About
Tim Sandoval moved to Pomona when he was just nine years old. Even as a child, he knew that a community as richly diverse as Pomona was capable of amazing things. As Pomona High’s class speaker, he defended the character of the school and the surrounding community in an impassioned year-end speech. He attended Montvue Elementary, Emerson Middle School, and Pomona High School before finishing his education at University of California, Riverside.
After graduating, Tim returned to Pomona to help others in our community to access college as well. He led Pomona Valley Community Development Center’s youth programs, then taught English at a nearby school. In 2001, Tim became a founding member of Bright Prospect, a mentoring organization that has helped more than two thousand at-risk youth become part of the first generation of their family to complete their Bachelor’s degrees. Many of these youth come to share Tim’s passion for Pomona, returning after college to give back to the community.
In 2016, Tim was elected as Pomona’s Mayor, garnering 63% of the vote. Since his election, he has championed legislation aimed at inclusiveness, environmental sustainability, and fiscal responsibility. He has exhibited caring leadership, championing the needs and concerns of those most vulnerable in our community. He has restored Pomona’s leadership role in Southern California, leading numerous regional boards and commissions. Most importantly, he has provided a steady hand, guiding our city during the COVID-19 crisis, providing factual information, access to critical resources, and taking action to protect the health, safety, and economy of our city.
Prior to his service as Mayor, Tim was chairperson for the Waste and Recycling Moratorium Task Force, and he is a board member of Clean & Green Pomona, the dA Center for the Arts, and the Pomona Public Library Foundation.
To hear more of Tim’s story, watch his 2014 talk at TedX Claremont.
Tim’s Accomplishments as Mayor
Legislation
Under Tim’s Leadership the Council Has Enacted the Following Legislation:
- An ordinance enforcing the California Values Act
- An ordinance banning new waste, recycling, and pallet facilities
- An ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units on residential properties
- Elimination of 20+ miles of truck routes to reduce noise and air pollution
- An ordinance allowing a limited number of legal cannabis businesses and strict licensing and operational standards
- An ordinance allowing safe street vending and food trucks
- The establishment of a volunteer sales tax fund citizen’s oversight committee
- The establishment of a Fairplex mitigation fund oversight committee
Advocacy
- Supported local sales tax ballot initiative passed in 2018
- Supported local cannabis business tax ballot initiative passed in 2018
- Advocated for funding to extend Metro Gold Line Light Rail to Pomona as Chair of the Construction Authority
- Supported County Measure H to provide funding for homeless services which passed in 2017
- Founded and participates in Pomona Beautiful, a grass-roots, city-wide beautification effort that conducts weekly clean-ups
- Proclaimed Pomona as one of the first “compassionate cities”
Planning & Policy
Under Tim’s Leadership the Council Has Enacted the Following:
- An update to Pomona’s Housing Element in 2019 that identifies affordable housing needs in the city
- An update to Pomona’s Downtown Specific Plan to guide development in our city’s center
- Entered into an agreement with the Fairplex to develop a specific plan and fund mitigation efforts
- Implemented the Art in Public Places Program, utilizing funding to enhance our community
Development & Public Improvements
- Approval of four new hotel projects
- Approval of a 109 single family home development in south Pomona
- Approval of new apartment complex near the future Metro Gold Line station
- Construction of new Phil and Nell Soto Park in Wilton Heights neighborhood
- Improved accessibility at Lincoln Park
- Approval of a community EcoFarm in south Pomona
- Approved relocation and restoration of the historic City Stables
- Opened Hope for Home, the city’s homeless service center
Administrative
- Appointment of new leaders to key city positions, including City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk
- Formation of a Community Choice Aggregate Program to consolidate energy purchasing and reduce costs for residents
- Implemented live-streaming of council meetings