Named after the Roman goddess of fruit trees, Pomona, California continues its legacy as a bountiful place to live, says local Realtors.
"The rich history of Pomona is marked by many milestones," says Realtor Lili Daniali. "Originally occupied by the Gabrielenos Indians, the valley became known in the 1700's as Rancho San Jose. A year later it became part of the Mission San Gabriel grazing lands. Over fifty years later, two soldiers, Don Ignacio Palomares and Don Ricardo Vejar petitioned the governor and on April 15, 1837 were granted rights to the land. In 1863, Vejar's portion, Rancho San Abajo, was passed on to two merchants from Los Angeles, and then on to Louis Phillips in 1866. Phillips sold 5,600 acres to a group of speculators in 1875. They named the area "Pomona" after the Roman Goddess of fruit and fruit trees. The name proved prophetic as vineyards flourished in the 1880's supplying the wine-making and raising industries. Citrus orchards and olive gropes replaced vineyards in the 1890's and, through its agricultural enterprises, Pomona maintained an economic lead in the valley."
Daniali continues, "Although agriculture continued to provide the backbone of the economy for many years, other vigorous businesses and industrial enterprises grew and prospered. Some of these businesses, begun as far back as 1864, are still thriving today. Philip's Land and Cattle Company (1864), Pomona Brick (1873) and the law firm of Nichols, Stead, Boileau and Kostoff started by Allen P. Nichols in 1886 are among those pioneer companies.
"Entrepreneurial leadership and innovation have typified Pomona from the start," she adds. "Long distance transmission of electricity, use of alternating current, the first semi-automatic switchboard west of the Mississippi and direct distance dialing - all had their beginning in Pomona. The Pump Company's water-lubricated design revolutionized deep well pumping."
Daniali says, "The city of Pomona continues to lead the valley in all major economic categories including retail sales, bank deposits and employment. Its products include high quality optics, electronic software, glass, cosmetics and paper products. High technology research and development are on the rise and the city is experiencing an increase in corporate office building development. Today the community is a multiracial, multicultural city with progressive citizens leading, testing the limits of progress, and striving to provide a high quality of life for Pomona's residents and business owners."
"The city of Pomona is a thriving community," says Realtor Will Stroud, which is located in Los Angeles county near the border with San Bernardino County. It is the home of CalPoly-Pomona which stands out as one of California's top universities."
He says, "Pomona's Fairplex is home to the annual Los Angeles County Fair and more than 300 other events each year. It hosts many consumer and trade shows, meetings, expositions, conventions, sporting and agricultural events with a total annual attendance of approximately 3 million."
Stroud adds, "Pomona has built a wonderful foundation and shows a strong commitment to being a significant part of southern California's future."
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Published: December 4, 2003
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