Pomona is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Pomona is located in the Pomona Valley, between the Inland Empire and the San Gabriel Valley. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 149,058.
History
Art Of Education - School of Arts & Enterprise (Pomona, CA) - Short Documentary Film by Leach Media - Students under the instruction of Jason Petty (aka Hip Hop Artist "Propaganda" share what it is like being in his class ...
The area was originally occupied by the Tongva Native Americans.
The city is named for Pomona, the ancient Roman goddess of fruit. For horticulturist Solomon Gates, "Pomona" was the winning entry in a contest to name the city in 1875, before anyone had ever planted a fruit tree. The city was first settled by Ricardo Vejar and Ygnacio Palomares in the 1830s, when California and much of the now-American Southwest were part of Mexico. The first Anglo-Americans arrived in prior to 1848 when the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo resulted in California becoming part of the United States. By the 1880s, the arrival of railroads and Coachella Valley water had made it the western anchor of the citrus-growing region. Pomona was officially incorporated on January 6, 1888.
In the 1920s Pomona was known as the "Queen of the Citrus Belt", with one of the highest per-capita levels of income in the United States. In the 1940s it was used as a movie-previewing location for major motion picture studios to see how their films would play to modally middle-class audiences around the country (for which Pomona was at that time viewed as an idealized example).
Religious institutions are deeply embedded in the history of Pomona. There are now more than 120 churches, representing most religions in today's society. The historical architecture of these churches provide glimpses of the European church design and architecture from other eras.
In 2005, Pomona citizens elected Norma Torres, the first woman of Guatemalan heritage to be elected to a mayoral post outside of Guatemala.
Geography
Pomona is 30 miles (48 km) east of the Los Angeles area of Los Angeles County in the Pomona Valley, located at 34°3′39″N 117°45′21″W (34.060760, -117.755886). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.964 square miles (59.48 km2), over 99% of it land.
Pomona is approximately 27 miles (43Â km) east of downtown Los Angeles, 25 miles (40Â km) north of Santa Ana, 31 miles (50Â km) west of Riverside, and 37 miles (60Â km) west of San Bernardino.
Pomona is bordered by the cities of San Dimas on the northwest, La Verne and Claremont on the north, Montclair and Chino on the east, Chino Hills and Diamond Bar on the south, and Walnut, South San Jose Hills, and Industry on the southwest. The Los Angeles/San Bernardino county line forms most of the city's southern and eastern boundaries.
Climate
Pomona has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa) with hot, dry summers and mild, damp winters and a large amount of sunshine year-round. August is the warmest month with an average daytime high temperature of 92 °F (33 °C). Summers are characterized by sunny days and very little rainfall during the months of June through September. Fall brings cooler temperatures and occasional showers, as well as seasonal Santa Ana winds originating from the northeast. December is the coolest month with an average high temperature of 68 °F (20 °C). Winter also brings the majority of annual precipitation. Snowfall is virtually unheard of, but frost can occur once or twice a year. Annual precipitation averages 17.32 inches (439.9 mm).
Demographics
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Pomona had a population of 149,058, a slight decline from the 2000 census population. The population density was 6,491.2 people per square mile (2,506.3/km²). The racial makeup of Pomona was 71,564 (48.0%) White (12.5% Non-Hispanic White), 10,924 (7.3%) African American, 1,763 (1.2%) Native American, 12,688 (8.5%) Asian, 282 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 45,171 (30.3%) from other races, and 6,666 (4.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 105,135 persons (70.5%).
The Census reported that 144,920 people (97.2% of the population) lived in households, 2,782 (1.9%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 1,356 (0.9%) were institutionalized.
There were 38,477 households, out of which 19,690 (51.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 19,986 (51.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 6,960 (18.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 3,313 (8.6%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 2,823 (7.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 299 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 5,810 households (15.1%) were made up of individuals and 2,010 (5.2%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.77. There were 30,259 families (78.6% of all households); the average family size was 4.15.
The population was spread out with 43,853 people (29.4%) under the age of 18, 20,155 people (13.5%) aged 18 to 24, 42,311 people (28.4%) aged 25 to 44, 31,369 people (21.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 11,370 people (7.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.5 years. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.4 males.
There were 39,620 housing units at an average density of 1,771.8 per square mile (684.1/km²), of which 21,197 (55.1%) were owner-occupied, and 17,280 (44.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.9%. 80,968 people (54.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 63,952 people (42.9%) lived in rental housing units
During 2009â€"2013, Pomona had a median household income of $49,474, with 21.6% of the population living below the federal poverty line.
Economy
Since the 1980s, Pomona's newest neighborhood Phillips Ranch, experienced rapid growth with homes still being built in the hilly area between Downtown and Diamond Bar. Today, Phillips Ranch is nearly all residential. Northern Pomona has seen some gentrification with additional housing units added and revamped streetscapes. Pomona Electronics was originally based in the city.
According to the city's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city and number of employees are Pomona Unified School District (3,424), Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (3,230), California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (2,316), Lanterman Developmental Center (1,283), City of Pomona (810), Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center (688), Verizon (596), County of Los Angeles Department of Social Services (383), First Transit (320), and Cal Spas (315).
Arts and culture
Annual cultural events
The city is the site of the Fairplex, which hosts the L.A. County Fair and the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show. The swap meet (for car parts and accessories) is part of the car show, which is a single-day event held seven times throughout the year.
The city is also home to the NHRA Auto Club Raceway at Pomona (formerly the Pomona Raceway), which hosts Winternationals drag racing competition.
Museums and other points of interest
- dA Center for the Arts
- Fairplex, annual Los Angeles County Fair
- Auto Club Raceway at Pomona (Pomona Raceway)
- Ygnacio Palomares Adobe, List of Registered Historic Places in Los Angeles County, California
- La Casa Primera de Rancho San Jose, List of Registered Historic Places in Los Angeles County, California - Pomona
- Pomona Envisions the Future mural in the Arts District of Pomona
- The Glass House
- Pomona Fox Theater
- Phillips Mansion
- Cal Poly Pomona
- American Museum of Ceramic Art
Government
Municipal government
Pomona was incorporated on January 6, 1888 and adopted a charter in 1911, making it a charter city.
The city is governed by a seven-member city council. Regular municipal elections are held on a Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years. Councilmembers serve four-year terms, and the mayor is the presiding councilmember, elected at-large. The other six members are elected by districts. Every eight months, the council appoints a new vice mayor from among its members.
Mayor: Tim Sandoval
City Council members:
- Rubio Gonzalez
- Adriana Robledo
- Cristina Carrizosa
- Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole
- Ginna Escobar
- Robert Torres
City manager: Linda Lowry
Financial report
According to the city's most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city's various funds had $220.3 million in Revenues, $225.5 million in expenditures, $818.3 million in total assets, $520.0 million in total liabilities, and $80.6 million in cash and investments.
County representation
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Pomona Health Center in Pomona.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department provides fire department services for Pomona on a contract basis.
State and federal representation
In the California State Legislature, Pomona is in the 20th Senate District, represented by Democrat Connie Leyva, and in the 52nd Assembly District, represented by Democrat Freddie Rodriguez.
In the United States House of Representatives, Pomona is in California's 35th congressional district, represented by Democrat Norma Torres.
Education
Public and private schools
Most of Pomona and some of the surrounding area are served by the Pomona Unified School District. Pomona High School, Diamond Ranch High School, Garey High School, Fremont Academy, Palomares Academy, Village Academy and Ganesha High School are PUSD's seven high schools. The Claremont Unified School District serves a small section of northern Pomona. Residents there are zoned to Sumner Elementary School, El Roble Intermediate School, and Claremont High School.
The School of Arts and Enterprise, a charter high school, is also located in the city.
There are three parochial schools located in Pomona: St. Madeleine's School (K-5th), St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School (Kâ€"8), and Pomona Catholic Middle School and High School. There is also an Islamic K-12, City of Knowledge Islamic School.
Colleges and universities
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) is located southwest of the junction of the 10 and 57 freeways. The university was established on the site of breakfast cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg's ranch located on the city's western corner. The university has over 24,000 students and covers an area of over 1,437 acres (5.82Â km2). The university is known for its agricultural, hospitality, engineering and architectural programs.
- Western University of Health Sciences, (formerly known as College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific) is located south of Highway 10 off Towne Avenue. It is one of the largest health sciences universities in California. laguna technical college is also located in down town Pomona
- DeVry University has a campus in Pomona.
Nearby
- Pomona College was founded in Pomona in 1887, but moved to neighboring Claremont, California in 1889. It is now part of the Claremont Colleges.
- Mt. San Antonio College, located in Walnut, California, is adjacent to Cal Poly Pomona, west of the 57 Freeway.
Media
The major daily newspaper in the area is Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. La Opinión is the city's major Spanish-language paper. There are also a wide variety of smaller regional newspapers, alternative weeklies and magazines, including:
- Claremont Courier
- San Gabriel Valley Tribune
- Proud Digital Media (aka Pomona Proud) with a local audience 60,000+
Infrastructure
Transportation
Pomona is connected to downtown Los Angeles, and to downtown Riverside via Metrolink. In addition, with the Gold Line Foothill Extension, Pomona will be connected to Los Angeles and eastern Los Angeles county via light rail, when the Gold Line extension is completed in early 2018.
Freeways
- San Bernardino Freeway
- Orange Freeway
- Pomona Freeway
- Foothill Boulevard
- Corona Expressway
- Interstate 210 and State Route 210 (California)
Airports
Pomona is serviced by:
- Ontario Airport (ONT), located 12 miles (19Â km) away
- John Wayne Airport (SNA), formerly called the Orange County Airport, located 30 miles (48Â km) away
- Long Beach Airport (LGB), located 35 miles (56Â km) away
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), located in Burbank, 42 miles (68Â km)away
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located 45 miles (72Â km) away
- San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), located 37 miles (60Â km) away
Buses
Pomona is served by Foothill Transit. The Silver Streak is Foothill Transit's bus rapid transit line operating between eastbound to Montclair and westbound to Downtown Los Angeles. Omnitrans bus line 61 runs throughout downtown Pomona.
The service runs much more frequently than other area mass transit, and operates around the clock. 60-foot NABI articulated buses are used on this route, like the ones used on the Metro Orange Line, Metro Local, and Metro Rapid.
Notable people
In popular culture
- It was rumored that Walt Disney originally planned on having Disneyland built in Pomona, but the city council declined his offer, fearing that the park would not succeed and would cause the city to go into debt. According to a reporter for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, David Allen, his former colleague, Matthew Tresaugue had reported, in 1997 story, that Pomona was merely one of 71 considered cities, but was ruled out due to temperature extremes, i.e. too hot in summer and too cold at night. It is interesting to note, however, that author James Ellroy used Pomona as the setting for the fictional amusement park Dream-a-Dreamland in his novel L.A. Confidential. Dream-a-Dreamland and its fictional owner, the cartoon magnate Ray Dieterling, were based very closely on Disneyland and Walt Disney.
- In a Walt Disney 1940 cartoon short Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip, Mickey and Pluto board a train from Burbank while evading a "no dogs allowed" policy enforced by conductor Pete until coincidentally getting kicked out at their destination, Pomona.
- In an I Love Lucy episode, the main characters of the show "go out to the country" on a day trip to Pomona. This is now seen as odd due to Pomona since becoming quite urban. In 1940, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz spent their honeymoon in downtown Pomona.
- In the 1979 Steven Spielberg film 1941, is partly set in Pomona.
- In the 1988 film Die Hard, John McClane (Bruce Willis) tells his wife, Holly Genaro McClane (Bonnie Bedelia) that he will be staying with his former captain, who has moved to "Ramona". She laughs at him, saying it is pronounced "Pomona".
- In promotional material for the 1992 Spinal Tap album Break Like the Wind, David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) takes a break from music to coach a youth soccer team in Pomona.
- In the "Treehouse of Horror XVI" episode of The Simpsons, during the introductory scene, during the Springfield Isoptopes's game Pomona was used in a parody of The OC. A poster background depicting the word Pomona in a The OC template. The announcer prompts Fox's newest endeavor "Pomona": "it's even hotter away from the beach." The episode was written and produced by Pomona native Marc Wilmore.
- In the animated series Pinky and the Brain episode titled "Brain Noir" Brain says to Pinky, "…With the populace trapped in their hats, we shall seize Los Angeles, and thenâ€"Pomona!"
- In 2003 the film The Cat in the Hat, starring Mike Myers, transformed Pomona's Antique Row into a scene straight from the imagination of Dr. Seuss.
- In 2005 the film Herbie: Fully Loaded, starring Lindsay Lohan, filmed a car race on Pomona's White Avenue.
- The 2006 film Alpha Dog, directed by Nick Cassavetes, is based on the true story of the 2000 kidnapping and murder of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz and related events, some in Pomona.
- In Fear the Walking Dead, Lorenzo James Henrie's character Chris Manawa wears a jacket with Pomona lettering on the back, either referencing Pomona (as a city) or the more likely Pomona High School.
See also
- Pomona Valley
- Phillips Ranch
References
External links
- Official website
- Pomona Unified School District
- Pomona Local News
- Pomona Chamber of Commerce
- City-Data.com Comprehensive Statistical Data and more about Pomona