Farewell, Pomona

It is not a goodbye....I'll see you later.

It’s official.

Leaving the house on Palomares on an empty stomach will never be the same. Relying on a warm croissant with ham and cheese from Grama’s Donuts won’t be an option.

I can’t believe it's finally happening.

Catching up with an old friend after walking into any place in Downtown Pomona will be a distant memory of the past.

The inevitable happened.

For the first time in my 34 years of life, Pomona will no longer be home to me.

After nine months of searching the listings on Redfin, nine months of grabbing snacks at open houses and a month of signing digital paperwork, my family and I purchased a house in Riverside.

Yes, the guy who runs a newsletter about Pomona—the same guy who claimed to be a resident covering his hometown—will now call Riverside home.

Now, grabbing a burger from Tom’s on Mission has become a cathartic experience. Will this be the last time I take a bite out of a classic Pomona dish?

My family planted its roots in Pomona after immigrating from Mexico to the United States. The roots go back to 1975.

Sacred Heart on Hamilton is where my story began. It’s where my parents met and fell in love.

Their wedding pictures were taken at the park area across the street from the civic center.

My sisters and I attended the same schools my mom went to. The parks I grew up playing soccer in were the same locations that saw my dad play as a young adult.

Pomona has become more than just a home. It is a photo album, with memories engraved throughout the nook and crannies of the city. No matter what part of the city I find myself in, I can think of a story related to the location.

Riding my scooter to the 7-11 on Mission and Towne as a kid. My grandpa buying my sisters and I a scratcher to scratch as we eat elote’s from the street vendors.

Stealing change from my parent’s beer bottle to rent movies from the place next to the 7-11. Falling in love with films at a young age put my life on an artistic course.

Walking home from Garey High School with my friends as they make fun of me for having a family member in every part of the city.

Riding the Foothill transit to Cal Poly Pomona and learning how to use public transportation.

Working for the Pomona Unified School District as a professional.

Walking to downtown Pomona with my family for a free concert by Los Tigres Del Norte.

I’ll still be driving to Pomona for work, but the biggest difference will come when someone asks me where I live. How long until saying Riverside becomes second nature? How many times will I have to correct myself after I say Pomona?

I started Through the Grove to tell the stories of my hometown. Will writing about it still have the same impact now that I’m no longer a resident? Let’s just say, Pomona will no longer be home but it will always be where the heart is.

The show must go on.