CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
May 5, 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); and 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 NAACP Pomona Valley Branch in support of 6th Annual Freedom Fund: Requested Amount: $2,000 Amount to be determined to Project Resilience in support of Fentanyl Awareness & Community Resource Fair: Requested Amount: $1,500 Amount to be determined to Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe in support of Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe 31st Annual Big Time: Requested Amount: $3,000 Amount to be determined to Pomona Public Library Foundation in support of 2025 Mayor's Gala: Requested Amount: $5,000 Amount to be determined to Nuestra Casa: Museum of History and Culture in support of Nuestra Casa Museum: Requested Amount: $5,000 Amount to be determined to Kennedy Austin Foundation in support of Mental Health Bingo: Requested Amount: $1,500 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: NAACP Pomona Valley Branch
Project/Activity: 6th Annual Freedom Fund
Finding Recommended: Donations funds will be used to offset branch treasure budget expenses such as advertising, promoting, purchase trophies and our souvenir booklet, and supplement the Keynote Speaker fee.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Nora Garcia Organization Requested Funding Amount: $2,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Project Resilience
Project/Activity: Fentanyl Awareness & Community Resource Fair Finding Recommended: Funding for this will go toward paying the venue fee, refreshments, marketing and gift card incentives. This event will strengthen the safety, health and unity of Pomona by bringing families together and providing essential tools like Narcan and vital education on Fentanyl risks.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Nora Garcia Organization Requested Funding Amount: $1,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe
Project/Activity: 31st Annual Big Time
Finding Recommended: Funding for this request will go toward paying for restrooms, water and trash at the event. The Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe provides the community with an understanding and sharing of Indigenous culture through dance, song, and prayer and inclusion of community.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Nora Garcia Organization Requested Funding Amount: $3,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Pomona Public Library Foundation
Project/Activity: 2025 Mayor's Gala
Finding Recommended: The donation will be used to support the Homework Club, our after school drop-in tutoring program at the Pomona Public Library, and summer cultural excursions around greater Los Angeles for hundreds of children. This helps maintain learning during the summer when school is not in session. Funding will also be used to continue to upgrade landscaping, furnishings, technology upgrades, and the inside of the Library for community use.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Nora Garcia Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Nuestra Casa: Museum of History and Culture Project/Activity: Nuestra Casa Museum
Finding Recommended: The funding will allow for the purchase of office equipment, a telephone line and some fundraising expenses. The museum will cater to a broad audience from school age children to seniors, fostering a deep understanding of the contributions made by Latinos in the region throughout history. It will serve Pomona residents and students, as well as other neighboring communities.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Nora Garcia Organization Requested Funding Amount: $5,000
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: TBD
Organization: Kennedy Austin Foundation
Project/Activity: Mental Health Bingo
Finding Recommended: Donations will toward funding various programs for parents who have lost children, including events and programming that enable families to come together and heal.
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Debra Martin Organization Requested Funding Amount: $1,500
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: Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez Pilgrimage Finding Date: 4/21/25
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.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/21/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Nora Garcia Organization Requested Funding Amount: $3,500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D2 - $500, D3 - $250, D5 - $200 Total Funding Amount: $950
Organization: Historical Society of Pomona Valley
Project/Activity: District 4 Area Commander Meeting
Finding Date: 4/21/25
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.
Deadline for Contributions: 5/21/25
Councilmember Recommending Funding: Councilmember Debra Martin Organization Requested Funding Amount: $500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D3 - $100
Total Funding Amount: TBD
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: 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: D2 - $1,000, D5 - $150, D6 -$100 Total Funding Amount: $1,250
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: D2 - $500, D6 -$200 Total Funding Amount: $700
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: D2 - $50, D6 -$100 Total Funding Amount: $150
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: $500
Councilmember Requested Funding Amount: D4- $500
Total Funding Amount: $500
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: D2 - $750, D5 - $150, D6 -$100 Total Funding Amount: $1,000
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: D2 - $750, D6 - $200 Total Funding Amount: $950
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: D2 - $200
Total Funding Amount: $200
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: D6 - $200
Total Funding Amount: $200
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: D2 - $100, D6 - $100 Total Funding Amount: $200
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: D6 - $300
Total Funding Amount: $300
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: D2 - $100, D6 - $200 Total Funding Amount: $300
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: D6 - $300
Total Funding Amount: $300
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: D1 - $100, D2 - $250, D6 - $100 Total Funding Amount: $450
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: D6 - $200
Total Funding Amount: $200
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: D2 - $250, D6 - $100 Total Funding Amount: $350
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: D2 - $250, D6 - $200 Total Funding Amount: $450
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Maura Montellano/Beatrice Marrufo
Executive Assistant
ATTACHMENT:
NAACP Pomona Valley Branch
Project Resilience
Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe
Pomona Public Library Foundation
Nuestra Casa: Museum of History and Culture
Kennedy Austin Foundation
Finding of Public Benefit