The colorful murals and bountiful crops provide a retreat from the hustle of Pomona. The Lopez Urban Farm grows not only crops but also a sense of community and connection. Between the buildings and streets of Pomona lays a community wellness project whose impact spans beyond its walls. From its freshly grown crops to its local art, the Lopez Urban farm stands as a place for community, education, and access.  

With the goal of providing access for underserved communities, The Lopez Farm provides a plethora of resources for free. These resources include a wide range of seeds, compost, gardening land, and programs, which range from free gardening classes for all ages to internship opportunities at Cal Poly Pomona.  

Along with the programs, there are plenty of other resources such as a community fridge and closet, as well as spaces where people in need can come in and grab groceries or clothes whenever necessary. The fridge is filled with canned perishables and the closet is stacked with clothes of all sizes, reflecting the farm mission to provide access to underserved communities.  

“Being able to allow underserved communities to access [our resources], especially for free, enriches their culture and allows them to break down barriers that might prevent them from getting to a part in their lives where they can just enjoy life and not have to worry about how to pay for it,” said Bianca Ustrell-Friend, one of the employees at the farm.  

The farm was able to sustain its staff after Bianca wrote a significant grant to the city of Pomona in 2022. As a huge contributor and passionate leader, she emphasizes the importance of self-sustainment and putting the power in the hands of the people.  

“Their mission is very simple,” said Sarah Lantz, Dean of Students. “While a simple goal doesn’t always mean easy to fulfill, the goals that the farm have are attainable and actually making a difference.” 

While we place community at the center of our Webb values, that value of community only seems to extend to the boundaries of our school. The Lopez Urban Farm reflects how community engagement and outward service can make extensive local change.  

“I noticed that a lot of Webb students feel isolated from the community around and trapped. It’s important for them to understand the city that they’re living in and how they can impact beyond their personal lives,” Pristine Thomas said (‘25) said. 

This isolation that Webb students may feel does not have to be the case. With Claremont’s proximity to colleges and Los Angeles, there is always access to outward service and places like the Lopez Urban Farm.  

“I was shocked that I didn’t know about the farm sooner,” Pristine Thomas (‘25) said. “My takeaway was that we can help people around our community, and it doesn’t take a crazy amount of work. 

Pristine’s Club CommuniTea holds a very similar mission as the farm, emphasizing community service beyond the Webb community. The club’s activities include volunteer opportunities such as helping around at the farm which provide outlets for students to serve outside the Webb community.  

Engagement seen in the CommuniTea club and the Lopez Urban Farm serves as a model for how passion and service can cultivate change. By stepping beyond the boundaries of their own community, Webb students have the opportunity to turn service into lasting impact—proving that real change starts with meaningful action.