News Articles
About West Covina
Audit: State Controller (Audit Reviewed Fiscal Years: 2011-12, 2012-13)
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Baer, S. (2015, July 9. Updated 2017, August 30). State audit finds 'serious and pervasive deficiencies' in West Covina finances. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Baer, S. (2015, September 24. Updated 2017, August 30). Question of punishment brought up as West Covina addresses problems uncovered by state audit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Baer, S. (2015, October 8. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina creates committee to oversee city audit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Baer, S. (2016, August 26. Updated 2017, August 30). Bill inspired by West Covina’s mishandling of contracts heads to governor’s desk. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Editorial Board. (2015, July 15. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina scandal calls for citizen outrage. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2014, April 27. Updated 2017, August 30). Local, state officials call for state controller’s audit of West Covina. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2014, June 8. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina council requests audit from state controller. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2014, September 11. Updated 2017, August 30). 'Questionable' West Covina finances to be probed by California State Controller John Chang. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. and Baer, S. (2015, July 11. Updated 2017, August 30). Cronyism alleged in pervasive financial misuse in West Covina. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Winton, R. and Smith, D. (2015, July 9). Audit finds massive financial mismanagement in West Covina. Los Angeles Times.
Audit: State Auditor (Audit Reviewed Fiscal Years 2015–16 through 2019–20)
Note: This is the audit that is currently underway.
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Haddock, T. (2020, December, 2). Facing scathing auditor's report, West Covina's leaders vow to fix financial woes. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2021, January 18). West Covina City Council prepares response to damaging state audit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2020, December 1). West Covina at risk of bankruptcy, state auditor warns. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, October 24. Updated 2019, October 25). State Auditor finds West Covina to be the 17th most financially challenged city in California. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, December 10). West Covina residents want state to audit city finances. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
See Also: About the Issues | Municipal Finances & Bankruptcy
Bond Issuance & Debt
2018 and Earlier
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Blackstock, J. (Estimated date: Mid-1980s). West Covina Not Selling City Hall. San Gabriel Valley Tribune (attributed).
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Debt-ridden West Covina issuing bonds for complex. (2006, July 4. Updated 2017, August 30). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, September 19. Updated 2018, September 20). Cash-strapped West Covina looks to refinance its debt, makes other moves to tighten belt. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
2019 to Present
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Singgih, P. (2020, July 8). West Covina will pay off unfunded pensions with bond debt. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgh, P. (2020, July 28). West Covina issues new bonds to pay unfunded pensions. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Walsch, M. (2021, February 16). To Plug a Pension Gap, This City Rented Its Streets. To Itself. The New York Times.
See Also: About the Issues | Municipal Finances & Bankruptcy
Budget & Expenditures
2018 and Earlier
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West Covina police association wants concessions in lieu of raises, city refuses. (2011, July 19. Updated 2017, August 30. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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West Covina public safety units agree to begin paying retirement costs. (2012, July 19. Updated 2017, August 30). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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West Covina officials approve pay raises for police and fire chiefs. (2012, August 22. Updated 2017, August 30). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2013, December 18. Updated 2017, August 30). Six West Covina firefighters laid off after loss of grant fund. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Baer, Stephanie. (2016, February 3). West Covina eliminates health, retirement benefits for council members. (2016, February 3). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Wong, K. (2018, July 19). Financially pinched West Covina cuts half its maintenance division. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, May 15). West Covina projects $8.7 million deficit next fiscal year; bankruptcy mentioned. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, May 16). Despite $8.7 million budget shortfall, West Covina leaders balk at idea of local tax measure. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, June 12). Without across-the-board cuts, West Covina projects $7.2 million deficit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, June 18). West Covina won’t have a budget ready by the next fiscal year, which starts in two weeks. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, July 3. Updated 2018, July 5). After taking knife to police and fire services, West Covina still facing at least $3 million shortfall. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, July 13). West Covina still doesn’t have a budget and that had tempers flaring. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, July 27). West Covina still doesn’t have a balanced budget this year. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, August 3). West Covina finally adopts a budget for 2018-19 – a month into new year. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, August 10). Parcel tax will not appear on West Covina ballot in November despite city being in dire financial straights. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, September 17. Updated 2018, September 29). Changes at West Covina Police Department could mean fewer officers on duty at times. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, December 21). West Covina residents rip new maintenance contract, months after city fires 21 workers. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
2019 to Present
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Singgih, P. (2020, June 17). West Covina continues to grapple with money problems. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, June 24). West Covina passes ‘tentative’ budget among coronavirus deficits. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, August 5. Updated 2020, August 7). Instead of defund, West Covina to invest in more police. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, December 24). West Covina leaders propose restoring cut fire, police services but with what money? San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, February 4). Unexpected expenses are going to cost cash-strapped West Covina $2 million. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, March 23). West Covina made big cuts last year when it might not have had to, audit finds. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, May 8). With budget deficit looming, West Covina looks for extra help. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, May 16.Updated 2019, May 17). West Covina has to spend $2 million on parks before it can spend Measure A funds. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, May 30). Despite predictions of being in the hole, West Covina set to present balanced budget. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, June 5). West Covina’s proposed budget was balanced with 8 layoffs, elimination of 8 unfilled positions. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, October 17). Strapped for cash, West Covina hikes police officer salaries. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, November 7). Cash-strapped West Covina approves raise for its firefighters. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
See Also: Coronavirus Pandemic Management below.
Campaign Finance & Reform
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Editorial Board. (2017, January 11. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina City Council moves to district voting. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Baer, S. (2017, February 6. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina intends to limit political corruption with this new campaign finance rule. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2013, October 9. Updated 2017, August 30). Three West Covina campaigns funded almost exclusively by companies. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Montoya, G. (2020, January 20). West Covina amends campaign finance rules. SacMedia.
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Sprague, M. (2022, October 27). West Covina City Council candidate sues over $500 campaign finance limit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, December 12). Were campaign donations to West Covina councilwoman illegal? The DA says yes. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
Centennial Celebration
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Montoya, R. (2023, May 16). Investigation spotlights friction within West Covina City Council following event dispute. SACMedia.
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Montoya, R. & Grubaugh. (2023, February 23). Indigenous people denounce West Covina mayor and councilman after centennial event debacle. SACMedia.
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Rivera, A. (2023, February 18). West Covina celebrates 100 years of cityhood with a ‘home’ and ‘family feel’. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Valdez, G. (2023, February 22). West Covina mayor, councilman, face scrutiny after city’s cancellation of indigenous blessing. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Valdez, G. (2023, May 15). West Covina leaders’ comments doomed Indigenous blessing, report says. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
New!
Coronavirus Pandemic Management
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Haddock, T. (2020, November 30). West Covina mayor aims to start talks about alternatives to LA County public health. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2020, December 2). West Covina City Council is latest city to fight outdoor dining ban in LA County. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2020, December 10). West Covina challenges order to stop outdoor dining, sales tax deferral. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2020, December 10). West Covina teams with medical advisor to offer advice on public health decisions. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2021, January 6). Pandemic-Era Heroes: San Gabriel Valley's Henry Miao donated thousands of masks to frontline workers. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2021, January 16). West Covina contracts with Care Ambulance, expands services. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2021, March 5, 2021). New sites offers COVID-19 vaccines in West Covina. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2021, March 25, 2020). Mobile COVID-19 vaccination sites come to West Covina. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, April 7. Updated 2020, April 8). West Covina launches news coronavirus testing site. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, April 15). Coronavirus: West Covina gives free protective gear to residents. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, May 20). West Covina declares fiscal emergency amid coronavirus shortfalls. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Sprague, M. (2020, March 12). West Covina closes Cortez Park Community and Senior Center due to coronavirus. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
Fire Department Contractual Issues
2018 and Earlier
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West Covina approves ordinance affecting pension plans for new firefighter hires. (2011, July 20). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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West Covina votes against using Los Angeles County Fire Department for public safety services. (2012, February 14. Updated 2017, August 30). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Baer, S. (2015, October 6. Updated 2017, August 30). State to mediate labor negotiations for West Covina firefighters. San Gabriel Valley Tribune. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Baer, S. (2017, May 11. Updated 2017, August 30. Will cuts to West Covina's fire department endanger lives? West Covina's fire association says yes. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2014, July 1. Updated 2017, August 30.) West Covina considering switch to county fire services. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Molina, S. (2016, June 9. Updated 2017, August 30). Can West Covina and its firefighters agree on a new contract? San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018). West Covina to keep disputed fire engine company – for now. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
2019 to Present
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Singgih, P. (2020, June 15. Updated June 16). West Covina Committee: Dissolve city Fire Department. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
See Also: Budget & Expenditures above.
General Interest
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Baer, Stephanie. (2016, November 17). West Covina is changing when it will hold elections to increase turnout. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2021, February 3). West Covina decides to tap LA County for animal control. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2021, February 4). West Covina repealing sex offender residency restrictions. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2021, February 11). West Covina adds 10 police officers, 8 staff members. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2021, February 11). West Covina receives grants for parks improvement, building-permit software. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, July 7.) Thousands of West Covina jobs saved by Federal loans. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, July 25). West Covina firefighter PAC hit with penalty by state commission. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, August 2.Updated 2020, August 4). Meet West Covina youth who seek to defund the police, bring social change. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, August 6. Updated 2020, August 7). West Covina residents say they were censored at a July 7 meeting. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, August 14). West Covina receives new grant to rewrite zoning laws. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Tedford, D. (2010, January 25. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina Firefighters Assocation owes $27,000 in campaign-finance penalties. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, November 5). Former West Covina deputy marshal wins whistleblower lawsuit against city. San Gabriel Vallley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, April 17). West Covina seniors: Your rides on public transit just got cheaper. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, October 10.Updated, 2019, October 14). West Covina removing outdated in-road crosswalks. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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West Covina police union drops suit questioning city's finances. (2013, April 18. Updated 2017, August 30). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
See Also: About the Issues | General Interest
Health Department: Creating a Local Department
See the"News Articles" section on Health Dept. Issues page.
Leadership: City Council
2013 and Earlier Election Cycles
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Henry, J. (2013, July 24). West Covina council seats open for nominations for November election. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2013, November 5). Election 2013: Newcomers beat out previous appointees in West Covina City Council race. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2013, November 15). Mike Spence passes Lloyd Johnson in West Covina council race. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
2018 Election Cycle
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Yee, C. (2018, October 15. Updated 2018, October 15). West Covina’s shaky future on the minds of City Council candidates. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, November 7). Shift of Power: West Covina adds two newcomers, could soon add a third. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2018, December 19). West Covina to appoint a resident to fill city council vacancy, avoiding a special election. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, January 16. Updated 2019, January 17). West Covina City Council fills its vacancy with a name you may know. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, August 26. Updated 2019, August 26). Some West Covina residents are up in arms over a city business meeting held in Temple City. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
- Yee, C. (2019, November 24). Changing of West Covina leadership gives pause to celebrate city's diversity. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
2020 Election Cycle
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Haddock, T. (2020, December 14, 2020). Q&A: Lopez-Viado shares her vision as new mayor of West Covina. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Haddock, T. (2020, December 16). Two new members join West Covina City Council. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2020, November 3). 2020 Election: Newcomers lead incumbents for 2 West Covina City Council seats. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Henry, J. (2020, November 4. Updated 2020, November 10). 2020 Election: West Covina ousts incumbents, elects 2 newcomers to city council. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Morales, R. (2020, October 16). Brian Tabatabi, Brian Gutierrez challenge Lloyd Johnson for West Covina City Council District 1 seat. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Morales, R. (2020, October 19). Jessica Shewmaker defends West Covina City Council District 3 seat against Bennett, Rozatti, Diaz. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
2022 Election Cycle
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Morales, R. (2022, October 25. Updated 2022, 26) Election 2022: Seven vie for two seats on West Covina City Council. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Election 2022: West Covina City Council District 5 led by Wu, District 4 by Cantos, in early results. (2022, November 8, 2022. Updated 2022, November 9). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Montoya, R. Former West Covina Mayor Looks To Take Back City Council Seat. (2022, September 2.) SAC Media
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Montoya, R. West Covina election update: Wu, Cantos maintain leads, on track to secure seats. (2022, November 13). SAC Media.
See Also: Campaign Finance & Reform above.
Measure WC Sales Tax increase Initiative
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Potras, J. (2020, January 23-29). Measure WC is not the typical city sales tax increase. San Gabriel Valley Examiner.
- Sanchez, J. (2020, March 3). West Covina residents vote down controversial tax initiative. Wordpress: Hosting the work of one local reporter.
- Singgih, P. (2020, March 3). Semi-final results show West Covina sales tax increase fails. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Singgih, P. (2020, March 4). West Covina voters shoot down sales tax increase, what does that mean? San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, August 5. Updated 2019, August 6). 5,200 signatures would let West Covina residents decide on 10.25% sales tax. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, August 21. Updated 2019, August 21). West Covina residents to City Council: Do you support proposed sales tax increase? San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, September 16. Updated September 17). With signature gathering underway, West Covina mayor wants to opine on sales tax hike. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, September 18). Updated 2019, September 18). West Covina council doesn't want to talk about sales tax hike, even as residents gather signatures. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, November 12). West Covina voters will have final say on sales tax increase. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
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Yee, C. (2019, December 2). West Covina to place sales tax increase on March ballot. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.