Pomona · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pomona public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Historic significance of 1087 East Phillips Boulevard
Another owner is seeking a formal ruling that their 1087 East Phillips Boulevard house is not historic. Staff agrees, pointing to bungalow-architecture context materials and building permits.
Masonic Hall exterior modification at 395 South Thomas Street
An owner in the Landmark Quarter Historic District wants to change the south exterior stairs and make changes to the north side of the building. Since it's in a historic district, the changes need a Certificate of Appropriateness with a modification. Staff is recommending the commission approve it.
Historic significance of 1836 South White Avenue
A property owner is asking the city to formally decide whether their 1836 South White Avenue house is historic. Staff reviewed permits, photos, and the city's historic context statement and believes it isn't — which would free the owner from historic-review requirements.
Oak tree removal at 878-898 N. Garey Avenue
Seven protected oak trees are proposed for removal from a commercial property in the Downtown Gateway area. Pomona's tree preservation rules require a major permit for this, and the public hearing lets residents weigh in before a decision.
Newly adopted commission bylaws
The Commission discussed updates to its own by-laws — internal rules on how it operates.
Industrial project time extensions
Two already-approved industrial projects — a distribution building on S. Reservoir Street and two industrial buildings on E. Second Street — got extra time before their permits would expire. It keeps the projects alive but doesn't guarantee construction.
Mobile Stage Decal Mural
The Commission considered a draft Call for Art for a mural on the city's mobile stage, which appears at community events. The artwork would give local artists a visible public canvas.
Orange Grove Avenue Lane Reductions and Emergency Access
A resident warned that recent lane narrowing on Orange Grove between the 10 Freeway and newer modifications creates gridlock that could block fire, police and medical response. Councilmember Martin echoed severe peak-hour congestion and asked for a left-turn solution at White Avenue.
Holt Avenue Peak-Hour Bus and Bike Lanes (SGV Jump Start)
A $5,000 community benefit from the Temple Avenue liquor license will fund a business needs assessment and restoration plan for Holt Avenue, where 12 off-sale alcohol/tobacco retailers operate as legal nonconforming uses.
Western University VPD parking license amendment
The commission was set to consider amending the parking license agreement with Western University of Health Sciences for student, faculty and staff parking, but the meeting was adjourned before any discussion. The item now waits until November 12.
City Council Election Candidate
Victor Preciado is running for Pomona City Council District 2 in 2026 and answered a candidate questionnaire. If you live in District 2, it’s a quick way to see where he stands before you vote.
Park and Soccer Field Rehabilitation Projects
The city is investing in local recreation by rehabilitating soccer fields at Washington and Palomares parks and restriping parking lots to improve community facilities.
Pomona ACTS Climate Grant Progress
The $22 million state climate grant is delivering: a new scramble crosswalk and medians on Garey, nearly 1,000 free transit passes, free solar and battery storage for homes, 750 trees, resilience centers at two parks, and e-bike lending — with an extra $7.3 million coming from Prop 4.
Cal Poly Pomona Partnership
New university president Vanya Quinones laid out how Cal Poly drives the local economy — $1.2 billion in activity, 11,200 jobs — and flagged student housing expansion, a transit hub, and the Lanterman development as shared priorities.
East Holt Avenue PBID investigation
Pomona set aside money five years ago to create a business improvement district on East Holt Avenue, but it still doesn’t exist. A new investigation is asking where the money went and why consultants keep getting paid while the corridor waits.
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.
Fairplex local historic district
Part of the Fairplex is now Pomona's sixth local historic district, protecting grandstands, exhibit halls, the show barn and other 1922-1961 structures. The site's history includes the WWII Japanese American assembly center and a POW camp, and council members want National Register status pursued.
Pedestrian safety at Eleanor and Alvarado near Lincoln Park
A resident reported cars speeding through the Eleanor/Alvarado intersection near Lincoln Park and not yielding to pedestrians; neighbors want a four-way stop or yield signs. Staff will follow up on area traffic work.
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.
Pomona Downtown Parking District rate increase
The new parking app contract sparked debate: Martin voted no, saying shoppers deserve free parking; staff countered that two hours stay free and VPD funds will eventually repave lots. A resident described five tickets in three months.
Street Sweeping Parking Citations
Residents complained about confusing signage and unfair tickets under the street sweeping rules that started last July — one widow with three cars and a resident with five tickets in three months asked for relief, especially in residential areas.
Street lighting/landscaping assessment district funding
The Phillips Ranch-area district has a $340,000 fund balance only because services were slashed — assessments haven't risen since 1990. A possible assessment election is being set aside for, with a July 6 public hearing scheduled.
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.
Preservation of McDonald's #7 (1954)
The second-oldest original McDonald's building in the country is now a designated local landmark. The owner wanted to sell for demolition, but the council pledged grants, Mills Act tax relief, and partnership to rehabilitate the building.
City Council Election Candidate Profile
Pomona City Council District 5 voters are getting a 2026 primary questionnaire from candidate Elliot Rothman. If you live in District 5, it’s a quick way to see how he might handle city decisions before you vote.
City Council Election Candidate Questionnaire
Pomona City Council District 3 candidate Nora Garcia has filled out a 2026 primary election questionnaire, giving voters a quick look at where she stands on local issues. It's a chance to compare her positions before deciding who represents your neighborhood.
City Council Election
Victor Preciado is running for Pomona City Council District 2 and answered a 2026 primary election questionnaire. If you live in District 2, it’s a quick way to see where he stands before you vote.
Palomares Street speed bumps and traffic safety concerns
Multiple residents opposed speed bumps being installed on Palomares Street with no notice, saying traffic circles would be better for a neighborhood seeking historic status and for deaf, blind, and elderly residents. A school board member also asked for traffic safety fixes at Palomares and Elvarado.
Litigation settlements total roughly $735,000
The council unanimously approved settlements in three lawsuits: $300,000 each to two Lam plaintiffs, $75,000 to Josefina Silva, and $60,000 on the Torres tort claim.
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.
Chronic School Absenteeism
A school district liaison urged the council to form a committee and partner with the school district, community groups, and medical providers to address chronic absenteeism driven partly by immigration enforcement fears.
Garey Avenue Traffic Fatality
Council members mourned a young couple and their baby killed in a crash near Garey and County, and Preciado called for safer street design, quoting Vision Zero principles about infrastructure.
Palomares Park Senior Center community resilience center
Solar carports and battery storage will keep the senior center — a cooling center and senior lunch site — running 8-12 hours during power outages and heat waves, while cutting its utility bill by 60%.
Civic Center Plaza Playground Sculpture Project
The commission reviewed proposals for a new playground sculpture meant to make the Civic Center Plaza more engaging for children and families.
Downtown Mural Installation at 665 W. 2nd Street
A new mural permit was approved to bring fresh public artwork to 665 W. 2nd Street, adding color and cultural flair to the downtown area.
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.
DUI checkpoint protocols
Pomona's changing how they run DUI checkpoints, and it's all because of ICE activity. This could mean changes to how officers operate and potentially impact your travel plans.
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.
Housing Development
Get ready, Pomona! A massive 289-unit apartment complex is coming to 3101 N. Garey Avenue. This could be a game-changer for the city's housing availability.
Basic Income Pilot
Pomona is launching a pilot program to give new parents an extra $500 each month. This initiative aims to ease financial burdens on families during a critical time.
Guaranteed Income Program
Pomona is rolling out a new guaranteed income program, handing out cash to families with no strings attached. The idea is to help folks out financially and give them a bit of a break.
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.
Water Pollution Lawsuit
Pomona dodged a $48 million bullet in a water pollution lawsuit, but the fight's far from over. A judge tossed out the big judgment, meaning the city and whoever's suing them will likely keep battling it out.
Water Resources
Pomona's water future is being re-evaluated in a new draft report. Get ready for potential changes in how we use and manage our water supply.
Structural Racism and Land Use
Pomona's history of land use and city policies has a dark side: it's been fueling structural racism for years. This deep dive shows how the city's past is still shaping its present, and likely its future.
Former Councilmember Criminal Sentencing
A former Pomona councilman has been sentenced for possessing child sex abuse material and taking an inappropriate photo of a girl. It’s a serious accountability case that stains the city’s leadership and raises trust questions.
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.