Breaking the Silence: How The Pomonan Redefines Journalism and Amplifies Voices

The Pomonan takes a different approach compared to traditional news media. Traditional news outlets can be biased and influenced by political pressures. Since their audience is so large, they must carefully release information while trying to appeal to the majority. This makes it difficult to present the full truth, often leading to misinformation and distorting public views on certain issues. In contrast, The Pomonan focuses on sharing the truth. It covers specific current events such as the genocide in Gaza or the Pomona Valley Pride Festival, allowing people to see what is truly happening in the world.

Inclusivity is crucial in journalism because it ensures people of all races, genders, and backgrounds have access to knowledge. You cannot fix a situation without first identifying the problem. One persistent issue in today’s society is homelessness. No matter where you live, homelessness remains a significant problem. People become homeless for various reasons, including difficulty finding jobs, lack of affordable housing, mental health struggles, substance abuse, and health issues. Once someone becomes homeless, their chances of securing employment decrease dramatically.

To prevent homelessness from worsening, we must create more affordable housing. It is difficult to rebuild your life when prices continue to rise. If it becomes too overwhelming, many individuals lose hope because they believe stability is out of reach. Every person should have access to basic necessities, including housing. Diverse perspectives are essential because they encourage action and solutions. No one should have to wonder whether they can afford to eat dinner or if their jacket will be enough to protect them from the cold.

Media platforms play a crucial role in addressing homelessness by raising awareness. Many people do not realize how much homelessness has worsened over the years. By highlighting this crisis, the media can help others understand its severity—an essential first step toward creating a solution. If everyone contributed, even in small ways, we could help people transition off the streets and into safe spaces where they have food, shelter, and security.

Reflection

Innovative journalism and community engagement are essential because of their transparency, a quality that is rare in today’s media. In a time when false information spreads rapidly, it is difficult to determine what is trustworthy. You can’t always believe what you see online, but innovative journalism offers a unique and reliable alternative. When paired with community engagement, it fosters a bond between journalists and their audience.

Through my research on homelessness, I have gained a deeper understanding of the issue’s severity. I have always been aware that homelessness is a problem, but I did not realize how extensive it is until now. Approximately 60% of homeless individuals live in shelters, while the remaining 40% stay in unsafe conditions such as streets or cars. Families, including children, make up around 30% of the homeless population. There are many ways we can help alleviate this burden, such as donating goods or organizing food drives. Writing this essay made me realize how little is being done to help. It is unfair that so many people live in luxury while others struggle to survive.

We may not be able to fix this problem overnight, but if we work together, we can make a difference and change countless lives.

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Students in Pomona High School's AP Economics and Government class have exhibited their understanding of real-world issues by writing insightful op-eds, photo essays, and film shorts for The Pomonan. Combining critical analysis with a touch of journalism, these submissions explore topics at the intersection of economics and government while fostering meaningful engagement with their community. Encouraged by their teacher Mr. Hangan to think deeply and articulate their perspectives, these young writers have demonstrated creativity, civic awareness, and a growing appreciation for the power of the written word in shaping public discourse.

Pomona’s Reality Check: Journalism That Sparks Change

Photography/Illustration Courtesy of Julian Lucas ©2013

Pomona can be a very nice community where families can rely on their kids, where parks echo with the joyful sounds of children’s laughter, and where safety and peace can reign. Unfortunately, people who dream of having a place where there isn’t too much danger are still at a great distance. Pomona struggles with the harsh realities of crime and violence, fueled by issues such as drugs and prostitution. Each day, many innocent students and adults cross dangerous paths created by those who do not care, exposing others to the risks of following in their footsteps. The presence of crime not only threatens safety but also diminishes the sense of community and trust among residents. If Pomona could be free from these destructive influences, it could become the kind of place that others admire and choose as a home, a place where families feel safe, and children can grow up without fear.

COMPARE THE POMONAN’S APPROACH TO TRADITIONAL NEW MEDIA

Most people believe that they are living in a nice community, but appearances can sometimes be deceiving. Nowadays, with technology at our fingertips, people consume news at an unprecedented rate, yet the most pressing issues often go unnoticed. While mainstream media tends to focus on sensational stories that capture attention, it often overlooks the deeper problems affecting communities—particularly crimes related to drugs and prostitution. The Pomonan takes a different approach, shifting the focus away from merely critiquing the past and instead envisioning a future where the community can rise above these challenges. Rather than dwelling solely on negativity, it seeks to inspire change and encourage collective action, fostering a vision of Pomona as a safer, more vibrant place for families.

DISCUSS WHY INCLUSIVITY AND COMMUNITY VOICES ARE IMPORTANT IN JOURNALISM

In journalism, inclusivity and amplifying community voices are essential because they ensure that stories reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of all individuals within the community. Without these voices, reports on crime, social issues, and local struggles may fail to capture the full reality of what people endure daily. For example, the challenges Pomona faces with crime, drugs, and prostitution cannot be fully understood without listening to the stories of those most affected—whether they are victims, advocates, or those seeking a way out. When people are given the opportunity to share their thoughts and life experiences, it fosters a greater sense of empowerment, trust, and solidarity within the community. Ultimately, journalism should not just report on problems; it should also highlight resilience, promote solutions, and inspire action. A truly impactful news platform goes beyond headlines to illuminate the human stories behind the statistics, fostering hope and motivating meaningful change.

SUGGEST HOW SIMILAR PLATFORMS CAN ADDRESS THE ISSUES

Addressing the challenges of drugs and prostitution requires a multi-faceted approach, where both the community and city officials collaborate toward sustainable solutions. Local government must take the lead in investigating criminal activities, enforcing laws, and implementing stricter regulations to dismantle the root causes of crime. However, law enforcement alone is not a complete solution, as history has shown that punitive measures often fail to address the deeper societal factors driving individuals toward these lifestyles. Instead, a stronger emphasis must be placed on education, rehabilitation, and providing opportunities for people to escape these harmful circumstances. Programs that offer career training, mental health support, and substance abuse rehabilitation can give individuals a second chance at life. Additionally, the community itself plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of support and responsibility. When residents come together to advocate for change, mentor at-risk youth, and create safe spaces, they contribute to the transformation of Pomona into a place where safety, opportunity, and hope outweigh the cycle of crime. By implementing these solutions, Pomona can become a model city where people not only live but thrive, knowing that their collective efforts have led to a better, stronger, and safer community.

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Students in Pomona High School's AP Economics and Government class have exhibited their understanding of real-world issues by writing insightful op-eds, photo essays, and film shorts for The Pomonan. Combining critical analysis with a touch of journalism, these submissions explore topics at the intersection of economics and government while fostering meaningful engagement with their community. Encouraged by their teacher Mr. Hangan to think deeply and articulate their perspectives, these young writers have demonstrated creativity, civic awareness, and a growing appreciation for the power of the written word in shaping public discourse.

Photo Essay: Youth and Social Awareness of Mental Health

There is a mental health crisis among low-income youth in Pomona. Many young adults and youth have trouble finding access to counseling or proper coping mechanisms for mental health disorders. This often leads youth, especially in low-income areas such as Pomona, to turn to an “easier method,” which is often drugs such as marijuana. The percentage of youth aged 13-17 who are using marijuana is 37%. Frequently, it’s an easy escape that is readily available to many at-risk youth. With one-third of Pomona’s population being young adults, many drop out of high school due to struggles in school.

Free counseling and mental health services provided by schools throughout Pomona and LA County may offer students a path away from drug abuse, which often leads to homelessness. Raising social awareness and continuing to fund free mental health institutions, regardless of Donald Trump’s plan to defund the Department of Education, can help prevent the rising issues of homelessness and poverty among youth in Pomona due to poor mental health maintenance. These services can also provide teens with proper guidance on decision-making. With 44% of teenagers experiencing symptoms of depression, awareness can prevent leading issues such as drug abuse and homelessness in young adults in Pomona.

Pomona High School (PUSD) provides a “Wellness Center” that offers free mental health and wellness services, giving students better coping strategies. This is relevant to the photo essay as it shows what at-risk youth can experience when they seek out a safe place for wellness and support. Mental health should be taken seriously, even in low-income neighborhoods. These images capture mental health clinics that are free and available for youth in Pomona, such as Pacific Clinics.

Choosing the topic of mental health initially led me to research in depth how many young adults are affected by depression and anxiety in LA County. Through my research, I gained insight into the LA Care Health Plan, which informed me about a plan to help students through a community center funded by the Office of Education. This made me consider President Trump’s plan to defund the Board of Education and what it could mean for low-income areas such as Pomona.

I decided to create a photo essay to remind young adults and students to take advantage of free mental health centers instead of turning to numbing drugs, which can lead to poverty and homelessness at a young age. I discovered that Pomona has an immense number of high school students dropping out due to struggles in school. This inspired me to highlight how mental health services available to youth can help them make life-changing decisions with proper thought.

The process of taking photos for my photo essay was a bit tricky. I wanted to arrange my photos in a way that created a theme, showing how entering a wellness center can feel comforting. Providing a safe place for youth can encourage healthier ways of coping.

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Students in Pomona High School's AP Economics and Government class have exhibited their understanding of real-world issues by writing insightful op-eds, photo essays, and film shorts for The Pomonan. Combining critical analysis with a touch of journalism, these submissions explore topics at the intersection of economics and government while fostering meaningful engagement with their community. Encouraged by their teacher Mr. Hangan to think deeply and articulate their perspectives, these young writers have demonstrated creativity, civic awareness, and a growing appreciation for the power of the written word in shaping public discourse.

PSA: For All Parents in Pomona

This PSA dives into the gritty realities of Pomona, where kids are growing up in a city grappling with crime, homelessness, and the unpredictability of daily life.

With hit-and-runs, unsafe streets, and a crime rate higher than most of California, the message is clear: parents, it’s time to step up. But it’s not just about awareness—it’s about action. The video emphasizes how voting and supporting the right policies can directly impact community safety, from funding resources to creating programs that help those in need. By getting involved, parents can play a crucial role in shaping a safer and brighter future for Pomona. Together, we can rewrite the story of our city.

Street Vending: A Tradition of Community and Culture in Modern Times

Interim Archives/Getty Images

This video explores the vibrant history of street vending, emphasizing its role in bringing people together through the shared experience of food and culture. student highlights the unique ways street vending fosters community and celebrates cultural diversity while addressing modern challenges like smoke and sanitation concerns. It’s a compelling look at balancing tradition and regulation in today’s world.

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Students in Pomona High School's AP Economics and Government class have exhibited their understanding of real-world issues by writing insightful op-eds, photo essays, and film shorts for The Pomonan. Combining critical analysis with a touch of journalism, these submissions explore topics at the intersection of economics and government while fostering meaningful engagement with their community. Encouraged by their teacher Mr. Hangan to think deeply and articulate their perspectives, these young writers have demonstrated creativity, civic awareness, and a growing appreciation for the power of the written word in shaping public discourse.

Civic Project: My Space

Photography Courtesy of Julian Lucas ©2021

Ever since I was little, I liked Pomona. These streets and the cut-offs between La Verne, Claremont, and Montclair were normal to me. People knew that beyond that street, it was actually “nice” or “safe.” But I liked where I lived and who I knew. As a student, it felt wrong to realize that my schools sometimes cared more about the parents than the children. I remember one of my award ceremonies where I was given a small pin for completing something incredible and then sent away. Meanwhile, I saw the parents gifted big baskets just for being there. But I had given just as much time and effort as they had. Why was I so angry when I saw these parents receive something I felt I should have? My blood seemed to boil, seeing all those parents receive the gifts I deserved as a student who made the school look better. All this took place in a cafeteria that served lunch that, at the time, wasn’t free. This school put the parents on a pedestal, but what about me? What about my friends? What about the teacher who encouraged us? Why weren’t we recognized? Our applause was cut short, and I wanted to show the administrators that they hadn’t put in the work I did.

The work we as a community do is what shapes the city. Without people, especially youth, where would the world be? To enrage us and place so much responsibility on people who have yet to experience the outside world is what many do. To not recognize our efforts leaves many youth feeling lost. The mission to educate and guide youth will lead to a future that holds the world. I see my peers every day, and I see how they perform. They make it look easy, and they strive for greatness, even those who cause trouble.

The voices of many are the people around me, the fight against those who make us feel small, and the determination to continue fighting even when we are tired. I’ve seen it in people of all ages, from every generation, someone has always fought. And now, the world belongs to the youth. Just like the world, people grow. Even if we feel like we are being set back in time, the message is to push forward. To be yourself is the mission.

The next mission will be to become an adult, but until then, I shall live in this childhood bliss.

…A letter from a teenager.

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Students in Pomona High School's AP Economics and Government class have showcased their understanding of real-world issues by writing insightful op-eds for The Pomonan. Combining critical analysis with a touch of journalism, these submissions explore topics at the intersection of economics and government while fostering meaningful engagement with their community. Encouraged by their teacher to think deeply and articulate their perspectives, these young writers have demonstrated creativity, civic awareness, and a growing appreciation for the power of the written word in shaping public discourse.