Drama in West Covina

Roger Hernandez has some serious issues. I was at this meeting. He needs a separate district, just for his ego.

What an embarrassment this guy is to our city.

so let me get this straight...the council members and public voice their various opinions on the district issue while Hernandez listens - then Hernandez voices his opinions and council members walk out or as with Herfert they don't even wait to hear the Mayor's comments..........and Hernandez is the embarassment to the City???????

I was also at the meeting, obviously some people have their own view about what happened. The fact is that when the Mayor had the mike the other Councilmembers did not want to listen. They had their turn, how many times must we listen to their life stories, but did not want to listen to the truth about why residents feel disinfranchised.
This Council say that they represent all residents but where are the condos being shoved in their neighborhoods? Where are the cul-de-sacs of homes being shoved in thier neighborhoods? I could go on and on but that is not needed, their voting records speak for themselves.
For all those that like living in Touhey Town and Herfert Hamlet, ask yourselves is my life any better now or is just better because you can say you know Mike, Sherri, Shelley, and Steve? If that makes your life better your life is pretty empty.

I definitely don't want to live in Sykes Slums or Hernandez Hood. Have you ever seen Fred Sykes' house? He is a pack rat. Go by and look for yourself, he lives at 3537 Samantha Avenue. Isn't it amazing a person who retired on a medical condition receiving all his pay tax-free from the Sheriff's Department for being a Bailiff is so injured and disabled that he can spend all day walking the City streets, riding his bike or lifting weights. He seems injured to me! Wouldn't you like to retire early, get your retirement tax-free and then spend all your time saying that there is a problem with Government? The problem are people like Fred Sykes living off the taxpayers for a fake injury? He was a Bailiff, did he get injured saying please rise and come to order?

And for Attended, your comments are funny. The Fred Sykes group that is for districting laughs and yells at anyone with a different opinion at the Council Meeting. Is this the better type of City you are talking about? The City of West Covina is a Great City, don't Trash It, even if you don't like the councilmembers.

Some advice, Fred Sykes get-off your fake taxpayers paid supposably injury retirement and go back to work, you look healthy to me.

Mayor Hernandez go get a JOB. You have way to much time. Both of these people should quit sucking the taxpayers dry. Get a JOB Mayor!

It is just a matter of time...Touhey is getting with the program because he sees the writing on the wall. Touhey has always been the brighter one of the bunch. I never thought i would be saying this, but i agree with Touhey that we should have the issue on the November ballot. Although i think districts are a priority, in these tough economic times we have to be fiscally responsible. Actually, I believe the council members should just implement districts and stop serving their own self-interests.

As for the show last night, I should have brought popcorn!!! Talk about a bunch of children. If you truly care about West Covina, you do your job and sit through your meeting, regardless if you disagree with statements being made. It’s called professionalism people.

It's pretty interesting how people comment here and know nothing about laws. To lie about others especially those who put you in as the Mayor is truly embarrassment to your city as well as a violation of the law. When this happens it's probably best to leave so it won't continue. Mayor Roger has a constant lack of respect to those he works with. I can't believe the council/city people put up with him. Even the Tribune writer saw the cause of the collision last night.

Those who support Mayor Roger's actions, make excuses for nasty behavior are fools.

I think the Nov. ballot is the place for this. The community must be brought both pro an con of the issue - the voters make the choice just the same voting for the current council people!

Oh god. Look, rh is a blowhard who rarely, if ever actually has something constructive to add to ANY conversation. Thank lord for quorum rules so that people can put an end to his diatribes that are only made so he can hear himself talk. Otherwise, city council meetings would last days.

Worst. Mayor. Ever.

I agree with you Sue West Covina, with tough economic times the November ballot is the best. I don't believe the Council can just implement the District proposal? I believe it takes a vote of the people?

btw, District's are a horrible idea for West Covina.

Thing about it. As it is, Roger is the sole council member residing on the southside. The southside is fairly isolated from the rest of the city. The other districts will, for the most part, share much more common boundaries. Thus, much of the other districts will have common concerns. So, if Hernandez is the ONLY councilmember from his district (which, it looks like he would b), the other council members would have NO INCENTIVE WHATSOEVER to make sure that the southside is taken care of. At least right now, since it's at large, every councilmember has an obligation to every voter/resident regardless of where the live. With districts, that will no longer be the case.

Look at the MTA board and how that works. All of the money goes to the westside because that's where power is concentrated. The eastside and SGV get hosed everytime for transportation money even though we have what is akin to "districted" representation.

Put some thought into it WC. It really is a nobrainer. Unless you're hernandez and you want to solidify your council seat.

We have had several recent votes in California over who makes up the districts for the State government. Are we to turn this power, in our city, over the Sykes (a man who could not even get elected to the City Council)? We need to have a committee make up a reasonable plan for districts before we vote on the issue of having them or not.

We need Term Limits. If Term limits are included i the proposal then we can support this.

Filipino Resident

WC Supporter, i agree with you. It should not be left up to Sykes to form the districts. Nor should it be left up to the Council who only care about their own political futures. The Council should form a committee or commission to explore the idea more thoroughly.

FYI, Fred Sykes did not retire from the Sheriff's Department with a medical disability. Fred Sykes worked for the department for 33 years! He also worked in various capacities in the departmnet from patrol, special investigations to the last few years in the courts. For those who see only hate and don't ever think logically perhaps it is time to grow a brain and actually get the facts before you write slanderous and blatently false accusations.

unfortunately, a committee would not really work it will still be about cliques. but it would definately be better than city council members deciding.

Let me remind my fellow Southsiders, that if districts were in place 15 yrs. ago, it is very likely that the BKK dump would not have closed. It brought in huge revenue to the city. There was no incentive for the other districts to give up this money for THEIR voters. Instead of Target, Home Depot, Fresh and Easy, etc., we could still have garbage trucks lined up on Azusa av. and the smell of the dump on hot summer nites. We would only have ONE vote on the council. This is not more representation it is LESS. If this makes it to the ballot, I urge my fellow WC voters think first.

Think first, finally someone with a brain

It was totally unprofessional for three councilmembers to walk out on the mayor. They have shown their true colors. Lack of respect for the seat and mayor. Even though you may not agree with the guy, let him run the meetings. You all have had your turn. Now grow up and stop acting like spoiled uneducated brats. You three are an embarresment to our city. I can't believe we supported you dummies.

Yes I agree Roger Hernandez is an embarrasment to our City. Obviously he could not control the meeting; he is the Worst Mayor Ever! How could anyone sit through those meetings.

I remember RH from the rowland unified days, they were lucky to be rid of him. now West Covina residents and council have to deal with his antics, what a shame.

I have one simple question. Is the reporter who follows city hall in West Covina going to be appointed to a commission when she stops covering West Covina? That seems to be the pattern and the only explanation of such highly favorable treatment of Hernandez.

Roger Hernandez also has a violent history during High School.

Ever wonder why he was kicked out of highs school and ended up at Rowland? Now we have to put up with this buffoon as our Mayor.

He is an embarrassment to our city. A disgrace to elected office.

I heard Sykes and Hernandez now want to also inact districting for West Covina school board. Wow these power hungry guys will stop at nothing.

Neither Hernandez nor Sykes live in the West Covina Unified School District, thus they will have to go after Rowland. But, since Sykes does not have clue and Hernandez spends all his time someplace other than WC, why would anyone expect them to know this about the City.

Everyone should remember, it was Hernandez who after being elected to the council at the annual Easter Egg Hunt said "This is great, we should do it every year." Someone pointed out we have been doing for about 20 years. But then again, why would we expect a member of the City Council to know about the City.

Maybe Sykes and Hernandez have got something with districting the West Covina School Board and Council. They say it's only fair for equal representation. We need to open it up to more minorities.

Fred Sykes kid from his current marriage dosen't go to Nogales High even though they live in the District the school is not good enough for his daughter. But he wants to run West Covina but sends his kid somewhere else good enough for his kid, not in West Covina. Roger was a carpet bagger himself moved in to West Covina 3 months before the election in 2003 he rented a apartment on Nelson Ave. near Azusa. Neither one cares about West Covina it was just an opening and a chance.

Sykes and Roger Hernandez power play of districting the council isn't enough. Now they want to use our children as pawns too?

60 % of your current council ARE minorites.

You all know this district proposal is not about fairness or minorites, it's about CONTROL!!!! It'a also about limiting your representation.

I say let the voters CONTINUE to decide just as they have over the last 80 + years....

Just because you don't like who the MAJORITY OF THIS CITY VOTES FOR - You don't have to make up lies about the current council people or create some districts so you can win a seat.... tacky!

Mayor Roger Hernandez allowed people from the council chambers to shout while other people were talking. Milfred Walker started yelling at a Councilmember from his seat and Mayor Hernandez did nothing. Mayor Hernandez said he heard nothing even though you could hear Milfred Walker yelling from outside of the Council chambers because he was so loud. A Mayor is suppose to control the meeting and not let the meeting turn into a circus. In the story no mentioned Councilmember Herfert had to take care of a problem before the Mayor's rant took place and he got up and spoke to the Mayor that he had to leave. Mayor Hernandez, you must give respect if you want to receive respect. Remember respect is earned not owed!

Why is it that Roger Hernandez supporters don't care when he is disrespectful to his fellow council members or residents? Whys is it that when Roger Hernandez was rude to past mayors, councilmembers and residents and walked away from the dias on numerous occasions while people were talking that his supporters were okay with that? Why is it that Roger Hernandez as mayor can allow people to scream from all over the chambers at council members? Seems to me Roger Hernandez supporters have shown their true colors by being one sided and truly don't care about fairness and equality like they constantly profess. Remember what goes around comes around eventually.

Fred Sykes - as always he just asks questions or mankes comments as if he knows what he is speaking about. He can't give solutions. This is a guy who has lived in West Covina for more than 30 years, but has spent about 30 minutes paying attention to West Covina.

If you listen to Sykes and look at his record, everything must have been great in West Covina until the last couple of years. Interesting how the same council members he slanders today he had no problem with until he wanted to run for City Council.

Sykes retires and has nothing else to do all day, so he thinks he can run the City. His platform is I am ex-cop, have nothing to do in my life, and did not care in the past, so elect me.

The only time I heard of Fred Sykes in the past is when I watch the Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones version of the fugitive - Fred Sykes is the one armed bad guy. Our Fred Sykes is just the one-tune bad guy. Everything is horrible - per Fred Sykes.

Well, why don't we all sit down and take a look at the tape of the council meeting so we can decide for ourselves who's in the right and who's in the wrong?

Oh, wait--the Hernandez haters killed the council broadcast, didn't they?

Move along. Nothing to see here.

Why would Hernandez supporters look at the tapes, now. They never looked when it made that guy look bad.

The Skyes gang stand in the corner and video them so you can look at the tapes yourself...

Oh, wait--the Skyes gang wont have the open minds to make a desision that doesn't support Hernandez' view.....no matter what the fool does.

See, here's the bottom line: I raised an objective and substantive issue -- The WeCo council meetings are no longer publicly taped and distributed, and that reduces accountability and transparency. And we all know who was responsible for that decision. But all you guys can answer with are personal attacks and name calling. QED.

Districting is a bad idea. If West Covina had had districting, the 4 council would have SOLD shadow oak park. they would have installed cell phone towers there. the only thing that stopped them was the fact that the south side could vote them out. South side voters would lose this under districting.

Either Mr. Hernandez is one HUGELY UNLUCKY fellow or he just might be the BIGGEST EMBARASSMENT of a mayor the city of West Covina has had to endure yet! Wake up people of West Covina! You might give someone the benefit of the doubt the first time you hear of questionable behavior but when there's a trail of garbage, I say: "It stinks! Throw out the trash!!" Mr. Hernandez, you and your tiny-minded little group of followers should find a new way to waste away the minutes, hours, days, and especially council meetings! What miserable, mean-spirited, negative people you keep Mr. Hernandez. If just once, you all put your heads together(scary thought, I know), and tried to do something positive and meaningful for the city of West Covina. Now there's an idea!!!

Roger Hernandez has some serious issues. I will not reveal my name, however, I will say that when he was first elected he put me on a commission and "talked the talk". Years later with out explanation, he kicked me off the commission and berated me for not "voting his way" on certain items that he said were important to his "political future".

I could care less about his political future and do not feel he even has one.

It took me a very long time to write on this blog, after friends told me that people can openly express themselves here, I decided to do so.

I fear Mr. Hernandez and what he may do to me if I reveal myself. He is rude, aggressive, abusive, and ego-centric. As a woman, I am afraid that if Mr. Hernandez found out it was me that he may react aggressively.

Roger Hernandez needs to seek professional help. For his sake and the sake of all the people in West Covina. He is a young man with a future if he sets himself straight. Unfortunately, that future should not be in politics.

In re the comments posted by 'concerned about WEST COVINA':

Through the application of an extrapolation of logic...

If you are so concerned about your safety is you reveal yourself, by stating that you were an appointee that was removed, 1) it would not be hard to at least narrow down your identity by looking through the records of his appointments (which are a matter of public record available in the city clerk's office); and 2) I'm pretty sure RH would know who you are by the statements made by you on this blog. I would hope that in the future you would be more thoughtful with your comments.

Roger Hernandez has some serious issues. I will not reveal my name, however, I will say that when he was first elected he put me on a commission and "talked the talk". Years later with out explanation, he kicked me off the commission and berated me for not "voting his way" on certain items that he said were important to his "political future".

I could care less about his political future and do not feel he even has one.

It took me a very long time to write on this blog, after friends told me that people can openly express themselves here, I decided to do so.

I fear Mr. Hernandez and what he may do to me if I reveal myself. He is rude, aggressive, abusive, and ego-centric. As a woman, I am afraid that if Mr. Hernandez found out it was me that he may react aggressively.

Roger Hernandez needs to seek professional help. For his sake and the sake of all the people in West Covina. He is a young man with a future if he sets himself straight. Unfortunately, that future should not be in politics.

My goodness, this place is like a bunch of Highschool Freshmen. Jaw jacking away on your soap box, I had to stop reading because it was all hearsay, opinion and blatant bigotry.

Grow the hell up already. 95% of the BS you spew here you wouldn't dare say in person because you haven't the cojones, the facts, or a solid grasp of common decency.

Only a few people that posted here have even bothered to attempt to address any issue at all! I would say only 1/2 of those people even managed to do it without attacking someone or something!

In summary, reading this drivel makes me want to stab my eyes out. I think the problem with West Covina is the irresponsible citizens that inhabit it.

Roger Hernandez has some serious issues. I will not reveal my name, however, I will say that when he was first elected he put me on a commission and "talked the talk". Years later with out explanation, he kicked me off the commission and berated me for not "voting his way" on certain items that he said were important to his "political future".

I could care less about his political future and do not feel he even has one.

It took me a very long time to write on this blog, after friends told me that people can openly express themselves here, I decided to do so.

I fear Mr. Hernandez and what he may do to me if I reveal myself. He is rude, aggressive, abusive, and ego-centric. As a woman, I am afraid that if Mr. Hernandez found out it was me that he may react aggressively.

Roger Hernandez needs to seek professional help. For his sake and the sake of all the people in West Covina. He is a young man with a future if he sets himself straight. Unfortunately, that future should not be in politics.

He has issues with anger and is unstable. Seek help Roger. Seek help.

I met Roger seven months ago at a charity event. I found him to be quite cordial and sincere. He actively listened to me I find it incredulous to believe some of the things posted. Long ago I learned believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see.

It is evident that some people have an axe to grind. I have worked with people that I could not agree with and never once did I decide to vent in this manner. It is not productive. Nor do people generally find those negative statements to be credible.

What I find even more appalling is that people try to argue that their perception of a person is the proper one. We have all met somebody that we liked although someone told us negative things about a person.

We should look at the results under his administration West Covina has attracted stronger businesses and jobs.
Frankly, this is not American Idol where we vote off a contestant because of personality.

I get a strong hint of intolerance in most of the postings.

They were all jealous of Roger... Now that he's ASSEMBLYMAN, they are probably REALLY jealous! Ha! Poetic Justice!