[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6541132,"mediaKeyId","3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6","parentId",3656010,"title","West Covina council extends condolences after fatal shooting of Baldwin Park officer; candlelight vigil set","audioSeconds",140,"startMs",2798000,"endMs",2938000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6&start=2798&end=2938","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6/thumbnail_2798000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6541132/West-Covina/Los-Angeles-County/California/West-Covina-council-extends-condolences-after-fatal-shooting-of-Baldwin-Park-officer-candlelight-vigil-set","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541132-4d8eaa16270f0f31361b9911626ae25c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776181107&Signature=GfS52WzT5OHNSPiygBBrGuWGAyt8uvfqSJoc3o6XvxLRU1Y7c15MwJQEFCKzsZifKQ3t9SmtnVRdo7D~ckrFhVQO1AhaHurqXmOVRjy0apJRoH8TBs1Q9TgIAV4YQX5HYomwdUdgHdT4joJPV7~LCklFC5IMToMCtwrq-DLe2Ga~Ku20wc3zHmZq1G6Bafs9S~4dizS4INQEbaboeaqYvQ1gYNcU7nYipRJ1nXUEOwuOLCnZ2b1sQ8O6qiqlp-aQ25myqlitvVrOnBXPp~xnPZSbA4mjPz2XUtuqP-Oj5jAVb7zLV5z73vpz-uLmLKzaVB3w4cqUxrGt9Xua4IEnIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-04T15:02:26Z","article","The West Covina City Council publicly extended condolences to the family and department of Baldwin Park Police Department Officer Samuel Riveros, who was killed in the line of duty on May 31, 2025.

Mayor Tony Wu and other council members described Officer Riveros as a dedicated public servant and noted his role on a SWAT team and as a field training officer. The mayor said Riveros “made the ultimate sacrifice by protecting the community” and the council observed a moment of silence and prayer for the officer, his family and fellow officers.

Acting city officials noted a candlelight vigil for Officer Riveros scheduled for Friday, June 6 at 7:20 p.m. at the Baldwin Park Police Department fountain area and encouraged residents who could attend to show support. Council members and the acting city manager acknowledged city staff — including police, fire and public works crews — who were assisting with procession and support activities related to the officer’s funeral services.

Speakers linked the event to broader gratitude for public-safety personnel and asked residents to show support for first responders and the officer’s family. No formal council action was taken beyond the public expression of condolence and the event announcement.

Sources: mayoral remarks and acting city manager’s report on the record; announcement of June 6 candlelight vigil during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","The City of West Covina - June 3, 2025 - City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council members expressed sympathy for Baldwin Park Police Department and the family of Officer Samuel Riveros, who was killed in the line of duty on May 31, 2025; the council announced a June 6 candlelight vigil and urged community support.","taxTitle","West Covina, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",3860,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6541137,"West Covina honors two church members who performed life-saving CPR on Mother's Day",615,366000,981000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6&start=366&end=981","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6/thumbnail_366000.jpg","/articles/6541137/West-Covina/Los-Angeles-County/California/West-Covina-honors-two-church-members-who-performed-life-saving-CPR-on-Mothers-Day","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541137-500d60f0e949d5c3a3a34f379da05219/orig.mp4?Expires=1776181107&Signature=UOENkFGt040fqPtAGaasMGgLEa-4xz1GuIfF-smIRxBBSwwwoWrq2ps3zKgquI7G5CeSLLvwZhMbtyxheBWzd3cFXOMKxkhkHqSpayvTdnffSs5TPS6K5TXs4O2RSMHYFf6UxgECtZVVskdyYLpuQxgkRfo7lE5ZC6ZmZ7wU9ko0K8BABr~NYuTXLAeOsX0CdGkeu8JOb1rXpqX3248M8LD2SVFqN5PL8De2m53O2dL~Cg1jAUIVfPIF8wjj91kh6iXlQFRIZby6KccOrylDoGW-C-uPht18XVRBXp~gphn~M8Dvohjv5SMN1EzzRaj7wu-2lrG9ZPbQ6S1hNCA21A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Covina’s council recognized two women for performing life-saving CPR during a Mother's Day service at New Beginning Christian Fellowship Church.

Pastor Al Richardson described how 84-year-old Ozi B. Simpson suffered a life-threatening medical emergency during worship on May 11 and two visitors, Esther Moore and Carol Mosley, administered CPR until emergency responders arrived. Pastor Richardson and Mayor Tony Wu presented certificates to Moore and Mosley at the council meeting.

Esther Moore told the council she is a retired registered nurse of 38 years and said she felt “very honored to be here today” and praised the church community. Vivian Ivory, who identified herself as a daughter of the patient and who said the family’s CT scans “came back clear,” thanked the responders and spoke about the emotional significance of the rescue.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson attended and addressed the council, identifying the patient as his aunt and offering appreciation for the actions of the two responders and the New Beginning Christian Fellowship Church.

Mayor Wu said the recognition was meant to highlight “everyday heroes among us” and to encourage community service. The council took no formal action beyond the public recognition.

Sources: remarks and recognition ceremony on the record by Pastor Al Richardson, Esther Moore and Mayor Tony Wu; comments by Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and family members at the meeting.","Mayor Tony Wu and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson joined West Covina leaders in recognizing Esther Moore and Carol Mosley for administering CPR during a medical emergency at New Beginning Christian Fellowship Church on May 11; the patient, identified in remarks as Ozi B. Simpson, was stabilized and later recovered.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6541142,"West Covina swears in second police chaplain; department emphasizes volunteer support role",447,1108000,1555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6&start=1108&end=1555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6/thumbnail_1108000.jpg","/articles/6541142/West-Covina/Los-Angeles-County/California/West-Covina-swears-in-second-police-chaplain-department-emphasizes-volunteer-support-role","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541142-048dc7b989704293d69fc57420ae7d57/orig.mp4?Expires=1776181107&Signature=IZ7Ece1qlwIHJTHe~gB9KNIt1kHmrIB6~1QcZOFKquVANE3bvmb9xPX9Eg9mx73WoyTWEpa0b5Lw320jZ6fN9xmG0IYo7-fDyjzruAtA5KFb~ebiiO~BZoHEyE8WJr90WCh-YyT-JyHAWrXM4tdTqsghLY9vznHLp9r3uNboZTe1YyEcEUXgszUz5CZMoSUbK1XMmBN0-Hu-0VGu9ctcmMv9Oxj9XPV6cXCV7xrhqz8mfmZPVSHntF0hgw0rIyyfnBVnwGT0lCP4nYGwST7p~c4lQGdlATJFqDOR0EiNAuGVAJgFtgBevprAPq4ao-iGFLGc6vvTEtXkKR09adVHHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Covina Police Chief Tony Cortino announced the addition of Pastor Kevin Iuarte as a second volunteer chaplain for the West Covina Police Department and the council held a brief swearing-in ceremony.

Cortino described the chaplain program as a volunteer service that “provides emotional, and spiritual support for our officers, their families” and that chaplains respond to critical incidents and participate in community outreach. He thanked outgoing chaplain Kelly Dupe for 12 years of service and introduced Pastor Iuarte’s background in ministry and healthcare, including chaplain service for other police agencies and completion of California POST chaplain standards.

Pastor Kevin Iuarte repeated the oath of office and afterward said he was honored to serve the officers and community. “I grew up in this city. I went to school in this city, and it's an honor to give back to the city now in this way,” Iuarte said. Chief Cortino noted that the chaplain role is volunteer and that the chaplains will support officers, victims and families as needed.

The ceremony included a pinning by Iuarte’s wife, who the chief identified in remarks as a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge; the judge administered the oath and pinned the badge.

Sources: remarks and ceremonial oath on the record by Tony Cortino and Pastor Kevin Iuarte.","Chief Tony Cortino introduced Pastor Kevin Iuarte as a second volunteer chaplain for the West Covina Police Department and the pastor was sworn in by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge in a brief ceremony at the council meeting.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6541145,"West Covina council hears proposed FY 2025–26 budget; members press for priorities and contract scrutiny",776,4804000,5580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6&start=4804&end=5580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6/thumbnail_4804000.jpg","/articles/6541145/West-Covina/Los-Angeles-County/California/West-Covina-council-hears-proposed-FY-202526-budget-members-press-for-priorities-and-contract-scrutiny","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541145-a13c2353dafa332006797217a8cc58e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1776181107&Signature=G4eyKoGRBNzLVZUTLo-TXQNIkUSgP2V3~KzmzjjMzMyYm5dAEl~x1ByWf-ruDTEJmXIt4FtS7-7xzm87rd7Wgmili8TkSjV4a8J8eU22w4jC3c8uh5~vCS~dacW14UMiRhnrt0enLadpnenBEER~iHfsbwsg6ux1SS9cdNjGPsZb0H8QCQeAqrrXsbqffEEsyHT36-6ftAkaPF3-hrP3mCftmzU~ZLYMYNg~x-NqiIvKhdzwfFceD~uxgewHHNggOrhIFyzDlm3dJ93qs~cbGzoCohcJJb5bwTaQnCQkdpvZqHkIZbOz0WZZlAoPC43Mcz2qdskH8vx7Hi-6GYAaCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Acting Finance Director Maria Luisa Olaya presented the city’s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget to the West Covina City Council, prompting a lengthy discussion about reserves, pensions, capital projects and procurement practices.

Olaya said combined revenues across all funds are projected at more than $144.2 million, with total expenditures at about $156.1 million. She described the general fund projection — revenue of roughly $96.3 million and general fund expenditures of about $82.0 million — and reported the proposed budget shows a slight $700 surplus for the general fund under current assumptions. The budget incorporates an 18% reserve policy the council adopted earlier in the year, Olaya said.

The finance presentation included several program- and capital-related notes: a proposed exchange of $3.5 million in Prop A revenue to free $2.6 million in general-fund capacity; planned transfers to support the Sportsplex (about $13.8 million in transfers are noted in the staff materials); and $12 million in proposed new capital projects for 2025–26 along with previously budgeted CIP funding.

Councilmembers and members of the public raised a series of fiscal concerns. Audit committee member Jim Grivich urged the council to “listen to the residents” and to require competitive procurement for city contracts, saying the city has “not attempt[ed] to get best value out of its contracts” in prior audits. A local property owner asked the city to review business-license penalties that he said had grown substantially in his case; the acting city manager said staff would follow up.

Several councilmembers focused discussion on capital priorities. Councilman Kento asked staff to consider using restricted surplus to accelerate additional residential street repairs; staff noted the city holds restricted funds that could be applied to streets but some CIP accounts are restricted and must be used consistent with their funding source.

Council members also debated specific proposed CIP items. The city has previously budgeted $500,000 for elevator work at City Hall; staff said a full scope had been estimated at up to $1 million, but that scope and the procurement approach would be refined. Councilmembers questioned whether some city capital funding should shift to high-priority public-safety and wildfire-hazard items such as hillside brush clearance.

During council reports and requests at the meeting’s end, Councilman Kento moved to agendize establishment of a Section 115 pension trust, to agendize termination of the BrightView landscaping contract and to empower the city manager to seek a replacement contractor, and to have staff research options for a public-safety tax. Council members indicated support for placing those items on a future agenda; staff said termination would require following procurement procedures (including an RFP for replacement services) and that placing a tax measure on the ballot would require either council action or a citizen petition and would incur election costs.

Separately, the council approved the consent calendar items 1–3 by roll-call vote (motion by Councilwoman Diaz, second by Mayor Pro Tem Lopez Viotto; recorded vote 4–0). The budget remains proposed and will return for adoption at a future meeting; staff said the adoption is scheduled to be considered in mid-June to allow a July 1 start of the fiscal year.

Sources: presentation on the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget by Acting Finance Director Maria Luisa Olaya; public comment from Jim Grivich and property owner Michael; councilmember requests recorded on the public record.","Acting finance staff presented a proposed FY 2025–26 budget that projects roughly $144.2 million in combined revenues and $156.1 million in expenditures across all funds; councilmembers and speakers pressed for competitive contracting, possible reallocation to streets and public-safety priorities, and clarification of reserve and pension costs.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6541150,"West Covina highlights faster permitting, online portal and rising construction valuation",734,1713000,2447000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6&start=1713&end=2447","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3656010-ac4eb6eeba4e06d8de618cfc95bfd0c6/thumbnail_1713000.jpg","/articles/6541150/West-Covina/Los-Angeles-County/California/West-Covina-highlights-faster-permitting-online-portal-and-rising-construction-valuation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6541150-ecb3ed81c6c9a2cc94e57b29ad0c27cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1776181107&Signature=OfaM9BDxrWoWAf1D-r2BvYKzoazGOkpxM1vVUtXaavsFixtZozv93QQv2RQyELmbLrpLNu8hVTxqneLHO7YIXicsCMHFgjE~o0Vi7lyMM89lDUbN7d4WtTyJHnrXUX9NBjzH~gwPvnKZS5PPulzNArA0gkoEm4BE-8nEnDserolqLJA0mLEtEgOUTtNOEmXEThgHPyKbOfMTFmDiX-Zl0xyRgn5Tacx5WgZ3FjTBKIpydaSEv7zgwe1zjKA28iqZ8IJkFs4OQdq9xiTUoxI2CDAaXFIKOM9l4QQPqAyKn6eRVnHzwoTCYQyGseu46rzA5tJBOv6r5nH4~PhZhQKNTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","West Covina officials and outside consultants presented an update on the city’s building division on the council dais, describing new online permitting tools, staffing levels and recent permit and inspection volumes.

The presentation, delivered by Melissa DeMearcy of TransTech on behalf of the building division, said residents and developers can now submit plans “24 hours a day, 7 days a week” through the city’s GoPost portal and that the system is provided at no additional cost to the city. She said plan-review turnaround for active projects averages about 14 calendar days and inspectors perform about 40 to 70 inspections per day.

The update included a year-end summary for 2024 and a year-to-date snapshot for 2025 through May 31. The building division reported 4,658 building permits processed in 2024, 8,931 inspections and 1,514 plan reviews, with a total reported permit valuation of $64,400,000. For the first five months of 2025, staff reported 1,915 permits, 4,259 inspections and permit valuation reaching $40,900,000.

“We take pride as the building department, oftentimes being the first point of contact for a lot of residents,” DeMearcy said. She described a permit counter open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., remote plan-check staff and a permitting phone line (626-939-8425) for scheduling inspections at least 24 hours in advance.

Deputy director Joanne Burns and building division supervisor Jason Robbins joined DeMearcy at the podium and answered questions about online payment and the city’s plan to expand virtual services. Joanne Burns confirmed the billing and permit invoicing process can be completed online and that applicants receive a payment link by email; Burns said some projects are processed entirely without an in-person visit.

Council members praised the reported reduction in inspection backlogs after complaints in prior years about limited inspector availability. Mayor Tony Wu and Mayor Pro Tem Lopez Viotto thanked staff for the faster processing and customer-service focus.

The presentation noted the building division currently has roughly 10–14 staff at the public counter with an additional 20–25 remote plan-check staff, and that there were about eight projects in plan check at the time of the presentation. DeMearcy said the city and TransTech are continuing to refine the portal and prospective future improvements include bringing some planning review steps online as well.

Council members asked staff to continue reporting turnaround times and to expand online planning services so applicants can complete more of the process remotely.

Sources: presentation and answers on the record from Melissa DeMearcy, Joanne Burns and Jason Robbins.","City officials and TransTech staff told the council the building division reduced plan-check times and increased permit and inspection volume, while rolling out a 24/7 online submittal portal and promising further modernization.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

West Covina council extends condolences after fatal shooting of Baldwin Park officer; candlelight vigil set

West Covina honors two church members who performed life-saving CPR on Mother's Day

West Covina swears in second police chaplain; department emphasizes volunteer support role

West Covina council hears proposed FY 2025–26 budget; members press for priorities and contract scrutiny

West Covina highlights faster permitting, online portal and rising construction valuation