City of Pomona Billboard Lawsuit: Latest Developments
A years-long legal battle continues over the fate of billboards in Pomona, California. Following a 1993 ballot initiative banning new billboards, the city’s attempt to extend a pre-existing agreement with Regency Outdoor Advertising sparked a lawsuit by residents. After court victories for the residents, the city faces billboard removal while Regency challenges the removal orders.
- 1993: Proposition L bans new billboards in Pomona.
- 2014: Regency’s pre-existing agreement expires.
- July 2014: City council votes to extend Regency’s agreement by 12 years.
- August 2014: Residents sue, claiming the extension violates Proposition L.
- November 2018: Trial court rules in favor of residents, deeming the extension illegal.
- November 2019: California Court of Appeal upholds trial court ruling.
- June 2020: California Supreme Court declines to hear the city’s appeal.
- Present: City faces billboard removal but actively raises funds and plans the process.
- Regency’s Legal Challenges: Regency continues legal battles against removal orders in various courts.
- Ongoing Litigation: City engaged in active litigation with Regency regarding removal.
- Estimated Removal Cost: The city estimates $1.5 million for billboard removal.
- Public Opinion: Debate on the role of billboards continues, with arguments for and against their presence.
- Broader Implications: Case highlights public involvement in local government and the power of ballot initiatives.
- Future Uncertainty: Outcome of ongoing legal battles could impact the timeline and execution of billboard removal.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1993 | Ballot Initiative | Proposition L | City of Pomona | Prohibits new billboards within city limits. |
| Jun 2014 | Agreement Expiration | N/A | N/A | Regency Outdoor’s existing billboard agreement expires. |
| Jul 2014 | Ordinance Amendment | N/A | City of Pomona Council | Council attempts to extend Regency’s agreement by 12 years. |
| Aug 2014 | Lawsuit Filed | Citizens for Amending Proposition L v. City of Pomona | Los Angeles County Superior Court | Residents challenge extension as violation of Proposition L. |
| Nov 2018 | Trial Court Ruling | Citizens for Amending Proposition L v. City of Pomona | Los Angeles County Superior Court | Court rules in favor of residents, extension deemed illegal. |
| Nov 2019 | Court of Appeal Decision | Citizens for Amending Proposition L v. City of Pomona | California Court of Appeal | Court upholds trial court ruling, city must remove billboards. |
| Jun 2020 | Supreme Court Refusal | Citizens for Amending Proposition L v. City of Pomona | California Supreme Court | Court declines to hear case, city’s appeal rejected. |
| Ongoing | Billboard Removal | N/A | N/A | City actively raising funds and planning removal of Regency billboards. |
| Ongoing | Legal Battle Continues | Regency Outdoor Advertising v. City of Pomona | Various Courts | Regency challenges removal orders, legal battles ongoing. |
| Current Status | Active Litigation | N/A | N/A | City engaged in ongoing legal dispute with Regency regarding removal. |
