Pomona · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pomona public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Flock Surveillance Cameras and Privacy
Multiple residents demanded accountability over the city's Flock license plate cameras — citing a reported case of Pomona PD data reaching DHS and an $87 million police budget. The police oversight commission is reviewing the contracts.
Tobacco Retail Licensing and Retailer Density
A dozen advocates, including youth as young as 14, urged the council to pass a long-delayed tobacco retail licensing ordinance. Pomona has 118 tobacco retailers and an F grade from the American Lung Association; the mayor promised the ordinance in two to three months.
Youth Substance Abuse and Social Host Ordinance
Teachers, students, and the Pomona Youth Prevention Coalition urged the council to amend the Social Host Ordinance to cover drugs — not just alcohol — and add education workshops instead of just fines, to protect kids from vapes and overdoses.
Blighted V Red Gas Station at 2295 North Garey
After years of resident complaints, the city is finally taking legal action on the abandoned gas station — authorizing nuisance abatement and possibly a court-appointed receiver to fix up the property. A neighbor told the council she has felt 'traumatized for six years' looking at it.
Proposed police substations on Holt Avenue
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole said two Holt Avenue business owners offered donated office space for police substations and asked to agendize the idea.
Illegal dumping and city cleanliness
Two council members blasted the trash piling up on city streets and urged residents to use their six free bulky-item pickups and the PomonaGo app.
Construction site security at new homes
A builder representative said the new Persimmon community on Mission Boulevard has suffered break-ins and vandalism — $170,000 in private security so far — and police response times of 90 minutes. He asked for parked patrol cars and increased patrols like other cities provide.
Parking and code enforcement on Yorkshire Way
Residents near Arrow Highway say three mechanic shops park dozens of vehicles on their street, leaving no parking for apartment dwellers, and code enforcement responses have been slow.
Nudity and public indecency ordinance along Holt corridor
Police say state law changes left them unable to address public nudity and sex-work-related activity near schools and businesses. The new ordinance gives officers a tool to contact potential trafficking victims and clean up the Holt corridor.
Safety around domestic violence shelters
A domestic violence survivor described exploitation and trafficking activity around a Pomona shelter and asked the city to evaluate shelter surroundings and create survivor navigators.
Homeless impacts and police response on West Monterey
Residents described trash, human waste, and safety problems from encampments on Arrow Highway and elsewhere; the mayor shared his own experience with a transient break-in and pledged more support.
Fireworks safety concerns after deadly Chino explosion
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole urged residents to think hard about fireworks after a Chino display gone wrong killed a young woman and critically injured three others. Pomona bans all fireworks, and she flagged that even sparklers cause injuries.
Pallet Yard Fire and Enforcement Sweep
After a three-alarm pallet yard fire on East Ninth Street, the city inspected all twelve pallet yards — six got stop-work orders for dangerous code violations. Garcia called the conditions, including no bathrooms and below-minimum-wage work, 'inhumane.'
ICE Operation, Police Drone, and Alleged Assaults Near City Hall
The council adopted a resolution barring city property from being used to stage federal immigration enforcement. Advocates want a stronger ordinance, an audit of city contractors with DHS ties, and limits on Flock camera data sharing.
Holt Avenue Corridor Needs Assessment and Human Trafficking Report
The city received a detailed report addressing human trafficking and neighborhood needs along the East Holt Avenue corridor to guide future interventions.
E-scooter and e-bike safety
Vice Mayor Ontiveros-Cole raised dangers of unsupervised youth riding e-scooters without helmets, citing fatalities regionwide; the mayor noted a future agenda item on regulations.
Alcohol license concentration and public safety at 3024 W. Temple Ave.
A longtime convenience market wants to upgrade from beer-and-wine to a full liquor license. The Planning Commission approved it 4-3 with conditions, but the council paused to see whether the owners will offer a community benefit before making the required finding on May 18.
LA County Fire services agreement and fire funding sustainability
The council approved a three-year deal keeping LA County Fire as the city's fire department since 1994, but costs rise about $12 million over three years. The city plans to pursue a dedicated funding source and Measure Z on the June ballot to stabilize the fire bill.
Police Oversight Commission appointment
Monica Canales was appointed to fill a vacancy on the five-member Police Oversight Commission after a subcommittee reviewed three applications.
Vacant and abandoned buildings
Code compliance detailed the abatement process for 197 actively abandoned properties, including the troubled 416 N. Garey site. The mayor suggested exploring a Berkeley-style vacancy tax on negligent commercial owners.
Police Transparency
Pomona's police are reportedly stonewalling on homicide data, despite a new law demanding transparency. This secrecy is a major red flag for public access to crucial information.
Police Contract Renewal
Pomona's business district is getting more police presence thanks to a renewed contract with the DPOA. More cops on the beat means a potentially safer and more secure environment for businesses and shoppers.
Police Conduct Complaint
Pomona's police are under fire! A local group says they're being unfairly targeted and are ready to sue if things don't change. They're making their demands known at the next City Council meeting.
Ceasefire Resolution
Pomona's city council passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza—a rare move for a local government. It's mostly symbolic, but it shows your council is willing to weigh in on international issues. If you care about what they spend time on, take note.
Public Safety Ordinance
Pomona is trying to fight human trafficking by banning hourly motel rates. The idea is to make it tougher for criminals to use motels for illegal activities by changing how rooms are rented.
Police Misconduct Trial
Two Pomona police officers were found not guilty in a recent trial related to a wild arrest. This verdict clears the officers and closes a case that had the department facing intense scrutiny.