The 2010 Miss Pomona Scholarship Pageant Coronation will be held this Saturday January 23rd. at 5pm at the Masonic Lodge, 395 S. Thomas St. in Downtown Pomona.
A big thank you to all the sponsors for their support in making this possible.
Platinum Sponsors: D.P.O.A, The City of Pomona City Council Members.
Gold Sponsor: Manjit Singh, 7-Eleven Stores
Silver Sponsors: Valley Vista Services, Inland Empire Credit Union, Neil Franklin and Family.
Bronze Sponsor: UPS Store, Carolyn Hemming, Little Red 222
Other Sponsors and Contributors: Pomona Moose Chapter # 542, Western University of Health Sciences, Cherie Savoie - Savoie Hair Salon, Sheila Pilon - Hair and Make-Up, Historical Society of Pomona, Jim & Mickey Gallivan, Debra Martin, Precious Times Photography, Pomona Chamber of Commerce
City of Pomona Redevelopment Agency, I Do! Bridal, Pomona Masonic Lodge, Friends of the Fox, Pomona Frame House, Ferguson Flower Gallery, Pomona Flowers, Frantz Cleaners, Pomona Baking Company, Tacos & Carniceria Jicamex, Fairplex, and Flower Lane.
Looking for something unusual and romantic to do with your squeezable other this Valentine's Day? Stop searching. Pomona's own opera company offers a unique and fun way to treat your Valentine.
Repertory Opera Company celebrates Valentine's Day with an afternoon of musical serenades. ROC's amazing singers will soothe you with melodies of Puccini, Mozart, Brahms and many others. Bring your partner or bring a whole table of friends and enjoy decadent desserts and beautiful melodies.
“Repertory Opera Company… entertains operatic veterans and newcomers alike…”
- Jerry L. Jackson, MetroLA “astonishingly talented local singers…”
- Entertainment Today, Sunday, February 14 at 2 pm
at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 242 E. Alvarado Street, Pomona, CA 91767
Tickets are $30 for coffee, tea, desserts and concert.
Reservations are required.
For reservations or more information, call (909) 230-4949.
Repertory Opera Company, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization,invites your contributions.
Major FUnding through the National Endowment of the arts THE BIG READ For further information and applications, please contact Pomona Public Library 909-620-2473
This Saturday downtown Pomona had something for everyone. The morning started with the Collector's Antique Street Faire on East Second Street at 8AM and continued until 3PM. At 4PM the Certified Farmers Market and Car Show began in Thomas Plaza on West Second Street launching Metro Night Out, and ran until 10PM. Local dancers performed as well as a spectacular display of Aztec dancing. Rock and Roll music filled the air the rest of the evening. Several Art Galleries opened as well. Just another fun evening in downtown Pomona.
The Antique Row regularly plays host to the Collectors Street Faire and Saturday September 26th from 8am-3pm is the next day for treasure hunters from far and near to pack the streets and stores to explore three blocks of sidewalk vendors. Part flea market, part festival, part open house. this is a fun free and popular event!
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.
What a great Second Saturday it was. Over 4,500 people came to our downtown to enjoy a safe, fun evening in downtown Pomona. The Pomona Pop Warner kids came to Thomas Plaza for a pep rally as Mayor Rothman cheered them on. The Farmers Market was hopping as well with 3100 visitors.
To participate in the pageant, applicants must be an unmarried Pomona female resident, under the age of 21, a current student of junior or senior status attending a high school in Pomona with a GPA of a 3.0 or better.
Applications must be postmarked no later than December 11, 2009.
Mail or drop off at 401 S. Main St., STE 101, Pomona, CA 91766 or Fax to 909-469-1120
Friday night's Fresh Air Flicks hosted the 1963 James Bond movie, From Russia With Love, starring Sean Connery. The Glass House hosted a group called "Casualties", strange looking hairdos and clothing, but apparently successful. The FOX hosted a sell out crowd for "Band of Horses". Saturday's "Potato Cook off" at the dba256 was a hit. The winner was A.S. Ashley, and his secret weapon Natalie, with a potato churizo mix that was really quit tasty. Second place went to Pam Henry who actually cooked the dish in her backyard (The Henry's were victims of a fire last month that destroyed their home.) Kudos to Pam Henry! A very tasty dish (the potato dish, that is). Saturday evening featured "Metro Night Out" in Downtown's Thomas Plaza. A great evening in spite of the heat. CBS2/KCAL9 set up a booth and gave out samples of Coldstone ice cream among other items. Over 1600 people attended the market and car show (almost 100 entries). We were all treated to authentic Aztec dancers in full regalia, a very impressive and inspiring show. Sunday afternoon Downtown Pomona experienced a first! Opera at the FOX Theatre. The Repertory Opera Company presented Donizetti's Elixir of Love. It was an absolute joy to see. It was truly a fun afternoon, the cast performed exceptionally with their acting and signing (singing) skills. Bravo!
So there you have it, just a typical weekend in Downtown Pomona, and did I mention all the fine dining and entertainment venues? If you haven't been to Downtown Pomona lately, you should really come for a visit...we would love to show you around!
This summer is heating up, and it's time to cool off so come "Defeat the Heat" with CBS 2 & KCAL 9! Each week we'll provide tips to help you stay safe all summer long. Plus, every weekend beginning July 4th through Labor Day Weekend, CBS 2 and KCAL 9 will feature FREE outdoor events taking place in the Southland that your whole family can enjoy!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
"Metro Night Out" at the Historic downtown Metro Pomona
From 5pm-10pm • Historic Downtown Pomona • Free Parking
With 36 Art Venues for your viewing pleasure, as well as The Certified Farmers Market and street fair, plus live entertainment at Thomas Plaza and other entertainment venues, including the newly restored majestic Fox Theatre, there really is something for everyone at "Metro Night Out" in the Historic downtown Metro Pomona. And be sure to check out "Cruise Night" which features over 100 cars of all classes!
Be sure to visit us at the Defeat the Heat booth where you and your family we will able to receive FREE Cold Stone Creamery Samples and Coupons, El Pollo Loco and Knott's Berry Farm coupons, PLUS the chance to win Dodger Baseball Tickets, Los Angeles Lakers antenna balls, First Aids Kits, and gift cards to Cold Stone Creamery and El Pollo Loco!
Check back throughout the summer for new and exciting contests coming your way. And don't forget to check out our Tips to Defeat the Heat to make your summer experience safe and fun. So grab your sun block and come celebrate your summer and "Defeat the Heat" with us!
Fresh Air Flicks this week is playing "From Russia with Love". Refreshments and snacks will be available as always. Starts at dusk and don't forget to bring your chair.
From Russia with Love - 1963
Directed by: Terence Young
Starring: Sean Connery & Daniela Bianchi
James Bond 007 is on the search for a Russian decoding machine, known as Lektor. Bond needs to find this machine, before the evil SPECTRE organization discovers it first. Whilst being romantically linked with Russian girl, Tatiana Romanova, Bond sneaks his way around Istanbul, whilst each SPECTRE agent tries to pick him off, including the over powering Donald 'Red' Grant and ex-KGB agent Rosa Klebb who knows all the tricks in the books and even possesses an incredible poison tipped shoe!
This Saturday at dba256 is the Potato Cook Off so bring your best Potato dish and compete to have Downtowns best Potato creation. Entries need to be in by 1 pm judging will begin at 1:30 and there will be drinks specials as well hope to see you all there! Good Luck!
Gaetano Donizetti's "Elixir of Love" (L'elisir d'amor) musical joyous journey through unrequited love, love potions and the battle of the sexes. it is one of the most frequently performed of all Donizetti's operas and there are a number of recordings. It appears as number twenty on Opera America's list of the 20 most-performed operas in North America. It is now coming to the Fox Theater in Pomona on Saturday August 30th at 2pm. You don't want to miss this!
Fresh Air Flicks this week is playing "FOOTLOOSE". Refreshments and snacks will be available as always. Starts at dusk and don't forget to bring your chair
Footloose - 1984
Directed by: Herbert Ross
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Lori SInger, John Lithgow, Chris Penn
Classic tale of teen rebellion and repression features a delightful combination of dance choreography and realistic and touching performances. When teenager Ren and his family move from big-city Chicago to a small town in the West, he's in for a real case of culture shock. Though he tries hard to fit in, the streetwise Ren can't quite believe he's living in a place where rock music and dancing are illegal. There is one small pleasure, however: Ariel, a troubled but lovely blonde with a jealous boyfriend. and a Bible-thumping minister, who is responsible for keeping the town dance-free. Ren and his classmates want to do away with this ordinance, especially since the senior prom is around the corner, but only Ren has the courage to initiate a battle to abolish the outmoded ban and revitalize the spirit of the repressed townspeople.
A whole lot of goings on were going on last night in beautiful downtown Pomona. A special appearance by L.A. Bluescasters at Thomas Plaza playing some cool, cool music, the Trojan Horse display, the Certified Farmers Market, the Second Saturday Art Walk. Wow! What a night. The place was jumpin! Speaking of jumpin, the dA Gallery for the Arts featured a "Gone Fishin" art show with something for everyone, including gold fish for the kids, pictures along side the "great" catch and, of course, some great art. But all 35 art galleries were alive with shows that brought crowds from all over Southern California . Good times.
Fresh Air Flicks this week is playing "THREE AMIGOS". Refreshments and snacks will be available as always. Starts at dusk and don't forget to bring your chair.
Three Amigos - 1986
Directed by: John Landis
Starring: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short
Plot: Three out of work silent movie actors are accidentally drawn to a Mexican village that is being harassed by a gang of outlaws. The three, 'Ned', 'Lucky Day' and 'Dusty Bottoms' play 'Lone Ranger' types in their movies, but must play their parts for real now. Written by Rob Hartill
Fresh Air Flicks presents "JAWS" tomorrow night in Thomas Plaza, downtown Pomona. It's the original folks. Bring your own chair, visit with friends and neighbors, and enjoy the "jaw" dropping thriller.
JAWS - 1975 Directed by: Steven Spielberg Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw & Richard Dreyfuss
Plot: Amity Island had everything. Clear skies. Gentle surf. Warm water. People flocked there every summer. It was the perfect feeding ground. When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.
Since 1968, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission has sponsored free concerts at community venues providing access to quality music programming for County residents. This year, LA County Arts Commission will sponsor special entertainment in Metro Pomona. The outdoor free concert featuring the L.A. Bluescasters will be held at the Thomas Plaza in downtown on August 8, 2009 from 6 PM to 9 PM. The L.A. Bluescasters, a rhythm and blues band from the San Gabriel Valley, was formed in the 1990's.
They have been described by reviewers alternately as “a band that knows what they were doing, one that could get me stomping my feet and slapping the table” who plays “some solid, old fashioned down and dirty blues.” Their music reflects each band member’s diverse influences of blues, rock, jazz and R&B. The L.A. Bluescasters have recorded two albums and have played numerous blues festivals, clubs and concert venues throughout the Southland, including House of Blues, the Glendale Blues Festival, B.B. King’s, the Troubador, the Baked Potato and soon in Downtown Pomona. This free concert event will also feature 25 vendors (food and arts/craft vendors at the Farmers Market) and coincide with the popular 2nd Saturday Artwalk. Come have a fun and fabulous time at Metro Pomona’s free concert on August 8th! For more information on L.A. Bluescasters go to their website: www.labluescasters.com.
THIS CONCERT IS SPONSORED BY LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERVISOR GLORIA MOLINA.
Come one come all, you'll have a ball! Street Fair, Farmers Market, All Class car show, food, fun, and friends. It doesn't get any better than that. Thomas Plaza 6PM to 10PM, it's free. Live music also. Come on out, you'll be glad you did. See you tonight!
Come down to Thomas Plaza tonight and enjoy a fun, free evening under the stars. Watch that movie classic "American Graffiti",the perfect movie for a summer evening. Bring your own chair. Also there will be a brief dance performance prior to the movie by some of Pomona's most talented youngsters. Don't miss it.
This Wednesday evening the dba256 Wine Bar & Gallery will bring the community together to raise funds for the VanAllens and the Henrys whose homes were destroyed by fire on July 11. Starting a 6PM till midnight there will be raffles, door prizes, auctions, an ability to donate goods and services, and of course that always needed commodity, cash. So join your neighbors and friends and help get these fine people back on their feet.
Bring your own chair to Thomas Plaza (W. 2nd & Thomas, Downtown Pomona) this Friday evening and enjoy a classic comedy starring Mae West and W.C. Fields. This movie was filmed in 1931 and it's a riot! Do you suppose it was shown at the Fox ?
CORRECTION! CORRECTION! CORRECTION! CORRECTION! CORRECTION! An astute viewer of this blog (Mr. J.C.) has noticed an error in the release date of this movie. It was 1940, not 1931. It is still a riot! A Mae West blogger posted the following:
Mae West: Getting Fresh Free Pomona, California does not have a moviehouse but that does not stop the metro area from saluting MAE WEST and W.C. Fields, who will be getting freshly aired on July 17th. • • Annually, the stars come out in Pomona — — as part of their wonderful Fresh Air Flick Summer Schedule.• • Each Friday evening, fondly regarded motion pictures are screened for free al fresco style.• • Movie-lovers will enjoy "My Little Chickadee" next Friday evening on a funky inflatable outdoor screen set up downtown at Thomas Street Plaza.• • Bring a chair, pack some popcorn, and head over to Thomas Plaza in downtown Pomona at the junction of West 2nd Street and Thomas Street. After you enjoy this 1940 cinema classic, pick up a schedule to see what else will be screened through July and August. The final flicker will be "Cool Hand Luke" on 4 September 2009.• • The genesis of "My Little Chickadee" was jump-started at the end of May 1939. Mae West had returned to Hollywood after touring with her play about Catherine the Great and began negotiating with Universal Studios to co-star with another comedian. Aware of the former vaudevillian's reputation for drinking, Mae hesitated. Universal upped the game by offering her $300,000 for the film, the script, and a promise that anytime Fields was intoxicated, he would be banned from the set. The first time Fields drunkenly stumbled into the studio, Mae shouted, "Pour him out of here!" Very quickly, everybody knew she meant business.• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/________Source:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Tonight's FREE movie at Fresh Air Flicks is Iron Man.
Heroes Aren't Born, They're Built. When wealthy industrialist Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) is forced to build an armored suit after a life-threatening incident, he ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against evil.
Since its on Fridays this year you can come out and make an evening of it with Dinner first or HotDogs and if the kids have other plans stay around for a drink after the movie at one of the great night spots.
The votes are in and tabulated. Here are the results and dates the movies are to be shown.
Every Friday from July 10th - September 4th
July 10th -Iron man July 17th -My Little Chickadee July 24th -American Graffiti July 31st -Jaws Aug 7th -Three Amigos Aug 14th -The Bourne Identity Aug 21st -Foot Loose Aug 28th -From Russia With Love Sept 4th - Cool Hand Luke
Come to Thomas Plaza, downtown Pomona, West 2nd. St. and Thomas St. Bring a chair, a friend, and have a good time. It's FREE. See you at the movies.
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 !!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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
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
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.
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”.
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!
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.
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,
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.
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!!
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.
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!
