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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.