By the time we got to Downey
We were...300 strong.

Okay, it wasn't Woodstock - but 300 people showed up in Fuhrman park Wednesday night to watch the Wondrelles.

The four female vocalists sang classic "girl group" oldies like "Da Doo Ron Ron," "He's a Rebel," and "Mr. Sandman."

Thanks to the Downey Patriot for tipping us off! (Not to mention this groovy picture of the Wondrelle's in costume!)

Here's one more photo.

A summer night in Downey...

12:28 AM

DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA. - A "Severe Weather Warning" issued by the National Weather Service warned that Hurricane Emily's final fury was barrelling towards Southern and Eastern Los Angeles.

Flash floods could quickly swamp the flatlands after sudden thunderstorms...

Whoops - all clear. Apparently thunderstorms need the daytime heat.
The Flood Watch has been cancelled. Thank you for not panicking....

P.S. "CONDITIONS REMAIN FAVORABLE FOR THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY RAIN TO DEVELOP AGAIN SUNDAY AFTERNOON!!!!!"

9:15 PM

Hey kids - you wanna see a gold record?

This #1 gold record sold nearly two million copies, and spent four weeks at #1. In 1971, it was donated to the Downey Public Library, where 34 years later, it's now sitting in a glass display case up by the checkout desk.

The Carpenters' "Close to You."

Both Karen and Richard Carpenter grew up in Downey. They went to Downey High School on Firestone Boulevard - Richard was voted "outstanding senior" - and they always remembered their hometown. In 1971, they were grand marshalls for the Downey Christmas parade.

In fact, it was while visiting her parents in 1982 that Karen Carpenter also died in Downey. And at 8356 5th Street, you can still see the Close-to-You apartment building, which was owned by the Carpenters.

Now - you wanna see a gold album?

The Downey public library also has the album "Carpenters" in the same case.

6:03 PM

South Los Angeles - "where the riots flared" is - now experiencing a housing boom.

12:24 AM

Coming soon to Downey-Land: Our pictorial visit to the oldest (still-functioning) McDonald's restaurant in the world.

Plus Taco Bell, Sambos, and more. Don't miss it!

In the mean time, check out this classic 1953 Cadillac El Dorado!

11:02 PM