Letty Lopez Viado was sworn in as mayor of West Covina on Dec. 2, taking the oath of office in a ceremony that included tributes to outgoing Mayor Tony Wu and brief disorder in the council chamber.

Viado repeated the oath administered by Pastor Kelly Dupey and, after a short recess prompted by a seating dispute, told the council she would “represent all of you with the highest level of standards” and asked colleagues to focus on service and civility. “I’m honored to serve as your new mayor,” she said in her remarks.

The ceremony included presentations of certificates and plaques from congressional and state representatives and public-safety organizations thanking outgoing Mayor Tony Wu for his service. Christian Salama, a representative from Congressman Gil Cisneros’s office, and staff from Senator Susan Rubio’s and Assemblymember Blanca Rubio’s offices presented tokens of appreciation.

The meeting briefly recessed after a dispute about moving councilmembers’ seats following the reorganization. During the exchange, the mayoral dais and staff discussed seating arrangements and an allegedly missing gavel; a council member called for a closed-session recess before the group agreed to a five-minute break to restore order.

Following the recess, Viado delivered an inaugural address calling for unity, respect and transparency in council deliberations and pledged to work with staff to support city services and public safety. Councilmembers offered their congratulations and thanked outgoing Mayor Wu for his decade of city service.

Separately during council comments, members raised questions about ADA accommodations and transparency; a motion was made and seconded to gather information and preserve any resident or employee rights while staff clarifies applicable procedures. Council directed staff to summarize the request and follow up.

The meeting concluded with routine council business and an adjournment to a reception upstairs.