Profanity Laced Lawsuit Filed by Downey Fire Union Targets Mayor, Council, Chief

Image of Downey Firefighters Facebook page stressing “Downey Firefighters Support Democratic Party” on Measure B.

The continuing battle between Downey City officials and members of a labor union representing Downey Fire Fighters has reached a new boiling point when details of a new profanity-laced lawsuit was brought into the public eye for the first time.

The suit was filed in United States Central District Court by the law firm of Brown, White and Newhouse on August 1. In the filing, a jury trial has been requested.
At the regular Downey City Council meeting August 12, councilmembers confirmed they had received notice of the lawsuit filed by the Downey Firemen’s Association. Fourteen DFA members claim they have been “targets” and are “alleging retaliation” took place against them by city officials.
The lawsuit comes on the heels of City voters’ rejection in June of an Association proposed charter amendment that sought to eliminate the voters’ right to approve the contracting out of public safety services.
The lawsuit also states that officials on both sides engaged in several profanity laced conversations, with “F-Bombs” being repeatedly mentioned.
Downey Councilmember Mario A. Guerra blasted the lawsuit in an interview with HMG-CN.
“This is another attempt to mislead and deceive Downey residents in what has become another abuse of the legal system. I was appalled to read the false statements against me, our council and the attempt to slander my name and character,” Guerra said.
“I look forward to Downey moving past this distraction and continuing on with our positive growth,” Guerra said.
Guerra also pointed to the results of a June Primary Election when 83% of the voters supported, in his words, “to keep the voice in the city and keep the voice of what we want as a Police and Fire in the city.”
“The City Council has continued to reach out to put the ‘toothpaste back in the tube’ for the Downey Firemen’s Association, stretch forth an olive branch and agree to what is best for Downey residents. The DFA has continued to reject any solution that the Council has suggested,” Guerra continued.
Guerra, who was Mayor this past year, stated that he believes this to be politically motivated.
“Many of these items are things that just didn’t happen. I want to go on record on some of these things” Guerra then proceeds to mention all the individuals that are suing the city of Downey stating ‘these are disturbing allegations.”
Statements in the lawsuit say that salary raises were being withheld, and the City Council not only was being unethical but illegal in conducting business with then Fire Chief Lonnie Croom.
Guerra says there are allegations made against the Council and Staff in the lawsuit, but many refer to him specifically.
One portion of the lawsuit states that City Manager Livas went to the Fire union and told them to ‘take Mario Guerra out’ because Livas had been refused a raise, and to look for anything illegal Guerra had done and subpoena his records.
According to Guerra the lawsuit states that the Downey Firemen’s Association “supports Mayor-Pro Tem Luis Marquez for Downey District 1” and, “Marquez and City Manager Livas went to the union three times to ‘take Guerra out.”
“The Firemen’s Association continues to use the litigation process to politicize its disagreement with former Chief Croom’s objective and candid assessment to the Council regarding the Association’s proposal to contract out fire services to the County,” stated Mayor Fernando Vasquez.
Mayor Vasquez and members of the Council are committed to ensuring that this lawsuit will not detract from the quality of service provided to City residents.

In February, HMG-CN published an article regarding the very controversial vote regarding Police Safety, Fire Department and Paramedic Protection.

HMG-CN reported that the Downey City Council had outsourced emergency medical transport services and city jail operations to private companies.

Charter Amendment 14 was written to restore the voting public the right to choose, by majority vote, which public or private entity would best provide cost effective and efficient fire and police services to Downey.

In a press release dated March 11, 2014, the City moved to dismiss a meritless Strategic Lawsuit against Public Participation [SLAPP]; which charged the Downey Fire Association of trying to mislead the public. This was to ensure that Downey citizens fully understood the consequences of their vote for Charter Amendment 14 on the June 3, 2014 ballot.

MedPride Powder-Free Nitrile Exam Gloves, Iris Blue, Medium, Box/100

(98307)

$9.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and Meal Prep, LCD Display, Medium, 304 Stainless Steel

(159119)

$13.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

BETHEGIFT Funny Card for Mom from Daughter, Son, Kids on Mothers Day - Heartfelt Message to Mother, Perfect for Birthday,…

(27)

$7.95 (as of May 4, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

15x52 HD Binoculars for Adults High Powered with Upgraded Phone Adapter - Large View Binoculars with Clear Low Light Vision - Lightweight Waterproof Binocular for Bird Watching Travel Hunting Cruise

(1456)

$55.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)

(4750)

$337.08 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

HydroJug Traveler - 40 oz Water Bottle with Handle & Flip Straw - Fits in Cup Holder, Leak Resistant Tumbler-Reusable Insulated Stainless Steel & Rubber Base - Gifts for Women & Men, Pink Sand

(8470)

$39.99 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Hontry Binoculars for Adults and Kids, 10x25 Compact Binoculars for Bird Watching, Theater and Concerts, Hunting and Sport Games

(22543)

$21.15 (as of May 4, 2025 06:28 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified…

(228)

$1,049.00 (as of May 4, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Seagate (Recertified Exos X 28TB Internal Hard Drive HDD - 3.5 in CMR SATA 6Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 512MB Cache, 2.5M MTBF…

(19)

$349.99 (as of May 4, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Astercook 23 Pcs Pots and Pans Set Non Stick, Ceramic Cookware Set Detachable Handle, RV Kitchen Cooking Set Removable Handles,…

(106)

$79.99 (as of May 4, 2025 17:24 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)