F.A.Q. |
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General The City of Pomona understands that residents and stakeholders have questions regarding how to continue to conduct business with the City during City facility closures to the public. We hope the following FAQs will help you navigate those questions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please call City Hall at (909) 620-2311 during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For after-hours assistance, please call Pomona PD’s Non-Emergency Dispatch at (909) 622-1241. As always, for emergency assistance, please call 911. How do I receive City updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic: This website will be frequently update. You can also obtain updates via Social Media by following us at the following links Facebook Twitter Instagram Nixle What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Where can I learn more? COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called Coronavirus. The appropriate authorities on this ongoing outbreak are Public Health Agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the national level, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) at the state level, and the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department at the County level. These sources provide credible and up to date information about the ongoing status of the virus, how to prevent its spread, what to do if you feel sick or need medical attention, and how this outbreak is affecting our daily lives with respect to social distancing, businesses closures, etc.
Pomona COVID-19 Community Resources (1-Pager)
ACTIVATE POMONA - Pomona’s Business Recovery Pilot Program Visit: https://bit.ly/activatepomona As a product of the Mayor’s Pomona COVID-19 Action Committee and Development Services Department, the Activate Pomona Pilot Program approved by City Council on June 15th will create temporary free permits through December 31, 2020 that will:
CARES Act Funding
Project RoomKey Link to FAQ about Project Roomkey
Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium Who does the eviction moratorium apply to? The City’s Order applies to all residential and commercial rentals in the City of Pomona, including apartments, duplexes, condominiums and single-family dwellings. The moratorium applies to all renters, regardless of immigration status. The Order also suspends foreclosures (see below for more information). Does this mean tenants do not have to pay their rent? Both the City’s Order and the Governor’s related Order (N-28-20) emphasize that tenants are still obligated to pay lawfully charged rent. However, during the emergency period, tenants may not be evicted for failure to pay rent due to the financial impacts related to COVID-19. Tenants will have up to 6 months following the expiration of the local emergency to repay any back rent due. Landlords and tenants may mutually work out a payment schedule or arrangements for repayment of rent. What should I do if I cannot pay the rent or if my landlord tries to evict me? If you are unable to pay your full rent between March 19, 2020 and May 31, 2020, because of circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, here is what you should do:
What should I do if I receive a notice of an Unlawful Detainer? If you reach the expiration date listed on the “Notice to Pay Rent or Quit” and are unable to work out a payment plan with your landlord, you may receive a formal eviction or “Unlawful Detainer.” This means you may have to go to court to fight the eviction. It is important to seek legal assistance in responding to any eviction or “Unlawful Detainer” action filed by your landlord. If a tenant is served with Court papers or an Unlawful Detainer action, they should immediately seek legal counsel and assistance in responding to the Unlawful Detainer. Do not ignore a notice from the Court or Unlawful Detainer notification! Tenants do not have to leave their units unless they are served with a Sheriff’s Order, which happens after the case is heard in Court. What happens after the emergency moratorium is over? Under the City’s Order, tenants have up to 6 months following the expiration of the local emergency to repay any back rent due. The tenant and landlord may mutually work out a payment schedule or arrangements for repayment of the rent. The City understands that paying the back rent will still be challenging for many residents and this moratorium is the City’s initial step to provide relief to our residents. The City will continue to explore and advocate for rent relief from the State and Federal government. For questions about the temporary eviction moratorium, you may contact: Housing Rights Center Phone - (800) 477-5977 Email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board Phone – (909) 984-2254 Email – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
BUSINESSES Who do businesses call to determine if they should close or reduce services/hours/accessibility to their business? Please contact LA Public Health Website: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/ Information regarding the order can be found at the “Health Officer Order” tab. There is an FAQ section on which businesses can remain open or call 213-240-8144 Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses relating to the Health Office Order can be found here: My business is experiencing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Is there financial assistance? Yes, effective immediately, the SBA is offering Economic Injury Loan advance of up to $10,000. Funds are made available within 3 days of successful application, and the loan advance will not have to be repaid. For more details and how to apply: https://www.sba.gov/page/disaster-loan-applications FIND ELIGIBLE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LENDER MBE Capital Partners - PAYCHECK PROTECTION LOANS Is there any resource for Freelance Artist? https://covid19freelanceartistresource.wordpress.com/
Fairplex https://fairplex.com/aboutus/coronavirus-quarantine-center-information Who will be allowed to stay at the Fairplex Sheraton medical shelter? The Department of Public Health will arrange temporary quarantine housing and aims to keep individuals close to their communities. The only individuals who are permitted to reside in these locations are:
Members of the public, including first responders and emergency workers, will be able to stay here. What is the process to get into the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel medical shelter? A healthcare provider, law enforcement or service agency first notifies DPH when they encounter an individual who is showing serious symptoms. Next, DPH’S health professionals confirm which individuals qualify for medical sheltering and then coordinate where they will be placed. DPH looks at important factors, such as site availability and then uses a system to assign individuals. How does Coronavirus spread? Does it travel through the air? Public health officials have confirmed that Coronavirus can be spread in several ways:
For more information about how Coronavirus in spread and how to stay safe, visit http://covid19.lacounty.gov or dial 2-1-1. Can coronavirus live in air ducts like Legionnaires? No, coronavirus (COVID-19) cannot live in air ducts like Legionnaires disease. Legionella grows in a building water system and the gets spread in droplets in the air through that system. COVID-19 is spread via direct contact through droplets (sneeze or cough) or objects that have the virus. How is the Sheraton Faiplex Hotel being secured during its use as a medical shelter? A security company has been hired to secure the area. Can people staying in the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel medical shelter come and go? No, the individuals assigned to medical sheltering are under a Public Health Order that directs them to be quarantined or are self-isolated. People in the facility have either tested positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting test results and currently exhibiting symptoms – but their symptoms are still mild enough not to merit hospitalization. The main goal of COVID-19 medical shelters is to provide a safe place where individuals can both recover from symptoms and also isolate themselves so that they do not spread the coronavirus to others. All residents will not be allowed to leave the area until after their quarantine period ends. Are more medical shelters, similar to the Fairplex Sheraton Hotel, being set up throughout the County? Yes, and the County of Los Angeles is actively searching for more facilities that can help individuals who need to follow quarantine orders. For example, we arranged to use Dockweiler Beach to support people who need help complying with quarantine orders. County officials are working on developing more partnerships like this to slow the spread of Coronavirus. All locations set up by the County will have security on-site to ensure the health and safety of both the individuals residing at the facilities and local residents. It is important to note that the County’s effort is part of a greater response to COVID-19 that is being completed in partnership with the State of California. We are making every effort to respond to a national public health emergency. These facilities allow the County to slow the spread of COVID-19. Did the City of Pomona authorize the use of the Fairplex Sheraton Hotel as a medical shelter? The Fairplex Sheraton Hotel is a privately-owned business that entered into a direct agreement with the County of Los Angeles. The partnership will retain local jobs and generate tax revenues for the City of Pomona. The Fairplex Sheraton Hotel has always played a critical role in the economy of the City of Pomona and this temporary, short-term use of the Fairplex Sheraton Hotel allows that to continue. Additionally, as stated above, this partnership supports first responders – including firefighters and police officers in the City of Pomona, by offering a Child Development Center for those individuals protecting our community from the pandemic. Will any support be provided to the broader community or Pomona? Yes. A drive-thru food pantry operated by Sowing Seeds for Life will be located and open to any Los Angeles County resident with identification. The drive-thru will be located at the Fairplex Gate 15, on the La Verne side of the campus. Los Angeles County residents are welcome from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of the month, starting April 1, 2020. Also, the Fairplex Child Development Center has opened its doors to the children of healthcare workers, first responders and law enforcement. This is an important community support service during the COVID-19 crisis.
Library I have Library books that are past due, what should I do to avoid fine or fees for keeping them past the due date? The Library is not currently charging late fees for outstanding books or materials. Patrons may return materials to the drop box south of the Library – located on 7th Street, just west of Garey. (Due to the elimination of public service hours at City Hall, the City is temporarily using the Library Book Drop on Garey Ave. for physical submittals to the Development Services and Neighborhood Services Departments) Staff will check in the materials and override any late fees indicated within the cataloguing system. Patrons can also hold on to materials until normal Library operations are restored. There will be a grace period for in-person return of late materials, without penalty when Library public service hours resume.
Neighborhood Services Department COMMUNITY SERVICES City of Pomona Elderly Nutrition Program (909) 620-2324 NOTICE: Palomares and Washington Senior Centers have been closed until further notice in accordance with state and local mandates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to help meet the nutritional needs of Pomona’s seniors, Elderly Nutrition Program participants have transitioned to receive home-delivered meals. Although home-delivered meals are designed specifically for home-bound individuals, they are available to eligible seniors at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Home-delivered meals further the ability for seniors to remain safer at home. Home-delivered meals consist of one meal per day. Availability is contingent on program capacity and the availability of funding. This program is funded through a grant from Los Angeles County with additional funding being provided by the City of Pomona and recently through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Are senior meals still available for pickup? We have transitioned to home-delivered meals. Meals are no longer available for pickup at our Palomares and Washington sites. Is Home-Delivery Available? Home-delivered meals are available to residents who meet the eligibility requirements. Who is eligible? Minimum eligibility for the program includes Pomona residents who are 60 or older and adults with disabilities. Do they have to be part of the program prior to COVID-19 circumstances to receive meals? They do not have to be part of the program prior to COVID-19 to receive meals. We are able to enroll individuals who are 60+ over the phone upon verification of eligibility. How does it work? Upon verification of eligibility, home-delivered meals are delivered directly to the resident’s home once a week.
How do I get more information and sign up? For more information, call (909) 620-2324 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note that due to high demand and ordering requirements for the caterer, it could take up to two weeks before approved participants receive home-delivered meals. Can I still visit City Parks during the COVID-19 pandemic? Yes, but some amenities are closed until further notice. Parks in the City of Pomona remain open, but keeping our community's public health and safety in mind, the City is closing the playgrounds, the skate and dog Park, park restrooms, and all sports courts. Please remember to practice social distancing at all times by maintaining at least a 6 feet distance between you/your family and other visitors at all times. If you are feeling sick, PLEASE STAY HOME.
Neighborhood Legal Services at (800)-433-6251 or http://nlsla.org
HOUSING DIVISION (909) 620-2368 What is happening to my Housing Rehabilitation Loan/Grant Application and/or Housing Inspection? The City Housing staff continues to process loan/grant applications. Please call Housing Division at (909) 620-2368 for any question regarding your application. However, in our effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease, we have made the necessary decision to suspend housing inspections, contract, grant and loan document signing until further notice. We shall provide updates as they become available when these activities will be resumed. What is happening to my Annual Housing Quality Standard (HQS) Inspection? In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Housing Authority made the necessary decision to cancel all Annual Housing Quality Standards Inspections until further notice. You will receive a letter in the mail once activities resume. Only Initial and life threatening/emergency Inspections will be conducted. If you have any questions regarding the inspection process please contact your Inspector or call the main line at 909-620-2368. I am an owner on the program; will I continue to receive my Housing Assistance Payments on time? Housing Assistance Payments will continue to go out as scheduled and without interruption.
HOMELESS SERVICES Who can I contact to receive services for homeless families? Please call 2-1-1. 211 is the central source for providing information and referrals for all health and human services. The 211 line is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, with trained Community Resource Advisors prepared to offer help with any situation, any time. Who can I contact to receive services for homeless adults? Please contact Volunteers of America of Greater Los Angeles at 909-593-4796 for services. How can I report someone experiencing homelessness? Please visit www.LA-HOP.org to submit a request and outreach team will follow up. LA-HOP is designed to assist people experiencing homelessness in LA County with outreach services. How can I access housing and services at Hope for Home Homeless Services Center? Please contact Volunteers of America of Greater Los Angeles at 909-593-4796 to be placed on a waiting list.
Water Can I flush wipes? NO, not even the ones labled "flushable." Rememember the 3 P's - only flush Pee, Poop, and toilet Paper. The California Water Board is advising, “Flushing wipes, paper towels and similar products down toilets will clog sewers and cause backups and overflows at wastewater treatment facilities, creating an additional public health risk in the midst of the corona-virus pandemic.” Is my tap water safe to drink? Yes. City staff continue to monitor the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 and want to ensure our customers the drinking water we provide remains safe for use and consumption. Your water is treated using a multi-step process that includes filtration and disinfection. Coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection and standard treatment and disinfectant processes used by the City.
Pomona Police Department/ Public Safety Are Pomona Police officers still working? When will the Police Station re-open? Emergency response services remain fully staffed and operational. Like with other City facilities, we closed the Pomona Police Station lobby to the public, until further notice. Please see a Message from Interim Chief Michael Ellis in Response to COVID-19 in full, here. Are Pomona Patrol services affected? We have not changed our current deployment of officers and our entire staff will continue to carry out the law enforcement mission. We have made some modifications with regard to our Civilian Report Writers, who are no longer in the field taking reports but are instead taking reports over the phone. Our officers are equipped with additional personal protective equipment such as masks, sanitizers, and gloves. If you see them wearing these items in the field, just know they are wearing them to prevent any possible viral transmission. How do I file a Police Report? If you need to file a report and have internet access, you can do so online at: http://ci.pomona.ca.us/index.php/police-department-home/online-citizen-reporting. Report types being directed to online service include: Child Custody, Harassing Phone Calls, Lost Property, Theft, Vandalism and Vehicle Burglary/Tampering. If you need to file a report and do not have internet access, our Civilian Report Writers and Dispatchers are ready to assist at 909-622-1241. What else can the non-emergency dispatch assist me with? Please call our dispatch if you need a police report (and cannot access the internet), need a vehicle released, or are in need of other types of services. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1. Will I receive a ticket if I don’t move my car on street sweeping day? Parking enforcement related to street sweeping is suspended until further notice. Parking Enforcement will continue with regard to issues that prioritize health, safety, and emergency access — including colored curbs, peak-hour restrictions, etc. We will also continue enforcement at metered spaces to ensure parking turnover for businesses and restaurants relying on take-out and deliveries. Where can I report violations at restaurants or bars? Residents are urged to report businesses seen in violation of Public Health Orders to the County Department of Health at (213) 240-7821 or online at: https://admin.publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/complaints/phcomp.cfm. Where can I get updated information from Police Department? Information regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve and we continue to monitor and work with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The City and Police Department will continue to share guidance on best practices for individuals, and for our entire community, through our various social media pages and platforms. To stay connected with us, and for updated Pomona Police Department information, please continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, @PomonaPD. In addition to social media, we highly encourage our residents to subscribe to Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777. Nixle keeps you up-to-date with relevant information pertaining to our department. We will continue to work alongside our community to get through this.
Utility Services Will I receive a final notice before disconnection and could my Water be shut off? The City has suspended issuance of final notices for non-payment until further notice. The City has temporarily suspended customer shutoff for delinquent accounts and/or nonpayment. We will continue to work with individual customers and those facing financial hardships to establish payment arrangements and provide services. Please make a payment using one of the previous listed options or call Customer Service at (909) 620-2241 to set up a payment arrangement during office hours; Monday – Thursday, 7:30am through 6:00pm.
Vehicle Parking District Can I reserve VPD parking for a special event? VPD is not issuing any reserved special event parking at this time.
Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA Update June 26, 2020, Pomona, CA – The Inland Valley Humane Society & S.P.C.A. (IVHS) is continuing to adjust our shelter operations as we follow the safety and health updates provided by the CDC and local government. Effective June 29th at 8 AM, IVHS will be scheduling in-person licensing services on an appointment-only basis. We will be serving the public with modified hours of operation (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Saturday) in conjunction with adjusted services and the implementation of safety measures to protect employee and public health. Press Release The following information is subject to change. Please stay up-to-date on our operational adjustments should we need to make further necessary changes by calling (909) 623-9777 and visiting www.ivhsspca.org. Can I still adopt a pet? Adoptions will be conducted by appointment only. All of our shelter animals are posted on our website at www.ivhsspca.org/animals. If you are interested in adopting an animal on our website, please fill out and submit an application on www.ivhsspca.org/adoptions. An Adoption Counselor will reach out to you to schedule an appointment. What can I do if my pet is lost? If you are looking for a lost pet, please visit www.ivhsspca.org/animals as all shelter animals are posted to our website. Redemptions will be conducted on an appointment-only basis. Please contact our Adoptions Department to set up an appointment to redeem your animal if you see him/her on our website. Please make sure your pets have identification. We will contact you immediately should we find your pet. If your pet does not have a registered microchip or updated tag information write a current phone number on their collar with permanent marker. How can I process my pet license? Dog and cat owners can submit new and renewal licenses online at www.ivhsspca.org/licensing, by mail or via phone by calling (909) 623-9777. We will be waiving late penalties and those experiencing financial difficulty can contact Customer Service to make payment arrangements. Can have my pet vaccinated and/or spayed/neutered or relinquish an animal? All vaccination clinics and outside appointments for vaccinations and spay/neuter have been cancelled until further notice, and only adoption follow up care appointments will be scheduled at this time. We will not be accepting any animal relinquishment by pet owners until further notice. |