DPOA Meeting, Fun Time.

It wasn't ALL business at the DPOA Annual Meeting. After the business end of the meeting was over guests enjoyed themselves playing various games of chance at Casino Night.

Annual Meeting

If you are reading this blog you are cordially invited to attend the DPOA's Annual Meeting, 5:30 PM, Thursday, September 17, 2009, Masonic Lodge, 395 S. Thomas Street, Downtown Pomona. Come grab something to eat, drink, watch Larry make a fool of himself, and stick around for Casino Night. It all promises to be fun. Come join us.

DPOA SURRIVES!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT, NOT JUST AT LAST NIGHT'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING, BUT ALL YEAR LONG! Your inspiring words and actions are appreciated more than you know.We will work hard for all of you to earn your continued support and trust.

Last night the City Council Chamber was packed to overflowing by supporters and well wishers as the DPOA prepared to offer up to the council all the reasons it should be renewed. Turns out the audience did our work for us. When it was our turn to speak, not much could be added that had not already been said. The vote was painstakingly slow, but there's no denying it was "thorough". The final vote of property owners was 72% for and 28% against. Impressive!

LAST CALL!

This Monday, July 20, 2009 at 7:00 PM the Pomona City Council will hold a public hearing regarding renewal of the DPOA. After public hearing a tally of the returned ballots from downtown property owners will take place with the City Council instructing the City Manager to vote aye,nay, or abstain, regarding city owned properties in the downtown . After the ballots are counted the City Council will vote up or down to renew the DPOA. The City Council has the deciding vote and authority to renew, disband, or modify the DPOA.

A strong show of support for the DPOA by way of attending the meeting and submitting a speaker card requesting the council to instruct the City Manger to vote yes on the city's ballot will show the Council in a tangible way the community's desire for the DPOA to be renewed so that it can continue its work revitalizing downtown Pomona. With your help it will prevail. Your support in the past has been heartwarming to all of us at the DPOA, and has had a tremendous impact on the City Council. Monday night is the last step in the process, and the decisions made will be FINAL. There is no appeal process. So, please attend the meeting, show your support, email your Council member and urge them to instruct the City Manager to vote yes on the ballot, and allow us to continue to serve the interests and well being of downtown Pomona.

Why should you care what happens to the DPOA? If the DPOA were to go away here are some of the benefits and services that would no longer be available:

• Farmers Markets
• Metro Night Out and car show
• Antique Collector's Fair
• Fresh Air Flicks
• Private Security
• Dedicated Police Officers
• Trash Pick Up
• Parking Lot cleaning
• Power Washing sidewalks and graffiti removal
• Insurance to cover any downtown special event
• Street Banners
• Metro Minute
• Metro Pomona Web Site and Blog
• A voice and organization representing the downtown's interests at City Hall
• Miss Pomona Pageant
• Downtown Christmas Parade
• Second Saturday Art Walk promotion
• This is LAST CALL!

Support For DPOA Renewal

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.

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.
# # #

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Blog Statistics

Today marks the 91st posting of this blog since its inception in July 2008. The thing about blogs is...you never really know if anyone is watching, or paying attention, or getting any benefit from it. The purpose of this blog, yes there is a purpose, or at least there was a purpose, an objective, when the blog was created,and that is simply to let folks know what is going on in Downtown Pomona and to do it in a positive way.

Recently a discussion of blogs came about with some of our elected City officials, the gist of the conversation had to do with how negative some of the blogs can be and that this blog for the most part carries a positive message. Of course carrying a positive message doesn't always make for interesting reading, but by and large there are more positive happenings in this town than negative. And so we set off to learn who, how many, and where people are logging onto this blog. Somebody must be paying attention because as it turns out we have visitors from all around the world and in fairly large numbers. It was a surprise to learn that the site had more than 200,000 hits last month, it seems to be growing each month. As a blog "novice" this information may not mean that much, but with large numbers like these it certainly looks impressive.

Holiday Lane Parade

Pomona groups working to bring back Christmas parade
Monica Rodriguez, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/24/2009 04:36:06 PM PDT


POMONA - Efforts are under way to ensure the annual Christmas parade not only takes place this year but comes back with a fresh look after last year's absence.
Various groups are working together to put on a parade that could include a new name, a new route through downtown and possibly a connection to the annual Holiday Lane celebration, said Carolyn Hemming, president of the Downtown Pomona Owners Association.

The Jaycees, who for decades have been involved with the parade, will continue to spearhead the parade organizing effort, said Hemming, who is part of a parade steering committee that includes participation of various business groups and business people.

"They have a lot of great input and they are chairing the committee," Hemming said. "Their wisdom is absolutely needed."

Representatives of the Pomona Jaycees could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Jaycees members canceled the 2008 edition of the parade after learning city funds that helped cover some of the costs of the event were no longer available.

Since then, various organizations, including the Downtown Pomona Owners Association, have been working to ensure the parade returns this year.

Among the changes being considered is moving the parade route so it travels along Second or Third streets. The original path of the parade in the 1940s included going through downtown.

Other possible changes include moving the city's annual Holiday Lane celebration from Huntington Street to the Civic Center Plaza where the parade would end, Hemming said.
Another idea is to have the parade move to the second Saturday of December instead of the first Saturday.

"In the morning you would have the parade, Holiday Lane in the afternoon and Second Saturday at night," Hemming said.

Various details must still be worked out including whether a date change would present scheduling problems for participation by marching bands, she said.

The final event plan will probably require City Council approval, Hemming said.

At this point the city is in discussions with the owners' association and the Jaycees, said Mark Gluba, assistant to the city manager.

If city financial backing is needed then the matter could go to the council as part of the 2009-2010 budget process, he said.

Fairplex, which has experience putting on parades as part of the Los Angeles County Fair festivities, is among the organizations that have shown interest in helping grow the parade.

"We really want to see the event stay alive and maybe even make it stronger," said Scott Kelly, director of community and government relations for Fairplex.

With Fairplex's own knowledge of parades and some volunteers the organization will be able to contribute to the event, he said.

More Downtown Growth

At Monday night's Pomona City Council meeting final approval was given for the "Tequila Bar" (actual name unknown at this time) to be installed at the S.E. corner of 3rd and Thomas downtown. It promises to be an exciting addition to the downtown with upwards of 200 brands of tequila available. It will also feature entertainment, finger food, and sumptuous desserts. Should you fall in love with any of the brands, they will be licensed to sell you a bottle of your favorite "to go".

It is heartening to see new businesses in the downtown, especially during these difficult times. It just reinforces what most downtowners already know; Downtown Pomona is poised to be "the place" to be. In the past few months alone no less than six businesses have opened or announced their intention to do so. Very exciting indeed!

Just a reminder to attend a couple of events this Saturday. 1) The First Annual Chili Cook-Off at the dba256 wine bar, located at 256 S. Main St, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. 2) Also from 5PM to 9PM the first showing ever at the 50Buck Gallery at Holt and Gibbs. Hope to see you all at these events!

Holiday Mixer

The Downtown Pomona Owner's Association (DPOA) invites you to a Welcome Reception and Holiday Mixer for our new Mayor, City Council and Assemblywoman Norma Torres.

Hosted by the Pomona Chamber of Commerce, Cal Poly Downtown Center, Pomona Fairplex, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona Valley Hospital, and Arteco Partners.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008
5-7PM
Cal Poly Downtown Center
300 W. Second Street
Pomona, CA 91766

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

The Downtown Pomona Owner's Association (DPOA) has been busy installing Holiday decorations in the downtown. Red bows can be seen on 2nd St. from Gibbs to Park, and along Garey Ave from 2nd St. to Mission Blavd. Holiday wreaths will soon be hanging from the Antique Row and Art Colony arches at 2nd. and Garey. Coming soon will be holiday banners along Garey Ave. from 2nd St. to Mission, and finally (if all goes well) a lighted display stretching across Garey Ave at 3rd. St. It's been many a year since any lighted displays have been seen on Garey Ave.

We know we're a little early getting these displays up, we just wanted to be the first on our block to get into the spirit.

D.P.O.A. 2008 Annual Meeting Presentation

If you missed the Downtown Pomona Owners Association's Annual Meeting for 2008, then you missed out on a great evening.  Hosted at the dba256 wine bar and gallery, there was close to 100 people who came to show their support.  Great food and spirits lifted the space throughout the evening along with some awards given to Carolyn Hemming the DPOA's current President, Cathy Tessier the DPOA's Secretary, and Augusto Vivanco the DPOA's Maintenance Man.  These three have contributed so much time and energy into making the DPOA successful and it was great to see that recognized.  A video presentation topped the evening with a look back and into the future for the DPOA and Metro Pomona's merchants, residents, visitor and events.  

If you missed it click here to watch it:

DPOA Annual Meeting 2008 Video Presentation