of Akron during WW II and graduated from South High School in 1954 He was a proud and active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron He attended Wittenberg College with intentions of being in the clergy He was drafted and served his country in the US Army in Peacetime Germany He was a loyal and dedicated employee of Goodyear Tire & Rubber for over 30 years in Akron in retail and in general accounting Jay took great pride in raising his family in Brimfield He enjoyed singing in the Goodyear Singers group and being a member of many church choirs he was a faithful servant at Faith Lutheran Church in Kent and later joined Tallmadge Lutheran Church volunteering and organizing with the Portage County Republican Party Everything he did was with dedication and commitment He raised his family with traditional American values and treating everyone with the same dignity and respect you would expect yourself He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren the same values and took great pride in sharing family lore and his years of wisdom He enjoyed teaching each of them to drive and most of all enjoyed sharing his sense of humor He was a man of many words and had a profound way of being tough but loving On top of being a dedicated and loving husband his ultimate legacy includes leaving his family with a deep understanding and love for Christianity His adult lifetime hobby was researching his family's genealogy He built an incredible network of information that tracked his family origins back to William Penn The information revealed and shared was profound one of his many passions included faithfully following the Cleveland Indians He also umpired local youth baseball for many years Later in life he enjoyed the fellowship and bonds of his friends at Concordia at Sumner in Copley where he was loved and cared for deeply by his wife Joyce and staff We are left to mourn for him on earth until we are together again please consider a donation to Copley EMS or Tallmadge Lutheran Church Family and friends are invited to visit Wednesday To share a memory of Jay or leave a special message for his family Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text (Photo by Brittany Murray/MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images) DOWNEY — Downey, California, has been recognized as the 57th hottest real estate market among small U.S. cities in 2025, according to a recent analysis by Construction Coverage a leading online publisher of construction industry research reports the median sale price of a home in Downey reached $907,000 marking a 13.7% increase from the previous year 49.9% of homes sold above the asking price and properties remained on the market for a median of 38.9 days Only 15.4% of new listings experienced a price drop during this period.​ with the median home sale price rising to $427,523 in December 2024 This national uptick underscores the heightened activity in markets like Downey where price appreciation outpaced the national average.​ Construction Coverage's comprehensive report analyzed real estate market conditions in over 600 U.S The study considered factors such as one-year changes in median sale prices the share of homes sold above asking price and the share of listings with price drops These metrics were used to create a composite score identifying the hottest real estate markets across various city sizes Downey's position at 57th highlights its competitiveness and appeal within this segment.​ The report also shed light on state-level trends and Massachusetts emerging as the top three states with the hottest real estate markets reflecting strong market dynamics in various cities Downey's robust real estate performance can be attributed to several factors including its strategic location within the Los Angeles metropolitan area and ongoing community development initiatives I try to sit back and reflect on how Downey has changed and then I try to think about how that momentum could carry us into the future I started this article as I always do: by reading last year’s installment it seemed like Downey was finally on the verge of normalcy after a pandemic that’s what this last year has truly felt like but for the first time in at least a little while it didn’t seem like there was a looming dark cloud over our heads I walk to lunch from the Downey Patriot office located in Downtown Downey on the corner of Downey Avenue and 3rd Street This has allowed me to really sit an appreciate the changes and developments in the downtown area as they occur There are businesses like Hall of Fame Market and the Second Tyme Around Thrift Shoppe that help keep some of the street’s homey charm while newer establishments like Ola Restobar and Lock and Key Social Drinkery bring fresh life maintaining a regular community presence as well I even like the new clock that was donated by Rotary (though I’ll probably catch some flack at the next Kiwanis meeting for admitting that) But there are two spots along my trek that are significant eye sores: the former Peking China Restaurant and Miller Mies Mortuary locations I wrote that I wanted to see the return of Peking China which was forced to close in 2022 after a two-alarm kitchen fire caused significant damage after two years and the appearance of for lease signs on its still boarded-up front façade a comeback no longer seems like it is in the cards As for the former Miller Mies building on the corner I admittedly don’t remember when that business moved out from its location and onto Paramount Boulevard just that the space it left behind has remained dark dusty and - honestly - really kind of creepy for years Now that we’ve grieved the passing of Peking China (pun absolutely intended) I’d love to see a new business rise from the ashes (no pun intended) I don’t necessarily have any idea or suggestion as to what that may be or look like I just hope that it might be something fresh and new for the city specifically to table top game; I just don’t have a great place to do it This is where a tabletop game store would come in Stores such as The Guild House in Bellflower offer a couple of unique opportunities for game enthusiasts like myself they usually offer a large selection of games to peruse and purchase as well as a library of titles that can be pulled out and played right there in the store Role playing game (like Dungeons and Dragons) players could also conceivably find all sorts of gaming necessities and accessories Locations such as these also commonly sell trading card games and subsequently hold tournaments and Disney Lorcana players shouldn’t feel left out But on top of adding a niche flair to our local economy a store like this would also serve as a local hangout spot providing added entertainment for residents and I’m overdue for some new dice shopping Warren vs Downey should be a week-long community celebration When I was in high school (Warren c/o 2010) Downey / Warren week was my favorite week of the year I got to participate in a lot of the pomp and circumstance of the rivalry; my favorite being what was known as “campus chaos,” where we would march around the entire school disrupting classes I even painted my face blue for the game my senior year (realize too late that it was also senior portrait night… Oh well that same passion and dedication to my alma mater still lives on especially when we talk about…ahem… the other school I know many alumni from both schools feel the same way That’s why I’m pitching that Downey / Warren week should be made into a week-long Fundraising (either for the school or a school program or another charitable cause) could be implemented Downey / Warren Week is already treated as a week-long spirit week on each campus; why not extend the fun to everyone else Empty cages at SEAACA and LA County Animal Care and Control Centers but I don’t think it ever fully resonated with me I wandered into the LA County Animal Care and Control shelter located on South Garfield Avenue or Tazaroni) is a roughly 8-month-old Chihuahua Pug mix who loves to run and play with just about any toy that squeaks She sleeps like a Jello mold (that is to say she sleeps in whatever configuration she happens to land in) and bites noses as an expression of love (we’re working on that one) and other potential pets that have yet to be so lucky But if you have space in your heart and your home consider visiting these animals and seeing if you connect with one of them; you may just find a new best friend And if you’re not able to take on a pet at this time Both the LA County shelter and SEAACA have Amazon wish lists that are posted on their respective websites Our furry friends deserve a happy life too (and Tazzy says you won’t regret it) Robert Downey Jr. made a surprise appearance at the South by Southwest Conference and Festival on Saturday joining Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman for a featured session on "The Future of World-Building at Disney." Here's what Downey said during the session: Downey spoke about his legacy as the iconic Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe "It's the gift that keeps on giving. It's 17 years of being associated with an iconic superhero, but, you know, it's the message he represents," Downey said in a clip shared on X by The Hollywood Reporter because Tony opened my eyes wide to the power technology has to impact the world for good and that's something that I'll carry with me for the rest of my days So thank y'all for making that happen," he continued Downey is returning as Tony Stark for the upcoming Disney California Adventure expansion: Stark Flight Lab In the new attraction, guests will be able to test out Stark's technology by sitting in "gyro-kinetic pods" and being propped up by a robotic arm, according to Disney enthusiast Drew Smith Construction on the project begins this year Marvel fans tearfully saw Iron Man die in "Avengers: Endgame," but that wasn't the end for Downey He explained that after leaving the franchise he stayed in touch with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige who had the idea of bringing Downey back on screen according to an interview in The Hollywood Reporter's "Award Chatter" podcast Feige brought up the idea that he could return as Victor Von Doom in the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday," the iconic Fantastic Four villain who is traditionally an adversary of Reed Richards — USA TODAY reporter Brendan Morrow contributed to this report and Simu Liu shared the first official looks at (most of) the massive cast together for a Marvel screening Sydney Bucksbaum is a writer at Entertainment Weekly covering all things pop culture – but TV is her one true love She currently lives in Los Angeles but grew up in Chicago so please don't make fun of her accent when it slips out