Pomona · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pomona public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.