About West Covina | WC Neighbors

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About West Covina

Audit: State Controller (Audit Reviewed Fiscal Years: 2011-12, 2012-13)

Baer, S. (2015, July 9. Updated 2017, August 30). State audit finds 'serious and pervasive deficiencies' in West Covina finances. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Baer, S. (2015, October 8. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina creates committee to oversee city audit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Editorial Board. (2015, July 15. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina scandal calls for citizen outrage. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Henry, J. (2014, June 8. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina council requests audit from state controller. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

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.

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 most recent audit.

Haddock, T. (2020, December, 2). Facing scathing auditor's report, West Covina's leaders vow to fix financial woes. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Haddock, T. (2021, January 18). West Covina City Council prepares response to damaging state audit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Henry, J. (2020, December 1). West Covina at risk of bankruptcy, state auditor warns. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Nelson, D. (2024, December 30). City finances remain ‘high risk’ in West Covina, Montebello, state audit finds. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

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

Blackstock, J. (Estimated date: Mid-1980s). West Covina Not Selling City Hall. San Gabriel Valley Tribune (attributed).

Debt-ridden West Covina issuing bonds for complex. (2006, July 4. Updated 2017, August 30). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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

West Covina's issuance of pension obligation bonds. (2020, July 29). Public CEO: California's Top News for Local Government Leaders.

Singgih, P. (2020, July 8). West Covina will pay off unfunded pensions with bond debt. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Singgh, P. (2020, July 28). West Covina issues new bonds to pay unfunded pensions. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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

West Covina police association wants concessions in lieu of raises, city refuses. (2011, July 19. Updated 2017, August 30. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

West Covina public safety units agree to begin paying retirement costs. (2012, July 19. Updated 2017, August 30). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

West Covina officials approve pay raises for police and fire chiefs. (2012, August 22. Updated 2017, August 30). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Baer, S. 2018, January 10). Resurrected: West Covina to bring back community events after cutting them from budget. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Baer, S. (2016, February 3). West Covina eliminates health, retirement benefits for council members. (2016, February 3). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Henry, J. (2013, December 18. Updated 2017, August 30). Six West Covina firefighters laid off after loss of grant fund. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Wong, K. (2018, July 19). Financially pinched West Covina cuts half its maintenance division. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2018, May 15). West Covina projects $8.7 million deficit next fiscal year; bankruptcy mentioned. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Yee, C. (2018, June 12). Without across-the-board cuts, West Covina projects $7.2 million deficit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

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.

Yee, C. (2018, July 13). West Covina still doesn’t have a budget and that had tempers flaring. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2018, July 27). West Covina still doesn’t have a balanced budget this year. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2018, August 3). West Covina finally adopts a budget for 2018-19 – a month into new year. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

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.

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

Singgih, P. (2020, June 17). West Covina continues to grapple with money problems. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Singgih, P. (2020, June 24). West Covina passes ‘tentative’ budget among coronavirus deficits. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Singgih, P. (2020, August 5. Updated 2020, August 7). Instead of defund, West Covina to invest in more police. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Valdez, C. (2023). West Covina in a financial hole on Sportsplex; and a new health department? Not this year. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2018, December 24). West Covina leaders propose restoring cut fire, police services but with what money? San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, February 4). Unexpected expenses are going to cost cash-strapped West Covina $2 million. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Yee, C. (2019, May 8). With budget deficit looming, West Covina looks for extra help. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Yee, C. (2019, May 30). Despite predictions of being in the hole, West Covina set to present balanced budget. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, June 5). West Covina’s proposed budget was balanced with 8 layoffs, elimination of 8 unfilled positions. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, October 17). Strapped for cash, West Covina hikes police officer salaries. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, November 7). Cash-strapped West Covina approves raise for its firefighters. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

See Also: Coronavirus Pandemic Management; General Interest

Campaign Finance & Reform

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.

Henry, J. (2013, October 9. Updated 2017, August 30). Three West Covina campaigns funded almost exclusively by companies. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Montoya, G. (2020, January 20). West Covina amends campaign finance rules. SacMedia.

Sprague, M. (2022, October 27). West Covina City Council candidate sues over $500 campaign finance limit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, December 12). Were campaign donations to West Covina councilwoman illegal? The DA says yes. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

See Also: Resources | News Article About City Council Elections page.

Coronavirus Pandemic Management

Haddock, T. (2020, November 30). West Covina mayor aims to start talks about alternatives to LA County public health. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Haddock, T. (2020, December 2). West Covina City Council is latest city to fight outdoor dining ban in LA County. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Haddock, T. (2020, December 10). West Covina challenges order to stop outdoor dining, sales tax deferral. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Haddock, T. (2020, December 10). West Covina teams with medical advisor to offer advice on public health decisions. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Haddock, T. (2021, January 6). West Covina contracts with Care Ambulance, expands services. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Haddock, T. (2021, March 5). New sites offer COVID-19 vaccines in West Covina. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Haddock, T. (2021, March 25). Mobile COVID-19 vaccination sites come to West Covina. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Singgih, P. (2020, April 7. Updated 2020, April 8). West Covina launches new coronavirus testing site. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Singgih, P. (2020, April 15). Coronavrus: West Covina gives protective gear to residents. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Singgih, P. (2020, May 20). West Covina declares fiscal emergency amid coronavirus shortfalls. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Sprague, M. (2020, March 12). West Covina closes Cortez Park Community and Senior Center due to coronavirus. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Fire Department Contractual and Related Issues

2018 and Earlier

Tedford, D. (2010, January 25. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina Firefighters Assocation owes $27,000 in campaign-finance penalties. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

West Covina approves ordinance affecting pension plans for new firefighter hires. (2011, July 20). San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

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.

Baer, S. (2017, September 26). West Covina firefighters vote no confidence in Larry Whithorn. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Henry, J. (2014, July 1. Updated 2017, August 30.) West Covina considering switch to county fire services. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Molina, S. (2016, June 9. Updated 2017, August 30). Can West Covina and its firefighters agree on a new contract? San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2018). West Covina to keep disputed fire engine company – for now. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

2019 to Present

Singgih, P. (2020, June 15. Updated June 16, 2020). West Covina Committee: Dissolve city Fire Department. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Singgih, P. (2020, July 25). West Covina firefighter PAC hit with penalty by state commission. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

The Council Consent Calendar: After Action Report. (2024, July 23). Pasadena Approves Emergency Services Dispatch Agreement With West Covina. Pasadena Now.

See Also: Budget & Expenditures above.

General Interest

Haddock, T. (2021, February 3). West Covina decides to tap LA County for animal control. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Haddock, T. (2021, February 4). West Covina repealing sex offender residency restrictions. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Haddock, T. (2021, February 11). West Covina adds 10 police officers, 8 staff members. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Haddock, T. (2021, February 11). West Covina receives grants for parks improvement, building-permit software. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Singgih, P. (2020, July 7.) Thousands of West Covina jobs saved by Federal loans. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Singgih, P. (2020, August 14). West Covina receives new grant to rewrite zoning laws. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, April 17). West Covina seniors: Your rides on public transit just got cheaper. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, October 10.Updated, 2019, October 14). West Covina removing outdated in-road crosswalks. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Lawsuits, Legal Expenditures

City News Service. (2024, June 20). Former West Covina PD officer who alleged ex-colleagues called him ‘Wuhan’ settles lawsuit.

City News Service. (2024, December 9). West Covina seeks dismissal of former fire captain’s discrimination lawsuit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Henry, J. (2014, January 12. Updated 2017, August 30). West Covina to settle public records lawsuit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Ogden, G. (2019, May 2-8). New West Covina City Manager Fires Both Police and Fire Chiefs. San Gabriel Valley Examiner.

Ogden, G. (2024, December 5-11). West Covina City Manager fires Fire Chief Vince Capelle. San Gabriel Valley Examiner.

Venturi. (2024. May 3). Rialto & City Manager Reach “Mutual” Departure Agreement As His Past Emerges. San Bernadino County Sentinel.

The Venturi article does a good job of explaining city manager-city council dynamics and lawsuits that can occur. West Covina and its former city manager are prominently discussed

Wilson, D. (2024, November 27). West Covina Fire Chief Vincent Capelle terminated pending appeal hearing. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2018, November 5). Former West Covina deputy marshal wins whistleblower lawsuit against city. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Gutierrez v. City of West Covina | City of West Covina v. Gutierrez

Rivera, A. (2026, March 12). West Covina councilman sues city over report he ‘likely’ intimidated colleagues. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Rivera, A. (2026, March 13). Judge says West Covina censure hearing against councilman can proceed using contested investigation findings. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Rivera, A. (2026, March 18). West Covina City Council censures colleague as residents tell leaders to ‘stop fighting’. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Silla, J. (2025, February 21). West Covina sues sitting city councilman, demanding AI-generated ‘public’ records. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

See Also: City Council Conflict below.

Taylor v. City of West Covina

City News Service. (2024, August 16). Former West Covina police chief's age discrimination suit settles. Microsoft Start. KNX News Radio Los Angeles.

City News Service. (2023, May 12). Former West Covina police chief’s age discrimination suit trial delayed. SGV Tribune.

City News Service. (2022, September 20). Ex-West Covina police chief’s age discrimination case is going to trial. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Whithorn v. City of West Covina

City News Service. (2023, December 11). Former West Covina fire chief wins nearly $1 million in attorneys fees in discrimination suit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

EIN Presswire. (2023, May 5). Jury Delivers $4.1 Million Verdict for Ousted Fire Chief Whithorn against West Covina.

Henry, J. (2023, May 5). Former West Covina fire chief awarded $4.1 million in wrongful termination suit. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Montoya, R. (2023, May 9). Former Former West Covina fire chief wins $4.1 million in wrongful termination suit. SAC Media.

Ogden, G. (2025, July 17 - 23). California Court Upholds $4.1 Million Jury Verdict for West Covina Fire Chief. San Gabriel Valley Examiner. Note: Includes a link to Whithorn v City of West Covina Court of Appeals Opinion.

Rivera, A. (2025, October 16). State Supreme Court declines to hear West Covina’s appeal in ex-fire chief’s wrongful termination case. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Vargas, G. (2025, July 25). Appeals court upholds $4.1 million verdict for former West Covina fire chief. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Varone, C. (2025). California Court Upholds $4.1 Million Jury Verdict for Fire Chief Fired After Medical Leave. Fire Law Blog.

Varone, C. (2023, May 8). California Jury Awards Fired Chief $4.1 million. Fire Law Blog.

Varone, C. (2020, March 9). California Fire Chief Sues for Wrongful Termination. Fire Law Blog.

Leadership: City Council

Table: West Covina City Council 2015 to Present

General

Henry, J. (2025, August 31). West Covina spent $152,000 on Moon Festival tied to mayor's wife. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Rivera, A. (2025, August 30.) In West Covina, a furor over town hall meetings has critics decrying mayor’s plan. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Silla, J. (2025, November 20.) In West Covina, questions over a tree-trimming contract reveal deeper tensions. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

Valdes, G. (2023, May 17. Update 2023, May 17.) West Covina councilmember under LA County Sheriff investigation, officials said. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

City Council Conflict

Henry, J. (2025, August 31, Updated: 2025, September 4). West Covina spent $152,000 on Moon Festival tied to mayor’s wife. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Rivera, A. (2026, March 18.) West Covina City Council censures colleague as residents tell leaders to ‘stop fighting’. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Silla, J. (2026, August 3.) Fair Political Practices Commission investigating allegations against West Covina’s Tony Wu. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Silla, J. (2026, March 5. Updated 2026, March 8). West Covina City Council OKs censure hearing against councilmember as tensions roil board. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Silla, J. (2025, November 20). In West Covina, questions over a tree-trimming contract reveal deeper tensions. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Silla, J. (2025, December 3). As new West Covina mayor takes the gavel, tensions on the dais once again emerge. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

See Also: Lawsuits, Legal Expenditures above.

Tony Wu Recall

Merino, C. (2024, February 9). West Covina residents announce recall effort against Councilmember Tony Wu. San Gabriel Valley Examiner.

Merino, C. (2024, March 22). Recall against West Covina Councilmember Tony Wu moves forward. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Ogden, G. (2024, February 15 - 21). West Covina Mayor Pro Tem Tony Wu served with recall papers. San Gabriel Valley Examiner.

Shade, L. (March 21 - 27, 2024). West Covina announces first-ever recall. San Gabriel Valley Examiner.

Wilson, D. (2024, July 12). Effort to recall Tony Wu fails. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

New!

Leadership: City Manager

Table: West Covina City Council and City Managers - 2015 to Present

Baer, S. (2015, September 11). West Covina City Council to consider city manager appointment. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Baer, S. (2015, September 16). West Covina appoints Chris Freeland as city manager. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Henry, J. (2014, December 17. Updated 2017, August 3). West Covina chooses former Orange County CEO for interim city manager. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Montoya, R. (2023, May 18). West Covina City Manager David Carmany resigns. The resignation comes amid the emergence of Carmany’s police report against Councilman Tony Wu. SACMedia.

Orona, J. (2024, May 9). West Covina appoints Paulina Morales first female, and Latina city manager. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Silla, J. (2026, June 6). West Covina makes Mrakich city manager, with praise for better communications. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Valdez, G. (2023, May 18). City Manager submits resignation, citing 'personal reasons'. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, March 6). West Covina city manager resigns, two other top officials leave too. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, April 3). West Covina’s interim city manager recently led La Puente staff. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, July 17). West Covina wants interim city manager to take the job permanently … for 1 year. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

New!

Special Events

Centennial Celebration

Montoya, R. (2023, May 16). Investigation spotlights friction within West Covina City Council following event dispute. SACMedia.

Montoya, R. & Grubaugh. (2023, February 23). Indigenous people denounce West Covina mayor and councilman after centennial event debacle. SACMedia.

Rivera, A. (2023, February 18). West Covina celebrates 100 years of cityhood with a ‘home’ and ‘family feel’.

San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Valdez, G. (2023, February 22). West Covina mayor, councilman, face scrutiny after city’s cancellation of indigenous blessing. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Valdez, G. (2023, May 15). West Covina leaders’ comments doomed Indigenous blessing, report says. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

July 4, 2023 Celebration

Concerns over firework safety in West Covina. (2023, July 4) Yahoo News.

Valdez, G. (2023, July 3). July 4 fireworks at West Covina Sportsplex are seen by some residents as too dangerous. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

"Vegetation Fire." City of West Covina. July 5, 2023. Press Release.

West Covina residents worried about 4th of July fireworks near former landfill. (2023, July 4). Fox 11 Los Angeles.S

Measure WC Sales Tax increase Initiative

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.

Singgih, P. (2020, March 4). West Covina voters shoot down sales tax increase, what does that mean? San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yee, C. (2019, November 12). West Covina voters will have final say on sales tax increase. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Yee, C. (2019, December 2). West Covina to place sales tax increase on March ballot. San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

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