District 6

Email: lorraine.canales@pomonaca.gov
Office: (909) 620-2053                          
Cell:     (909) 298-3012

I am a proud mother of two, a recently retired lifelong educator, and a newly-elected Pomona City Council Member for District 6. Growing up in East Los Angeles, my parents instilled in me the principles of hard work and compassion for others. I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by working families. My father, in his pursuit of providing for our family of eight, labored tirelessly in various jobs before eventually establishing his own barbershop. My mother, initially a stay-at-home mom, later returned to college and earned a certificate in early childhood education, dedicating herself to nurturing young minds as a preschool teacher.

Twenty-four years ago, I made the life-changing decision to move to Pomona, where I bought my home and raised my two wonderful children. My daughter, now a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, exemplifies dedication to service, while my son, a musician pursuing a career in Audio Engineering and Music. Pomona has not only been the place where my family has grown, but it has also been the foundation of my passion for community service.

My educational journey led me to Cal State Los Angeles, where I earned a degree in early childhood education, along with credentials in Teaching and Counseling. Over the past three decades, I have proudly served as an educator, with a particular focus on high school teaching and counseling. Through these roles, I have fostered meaningful connections with my students, always prioritizing their well-being. I have personally worked with all my students to ensure that they have a plan for life after high school. I have continued to connect with many of my students on a personal level well after graduation. My ability to comprehend diverse backgrounds and individual needs has allowed me to bring valuable insights and resources to support academic success, provide career and college guidance, identify scholarship opportunities, and nurture social and emotional growth.

Through my years of working with local families, students, and organizations, I have seen firsthand the challenges our city faces, as well as the incredible resilience and potential within our community. Beyond my professional roles, I have been an active member and volunteer within various service organizations, deeply committed to making a positive impact in our community. I am passionate about creating positive change in Pomona and eager to work with all stakeholders to move Pomona forward.

Boards appointed to/ Organizations I serve on:

• City-School Liaison Committee (Pomona Unified School District)
• Downtown Pomona Owners Association
• Tri-City Mental Health Governing Board
• Foothill Transit Governing Board -Alternate
• Pomona-Walnut-Rowland Joint Water Line -Voting Alternate
• Organizations:
• President - Optimist Club of Pomona
• Member – Rotary Club of Pomona
• Member – Assistance League of Pomona
• Member – Pomona Eagles
• Member – Delta Kappa Gamma