Kiwanis - Downey Los Amigos

10/14/2026

Another great Wednesday morning with Los Amigos Kiwanis!

We welcomed former USC athletes Isaac Ward and Josiah Zamora, who shared how they founded Athena Athletic, a nonprofit bringing together former college and professional athletes to make high-quality youth sports more affordable and accessible. Their goal is to break down the financial barriers that keep kids on the sidelines and give more young people the opportunity to learn from experienced athletes. 🏈✌🏻

We were also joined by Councilwoman Pemberton, who recognized fellow Kiwanian Kenny Ferraro for his 32 years of membership and his unforgettable contributions to our patriotic songs! 🇺🇸

And yes, President Cisco survived his first meeting with the Kiwanis bell still in his possession! 🔔

Hail Kiwanis!

10/14/2026

Congratulations to Bill and Katie Hare!

Tonight, Bill and Katie Hare were honored with the Mayor’s Legacy Award by the City of Downey, recognizing their decades of service and dedication to our community!

Since the 1960s, Bill and Katie have helped shape some of Downey’s most cherished institutions, from the YMCA and Downey Symphony to local schools, healthcare, and youth programs.

Bill is also a past president and 37-year member of our Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Club, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service and community.

We are incredibly proud of Bill and Katie and thank them for all they have done for Downey. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

10/09/2026

Happy birthday to past president and reigning ugly Christmas sweater champion Alex Saab!

10/08/2026

We had an incredible night last night as we expressed our appreciation to our outgoing president Michael Calvert and welcomed our new president Oscar Cisco at the 60th Annual Installation Dinner at the Azar events center.

It was a full house as we celebrated community, volunteerism, and service to others.

The new Board was sworn in and Esther Lee, our superstar secretary, was recognized for her invaluable service to our Club. Michael Calvert gave an emotional outgoing speech and Oscar Cisco highlighted his vision for the growth of our club for the next year.

Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis is as strong and committed as ever to serving the children of the Downey Community. Thank you to all who joined us. Hail Kiwanis!!!

10/07/2026

09/14/2026

We'd like to wish former president Hector Sosa a very happy birthday today. Hector is a cherished member of our Kiwanis club.

Here he is pictured at a Rotary Club of Downey meeting.

08/12/2026

🤨

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of being this week's guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Downey. It was a packed house. I was able to share my testimony of service to the community over the last 20yrs, why I serve on City Council, and touch on my financial services practice.

Thank you very much to for allowing me to meet with your club of dedicated community servants!

08/12/2026

Another fun filled breakfast meeting with our
fellow Downey Los Amigos Kiwanians.

Special guest Alexander Saab led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Claude Bilodeau was the mystery greeter today but ending up fining himself because he wasn’t able to catch anyone not shaking his hand. Our extraordinaire Secretary Esther Lee made a special appearance today and received a warm happy birthday song from our Club members. Esther does so much for our club and we are so grateful for all that she does.

We had a special guest speaker today. Kolar Family YMCA executive director Cheryl Vargas provided a lot of insightful information and valuable updates about the YMCA construction. The new 25,000 square-foot facility is scheduled to open in July 2027 and our community is very excited for it.

If you are interested in joining a group of service-minded individuals, please reach out to any one of our members. Our club meets every Wednesday morning at 7 am for breakfast. Hail Kiwanis!!

07/08/2026

Our community has lost a truly remarkable person in Darrell Jackson. He was selfless, caring, and deeply committed to serving others, especially our youth and young adults. Whenever I asked for his help with Little League or mentoring young people, he never hesitated. Darrell had a unique gift for connecting with others and made a lasting impact on countless lives. To me and my family, he was not only an outstanding respected community leader but also a great friend. He will be deeply missed and always remembered as a class act, a solid family man, and a truly special person.

I will miss my friend. Thank you for your genuine brotherhood and friendship, Darrell.