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Lehi (Letty) Lopez Viado sworn in as West Covina mayor as council confronts seating dispute and ADA review request
Summary
At a Dec. 2 West Covina City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Lehi/Letty Lopez Viado was sworn in under municipal succession rules while the meeting briefly recessed over an assigned‑seating dispute; council later agreed to review questions about ADA accommodations and procedures.
Lehi (Letty) Lopez Viado was sworn in as mayor of West Covina on Dec. 2 after the council proceeded under the city’s succession procedures. Pastor Kelly Dupey administered the oath and Mayor Lopez Viado delivered inaugural remarks calling for unity, respect and a focus on service to all residents.
The reorganization followed a staff summary of West Covina Municipal Code Section 2‑2‑1 and Ordinance No. 2523, which outline mayoral succession during election years. With no opposition during the hearing, the council moved forward with the swearing‑in.
During the same agenda item, a procedural dispute erupted over rotation and assigned seating after the reorganization. A council member declined to move to the newly assigned seat, prompting repeated requests from the mayor and an exchange in which the mayor asked the sergeant at arms to remove the member if the disruption continued. Meeting leaders called a five‑minute recess to defuse the situation; the gavel was reported missing when the meeting resumed. After the break, Mayor Lopez Viado completed her remarks and emphasized partnership, decorum and representation for the whole city.
Council also addressed requests related to ADA accommodations. One councilmember described the HR department as following federal guidelines but supported bringing the matter to counsel so rights are preserved and procedures checked; the council moved forward with a request for staff and counsel to summarize the issue and review it, with an emphasis on protecting individuals’ rights and following legal process.
Recognitions: The council presented certificates and plaques to outgoing Mayor Tony Wu from multiple offices (Congressman Gil Cisneros, Senator Susan Rubio, Assemblymember Blanca Rubio) and local associations; Mayor Wu offered remarks thanking staff and noting recent achievements during his term, including public safety hires and plans for a new fire station.
Quotes from the meeting "I love West Covina," Mayor Lopez Viado said in her inaugural remarks, framing her pledge to represent the entire city and to pursue partnership and civility.
"If you continually interrupt, and you cannot finish the meeting..." the mayor said during the seating dispute, urging members to follow the rotation and assigned seating.
What happens next: City staff and the city attorney will review the ADA‑related request and summarize findings for future council consideration; staff also adjusted seating and assisted with logistics after the reorganization.
Clarifying details - Legal basis for reorganization: West Covina Municipal Code §2‑2‑1 and Ordinance No. 2523 were cited by staff during the reorganization presentation. - Procedural actions: The council paused for a five‑minute recess to address the seating dispute; no formal discipline was recorded in the transcript.
