Pomona · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pomona public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Citywide tree maintenance contract delayed
Street trees are great until their roots crack sidewalks or their canopies tangle with utilities. The commission is discussing how the city should handle these conflicts over the long term.
Complete Streets Ordinance overview
Clean and Green Pomona's president brought a memorial bouquet of 70 roses — one for each pedestrian killed in Pomona from 2014 to 2024 — and urged the council to support road diets and slower speeds through Complete Streets.
Code of Ethics for City Officials
Pomona's Ethics Commission was scheduled to review the final draft of a Code of Ethics and Conduct that would set standards for how city officials behave. If approved, it goes to the City Council, which would decide whether to adopt it.
Homelessness and shelter capacity
The council approved $2.77 million to install modular housing units, part of the city's interim housing efforts. A resident criticized the lack of a presentation; council members said the project had been discussed multiple times.
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.
Proposed Rental Registry for Rental Properties
A rental registry would require landlords to register units, giving the city data on rents, conditions and violations. Staff recommended it, but the council split 3-4 against it, with skeptics citing cost, unproven benefits and only nine months of program data.
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.
Permanent Supportive Housing Funding
The city is buying $2.2 million in prefabricated modular units to house homeless individuals and families with Pomona ties on city-owned land next to the family stabilization hub. Neighbors worry about security, loitering, and the poor condition of the alleys serving the site; a public design review hearing with 10-day notice is still to come.
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.
Parks and Recreation Commissioner removal
The commission was scheduled to consider removing one of its own members, which would change the composition and leadership dynamics of the volunteer body. The reason for the proposed removal and the outcome are not documented in the materials provided.
Deteriorating city streets
Pomona's pavement score dropped from 68 to 55 — nearly half the network needs major repair, and it would take about $25 million a year just to keep from getting worse.
Speed hump moratorium and street safety
Pomona is stepping up traffic safety with a new action plan and investing $2.42 million to repave streets across the city.
Street vendor ordinance reform
Several vendors said the 909 Tacolandia organizer is passing the city's $25,000 fine onto them, intimidating and excluding those who complain. They asked the city to investigate and consider a new market operator.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$195,000 settlement in Almanza litigation
The council settled a lawsuit against the city for $195,000, with Councilmember Martin dissenting.
Senior meals program funding shortfall
LA County cut about $100,000 from the funding it gives Pomona's senior meals program, which serves packed lunch sites at parks like Palomares and Washington. Councilmember Garcia wants staff to lean on state legislators to fill the gap so no senior loses a meal.
Delinquent trash bills to property tax liens
If you're behind on your Athens Services trash bill, the city can now send it to the county property tax roll as a lien. About 1,073 property owners got final notices; pay or set up a payment plan by July 31 to avoid it.
Measure Z Passage and Restoration of City Services
Community meetings on the Measure Z Kids First funding amendment are underway February 4, 5, and 11.
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.
Ban on detention facilities in Pomona
The zoning code amendment defines and prohibits detention facilities in every zoning district, closing a loophole at the Fairplex. Speakers invoked the 1942 roundup of Japanese Americans at the fairgrounds and current ICE detention concerns.
Cesar Chavez park, holiday, and public art reconsideration
After a New York Times investigation accused Cesar Chavez of abusing girls, Pomona is deciding what to do with Cesar Chavez Park, the March 31 holiday, and three public art pieces. The holiday was already renamed Farm Workers Day; the council is taking a careful, artist-and-community-inclusive approach rather than removing things overnight.
Pomona North A Line station activation
A first-of-its-kind Metro agreement lets the city run events, night markets, public art, and vendor activations at the station with waived fees, Metro security, and three-day notice — with FIFA watch parties and 2028 Olympics cricket on the horizon.
Housing Authority Annual and Administrative Plans
The Housing Authority updated its annual and administrative policies to guide affordable housing and assistance programs for fiscal year 2026-27.
Rent stabilization relocation assistance
A proposed policy would have replaced the current LA-based relocation fee schedule with a Pomona-specific unit-size schedule. Tenant advocates said it would weaken protections and increase homelessness; the council took no action.
Federal immigration enforcement in Pomona
Councilmember Garcia asked for an ordinance barring federal immigration agents from using city property, following Hu[r]upa Valley's example; multiple residents criticized the mayor's response to recent Border Patrol activity.
Crosswalk guard safety
Councilmember Martin again pushed for a crosswalk guard agenda item after years of pedestrian deaths near schools; the mayor said the school district has funds and directed staff to make it happen.
Campaign Finance Disclosure
Did two Pomona City Council members properly report campaign donations from the police union years ago? An investigation is looking into whether Victor Preciado and Steve Lustro followed the rules for that 2018 cash.
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.
Zoning Code Update
Pomona is updating its old zoning code, which is a major reason for the city's environmental problems. This change could reshape how the city grows and tackles pollution.
City Manager Appointment
Pomona has a new city manager, Anita D. Gutierrez! Think of her as the city's CEO, in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly and the city council's plans actually happen.
City Management Appointment
Pomona just appointed Anita Gutierrez as acting city manager. She's got over 20 years of public service experience, so get ready for some potential changes around City Hall!
Water Contamination Lawsuit
Pomona scored a massive $30 million win in a lawsuit over fertilizer polluting their water supply. This cash is earmarked for cleaning up the mess and ensuring safe drinking water for everyone.
Hero Pay Ordinance
Pomona is rolling out 'hero pay' for some retail workers, giving them a bonus for their hard work during the pandemic. It's a way to recognize those on the front lines.
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.
Councilmember Criminal Charges
A Pomona city councilman has been charged with possessing child pornography, putting a serious scandal at the center of city leadership. The case could lead to removal efforts or a special election, so residents should expect political and governing fallout.
Sanctuary City Policy
Pomona is officially becoming a sanctuary city, meaning local police won't be helping federal immigration agents much anymore. This aligns the city with California's statewide policies on immigration enforcement.
Zoning Ordinances
Pomona's City Council is revisiting zoning rules for the Fairplex, potentially changing how the area can be used and developed. This could mean new opportunities or restrictions for businesses and events at the popular venue.