About Dorothy Pemberton
Dorothy Pemberton has lived in Downey all her life. Her immigrant parents moved to Downey from South Gate in the 1950s.
Dorothy attended Lewis Elementary School, Woodruff Junior High School (Now Downey Adult School), and graduated from Downey High School. She received her Associate of Arts Degree in computer science as a Systems Analyst from Cerritos College.
She and her husband bought their first house in Downey. In her 40s, she went back to college and obtained a Bachelor’s degree, teaching credential, and a Master's degree from Cal State Long Beach.
Her parents taught her the value of hard work and pursuing the American Dream. For the past 15 years, she has worked as a substitute teacher with the Downey Unified School District.
At the same time, she is a seasoned Realtor/Broker with 30 years of experience, works for Century 21 Peak, and is a member of the Greater Downey Association of Realtors.
Dorothy has a record of community service that started in the 1980s with Soroptimist International of Downey and Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
She initially engaged with organizations that involved both of her daughters, Shelby and Whitney, including Downey Ponytail.
She is the former Chairwoman and current member of the Downey Family YMCA, former Board Member and current member of Gangs Out of Downey (GOOD), and past President of Downey Council PTA and Director of the PTA HELPs food pantry. She has had leadership roles in every organization she joins.
Her passion to serve the City expanded after seeing her representation deteriorate after the last election. Dorothy and other concerned community members organized a grassroots recall campaign which resulted in a historic win for Downey. On January 31, 2023 the recall efforts succeeded by removing from office a sitting council person with 90% of the vote; the first time in our city's history.
During the recall campaign, Dorothy spoke with thousands of residents in District 3 who expressed their concerns and shared ideas to make our community better.
Dorothy's unique insight of what residents want has played a key role in shaping the strategy of her goals. She will focus on maintaining and improving the safety of our community, fiscal responsibility, quality of life and economic development.
Dorothy has earned the support of many of her peers including key endorsements from former Downey Mayors like Mayor Rick Rodriguez, Mayor Mario A. Guerra, Mayor Alex Saab and current Downey Mayor Claudia Frometa along with several DUSD Board members and Downey Unified School Board President Giggy Perez-Saab.
