Pomona is a city in the San Gabriel Valley of eastern Los Angeles County, California. With a population of over 151,000, it is the 7th-most populous city in LA County and one of the oldest, incorporated on January 6, 1888. The city is named after Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and abundance, reflecting its agricultural roots. Pomona is home to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), one of the top public polytechnic universities in the country, and features a historic downtown with the Lincoln Park Historic District.
Cal Poly Pomona and Education
Cal Poly Pomona is one of the defining institutions of the city. Its main campus lies partially within Pomona’s city limits, with the rest in the neighboring community of Ramona. The university is known for its programs in engineering, agriculture, business, and architecture, and is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the Western United States. The campus’s historic Rose Garden and the Kellogg Ranch are landmarks of the area.
History and Heritage
Pomona was first settled in the 1830s by Ricardo Véjar and Ygnacio Palomares under Mexican rule. The Adobe de Palomares, built in 1855, is the oldest building in the city and a California Historic Landmark. The city was named in 1875 through a contest won by horticulturist Solomon Gates, who chose “Pomona” — the Roman goddess of fruit — before a single fruit tree had been planted. The city grew as an agricultural center known for its citrus groves and became a major stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Arts, Culture, and the Downtown
Pomona has a vibrant arts scene centered around its historic downtown. The Lincoln Park Historic District features beautiful Victorian and Craftsman homes. The Pomona Arts Colony, centered along Second Street, features galleries, studios, restaurants, and the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk. The Fox Theater, a historic 1930s movie palace, and the dA Center for the Arts host performances, exhibitions, and community events.
Climate and Geography
Pomona sits at 850 feet above sea level in the San Gabriel Valley, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city covers 23 square miles and enjoys over 280 days of sunshine per year. The San Jose Creek flows through the city, and the San Gabriel Mountains provide a scenic backdrop and hiking opportunities.
From Mexican land grants to citrus groves to a polytechnic university, Pomona’s story is one of growth, education, and community — a city that has cultivated both crops and knowledge for nearly two centuries.
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