American Legion post faces uncertain future
Repeated acts of vandalism and theft result in leaders urging commander to turn in charter
In a dimly lit room with evidence of the latest break-in thrown about, Javier Hinostroza surveyed the chaos of broken glass and scattered mail and priceless historical items illuminated by his flashlight.
A month after the Pomona American Legion Charles P. Rowe Post 30 was last struck by vandals, its future at Holt Avenue and Gibbs Street is uncertain, according to Hinostroza, post commander.
Hinostroza, who is a 12-year Marine Corps veteran, took over as post commander in January 2023. The post is regularly the target of vandals, he said.
With efforts underway to repair the most recent damage, Hinostroza said he was counseled by the American Legion district to turn in the charter, effectively closing the Pomona post.
“I told (the district) it’s not an option for me,” Hinostroza said. “I said we’re still going to be here and still work through this. We’re not dead in the water yet.”
The American Legion has called the building at Holt and Gibbs home for over 50 years, according to Hinostroza, and is named after local World War l-era Capt. Charles P. Rowe.
The legion post has been experiencing a barrage of trespassers. During a break-in on Dec. 30, thieves made off with an antique trumpet and World War II rifles valued at around $50,000, according to Hinostroza. The rifles are used by Post 30 for ceremonial purposes, including honor guard services. Post members are now unable to offer honor guard services for fallen service members.
The building, which houses a common area with a bar and kitchen, a large basement space used for member meetings, and a large hall on the second floor used for events, are all but unrecognizable to Post 30 members after trespassers damaged and vandalized the spaces.
Historical photos, awards and other valuable items have been removed and thrown among piles of leftover food and debris that has accumulated in the building.
In addition to vandalism and trespassers attempting to gain entry to the building by removing portions of the exterior, the copper piping and wiring have been taken from various parts of the building, leading to additional damage from water and exposure, according to Hinostroza.
Despite the dismal state of the building, Hinostroza says he is nowhere near giving up and still wants to serve his community and Post 30 members.
The long battle to keep the building secure and in good repair has been financially draining. Post 30 has been devoting what little funds it has to the effort. Meanwhile, Hinostroza said, the post faces another hurdle — repeated code enforcement fines.
The city has waived fines, Hinostroza said, but notices of violations keep coming.
“We’ve gotten the fines waived, but it’s still, ‘Hey, you have another violation,’ ” Hinostroza said. “OK, well, you’re code enforcement, do your job and cite these individuals that are creating the mess. Don’t say to us, ‘pay again,’ because we’re already investing hundreds of dollars to get this place cleaned up to try and maintain it just for two days later to look like this again.”
Post 30 has reached out to Councilmember Elizabeth Ontiveros-cole, who represents Pomona’s 4th District, where the American Legion is located, but has yet to hear anything in response, according to Hinostroza.
Ontiveros-cole did not respond to several requests for comment.
Monere Security Solutions has volunteered to monitor Post 30 free of charge and was setting up a new security system on Friday.
But the future of the site is unclear. The American Legion may sell the building in Pomona and relocate elsewhere in the city or neighboring La Verne, Hinostroza said. Post 30 has a Go Fund Me page for those who may want to donate to repair costs.