Taco Night at the Eagles

Thursday July 9 is taco night at the Pomona Eagles Lodge. The cost is $5 and the proceeds go towards purchasing a flag pole for engine company 181 of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Engine Company 181 services downtown Pomona, they do a great job...and by golly, they deserve a flagpole!

Fresh Air Flicks - IRON MAN!!!! July 10th

Located in Thomas Plaza, 2nd St. and Thomas, in downtown Pomona at Dusk, Friday July 10. Bring a chair and join in the fun of an outdoor movie. It's free to all !!

Pomona Christmas Parade Update

The Pomona Christmas Parade volunteer committee met recently to chart the parade's progress to date. Things are coming along nicely. From all indications the parade is going to be a success! A list of Grand Marshal candidates is in the works, as is a theme for the parade. Your help and input is needed however. Take a few minutes to help by responding to the poll below. What theme would you most like to see? No more than 3 selections please...and if you don't see a theme you like, feel free to write in your own suggestions.

Blackberry coffee cake, anyone?

By Wendy Leung on June 26, 2009 - Via R.C. Now online

photo by: Thomas Cordova

The charming Pomona Baking Co. in downtown P-town is run by Chaffey College assistant professor Daniel Swift. This joint is everything that chain-hating gourmands look for in a bakery -- fresh ingredients, innovative recipes and acceptance of special requests.

If you're used to buying baked goods at Costco, Pomona Baking Co. -- $4 a loaf of bread, 75 cents a cookie, $1.75 a sticky bun -- might seem pricey. But Swift is confident that bread is a "recession-proof business."

"As long as people understand the quality factor," Swift said. "I've never had anyone say they won't pay $4 for a loaf. It's handmade and it's made with love."

If Pomona's too far for a dessert run, you can try baking yourself. Swift's coffee cake recipe follows.

Blackberry sour cream coffee cake
Recipe courtesy of Pomona Baking Co.

Feel free to substitute other berries or chopped fruit in place of the blackberries. This is a very versatile recipe which suits many different seasonal fruits.

Preheat oven to 350 degress and grease one 9x13 inch baking dish.

Ingredients for coffee cake
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salted butter melted
2 eggs lightly beaten
2 cups black berries

Ingredients for topping
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup salted butter melted
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

The coffee cake
Stir together flour, sugar and baking powder in one medium sized mixing bowl until evenly combined. Stir together sour cream, melted butter and beaten eggs in another medium-sized mixing bowl until well incorporated. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together. Don't over mix. Spread half of the batter in the bottom of the lightly greased pan. Sprinkle blackberries over the first layer of batter then cover the berries with the other half of the batter.

The topping
Stir together all ingredients until a crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkle over the top of the coffeecake and bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Cool for 10 minutes before cutting.

June Metro Night Out

Last Saturday in Metro Pomona, now called "Metro Night Out" was everything the name suggests. Many galleries were open and crowds were large. Restaurants and bars were packed .The Farmers Market was jumping and the car show was awesome. Everywhere you looked people were out to enjoy the evening, listening to some great music, seeing some great art, and having a great time. Welcome to Pomona!

Final Fresh Air Flicks Poll

This year's Fresh Air Flicks series will begin Friday, July 10 at Thomas Plaza. We appreciate all the input we have received from you, but we need your opinion one more time. The films you see listed below were too close to call in the latest poll, so we are asking you to vote for "six" movies this time around, and that includes any write-ins you may have. The poll will close Monday, July 6. The results will be posted soon after.

Metro Night Out!

Come join the fun Saturday June 27 as downtown Pomona celebrates Metro Night Out on the last Saturday of the month. Every last Saturday the Arts Colony hosts the closing of shows which opened on the 2nd Saturday of the month, it's an opportunity for those of you that missed the opening to see it fresh before the closing, and for those of you who came to 2nd Saturday it's an opportunity to see it all again, or to see some of the shows you missed the first time around.

Thomas Plaza at 2nd and Thomas St. will feature live entertainment and a Farmers Market, and new this month is an all class car show and Cruise Night with entries from all around the area, even some motorcycles. It all starts at 5 PM and runs till 9PM or later.

Arches Poll Results

Ever wonder what happens to the results of poll questions on this blog? Some of you might wonder if the results are of any importance to anyone. You bet they are. That's why we encourage as many of you as possible to share your opinions when polls are conducted on this blog. In the case of the arches, the results of the poll will be submitted to the DPOA Joint Operations Committee (responsible for security and maintenance issues in the downtown and meets at 4:30 P.M. every First Thursday of the month) and the Marketing Committee, which meets at 5:30 P.M. every first Thursday of the month. The committees will discuss, come to a consensus, and direct the DPOA staff to "make it happen". The DPOA staff, which is the Executive Director, Executive Assistant, Maintenance worker, and consultants, don't work in a vacuum. They are given direction by the DPOA Board of Directors directly, and via various committees established by the board. Just so you know.

The results of the arches poll: 

"What color would you like to see the arches painted ?"

Golden Gate Red 37%
Leave it as it is 17%
Blue 17%
Teal 15%
Green 6%

Other suggestions;
- Art Deco Turquoise
- Strip it down to bare metal and clear coat it
- Terracotta, rust, paprika, or cardamon..can we do the letters a different color?
- Any color but make the letters a contrasting color.

When a decision is made and direction given to the staff, we'll let you all know. In the meantime, respond to the polls and surveys. We are listening.

Miss Pomona Update!

NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:Lorena Matarrita

Downtown Pomona Owner’s Association101 W Mission Blvd #110-410, Pomona, CA 91766

(909) 469-1121(909) 469-1120 Fax http://us.mc541.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=downtownpomona@hotmail.com http://www.metropomona.com/

THE MISS POMONA PAGEANT RETURNS
Restoring a Healthy Sense of Optimism Throughout the City
POMONA, Calif., (June 26, 2008)—The Downtown Pomona’s Owners Association (DPOA) announced today that it will host the Miss Pomona Pageant this year. Returning from a two year hiatus, the Miss Pomona Pageant award ceremony is scheduled for the evening of October 25, 2009 at the newly remodeled Fox Theater.

“The Miss Pomona Pageant is a very special event to many residents, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to bring this experience back,” said Lorena Matarrita, Co-Chair of the Miss Pomona committee and Miss Pomona 2004. “The pageant which has gone missing for two years will return, and a very deserving young lady will be crowned Miss Pomona in October.”

To participate in the pageant, candidates must be an unmarried Pomona resident, under the age of 21, a current student of junior or senior status attending a high school in Pomona , and have a grade point average of 3.0 or better. There is no particular talent requirement, however she must be ready to demonstrate that she is involved in her community, and be prepared to properly represent the city of Pomona at various events. Applications will be made available in August, after the start of the new school year.

Plans are to notify all eligible candidates, then move the interview process along to a coronation, at which point scholarships in an amount yet to be determined will be awarded to the newly crowned Miss Pomona and her court.

“The Miss Pomona Pageant is a great citywide tradition that needs to be upheld for our loyal residents.” said Matarrita. “And so, a committee to reinstate this event was formed two months ago, now the ball is rolling and we are in a position to announce our plans.”
The grassroots committee consists of a group of active Pomona residents that are dedicated to making the pageant happen. Co-Chairs of the committee are Lorena Matarrita, DPOA Executive Assistant and former Miss Pomona, and Mickey Gallivan, Pomona Historical Society President. Other committee members are: Katherine Culliver and Adriana Robledo, Pomona Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and former Miss Pomona Princesses, Larry Egan , executive director DPOA, Paul Knopf, teacher, Pomona Unified School District, Ronald Ching, Pomona Community Life Commissioner, Tim Saunders, Pomona City Councilmember, Dawn Schaller, active community member, and Rita Romero, Pomona Cultural Arts Commissioner.
# # #

Opera Coming to The Fox Theater!

POMONA, CA—The historic Fox Theater in Pomona and The Repertory Opera Company are bringing professional opera to the Inland Empire.

“We are very excited to be performing in such a wonderful space,” said LizBeth Lucca, Pomona resident and Artistic Director for the opera company. “The historical presence of the building is fabulous and the acoustics are great. The singers’ voices just resonate beautifully out into the hall."

The first opera will be Elixir of Love by Donizetti on Sunday, August 30 at 2 pm. “We hope this will be the start of a four-show opera season at the Fox. Pomona is establishing itself as a cultural presence in the Inland Empire with the Fox Theater and with the Arts Colony. Now we have an opera company.” said Mrs. Lucca. The Repertory Opera Company was established six years ago and is based in Pomona. The group has staged 16 opera productions in Los Angles to critical acclaim. Past productions by the group include La Boheme, Falstaff, Don Giovanni, Tales of Hoffman and The 

Barber of Seville. The most recent production of the Repertory Opera Company, The Marriage of Figaro, was performed at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center.

“We also did a successful traveling production of Don Pasquale,” said Ms. Lucca. “With the upcoming production of Elxir of Love at The Fox we will completely transition to Pomona. The Inland Empire forms the ideal community to support a regional opera company.”

As a regional opera company the group provides opportunity to both aspiring opera singers developing their resume, and also many skilled vocalists for whom opera is a second career. Ms. Lucca can cite the names of at least a half dozen singers who performed with Repertory Opera Company and who have moved on to a major opera company, or are performing internationally, including two children from Claremont who have gone on to sing with Los Angeles Opera.

“The performance we are planning for the Fox Theatre will include Leslie Dennis who is a wonderful performer and soloist with LA Opera,” said Ms. Lucca. Other performers are being cast. 

“Part of the Repertory Opera Company’s mission is to give local performers a venue,” added Ms. Lucca, “so we will also be looking for local talent in the next few weeks.”

Information on auditions is available by calling The Repertory Opera Company at 909-230-4949. You can also visit their website at www.repertoryoperacompany.org, or become a fan on Facebook under Repertory Opera Company.

Tim Sunders - Gonzo Marketers

www.gonzomarketers.com

Latino Art Museum July Exhibition

Hessam Abrishami

July 8th - 29th

Opening Reception July 11th 6-9pm / During 2nd Saturday Art Walk

Closing Reception July 25th 6-9pm / During Last Saturday Metro Night Out

281 S. Thomas St., Pomona CA 91766 - Map it.

http://www.lamoa.net/julyexhibition

Attention Downtown Pomona Merchants, Professionals, and Businesses!

If you own or operate a business, professional office, or are a merchant of any kind in downtown Pomona, you are eligible to be posted on the Metro Pomona Business Directory, free of charge.

Your business must be within the following boundaries; First Street to Mission Blvd. and Parcels to Allen Lane.

You may already be listed, please check at http://www.metropomona.com/. If you are not listed or if the information is dated or not accurate email us with the correct information at downtownpomona@hotmail.com and we'll fix it right away.

You are also invited to set up at either of the downtown Pomona Farmers Markets free of charge. If you are interested check out :

www.metropomona.com/farmersmarket.php, 

download an application and get it to us. Or call us at (909) 469-1121

Happy Birthday Ashley!!

Just found out today is A.S. Ashley's birthday. Let's all wish him a happy one!!

Fresh Air Flicks Movies

Here are the top 20 Fresh Air Flicks movies you voted for. We will be selecting 9 of these movies to show during July and August . So cast your vote one more time. Select multiple movies from the list. You can only vote one time. We will post the results after the polls close. See you at the Movies!!!

Special Events at AMOCA!

Guest DAVID FURMAN
Slides and Dialogue: 40 Years of Work

Saturday, June 27, 5 - 7p.m.

For more than 40 years, artist David Furman has created diverse works in clay that express his ideas, experiences, and perceptions through irony, empathy, and humor. His repertoire is vast, ranging from miniature room vignettes and small dioramas to tromp l' oeil works. Furman's recent work is focused on composite-vegetable teapots and wooden-mannequin based scenarios that portray human emotion. Open to the public, $5 admission; free for members

To RSVP, please call 909/865-3146 or email:  frontdesk@ceramicmuseum.org

Demonstration Workshop with artist Don Reitz

Sunday, August 23, 2009, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Recognized as one of the most important and influential ceramic artists of this century, Don Reitz is well known for reviving salt and wood-firing techniques. His life-long commitment to research, testing, and experimentation have been crucial to the development of his cutting-edge work. Reitz's distinctive use of color, surface, and gestural markings make him one of the most recognized artists in American studio ceramics.

Fee: $65 for AMOCA members, $85 for non-members and includes continental breakfast.  To purchase a reservation, please call: 909-865-3146 with a major credit card, (VISA, MASTERCARD or DISCOVER) or send a check to: AMOCA, 340 South Garey Avenue, Pomona, CA 91766

Visit the AMOCA website for more information.

http://www.ceramicmuseum.org/

Help the dA!!

Calling all Artists who would like to help the dA celebrate 25 years of community art happenings in Pomona. Saturday, June 27th will be the official birthday celebration for the 25th anniversary of the dA. The highlight of the event will be a reprise of dAzert, a favorite fund raising event.

Please stop by the dA starting today to paint a birthday cake plate which will be sold at dAzert for $20. Dee Cole has donated paints to the dA that adhere to porcelain plates, and David Armstrong has donated 200 plain collector plates.

So far the artists have had a lot of fun painting them.

When to stop by:
Wednesday noon to 5pm, Thursday noon to 9pm, Friday and Saturday noon to 5pm

Where: The dA ceramics lab, upstairs at the dA Gallery, 252 S. Main St., 909-397-9716

We also need birthday cakes. If you enjoy baking, please create a special cake for our birthday party.

Thank You!

Miss Pomona Pageant Returns

The Downtown Owner’s Association (DPOA) announced today that it will sponsor the Miss Pomona Pageant this year. “The pageant, which has gone missing for two years, will return and some deserving young lady will be crowned Miss Pomona this October” said Lorena Matarrita Co-Chair of the Miss Pomona committee and Miss Pomona 2004. “A committee was formed two months ago, Matarrita said, “and we are now in a position to announce our plans”. The steering committee consists of a group of individuals that appear to be dedicated to making the pageant happen. Co-Chairs of the committee are Lorena Matarrita, DPOA Executive Assistant and former Miss Pomona, and Mickey Gallivan, Pomona Historical Society President. Other members are; Katherine Culliver and Adriana Robledo, Pomona Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and former Miss Pomona Princesses, Larry Egan , executive director DPOA, Paul Knopf, teacher, Pomona Unified School District, Ronald Ching, Pomona Community Life Commissioner, Tim Saunders, Pomona City Councilmember, Dawn Schaller, active community member, and Rita Romero, Pomona Cultural Arts Commissioner. 

Plans are to notify all eligible young ladies and move the screening process along to a coronation scheduled tentatively for October 25, 2009. To be eligible to participate in the pageant young ladies must be an unmarried Pomona resident, under the age of 21, and a junior or senior in a Pomona high school with a 3.0 or better grade average. There is no talent requirement, but she must be ready to demonstrate the she is involved in her community and be ready to represent the Pomona community.

Applications will be made available in August, after the start of the new school year. Scholarships, in an amount yet to be determined, will be awarded to the finalist and her court.

An open letter to Councilmember Rodriguez

Dear Mr. Rodriguez,

I just wanted to share with you that this month's Second Saturday had a fabulous turnout, especially for West side of the Arts Colony. In the three years that I've been here, this has been one of the biggest and best turnouts - definitely the reason DPOA needs to continue it's fine work and keep doing what it does - so that we can continue to have these kinds of turnouts throughout the entire Arts Colony and the positive response from visitors to our Downtown.

Lisa Cabrera
Cabrera's: An Eclectic Art Gallery
637 W. Second St.
Pomona, CA 91766

SECOND SATURDAY ART WALK FOR JUNE

DOWNTOWN POMONA PBID TO SPONSOR POMONA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE

It was announced today that the Downtown Pomona Owner’s Association, the operating arm of the Downtown Pomona PBID will assume responsibility for hosting Pomona’s annual Christmas Parade. Several details are still to be worked out, but the framework of the parade is all set.

The route will change this year from Holt Ave. to downtown Pomona’s historic Second Street. A wide variety of participants are expected with firm commitments from the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Post 30 American Legion, Diamond Ranch High School, Ganesha High School, Pomona Eagles Lodge # 2215, Pomona, and many more. It is expected that as many as 100 entrants will participate.

“The parade will be a community parade, everyone is welcome, car clubs, equestrians, community groups, bands, drill teams, city officials, and much more”, said Larry Egan Co-Chairman of the parade committee.

Another difference this year is the day of the parade. The parade will take place on the Second Saturday of December, December 12, 2009 and will end at Pomona’s City Hall where the Holiday Lane Celebration will be hosted. “There will be a lot going on that day”, Egan said, “The parade in the morning, Holiday Lane in the afternoon, and Second Saturday Art Walk in the evening. Good wholesome family activities”.

Download the form and rules here.

Daily Bulletin Article

Renew Downtown Business District

Posted  6/13

"Downtown Pomona property owners would be wise to vote in favor of continuing the Pomona Business Improvement District....
... thanks largely to the security, cleanup and marketing provided by the Downtown Pomona Owners Association through the PBID.  Now, events like the Second Saturday and Last Saturday Art Walks attract people who not only check out the art in the many galleries in the Arts Colony, but also shop, eat and drink downtown. It's a fun crowd...
...With Antiques Row, the rapidly expanding Western University of Health Sciences and Cal Poly's Downtown Center, there's a lot going on downtown these days....
...The momentum is definitely going in the right direction."

Click Here to Read the Whole Article

IE Weekly Article

Downtown Divided - Is a Pomona business tax 

a burden or a life support?

By: Nate Jackson - Inland Empire Weekly

Click here to read...

VEHICLE PARKING DISTRICT AND DPOA BEGIN PARTNERSHIP

The Pomona Vehicle Parking District (VPD) and the Downtown Pomona Owner’s Association (DPOA) entered into a discussion last night at the regularly scheduled VPD meeting in the City Council chambers at Pomona City Hall. It was agreed that in a three way partnership between the VPD, the DPOA, and the City of Pomona’s Public Works Department empty tree wells throughout downtown Pomona could well be filled with young trees.” There are currently fifteen barren tree wells throughout the downtown “, stated Larry Egan, executive director of the DPOA. “If the VPD were to purchase the trees and the Public Works Department provided the manpower to plant the trees, then the DPOA could water, weed and care for the trees. It’s a win, win, and win situation for everybody” 

Paige Bruyn, the Chair of the Vehicle Parking District Commission requested that the item be placed on the agenda for discussion and action at the July 9, 2009 meeting. 

Thank You!

At last night's special Council meeting several people spoke about the work the DPOA does for the downtown, some spoke against the DPOA, but without a doubt everyone was sending a message,and not necessarily to the City Council. If you listened you heard a chorus of people from all walks of life describing Pomona, particulalry downtown Pomona, or Metro Pomona as we like to say, as a part of their lives, a community, a home, a place to point to with pride, a place of business and livlihood for some and a social gathering place for others. It is obvious that Metro Pomona means something special to so many people. The possesiveness and pride of occupancy, residency,and ownership came through loud and clear. Even the critics of the DPOA spoke of Metro Pomona with a sense of pride.

Metro Pomona is a living, breathing work in progress to most, like a child going through its formitive years. There was no talk of her age however (over 120 years) her pot-holed streets, her drafty buildings, her parking issues, or any of her shortcomings. All talk about her was positive, like a parent boasting about their child,only the positive attributes were mentioned. There was a lot of talk about her behavior in former years and the transition she has made from then to now. As with any parent there is a desire to have your child live up to their potential, and that is what was really happening last night.

The message from the audience and City Council alike was not lost on the DPOA. There is much more to do, and some things have to be done better. Dialog and constructive, strategical goals need to be developed and implemented. The DPOA has moved from adolescence to adulthood in short order,of necessity, and not unlike any awkward, gawky teenager has experienced some of lifes realites. But having been prepared well for its role in the real world, the DPOA is now ready to leave home and become a contributing member of society.

To all of you that came out in support of the DPOA and to all of you who spoke in favor of the DPOA and to all of you who have helped to shape the DPOA, thank you! We still have some tough obstacles to overcome in terms of the re-certification. The ballots went out last night to all property owners in the PBID They now have 45 days to return them to the City Clerk. On July 20 the City Council will hold a public hearing on the matter, the sealed ballots will be counted.If the votes are there, and the City Council wishes, the DPOA will be re-certified. That is an over simplification of the process, but you get the idea. So we're halfway there at this point. The City Council has given the DPOA the opportunity to continue with the process and that in itself says that we're doing something right. As we were told last night and in weeks past there is much more to do and much that we do can be done better. We're listening.

To be or not to be

Sorry to keep harping on this subject, but it is vital to the survival of the DPOA. Tonight there is a special meeting of the Pomona City Council to decide if the DPOA's request to continue with the process of recertification will be granted. That's essentially it. There are a lot hoops for us to jump through, but ultimately the City Council will have the say. Your presence will go a long way to convince the Council that you want the DPOA to remain in place.

Come support the DPOA tonight. 6PM, City Council Chambers. Please arrive a little early so you will have time to submit a speaker card.

No matter what happens tonight...Thank you for your inspiration and support!

City Council Thursday Night

Last night a crowd reaching 100 strong came to the Pomona City Council meeting prepared to speak in support of the downtown Pomona PBID, aka DPOA (Downtown Pomona Owner's Association), but as you know by now, the DPOA's re-certification item was moved to a special meeting of the City Council, this Thursday at 6PM. For all of you that took the time to show your support, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Now, more than ever, it is important for you to come back to the City Council this Thursday night. Bring your friends and neighbors and anyone who wants to see downtown Pomona continue on the road to revitalization. Not withstanding the first game of the Lakers that night, this item is more important and will have more impact on your lives than the Lakers. Besides, it is only the first game. So please come once again and show your support.

On a happier note, it is approaching Fresh Air Flicks time. This year the series will run an extra month. Check this blog in the days to come for a list of potential movies. You will be asked to vote for your favorites.

In Support of the DPOA

As most of you probably know by now, there is a bit of a debate going on as to whether the DPOA should be allowed to continue revitalizing downtown Pomona, or as we like to call it, "Metro Pomona". A very prominent downtown businessman and advocate of all that is good in downtown summed it best when he sent downtowners an email and asked us to spread the word. Here is that message:

Hello,

I assume by now everyone has read the “Point of View” article by David Armstrong in today’s Daily Bulletin. On the surface David makes a strong point (as I read it) and undoubtedly it will succeed in swaying many people. His timing for this article is also well thought out, making it difficult for a timely reply and rebuttal. 

He makes it sound as if the majority in the DPOA is against its renewal, and that the poor property owners are saddled with all of this expense, he fails to mention that in most instances these costs are passed on to the property owners tenants, who I do believe are pleased to pay it, (I know that I am) because of the “obvious benefits” they do receive! I can only assume that the City where possible, passes these expenses on as well? I’m not sure about this; hopefully someone in the know can confirm it? I do believe that these monies which the City pays into the DPOA/PBID do not come from the general fund, so our tax- paying public is not footing the bill for the downtown.

His tricky wording makes it sound as if the entire city is being assessed to benefit only the downtown. He should be a politician—what a smoke screen. I can only guess of course, but he’s probably trying to mass public outcry at the next council meeting to intimidate our leaders into backing out of the PBID. 

A. Ashley wrote an excellent article in yesterday’s daily bulletin concerning the DPOA I encourage all to go on line and read it.

I believe the best way to counter this, is for everyone who feels (as I do) that the DPOA/PBID is the best thing that has ever happened to downtown Pomona, must stand up and be counted. There are two ways to approach this. 

The first is to launch an immediate letter and e-mail campaign to the Daily Bulletin (Blog the editors) voicing your support for the DPOA/PBID and pointing out, where appropriate and factual any erroneous or distorted items in the Point of View article in today’s paper.

The second is to contact your City Council person, and in addition, come to the Pomona City Council meeting on Monday, June 1, to voice your support for the DPOA/PBID. 

I cannot express how important this is to the entire City of Pomona. The Downtown area is the “Front Yard” of our City! Look at our history…. What happens in the Downtown, so goes the rest of the City! Think of the Downtown as the hub of a wagon wheel, if that hub is weak and broken it affects the spokes which cannot support the rim and the entire wheel will collapse. If on the other hand that hub is in sound working order, then it in turn radiates through the spokes to eventually strengthen the rim.

Thanks in advance for your immediate action on this matter,

George Cuttress

Pomona needs a downtown group!

For those of you who have been following the recertification process of the downtown Pomona PBID, and even those who haven't been following it, the opinion piece in todays's Daily Bulletin is a fair assessment of the situation. 

Pomona needs a downtown group

A.S. Ashley

Created: 05/26/2009 07:20:23 PM PDT

As an individual living in Downtown Pomona, I have no problem imagining what life in our downtown area would be without the Downtown Pomona Owners Association (DPOA). 

To date, this is the fourth downtown arts colony I have lived in, and I have seen the best and the worst during the revitalization efforts of their respective downtowns. 

My experience has borne witness to many of the elements that are required for the successful turnaround of a blighted downtown. 

The first is safety: It doesn't matter what an area offers if it can't ensure the safety of its tenants and patrons. 

The second is cleanliness and general maintenance: A trash-filled community is a trashy community. 

From there merchants can get down to the business of doing business, free from nuisance and criminal threats in a clean and safe environment, with prospective new businesses eyeing the benefits of moving into the area. 

In two-plus years living in Downtown Pomona, I've seen nearly a half-dozen new restaurants open, empty storefronts filled, the renovation of the Fox Theater, and 30 percent growth in art venues in the Arts Colony. 

And that's during these devastating financial times. Thank you, DPOA! 

The third is marketing: A lot more needs to done in this area, especially due to the reputation Pomona has been living with for years. Therefore it is not surprising that many improvements in downtown are still a well-kept secret. 

But the DPOA is working hard to inform folks on what Downtown Pomona has to offer (please go to: www.metropomona.com and see for yourself). 

For those of you that haven't been to Downtown Pomona recently, be prepared to be very surprised, because whatever you thought before, you'll find yourself gladly mistaken. 

For first-timers, I'd suggest coming to two monthly events: Second Saturday Art Walk, or Last Saturdays Metro Night Out. 

Literally thousands of folks come downtown with their friends and families to enjoy the art, Farmer's Market, music, restaurants and other entertainment venues. 

The other important element the DPOA brings to the downtown is a voice: as a vested ambassador of the Downtown area to City Hall, items brought before the City Council or city commissions concerning the downtown area are immediately addressed by the DPOA. And through meetings with landowners, merchants and residents, the DPOA formulates opinions and plans of action that best serve the downtown area and the city as a whole. 

Sadly, it just so happens that the DPOA's P-BID (Property Based Improvement District) re-certification process is occurring now, when the DPOA and the Downtown Revitalization plan are hitting their stride and gaining momentum (please take the time to Google what P-BIDs are, and how they have effectively changed more than 1,200 communities and districts across the United States). 

If the P-BID disappears, so does the DPOA. 

This could be devastating, with the city having to make drastic fiscal cutbacks. It is not far-fetched to imagine Pomona's downtown area going tragically adrift. 

I would encourage the residents of Pomona to contact your council members, and ask them to pledge their support for the DPOA's P-BID re-certification (the city accounts for 26 percent of the P-BID district's land holdings; therefore the city's vote is essential). 

The DPOA's efforts are not only good for Pomona's Downtown Revitalization Plan, but for all of Pomona ... for the future success of the city will grow from the center out, with Downtown Pomona being a superb model for the city's forward growth and prosperity. 

A.S. Ashley is a resident of Downtown Pomona and chairman of the Pomona Arts Colony Association.

Freeway Series

Yesterday a group of baseball fans from Downtown Pomona, and elsewhere, took a field trip to Dodger Stadium to see the final game of a three game series between the Angels and the Dodgers. This was a tie-breaker game. The Angels took the first game, the Dodgers took the second game. It is no secret by now that the Angels took the third game, and the series, by winning 10-7 over the Dodgers. So, for those of you that missed it, the ANGELS WON !!

But no matter which team you rooted for, if you missed the trip you missed a good time. It was a near sell-out game with over 50,000 in attendance. About 70 people from Pomona (and at least one from Claremont) attended the DPOA sponsored trip. Some drove to the game while the rest took a chartered bus from Downtown Pomona to the game. This is the third year the DPOA has sponsored a freeway series game trip, and this one was the most fun. It was a great day of fun. By the way, the ANGELS WON!!

OC Weekly Review

As a follow up to the "This is a test" posting on Friday, the OC Weekly printed a review of Gogol Bordello as well as the Fox and to some degree downtown Pomona, which reinforces this blogs earlier comments. First impressions are always lasting impressions and while one would hope that all visitors to the downtown are first time visitors, that simply can't be the case. The City of Pomona was incorporated over 120 years ago and the downtown of course is much older than that. So it would be fantasy to expect that people are coming to Pomona for the "first" time. What we are left with are return visitors for the most part, and reluctant returnees at that. Most are keenly aware of the reputation "Pomona" has had in the past, and especially downtown's reputation. Those days are long gone of course, but not everyone got the memo. It is almost spiritual to hear visitors say "WOW!, this isn't the Downtown Pomona I remember, this is great!. Reminds me of Long Beach, or Pasadena. Things have really changed."

Here is the OC Weekly article...

Friday, May. 22 2009 @ 9:57AM
By Nate Jackson in live review
Last Night: Gogol Bordello at Fox Pomona on Thursday, May 21st.Better Than: Being an actual gypsy in Eastern EuropeDownload: Super Taranta on Side One Dummy RecordsFor years, night life in down town Pomona usually meant parking the car, catching a show at The Glass House and making a clean exit. For many, it also meant a swift walk past the forsaken skeleton of the Fox Theater on Garey Ave. followed by the whiny, rhetorical question "why the f--k don't they do something with this place?" As I weaved my way through darkened parking lots filled with cars a couple blocks from the theater, which made it's glorious return a couple months ago, I'm guessing people aren't asking that question anymore. Last night, the theater hit another milestone as it welcomed it's first Golden Voice concert featuring New York gypsy punks Gogol Bordello and Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros (who I regrettably missed due to traffic issues...seems like a reoccurring theme in these reviews).But after a brisk, two block walk from the car to the glowing marquis, it was hard not to feel a bit of excitement swell in your throat as clusters of noise, people and cigarette smoke brought life to the spanking new neon scenery. In a story written by yours truly for our friends at IE Weekly a few months ago [shameless plug... check the story here] I chronicled most of the work that went into resuscitating the glamorous structure, mis-haps and all. But stepping inside the grand foyer drenched in winding stair case splendor and multicolored murals was an experience that echoed a new era in Pomona nightlife.
With Gogol about to start, people were bumping into each other like confused ants, grabbing last minute drinks, texting their coordinates or running around the second floor in awe of the Fox aura. All things considered, the choice to go with GB for the first Fox concert was spot on. In the darkness of the concert hall, parades of tattooed punkers, olive-skinned gypsy chicks and heavily-mustached carnival characters darted to the front barriers of the stage. Savvy, laid-back show goers, buzzed over to the bars lined the exits at the back of the hall. After all, you can want to be too far away from the booze at a good rock show.Emerging from the wings, head gypsy Eugene Hutz and bassist Thomas Gobena emerged to a roar that swelled from the front row to the silhouettes in the balcony. Starting things off with a slow build of thumping and hazy acoustic guitar, the rest of the band slowly crept on stage in front of a gargantuan black and yellow banner sporting their sling shot logo. Launching into an hour and a half set, the band's clap-happy sound took off instantly with early favorites like "Wander Lust King" and "Ultimate" from 2008's Super Taranta. Under swirls of rainbow stage lighting, the controlled chaos of the crowd almost stole the show as people jumped, clapped and sang like a trained choir.The energy only intensified as toga-wearing back-up vocalists emerged with the band's customary, glittery marching drum and cymbals as they pounded away on the stage filled with color, light and sweat. Churning through one song after another, the unified shouts of the crowd filled the air of this 2,000+ capacity venue.The frenzy continued with pounding percussion for several more songs, that included some insane chops from Sergey Ryabstev, the band's gray-haired violinist on instrumental breaks like "Barro Foro". Having never seen this band live, it's hard to put the sever eclecticism of Russian folk, Ukrainian party music, Samba and funk into one neat paragraph. But suffice it to say that unless you've seen them, you haven't seen anything like it. Launching into the opening chords of "Start Wearing Purple", the crowd exploded again, locking arms and dancing with each other with brimming beer cups held high. Even with the security in front, one girl managed to squeak her way on stage and give Hutz a kiss or two as he flailed his acoustic guitar around like a stage prop...ah, the life of a gypsy.Another thing you must know about a gypsy party is that it doesn't like to be told when to get off stage. After several false set endings, the band kept going, vamping wildly on their closing songs until finally making a riotous exit, only to return momentarily for an encore. All around fans stomped the floor like a thunderous heard of buffalo until the band returned to close out the night. Filtering back into the foyer, the sense of success for the Fox was palpable as it ushered in a new chapter in it's history. And with more acts like Wilco and Band o Horses on the way, there's plenty of reason to believe in the glowing hype of this revived venue.Critic's NotebookPersonal Bias: Party music of any culture is never a bad thing. Especially when it involves the lead singer jamming out on a metal bucket.Random Detail: One thing I did notice: was anyone else bothered by the fact that there seemed to be only one ATM in the entire building?By The Way: HEY!!!!......HEY!!!!.....HEY!!!!

This is a test, just a test.

Downtown Pomona was abuzz last night with activity, and it's just a Thursday. The Chamber of Commerce hosted a mixer at Sukura Ichi, celebrating the restaurant's re-opening after having been closed for 2 months due to water damage. The chamber couldn't have asked for a better turnout.

While the mixer was in progress over 3000 people descended on the downtown. The Glass House was sold out with a crowd of 850, the Fox was sold out with a crowd of 2000 people. Angelo's, Locust Lounge, DBA Wine Bar, and Acerogami were all full as well. Many, or most of these visitors were first timers to the downtown or returning visitors from recent years and the comments heard throughout the downtown were music to the ears of any supporter of the downtown. Comments were overwhelmingly positive, most seemed pleasantly surprised with the revitalized face of the downtown.

Preliminary reports indicate that even with this crowd there were lots of empty free parking spaces available. The $4 lot across from the Fox was full, an indication that people ARE willing to pay for parking. Traffic for the most part was orderly, with one small bottleneck at Garey & 3rd. (Nothing that can't be worked out in the future.)

One has to wonder what the pundants mean by economic downturn or recession. It would appear that those demons are no match for momentum, and downtown Pomona certainly has momentum!

What's All The Fuss About?

For those of you that don't know, the DPOA (Downtown Pomona Owner's Association) is a PBID (Property Business Improvement District). What that means is, the downtown property owners, after years of frustration, took their city back! The downtown was in desperate need of revitalization due to high crime, gangs, drugs, blight, vagrants, boarded up buildings, dirty streets and sidewalks. Five years ago when the PBIB was formed, and even more so today, the City could not, and cannot today, provide the services needed to correct these ills (extra police, maintenance, etc.). The property owners took it upon themselves to form a PBID for the downtown. Even though this meant assessing themselves higher property taxes they believed the formation of a PBID was the only real and practical solution to the problems facing the downtown. The PBID now provides the downtown the financial resources to provide 24/7 security...a combination of dedicated Pomona Police Officers, exclusively assigned to the downtown, and private security teams. It provides maintenance that includes graffiti removal, street scape improvements such as plants and irrigation in the planters along Second St., weeding, power washing of sidewalks, new trash cans and regular trash removal, resurfacing of alleys, painted bollards and light posts, and a host of other needed projects. A promotion and marketing campaign is also a focus of the PBID. The DPOA advertises the downtown in a variety of mediums. It hosts and sponsors events such as Antique Collector's Street Fair, Farmers Markets, Fresh Air Flicks, Zocola, Guatemalan Festival, Art Walks, Chalk Art Festival, and others. The metropomona.com web site and this blog are examples of the marketing effort the PBID provides to promote the downtown. Unmistakably, the PBID is the catalyst that has brought, and will continue to bring, new businesses and developments to the downtown. 

The formation or re-certification of a PBID is a long, legal, arduous process which involves all the players; owners, merchants, residents, city council, etc. The final determination is ultimately the City Council's. But before the City Council weighs in there are mandatory legal steps which have to take place.

1) All owners must be sent a petition requesting the City Council to allow the process to go forward. This request requires over 50% of the properties to respond favorably.

2) The next step is a request from City Council by the DPOA to mail ballots to all property owners asking for a yes or no vote. These ballots, when completed, are mailed back to the City Clerk and are not opened or counted until a minimum 45 days has elapsed from their mailing. The ballots are then brought before the City Council at a public hearing where they are opened and counted. If the majority of the vote is "yes" and the City Council so chooses, the PBID is re-certified and the County Tax Collector and County Assessor are notified to add the properties' tax assessment to the tax rolls.

It's a boring, tedious, time consuming process. But it is a fair and necessary process.

The DPOA's charter expires this year and a re-certification drive is now under way. The process is wrapping up step #1. It is the DPOA's hope, as well as the majority of the property owners that the DPOA be re-certified.

There are those who would like to see the DPOA disbanded and return to the days of old. To that end the DPOA has to respond and defend itself to survive. This posting is meant to explain to those of you who don't know, what all the fuss is about. To better understand the DPOA you are invited to view the presentation made to the owners at last year's annual meeting by clicking here. http://www.metropomona.com/dpoa2008.php

Also...  Here is a great editorial by Nancy Matarrita from the Daily Bulletin.

http://www.dailybulletin.com/search/ci_12364902

We welcome any comments you may have. If you believe as we do that the DPOA is worth saving, please let your City Council member, Mayor, and City Manager know how you feel. If you do not agree, please keep your opinions to yourself.

PERFECT STORM (almost)

This past year or so there has been great concern about downtown's parking capabilites. Our city fathers and senior city staff, along with the Vehicle Parking Commission, Planning department,Redevelopment agency, and the Downtown Pomona Owner's Association have grappled with the "what ifs" of adequate parking in the downtown. The city hired an outside consultant for well over $100K to tell them what they could have been given for free by asking downtown merchants and property owners.

The study is finally complete (18 months) and was just presented to the City Council. What the study essentially says is that at some point the downtown will run out of parking if steps aren't taken to address the problem now. With new development projects coming to the downtown there will be a shortage of parking, no doubt about it. Not to bore you with the details of the study or the reccommended solutions to the "potential" problems of the future it should be noted that the worst or best case scenario (depending on how you look at it) would be what all are calling a "Perfect Storm" in the downtown.

A perfect storm (parking) is described as all of the below listed events occuring at the same time:

1) A sell out crowd at the Glass House
2) A sell out crowd at the Fox
3) A huge downtown event such as Second Saturday
4) An unusal turnout for evening diners and shoppers

For the first time in at least 40 years last night the downtown experienced a "Perfect Storm", at least on the west side of Garey Ave. Visitors to downtown had to park several blocks away and walk to their venue of choice. Is this a sign that downtown Pomona is coming back? You bet it is! While parking may have been an inconvience to some, few complained. The electricity in the air was contagious. People strolled the sidewalks to take in all that they could. The galleries were busting at the seams as were every restaurant and watering hole.

There of course was plenty of parking on the east side of Garey Ave., but most people were not aware of it. Perhaps signage directing drivers to the east will be necessary for future perfect storms. But in the meantime one night in forty years is not cause to start constructing parking garages. It is however a very nice problem for Metro Pomona businesses to have. At least once in a while.

Our 99 Post and Our First Poll!!!

We want to thank everyone for reading our blog this past year!  We have reached our 99th post and we couldn't have done it without your support.  To mark this milestone we are taking our first poll... Which color do you think we should re-paint the Arts Colony and Antique Row Arches?

Click any image below to enlarge then Vote!

Miss Pomona Pageant is back!

Not many people know that the administrative assistant for the DPOA, Lorena Matarrita, is the former Miss Pomona 2004. There was no mention of this regal title in Lorena's resume'. As a matter of fact her celebrity was discovered months later over lunch with Mickey Gallivan, who chaired the pageant in 2004. Modesty is a strong virtue, a virtue that Lorena "modestly" possesses.

Now, the reason for mentioning Lorena's past is that she was very upset that the Miss Pomona Pageant was cancelled (much like Pomona's Christmas Parade) due to lack of funding and volunteers. Lorena is the catalyst that is responsible for bringing the pageant back. Because of Lorena's commitment to the community and her belief that the young ladies of Pomona deserve the opportunity to participate in the pageant, the DPOA has agreed to sponsor the Miss Pomona Pageant.

A steering committee has been formed to bring Miss Pomona back to the community. Not surprisingly Lorena was elected Chair of the committee. The goal of the committee is to crown the new Miss Pomona 2009 in October, and hopefully at the Fox.. although there has been no discussion with the Fox committee at this time. It's an exciting undertaking that the DPOA is very proud to underwrite.

As more information becomes available it will be posted on the DPOA web site and this blog.

Week in Metro Pomona

After last Saturday's Fox First Night and all the buzz the opening generated, you would think that things would slow down in town and people would be catching their breath and resting up for the next big gig. Apparently Pomonans need no such recharging of batteries. Monday saw a lengthy City Council meeting in which topics and debates included serious budget matters to open container drinking ordinances (item was continued for more study). This was followed by the Planning Commission Wednesday evening which also ran long debating such heavy issues as Sakuri Ichi's request to extend operating hours from 10:30 PM to 2:00 AM Friday and Saturday nights (item was continued for more study).

Also on Wednesday evening the Farmers Market saw a crowd of over 400. Moving on to Thursday evening the Downtown Pomona Owner's Association (DPOA) held its monthly board meeting with discussions centering on budget items, antique lamp posts, downtown security, the Fox opening and Amoca's founders event. Also, the Glass House had a sold out crowd with lines stretching around the block.

This brings us to Friday and the openeing of Smogdance. The red carpet was rolled out once again and the balcony of the Fox was full (those are the soft seats). A crowd of 150-200 attended opening night and bids were running high on the silent auction items. The Big Time Gathering, or Pow Wow, kicked off for the weekend in Antique Row's north parking lot. The event was packed with what appeared to be over 1000 participants and vistors.

Saturday brought the First Annual Mac and Chesse Cookoff at the dba256 with judges David Allen, Natalie Rojas, and Larry Egan. There were nine fantastic entries, but alas only one winner. The winner was Cherie Savoie of Savoie's hair salon. Some entries were downright creative using ingredients such as lobster, bacon, tomatoes, black olives, and of course all kinds of chesse. Last Saturday Art Walk kicked in along with Metro Night Out, featuring a street fair and farmers market and a fantastic Pirate band performing at Thomas Plaza. Smogdance opened for its 2nd night with an all new movie list. The Pow Wow continued with even larger crowds, and the Glass House was busy with an event. Downtown was alive with all sorts of people enjoying themselves. Restuarants and watering holes were busy as well. A quick check with the police told us that all was peacful in the downtown. Folks, this is exactly the kind of downtown that city officials, merchants, and property owners have been working so hard to build. It would appear that Downtown Pomona has arrived! (again).

There is more happening on Sunday (today). The wind-down of the Pow Wow, the final night of Smogdance and the conclusion of the silent auction at the Fox.

Next week, more excitiment. The state of the city address, farmers market, and the hustle and bustle of taking down all the art shows and installing new shows for the next 2nd Saturday Art Walk.

So, if you haven't visited downtown Pomona in a while, come on down. We'd love to show you around!

Fox First Night

For those of you who missed the Fox Gala opening Saturday night, please enjoy these pictures. It was indeed a night to remember!

An Evening With Carol Channing

Photo courtesy of REN, Richard Nunez

The photo above is of Carol Channing, and her husband Harry, reading the Fox marquee announcing Smogdance. After reading it Carol asked "What is Smogdance". Yours Truly was happy to explain Smogdance to her. After which Carol Channing smiled that grand smile of hers, and said "Oooh, that's so wonderful"

If you aren't aware, Carol & Harry's full-time job these days and their number one charity is the Arts, more specifically art in California schools. They travel the state meeting with elected officials, school districts, Boards of Education all over, and PTA groups handing out scholarships and raising awareness to the lack of art education in California's public schools. All forms of art, performing as well as traditional. They both feel strongly that if arts are not re-introduced to schools curriculum California will loose an entire generation of kids a mediocre education. Theirs is a wonderful cause.

Ms Channing's day began with her driver collecting her at her home at 1PM and delivering her to the dA gallery in downtown Pomona at 3PM. There she was greeted by a film producer and crew shooting a documentary on Lucile Ball and Desi Arnez and soliciting Carol's input into the many times she performed with Lucy & Desi. Ms Channing was delighted to see the dA, the art, and to learn of the many outreach programs performed at the dA. She was then delivered to the Fox at 6PM where she arrived on the red carpet and met with many well wishers and fans. She graciously participated in 5 separate ribbon cutting ceremonies involving celebrities, City and State officials,Fox supporters, and others.

Once inside the Fox a crowd of over 400 were served dinner in the newly renovated theatre and treated to a nostalgic look into the Fox's history. The program ran almost 2 hours over schedule, but no matter. Nobody left and very few complained. Towards the end of the evening Ms Channing took the stage and together with husband Harry spoke eloquently and forcefully on the need for arts in schools. Carol was so motivated by the Fox renovation, you see she met Harry in a Fox Theatre in San Francisco when she was 12 and Harry 13...Pomona's Fox brought back those sweet childhood memories for her, she decided to sing, unrehearsed and unscheduled. Carol sang two songs acapella (or Acapulco as she says). She sang a song written for her by a truck driver from Modesto describing the art crises in California schools, and of course she sang "Hello Dolly". We were all treated to about 30 minutes of Carol Channing talking and singing. Such an inspiring lady, full of vim and vigor at the age of 88. Husband Harry is 90.

As the ceremonies were winding down and guests were readying to climb the ornate staircase to the rooftop patio for dancing and dessert I called for Ms Channing's car and she quietly left through a side door and off into the night. What a grand evening!

Student Art Show