www.lanuevavoz.net La Nueva Voz FREE The New Voice, a Bilingual (English/Spanish) Publication Issue No. 127 GRATIS Pomona’s only community newspaper! Thursday, February 27, 2020 Pomona’s new city manager goes to work restoring trust in city staff New Pomona City Manager efforts to “take more con- two-part question from La come through “and we can get James Makshanoff said the big- trol” over what the city is Nueva Voz was how he that project going.” gest difference in his approach to doing and efforts to have views the city’s role in go- “The staff will keep on meet- the job and those who have gone more oversight over the ing after new business to ing with retailers and commercial before him is his interest in main- government. bring to Pomona. people and try to sell Pomona,” he taining transparency in how the And while he stopped First, he said he has a said. “I think that’s important, but city manager and his staff operate. short of pointing a finger staff that focuses in the we have our work cut out for us.” La Nueva Voz asked the first at his predecessor, he said area of economic develop- Makshanoff, who described his public question at this month’s this type of activism can ment. job as implementing the decisions “meet and greet” in the Pomona come from a lack of trans- “I think part of that of the city council, said a big part City Council chambers with the parency and a lack of con- bringing businesses to Po- of that is developing a budget for city manager, city clerk and city sistency in the past – and it mona is going to be based the city – a process he said has al- attorney. can make it more difficult upon new housing,” he ready begun for the city’s July 1 In his response to what he sees to move forward. added, explaining that es- to July 1 fiscal year. as different about his approach, he He said the way around tablishing a bigger base for He said the city has 600 em- said transparency gives the public that is to build up trust business to draw on will ployees and, by latest estimates, confidence in what the city is do- with the residents and the help bring more businesses 165,000 residents. ing. business community over to Pomona since business- “My job is to make sure we’re New Pomona City Manager James Makshanoff responds to a He pointed out that there is time. question from the audience at this month’s “meet and greet” es tend to focus on the bot- all kind of rowing in the same di- some “activism” out there with The second part of a for the city manager, city attorney and city clerk. tom line. rection,” he said. “They have a formula and they He added he has an open door OPINION look at so many variables... and policy for the public yet he views The U.S. Census is coming to town and Pomona needs your help! if it doesn’t pop out correctly, his department heads as experts in By Jeff Schenkel, Publisher then they’re not going to come,” their departments and wants them For those of you who pay close message in this same space and tions will help determine the way Makshanoff said. to “feel empowered to do their attention to the calendar on your on this same page 10 years ago. billions of dollars in federal fund- “I think we have to look at our job.” wall, you already know – and for Seems like only yesterday, huh? ing are spent. Of course, we want housing stock and how we ad- And, he said, he tries “not to those who may not track these (La Nueva Voz, page one, Jan. 28, as many of those federal dollars to dress that and how we address overstep and micromanage them.” things so closely, you still might 2010). end up in Pomona as possible. new projects,” he said. “I think He said in general, city manag- have heard – it has been another As we mentioned last time This year, Pomona and cities the Maya theaters (project) is ers “want to do things, we want to 10 years and the U.S. Census is around, the entire process is re- and counties everywhere have al- hopefully going to be an econom- improve things, we want to make again coming to town in a huge quired by the Constitution of the ready set up their own “Complete ic engine and drive some of that things better.” process in which every resident in United States – Article I, Section Count” committees which are hard synergy for the area to bring in “You’re always looking for the United States is counted. 2 – to take place every 10 years. at work on plans to help get, well, new businesses and attract.” challenges and I think with Pomo- Actually, some of you may re- And it is important for a variety a complete count in the Census. He added that hopefully the tax na there’s great opportunity here,” member we published a similar of reasons. First, Census tabula- U.S. Census coming to town... pg. 4 credits Maya is waiting for will Pomona’s new city manager... pg. 2 2 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz Pomona’s new city manager... from pg. 1 he said. “It’s almost a blank can- 1990 from Cal State Uni- vas.” versity Long Beach. He He also assured the room that also earned a master’s de- Pomona would be his “last job.” gree in public administra- “There’s great opportunities tion there. and great things in front of us,” he He worked for Brea, said, pointing to housing projects, Covina, Downey, Azusa Maya theaters and the Gold Line and San Clemente before coming through North Pomona. coming to Pomona. And Makshanoff, who was in week he has served as a city number four on the job at the manager for the past eight time of the “meet and greet,” is years. a resident of San Clemente. He Pomona City Clerk Ro- has been working for cities since salia Butler, on the job for Members of the public this month had an opportunity to meet and chat with Pomona’s new city manager, city attorney and city clerk. Pictured, receiving his bachelor’s degree in the past 13 months, grew from left, are City Clerk Rosalia Butler, City Manager James Makshanoff, and City Attorney Sonia Carvalho. up in Covina business administration. been on the job in Pomona for and is a resi- She worked in Covina, Bell the past six months. A resident of dent of San Di- Gardens and West Covina before Fullerton, she grew up in Azusa mas. She holds joining the staff in Pomona. She and graduated from UCLA law a bachelor’s has worked in local government school. degree in pub- for the past 14 years. She has been with Best, Best lic administra- And City Attorney Sonia Car- and Krieger for the past 27 years tion and a mas- valho, an attorney with the firm and has been a partner for 20 ter’s degree in of Best, Best and Krieger, has years. Authors to participate in ‘Local Authors Day’ at Pomona Public Library The Pomona Public Library will hold a at the library, 625 S. Garey Ave., Pomona. “Local Authors Day” on Saturday, March Local authors interested in partici- 28, at the library. pating can submit their information on Residents will have an opportunity to line at https://forms.gle/ewp6tPjYXpg- meet authors working in the Pomona area FRF917. and learn how to publish their own work. For more information, call (909) 784- The event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. 5220. La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 3 4 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz U.S. Census coming to town... from pg. 1 Pomona non-profit sets date for La Nueva Voz has been in- neighborhood services director, under, senior citizens, everybody – volved in some of these meetings told the Complete Count Com- citizens and non-citizens alike, just ‘Help Immigrant Families Thrive’ gala and we’ve run stories on their mittee last summer when it went as long as you are in Pomona at the Pomona non-profit Newcom- migration issues and interfaith ac- progress. to work that Pomona had less time the Census is taken. ers Access Center has scheduled tivism. The problem 10 years ago was than a 73 percent response rate in Plus, a key message is that the its “Help Immigrant Families Tickets are $60 per person a concern in Pomona that many the 2010 Census, ranking it high results of the U.S. Census are con- Thrive!” fundraising gala and si- ($420 for a table for seven) and are people may not trust the Census, among other hard to count com- fidential – they are shared only in lent auction for Sunday, April 5, in available on line at www.newcom- may be concerned over what gov- munities in Los Angeles County. a statistical form and individual Abernethy Hall at Pilgrim Place in ersaccesscenter.org. To purchase ernment officials will do with the Look at the numbers. The feder- results may not be shared under Claremont. tickets by mail, send payment to information and may not be clear al government allocates more than penalty of law. Keynote speaker for the event Newcomers Access Center, 401 N. on exactly who is supposed to be $675 billion to communities based Also, once it is compiled, the is Dustin Craun, executive direc- Gibbs St., Pomona, CA 91767. included in the count. on Census figures – money for information is available to every- tor of the Council on American- The organization serves refu- Fast forward 10 years and, highway planning, medical servic- one in statistical form – businesses Islamic Relations. gees and immigrants in the com- frankly, not much has changed in es, supplemental nutritional funds, deciding where they want to open A creative media strategist, film- munity. that department. transportation, education, youth their next store, engineers work- maker and ethnic studies scholar, For more information, call (909) In fact, historically, Pomona has and family services and more. ing on environmental impacts of Craun will share ideas about im- 455-3248. been undercounted because it is a So how much of Pomona’s projects, even students working on “hard to count” community – it is share is left on the table? Officials completing a school project. large, it has a high percentage of estimate that in California, every So, work with us on the Census renter population, it is overcrowd- person who is counted is “worth” this time around, folks. The Cen- ed with numerous multi-gener- $2,000 annually in federal fund- sus is a good thing, a complete ational households, low-income ing. Based on those undercounted count will only benefit the com- households, foreign born, home- 10 years ago, that $2,000 per per- munity and everyone in it, there less, young adults moving around son works out to more than $5 are no legal downsides to provid- during their college years and, million a year or more than $50 ing your information, and we all well, you get the idea. million in the 10 years the Census have everything to gain and noth- And if we don’t get a representa- numbers remain in effect. ing to lose. tive count, we not only leave dol- We’re thinking we could do a lot Most of us will be answering lars on the table – we also end up around here with that $50 million. the Census questions online, so with elected officials with smaller So, the Census is a good thing, this time it will be even easier than sized districts than otherwise and being counted is important. ever. would be the case. And everybody counts – home- But it will be up to each one of Benita DeFrank, Pomona’s less individuals, children age 4 and us to do our part and complete the Census. Just as we said in this space 10 years ago, it only takes a few min- utes and it costs you nothing, but it pays for itself many times over Photo by Mark Gluba in the benefit we all will receive TRIVIA BEE WINNERS -- Who knew they were that good? Winners of the 30th annual Po- in federal funds and economic im- mona Public Library and Pomona Heritage Trivia Bee last month at the Pomona Ebell Audito- pact over the next 10 years. rium were members of the Pomona City Council Team. Pictured from left, modestly showing off their winner’s trophy, are Pomona City Councilmembers Steve Lustro, Nora Garcia and Victor Preciado. Congratulations to the winners and all the participants! Retired Teachers Association meetings set on legislative advocacy, pensions Everything from legislation ad- vocacy to a presentation by Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens on native plants in landscape design will be on tap at next month’s meet- ing of the California Retired Teach- ers Association Division 13. The meeting is scheduled for V.P. of Advertising & Operations: Renee Barbee 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, at the Hillcrest Retirement Com- munity, 2705 Mt. View Drive, La Verne. Lunch is $19. For reservations, call (626) 963-6242. The group also will host a free pre-retirement workshop on pen- sion basics from 4 to 6 p.m. Thurs- day, March 12, in the Bonita Uni- fied School District Board room, Printed on recycled newsprint (25 percent recycled content) using soy-based inks. Copyright © 2020 South Coast Media Services 115 W. Allen Ave., San Dimas, fea- turing speakers from the California State Teachers’ Retirement System. La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 5 L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis opens county’s first new ‘Wellness Community’ in Pomona A Los Angeles County-owned county’s 14 clinics but is the first of substance abuse building in the Pomona Civic Cen- seven to combine outside partner- really means in- ter that has long provided medical ing agencies in a total wellness ap- vesting in folks services to the community opened proach. so that they can its doors this month as a repurposed “This is the model of how we be emotionally and expanded Pomona Center for move forward in all of our commu- well and feel Public Health – Pomona Wellness nities and you guys are going first,” supported,” she Community, providing everything she said. added. from medical to mental health to As an example, she said their Los Angeles trauma prevention and even re- substance abuse prevention and County Supervi- covery from alcohol and substance treatment program focuses on the sor Hilda Solis abuse. prevention side. thanked Ferrer The facility, located at 750 S. Park “And that’s how this is possible for taking the Ave., Pomona, now is designed as a by acknowledging that preventing leadership “to place for community members to really repurpose gather, find resources or participate and regenerate in wellness activities. and reinvest in Included will be everything from this community.” physical activity classes to nutrition She reminded and health resources and more – guests that she and all activities are free and open once lived in Po- to the community. mona while at- Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis stops by the Tri-City Mental Health table during her tour of Po- Parktree Community Health Cen- tending Cal Poly mona's new Center for Public Health - Pomona Wellness Community. Pictured, from left, are Solis, Tri-City community navigator Gabriela Cruz, and Tri-City mental health specialist Ernie Avila. ter will continue to provide services University – an alongside the new community part- experience that she said “compelled asked her staff to see what could be find jobs. ners who will be staffing the facility. me to stand up and say, ‘you know done to transform the facility. Yet she said it could not have Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the what, Pomona deserves so much “Now it isn’t just a public health been completed without the partici- Los Angeles County Department of more.’” center, it’s a wellness center which pation of the various “partners.” Public Health, told more than 100 Solis said she noticed the county exceeded even my expectations at “All of you helped to make this guests – mainly community repre- building during a visit months ago the time,” Solis said, adding that it quilt what it is – diverse, strong, and sentatives and public health offi- Dr. Barbara Ferrer at a homeless facility across the will be a place “for all of the com- the fiber of the community.” Director, Los Angeles County cials – that the facility is one of the Department of Public Health street at the Pomona armory and munity,” even in helping people Wellness Community... pg. 17 6 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz Pomona resident Mike Cargile challenges incumbent Services pending for former Congresswoman Torres for 35th District seat Pomona Councilmember Steve Atchley Funeral services were Pomona resident Mike Carg- pending for former ile, the lone contender challeng- Pomona City Council- ing incumbent Congresswoman member Steve Atchley Norma Torres in next week’s pri- who reportedly died of mary election, said he is a fam- a heart attack on Feb. ily man with an objective – and 16 at the age of 68. an overwhelming motivation in Atchley, who enjoyed the race – “protecting, preserving everything from swear- and providing for our families.” ing in board members “As a husband and a father of the Pomona Cham- with many good friends, I feel ber of Commerce to truly blessed to have the op- conducting a ribbon portunity to be a representative cutting in Pomona and for some of the most wonderful even occasionally grab- people I’ve ever met,” Cargile bing the microphone said. “Through the years I have and singing at holiday been a coach, a crossing guard Mike and Nan Cargile parties, represented Po- for my kids, a booster president he said. “And from that is borne because he plans to “do some- mona’s District 6 on the and fundraiser and a deacon at my desire to serve the people of thing to fix our broken immigra- council. Steve Atchley my church.” the 35th Congressional District tion system.” A California native and a Po- In his private life, Atchley The Republican candidate said of California.” And on impeachment, which mona resident since 1963, he was taught economics, finance and professionally, he has been a “At a time of unprecedented he said was the “straw that broke first elected to the council in 2007. MBA classes to undergraduate writer, an actor, a director, a pro- assault on our freedoms, our the camel’s back for me,” he said He served for six years. Before and graduate college students at ducer, an editor and a marketing traditions and our Constitution, the House of Representatives that, he served as a member of the Kingston University in Norwalk, director. we need representatives willing does not get to dictate to the ex- Pomona Planning Commission where he was later named presi- “Additionally, I helped run to stand in the gap on behalf of ecutive branch how it conducts for two years. dent. a small ‘indie’ music label and the American people,” Cargile foreign policy.” He served on numerous boards He was a devout Catholic, a managed a rock band from Aus- said. “Our citizens deserve to be On health care, he believes and commissions while on the member of the Knights of Colum- tralia and somewhere in the mid- treated with dignity, respect and “the biggest roadblock to a robust council and served as past chair bus and a lector during Sunday dle of all that, I helped handle the unwavering support.” healthcare system is government of the Pomona Valley Transit Au- Mass for years. private label manufacturing for According to his web site, Car- intrusion.” He said it should be thority and as a member of the Tri- Atchley also was well known ‘The Power Rangers’ food prod- gile believes that “life begins at based on a free market system City Mental Health Association. as an amateur magician and regu- ucts,” he added. conception,” he believes “the using competition to drive prices Atchley regularly served as larly performed at business and A resident of California since right to keep and bear arms shall down. master of ceremonies at perfor- private events both in Southern 1991, Cargile served as a quarter- not be infringed – period,” and For more information on Car- mances of the Pomona Concert California and across Asia during master Army officer before going he believes that “we as a nation gile, who describes himself as Band, and he was a member of his business travels. “individual ready reserve” after have the right and responsibility both business and family friend- the Blue Ribbon Committee of the He leaves his wife, Patrice, and Desert Storm. to demand that anyone seeking ly, visit the web site at www.car- Los Angeles County Fair Associa- eight children – one son and seven He and his wife Nan have to enter the United States use our gileforcongress.com. tion. daughters. raised their two children in designated ports of entry.” Southern California. But at the same time, he says Need to advertise in La Nueva Voz? “I understand that to whom “if you are in the country illegal- much is given, much is required,” ly... you need me to get elected” Call (909) 629-2292 or visit www.lanuevavoz.net

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE VALENTINE TEA -- The 21st annual Assistance League of Pomona Valley Vintage Valentine Tea -- this year with tickets sold out for the first time ever -- was held at Pomona’s historic Ebell Club this month. And, as always, the event had it all -- volunteer student tea servers, raffle items, baked goods for sale (all donated by members), and more. First Vice President of Membership Cathy Harden, at the podium with Pomona Valley Historical Society President Deborah Clifford, at right, told guests one admission ticket to the event purchased three or more warm jackets for kids the group serves in its Operation School Bell program providing free school clothes. Funds raised at the event also supported the group’s dental center program. President Denise Delgado said more than 200 guests attended the event. She added that the Assistance League has presented a fundraising golf tournament for the past 20 years. This year’s tournament is scheduled for May at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga. La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 7 New $4 million Pomona park named in honor of Phil and Nell Soto Pomona’s newest park – a $4 “Phil and Nell Soto did so much million upgrade in one of Pomo- for this community,” said State na’s oldest neighborhoods – was Sen. Connie Leyva, adding that officially opened this month in the first campaign she worked on ceremonies attracting about 300 was former Pomona City Council- guests naming the park in the member Nell Soto’s campaign for memory of Pomona residents Phil the California assembly – when and Nell Soto, described as two of Leyva was 25. the most influential Latino politi- “Pomona has a big heart, espe- cians in California history. cially for the love of Phil and Nell The 1.76 acre park, located at Soto,” said Los Angeles County Park and Orange Grove Avenues Supervisor Hilda Solis. in the Wilton Heights Historic “I wish we could pop these up District, was created as a “pas- everywhere . . . because that’s re- sive” park which, according to the architects, means it is designed for residents of the immediately local community who can walk to the park. A special box of butterflies is released into the air to mark the opening of the new Phil and Nell Soto Park. From left are Former Miss Pomona Princess and former Pomona City Councilmember Adriana Robledo, former Pomona City Council- “All of us know the value of member Danielle Soto, former Miss Pomona Princess Lorena Gonzalez and former Miss Pomona Princess and former green space and all of us know Parks and Recreation Commissioner Lauren DeMott. the value of parks,” said Pomona deserves to have a park in source conservation. Mayor Tim Sandoval. “It’s not their community.” Solis, who said she served just an environmental issue, but And this park, she point- with Nell Soto in the California it’s also a social issue, it’s also an ed out, incorporates ele- legislature, called Phil and Nell access issue, it’s an equity issue, ments of water efficiency, Soto two prominent leaders who it’s making sure that members of energy efficiency and re- “dedicated their lives” to helping our community have access to a stabilize California’s communities park within walking distance.” “through relentless fighting for He said homes in the area were social justice, economic freedom built as far back as the 1880s. and environmental causes.” The San Gabriel and Lower Los She said Phil Soto, one of the Angeles Rivers and Mountains first Latinos elected to state office, Conservancy provided grants to- fought alongside the farmwork- taling $2.5 million to purchase the ers, for students and the poor, land and design the park. And a Former Pomona City Councilmember marched with Cesar Chavez and $1.39 million “urban greening” Danielle Soto campaigned with both Robert and grant from the California Natu- ally the urgency I think that our John F. Kennedy. ral Resources Agency combined communities are waiting for,” And Nell Soto, a native of Po- with $141,000 from the City of Solis said. “Because with good mona, was elected to the assembly Pomona’s park and recreation im- parks come good health, come at the age of 72, she added. provement fund rounded out the good relationships, reduces stress, Former Pomona City Council- A visitor to the park tries out one of the financial package. helps to clean the environment but State Sen. Connie Leyva Phil and Nell Soto Park... pg. 12 exercise machines available. Work on the project got under also allows for a good environ- way in 2014. ment for everyone, and everyone

One of two bridges in the new Phil and Nell Soto Park was already in use on opening day. 8 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz L.A. County Supervisor Solis honors African American leaders during Black History Month in Pomona Five African American leaders – including three from Pomona – were recognized as honorees on Valentine’s Day this month by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis at her inaugural Black His- tory Month reception at Pomona’s St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. “We need to think back about the times that so many people made so many sacrifices includ- ing for me,” Solis told nearly 200 guests crowded into the church patio. “I don’t stand here alone on anything that I’ve done by my- self.” “I stand on the shoulders of so Dr. Soraya Coley Pastor Ivory Brown many other people that worked so hard to make it available for a daughter of an immigrant fam- ily, first in her family to go to college, people fighting for affir- mative action, people fighting for civil rights, people fighting for the right to vote, and the right to be recognized and treated equal, all of those things happened because

Pomona’s Washington Elementary School singers performed at this month’s Black History Month observance, along with the Garey High School jazz ensem- Brian Williams Jeanette Ellis-Royston ble. Pictured are half of the Washington singers (the other half, not pictured, are Civilian Oversight Commission; tories are because they are inter- on another stairway). Pomona Pastor Ivory Brown, ex- twined,” she said. ecutive director of the non-profit “Each one of us is carrying the risk.” Project: Caring and Sharing; Jea- responsibility to carry forth black Every American President has nette Ellis-Royston, President history,” she said. designated February as Black of the Pomona Valley Branch “If some of us do not have our History Month since 1976 to hon- NAACP; Cal Poly University full freedom, then none of us have or and celebrate the achievements Pomona President Dr. Soraya our full freedom,” Solis said. of African Americans and to rec- Coley; and the San Gabriel Valley “The stakes today are too high ognize the role they have played T.J. Campbell NAACP, represented by President and the soul of our country is at Supervisor Hilda Solis in American history. so many other people fought so T.J. Campbell, hard,” she continued. Solis, who told the group she “We know about the adversity, walked twice across the civil we know about discrimination, we rights landmark Edmund Pettus know about the shameful legacy bridge in Selma, Alabama with of slavery and Jim Crow and how Congressman John Lewis, said African Americans have fought there are many similarities in the the good fight for all people, they civil rights movement with people helped to lead the way on civil from her community – Latinos rights so that all of us could have and immigrants who have “toiled these treasured rights,” Solis said. in the field.” “And they truly built this coun- “I feel so strongly about the try, African Americans . . . their learning that I was blessed with to history and their footprint is ev- understand how the power of sac- erywhere and . . . it means so rifice and non-violence can move much for the sacrifices that they people,” Solis said. made for this country and for us,” “We need to . . . educate the she added. entire country so wherever there Photo by Renee Barbee Honorees recognized at the have been historical moments we CONGRESSIONAL ‘APP’ CHALLENGE WINNERS -- Four students at Pomona’s Lorbeer Middle School were honored last month by Congresswoman Norma Torres as winners in the Congressional App Challenge, considered the most prestigious prize in student computer event – all representing Solis’ first need to get the county govern- science. Members of Congress have hosted competitions in their districts each year since 2015 for middle and high school students, encour- supervisorial district – were Bri- ment, the state government and aging young “coders” to develop original applications and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science. Winning apps may be put on display in the U.S. Capitol building for one year. Pictured, from left, are Torres, Arthur Lo, 13, Alessandro Chuta, 13, Hector “Benny” Aquino, an Williams, executive director of the federal government to shine a 14, Nathan Paz, 13, and their teacher, Patrick Trejo. Their app was designed to help people locate jobs in their area so they could better ac- the Los Angeles County Sheriff light and not forget what our his- cess work opportunities, according to Principal Krista Fairley. Each student received a $250 gift card to Amazon. La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 9 Four minority panelists give Tri-City Mental Health program participants a look into minority mental health for Black History Month Tri-City Mental Health cele- brated Black History Month this month with a “Myth Busters and Minority Mental Health Mind- fulness” program calling on the experiences of four local people who have experienced mental health issues. The program was billed as a “life changing and life saving” community conversation held in the meeting room at Claremont Public Library. Rimmi Hundal, director of Mental Health Services Act and Rimmi Hundal Jamie Ritchey Ethnic Services for Pomona’s because he experienced a psy- Dwight Pennington, at left, and Toni Robinson Tri-City Mental Health, said Tri- chogenic seizure on campus. City maintains a committee that After a long depression, he is open to the public that focuses moved to Los Angeles where he on the issue of mental health and became homeless before moving minorities, as well as looking at in with an aunt in Fontana just how mental health and mental before joining the U.S. Army. illness is defined in different cul- He was medically discharged tures. from the military following an- She said people with mental other emotional breakdown. illness die 12 to 32 years earlier He moved back to Pomona, en- than the general population and rolled in Citrus College for a few only 30 percent of people in need semesters but experienced anoth- of mental health services are re- er breakdown and left. After a James Curtis, at left, and Gamaliel Polanco ceiving them. couple of interim jobs, he ended down following a breakup with a “It’s always been kind of my Mayor Larry Schroeder The first panelist was Dwight up on staff at Tri-City where he girlfriend, and he ended up drop- passion to get to know people Pennington, who described a se- has worked for a year. said. ping out of college. and figure out where they are in ries of events in his life in which “I am living proof that mental Toni Robinson, also an em- He ended up back in school their journey,” he said, adding he was asked to leave Mt. SAC health patients can recover,” he ployee at Tri-City, serves as the and earning a law degree, be- that, if possible, he tries to sup- agency’s innovations coordinator came a national television host port them in their journey. for the MHSA Division. earning “middle six figures,” but He worked in juvenile hall case She said she became interested a divorce, “multiple sequential management and ended up with a in mental health while working deaths” and losing his job caused degree in social work from USC on her first master’s program in yet additional problems. and working in his old neighbor- public policy. “I did not know anything hood as a community outreach She wrote her thesis on the about mental health, mental ill- worker before taking the job at way the public health system ness, therapy, psychiatry, drugs, I Tri-City. treats black women when it didn’t know any of that,” he said. Claremont Mayor Larry Schro- comes to mental health and the Today he works for the Nation- eder, a former Tri-City board stigma around it in the black al Alliance on Mental Illness and member, helped open the event. community. “found” Tri-City. “Black history . . . hasn’t been Robinson explained there is a “I can say now that as cool as re-written, it has been ignored level of dehumanization among it is . . . to be able to look at folks and just buried in the back- African-Americans going back like our parents or other people ground,” he said. to the days of slavery but that that we see and put them in the Moderator Jamie Ritchey, there is also a resiliency factor role of hero, because they can do community capacity organizer that can help black women deal things that seem to be magical, for Tri-City, said she uses educa- with elevated levels of stigma. having the ability to understand tion to help eliminate the stigma James Curtis explained he ex- what is going on with us gives us toward suicide and mental ill- perienced his first mental health the ability to be our own heroes,” ness. crisis when he was 8, living in Curtis said. “Our charge (is) to reduce the San Fernando Valley. And Gamaliel Polanco, who stigma in our community so that He moved with his family to has managed Tri-City’s Well- people feel safe enough to ask for Detroit after a grandfather died, ness Center in Pomona since it the help when they need it and but then his father moved out of opened 10 years ago, said he is understand how to identify when the household. He began having a first generation immigrant from someone needs help and how to HOME DEPOT PITCHES IN AT AMERICAN LEGION -- Volunteer employees from the Po- mona Home Depot showed up for two days this month at Pomona’s American Legion Post trouble in school after previously Central America who grew up in support them or connect them 30 to help out with a renovation project in the historic building’s upstairs hall. The work and earning top grades. South Central Los Angeles. with the help that they need,” she materials were provided under a $7,300 grant from the Home Depot Foundation. The volun- teers painted the hall -- including the ceiling -- and installed new ceiling fans and stage lights The family moved back to Cal- Through the friends he met, he said. in the stage area. The auditorium also was updated with new LED lighting. Crew members ifornia where he became the first saw “gaps” and “missing pieces” The panel discussion was one plan to come back to install new carpeting in the stage area. Lunch was provided to the work- in his family to enter college but that prompted him to get into of a series of community events ers by American Legion auxiliary and booster members. The upgraded hall is expected to be available to rent to groups in the next few weeks. For more information, call (909) 620-0943. he experienced his second break- mental health. being offered by Tri-City. 10 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz Olivieri retires as Pomona’s 21st police chief Pomona Police Chief Mike Ol- Yet Pomona Police Officer ivieri – who retired this month as “Alex Nguyen being shot and the city’s 21st police chief fol- Officer Greggory Casillas was lowing a 36-year career in law certainly the most devastating enforcement and a year and 10 tragedy I have ever faced profes- months after been sworn in as sionally, personally, let alone hav- chief – recounted his accomplish- ing to lead a department of 280 ments while in office at his re- people through,” Olivieri said. tirement ceremonies at Avalon at Nguyen was shot and Casil- Fairplex but said he is “so proud las was killed in March 2018 just of the men and women of the Po- before Olivieri was sworn in as mona Police Department.” chief. “I’m just so damn proud of Po- The tragedy occurred when mona P.D., I’m so proud to be a Pomona police were attempting Pomona cop,” he said. “I love to take a suspect into custody this department as much today as I did 30 years ago when I started.” He said as chief he cre- Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval and members of the Pomona City Council present retiring Pomona Police Chief Mike ated a new professional Olivieri with a “Goddess of Pomona” statue which, Sandoval said, is the highest honor anyone can receive in Pomona. standards unit, an under- Pictured, from left, are City Councilmembers Rubio Gonzalez and Steve Lustro, Olivieri, City Councilmember Elizabeth cover special investigative Ontiveros-Cole and Sandoval. unit, a recent human traf- following a series of day” chief meetings. He said he department will be in good hands ficking unit and a quality events that began with even had to order a bigger confer- and the leadership team will en- of life unit. an officer responding ence table for the 15 leaders who sure that continues,” Olivieri said. He said homicides were to a report of erratic met regularly in a team approach. And with that, Olivieri gave El- down 29 percent last year, driving. “We did amazing things,” Ol- lis the keys to his car, which he homeless and quality of Olivieri said during ivieri said. “Their brain power is said was parked outside, “and it life issues are being ad- his term in office he mostly responsible for the success needs gas.” dressed at many levels and tripled the size of his we’ve experienced.” Olivieri’s career in law enforce- the department’s transpar- leadership team includ- Deputy Chief Mike Ellis took ment began in 1986 as an Explor- ing those who partici- over as interim police chief. er with the Chino Police Depart- ency in police relation- Pomona’s Interim Police Chief Mike Ellis, at right, presents out- ships is at an all-time high. going Chief Mike Olivieri with his retirement badge. pate in the “every other “With Deputy Chief Ellis, the Olivieri retires... pg. 18 La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 11

ONE NEWSPAPER TO ANOTHER -- Christopher Garcia Moreno, publisher of Pomona’s Barfield Elementary School’s “Barfield Times” newspaper (holding a copy of La Nueva Voz), receives a surprise visit from Renee Barbee of La Nueva Voz, at left, dropping off copies of last month’s paper featuring an article on Christopher’s new venture into the world of journal- ism. Barbee and Pomona Unified School Supt. Richard Martinez interviewed Christopher, now 11 and in the fifth grade, recently for the story. Also pictured is most of the newspa- per “club” and instructional aides, from left, Rayleen Dudley, Latesha Robinson and Adriana Vega. Upcoming events scheduled at American Legion Post 30 Following is an update of on-go- Menudo will be served at 8 a.m. ing and one-time events scheduled for $7 and wings will be served at by Pomona’s American Legion noon for $5. Post 30, with a golf tournament Post 30’s golf tournament is in April and steak night returning scheduled for April 17 and the this spring heading the list. Women’s Auxiliary bunco event An $8 champagne breakfast will will be held March 14. be held at the post at 9 a.m. every American Legion Post 30 is lo- second Saturday, a $10 steak night cated at 239 E. Holt Ave., Pomona. returns at 6 p.m. on every third All events are open to the pub- Saturday beginning in April, and lic. menudo and wing dings will be on For more information, call the menu every third Sunday. (909) 620-0943. 12 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz Phil and Nell Soto Park... from pg. 7 member Danielle Soto, who said The park includes recreational she grew up across the street from opportunities, native plants, a bird the park, credited former Pomona sanctuary and more. City Councilmember Paula Lantz Nell Soto served in the Califor- with the suggestion to name the nia assembly from 1998 to 2000 park after her grandparents. and again from 2006 to 2008. She “It’s up to us to keep telling the served in the state senate from story, to keep the history alive 2000 to 2006. and why it was named after Phil She served on the board of the and Nell,” she said, adding that South Coast Air Quality Manage- Phil Soto was the only legislator ment District and, while serving to walk with Cesar Chavez from as state senator, championed wa- Delano to Sacramento (a 300 mile ter causes and was able to secure farm workers protest in 1965 dur- $20 million in funding for clean ing the grape strike and boycott water resources. and the longest protest march in She died in 2009 at the age of U.S. history). 82. “If it hadn’t been for Phil, there Phil Soto served on the La Pu- wouldn’t have been a microphone ente city council from 1958 to Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda for Cesar and there wouldn’t have 1962. And he served in the as- Solis, at the podium, presents a special been a stage that day for that his- sembly from 1962 to 1966. certificate to the entire Soto family at torical moment – he pulled it to- In a show of support, he once the dedication this month of Pomona’s new Phil and Nell Soto Park. gether,” she said. spent a night in jail with Cesar A permanent marker at the entrance And her uncle Tom Soto, who Chavez and later spent another to Pomona’s newest park provides the said his mother was a seventh night in jail with Dolores Huerta history of the area and background on generation Pomona resident, re- after she was arrested for organiz- why the park was named after Phil and Nell Soto. counted serving as a pallbearer for ing farm workers. Chavez alongside his father. He later was appointed by Pres- Administration’s minority busi- Pomona City Councilmember ident Lyndon Johnson to help set ness development program. Rubio Gonzalez, whose council up economic development and He died in 1997 at the age of district includes the new park, job training programs in East Los 71. pointed out it is the city’s first Angeles. He retired in 1988 as di- The two lived several blocks park named for a woman. rector of the U.S. Small Business away from the park. La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 13 14 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 15 THEATER REVIEW By Jeff Schenkel ‘Miracle Worker’ production by School of Arts and Enterprise does good job telling difficult story Two weeks to come up with one School of Arts and Enterprise had its they’ve been doing it for the miracle? No problem. And it was no first crack at it three years ago with an past five years? problem for the cast from Pomona’s entirely different cast. With about 150 audience School of Arts and Enterprise telling Setting our own stage for this re- members per performance, the story of Helen Keller in “The Mir- view, La Nueva Voz enjoyed the sixth director Phil Miller (artistic acle Worker” this month – they had of 13 performances of “The Miracle director at the School of Arts the attention of the audience two or Worker” – a classic piece presented in and Enterprise) told La Nueva three scenes in and held it all the way a classic and historic theater, the Co- Voz the venue works well for through. vina Center for the Performing Arts the show – particularly when Helen Keller, of course, was an in Downtown Covina – a thoroughly it is bringing in young audi- American educator, advocate for the re-imagined version of the old Covina ences from seven area school blind and deaf and co-founder of the Theater complete with chandeliers districts (some 1,500 students American Civil Liberties Union. She hanging from the ceiling. and families all free of charge). was left blind and deaf when stricken And, indulge us here, show of It worked well for a Satur- by an illness at the age of 2. hands – how many of our readers day night adult audience as The Broadway production of “The knew the School of Arts and Enter- well. MIRACLE WORKER -- Alexa Yamila Ocana, who played Helen Keller in this month’s School of Arts and Enterprise production of “The Miracle Worker,” and director Phil Miller, artistic director at the school, Miracle Worker” opened in 1959 and prise has been renting this beautiful A projection on the back pause for a photo after a Saturday night performance outside the Covina Center for the Performing Arts the movie was released in 1962. The theater for 13 weeks a year – and Miracle Worker... pg. 17 in Downtown Covina. And yes, the dog played a role in the show as well. 16 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz SAFETY FIRST By Jose Bermudez, Certified Safety Professional Evento para Niños ‘Día Para Jugar’ Mindfulness – important for personal safety and well-being “Pomona Play Day,” un con- Información sobre recursos de We live in a world and an age mindless behaviors with mindful of the “rat race” and remove our- cepto de educación a temprana interés para padres de niños peque- of distraction. Televisions, cell thinking and frame of mind. selves out of flitting from one point edad para niños presentado por ños también estará disponible. phones, computers, and electronic Taking mindfulness off the job to the next and of the chronic dis- Pomona’s Promise y Pomona Ro- “Pomona Play Day anhela lan- devices keep us tethered to our into the home and personal setting, traction of doing one thing and then tary, está programado para Do- zar una campana a través de la jobs, games, and screens. In tan- it can apply to any activity being the next in what at times appears to mingo, 22 de Marzo de mediodía cuidad de Pomona con el obje- dem with our technology devices, undertaken. While driving, we can be a never-ending cycle. We can a 4 p.m. en el Parque Washington tivo de fomentar condiciones en the fast pace of our culture, our all identify with times when being learn to relax our minds, our senses en Pomona. la comunidad que promuevan el personal responsibilities, our jobs on autopilot, we go from Point A and our total outlook. By immers- Decenas de actividades diverti- bienestar de los niños empezando and the demands placed on all to Point B and we cannot explain ing ourselves by paying attention das se ofrecerán para que los pa- desde temprana edad cuando el keep us going and going – stressed the time in between. Also, while to what can be seen, heard, felt, dres de niños de 5 anos o menos 90 por ciento del desarrollo cere- out. Consequently, these obliga- performing a task, at once we may tasted or smelled in our existing puedan reproducir en casa para bral se está llevando a cabo,” los tions and distractions remove us be on the phone, watching a movie, environment (our surroundings, estimular el aprendizaje – todo sin organizadores mencionaron en from day to day living, time with and writing an email to demon- the people, family, friends, and as- o a poco costo. un comunicado. ‘El cuidado y la our families, and the reality of our strate an extreme example of multi- sociates), we gain a greater appre- Se incluirán actividades vincu- educación a temprana edad pu- immediate environment, whether tasking. There are people that ciation of individuals we care for, lados con la ciencia como la jar- eden emprenden a los niños hacia at work or at home. We will look claim that they perform each task nature, our hobbies and life over- dinería, diversión con los imanes, el éxito en la mayoría de los as- at ways to remove ourselves from well and see themselves as produc- all. By fully engaging ourselves in explorando con lupas, el baile y pectos educativos, la Buena salud mindlessness to mindfulness. We tive in this mode, although studies any given moment, task or activity movimiento con música, artesanía y calidad de vida- beneficiándose will merely touch on mindfulness; have shown that one cannot focus and being aware of what one does y manualidades, la lectura, con- no solamente ellos, sino la comu- books, articles and websites devote on several tasks at one time, with- at that time, the effort increases strucción de títeres, y mucho más. nidad entera.” more extensive focus and deepens our Los niños podrán llevar a casa El Parque Washington está lo- Mindlessness Mindful Living on the practice. appreciation of algunos de los materiales junto calizado en el 865 E. Grand Ave. Mindfulness origi- • Autopilot • Voluntary; Purposeful everyone and ev- con un libro gratis. en Pomona. nated within Hindu- • Thought After Thought • Quiets Brain Chatter erything. All ele- ism and Buddhism • Multi-Tasking • Being in the Moment ments that make in India thousands • Self-Criticism • Non-Critical up our lives need Do you have a news story? of years ago. In this • Habitual and Unconscious • Conscious Awareness to be savored and country, the current • Judgmental • Non-Judgmental, Open, appreciated for We want to hear from you or your organization. wave of mindfulness • Tense Muscles Curious our safety and our therapies, coaching, well-being. Life is Send your news tips to: exercises and medi- The difference between mindless and mindulful living. too short and pre- tation practice began in the 1970s out compromising the quality and cious to do otherwise. [email protected] by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a professor efficiency of the effort, along with Editor’s Note: Jose Bermudez, of medicine at the University of the memory of the tasks. When a safety professional for nearly 40 Massachusetts. multi-tasking activity includes years, has worked as a consultant Mindfulness in occupational operating a vehicle, machines, or and a regional safety and health health and safety started after tools, your personal safety can be manager for colleges, hospitals Kabat-Zinn’s initial introduction compromised. “In the workplace, and an environmental engineer- of the process. Some in the safety multi-tasking has been shown to ing consulting firm, working for profession referred to mindfulness steal time, take away from quality companies such as General Elec- in work safety as “present moment and accuracy, and even negative- tric, Waste Management, Inc. and thinking.” The work safety outlook ly impact an individual’s mental Quaker Oats. He received the des- was to have employees who were health.” (Cravenshaw 2008). ignation of Certified Safety Profes- distracted by many things while Transferring mindfulness to our sional from the Board of Certified performing a job or task focus on daily lives, in addition to the ben- Safety Professionals. His column the moment and work activity be- efit of being safe, mindfulness adds is presented as a public service. ing undertaken. The following another significant dividend. We He can be contacted at jsbrmdz8@ table compares the categories of can change our individual version gmail.com.

Info on student group programs at AGRIscapes: www.agriscapes.cpp.edu

4102 S. University Drive, Pomona (next to the Farm Store)

Sign up for Pomona Unified School District’s Free ‘Early Learning Literacy’ App! It’s a fun way to improve reading skills. POOLING RESOURCES FOR HOMELESSNESS -- Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, second from left, gathered last month with Register at www.myf2b.com/register/pomona representatives of “Everyone in LA,” “LA Voice,” United Way of Greater Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley Consortium on Homelessness and 135 faith-based organizations from throughout the San Gabriel Valley to discuss how non-profits can pull all their resources together to footsteps2brilliance help uplift individuals who are experiencing homelessness and work to bring them into stable homes. Topics ranged from mobile showers to La Nueva Voz is a proud member of PUSD’s Literacy Collaborative. affordable housing, winter shelters and on-site housing. The event was held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Baldwin Park. La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 17 Miracle Worker... from pg. 15 wall of the stage told the audience the into the story. would be miracles. scene opened in 1881 in Tuscumbia, And there’s more of Miller’s sig- Yet there was still a lot of energy Alabama – and those Southern Cali- nature layered drama as Annie expe- and there were tantrums from a young fornia-style southern accents were a riences flashbacks to when she was and hyper Helen, at times making it little hard to understand at first (and institutionalized as a child, appearing difficult for Annie and others at the we grew up in East Tennessee which downstage left (closer to the audi- dinner table – and even members of is not all that different from Northern ence) during a partial blackout for a the audience – to remain focused. Alabama near the Tennessee border), scene upstage – adding to interest and For example, a lot of time was spent but you get used to it a few scenes in. not distracting at all. at the dinner table teaching Helen sim- Director Miller injected what The plot – and the production com- ply not to throw her spoon across the seemed to become his signature tech- pany – injected a lot of believability – stage (although in Helen’s defense, by nique of layered activity early in the and a lot of emotion – into the story the end of the scene, she was tossing production by bringing some cast when Annie met Helen for the first it to the same spot a lot more consis- members on stage by walking down time and Helen was able to “see” her tently). the aisles of the theater and others rid- by feeling Annie’s glasses, face and But it was the little successes that ing up through the floor of the stage hair. had a big impact on both Annie and on an elevator platform complete with Annie wastes no time assuming her Helen’s family – successes like the Photo by Eric Jung their fold-out dining room table for an role of teacher, jumping right in with first time Helen for no apparent reason POMONA OPTIMIST CLUB STUDENTS OF THE MONTH -- Four students at Pomona’s Kingsley Elementary School were recognized as students of the month last month at a meet- easy scene change. her new charge working on the alpha- simply folded a napkin on the table. ing of the Pomona Optimist Club. Pictured, from left, are honorees Ximena Zuniga, fourth And the plot develops as a young bet using a form of signing by press- These little successes led in Act 2 to grade; Breanna Hernandez, third grade; Shirley Segura, fourth grade; and Lauro Hernandez, Helen Keller, played by Alexa Yamila ing on Helen’s hand. Annie asking for complete control of fifth grade. Lauro and Breanna (no relation) were students of the month for December and Shirley and Ximena were the picks for January. Congratulations to all four! Ocana, continues causing an on-going And Helen gets it right away. Helen – meals and all – since, as she level of commotion around the house There were little things like flowers explained, having her teacher control- – so much so that Helen’s half brother on the dining table a little too high and ling her food is a way for her to learn. Jimmy, played by Xirro Jones, be- blocking a cast member during lines She also advocated for Helen when, gins suggesting “putting her away” at times but, frankly, they had simi- as an example, she told Helen’s fam- in some sort of asylum, launching an lar problems they were working on ily she herself grew up in an asylum entire discussion of this option. in a $15 million Broadway re-make filled with 80 children the first year – The scene switches to Perkins In- of West Side Story that was the sub- and 70 died. stitution for the Blind in Boston (now ject of a pre-opening segment on “60 The argument was convincing, and Perkins School for the Blind, the old- Minutes” on CBS last week. Helen’s dad gave Annie two weeks to est school for the blind in the U.S.), The near-capacity audience in Co- produce only one miracle. where Helen’s dad Captain Keller, vina didn’t seem to mind. It actually took a little longer, but played by Quintin Burrola, met for- Clearly, Helen was a bit of a reluc- Annie was able to get Helen to speak mer student turned teacher Annie tant student at first, prompting Annie her first – and only – word in the pro- Sullivan, played by Guinevere Silva- to become philosophical. duction, “water.” Deaton, and told her “no one expects “Obedience is the gateway through All in all, it was a very convincing you to work miracles, even for $25 a which knowledge, yes, and love, too, presentation of a very complex and, month.” enter the mind of the child,” she wrote for its time, groundbreaking topic – Photo by Renee Barbee (This was 140 years ago, after all.) in her log, getting one of the best- and again, these were high school kids GETTING THE WORD OUT -- Volunteers from P3 (Partnership for a Positive Pomona) and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence visited participating liquor stores The plot continues to unfold, and known quotes from the original play on stage. and convenience stores throughout Pomona for a week last month placing “Project Sticker audience members seem to forget into the Covina production – and set- For more information on the Shock” stickers on display cases reminding customers that you must be 21 to buy alcoholic they are watching a performance by ting the tone for what Annie viewed School of Arts and Enterprise, visit beverages and that it is against the law for adults to purchase alcohol and provide it to under- age youth. Pictured is the sticker team hard at work at Pomona Wine Cellar #2 at 1146 W. high school students as they are drawn as her approach to working what truly www.thesae.org. Mission Blvd., Pomona. For more information, call (909) 629-4084, ext. 2002. Wellness Community... from pg. 5 Toni Navarro, executive director bringing forward . . . exponentially of Pomona’s Tri-City Mental Health increases the availability and access and one of the “partners” that will to services and I think will expo- staff the new facility, thanked Solis nentially create more stability and for her work in putting the package wellness here in Pomona and we’re together. really, really excited to be a part of “This center and all that it’s that,” Navarro said. She added that health officials are talking about integrating care at the state and national levels. “We’re doing it here in Pomona,” she said, “and it’s really exciting. We have physical health here and Los Angeles County we have the substance abuse part- Supervisor Hilda Solis ners here as well as mental health.” The new facility will offer ev- “I think we’re not only setting erything from anger management the tone for how the other wellness classes to relaxation techniques and ‘BACK TO THE FUTURE’ -- Artist Tobias “brownpyramid” Gallegos of Pasadena, holding the brushes, creator of one of Pomona’s newest murals, is pictured last month when the painting complexes will organize them- “teen time.” was near completion on the north wall of Pomona’s Gold Strike Market, at 416 N. Park Ave. selves and roll out for the rest of the For more information, call (909) Gallegos used mixed media for the project -- acrylics, latex paints and spray paint. He called county but we’re setting the tone for 868-0235 or e-mail pomonawc@ it an “80s minimalist contemporary style” mural that included everything from the “Back to the Toni Navarro, Executive Director Future” DeLorean to arcade cabinets and wind-up robots. Pictured, from left, are assistant Pomona’s Tri-City Mental Health the state,” she said. ph.lacounty.gov. Pedro Becerra, Gallegos and Pomona artist Antonio Zayas. 18 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz Retiring with his own Pomona street sign, Larry Egan seems to make the point that from here on Olivieri retires... from pg. 10 out it really all will be Larry’s Way. “There is so ment at the age of 14. much more to do,” Egan said last year. “We’ve taken the Downtown to a place that brings in over He was hired as a 1.5 million visitors a year.” dispatcher there in 1986 and in 1990 he was hired by the Po- mona department and sent to Rio Hondo Police Academy for his initial training, graduating as class president. As a police officer, he worked gangs, nar- cotics, major crimes task force, served as a bicycle patrol officer and was a member of DPOA President Carolyn Hemming takes the mi- the SWAT team. crophone at Larry Egan’s going away party. She recounted how she talked to board member Cath- He served as a Fairplex President and CEO Miguel Santana, at right, who erine Tessier at the time Egan was hired. “He member of the traf- hosted Pomona Police Chief Mike Olivieri’s retirement will be the face of DPOA and that’s what we party at the Avalon at Fairplex, presents Olivieri with a needed at the time,” she remembered telling fic bureau, worked basket of produce grown on The Farm at Fairplex, along Tessier, who also spoke at last month’s event. as a motorcycle offi- with several competition goodies and a couple of bottles of wine from the LA County Fair. STEPPING DOWN . . . SOONER OR LATER -- cer, corporal and ser- Downtown Pomona held a retirement party last geant and helped make the traffic “As our chief, Mike’s leadership month for Larry Egan, executive director of the Downtown Pomona Owners Association since bureau a model for others in the abilities have shown through,” 2007, even though guests learned at the event he region. said Ellis, who served as master really won’t be leaving until, say, long about March. Olivieri was promoted to lieu- of ceremonies at the event. “He Maybe. You just have to kind of roll with it -- he’s been talking about retiring for a while, then he said tenant in 2010 and captain in has continually focused the de- it would be the end of last year. “I’m going to go 2012, where he oversaw the de- partment’s efforts to respond to with an awful lot of fond memories,” Egan said at his retirement party. That’s if he really ever goes partment’s uniformed operations the needs of our community, of- at all. Pictured wishing him well are Ish Arias, at division. ten partnering with other city de- left, the DPOA’s assistant to the director, and Sally Egan, Larry’s daughter and photographer and He was promoted to deputy partments and community-based graphic designer for DPOA. chief in 2014 and chief in 2018. groups to get things done.”

Every Wednesday at 12 noon with Brian Farrell at the piano

Trinity United Methodist Church 676 N. Gibbs St., Pomona La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 19 Pomona’s Promise, Rotary offer new ‘Pomona Play Day’ for kids “Pomona Play Day,” a new early education concept for kids co- sponsored by Pomona’s Promise and Pomona Rotary, is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 22, in Pomona’s Washington Park. More than a dozen fun activities will be featured that parents of chil- dren age 5 and under can replicate at home to stimulate learning – all at little or no expense. Included will be activities related to science such as gardening, fun with magnets and exploring with magnifying glasses, moving and dancing to music, arts and crafts, Ever notice those protestors with storytelling and puppet-making signs and bullhorns at Foothill and and more. Indian Hill Boulevards in Claremont? Some of them are regulars but others Children will be able to take joined in this month when the U.S. home some of the materials along Senate, in essence, acted to acquit with a free book. President Trump following impeach- ment proceedings. The Claremont Information about resources of protest was one of 160 “Reject the interest to parents of small children Cover-Up” rallies held nationwide and organized by Common Cause, a nonprofit political watchdog group based in Wash- also will be available. ington, D.C. (La Nueva Voz received a news release from Common Cause, clicked “Pomona Play Day aspires to on a button to find the closest event, and voila!) Susan Young, pictured at left, of the group Indivisible Claremont Inland Valley and organizer of this month’s event, said launch a citywide campaign that 175 protestors signed up for the event and La Nueva Voz estimated 100 by 6 p.m. and focuses on fostering conditions in New exhibit ‘Japan and its Seasons’ more were coming in. Young said the group attracted about 1,000 people at a pre-im- the community that promote the peachment rally. “It’s really critical that we hold our government officials accountable opens at Petterson Museum in Claremont and that’s not happening right now and if we don’t let people know that that’s not OK, well-being of children starting at A new exhibit “The Art of into artistic aesthetic and meta- then why should they bother,” Young told La Nueva Voz. A statement from Common a very young age when 90 per- Cause said that “any acquittal made after blocking key evidence is not an exoneration Time: Japan and its Seasons” has phor as well as a cultural value,” -- it’s a cover-up.” cent of brain development takes opened to the public at the Pet- the release said. place,” organizers said in a news terson Museum of Intercultural The exhibit, which continues release. “Early care and education Arts in Claremont. through the end of March, is free Every Child Deserves A Smile can launch children on a trajectory In Japan, the experience of and open to the public at the mu- that will lead to success in most Cada Niño Merece una Sonrisa the seasons is embedded in lan- seum, located at 730 Plymouth measurements of education, health guage, celebrated in national fes- Road, on the campus of Pilgrim Low Cost Dental Care and quality of life – benefiting not tivals and codified in art, accord- Place in Claremont. only those individuals but also the Cuidado Dental a Bajo Costo ing to a news release. Hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Fridays, whole community.” “Over the centuries, the Japa- Saturdays and Sundays. Washington Park is located at • Eligible Students K-12 nese transformed the passage of For more information, contact 865 E. Grand Ave., Pomona. • Uninsured and Denti-Cal Accepted (Family proof of income time as portrayed by the seasons the museum at (909) 399-5544. required for uninsured) • Our friendly and caring bilingual staff is ready to help with all your dental care needs Closing Announcement • Contact School Health Office or the Dental Center for more information if needed All Eyes Optometry will cease its operations at close • To make an appointment call (909) 629-6142 of business day on Saturday, March 21st.

• Alumnos elegibles K-12 You can call us at (909) 623-6766 or visit our office at 1035 S. • Aceptamos sin seguro o con Denti-Cal (Se requiere Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91766 if you are currently our patient and comprobante familiar de ingresos para los sin seguro) • Nuestro personal amable y bilingüe está listo para ayudarle need your records and/or a copy of your current prescription. con todos sus cuidados dentales. • Póngase en contacto con su Enfermería Escolar o Dental Center para más información, si es necesario. We appreciate your business through the years and are very grateful • Para fijar una cita, llame al (909) 629-6142 for your trust in taking care of your eye health and vision. Assistance League® of Pomona Valley Dental Center Thank you. 655 N. Palomares, Pomona 91767 Hours Tuesday - Wednesday 8AM-4PM Michele Atiz, O.D. Phone (909) 629-6142 • [email protected] 20 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz School of Arts and Enterprise, Fox Theater bring ‘world class’ artist Shoshana Bean to Pomona Forging an essential ity and passion as an art- new cultural partnership, ist, Sho could have easily Pomona’s School of Arts been a SAE kid. And we and Enterprise and the can’t wait to welcome historic Fox Theater have her to Pomona.” teamed up to bring world “The School of Arts class musician Shoshana and Enterprise in as- Bean to Pomona. sociation with The Fox The one-night en- Theater is pleased to wel- gagement, scheduled for come Ms. Bean as part March 7, is the first in of The Master’s at The the series “The School of School of Arts and En- Arts and Enterprise Pres- terprise series bringing ents at The Fox Theater,” the world’s best talent to Valley Vista Services got into the action at the chili cook-off at Old Stump Brewery this month. Showing off a bowl of their special formula are, from left, Jill Reiff and Angie bringing world class art- teach SAE students in a Valenzuela, of Valley Vista Services, David Perez, owner of the company, all suited up ists to both students and master class setting, and in an apron of his own for the occasion, and sous chef Alma Martinez. the surrounding region. activate the community Artists presented in with their artistry at The this new series not only Shoshana Bean Fox Theater,” Miller will perform in this his- (The SAE), said “when The SAE added. toric venue that is the cultural an- was honored as an Arts School Following her 8 p.m. concert on chor of the Pomona Arts Colony Network Exemplary School last March 7, Bean will return to Po- – they will join students of the spring, it was a validation of the mona on Wednesday, March 11, at national award-winning School of dynamic work of so many over SAE Stage @ Humanity Church to Arts and Enterprise in their class- the last seven years. This award al- work with more than 200 SAE and rooms to share their craft. lows us the greatest cross section other area students on their own “Ms. Bean’s fourth studio al- of influence in our school’s history performance skills in a unique and bum, ‘Spectrum,’ thrills with a and a new platform to champion powerful master class setting. fresh new take on the classic tradi- the accessible arts education mod- Tickets for Shoshana Bean and tion of big band,” the school said el we are becoming known for.” her nine-piece big band the Huff- in a news release. “Inspired large- “When the opportunity ap- ington Post raves “defies gravity” ly by Frank Sinatra, Aretha Frank- peared to begin presenting profes- are available exclusively at The lin, and Barbra Streisand, ‘Spec- sional work at The Fox Theater, SAE’s online ticket provider, sae- trum’ hit #1 on the Billboard and Shoshana Bean was at the very tix.com. Use the discount code The two members of the world famous “Can’t Say No” chili cook-off team Steve John- iTunes Jazz charts. Shoshana’s top of our list,” he added. “From ‘sholive’ to save 25 percent off of son, at center, and John Forbing (their many cook-off aprons are hanging on the rail powerhouse vocals are visceral her dynamic voice to her creativ- purchases. at rear) pass a sample of their second place chili to a visitor at this month’s Youth and Family Club of Pomona Valley chili cook-off at Old Stump Brewery in Pomona. Forbing and heartfelt as she weaves effort- is board president at The Club this year. lessly through haunting originals, new arrangements of contempo- rary hits and beloved classics.” Shoshana has sold out solo con- certs around the globe, lent her voice to countless films and tele- vision shows, amassed millions of views on YouTube, and performed alongside Ariana Grande, David Foster, Postmodern Jukebox, Bri- an McKnight, and Michael Jack- son. She is a veteran of the Broad- Vicki Grillot and members of her family receive hon- way stage, having made her debut ors from members of the in the original cast of “Hairspray,” Pomona City Council this starring as the very first replace- month recognizing her late husband, U.S. Navy ment for Elphaba in “Wicked” and Vietnam War veteran John most recently as Jenna in “Wait- Richard Grillot, who died last November. He was ress.” active with his wife in Po- She won a IRNE Award for her mona’s Post 30 American Legion and served as first performance as Fanny Brice in vice commander. “Funny Girl” and earned a Jeff Members of the family of Award nomination for her por- the late Ross Weber were trayal of CeeCee Bloom in the on hand this month to receive honors from the pre-Broadway musical production Pomona City Council. Re- The Pomona Police Department’s chili team took first prize in the competition this of “Beaches.” ceiving the honor was We- month at the Youth and Family Club of Pomona Valley’s chili cook-off at Old Stump ber’s grandson. Weber, Brewery in Pomona. Pictured is chili expert Ernesto Rios, head of the police depart- Phil Miller, artistic director of who died last December, ment’s crime prevention unit, serving up another sample. La Nueva Voz thought both The School of Arts and Enterprise served in the U.S. Army in the first and second place recipes were amazing. Congratulations to all the partici- World War II. pants. La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 21

Photos by Renee Barbee OPERATION SCHOOL BELL -- Volunteers keep things running at Operation School Bell in Pomona as “customers” do a little shopping to find just the right school clothes for their kids. The program, operated by the Assistance League of Pomona Valley since 1998, has provided new school clothing at no cost to more than 22,000 children. For some, it is the first time they have had new school clothing. Doors open one day a month to families on the Pomona Unified School District’s “free lunch program” lists. “Gently used” clothes in the “community closet” also are made available to other members of the families. Pictured at the counter is Operation School Bell Operations Chairman Stephanie Roberts of Claremont. The Assistance League helps more than 1,400 children from low income families each year. It is located at 693 N. Palomares St., Pomona, and also operates a low-cost dental center next door. For information on dropping off clothes or making a donation, call (909) 629-6142.

POMONA OPTIMISTS SIP AND PAINT -- Guests at this month’s Pomona Optimist Club “Sip and Paint” sip mimosas and begin to get the hang of their painting under the watchful eye of a couple of expert artists. Pictured is Antoinette Baretto, a long-time friend of Optimists President Lorraine Canales, who came in all the way from Las Vegas for the event in Po- mona’s dA Center for the Arts. The fundraiser will help the Optimists fund youth programs and scholarships for Pomona kids. POMONA’S FIRST LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION -- The Downtown Pomona Owners Association welcomed Pomona’s first “Lunar New Year Celebration” to town last month in an event that overflowed the Shaun Diamond Plaza and featured everything from souvenirs to food items. Dancers, pictured, were also a big hit -- whether the traditional Chinese fan dancers or those scary dragon dancers. Also pictured A new La Nueva Voz publishes each month is West Covina Mayor Tony Wu, holding the microphone, who served as master of ceremonies to open the two-day event. Pomona’s own Eddie Wong, chairman of the event, is pictured second from left. So happy new year and, in case you haven’t heard, it is the “Year of the on the fourth Thursday of the month. Rat,” a year that Wu predicted would bring good fortune to all. The Lunar New Year is the most celebrated holiday in Asia with many large festivals and events held around the world. GAREY STUDENTS SE- LECTED FOR NATIONAL STEM COMPETITION -- A group of 36 students in sci- ence, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classes at Pomona’s Garey High School has been selected from thou- sands of entries nationwide to be among the nation’s 100 state winners and will receive $15,000 in technology for its achievement in the 10th an- niversary Samsung Solve For Tomorrow competition. The students also were expected to receive a Samsung video kit to create and submit a three-minute video that show- cases their project development and how it uses classroom STEM skills to solve real-world issues. The video will be used for the chance to • Fairplex Chevron, Fairpex Drive and San Bernardino Freeway, Pomona advance to the next phase of the contest and win additional prizes and educational opportunities. Only 20 schools will participate in national • Discount Market, Philadelphina Street and Towne Avenue, Pomona final competition and will be awarded $50,000 in technology and classroom materials. Five finalists will receive $100,000 in technology and • LaunderLand Coin Op Laundry, 744 E. Holt Ave., Pomona classroom materials. The Garey project was based on the creation of an anti-vaping campaign communicating the health effects of vaping. • American Legion Post #30, 239 E. Holt Ave., Pomona The students built a device that will detect chemicals produced by vaping. Pictured with the students are teachers Alex Ruper, at left rear, • Pomona Eagles, 854 W. Mission Blvd., Pomona and Antonio Gamboa, at right rear. 22 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz Community leaders, Farmworkers Union president to be honored at Latino Roundtable Cesar Chavez breakfast next month The Latino and Latina Roundtable of president of a national union in the United San Gabriel and Pomona Valley will hold States. its 16th annual Cesar Chavez breakfast In addition, scholarships will be present- next month with honors going to commu- ed to local students working on improving nity members whose contributions to the their communities. community mirror the values of labor lead- Event co-sponsors Los Angeles County er and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Supervisor Hilda Solis and representatives The event will be held at 8 a.m. Friday, of the United Food and Commercial Work- March 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Confer- ers International Union, Local 1428, also ence Center in Pomona. are expected to attend. This year’s honorees will include Tickets are available on Eventbrite or by NAACP Pomona Valley Branch President contacting the Roundtable at (909) 480- Jeanette Ellis-Royston, Roundtable board 6267. member and housing rights attorney John Cesar Chavez Day, celebrated on March Nolte, and United Farmworkers Union 31, was proclaimed a federal commemo- President Teresa Romero, the first Latina rative holiday by President Obama in and first immigrant woman to become 2014. Millard Sheets Center to present Print Pomona Art Book Fair The Millard Sheets Art Center at Po- photography monographs, drawings and mona’s Fairplex will present the inau- other print ephemera. gural Print Pomona Art Book Fair next It will also serve as a meeting place for month – the first of its kind in the San artists, book lovers and publishers to dis- Gabriel Valley – bringing more than 50 cuss and exchange ideas and will include national and international exhibitors to panel discussions, presentations and oth- the Pomona Valley. er programming throughout the weekend. The three-day event, with opening The exhibition will be curated by pho- night from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, March tographer and Cal Poly University Pomo- 13, will provide a forum for independent na faculty member Lorena Turner. booksellers, distributors and publishers The event is free and open to the pub- to showcase artists’ books, art catalogs, lic.

Marcelo Agraz Agraz’s & Sons Plumbing 495 W. 2nd St. • Pomona, CA (702) 908-1760 La Nueva Voz • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • 23

Photos by Renee Barbee NEW DINING COMMONS AT CAL POLY -- La Nueva Voz had an opportunity last month to try out the new Centerpointe Dining Commons at Cal Poly University Pomona. Located in the center of the campus in building 72, the facility seats 680, features professional university chefs, and offers eight individual food stations -- including a salad bar with Cal Poly-grown produce. It is operated by the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, it is open to the public in addition to students, staff and faculty, and it is definitely worth driving over to give it a try. Pricing is reasonable, too -- meal plans are available to “regulars,” but public walk-ins can enjoy breakfast for $8, lunch for $10 and dinner for $12. For more information, visit the web site at www.centerpointedining.com. Pomona’s Latino Art Museum announces events for March Pomona’s Latino Art Museum urday, March 14. will feature a “Women Internation- Hours of the gallery are 3 to 6 al Show” beginning with an open- p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fri- ing reception March 16 and includ- days and Saturdays. ing artists from all over the world. The gallery is located downstairs And Peruvian artist Carla at 281 S. Thomas St., Suite 105 Chavez-Keller will present a solo and 104, Pomona. show in the Grand Salon West – For more information, contact along with a “Mother Earth” book Graciela Nardi, director, at (909) presentation – from 5 to 9 p.m. Sat- 484-2618 or (909) 620-6009.

NOW OPEN • NEW LOCATION!

Full service flower shop in Downtown Pomona Tienda de Flores de servicio completo en el Centro de Pomona Professional event planning and floral arrangements for all occasions. Planeación de eventos y arreglos florales para toda ocasión. Minerva Hernandez, Event Planner 146 East Third Street, Pomona, CA 91766 Established in 1995 • [email protected] • WWW.MINERVASFLOWERANDCRAFT.COM • FACEBOOK.COM/MINERVASFLOWERANDCRAFT Banquet Hall available for 300 people! ¡Salón disponible para 300 personas! 24 • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • La Nueva Voz