CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
September 16, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Gutierrez, City Manager
Submitted By: Rene Guerrero, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF INSTALLATION OF “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING’ SIGNS ALONG HOLT AVENUE AND INDIAN HILL BOULEVARD CORRIDORS RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council consider the installation of “See Something, Say Something” signs at identified locations along Holt Avenue from Weber Street to the East City Limits, and on Indian Hill Boulevard from Holt Avenue to American Avenue, and provide direction on whether Staff should move forward with the sign installation or not.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In a continued effort to combat human trafficking and related criminal activity along Holt Avenue and Indian Hill Boulevard, the City Council may consider and direct Staff to install “See Something, Say Something” signs (Attachment No. 1) at identified locations (Attachment No. 2) along Holt Avenue from Weber Street to the East City Limits, and on Indian Hill Boulevard from Holt Avenue to American Avenue. Staff will install the signs, including posts, where necessary, and hardware required for the proper installation of the signs.
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☐ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $250 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $250 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact at this time. Twenty (20) “See Something, Say Something” signs (24”x30”) were previously purchased in FY 2023-24.
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION:
On November 16, 2020, the City Council held the second reading and adoption for Ordinance No. 4293, adding Section 34-222 to Article V Chapter 34 of the Pomona Municipal Code prohibiting the hourly rentals of hotels and motels within City limits in an effort to combat their use for Human Trafficking and related criminal activity. On October 19, 2020, the City Council introduced the first reading for Ordinance No. 4293.
On February 1, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-06 designating “No Parking/No Stopping” zones along Holt Avenue from Garey Avenue to the East City Limits, and Staff installed the appropriate signage.
DISCUSSION:
In a continued effort to address and mitigate prostitution and human trafficking, the City has taken steps to address these illegal actions. On Holt Ave., new LED lights were installed on existing street light poles in late 2020, increasing lighting levels on the roadway and sidewalk area providing a brighter and safer environment for pedestrians, and improved opportunities for law enforcement to observe unlawful activity. In November 2020, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 4293 prohibiting the hourly rentals of hotels and motels within City limits in an effort to combat their use for Human Trafficking and related criminal activity. Additionally, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-06 designating “No Parking/No Stopping” zones along Holt Ave. from Garey Avenue to the East City Limits in February 2021.
In response to continued community concerns regarding illicit activities along Holt Ave. and Indian Hill Blvd., the City is considering the installation of “See Something, Say Something” signs (Signs) along these corridors. The Anti-Human Trafficking Neighborhood United (AHT-NU) Community Group has consistently reached out to the City with their concerns and requests for the installation of the Signs, similar to the signs the City of Claremont has recently installed. In a joint effort with the Pomona Police Department, the AHT-NU has identified locations along the Holt Ave. and Indian Hill Blvd. corridors for Sign placement.
Upon consideration, the City Council can direct Staff to install twenty (20) “See Something, Say Something” signs, along with necessary materials, and install them at the locations identified.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND GOALS:
This item supports the following 2019-20 City Council Priorities and Goals: Priority 3 - Safe and Clean Community, Goal N - Take actions to eliminate prostitution, human trafficking, and gang-related violence.
Prepared by:
Rene Guerrero
Public Works Director
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment No. 1 – “See Something, Say Something” sign
Attachment No. 2 – Map of Identified Sign Locations
Consideration of Installation of “See Something, Say Something” Signs Along Holt Ave. and Indian Hill Blvd. Corridors