Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - A substitute teacher is under investigation after students allege he viewed porn on his phone while on campus.

The unnamed teacher was immediately removed from the premises of Cameron Elementary School, 1225 S. Cameron Ave. School administrators notified district officials who then notified police and child welfare services, according to the West Covina Unified School District.

“We understand the concern this situation may cause our students and the community. The WCUSD is dedicated to maintaining a safe, respectful and nurturing environment for all our students,” according to the West Covina Unified School District in a written statement.

The investigation remains open.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - The community continues to try and make sense of the shocking loss of a 16-year-old West Covina High School student who ended her life March 27.

Samantha Vuong was found in her room, a gun used to end her life, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

“Samantha Vuong was the sweetest, most beloved, and an amazing artistically bright 16-year-old West Covina High School student, on her junior year. Tragically on Monday morning, 3.27.2023, she passed away in her room,” according to Akura-Jade Vuong, Samantha’s older sister.

The West Covina Unified School District issued a statement the morning of Vuong’s death.

“We understand that this news will come as a shock to many of you, and we want to extend our deepest sympathies to the student’s family and friends during this difficult time. Losing a member of the WCUSD family is tragic, and we are deeply saddened by this loss,” according to WCUSD Superintendent of Schools Emy Flores.

A gofundme account continues to receive donations for Vuong’s funeral and memorial expenses.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - There is apparently no evidence a hacker downloaded or exported any data after a breach of a student and staff portal was discovered February 10.

The hacker reportedly sent out a message Friday to users of the Clever learning portal in an attempt to entice registration with the Clever messaging platform. Those who clicked on the message apparently also saw a racial slur, according to West Covina Unified School District Superintendent of Schools Emy Flores.

“It is unfortunate and disgraceful that the hacker chose to use a derogatory and racist slur and we are deeply sorry that this happened,” Flores said in a written statement.

An investigation by Clever’s security and engineering teams determined there are no repercussions and vulnerabilities since the district uses ParentSquare, not the Clever messaging system, according to a district message.

Any changes made after 9 p.m. February 10 were reversed by the Clever engineering

The district will implement added security measures, such as multi-factor authentication.