For the past two years, Dorothy led the historically successful and first-ever
recall campaign in Downey.
Long time Downey resident and volunteer Dorothy Pemberton has announced she is running for the
Downey City Council in the vacated District 3 council seat.
“After serving my community for so many years, I feel it is important to bring back leadership to our district. Character and ethics does count in Downey, and I believe I am the most qualified to help lead our city forward” - Dorothy Pemberton
Dorothy has a record of community service that started in the 1980’s with Soroptimist International of Downey and the Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She initially engaged many 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 helps.
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.
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.
“Dorothy Pemberton has proven to have the best interest of Downey in her heart. Her track
record of volunteerism, passion for our community and work ethic speaks for itself. Dorothy
Pemberton is uniquely qualified to serve all Downey residents” - said former Downey Mayor Rick Rodriguez, who represented this district in the past.
Dorothy is running for city council because she believes Character still Counts in Downey. Credibility and honest representation is something residents in District 3 (North West quadrant of Downey) have not had for the past three years and she wants to bring that back, unifying our community.
During the recall campaign, Dorothy spoke with thousands of residents in District 3 that 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.
For more information about her positions or to read Dorothy’s full bio, please visit her website at
About Dorothy Pemberton: Dorothy Pemberton has lived in Downey all her life. Her immigrant
parents moved to Downey from South Gate in the 1950’s. Dorothy attended Lewis Elementary School, Woodruff Junior High School (Now Downey Adult School) and graduated from Downey High School. She received her Associates Degree from Cerritos College in computer programming and systems analyst. She and her husband bought their first house in Downey. In her 40’s, she went back to college and obtained a Bachelor’s degree, teaching credential and a Masters 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.
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