Coaches and parents protest pause of West Covina youth basketball; city pledges quick review

Coaches, parents and former players filled the council chamber on May 19 to urge the city to restore the Cameron Community Center youth basketball league after staff informed organizers the program would be paused this summer.

Multiple speakers (including Andrew Delgado, Carlos Rosales and Gary Edwards) described the program's role in youth development, its inclusive, co-ed structure and the number of children who participate. "If you take one step into that community center, you know exactly what I'm talking about," coach Andrew Delgado said, calling the league "one of the most popular and impactful programs in the city." Gary Edwards, a volunteer coach, described measurable benefits to youth who participate and urged the council not to cancel the season.

Assistant City Manager Roxan Lurma and Acting City Manager Milin said staff had received fragmented information about the pause and that the issue appears to stem from part-time staffing availability and scheduling constraints under state hourly caps for temporary employees. Roxan Lurma said she would review staffing allocations, coordinate with finance and human resources, and meet with coaches immediately.

Milin said staff would contact coaches and volunteers the next morning and work to resolve the issue "probably tomorrow morning"; Roxan said she would provide a staffing and cost review and promised the city would coordinate with volunteer coaches while ensuring appropriate staff support for safety and program quality.

Why it matters: The council heard that hundreds of children participate in the league and that the program provides mentorship and off-street activities during summer months. City staff promised to return with a status update and financial implications within days, and council members requested a follow-up at the next meeting.