Pomona

The recent articles on Pomona (“The Suburban Nightmare,” by Mike Davis, Opinion, Oct. 23, and “325 Dreams Shattered by Plant Closing,” Dec. 19) are inaccurate and unfair to Pomona residents and the business community.

Had Davis taken the time to visit Pomona and contact a resident or local business owner, he would have found that throughout town there is development prompting significant economic activity. In south Pomona, the Pomona Market Place, anchored by Toys R Us and Circuit City, will soon see a Wal-Mart nearby. These three developments will add approximately 446 jobs and $60.8 million in gross sales. The auto mall is another major revenue generator. Davis also failed to mention that violent crime overall has significantly decreased (17.9%).

The recent closure of Owens-Brockway Glass Co. was unfortunate, but is not unique to Pomona, and should not be mistaken as the city’s fate. Company officials cited state regulations on glass recycling as the primary reason for the closure, not Pomona’s climate for business. Many other Southern California cities and counties are facing the problems of business flight for various economic and environmental reasons.

SEVERO ESQUIVEL

City Administrator, Pomona