Live Wire: A Downey Patriot Podcast: Recent Episodes

The Downey Patriot

Featuring conversations with Downey civic leaders, residents, elected officials, business owners, and others who make Downey a unique community.

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Eric Pierce and Alex Dominguez recap the week's news, including the first announced candidate for city council.

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Eric and Alex talk about Downey's love-hate relationship with Ojos Locos.

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Eric Pierce and Alex Dominguez recap this week's city council meeting, which saw new city manager Roger Bradley take the oath of office. Plus, Alex rages about the Downey Symphony asking for a financial subsidy.

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A beloved Downey institution will soon be history as Frantone's Pizza prepares to close this summer. Taking its place is Chick-fil-A. Eric Pierce and Alex Dominguez discuss. 

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Eric Pierce and Alex Dominguez recap Downey's latest council meeting, highlighted by the hiring of Roger Bradley as city manager. Plus talk of a historical preservation ordinance, what's next for the Vultee building, and an expansion of Downey Police administration.

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Eric Pierce and Alex Dominguez discuss the historic recall of Downey Councilwoman Catherine Alvarez.

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Downey is making another push to recruit Trader Joe's to the city. Will it work? Eric Pierce and Alex Dominguez discuss.

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Staff writer Alex Dominguez shares his 2023 Downey wish list.

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Downey Patriot editor Eric Pierce and staff writer Alex Dominguez discuss what Downey can expect from its new mayor, Claudia Frometa.

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Downey Unified superintendent Dr. John Garcia recounts the 2020 pandemic shutdown, transitioning back to on-campus learning, and the current status of the Downey Unified School District.

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As their reigns come to an end, The Downey Patriot chats with Miss Downey Viany Campa and her royal court, including Miss Teen Downey Sarah Sarofeem, Junior Miss Downey Allie Hanks, and Little Miss Downey Alexis Givens.

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Journalist Alex Dominguez joins the podcast to recap the city council candidates forum. Alex shares which candidates impressed him and which candidates struck out. 

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Former Downey mayor Mario Guerra talks about his Cuban upbringing, negotiations with Tesla and Trader Joe's, and lots more. 

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Eric Pierce and Alex Dominguez discuss Downey's upcoming elections, including city council and school board.

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Former Downey mayor Rick Rodriguez talks about building a career and family in Downey, why he didn't run for re-election, if he would ever run for office again, and what he's up to today.

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Carol Rowland, former coordinator of Keep Downey Beautiful, talks about her rock and roll past, how she came to Downey, and her favorite moments as a City of Downey employee.

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Downey hikes the minimum wage for healthcare workers, the Columbia Memorial Space Center is poised to receive $1 million, City Council elections are starting to take shape, and Downey is adding the name of a Marine killed in action to its veterans memorial.

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Downey Patriot staff writer Alex Dominguez joins editor Eric Pierce to discuss the Downey City Council's decision to give eligible healthcare workers a $25 per hour minimum wage. Plus, Downey considers stipends for street vendors and residents will vote on increasing the city's hotel tax. 

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Downey Unified bans gum on campuses and considers a gender neutral dress code, Stay Gallery proposes a half-million dollar funding plan, city manager Gilbert Livas retires, and a new chicken restaurant is opening in Downey. All in less than two minutes. 

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Get caught up on the latest Downey news in less than two minutes. 

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A recap of this week's Downey news in under 2 minutes.

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In his first interview since becoming Downey's newest council member, Donald La Plante shares his thoughts on the current state of Downey, why he applied for the city council vacancy, and what he hopes to accomplish over the next seven months.

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Veteran TV journalist Dave Lopez shares stories from his nearly 50 years in journalism, including covering the OJ Simpson trial and the LA Riots. He also talks about his new book, "It's a Great Life If You Don't Weaken: Family, Faith, and 48 Years On Television."

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Greg Welch shares what it was like operating a mortuary during the COVID-19 pandemic and talks about his work as a missionary and chaplain.

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In this episode, Eric Pierce and Alex Dominguez review the six applicants seeking to fill the vacant District 2 Downey City Council seat.

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Journalist Alex Dominguez joins the podcast to discuss Downey news, including the return and expansion of the Downey Pride festival, the future of Stay Gallery, a vacancy on the City Council, and more.

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John Adams was the founding editor and publisher of the Downey Patriot. A relentless and sometimes gruff journalist, John was a familiar face in Downey during the early 2000s. In this episode, Jennifer DeKay and Eric Pierce remember John, his unique personality, and his efforts to keep journalism honest and accessible in Downey.

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Downey Patriot staff writer Alex Dominguez discusses how he got into journalism, his favorite stories to cover, and the political instability in Downey. Hosted by Eric Pierce.

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Blanca Pacheco talks about her rise from an awkward high school student to attorney, city council member and mayor.  She also reveals her goals as Downey mayor and talks about her campaign for state Assembly.

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Downey realtor, civic leader and country music singer Steve Roberson talks about his recently released sixth and final album. Steve also provides an update on the Downey YMCA and whether it will reopen.

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Downey Councilwoman Claudia M. Frometa talks about Downey's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, her year as mayor, and whether she plans to run for re-election.