City of Pomona 505S. Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91766
Regular Meeting Minutes
ROLAND
City Council / Housing Authority / Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency
Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Steve Lustro
Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Lorraine Canales
VISION STATEMENT
omona will be recognized as a vibrant, safe, beautif
arts and artists, students and scholars, business and industry.
Monday, October 6, 2025 7:00 PM Council Chambers
CLOSED SESSION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Section 54956.9)
1. Case Name: IN RE: AQUEOUS Film- Forming Products Liability Litigation
2. Case Number: MDL No. 2:18-mn-2873
3. Informational: City's receipt of payments from 3M settlement
B) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) and (d) (1)) Citizens for Amending Prop L, et al. v. City of Pomona, et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Case No. 19STCP00482
C) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Gov. Code 54956.9(d)(2)
One Case
D) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1))
City Clerk
City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes October 6, 2025 Successor Agency to the
Redevelopment Agency
E) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency-designated representative:
René Anderson, Human Resources/Risk Management Director Employee organizations:
Pomona City Employee Chapter of the Teamsters Local 1932 (PCEA) Pomona Mid-Management/Confidential Employees Association (PMMCEA) Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sandoval called the City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Carvalho stated that for Item A - Existing Litigation, City Council acknowledged receipt of 2.8 million settlement funds, and staff deposited that into the capital improvement reserve fund.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pomona High School ROTC Jr did the posting of the colors and Vice Mayor Lustro led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Steve Lustro
Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Lorraine Canales
Absent: None
STAFF PRESENT
Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
Rosalia A. Butler, City Clerk
Diana Robles, Deputy City Clerk
Michael Ellis, Pomona Police Chief
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PRESENTATIONS
*A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing October 5-October 11, 2025 as "Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week" in the City of Pomona Mayor Sandoval presented the proclamation to Betty Donavanik, Development Services Director and Carlos Hernandez, Code Compliance Supervisor. *A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing October 19-25, 2025 as "National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week" in the City of Pomona Councilmember Preciado presented the proclamation to George Montano, Neighborhood Services Assistant Director and Maria Siacunco, Housing Services Manager.
*2025 SGVCOG President's Introduction - Ed Reece, SGVCOG President *This item was heard after Mayor/Councilmember Communications.
Ed Reece, San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments President gave the presentation.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Canales announced upcoming events: 2nd Saturday Artwalk, Downtown Pomona District's Christmas Parade, Pomona Democratic League Awards, Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser hosted by the Pomona Chamber of Commerce, and the Palomares Park Haunted House event. Councilmember Canales also gave thanks to the Pomona Library and the Pomona Pride Center for the events they host. Lastly Councilmember Canales gave comments about Consent Calendar Items No. 2 and No. 3.
Councilmember Ontiveros-Cole attended the Pride Gala fundraising event hosted by the Pomona Pride Center and discussed October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, Bullying Awareness month and Domestic Violence Awareness month.
Councilmember Preciado announced upcoming pick-up basketball event at Centennial Park and invited folks to participate in the upcoming Pomona 5K fundraising event.
Councilmember Martin gave recognition to Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Chief Gamble.
Councilmember Martin discussed a traffic incident near Lopez Elementary School, and requested, as a future agenda item, the consideration of placing a crossing guard at the intersection of Mission and White. Councilmember Martin discussed upcoming events:
Assemblymember Rodriguez's Press Conference, Love Your Park Day at Soto Park, Hilda Solis's event for Hispanic Heritage month, and Cancer Awareness Fundraising event hosted by Pomona PD.
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Councilmember Garcia advised last City Council meeting's proclamation for Hispanic Heritage month would be distributed to the Camara de Comercio and to the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center. Councilmember Garcia thanked people for attending the District 3 Area Commander meeting and gave thanks to Athens for hosting a clean-up event. Councilmember Garcia encouraged folks to complete the Street Safety Action Plan survey. Councilmember Garcia announced the Pomona Public Library is open again and invited folks to attend the Library's upcoming Trunk O' Treat event.
Vice Mayor Lustro attended the Athens clean-up event and announced an upcoming compost giveaway at the City Yard.
Mayor Sandoval gave comments about the city councilmembers' dedicated service to the community. Mayor Sandoval thanked Councilmember Preciado for working to bring the Pomona 5K fundraising event to Pomona, and thanked staff for their work.
CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott gave a correction on Consent Calendar Item #6: the award amount of $6.7 million listed on the agenda was incorrect, however the amount of $6.5 million listed in the staff report was correct. City Manager Scott gave an update about the Safety Action Plan. City Engineer Arnold Dichosa gave additional comments about the survey for the Safety Action Plan. Lastly, City Manager Scott advised a joint ad-hoc meeting had taken place on October 2° to discuss fire services.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
At the direction of the City Council Emergency Sub Committee, beginning with the July 18, 2022 Council meeting, emailed comments will no longer be read into the record during Council meetings. However, they will be included as part of the record/meeting minutes.
Live Comments were as follows:
Carolina Rivera discussed her missionary work in the Philippines and expressed gratitude for the City of Pomona.
Alejandro Vasquez-Anaya discussed concerns with unsafe red curb parking near his place of residence.
Steve Soto read out a poem about the country's treatment of immigrants.
Rene Armando Maravilla, Gente Organizada, requested the City Council amend the sidewalk vending ordinance.
Hellen Chavez read a message from her mother requesting amendments to the sidewalk vending ordinance.
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Evelia Rocha, Gente Organizada, requested amendments to the sidewalk vending ordinance.
Benny Ayala discussed Spadra Cemetery and some safety concerns in the surrounding area.
Mayra Langarica discussed concerns with Pomona PD.
Jeffrey Michaelson, Hope 4 Holt, discussed the importance of providing homelessness services that include advocacy and vocational training.
Virginia B. Siafuentes discussed concerns with treatment given to homeless individuals.
Gwendolyn Blume expressed gratitude to Pomona PD for their assistance in addressing concerns at Serenity Villas Apartments and discussed other safety concerns.
Patricia Mckiens requested better lighting for the pickleball courts since winter brings shorter daylight hours.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the entire Consent Calendar except for Consent Calendar Item No. 6 pulled for public comment.
1. Approval of City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes
It is recommended that the City Council approve the following City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes:
August 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
September 8, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, CARRIED 7-0, to approve City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of August 4, 2025 and September 8, 2025.
Resolution to Amend Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Operating Budget by Increasing Revenue Estimates and Appropriations for Available Grant Funds It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-104 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FY 2025-26 OPERATING
BUDGET BY INCREASING REVENUE ESTIMATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $345,367 AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $387,324
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-104.
3. Approving the Application to Receive Funds through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program offered by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-117 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION TO
RECEIVE FUNDS THROUGH THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM
OFFERED BY THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY
SERVICES
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-117.
4. Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City of Pomona to Submit a Grant Application for the Whale Tail Grants Program through the California Coastal Commission It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-107 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A GRANT
APPLICATION FOR THE WHALE TAIL GRANTS PROGRAM THROUGH THE
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
2) Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents related with this action, with approval of the City Attorney as to form.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-107 and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents related with this action, with approval of the City Attorney as to form
5. Award of Bid to Core & Main, LP and Ferguson Enterprises, LLC for the Purchase of Materials, Tools and Equipment, As-Needed
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It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Award of bid to Core & Main, LP for the purchase of materials, tools and equipment, at the percentage discount off the manufacturer's prevailing published price list, for a term of five years;
2) Award of bid to Ferguson Enterprises, LLC for the purchase of materials, tools and equipment, at the percentage discount off the manufacturer's prevailing published price list, for a term of five years; and
3) Authorize the City Manager, or designee any extensions, subsequent changes or amendments thereto, on behalf of the City.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, CARRIED 7-0, to award of bid to Core & Main, LP for the purchase of materials, tools and equipment, at the percentage discount off the manufacturer's prevailing published price list, for a term of five years; award of bid to Ferguson Enterprises, LLC for the purchase of materials, tools and equipment, at the percentage discount off the manufacturer's prevailing published price list, for a term of five years; and authorize the City Manager, or designee any extensions, subsequent changes or amendments thereto, on behalf of the City.
6. Authorize Grant Funding Award and Amend Site Operator Agreement for Volunteers of America Los Angeles (VOALA) to Operate the Hope for Home Homeless Services Center
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Amend the agreement with Volunteers of America of Los Angeles (VOALA) as the H4H Site Operator by awarding $6,727,021 to operate the Interim Housing programs; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to amend the site operator agreement with VOALA from July 1, 2025, until June 30, 2026, preventing a lapse in staffing and services; and
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute all agreements, amendments, and any other documentation requested for acceptance of the award, distribution of the funding and operation of the Hope for Home Homeless Services Center, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
*This item was pulled for public comment.
Public Speaker J. Michaelson asked questions about the item.
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MOTION BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 7-0, to amend the agreement with Volunteers of America of Los Angeles (VALA) as the H4H Site Operator by awarding $6,727,021 to operate the Interim Housing programs; and authorize the City Manager to amend the site operator agreement with VOALA from July 1, 2025, until June 30, 2026, preventing a lapse in staffing and services; and authorize the City Manager to execute all agreements, amendments, and any other documentation requested for acceptance of the award, distribution of the funding and operation of the Hope for Home Homeless Services Center, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
7. Approving Funding of $50,000 to the Pomona Chamber of Commerce in Accordance with the Defined Disbursement Schedule
It is recommended that the City Council approve funding for the Pomona Chamber of Commerce (the "Chamber") for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 in the amount of $50,000 to be disbursed in four equal quarterly payments of $12,500 at the beginning of each quarter.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, CARRIED 7-0, to approve funding for the Pomona Chamber of Commerce (the "Chamber") for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 in the amount of $50,000 to be disbursed in four equal quarterly payments of $12,500 at the beginning of each quarter.
DISCUSSION CALENDAR
8. Approve the Appointment of One Police Oversight Commissioner Pursuant to Section 806 of the Charter of the City of Pomona
It is recommended that the City Council approve the appointment of Armando Yanez as the new commissioner of the Police Oversight Commission pursuant to Section 806 of the City Charter.
Deputy City Clerk Robles gave a brief overview of the item.
Public Speaker Eunice Russell expressed dissatisfaction with the use of a sub-committee for the initial review of the applications.
City Council had a brief discussion and asked questions about the item.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR LUSTRO, CARRIED 6-0 (COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN ABSTAINED) to approve the appointment of Armando Yanez as the new commissioner of the Police Oversight Commission pursuant to Section 806 of the City Charter.
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City Council / Housing Authority / Meeting Minutes October 6, 2025 Successor Agency to the
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PUBLIC HEARING
9. Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 4360 Approving a Specific Plan Amendment (SPA-001401-2024) to Establish New Sign Regulations in the Pomona Corridors Specific Plan
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1) Conduct a public hearing and receive public testimony; and 2) Introduce, waive further, and give first reading to Ordinance No. 4360 (Attachment No. 1):
ORDINANCE NO. 4360 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SPECIFIC PLAN
AMENDMENT (SPA-001401-2024) TO REMOVE EXISTING SECTION 2.9 "SIGNAGE REGULATIONS" IN THE POMONA CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN AND REPLACE WITH SECTION .630 "SIGNS" OF THE POMONA ZONING
AND DEVELOPMENT CODE
Senior Planner Alina Barron gave the staff presentation.
Mayor Sandoval opened the Public Hearing, and with no speakers, Mayor Sandoval closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmembers asked questions and discussed the item.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, SECOND BY MAYOR SANDOVAL, CARRIED 7-0, to introduce, waive further, and give first reading to Ordinance No. 4360.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. on October 6, 2025.
Respectfully submitted, ATTEST:
125V
ROSALTA A. BUTLER, MMC TIM SANDOVAL
City Clerk/Secretary of the Pomona Mayor/Chair of the Pomona Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Redevelopment Agency
City of Pomona Page 9
Spadra Cemetery Update
Speaker: Benny Ayala, Pomona resident
Date: October 6, 2025
Topic: Spadra Cemetery - recent findings, historical boundaries, site access, and community benefits
Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers,
Thank you for the opportunity to share a brief resident update regarding Spadra Cemetery.
I'm speaking as a Pomona resident who spends time caring for and researching this historic site.
1) Discovery outside the current fence line
• recently found an old headstone base/holder just outside the existing cemetery fence.
The stone is missing the headstone, but it bears weathered markings that appear to reference a lot number and row.
• A person experiencing homelessness in the area called out that it "belongs there" as I examined it. It's unclear how the base arrived at its current spot—it could be original to a portion of the cemetery that historically extended beyond today's fence, or it may have been moved and placed there at some point.
• Based on its age and wear, and historic aerial imagery, it appears consistent with the cemetery's time period and suggests that burial plots may have existed beyond the current fence.
2) Historic deed and original boundaries
• I located an original deed from 1897 (Mr. Philips) describing the cemetery's boundaries.
The deed places the cemetery acreage at approximately 11.2 acres. • By comparison, the currently fenced area is roughly 4.69 acres, meaning about 7 acres lie outside today's fence but within the historic description. I am continuing research and will gladly share copies and a map overlay with City staff. 3) Access road blocked by parked trains
• The access road to the site is frequently blocked by trains parked on the tracks, limiting safe entry for residents, researchers, and potential supervised tours. • The Historical Society's annual, City-permitted cemetery tours previously generated about $10,000-$25,000 per year, funding preservation, education, and security. Losing access has eliminated this community benefit and revenue. 4) A path forward - public benefit and basic infrastructure • Over time, the community would like to see the site stewarded with a caretaker on-site (through the right partnership) and for the cemetery to be re-activated for future interments in a dignified, regulated manner that serves Pomona residents. • To safely maintain and supervise the site, we will ultimately need paved access, restored water, and electrical service. (Water service previously existed but is no longer available.)
5) Potential overlap with current development
Based on the 1897 deed (~11.2 acres) and historic aerials, it appears current or proposed development may be occurring on land that is—or should be-part of Spadra Cemetery's historic boundary.
• This raises concerns about permanent impacts to the cemetery's integrity, the dignity of those interred, and the ability of residents to care for and interpret the site. I am willing to personally walk the site with City leaders to review the deed, show the physical indicators on the ground, and discuss how projects like the Trumark proposal could permanently affect the cemetery and surrounding neighbors, both those resting and those responsible for care.
Requests to the City
1. Coordinate with the railroad/operator to keep the access road clear or establish a reliable access protocol for City-approved activities.
2. Facilitate staff review of the 1897 deed and support a survey/parcel clarification to recognize the historic boundary.
3. Designate a City liaison to work with stakeholders on near-term safety and access, including trash mitigation and humane engagement with unhoused individuals near the site.
4. Explore options for basic utilities restoration (water/electric) and access paving through phased improvements, grants, or partnerships, or Trumark.
Review current and proposed development within the deed-described area and consider interim protections (e.g., conditions, pause, or setbacks) until the historic boundary is verified to avoid irreversible impacts.
Closing
Spadra Cemetery is a unique piece of Pomona's heritage with the potential to educate, honor families, and serve residents if we can restore safe access and align the site with its historic footprint. I am willing to meet you on-site to walk the area, review the deed, and discuss how nearby development could permanently impact the cemetery and those who care for it.
Thank you for your time.
Benny Ayala
Pomona resident
Contact: 909.241.8211 [email protected]
Exhibits available upon request:
• A) 1897 Deed (Mr. Philips) - acreage description (~11.2 acres) • B) Current measured fenced area (~4.69 acres)
• C) Historic aerial photo(s) indicating plots beyond present fence • D) Photo of headstone base/holder found outside fence line •
Affidavit of Objection to Unsafe Red Curb
Parking and Traffic Hazard
State of California
County of Los Angeles
I, Alejandro Vasquez Anaya, being of sound mind and over the age of 18, hereby declare under penalty of perjury the following:
1. Personal Information
1.1. I for the time being reside at the mobile home park located at 301 E. Foothill Blvd., City of Pomona, California 91767.
1.2. My parents, who are senior citizens and 1, regularly use the mobile home park driveway located at 301 E. Foothill Blvd. Pomona, CA 91767.
2. Observed Hazard
2.1. The City of Pomona has designated the curbs adjacent to the mobile home park driveway as red, indicating "No Stopping, Standing, or Parking at any time," pursuant to California Vehicle Code §21458(a)(1).
2.2. Despite this, the city has permitted vehicles associated with newlife church food drive to park along the red curb during events located at 275 E. Foothill Blvd. Pomona, CA 91767.
2.3. When vehicles are parked on these red curbs, our line of sight to the left and right is obstructed when exiting the mobile home park driveway, creating a serious traffic hazard.
2.4. This obstruction places me and other senior residents at substantial risk of collision and bodily harm when pulling out of our residences.
3. Government Actions Worsening the Hazard
3.1. 1 have contacted the Pomona Police Department and Planning Department regarding this issue. Both departments have failed or refused to enforce California Vehicle Code §21458(a)(1).
3.2. Instead of enforcing the law and removing vehicles from the red curb, a resident from the mobile home park mentioned that city council member Lorraine Canales has proposed restrictng senior citizens from making left turns during the food drive, placing additional burden on residents rather than addressing the unlawful parking.
4. Legal and Constitutional Violations
4.1. By permitting selective enforcement of red curb laws in favor of Newlife church food drive while continuing to enforce them against residents and the public, the City of Pomona is engaging in unequal application of law in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection Clause.
4.2. By knowingly creating and maintaining hazardous traffic conditions, the City is depriving the residents of the mobile home park of their property right to safe ingress and egress, in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment Due Process Clause.
4.3. The City's actions constitute a public nuisance by allowing a condition that endangers the health and safety of the public, particularly senior residents.
4.4. If injury occurs, such deliberate disregard may expose the City to liability under 42 U.S.C. §1983 for violation of civil rights.
5. Demand for Relief
5.1. I demand that the City of Pomona immediately cease allowing vehicles to park along the red curbs at 301 E. Foothill Blvd. Pomona, CA 91767 during Newlife church food drives or any other events.
5.2. I demand that the City enforce California Vehicle Code §21458(a)(1) equally, without favoritism or selective exemption.
5.3. I reserve all rights to pursue further remedies in state or federal court should this unlawful
6. Declaration
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California and the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on this 18th day of September 2025, at Pomona, California.
Alle Waite
Signature:
Printed Name: ALESANDRO VASQUEZ ANAYA
Contact Information: 909-660-1843
CALIFORNIA JURAT pans
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
State of California
county of los Angeles }
Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on this 18 day orseptater, 2025. by Alejandro Vasquez Araya → proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) who appeared before me.
EDWARD THAM
COMM. # 2470933 2
NOTARY PUBLIC • CALIFORNU PI
ORANGE COUNTY
My Conn. Expkes November 12, 2027 M
Notary Public Signature (Seal)
OPTIONAL INFORMATION
DOCUMENT SIGNER CAPACITY
Affidavit at Objection to Unsce
Ceo Curo Polino and trantic Haroo
(name or type of document) (capacity clalmed by the signer) NOTICE
Sestenter 18,2025 THE NOTARY PUBLIC DOES NOT
(document date) CERTIFY THE AUTHORIZED
(number of pages)
CAPACITY OF THE SIGNER
400031g
Formal Statement for the Record
Re: Opposition to Subcommittee Appointment Process for the Police Oversight Commission
Submitted to: Pomona City Council
Submitted by: Eunice R Russell
Date: 10/06/2025
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Pomona City Council:
I respectfully submit this statement in opposition to the recent decision to delegate the selection of Police Oversight Commissioners to a subcommittee of three councilmembers.
As one of the individuals who participated in the 2020 Charter Review Commission that drafted the original ordinance, I can affirm that this new procedure does not reflect the intent or spirit of what was created.
Section 2-652(a) of the Pomona Municipal Code is clear:
"The commission shall be comprised of five members appointed by a majority vote of the City Council."
The drafters intentionally limited the Commission to five members rather than seven, to ensure that the entire Council—-not a subset—would evaluate and appoint each commissioner collectively. This design was meant to safeguard independence, prevent political influence, and maintain public confidence in the Commission's work.
Had staff or counsel reviewed the 2020 Charter Review Commission's meeting minutes and video recordings, they would find that the Commission discussed and rejected any process that could give undue influence to individual councilmembers or small groups. That historical record demonstrates that the current approach is inconsistent with the original vision.
Delegating appointment authority to a three-member subcommittee undermines transparency, concentrates decision-making power, and erodes the trust that the Police Oversight Commission was created to build. It also conflicts with the Brown Act's principles of open and collective governance, which require that decisions representing the public interest be made publicly and by the full body.
I respectfully urge this Council to restore compliance with both the letter and intent of Section 2-652 by ensuring that all appoints to the Police Oversight Commission are made by the entire City Council, in open session, without subcommittee control or political influence. 1