West Covina chamber story: UPDATE
Chamber execs reinstated, then suspended without pay
By Jennifer McLain
WEST COVINA -- Two Chamber of Commerce previously fired employees who filed a restraining order against a board member were reinstated on Friday.
Executive Director Gary Lawson and Marketing Director Monica Cabrera -- the chamber's only full-time employees -- each received a letter Friday morning signed by Board President Yolanda Davis-Quarrie informing them of their reinstatement.
But also in the letter, which followed Thursday's five-hour closed door board meeting, they were told that they would be suspended without pay indefinitely pending legal advice. Davis-Quarrie did not return calls seeking comment.
Lawson said the move was, "a step in the right direction," and that he anticipated that they would be reinstated because he alleged the board did not file proper protocol when Lawson and Cabrera were fired. But he is also concerned of his permanent employment and the effects this may have on the future of the chamber.
Board member Mike Miller, a former West Covina councilman, told Lawson and Cabrera last week they were fired. Miller did not return calls seeking comment.
"I understand what is going on. It's about retaliation, conflict and (board member) Mike Miller attempting to take over the chamber," Lawson said. "If they could get this resolved, we could repair those damages. If it goes any longer than than that, I don't know what will happen with."
Lawson, Cabrera and part-time employee William Medina filed a temporary restraining order on Feb. 10 against board member Luis Chacon after he allegedly interrupted a Jan. 7 meeting at the West Covina Chamber of Commerce and became hostile because his estranged wife was present, court records show.
Chacon's ex-wife Carolina Chacon is a former president of the chamber. Chacon is among the 15 board members on the West Covina Chamber of Commerce, which provides networking and marketing opportunities for local businesses.
Business owners said the board's actions are upsetting, and will consider revoking their membership if Lawson and Cabrera are not rehired.
"The board is being very, very political, and there is no room for politics and personal grudges in the chamber," said Paul Cosato, owner of Michael Pauls Salon and Spa in West Covina. "They need to work this out. It's a crying shame."
The board's recent actions could also impact current employees. Medina, one of four part-time employees at the chamber, said he is considering quitting because of the instability.
"Without Gary and Monica there, it makes it very difficult to do what we normally do on a daily, weekly and monthly basis," Medina said.
The chamber organizes networking events, such as a golf tournament on March 27, for local businesses.
Medina wonders who will perform the work if the work force of the chamber is cut by more than half.
"The things that need to be done can't be done without us being there," Medina said.
The chamber is a private agency but relies on some public funding for its nearly $500,000 annual budget. This year, West Covina contributed $75,000 to the chamber.
Lawson makes $65,000 annually and Cabrera makes $43,000 at the chamber.
jennifer.mclain@sgvn.com
www.insidesocal.com/sgvgov
So this West Covina Chamber seems to be spinning out of control. First there's conflict between a guy and his wife, so much so that the employees have to get a restraining order against him as they fear him so much (the dude must really be scary). Then they get fired for what seems to be retaliation for the restraining order and this Miller guy uses this opportunity to fire the employees and try to take over the Chamber. This could be a best seller. Not to mention they use our taxpaper money that the City gave them so they can misbehave? Yikes! I think someone should look into this situation, especially the City as they gave money to a crazy group of people with personal agendas. Too bad for the chambers hard working members that have given their money to be represented by a bunch nuts. GET YOUR MONEY BACK!
This whole story is a bunch of B.S. All the reasoning behind speculations are so wrong. This is a bad version of the game "Telephone". ASSumption is all it is and one person in particular who is enjoying how it all is spiraling in a way that makes the board and others look bad so as to make them self feel better because they get a high from drama. And that person is so miserable and bent out of shape about what their life has conspired to that this is all they have to do to keep from cutting off their own leg and smacking them self with it. I pity you and those who believe you.
Hmmmm A Lode of Crock you seem awful defensive...what are you hiding??????????????
Just follow the stench up the block to the foot of forrest tennant (yes mr. I'm too damm cheap to buy a decent rug)!
Fact of the matter is that NOTHING gets done at the chamber without that ol'FART's blessing, he OWNS Miller and the rest of the OLD SCHOOL crowd in town! Between Tennant and Al-Hassen miller won't/can't wipe his own ass!
anybody see a pattern here? remember a couple years back Casanova was "placed on leave pending board review" over in Beaner, pardon me Baldwin park? seems Tennants old buddy ken smith used the exact same language over there and got his ass sued as a result!
these old farts never change, sometimes they don't even bother to wipe the blood off their hands!
Just follow the stench up the block to the foot of forrest tennant (yes mr. I'm too damm cheap to buy a decent rug)!
Fact of the matter is that NOTHING gets done at the chamber without that old FART's blessing, he OWNS miller and the rest of the OLD SCHOOL crowd in town! Between tennant and al-hassen miller won't/can't wipe his own ass!
anybody see a pattern here? remember a couple years back casanova was "placed on leave pending board review" over in beaner, pardon me Baldwin park? seems tennants old buddy ken smith used the exact same language over there and got his ass sued as a result!
these old farts never change, sometimes they don't even bother to wipe the blood off their hands!