4 seek Pomona mayor's seat
Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval faces competition as he seeks a third term in the March 5 election.
Sandoval was first elected in 2016, beating Elliott Rothman in the process with 63% of the vote.
Two newcomers, Veronica Cabrera and Gustavo Ramirez, are challenging Sandoval this year, as is Freddie Rodriguez, a past Pomona City Council member and current member of the state Assembly. Rodriguez is termed out of the Legislature this year.
We reached out to all of the candidates and asked them the same questions. Below are their responses, edited for length to conform to required word limits.
Veronica Cabrera
Age:
51
Candidates in the March 5election for Pomona mayor are, left to right, Veronica Cabrera, Freddie Rodriguez and Tim Sandoval. A fourth candidate, Gustavo Ramirez, is not pictured.
Real estate
Occupation: broker
Education:
Master’s in adult education, University of Phoenix; bachelor’s in business administration, University of Phoenix; state licensed real estate broker; state cosmetology licensed; International Teaching Skills Multiple Certifications, Cambridge University.
A threeyear Pomona resident who previously lived in Qingdao, China, and has two adult daughters.
Background:
Top three concerns for Pomona:
Better city budget management, affordable housing, repair streets.
Two improvements you want to focus on:
Streets restored and housing for all.
Top three community activities:
I have visited hundreds of small-business owners, consumers, residents and unhoused people to learn from their own opinions about the city’s situation and needs.
Campaign information:
veronicacabrerapomona.com; 58
Assemblymember/first responder
EMT certificate, Mt. San Antonio College.
A lifelong Pomona resident, married to Michelle Rodriguez with four children and three grandchildren.
Education:
Background:
Top three concerns for Pomona:
1) Enhancing public safety and reducing crime. 2) Creating goodpaying jobs right in Pomona. 3) Reducing homelessness and providing support services to get people off the streets.
Two improvements you want to focus on:
As mayor, I’ll ensure Pomona is building housing for all residents, and bringing safety back to our downtown so businesses can thrive.
Top three community activities:
I hold large annual community events such as a Women’s Health Fair, Community Awards BBQ, and Teacher Recognition Night to highlight community leaders and inspiring residents. I am a member of the Seismic Safety Commission, working to help protect homes like those in Pomona against future earthquakes. I hold annual community donation events like a New Families Drive for infants, a Holiday Toy Drive for kids, and a Turkey Giveaway for families on Thanksgiving.
Campaign information:
freddierodriguez.com; info@ freddierodriguez.com.
Tim Sandoval
Age: Occupation:
53
Pomona
Mayor of
Education:
Bachelor’s in English Literature, UC Riverside
Background:
Current mayor and 35-year Pomona resident. Married to Criselda Haro Sandoval with one son.
Top three concerns for Pomona:
Combatting the homeless issues, quality of life and safety, and infrastructure.
Two improvements you want to focus on:
Making an investment in children with early education programs and getting more residents involved in taking ownership over the city and Pomona pride.
Top three community activities:
Bright Prospect, a nonprofit he helped to found, and Pomona Beautiful, a community clean-up group.
Campaign information:
timsandoval.com; Tim. Sandoval@pomonaca.gov; 909-620-2053 or 909762-1982.