CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
April 21, 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 to Latino and Latina Roundtable in support of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Annual Pilgrimage: Requested Amount: $3,500 Amount to be determined to Historical Society of Pomona Valley in support of District 4 Area Commander Meeting: Requested Amount: $500 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: Latino and Latina Roundtable
Project/Activity: Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez Pilgrimage Finding Recommended: The donation will contribute towards this educational and historical community event that has the purpose to bring together our community. Several organizations come together to plan this event every year with the purpose of building bridges in our community and promoting human rights and immigrant rights in our communities. There is music, presentations, scholarships, and speakers.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Nora Garcia Organization Requested Funding Amount: $3,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Historical Society of Pomona Valley
Project/Activity: District 4 Area Commander Meeting
Finding Recommended: Public meetings with the police assist good communications between the residents and the police and provide a sounding board to air possible frustrations that the police can help alleviate. We are requesting funds for clean-up and set up of the Ebell Ballroom.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Debra Martin Organization Requested Funding Amount: $500
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: Latino and Latina Roundtable
Project/Activity: Día del Niñe 2025-April 30, 2025
Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: The donation will be used to promote an event for children and families for the entire City of Pomona. The event brings together various community organizations to share resources available to promote the wellbeing of local children and families. Día del Niñe brings together agencies and families that want better opportunities for families and for children. It will show the community that the City cares about community engagement and bringing people together for celebration and connection.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $3,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Bridgette Bentley
Project/Activity: Musical "Dreamgirls"
Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Hosting this popular production of Dreamgirls at the iconic Fox Theater would not only be promoting arts, culture, and community engagement through the creative arts to a new audience from around the Inland Empire; it would allow the creative arts culture an opportunity to engage in an environment specifically for them.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Victor Preciado Organization Requested Funding Amount: $10,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Celebrating A Vision
Project/Activity: Educating the youth and their families on LAW! Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Funds will go toward providing a meal, training supplies and transportation. Participants will engage with two high-profile attorneys who will answer various questions about the law and how to advocate for yourself about their rights as citizens.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $700
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: TBD
Project/Activity: Area Commander Meeting for D4
Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Providing a meal encourages people to attend this important meeting, where they can learn about the City's initiatives, Departments and, more specifically, the developments happening in District 4.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole Organization Requested Funding Amount: $2,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Diamonds Love Foundation DBA Mosley Foundation of Love Project/Activity: Sugar Shane Mosley Youth Boxing Camp
Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Sponsorship will be used to allow 20 residents to participate in the boxing camp. Last year with the help of this funding, ten kids had an experience of a lifetime, getting in the ring with the Boxing Champion.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $3,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Fist of Gold Youth Center, Inc.
Project/Activity: "911 Fight Night"
Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Donations and sponsorships will be used to support services and programs offered through Fist of Gold Youth Center, focusing on boxing, mental health, and mentorship for the youth of Pomona. The funds will help enhance our training facilities, provide necessary equipment, and develop mentorship programs that promote mental well-being and personal growth. By investing in these initiatives, we aim to empower young individuals, foster resilience, and cultivate a sense of community through boxing.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $10,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Human Values Center
Project/Activity: Collective Wellbeing Summit & LA County Fair Public Exhibit Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: The Southern California Wellbeing Summit brings together 200 multi-sector leaders to explore social equity, youth and family support, climate justice, and more. This event fosters regional collaboration, informs policy, and bridges gaps in community engagement/development. PUBLIC EXHIBIT: “Stories of Place” will highlight Pomona’s voices, showcasing local resilience and wellbeing. Videos will be weaved into the exhibit. Booths and QR codes provide Fair attendees ways to get involved.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Juneteenth Education Technology Mobile Arts Center Project/Activity: 35th Annual Pomona Valley Juneteenth Family Jazz and Arts Festival Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: The donations will be used to help pay for the park and city expenses. Outreach to the public, thru social media, newspaper, flyers, radio, and other media that is available. Also, will help pay for the Professional Music Artist who will be performing live on stage. New banners and backdrop for stage. The minimum estimated cost of the event is $20,000.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $6,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: NCNW Pomona Valley Section
Project/Activity: NCNW Membership GALA “Sisters United” Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Funding will be used to enhance and promote the event. The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Pomona Valley Section organizes events that promote community unity and strengthen social ties, such as the Membership Luncheon, Thanksgiving food drives, and the Black Family Reunion. These events encourage public participation, volunteerism, and civic pride, fostering a sense of belonging among residents.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Nora Garcia Organization Requested Funding Amount: $1,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Nogales Buffalo Soldiers Legacy Association Project/Activity: Annual Events
Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Annual events include Black History Month, Juneteenth, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, National Buffalo Soldiers Day, Pomona Christmas Parade. Funds will be used to provide educational and cultural public events for the students and community of Pomona.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $1,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Pauly's Project
Project/Activity: First Annual Autism Awareness Free Community Event Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Funds for 2nd Annual Autism & Neurodivergent Free Community Event will provide resources, education, and inclusive activities for individuals with autism and their families. Donations will support sensory-friendly spaces, workshops, entertainment, and vendor booths offering essential services. Funds will also help with event logistics, outreach, and ensuring accessibility, fostering a supportive environment for all attendees.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Pomona American LL
Project/Activity: Youth Baseball Softball League
Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Funding will enable young people to participate in baseball and softball by aiding with registration fees and insurance. This sport helps young people stay off the streets and out of trouble.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Lorraine Canales Organization Requested Funding Amount: $300
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Pomona Valley Pride
Project/Activity: Colors of Success Scholarship Brunch
Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: To support local students in pursuing their higher educational goals.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Project Resilience
Project/Activity: Unveiling the Truth: From Sexual Violence to Human Trafficking Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Project Resilience and Parents Anonymous are collaborating to have guest speakers, Narcan training, education booths, resources, food. Through the community awareness event it provides life-saving education, prevention strategies, access to resources, recognizing signs of overdoses, dangers of laced drugs.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $1,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Victory Outreach Pomona
Project/Activity: Easter Outreach
Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: During out annual Easter Outreach we reach inner-city children in our community by having various booth of arts/crafts, face painting, giveaways of gift cards, bikes and toys, and an egg hunt for 4 different age groups. Each child will be given an Easter basket.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $2,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
Organization: Vietnamese Community of Pomona Valley
Project/Activity: New Lunar Year Celebration
Finding Date: 4/7/25
Finding Recommended: Provide cultural music, dance, performance. Provide cultural food to share with residents and guests.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/7/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Steve Lustro Organization Requested Funding Amount: $2,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Total Funding Amount:
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:
Organization: TBD
Project/Activity: Love your Park Day at Ganesha Park
Finding Date: 3/17/25
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.
Deadline for Contributions: 4/17/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Debra Martin Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D1 - $5,000
Total Funding Amount: $5,000
Organization: Conceptual Art Therapy
Project/Activity: "Say It With Your Chest"
Finding Date: 3/17/25
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: D2 - $250, D3 - $200, D4 - $150, D6 - $500 D7 - $500
Total Funding Amount: $1,600
Organization: Urban Mission Community Partners dba Community Partners 4 Innovation Project/Activity: Expansion of the skate area at Lopez Urban Farm Finding Date: 3/17/25
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 Deadline for Contributions: 4/17/25
Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D2 - $750, D3 - $200, D4 - $150, D5 - $150, D6 - $200, D7 - $500 Total Funding Amount: $1,950
Organization: Soroptimist International of Pomona/Claremont Project/Activity: Soroptimist Redwood Grove Clean-Up
Finding Date: 3/17/25
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.
Deadline for Contributions: 4/17/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Debra Martin Organization Requested Funding Amount: $2,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D1 - $500, D2 - $100, D3 - $200, D4 - $200, D5 - $150, D6 - $100 Total Funding Amount: $1,250
Organization: Latino and Latina Roundtable
Project/Activity: 21st Annual Cesar Chavez Breakfast
Finding Date: 3/17/25
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.
Deadline for Contributions: 4/17/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Victor Preciado Organization Requested Funding Amount: $7,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D2 - $1,200, D3 - $500, D6 - $100, D7 - $1,500 Total Funding Amount: $3,300
Organization: Optimist Club of Pomona
Project/Activity: Tea for the Soul and My Success in Ties Finding Date: 3/17/25
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." Deadline for Contributions: 4/17/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Victor Preciado Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D1 - $500, D2 - $100, D3 - $200, D4, - $150, D5 - $100, D6 - $500, D7 - $250 Total Funding Amount: $1,800
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Maura Montellano/Beatrice Marrufo
Executive Assistant
ATTACHMENT:
Latino and Latina Roundtable
Historical Society of Pomona Valley
Finding of Public Benefit