Heated Altercation Involving Election Candidates Disrupts Public Meeting
An intense altercation erupted at West Covina City Hall on Tuesday night during a Planning Commission meeting, involving local election candidates and sparking a police investigation. The incident unfolded just before 8 p.m., according to reports from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
Candidates and Supporters Engage in Physical Conflict
Witness accounts and video footage reveal that the confrontation involved Councilmember Rosario Diaz, her husband Bill Elliott, and residents Steve Bennett and John Shewmaker. Shewmaker is challenging Diaz for the District 3 City Council seat, while Bennett is a candidate for the Covina-Valley School District Board of Education. The altercation reportedly started inside the council chambers during the public comment session and escalated on a stairway leading to the parking lot.
Police Respond, Investigation Ongoing
West Covina City Manager Paulina Morales confirmed the incident and stated that it is currently under investigation by the West Covina Police Department. An attorney for the department declined to release any police reports or body camera footage, citing legal exemptions and the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Background Tensions and Criticisms
The conflict may have been fueled by tensions surrounding recent events, with some attendees criticizing Brian Gutierrez, a planning commissioner and candidate for City Council District 1, for missing an October 9 community forum. Elliott reportedly defended Gutierrez, accusing the forum organizers of partisanship.
West Covina, located approximately 20 miles east of Los Angeles, has seen increased public scrutiny amid local election campaigns as candidates vie for key city positions.
