3 vie for open Pomona council District 6 seat
In the March 5 race for the only open seat on the Pomona City Council, three candidates seek to represent District 6.
Councilmember Robert Torres, elected in 2016, is running for state Assembly in the presidential primary election rather than seeking a third council term.
Miranda Sheffield, who opposed Torres in 2020, and two newcomers, Glenda Barillas and Lorraine Canales, vie for the position 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.
Background:
Glenda Barillas
Age: Occupation: 38
Labor representative for United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1428. Associate’s degree in political science, Chaffey College.
A five-year Pomona resident.
Top three concerns for Pomona:
Homeless crisis, the lack of economic opportunity for the people of Pomona, and blight.
Two improvements you want to focus on:
Economic development and public safety for the residents and businesses of Pomona.
Commissioner for the Vehicle Parking Commission, President of the Pomona Valley Democratic Club, and member of the Historical Society of Pomona Valley.
Campaign information:
electglenda.com; ectglenda on Facebook; electglenda@ gmail.com
Lorraine Canales
Age: Occupation:
64
Retired high school counselor/teacher from Pomona Unified School District.
Education:
Cal State Los Angeles, bachelor’s degree,
Sheffield
Background:
A 25-year Pomona resident with two adult children.
Top three concerns for Pomona:
Safety and working closely with our first responders, programs for the mentally ill and substance abuse, infrastructure maintenance and economic growth.
Two improvements you want to focus one:
Transparency to the all residents at all levels. Economic growth — develop city procedures for new and existing businesses to build our revenue.
Top three community activities:
Cultural Arts commissioner 2012-2016; president, Optimist Club of Pomona; member of Pomona Rotary.
Campaign information:
Lorraine4d6.com; Lorraine. canalesdistrict6@gmail. com; 213 509-4980.
Miranda Sheffield
Age: Occupation:
38
Cal State
Los Angeles professor
Associate’s degree, Mt. San Antonio College; bachelor’s degree, Cal State LA; master’s degree, SOAS University of London
A 23-year Pomona resident with one adult daughter.
Education:
Background:
Top three concerns for Pomona:
My top three concerns are: Continuing to fight to lower the cost of rent in the city of Pomona. Expanding our culture and arts programs for youth. Striving to develop needed solutions to address the homeless issues.
Two improvements you want to focus on:
Expanding our rent stabilization ordinance in the city of Pomona. Creating more affordable housing for our seniors who are rent-burdened.
Top three community activities:
Former Culture and Arts commissioner. Former Police Oversight commissioner. Current board member of Pomona United for Stabilize Housing (PUSH).
Campaign information:
mirandasheffield.com; miranda4pomona@gmail.com, miranda4pomona on social media.