SGV Community News

11/22/2025

Cyclist will soon see Protected Bike Lanes at the Pomona North Metro Station.

The two-way cycle track will run a little under two miles, and also link with bike facilities in Claremont.

11/21/2025

The Azusa Community Police Academy: Not What I Expected

By Carlos Morales
SGV Community News

When I heard the Azusa Police Department was bringing back its Community Police Academy after a 25 year hiatus, I figured I’d drop in for a class or two.

Having attended similar courses with the LAPD, LA County Sheriff, and CHP over a forty year period, I had attended what many will considered to be the highest bar when it comes to Law Enforcement of instruction.

I attended this class with truthfully not a big expectation and thought it would be more of a routine overview of this department’s operation.
Boy was I wrong!

I ended up attending nine of the ten classes, and I was genuinely blown away with sheer caliber, effort, and insight packed into this course was incredible. It definitely wasn’t just a peek behind the curtain; it was a full, clear, and honest look at what it takes to protect a city of 50,000 residents across 9.7 square miles with only about 60 officers.

These Officers have real challenges where they are expected to be social workers, baby sitters, marriage counselors, in addition to be staged right around every corner and respond in seconds not minutes.

What Made It So Good to keep me coming back?
It is simple, it was the content and each of the instructors' dedication to their specialty disciplines.

Every officer, from the Dispatch Department, Internal Affairs to the SWAT team and Detective Bureau, spoke with unmatched passion - These officers love what they do and it shows.

We learned about the three different types of drones the APD utilizes, saw dynamic demonstrations of the K-9 (Wolverine BITE and Drug Canines) units, and got detailed instruction on everything from High-Risk Traffic Stops to handling Active Shooter scenarios. Each officer has been trained and certified in several disciplines, and they continually train to keep their proficiency and skilled expertise up with the new laws and procedures as dynamics in law enforcement are consistently changing.

Course also covered the collection of evidence for crimes ranging from robbery to murder, and learned the process of booking a suspect, which included a sobering visit to the jail! (It is a place I did not feel comfortable in). There was a field trip to Brackett Field Airport in La Verne, where we were introduced to unified law enforcement support from outside agencies, like the Pasadena and Pomona PD air units, were also featured.

Each participant had the opportunity to experience a four-hour ride-along with a patrol officer and the session at the shooting range at the police station were immersive, but the most important lesson was the department's profound commitment to extensive training and de-escalation of incidents. Hearing officers repeatedly say they would rather wait it out and de-escalate a situation, rather than rush into a dangerous scenarios was a powerful reminder of their prudence and focus on safety.

The department’s efficiency is a testament to the numerous support disciplines like Records, IT, Emergency Management, the Social Media team and Fleet Services that keep this complex operation running like a "well-oiled machine.”

This course gave community participants a clearer understanding of the multilayered number of protocols of laws and procedures they are required to know in order for them to perform their duty to protect the safety of both the public and their fellow officers.

Who attended the Class?
We had about 20 classmates, a mix of new and lifelong Azusa residents, even a couple of folks who took the original course decades ago. The energy, enthusiasm and shared curiosity in the room was filled with questions on each topic discussed.

A huge thank you to Azusa PD Chief Wenrick, Captain Landeros, and especially Sergeant Beaver for conceptualizing and executing this absolutely stellar program, I can not forget to also thank all the instructors who shared their enthusiasm, passion, and devotion to their craft. They gave intuitive information and shared examples of capers that truly captivated every classmate.

The Bottom Line:
If you live or work in Azusa, you owe it to yourself to sign up the next time this class is offered. It provides the crucial understanding needed to be a true Public Safety Ambassador for your community.

11/19/2025

Vallarta Supermarket is openeing its doors in Azusa.

The family owned grocery chain, known for its authentic Mexican and Latin American flavors, will officially open its newest location at 273 E. Gladstone St., Azusa, CA 91702 on Wednesday, December 10th. The grand opening celebration will feature exciting community giveaways, delicious fresh food, and festive entertainment.

The first 300 customers to walk through the doors on grand opening day will receive a free reusable grocery bag filled with groceries. Vallarta Supermarkets is also giving back to the Azusa community by donating $7,500 to benefit five local schools and charitable organizations.

"Community has always been at the core of who we are," said Lizette Gomez, Vallarta's Director of Marketing. "Our Azusa store represents our continued commitment to providing quality products, exceptional service, and meaningful support to the neighborhoods we call home."

With this new location, Vallarta will bring 120 new job opportunities and a larger, 39,295 sf, modernized space. It will feature Vallarta's signature and fan-favorite departments, as well as the key highlights the brand is best known for, including:

Made-Fresh Daily Foods: From warm corn and flour tortillas crafted in-house, to hand-decorated cakes and pan dulce in the Panadería, and fresh ceviches prepared in small batches throughout the day, Vallarta's signature freshness is front and center.

Authentic Flavors at the Heart of the Store: The Carnicería, home of Vallarta's famous Original Carne Asada™, offers premium cuts of meat marinated in signature spices. Guests can also experience the Cremería, which showcases traditional cheeses like queso fresco and cotija, while the Pescadería and in-house Cevichería deliver ocean-fresh seafood, aquachiles, and more.

Grab-and-Go With a Cultural Twist: Shoppers can stop at La Cocina for hot, ready-to-eat meals inspired by Mexico and Central America, sip aguas frescas straight from traditional vitroleros at the Juice Bar, or personalize their guacamole at the made-to-order station. For a sweet finish, the Dulcería offers candies, piñatas, and celebration essentials.

Global Meets Local: Alongside staples of Latin American cuisine, Vallarta brings variety with hand-rolled sushi, fresh-pressed juices, fruit bowls topped with Tajín and chamoy, and a wide selection of organic produce sourced both locally and worldwide.

More Than Groceries: The Florería brightens every occasion with vibrant flower arrangements and potted plants, rounding out the store as a true community destination.

Located in the Edgewood Shopping Center, the Azusa store will proudly serve local families and food lovers with the vibrant flavors and welcoming atmosphere Vallarta is known for.

Vallarta Supermarkets is just a few taps away! Get your favorite grocery essentials and La Cocina hot, ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door through all major delivery services, including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart.

11/06/2025

On November 10, 2025 the Monterey Park Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine.

Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Monterey Park Chief of Police Scott Wiese said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

11/05/2025

Woman found dead at a Covina Self Storage unit. She suffered a least one gunshot wound. No other details have been released by either Covina PD or LA County Sheriff's office.

Police on Monday were investigating the shooting death of a woman found at a storage facility in Covina. Covina Police Department officers and Los Angeles

10/29/2025

Did you know Azusa has a new Pizza Restaurant located in Downtown Azusa?

Your Pie just opened up and is ready for you to come on it, and enjoy some pizza! The restaurant took over the old AT&T store and at the corner of Foothill and Azusa intersection.

They serve make your own Pizza, Pasta and salads, they will also feature locally brewed beers.





Your Pie
SGV Community News

10/24/2025

Monterey Park resident is arrested in connection to a large retail theft fraud ring bust in Santa Clara County. Sheriff’s recover hundreds of Millions of dollars in merchandise.

Theft was accomplished by purchases made with illicit funds from a widespread gift card scam.

Monterey Park resident Zhang, Lu, operated online marketplaces, shipping products to buyers across the country.

Six people were arrested following a large retail theft and fraud ring bust in Santa Clara County, the sheriff's office said Thursday.

10/24/2025

Former CHP Captain, an Azusa resident, pleads guilty to making unwanted guestures and inappropriate touching to flight attendant.

Sentencing for Dennis Woodbury, 50, is set for Jan. 5, 2026.

10/22/2025

City of Montebello Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint on Friday, October 24th 2025.

On October 24th, the Montebello Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint beginning at 6:00 p.m. at an undisclosed location.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes.

The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

The Montebello Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol, Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with riving.

While medicinal and recreational ma*****na are legal, driving under the influence of ma*****na is illegal
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

10/21/2025

10/17/2025

Covina woman was shot and killed in an apparent murder su***de.

It happened Tuesday evening in Gui Gui Korean BBQ on Imperial Highway.