Category Archives: Pomona

Pomona Bicycle Rodeo

Courtesy of the Pomona Police Dept.

POMONA– The Pomona Bicycle Rodeo, for kids aged 3-10, will be held on Saturday April 16, 2016, from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at the Pomona Civic Center at Mission Blvd. and Garey Avenue.

Police officers will inspect bicycles, provide personalized education, and assist children as they ride their bikes through riding patterns.

Kids who live in Pomona and bring their own bicycle will be provided a free helmet, while supplies last. Police officers will get behind the grill to prepare hot dogs, and chips and drinks will also be served. Several displays will be set up, including the opportunity for kids to take pictures wearing police gear and on a police motorcycle or in a police car.

A brand new bicycle will be raffled off free during the event.

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

Staff Reports

POMONA– On Sunday, February 21, a Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will take place at the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s East County Training Center, located at 3325 Temple Avenue in Pomona.  The event will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and it will be held in Classroom One. The annual campaign is in partnership with the American Red Cross, helping to ensure local blood bank reserves are available to meet the needs of trauma victims and hospital patients.  The event is free of charge and the Red Cross will provide a commemorative t-shirt for those who choose to donate blood.

“Here in Southern California, more than 160 local hospitals depend on the Red Cross for blood donations to assist trauma victims and hospital patients,” says Fire Chief Daryl Osby. “Yet less than 3 percent of the population donates blood, leading to continual shortages of all blood types.

Everyone is invited to stop by and help support the American Red Cross.  The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.

Pomona Unified Teachers Awarded Grants To Purchase Supplies

By Juliette Funes

POMONA – The Pomona Valley division of the California Retired Teachers Association has provided nearly $750 in mini-grants to Pomona Unified teachers to purchase a variety of classroom materials, from chemistry handbooks and circuit boards for robotics to computer tablets and balance scales.

During the highly competitive grant process – in which a seven-member committee from Pomona Valley Division 13 reviewed 256 applications submitted by teachers from 10 school districts – six PUSD educators were selected to receive the small grants to enrich their classrooms and benefit students.

“I want to thank our retired Pomona Valley educators, who continue to care about our students and their education and inspire our teachers to continue improving achievement outcomes for all of our students,” Board of Education President Andrew Wong said.

The 2015 grant recipients from PUSD are Rebecca Bulsombut from Decker Elementary, who will purchase Arduino boards for her robotics class; Christiana Duckett from Ganesha High, who will purchase a chemical equations handbook; Pimolrat Kanehana of Alcott Elementary, who will buy hands-on math manipulatives; Roxane Medina of Fremont Academy, who will buy materials for her special education class; Jessica Mitchell from Ranch Hills Elementary, who will buy a computer tablet; and Linda Quach of Ganesha High, who plans to purchase a balance.

“As former teachers, we firmly believe in supporting our successors in their efforts to raise student success rates,” said Kathy Concidine, Pomona Valley Division 13’s Teacher Grant Chairperson. “While these grants are small, I know that they will go a long way in supporting classroom instruction.”

Of the 256 applications the committee reviewed, 54 were from Pomona Unified.

“This is wonderful news for Pomona Unified and these deserving teachers, who work diligently every day to make miracles happen in the classroom,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “Thanks to organizations like the California Retired Teachers Association, these educators will be able to continue making a difference in the lives of their current and future students.”

Pomona Police Conduct Major Crime Sweep

Staff Reports

POMONA – This past weekend, the Pomona Police Department’s Major Crimes Task Force (M.C.T.F.) coordinated a multi-agency enforcement operation named “Home for the Holidays.” The purpose of the annual holiday operation was to reduce criminal activity in high crime areas within Pomona.
According to police reports, 30 probation and 20 parole compliance checks were conducted. These checks along with other self-initiated contacts resulted in 35 arrests for various offenses including: illegal narcotic sales, illegal firearm possession, possession of a stolen vehicle, and outstanding arrest warrants.
Officers seized six firearms and recovered two replica firearms from gang members. Several narcotics were also seized including 15 grams of methamphetamine, 3.5 grams of cocaine, and 21 grams of marijuana.
The AB109 San Gabriel Valley East Task Force, Los Angeles County Probation, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (PAROLE), Claremont Police Department, Baldwin Park Police Department, Covina Police Department, Glendora Police Department, Irwindale Police Department, La Verne Police Department, Whittier Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office participated in the operation.
Operations of this type will continue in the hopes of deterring crime city wide, according to police officials.

$10,000 Reward Offered for 2011 Pomona Murder

Photo courtesy of Pomona PD 20-year-old Carlos Jimenez

Photo courtesy of Pomona PD
20-year-old Carlos Jimenez

Staff Reports

POMONA-Suspects remain at large in the 2011 murder of 20-year-old Pomona resident Carlos Jimenez.

The Pomona Police Department announced this week the $10,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspects. The Pomona Police are seeking the public’s assistance to provide any information to help solve the case.

According to the Pomona Police Department, on May 14, 2011 at 11:46 p.m. Carlos Jimenez was found in a garage near the rear alley of the 2400 block of Chanslor Street suffering from several gunshot wounds. Jimenez was pronounced dead at the scene at 12 p.m., according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Police believe Jimenez was shot at close range and that the suspects involved in the shooting may have been involved in a local street gang.

Pomona Police Detectives remain vigilant and believe in a positive outcome for this investigation. Investigators are again asking for the public’s assistance in this case and hope that a reward will convince someone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 909-620-2095. To provide information anonymously, call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or “We-Tip” at 1-800-782-7463. Please refer to incident DR# 11-053331.

White House Honors Local Pomona Schools

Photo courtesy: White House

Photo courtesy: White House

Staff Reports

Pomona– On Oct. 15, Pomona Unified School District and Cal Poly Pomona were recognized at the White House for a partnership helping underprivileged Hispanic youth reach higher education.

“It’s through important partnerships such as the one we have with Cal Poly Pomona that we are able to offer tremendous educational opportunities to our students and support them in their academic, professional and personal endeavors,” said Martinez, who was recognized at the White House earlier this year for bolstering student achievement and increasing access to technology at PUSD schools.

Cal Poly’s program, named Pomona TRANSFERmation, grew out of its PolyTransfer program, which was created in response to a call for greater access to higher education from the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

TRANSFERmation will create pathways for PUSD graduates to enter two- and four-year colleges and universities, as well as improve their college readiness in English and math, build support networks for them and engage parents.

“We are proud to forge this four-year partnership with Cal Poly Pomona to offer our Latino students a pipeline to college and help remove barriers to higher education by prioritizing early intervention, as well as parent engagement efforts,” said Board of Education President Andrew Wong.  “We remain committed to fostering a college going culture, enhancing academic and educational programs, and making acceptance to a four-year university not only a possibility, but a reality.”

Cal Poly Pomona has long had agreements with local community colleges that ease the path for students, but Terri Gomez, interim associate dean for Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Education and Integrative Studies, said more can be done.

“We know that if we really want to have an impact, we have to extend that pipeline to K-12 students,” Gomez said. “We want to facilitate educational access, which will lead to economic mobility.”

As part of Cal Poly Pomona’s commitment, the university will provide college and financial aid workshops for PUSD high school students; bilingual workshops at the high schools for Latino parents; bilingual campus tours for parents and students; peer mentoring with Cal Poly Pomona transfer students; and a summer program for prospective Latino high school and community college students.

“This truly is a transformative initiative that will change the lives of our first-generation and underrepresented Latino students, who often face challenges to success, and also supports our efforts to provide the children of this community with a high-quality education,” Martinez said. “I want to thank Cal Poly Pomona for its foresight and leadership. It is an honor to jointly receive this White House recognition.”

Halloween Safety Tips

Courtesy of Pomona Police Department

Pomona– The Pomona Police Department would like to offer the following simple tips to make Halloween safe and fun:

  • Be sure older children take friends and younger children are accompanied by a trusted adult when trick-or-treating.
  • Accompany younger children to the door of every home they approach and make sure parents and guardians are familiar with every home and all people from which the children receive treats.
  • Teach children to NEVER enter a home without prior permission from their parents or guardians.
  • Teach children to NEVER approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Make sure all children wear reflective clothing and carry a glow stick when out at dusk and at night to help drivers see you.
  • Teach your children to be aware of drivers on the road before they cross the street. Only walk on sidewalks, use established crosswalks and look both ways before crossing the street to stay safe.
  • Make sure children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.
  • Teach children to NEVER approach a home that is not well lit both inside and outside.
  • Teach children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents, guardians, and/or the proper authority.
  • Teach children if anyone tries to grab them to make a scene: loudly yell, “This person is not my father/mother/guardian,” and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
  • Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to trick-or-treating.

 

Pomona Police Host “Coffee with a Cop”, Oct. 21

Courtesy: DOJ

Courtesy: DOJ

Staff Reports

Pomona – Residents can meet and greet Pomona Police Chief Paul Capraro and Pomona police officers in their neighborhood at “Coffee with a Cop” on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at McDonald’s restaurant located at 445 East Holt Avenue (corner of Towne Avenue).

A free small cup of coffee will be offered to those who participate in the “Coffee with a Cop” event, according to the Pomona Police Department press release.

The informal meeting with the community will be held in a neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee, according to a Pomona Police press release.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Pomona neighborhoods. All community members are invited to attend.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Officer of Community Oriented Policing Services. The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

 

Pomona Unified Cosmetology Program Expands to IE Schools

Photo Courtesy: PUSD

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
Students in the Pomona Unified Adult and Career Education’s Barbering and Cosmetology program gain experience in the field and work with clients to prepare for the State Board exam and receive a Certificate of Completion in Cosmetology.

Courtesy of Pomona Unified School District

POMONA – The Pomona Unified Adult and Career Education’s Barbering and Cosmetology program has expanded partnerships to include eligible high school students from nearby school districts who are interested in taking advantage of the innovative and popular course offering, which launched last year.

The PUSD Adult and Career Education Program is articulating with the San Antonio Regional Occupational Program – which serves students from Bonita Unified and Pomona Unified – and Baldy View Regional Occupational Program – serving students from Chino Valley, Claremont, Upland and Chaffey school districts – to provide the articulated course.

This is the first time that two regional occupation programs have collaborated to meet the needs of high school students in Pomona and surrounding districts.

“This innovative model supports Pomona Unified students who wish to pursue a career after high school, while also extending admission to local high school students who desire the same high-quality level of training but don’t have access to it in their areas,” Board of Education President Andrew Wong said. “This speaks volumes of the caliber programs PUSD offers and how the partnerships we forge are able to benefit all students.”

Under the collaboration, high school students from these districts will have the opportunity to pursue Barbering and Cosmetology State Board licensure requirements, complete the two-year course and become workforce-ready by the end of the senior year.

“This offers students an incredible opportunity to pursue their careers and receive hands-on training while in high school,” said Enrique Medina, director of Career Readiness at PUSD. “We welcome all additional applicants to our program and appreciate Baldy View and San Antonio’s collaborative approach to provide real-world education and mentorship for our students.”

In order to receive a Certificate of Completion in Cosmetology, students must enroll in their junior year of high school and complete the 1,600-hour course over the next two years. Upon graduation from high school, students will begin accepting clients in preparation for the State Board exam.

Client operation hours will run from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. All work will be performed by students in training.

“We are thrilled to expand program enrollment and look forward to its continued success,” Pomona Unified Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “The increasing popularity of this program speaks volumes of the high-quality education and vocational training available to our students. We hope they will take advantage of this opportunity to develop 21st century skills.”

The San Antonio and Baldy View ROP programs are currently accepting applications.

For more information about the program, call San Antonio ROP at (909) 397-4711, ext. 6785, or Baldy View ROP at (909) 980-6490.

September & October 2015 SGV News

2015-09AND10-SGVNewsSGV News covers Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of the San Gabriel Valley; portions of the western Inland Empire; and northern Orange County. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: Sept. & Oct. 2015 SGV Newspaper

State Leaders Encourage PUSD Seniors To Vote

Photo Courtesy: PUSD Pomona Unified high school students proudly display their voter registration pledges during a Sept. 18 session in which California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and state Senator Connie Leyva, spoke about the importance of civic engagement.

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
Pomona Unified high school students proudly display their voter registration pledges during a Sept. 18 session in which California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and state Senator Connie Leyva, spoke about the importance of civic engagement.

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Nearly 300 Pomona Unified high school seniors recently got a lesson on the importance of civic engagement and making their voices heard at the polls from the state’s top public official in charge of encouraging voter participation: California Secretary of State, Alex Padilla.

Padilla, who was joined by state Senator Connie Leyva, discussed with students the importance of being engaged citizens and how the right to vote is the essence of democracy during a Sept. 18 session at the Village Academy High School Conference Center.

“This event presented our students with a powerful opportunity to learn the importance of having an engaged electorate and the role and responsibility every generation has in shaping this country’s future,” Board of Education President Andrew Wong said. “Voting is a powerful tool, and I am grateful that we had two of our state’s top leaders visit one of our campuses to demonstrate its significance.”

The event was organized in conjunction with the District’s Service Learning Program, which supports and encourages students and teachers to engage in community service learning projects.

During the program, Padilla advised students to recognize the importance of politics and its relation to a strong community.

“The greatest potential for registering more eligible voters to vote is engaging young people,” said Padilla, who was sworn in as Secretary of State in January, and has committed to modernizing the office, increasing voter registration and participation, and strengthening voting rights. “There is no substitute for personally inviting someone to participate in the voting process.”

Prior to addressing the full assembly, Padilla and Leyva met separately with Associated Student Body leaders and challenged them to reach out to their peers to become more aware of the civic benefits of voter registration and participation.

One student ready to accept the challenge is Fremont Academy ASB President, Elena Guzman, who also serves as the student liaison on the Pomona Unified Board of Education.

“Both my parents are Hispanic and do not vote. I grew up not wanting to vote,” Guzman said. “My brothers convinced me voting will help my future as well as the future of my peers and friends.”

Leyva, whose district includes Pomona, encouraged students to be active in the political process and to practice due diligence when assessing candidates and elected officials.

“Whom you vote for matters,” said Leyva, who is serving her first term in the State Senate. “The worst thing you can do is nothing.”

Pomona Unified’s Service Learning Program, which helped organize the event, is an instructional strategy in which community service opportunities are integrated into the curriculum, with the goal of enhancing the core curriculum and helping students meet academic standards and develop a sense of civic responsibility.

At the event, eligible students also got the chance to register to vote.

“Civic engagement is a key component to a complete and well-rounded education and the Service Learning Program is one tool we use to encourage our students to be active and productive members of our community,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “We care about involving all of our communities, especially our young adults, in the process of making policy.”

 

August 2015 SGV News

2015-08-SGVNews-COVERSGV News covers Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of the San Gabriel Valley; portions of the western Inland Empire; and northern Orange County. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: August 2015 SGV Newspaper

Pomona Unified Welcomes New Administrators

Photo Courtesy: PUSD

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
Leading the Longhorns as Principal of Lorbeer Middle School is former Diamond Ranch High School Assistant Principal, Angelique Butler, who has been with the District in a variety of teaching capacities for 20 years.

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – To welcome in the new school year, the Pomona Unified School District is introducing new administrators – including a new principal at Lorbeer Middle School ­– and celebrating promotions of staff members who will helm their respective departments and carry on PUSD’s tradition of success.

“The passion these educators have will ensure that our students are academically challenged through engaging curriculum and will gain the skills needed for post-secondary success,” Board of Education President Andrew Wong said. “Congratulations to our staff members on their new roles. I wish them all the best.”

Leading the Longhorns as principal of Lorbeer Middle School is 20-year educator and former Diamond Ranch High School Assistant Principal, Angelique Butler. She replaces longtime principal Krystana Walks-Harper, a 26-year educator who is now the District’s Associate Director of Pupil and Community Services.

Walks-Harper graduated from Garey High School and holds a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Maryland, a master’s in education from Claremont Graduate University (CGU) and an administrative credential from Cal State San Bernardino. She is a doctoral candidate in education at CGU and oversees a variety of services at PUSD, including peer resources, National Academy Foundation schools, and parent support and involvement programs.

“I am proud to follow in Mrs. Walks-Harper’s footsteps and am looking forward to building on the tradition of providing a rigorous and engaging curriculum, as well as honoring the history of strengths and successes of Lorbeer,” Butler said. “I firmly believe in the importance of developing a solid, collaborative partnership with our parents, so that we may meet all the needs of our developing students and offer them the highest quality of education.”

Butler, a graduate of Pomona High School, holds master’s degrees in economics and school counseling. She began her service with the District as a 6th Grade teacher at Emerson Middle School before moving to Diamond Ranch High School.

Other new appointments include:

Tamatha Williams, Assistant Principal at Diamond Ranch High School – In the District since 1995, Williams has served as a teacher, teacher specialist and academic coach. She holds a bachelor’s in behavioral science from Cal Poly Pomona, a master’s in education from Claremont Graduate School and a doctorate in education from Cal Poly Pomona.

Anthony Rice, Assistant Principal at Garey High School – The former dean of students at Pomona High School, Rice is leading as assistant principal at his alma mater. He joined the District in 1999 as a secondary teacher, and is a former football coach with a master’s in Education.

Dr. Bryan Stoops, Dean of students at Garey High School – Stoops is a new hire from the Chino Valley Unified School District and holds a bachelor’s in drama from UCLA, a master’s in educational multimedia and a doctorate of education in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne.

Behrad Hosseinzadeh, Dean of students at Pomona High School – New to Pomona Unified, Hosseinzadeh comes from the Glendale Unified School District. He holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice, a master’s in history from Cal State Fullerton, and a master’s in educational leadership and administration from Concordia University.

Jennifer Wagner, Director of Educational Technology – With the District since 1995, Wagner previously served as program administrator of Educational Services/Instructional Technology, bolstering technology programs, increasing tech resources for students and making tech devices more accessible.

Zoila Savaglio, Director of State and Federal Programs – Savaglio will oversee the office that ensures that state and federal programs are aligned to district initiatives, with a focus on increasing student achievement. She will coordinate such programs as Title 1, Gifted and Talented Education, English Language Learner program, Migrant Education program and the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) process. She has been with the District since 1990.

Maryann Gonzalez, Coordinator of Child Development – Previously the child development program assistant, Gonzalez has been with the District since 1991 and holds a master’s degree in human development.

Vicki Vazquez, Program Assistant of Child Development – Working at such locations as Long Beach Community College and Disney’ Children Center, Vazquez holds a bachelor’s degree in human development and a master’s degree in human development leadership.

“I am confident that each of these amazing leaders and their expertise will continue to positively shape our students through high-quality instruction,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “The Pomona Unified family welcomes all of these educators and we look forward to a successful 2015-16 school year.”

 

Pomona: Police Explorer Is Optimist Youth Of The Year

Photo Courtesy: PPD

Photo Courtesy: PPD
Optimist Youth of the Year, Serena Grajeda and Officer Ernie Rios.

Staff Reports

Pomona – The Pomona Breakfast Optimist Club has selected Pomona Police Explorer, Serena Grajeda, as their Youth of the Year. She was nominated and selected by her Explorer Post as the most outstanding Explorer in 2015. Grajeda was recognized at a recent dinner with formal Certificates of appreciation from the City of Pomona and State Assembly.

According to the Pomona Police Department, Grajeda was required to attend a 22-week Explorer Academy in order to complete the requirements of her Post – which is affiliated with the Boys Scouts of America.

Since completion of the Academy, Grajeda has served hundreds of volunteer hours in the community at special events, parades, campouts and safety checkpoints. She has worked tirelessly to develop her self-confidence, leadership and law enforcement skills through regular exercises, drills and competitions.

Grajeda plans to seek a career in law enforcement after college. She has expressed a strong desire to serve the Pomona community as a Pomona Police Officer.

Grajeda is currently a 10th Grader at Pomona Catholic High School, and enjoys her family, playing basketball and, of course, being a Police Explorer.

The success of the Explorer Program has been made possible through the support of the numerous hours of mentorship and training by the Police Officers that volunteer as Explorer Advisors. Officer Ernie Rios has been an exceptional resource for Grajeda and the other explorers.

The Pomona Police Department thanks the explorers and advisors for their unwavering commitment to the community.

 

Pomona: Bright Prospects At PUSD

Photo Courtesy: PUSD Garey High 2015 graduate, Juan Ledesma

Photo Courtesy: PUSD Garey High 2015 graduate, Juan Ledesma

Staff Reports

Pomona – On Fri., Sept. 4, Garey High School hosted a special program highlighting one of their college programs.

According to the Pomona Unified School District, Garey High Class of 2015 graduate, Juan Ledesma, shared his inspiring story of how Bright Prospect helped him realize his dream of pursuing a degree in political science at UCLA.

Now in its 13th year, Bright Prospect empowers high potential, low-income students to gain admission to, succeed in and graduate from four-year colleges and universities by providing a comprehensive support system that begins in high school and continues throughout college, resulting in a 91 percent college graduation rate.

Every student receives college readiness programming, one-on-one coaching, application assistance, and ongoing mentoring from peers and professionals from 10th Grade through college graduation. The program serves students ages 14 to 26, from all seven high schools in Pomona Unified, as well as high schools in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District. The program currently serves more than 1,200 Pomona Unified students.

In addition, the ceremony included a $7,500 donation to the college-readiness program from Los Angeles County Supervisor, Hilda Solis, and speeches from Garey High Principal, Stacey Wilkins and PUSD Superintendent, Richard Martinez.

Pomona Police Department Honors Officer

Lt. Ron McDonald celebrates 50th year of service to the City

Photo Courtesy: PPD 50 year Police veteran, Lt. Ron McDonald

Photo Courtesy: PPD
50 year Police veteran, Lt. Ron McDonald

Staff Reports

Pomona – Lt. Ron McDonald was sworn in as a Pomona Police Officer by Chief Ralph E. Parker on Sept. 1, 1965.  Tues., Sept. 1 marked his 50th year of continuous service to the City of Pomona as a sworn Officer.  Prior to his service in Pomona, McDonald was a Reserve Officer and Dispatcher with the City of West Covina for two years.

According to the Pomona Police Department, McDonald currently serves as a Watch Commander in the Department’s Operations Division, where he oversees two Patrol Squads consisting of Sergeants, Corporals and Officers.  He is also responsible for overseeing the Community Service Officers who staff the front desk in the Main Station’s Lobby.

Lt. McDonald is the Area Commander for the Northwest Quadrant of the City (north of Holt Ave. and west of Garey Ave.).  As an Area Commander, he is the point man for the Department when it comes to solving chronic crime problems that are reported to the Police Department.  From gang issues to simple quality of life issues, McDonald is tasked with finding long term solutions for members of our community.

Over the years McDonald has served in the following assignments:

  • Patrol Officer
  • Alcoholic Beverage Control Enforcement Unit
  • Major Crimes Task Force
  • Burglary Task Force
  • Major Narcotics Sergeant
  • Internal Affairs Sergeant
  • Detective Bureau Homicide Sergeant
  • Crime Prevention Sergeant
  • Special Events Sergeant
  • Special Operations Lieutenant
  • Tactical Flight Officer – Helicopter Observer
  • Field Training Officer Coordinator
  • LA County Fairgrounds Liaison
  • LA County Fire Liaison

 

With the demands of police work, very few Officers work in the field for 50 years.  When asked about his time as a Pomona Police Officer, McDonald simply stated, “It’s been an enjoyable and fulfilling career.”

Pomona: Gang Members Convicted

Multiple counts of attempted murder send two men to prison

 

Staff Reports

Pomona – The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has announced two recent convictions of local gang members arrested by the Pomona Police Department.
A jury convicted Derek Joshua Sommer, 28, of 11 felony counts in his case: five counts of attempted murder, five counts of assault with a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to the Pomona Police Department, Sommer’s co-defendant, Christian Miranda, 22, was recently found guilty in the same case of two counts, attempted murder and assault with a firearm.
Jurors also found true gun and gang allegations for both defendants.
Sommer is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 8 in Department T of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pomona Branch. Sentencing for Miranda is set for Sept. 11 in the same department and courthouse.
Deputy District Attorney Martin Bean of the Hardcore Gang Division said that on Oct. 4, 2014, defendants Miranda and Sommer got into a fight with a group of men at a restaurant.  At some point, Sommer pulled out a gun and began shooting, injuring several men – including defendant Miranda. Following the incident, Sommer fled the scene, while Miranda and the victims were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
On the day of the shooting, Miranda was taken into custody in connection with the attack, and Sommer was located and arrested the following week.

Both men face a possible maximum sentence of life in state prison.

Pomona: Civilian Volunteers In Patrol

Pomona Police Department seeks local residents interested in becoming CVPs

Photo Courtesy: PPD

Photo Courtesy: PPD

Staff Reports

Pomona – The CVP program was created by the Pomona Police Department to allow civilian volunteers to help the Department achieve its goals, while helping to serve and protect the local community. CVP members play a vital role in helping to identify suspicious activities, crimes in progress (or other dangerous circumstances), and notify the authorities for proper handling. Some CVP members also help enforce the City’s parking regulations through the issuance of parking citations.
According to the Pomona Police Department, in order to be considered as a volunteer candidate for the CVP program, an individual must:
– Be an adult (18 years old)
– Complete an oral interview
– Submit to a background check
– Commit to participate in continual training classes
– Meet minimum driving standards
While CVP members are not law enforcement officers, they act as the Police Department’s “eyes and ears” in the community, requesting assistance from officers when needed. The CVPs receive training from the Department to assist with such areas as:
– Traffic Control
– First Aid and CPR
– Parking Enforcement
– Vacation and Business Checks
– Residential Patrols
– Assisting with City-sponsored events

If you have questions about the CVP Program, or would like to submit an application, please contact Officer Jung at (909) 620-3641, or Harry_Jung@ci.pomona.ca.us.

 

Pomona: Giveaway Provides 1,800 Backpacks To Students

By Juliette Funes

Photo Courtesy: PUSD Pomona Unified children line up to receive age-appropriate school materials, during the District’s Family Support and Resource Center's annual Backpack and School Supply Giveaway event on Aug. 5.

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
Pomona Unified children line up to receive age-appropriate school materials, during the District’s Family Support and Resource Center’s annual Backpack and School Supply Giveaway event on Aug. 5.

Pomona – Hundreds of Pomona Unified children received complimentary backpacks and school supplies at District Family Support and Resource Center’s annual Backpack and School Supply Giveaway on Aug. 5, a week before the start of the school on Aug. 12.

Now celebrating its fourth year, the event provided Pomona Unified families with more than 1,800 free backpacks filled with age-appropriate school materials, including books, pencils, folders and binders.

“With the start of school just around the corner, it is great to see our kids enthusiastic about getting their new backpacks and school supplies and I want to thank the Family Support and Resource Center for bringing this program to them,” said Board President Andrew Wong. “Through this event, the District is helping to ensure our students are able to focus on learning and successfully tackling the new school year.”

The Family Support and Resource Center supports Pomona Unified students and families with a variety of services and referrals that address mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, health care and housing, as well as emergency basic support referrals and assistance for clothing, food, utilities, furniture/household items or school items.

Originally organized to assist the District’s homeless student population, the backpack giveaway event has become a vital resource for Pomona Unified families and students who need school supplies and books for the new school year.

The items were donated by several community groups, including Feed the Children, Christ’s Church of the Valley in San Dimas and School on Wheels, which provides tutoring, school supplies and other educational assistance to children in Southern California.

For more information about the Family Support and Resource Center, call (909) 397-4491, ext. 26501.

 

Pomona: PUSD Launches Immersion Program

English-Mandarin coming to Pantera Elementary

 

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – One class of Pantera Elementary kindergarteners will learn how to read, write and communicate effectively in both English and Mandarin through the introduction of the Pomona Unified School District’s latest dual-language immersion program.

Launched on Aug. 12, the first day of school for Pomona Unified students, the new program will provide Mandarin and English language instruction to 25 kindergarten students, ensuring they receive an exciting and challenging educational opportunity where they will gain the bilingual skills needed to succeed in a 21st century world.

The inaugural class at Pantera (located at 801 Pantera Drive in Diamond Bar) is already full, but Pomona Unified is accepting sign-ups for the 2016-17 academic year.

“Pomona Unified is incorporating this new English-Mandarin dual-immersion program to provide our students the tools they need to succeed in a globally competitive and multicultural market, all while improving their literacy skills and engaging in the District’s rigorous core curriculum,” Board of Education President Andrew Wong said.

The program follows a 50:50 model, where 50 percent of instruction will occur in the target language of Mandarin and 50 percent of instruction will be in English, including 30 minutes of daily English language development dedicated to English learners. The class is comprised of native English speakers and native Mandarin speakers, enabling both sets of students to interact and learn new vocabulary skills.

“This program presents our students with a unique opportunity to speak multiple languages both inside and beyond the walls of a traditional classroom,” said Pantera Elementary School Principal Todd Riffell. “Students’ education will be enhanced because of the cultural awareness, acceptance and rich language that is shared and exchanged between students enrolled in these classrooms.”

As students advance in the program, they will demonstrate proficiency in both languages, navigating complex material in English and Mandarin. Students enrolled in this program also have the chance to earn a State Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diplomas.

As part of the District’s 2015-18 Local Control and Accountability Plan, Pomona Unified is also expanding its English-Spanish language immersion program – which just completed its first year at Westmont Elementary – to Montvue Elementary School this fall.

“Pomona’s dual-language program embraces and acknowledges the rich cultural diversity of our community,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “By the time students reach the 6th Grade, they will have spent seven academic years immersed in bilingual, bicultural and biliterate studies, which will prove invaluable as they continue their education.”

For more information on the program, visit www.pusd.org/DLI.