CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
March 17, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Submitted By: Maura Montellano/Beatrice Marrufo, Executive Assistant SUBJECT: FINDING OF PUBLIC BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE: RECOMMENDED EXPENDITURE(S) AND RECAP OF EXPENDED FUNDS RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
Approve the expenditure(s) recommended and make the finding that the community at large will receive a public benefit from the expenditure of funds for the recommended item(s); Receive and file the recap of final amounts for previously approved projects/activities.
FISCAL IMPACT: All approved expenditures are paid from the requesting Councilmembers’ line item accounts as approved in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget.
CURRENT REQUEST(S):
Amount to be determined in support of Love your Park Day at Ganesha Park: Requested Amount: $5,000 Amount to be determined to Conceptual Art Therapy in support of "Say It With Your Chest": Requested Amount: $3,000 Amount to be determined to Urban Mission Community Partners in support of Expansion of the skate area at Lopez Urban Farm: Requested Amount: $5,000 Amount to be determined to Soroptimist International of Pomona/Claremont in support of Soroptimist Redwood Grove Clean-Up: Requested Amount: $2,000 Amount to be determined to Latino and Latina Roundtable in support of 21st Annual Cesar Chavez Breakfast: Requested Amount: $7,000 Amount to be determined to Optimist Club of Pomona in support of Tea for the Soul and My Success in Ties: Requested Amount: $5,000 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 $500 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $500 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.
PREVIOUS RELATED ACTION: At the regular City Council meeting of February 6, 2006, the Council approved an Expense and Reimbursement Policy in compliance with the requirements of Assembly Bill 1234. At the regular City Council meeting of November 16, 2015, the Council adopted Finding of Public Benefit “Best Practices” Guidelines and the Finding of Public Benefit Request Form.
DISCUSSION: The Mayor and/or individual Councilmembers, as listed below, have requested that the Council approve funding for each organization, activity, and/or event as specified below and request that the Council approve the funding amount and make the findings that these expenditures will provide a public benefit to the community at large. Supporting forms for the newly-requested findings are attached with this Report (Attachment).
Current Request(s):
Organization: TBD
Project/Activity: Love your Park Day at Ganesha Park
Finding Recommended: The event will inspire community members to visit the park, participate in its cleaning and beautification, and foster a sense of pride. The park is a shared space for everyone, and it’s crucial to maintain its cleanliness and appearance to ensure it feels safe and welcoming for all—encouraging families and friends to gather and enjoy it together.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Debra Martin Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Conceptual Art Therapy
Project/Activity: "Say It With Your Chest"
Finding Recommended: This benefits the City by fostering youth creativity, promoting entrepreneurship, and building job skills. It encourages positive self-expression, reduces idle time after school, and inspires future business owners. The program strengthens the local economy by cultivating young talent and supporting community engagement.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Victor Preciado Organization Requested Funding Amount: $3,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Urban Mission Community Partners dba Community Partners 4 Innovation Project/Activity: Expansion of the skate area at Lopez Urban Farm Finding Recommended: Expanding the skate area at Lopez Urban Farm will benefit the City and residents by giving them a larger safe space to skate in a green environment. It will allow us to do bigger free events and host free skate lessons and camps for the youth of Pomona. Currently there is no other public half pipe in Pomona and this space provides a unique experience that brings skate, agriculture, art and music together in one space for all residents to enjoy.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Victor Preciado Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Soroptimist International of Pomona/Claremont Project/Activity: Soroptimist Redwood Grove Clean-Up
Finding Recommended: Refining the park and preserving the carvings for the community to enjoy is a priority. Some of the carvings have been damaged by the elements, and this funding will go toward ensuring they are restored and protected for future generations.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Debra Martin Organization Requested Funding Amount: $2,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Latino and Latina Roundtable
Project/Activity: 21st Annual Cesar Chavez Breakfast
Finding Recommended: The City gains recognition for its support and a strong return on investment by cross-promoting various local resources and engaging community members. The Latino and Latina Roundtable plays a key role in promoting these resources, with members actively participating in a variety of community events across the City.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Victor Preciado Organization Requested Funding Amount: $7,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Optimist Club of Pomona
Project/Activity: Tea for the Soul and My Success in Ties Finding Recommended: The funds will be used to purchase men's apparel for graduating male students who have written essays and have been selected as winners. Tea for the Soul Funds will be used to purchase hats, accessories, gloves and food for the event. Scholarships will be awarded to graduating female seniors who have received a letter of acceptance to institutions of higher learning. These funds will help the Optimist Club of Pomona exemplify our pledge: "Friend of Youth." Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Victor Preciado Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Findings Eligible for Contributions
The following summarizes Council contributions towards findings within the 30 day period following Council approval in accordance with the Council adopted policy. These items are eligible for additional contributions:
Organization: God’s Pantry
Project/Activity: Annual Golf Classic
Finding Date: 3/3/25
Finding Recommended: Donations and sponsorships will be used to directly benefit the public by funding food distribution programs that provide free groceries to thousands of low-income families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Contributions will also support workforce development by offering job training and employment opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Deadline for Contributions: 4/3/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Organization Requested Funding Amount: $10,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D2 - $250, D3 - $500, D7 - $500 Total Funding Amount: $1,250
Organization: Healed Women Heal
Project/Activity: United Voices
Finding Date: 3/3/25
Finding Recommended: Funds for this event will go directly towards our success workshop for women and youth. We want to support families by empowering them to see their options and supporting families to access other options.
Deadline for Contributions: 4/3/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Organization Requested Funding Amount: $1,250
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D2 - $100, D3 - $250, D7 - $500 Total Funding Amount: $850
Organization: East Side of the River
Project/Activity: Washington Park Mural Unveiling
Finding Date: 3/3/25
Finding Recommended: Funds will be used for printing, promotion and refreshments/paper good for those attending the Unveiling. The event will bring together local residents, artist and civic leaders to commemorate the project in a culturally appropriate manner that fosters unity and environmental stewardship Deadline for Contributions: 4/3/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Nora Garcia Organization Requested Funding Amount: $1,250
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D2 - $100, D3 - TBD, D7 -$200 Total Funding Amount: $300
Organization: Ted Greene Little League
Project/Activity: Baseball League Fees
Finding Date: 2/24/25
Finding Recommended: Ted Greene Little League baseball program aids in community engagement, encourages healthy lifestyles through sports, promotes civic pride, supports the City of Pomona's diversity and inclusion commitments. We provide a space where the creation of lasting memories and bonds encourage future generations to invest in their community.
Deadline for Contributions: 3/24/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Lorraine Canales Organization Requested Funding Amount: $2,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D1 - $300, D2 - $300, D3 - $300, D4 - $300, D5 - $300, D6 - $500, D7- $500
Total Funding Amount: $2,500
Organization: 1 Cancer Patient
Project/Activity: Photographic Exhibit by Traci Asher at Sasse Museum of Art Finding Date: 2/24/25
Finding Recommended: This will be an exhibit of a cancer patient’s cancer journey through photography. The purpose is to ease the fear of the unknown often felt by cancer patients, caregivers and loved ones. Donations will be used to print, mat, frame and ship images to the Sasse Museum of Art in Pomona.
Deadline for Contributions: 3/24/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole Organization Requested Funding Amount: $850
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D2 - $100, D3 - $100, D4 - $500, D6 - $150, D7 - $200
Total Funding Amount: $1,050
Organization: Lopez Urban Farm
Project/Activity: Lopez Urban Art Fest
Finding Date: 2/24/25
Finding Recommended: Lopez Urban Art Fest is a cultural and art experience that is free for all community members to attend. Donations will be used to pay for materials and facilities needed to execute the 4th annual Lopez Urban Fest. This will include paying artists and workshop facilitators for their work.
Deadline for Contributions: 3/24/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole Organization Requested Funding Amount: $2,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D1 - $300, D2 - $300, D3 - $300, D4 - $200, D5 - $150, D6 - $300, D7 - $500
Total Funding Amount: $2,050
Organization: Total Restoration Ministries
Project/Activity: TRM Show & Shine for Shelter Car & Bike Fundraiser Finding Date: 2/24/25
Finding Recommended: This event will benefiting RestoreHER Place Women's Transitional Housing and TRM Men's Transitional Housing. Both organizations provide housing for homeless men, women, and children and are dedicated to providing essential support and resources to these individuals including life skills and employment training, financial literacy, support groups, and mentorship.
Deadline for Contributions: 3/24/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole Organization Requested Funding Amount: $1,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D2 - $100, D3 - $200, D4 - $250, D5 - $100, D6 - $200, D7 - $200
Total Funding Amount: $1,050
Organization: A Fatherless Field
Project/Activity: Pomona Everything Free Street Fair
Finding Date: 2/24/25
Finding Recommended: This event is dedicated to addressing the needs of the Pomona community. We provide essential items such as groceries, lunches, diapers, backpacks, and more. Additionally, we connect individuals with local programs and resources designed to support them. We are committed to improving the City by helping those experiencing homelessness transition into clean and sober housing. We also ensure the safety of women by assisting them in finding secure homes, and we work to combat human trafficking along Holt Avenue. Through partnerships with various organizations, we strive to make Pomona a better place for all.
Deadline for Contributions: 3/24/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole Organization Requested Funding Amount: $1,200
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D3 - $100, D4 - $500, D5 - $100, D6 - $200, D7 - $200
Total Funding Amount: $1,100
Recap of Expended Funds
The following summarizes additional Council contributions toward findings that expired and are past the 30 day period following Council approval, in accordance with the Council adopted policy:
N/A
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Maura Montellano/Beatrice Marrufo
Executive Assistant
ATTACHMENT:
Love Your Park Day at Ganesha Park
Conceptual Art Therapy
Urban Mission Community Partners
Soroptimist International of Pomona/Claremont
Latino and Latina Roundtable
Optimist Club
Finding of Public Benefit