CLOSED SESSION
A) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1))
Sik Keung Lam; and Mei Man Lam Lin v. City of Pomona; et al.
San Bernardino County Superior Court, Case No. CIVSB2303871
Josefina Silva v. City of Pomona; et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 24PSCV03987
B) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Pursuant to Gov. Code 54956.9(d)(2)
One Case
C) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1))
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated Closed Session Item B regarded a Tort Claim and the claimant was Tina Torres. City Attorney Carvalho also stated Closed Session Item C was the evaluation of the City Attorney.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Sandoval called the City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
505 S. Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91766 City of Pomona
Regular Meeting Minutes
Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Councilmember Lorraine Canales
VISION STATEMENT
Pomona will be recognized as a vibrant, safe, beautiful community that is a fun and exciting destination and the home of arts and artists, students and scholars, business and industry. 7:00 PM Monday, May 4, 2026
City Council / Housing Authority
Council Chambers
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CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Carvalho reported for Closed Session Item A, in the case of Sik Keung Lam; Mei Man Lam Lin v. City of Pomona, the City Council by a vote of 7- 0 approved settlements in the amount of $300,000 each. City Attorney Carvalho reported for Closed Session Item A, in the case of Josefina Silva v. City of Pomona, the City Council by a vote of 7 -0 approved a settlement of $75,000. City Attorney Carvalho advised for Closed Session Item B claimant Tina Torres was awarded a settlement of $60,000.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Martin led the pledge of allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Tim Sandoval
Vice Mayor Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
Councilmember Debra Martin
Councilmember Victor Preciado
Councilmember Nora Garcia
Councilmember Steve Lustro
Councilmember Lorraine Canales
Absent: None
STAFF PRESENT
Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney
Karla Shipman, Assistant City Clerk
Diana Robles, Deputy City Clerk
Michael Ellis, Pomona Police Chief
PRESENTATIONS
*A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing May 2026 as “Building Safety Month” in the City of Pomona
Mayor Sandoval presented the proclamation to Agustine Figueroa, Building Official, Stephen Mann, Deputy Building Official, Cassandra Yado, Coordinator, Sergio Rodriguez, Senior Building Inspector, Adrienne Peterson, Senior Plans Examiner, Hector Escobedo, Building Inspector, Christine Hanna, Permit Technician, Lizeth Lopez, Permit Technician, and Julia Benavides, Administrative Assistant. Building Official Figueroa expressed words of gratitude and talked about the importance of building standards.
*Presentation of Certificates to Students of the California Junior Scholarship Federation Chapter 983
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Mayor Sandoval presented the certificates to students of the California Junior Scholarship Federation Chapter 983, Arturo Jimenez and Dr. Roberta Perlman. Caleb Lee, President of Chapter 983, expressed words of gratitude to the City, teachers, mentors, and all who supported the program.
*A Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Pomona Recognizing May 2026 as “Historic Preservation Month” in the City of Pomona
Mayor Sandoval presented the proclamation to Mike Schowalter, Deborah Clifford, John Clifford, and others of the Historical Society of Pomona Valley. Mrs. Clifford spoke about the importance of remembering history.
*Presentation of the 2026 Preserve Pomona Awards for Historic Preservation
Geoffrey Starns gave the presentation and presented the awards to the winners of the 2026 Preserve Pomona Awards.
MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER COMMUNICATIONS
Vice Mayor Ontiveros -Cole attended Vietnamese cultural even hosted by Dr. Bo and advised Dr. Bo has requested the City re-name a street to Saigon St. as a way to honor the Vietnamese community.
Councilmember Lus tro invited folks to attend the upcoming District 5 Area Commander meeting and the Los Angeles County Fair.
Councilmember Preciado attended the Dia del Ni ñe event at Martin Luther King Jr. Park and wished everyone a happy mother’s day.
Councilmember Martin hosted a community meeting in District 1, invited folks to attend the ribbon cutting event for the re- opening of the Ganesha park staircase, and encouraged people to attend the Los Angeles County Fair.
Councilmember Canales attended the Dia del Nine event, invited folks to attend the Los Angeles County Fair, and expressed looking forward to attending upcoming graduating ceremonies for students.
Councilmember Garcia wished all educators a happy teacher appreciation week.
Mayor Sandoval announced the upcoming opening of the Los Angels County Fair , requested members of the City Council wear a college t -shirt for the next meeting and announced the Los Angeles Night Riders, a major league cricket team, will call the Fairplex home.
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CITY MANAGER COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott announced that the City had been awarded by the court a recovery of court fees in the amount of $649,470.30 in the Regency Billboar d lawsuit, recommended Consent Calendar Item No. 6 be continued, and announced the upcoming budget meeting dates: May 11
th and May 26th.
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:
Camila Larios requested a proclamation to honor the 250 th anniversary of the United
States’s independence. Jocelyn Ruiz and Angelique Coronado stood next to Camila for the request.
Kamille Hemsworth, office of Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez, announced an upcoming event for the community.
Michael Feinstein discussed a plan of proportionate representation in the state legislature.
Dr. Trudy Coleman, Juneteenth Education Technology Mobile Arts Center, discussed May Day, Juneteenth and requested the City’s support for an upcoming Juneteenth event.
Dawn Van Allen expressed concerns about the zoning classification of her property and expressed concerns about the construction activity in the neighborhood.
Gayle Claiborne, Soroptimist Pomona, requested varnishing of the wood carved animals in Ganesha Park.
Lucille Lyon discussed the maintenance of Redwood trees in Ganesha Park.
Carol Anten discussed concerns about construction activity in her neighborhood.
Gustavo Ramirez expressed thanks to people that support World Peace Now and discussed his commitment to Pomona.
Gwendolyn Blue discussed the mobil e mental health services provided by Tri -City and asked questions about the availability of those services to Pomona residents.
Arturo Jimenez, Pomona Unified School District Board member , invited the City Council to attend the opening of the Garey High School Aviation pathway and discussed street safety concerns.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the entire Consent Calendar except for Item No. 6 which was continued to a future meeting.
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:
April 20, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to approve the City Council/Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2026.
2. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance Relating to Camping and Storing Personal Property on Public Property
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 4369 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 46 (“STREETS,
SIDEWALKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES”), ARTICLE XII (“CAMPING, SLEEPING OR STORAGE OF PROPERTY”), SECTIONS 46-601 - 46-606 OF THE POMONA CITY CODE AND ADDING SECTIONS 46 -607 - 46-611 RELATING TO
CAMPING AND STORING PERSONAL PROPERTY ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Ordinance No. 4369.
3. Resolution to Amend the FY 2025- 26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget by Creating a New CIP Project, “Garey Avenue and Freeway Ramps Signal Coordination,” and Reappropriating AB2766 Funds in the Amount of $85,000
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 -31 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND THE FY 2025 -26 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET BY CREATING A NEW CIP
PROJECT, “GAREY AVENUE AND FREEWAY RAMPS SIGNAL
COORDINATION”, FD428 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) | CC2590 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) | WORKTAG: PRJ -00003 AND REAPPROPRIATE $85,000 OF SCAQMD SUBVENTION (AB2766) FUNDS FROM
City Council / Housing Authority Meeting Minutes May 4, 2026 City of Pomona Page 6
“TRAFFIC OPERATIONS - COMMUNICATION UPGRADES II,” FD428 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) | CC2590 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM (CIP) | WORKTAG: PROJECT 68581| TO NEWLY CREATED
PROJECT
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-31.
4. Resolution to Amend the FY 2025- 26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget by Adding Available CIP Project Fund Reserves (Restitution/Settlement Funds) to “City Facilities - Roof Replacements and Repairs” Project
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 -47 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND THE FY 2025 -26 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING $140,000 OF
AVAILABLE CIP PROJECT FUND RESERVES (RESTITUTION/SETTLEMENT FUNDS) TO “CITY FACILITIES - ROOF REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIRS,” FD428, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) | CC2590 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) | WORKTAG: PROJECT 71059
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7-0, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-47.
5. Receive and File Annual Military Equipment Use Report as Required by Assembly Bill (AB) 481
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the annual military equipment use report as required by AB 481 for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER LUSTRO, CARRIED 7 -0, to receive and file the annual military equipment use report as required by AB 841 for Fiscal year 2025-26.
6. Approval of Termination of Easement and Quitclaim Deed at 8 Rio Rancho Road
It is recommended that the City Council approve a Termination of Easement and Quitclaim Deed; and authorize the City Manager to execute and record both documents with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. *This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar and continued to a future meeting.
NO MOTION WAS MADE, THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED TO A FUTURE MEETING.
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DISCUSSION CALENDAR
7. Adoption of a Resolution to Approve a Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity (PCN) to allow for a California Alcoholic Beverage Control Type- 21 (Off- Sale, General) License in Conjunction with an Existing Convenience Market and Deli Located at 3024 W. Temple Avenue
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 -45 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF POMONA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE FINDING OF PUBLIC
CONVENIENCE OR NECESSITY (PCN) TO ALLOW FOR A CALIFORNIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL TYPE-21 (OFF-SALE, GENERAL) LICENSE
IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN EXISTING CONVENIENCE MARKET AND DELI LOCATED AT 3024 W. TEMPLE AVENUE (APN: 8707-022-147)
Assistant Planner Irene Moure gave the staff presentation.
The following public speakers spoke in support of the item:
Danny Husari
Sherri Olson
Alan Ramirez
City Councilmembers gave comments and asked questions about the item.
Mayo Sandoval asked questions about the City Council’s ability to request community benefits.
City Attorney Carvalho advised it would be permissible if the applicant gave verbal consent to discuss community benefits.
City Manager Scott requested the item be continued to allow staff time to develop some suggestions for community benefits.
Applicant Danny Husari agreed to coming back at a later City Council meeting.
Councilmembers asked further questions.
NO MOTION WAS MADE, THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED TO A FUTURE MEETING.
8. Discussion on City facilities and public art associated with Cesar Chavez
It is recommended that the City Council take the following action:
1) Conduct a public discussion on the topic and provide Staff with feedback on recommended next steps, and;
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2) Authorize the City Manager or designee to engage with applicable bargaining units regarding whether to retain or modify the holiday designation within existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
Office of Economic and Business Affairs Deputy Dir ector Ata Khan gave the staff presentation.
Mayor and Councilmembers gave comments about the item and asked questions.
MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, SECOND BY VICE MAYOR ONTIVEROS- COLE, CARRIED 7 -0, to authorize the City Manager or designee to engage with applicable bargaining units regarding whether to retain or modify the holiday designation within existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. on May 4, 2026.
Respectfully submitted, ATTEST:
KARLA SHIPMAN, CMC TIM SANDOVAL
Acting City Clerk/Secretary of the Pomona Mayor/Chair of the Pomona City Council/Housing Authority City Council/Housing Authority