Initially, Gomez wasn’t too excited about attending the event. ‘‘To be honest, my mom made me come to ask about careers,’’ he said.

 

But Gomez quickly came to appreciate the event, especially because it allowed him to apply for jobs. And he had twice as many employers as last year to choose from, thanks to a letter from Mayor Eddie Cortez encouraging businesses to take part.

Pomona job fair offers alternative to gangs

 

 By Monica Rodriguez, Staff Writer

 

 POMONA - Hector Gomez spent Tuesday morning going to different classrooms at Pueblo Elementary School in Pomona and learning about career opportunities with airlines, NASA and the U.S. Air Force.

 

Once the speakers’ sessions had ended, Gomez, a 17-year-old Ganesha High student, visited tables manned by 39 employers who participated in the 5th annual Career Day & Job Fair. Hundreds of students from throughout Pomona Unified School District’s high schools gathered at the elementary school for the event.

Calling on businesses to participate in these kinds of events is part of Cortez’s ongoing efforts to create a healthy environment where youths in Pomona have options beyond gangs and street violence.

 

‘‘I think the circumstances require that extra effort,’’ Cortez said.

 

The city is in the process of creating a youth master plan, a key component of the city’s effort to curb gang activity. Cortez said every tool must be used to try to reach young people.

 

Fernando Carrillo, one of the organizers of the event for Pomona Unified School District, said as the district looks to build on the event each year, it is seeking ways to attract more students, particularly those not as focused on pursuing higher education or trade school.

 

He said he’s willing to work with city officials to reach out to youths and go into their neighborhoods to offer them opportunities.

 

‘‘We have to be active in that respect,’’ Carrillo said. ‘‘We’ve got to go and see how we can get to them.’’

 

Although the district hasn’t tracked how many students have secured jobs through the job fair in past years, that’s something Carrillo said he plans to change. He plans on contacting employers to find out how many students they hire through the event.

 

Councilman Dan Rodriguez, who along with Cortez was among the 77 speakers offering career information Tuesday, said more connections with businesses and groups such as the Pomona Chamber of Commerce have to be made to create opportunities for youths.

 

‘‘Those are the partnerships our students deserve,’’ Rodriguez said.

 

Gomez, who was hoping to find a job Tuesday because he’s saving money for college, said the event is worthwhile. He spoke with a fast-food restaurant chain, Raging Waters and a clothing retailer. ‘‘I’m hoping they can work with my schedule,’’ he said.

 

Gomez wasn’t the only one looking for flexibility. So were many of the juniors and seniors taking part in the event.

 

Tuesday Yucap-Lawson talked to dozens of students interested in promoting products or services in grocery and retail stores. The job starts at $12 an hour and offers flexible schedules.

 

Candice Taan, assistant manager at the Anchor Blue outlet store in Chino, went through 150 applications in minutes. Her store and others will soon be hiring for the summer, she said.

 

The students’ questions varied, but one was heard again and again.

 

‘‘The first thing they want to know is how much is the (employee) discount,’’ Taan said.