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Community Rallies in Support of Activist Jailed on Spurious Charges

SUPPORTERS, ATTORNEY CALL ON COURT TO “FREE WAYNE!”

VICTORVILLE – Supporters of jailed community activist, basketball coach, and PhD candidate Wayne Martin Freeman will hold a press conference on the first day of the trial in which he is charged with stalking and threatening a public official, both felonies, and “electronic harassment,” a misdemeanor. The charges stem from an incident on December 26, 2024, in which Mr. Freeman, a dedicated advocate for victims and survivors of police violence, knocked on the door of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Detective Starsun Fincel. Nobody answered the door.

In the video of the incident posted to Instagram, Freeman is heard asking aloud, “We still know nothing about what’s going on with Fincel,” and “What’s going on? You bodyslammed a sixteen-year-old girl and put her in the hospital!” Freeman is then seen walking back to his car. The question was in reference to a September 2023 incident in which sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene of a disturbance among teenagers at Victorville High School in which, rather than protecting the young people, Fincel was filmed attacking teenager Faith Jeffers.

On December 27, 2024, Freeman was served with a warrant for his arrest at his Moreno Valley home. Video shows several deputy sheriffs aiming their firearms at Mr. Freeman prior to making the arrest.

Since then, Freeman has been held in jail. Initially, bail was set at $150,000 and subsequently increased to  $180,000, only to be denied entirely at a bail hearing on January 13, 2025. Freeman had never received any stayaway order and has no violent criminal history.

Trial begins today and Freeman’s supporters are rallying in support of his freedom and his right to continue to do activism, which is under attack with these charges.


WHO: Wayne Freeman Defense Committee, police accountability activists, basketball players.
WHAT: Press conference to call attention to the injustice being perpetrated against Wayne Freeman by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney.

WHEN: 7:30 AM
March 24, 2025
WHERE: Victorville Superior Court
14455 Civic Dr
Victorville, CA 92392
VISUALS: Protesters with signs and banners, the courthouse.

Media contacts: Valeria Carlos (Wayne Freeman’s wife): 909-573-9480
Benjamin Wood (Wayne Freeman Defense Committee): 909-996-1624

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The Wayne Freeman Defense Committee was formed in December 2024 to support Wayne Freeman and his family, create awareness of the case, and to raise money for legal defense.

Inland Empire Activists to Highlight Pete Aguilar and Norma Torres’ Support for Funding the Genocide in Gaza with Billboard Truck Protest

This Friday, October 25, a mobile billboard protest will take place in the Inland Empire to draw attention to Congress members Pete Aguilar and Norma Torres’ ongoing support for billions in taxpayer funding for Israel as it continues to bomb schools, hospitals, and refugee camps, leaving no safe areas in the small strip. 

The protest will kick off near Norma Torres's office, then make stops at prominent locations, including Ontario Mills, Rancho Cucamonga City Hall, Fontana City Hall, Downtown San Bernardino, and Redlands, culminating in front of Pete Aguilar’s office.

“It has been one year since Israel’s latest bombing campaign in Gaza. Entire communities have been wiped off the map. In the Inland Empire, many families struggle to secure affordable housing with some relying on schools to provide their children with meals. Yet, Pete Aguilar and Norma Torres continue to support the allocation of billions in taxpayer dollars to a country that has relentlessly bombed civilians, including children, for an entire year. This is a shameful stance,” said Sam Soloman, a spokesperson for the protest organizers. “We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their fight for freedom, and we demand our representatives focus on improving conditions for our local communities.”

For more information, please contact
Sam at 909 521 1707

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Community Activists to Protest Congresswoman Norma J. Torres' Support for Israel’s Genocide on Gaza

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POMONA, CA - On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, community activists will gather to protest Congresswoman Norma J. Torres' recent support for Israeli military actions against Palestinians. This demonstration comes in response to her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and advocating for continued U.S. arms shipments to Israel.

Congresswoman Torres, representing District 35, is complicit in the Genocide of the Palestinian people of Gaza & her constituents demand she call for an immediate ceasefire. Constituents will gather to voice strong opposition for actions tantamount to genocide against Palestinians. The protest will coincide with Prime Minister Netanyahu's scheduled speech in Washington, D.C., aiming to send a clear message of dissent against Torres' alignment with Israeli policies.

Protesters will gather at Dudley Street overpass over Interstate 10 and hold large banners denouncing Netanyahu and Torres. The banners will be visible to westbound morning traffic. Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM PST .

Organizers encourage community members to join in solidarity to express their disapproval and demand accountability from their elected representative, Norma Torres. This event aims to highlight concerns over U.S. foreign policy and its implications for the rights of Palestinians. For more information or media inquiries, please contact Arianna, Priscila or Ben at ontariounitedforliberation@gmail.com

Ontario United for Liberation is a community organization from Ontario, California geared toward liberation, equality and justice.

Community Group Set to Issue Cease and Desist Letter to Pomona City Council Regarding Pomona Police Department's Unlawful Targeted Actions

POMONA –  Gente Organizada, a community-led non-profit, will deliver a cease and desist letter at the Pomona City Council meeting on April 8, 2024, represented by attorney James Gutierrez. The letter addresses concerns regarding the Pomona Police Department’s (PPD) continued violent targeting of Black and Brown communities and its violation of state and local laws.

The letter highlights several instances where the PPD's actions contradict its stated values of compassion and transparency, eroding public trust in local government and law enforcement. Specific incidents cited include the officer-involved shooting in the Angela Chanslor neighborhood on February 3, 2022, where the officer violated department policy by not having his camera on, and the murder of Andres Avila in 2011. 

“The Pomona Police Department’s actions are in direct violation of Policy #424 and California Assembly Bill 748,” said James Gutierrez, attorney for Gente Organizada. “They’ve been able to violate these local and state laws with impunity because there’s no checks and balances.”

Furthermore, the letter outlines a concerning pattern of the PPD's history of targeting young community members, particularly Black and Brown youth. The lack of transparency and accountability within the PPD, as well as its collaboration with police special interest organizations, are also highlighted as major areas of concern.

Gente Organizada calls on the Pomona City Council and City Manager to demand transparency from the PPD, address patterns of use of force, and launch immediate investigations into the incidents outlined in the letter. Failure to do so may result in legal action against the City Council.

Next week, Gente Organizada will present this letter on April 8, 2024 at 6:30 pm in front of Pomona City Hall before the City Council meeting. 

See Cease and Desist Letter

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Anita D. Gutierrez Takes on New Role as Acting City Manager for the City of Pomona

The Pomonan
Published 12/12/2023 | 3:10 Pm PST

POMONA, CA – The City of Pomona is pleased to announce the appointment of Anita Gutierrez as the Acting City Manager, effective immediately. Gutierrez has spent over 20 years in public service and has been an instrumental part of the City’s leadership team for the last five years. She brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to enhancing the community’s quality of life.

Anita Gutierrez has been an exemplary public servant, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the City of Pomona since 2018. Her journey with the City began as the Planning Manager and then Director of Development Services, where she successfully directed and oversaw various Divisions, including Building and Safety, Planning, and Code Enforcement. In this role, Anita managed pivotal Commissions, including Planning, Cultural Arts, and Historic Preservation.

In her latest role as Assistant City Manager, Anita exhibited exceptional leadership, overseeing her Development Services and Public Works Departments with utmost competence and commitment With over two decades of experience in the local, state, and federal government sectors, Anita has an impressive track record of leading teams and communities in transformative work, development, and growth. Her expertise extends across numerous areas within Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire, addressing complex planning, real estate development, land use, regulatory challenges, policy development, and implementation.

Exemplifying Pomona’s core values, Anita’s leadership style is defined by collaboration, inclusivity, innovation, and resourcefulness. She is recognized for her ability to facilitate cooperation among stakeholders with diverse interests, including neighborhood representatives, the development community, and other agency partners. Anita’s dedication to refining Pomona’s development review process, elevating internal review systems, and enhancing external customer service has solidified her reputation for attentive listening, fairness, practicality, and a keen ability to find effective solutions.

Anita holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Master’s in Planning from the University of Southern California (USC). She will complete a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC in May 2024. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and an active member in the League of California Cities. She is deeply rooted in Southern California, where she has dedicated her career to serving the public and helping the community collectively shape their living environment.

The City of Pomona is confident that Anita’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to the community will be invaluable as she assumes the role of Acting City Manager. Her leadership and dedication to enhancing the City’s prosperity and well-being are commendable, and we look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in her new role. “We are fortunate to have Anita stepping in to lead our City team. Her leadership is a pillar of stability for the City. With an unwavering commitment to communication, thoughtful decision-making, and the overall well-being of our City organization and community, we are confident that the City is now under the guidance of an exceptionally capable leader,” said Mayor Tim Sandoval.

“I am deeply passionate about public service, and I am grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate my leadership abilities in service to our city,” Gutierrez said. “The Pomona team is like no other, and I am thankful to be a part of this exceptionally dynamic and dedicated organization.

The Pomonan is the cultural structure, empowering visionaries to propel the global society to the future.

Pomona City Council and the City Manager Agree to a Mutually Acceptable Employment Separation

The Pomonan
Published 12/12/2023 | 3:10 Pm PST

POMONA, CA – The Pomona City Council and City Manager have agreed to a mutually acceptable employment separation for City Manager James Makshanoff effective December 11, 2023.


Mr. Makshanoff was appointed on January 21, 2020. Among his achievements, Mr. Makshanoff led the City of Pomona through the Covid pandemic, produced a balanced budget 4 years in a row, increased budget reserves from 19% to 43%, consolidated waste hauling services to a state-of-the- art waste hauler and produced a state approved housing element.

The City Council thanks Mr. Makshanoff for his dedicated service and his numerous accomplishments that benefited Pomona’s residents, businesses and employees. "On behalf of the entire Council, I want to express our appreciation for Mr. Makshanoff’s dedicated service to our community. Mr. Makshanoff organized an exceptional group of hard working department executives, making it possible for us to have a smooth transition”, said Mayor Tim Sandoval. “It has been a privilege to serve such an outstanding community. I am grateful to the city council, the executive staff, employees, and residents who have given their time and energy to improve the City of Pomona”, said James Makshanoff.

The Pomonan is the cultural structure, empowering visionaries to propel the global society to the future.

Who is Running for Public Office in the City of Pomona, So Far?

The Pomonan
Published 11/22/2023 | 7:25 Am PST

Slowly but surely, the start of the race for public office is drawing near as 2023 draws to a close. We thought it would be vital for the public to know important information, so we shared the names of the candidates we were inquisitive about who was now running for city government.

There are six districts that comprise Pomona’s city council’s governing body. For the 2024 election year, districts one, four and six, including a mayoral seat is up for reelections. The names of those who have "pulled papers" to run for city council are listed below.


Mayor

Tim Sandoval

Barton Culbertson

Veronica Cabrera

 
District 1

John Nolte

Eugenio Diaz

Luis Cano

John Mendoza

District 4

Elizabeth Ontiveros-Cole

Guillermo Gonzalez

Chara Swodeck

 

District 6

Lorraine Canales

Miranda Sheffield

Glenda Barillas

The Pomonan is the cultural structure, empowering visionaries to propel the global society to the future.

Pomona Youth Successfully Organize 12,700 Valid Signatures to Qualify the Pomona Kids First Ballot Initiative

The Pomonan
Published November 16, 2023 | 7:31am PST

POMONA, CA -- On November 20, 2023 at 12:00pm, youth organizers from the Pomona Kids First campaign will submit 12,700 valid signatures from Pomona voters to the Pomona city clerk to qualify the ballot initiative to appear on the November 2024 ballot.

To ensure Pomona’s youth and their families have the same opportunities to thrive and excel, the Pomona Kids First Initiative will amend the City of Pomona Charter to create the Pomona Fund for Children and Youth. This newly created Fund represents an exciting new opportunity to provide increased and dedicated funding for programs and services that address the needs of Pomona’s children, youth, and young adults. The initiative will also create the Department of Children and Youth that will administer the fund.

The Initiative seeks to secure a portion of the City of Pomona’s unrestricted general purpose revenues, to be transferred to the Fund beginning in January 2025. Revenue set aside for the Fund would begin at 2% and would increase to 5% the following year, then incrementally increase over a period of six years. In Fiscal Year 2030-2031 and each subsequent year after that, 10% of the City’s revenue would be set aside for the Fund.

To ensure that resources are available to those young people in Pomona that need it most, the Fund will prioritize funding for three groups: children birth to age 12; youth ages 13 to 17; and disconnected and/or transitional-aged youth ages 18 to 24 who are most impacted by harm, inequity and lack of access to support and services. If passed by voters, Pomona families will be able to enjoy an increase in the following services starting in 2025: childcare, after-school programs, housing support, mental health support, arts and technology programs, domestic violence prevention, and more. 

Youth, Parents, Educators, and other Community Leaders will be hosting a brief celebration as signatures are submitted.

WHEN: Monday, November 20, 2023 at 12pm 
WHERE: Pomona City Hall, 505 S. Garey Ave, Pomona, CA 91766

For more information, download both Pomona Kids First Fact Sheet and Full Ordinance.

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Update: Art Work Stolen from Gente Organizada A Community-Led social Action Non-Profit Organization

Gente Organizada front of building Holt Ave

Pomona, CA — At 8:30 AM, representatives of Gente Organizada noticed artwork on the front of their building on Holt avenue had been stolen overnight. The artwork was an enlarged photograph taken by Julian Lucas during the 2020 protests in the city of Pomona, during the global Black Lives Matter uprising protesting the police murder of George Floyd. 

The artwork was installed a year ago, but was stolen a week after the the ACLU released a press release announcing they were suing the City of Pomona over code enforcement fines that the City had leveled on Gente Organizada. The ACLU said the City was in violation of Freedom of Speech. ACLU Press Release

Gente Organizada released a statement on an instagram post stating, “Art is supposed to be provocative and political, not stolen off of our building this morning. It seems like pro-police folks are the ones committing the crimes in our neighborhood.”

The artist, Julian Lucas, who has captured Pomona street culture for the last 23 years, took the news as a anazed, but laughed and stated, “It sucks because artists make art and it costs money, time, and effort. It also sucks because what people don’t usually understand is photography creates history, it’s a slice of life that happened in 2020, during the time of the pandemic, which can’t be repeated. Therefore, the image can also be viewed as a part of Pomona’s history for the future to come. On the other hand I’m flattered, the city of Pomona can now stand up and pat itself on the back, because instead of bikes or porch thieves, they now have someone who steals art. I think that this is a step in the right direction when it comes to what we think is valuable, as opposed to an Amazon package from someone’s porch”.

The Pomonan is the cultural structure, empowering visionaries to propel the global society to the future.

ACLU: Gente Organizada A Community Organization Sues Pomona for Denying Right to Free Speech Protest of Police Killings

The City of Pomona is enforcing an unconstitutional sign ordinance against public art. 

The Pomonan News

Photography Courtesy Julian Lucas ©2022

By The ACLU
Published August 24, 2023 4:13 PM PST

LOS ANGELES –  Gente Organizada, a community-led non-profit, displays on its public-facing exterior walls pieces of art that say “end institutional violence” and “defund Pomona police.”  

The City of Pomona, in a violation of the group's First Amendment right to free speech, has inappropriately cited and fined the organization under its zoning ordinance—an ordinance that is also clearly unconstitutional.  

This week, Gente Organizada, represented by the ACLU Foundation of Southern California and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, sued Pomona for its clear and gross violation of the group's right to free speech.  

“The art and messaging they are trying to erase was a youth-led collaborative effort by Black, Indigenous, and Latinx organizers and artists,” said Jesús Sanchez, co-founder and economic justice director of Gente Organizada. “The City of Pomona is attempting to block our right to free speech, they have threatened our youth center, and have weaponized city code so we cannot exercise our right to artistic expression.”

Photography Julian Lucas ©2020

Contact Sheet Courtesy of Julian Lucas ©2020

Gente Organizada displays three pieces of art on its youth center that convey political messages: (1) an image of a group of individuals marching with a sign that reads “defund Pomona police”; (2) an image that displays a contact sheet of the film which included photographs of protests against biased policing; and (3) an image of some of the group's community partners alongside the message “end institutional violence.” The building also displays a painted sign that includes the group's name and its role as: “A home for: community organizing, youth & parent leadership, wellness, education & arts programs.”   

“Free speech is the bedrock of our Constitution and includes the right to display public art that calls for the reallocation of city resources away from police departments,” said Alyssa Morones, legal fellow at the ACLU SoCal.  “Pomona’s actions constitute an obvious violation of fundamental constitutional rights and the effect in this case is to silence members of the public who wish to communicate messages with which city officials disagree.”  

The decision to cite and fine was erroneously upheld in an administrative hearing conducted by the city.   

“We’re proud to work with the ACLU and Gente Organizada on this important case defending the Constitutional right to free speech and free expression,” said Andrea Feathers, associate at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP. 

The suit challenges the city's sign ordinance in its entirety and asks that the court dismiss the citation against Gente Organizada and require the city to repay the group for unconstitutionally administered fines.  

Read the complaint here  

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Dickies Partners with Estevan Oriol Drops Capsule Collection and Celebrates Release Party

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The Pomonan News
Published 8/3/2022 7am PST

Estevan Oriol, a well-known photographer who has photographed the Chicano gang life and celebrities such as Robert Dinero and Al Pacino, is currently working with the Dickies brand to capture the essence of the streets.

Estevan Oriol has collaborated with Dickies on a unique capsule collection, which highlights Chicano culture and focuses on LA's Lowriding subculture. The 12-piece collection combines Dickies' classic workplace designs with Oriol's distinctive street edge. It consists mainly of the Indigo Denim Bib Overalls, the Original 874 Twill Work Pants the LA Nights Long Sleeve T-Shirt.

The collection debuted at an exclusive, invitation-only event in Los Angeles, California.

Julian Lucas, is a photographer, creative strategist, and writer in training, but mostly a photographer. Julian also works as a housing specialist which, includes linking unhoused veterans to housing.

The Inaugural Print Pomona Art Book Fair Will Open in Claremont, CA

The Pomonan
Published March 29,2022 5:50Am PST
Updated 3-31-22 4:49Am PST

Claremont, CA—The Benton Museum at Pomona College will host the inaugural Print Pomona Art Book Fair (PPABF) sponsored by The Arts Area on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3 at Pomona College’s Edmunds Ballroom in the Smith Campus Center. PPABF will bring up to 50 national and international publishers to the Pomona College campus for the first time, where they will be exhibiting artists’ books, art catalogues, photography monographs, drawings, zines, and other print material. The fair, which is free and open to the public, runs from 11 am to 7 pm on Saturday, April 3, and from 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday, April 3. PPABF steps into the breach left by the LA Art Book Fair, offering LA-area residents the opportunity to engage with avant-garde publishing, book art, and creative expression in print.

“As we all understand there are books about art and photography, but in this case, the book is the art because of how it is designed and constructed. In specific, a photo book is a distinct kind of art, analogous to sculpture, theater, or cinema. As part of a dramatic experience known as a book, the images no longer identifies as a photograph but objects in themselves and are turned into published work of art. So I am in a sense expanding the reach by introducing a new species to this region, founder and Project manager Julian Lucas describes. Julian also co-founded Mirrored Society Bookstore, an online bookstore specializing in artists’ books and zines which was physically nestled in Claremont, CA of 2015.

PPABF officially kicks off at the Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College on Thursday, March 31 a Q&A with the PPABF founder Julian Lucas about all things related to art books, publishing, and organizing the 1st-ever art book fair at the Claremont Colleges and in the region, the Benton will host an artist talk and book signing by internationally celebrated photographer and director—and one of Netflix’s LA Originals—Estevan Oriol. These two events are also free and open to the public.

BREAKING NEWS: Ballot Initiative Aims to Increase Youth Funding in Pomona!

The Pomonan
Published February 8, 2021 8:50 Am PST

POMONA, CA - On Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 12pm community leaders will host a campaign kickoff event and present background, testimonies, and an overview on the effort to place the Pomona Kids First Initiative on the 2022 ballot. Earlier in the month, on February 2, 2022, community leaders visited Pomona City Hall to submit the Pomona Kids First Initiative. The Initiative is a unique measure that aims to meet the urgent needs of Pomona youth and their families as they continue to struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pomona Kids First Initiative would amend the City of Pomona Charter to create the Pomona Fund for Children and Youth (“Fund”), financed through the City of Pomona’s general purpose revenue and would also create the Department of Children and Families that would administer the Fund and ensure that the children, youth, and young adults of Pomona have the resources they need to thrive and excel. In the upcoming months, Pomona Kids First leaders will be working to collect signatures from Pomona voters to put this initiative on the 2022 Pomona City Election ballot. If approved by voters, the funds will be used for programs and services that promote health and well-being for Pomona families, provide youth development and leadership opportunities, offer alternatives to youth incarceration, and help strengthen Pomona’s families and communities.

At this time, Pomona does not provide significant funding for children and youth programs. In Fiscal Year 2020-21, during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, less than 1% of the City’s budget was allocated to special youth programming under the Neighborhood Services budget. In 2021-22, the line item was defunded by 100% midst the pandemic, and no longer exists as part of the city budget. Given the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the stability of youth’s mental, physical, and emotional wellness, now more than ever, youth need structural support from their city. This newly created Fund represents an exciting new opportunity to provide increased and dedicated funding for programs and services that address the needs of Pomona’s children, youth, and young adults.

WHO: Pomona Kids First is a community-led emergency response to the public health and economic crisis impacting our kids and families.

● Youth
● Parents
● Community members

WHAT: A presentation that will provide background, testimonies, and an overview on the effort to place the Pomona Kids First Initiative on the 2022 ballot.

WHEN: Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 12pm to 1:30pm

WHERE: Tony Cerda Park
400 West Grand Avenue, Pomona, CA 91766

VISUALS: Youth, speeches, parents, families

Pomona Kids First is a community-led emergency response to the public health and economic crisis impacting our kids and families. The initiative was inspired by the multi-year effort of youth organizers to increase city funding for kids in Pomona. Pomona Kids First is led by Pomona youth, longtime Pomona residents, and community members. Their work is inspired and informed by the efforts of Pomona youth and families coming together to improve the wellbeing of all Pomona’s children. If you want to learn more and support this initiative, visit www.pomonakidsfirst.com