Family sues Azusa over death in police vehicle

The family of a 37-year-old father of two has sued the City of Azusa and Azusa police officers in federal court in Los Angeles, alleging deliberate indifference to his medical needs.

According to the lawsuit, the man was arrested March 20 on suspicion of DUI and child endangerment, was released from custody March 23 pending further investigation, and was found dead March 26 in the back seat of an unlocked, out-of-service Azusa police SUV parked in front of the police department in the 700 block of North Alameda Avenue.

The suit says he walked from the jail's release exit into the vehicle's rear compartment, which he could not open from inside, and that he had a history of heavy alcohol use and was suffering withdrawal symptoms. The county medical examiner found cirrhosis and severe fatty liver disease, with chronic ethanol use as a contributing condition, and determined temperatures inside the closed vehicle were exacerbated by outdoor temperatures of 82 to 88 degrees.

The city attorney had not immediately answered a request for comment.

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APU women's soccer blanks Redlands 2-0

Azusa Pacific University women's soccer won 2-0 over Redlands on Oct. 28 in Redlands, closing out the Bulldogs' home schedule. Redlands finished its home season 4-13 overall and 3-8 in SCIAC play.

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Citrus men's soccer stays in title race with 3-1 win over Glendale

Citrus College men's soccer stayed in contention for the Western State-South Conference title with a 3-1 win over visiting Glendale on Oct. 27. Isaac Gonzalez, Desean Banks and Chris Blake scored for the Owls, and Chase Chavez added two assists. Goalkeeper Steven Clayton made eight saves. The win improved Citrus to 7-9 overall and 4-2 in conference play, one game back of the conference leaders.

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Azusa Unified community-schools grant extended through June 2028

Azusa Unified School District's community-schools initiative grant has been extended through June 2028, district staff told the Board of Education on Oct. 7. Director Jenny Wiebe said the program aims to centralize student supports, family engagement and community partnerships, and that site implementation plans have been updated and posted on school websites. Staff said a two-year extension opportunity may follow. The board took no action on the presentation.

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Azusa officials press Metro over late-night A Line drop-offs

Azusa officials and residents have raised concerns about late-night A Line passengers being asked to leave trains at the APU/Citrus College station, saying people then enter nearby neighborhoods overnight. Mayor Edward Alvarez and City Manager Sergio Gonzalez have questioned why trains stop short of the line's Pomona terminus and have suggested fare gates as a possible solution. Metro says the final trains stop in Azusa so crews can clean trains and perform overnight maintenance, and says it is considering fare gates at the station and has stepped up cleaning, security and outreach along the line. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirms deputies clear passengers from trains in Azusa at the end of service.

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Azusa Unified extends closing dates for two former school sites

The Azusa Unified Board of Education received a surplus property update on Oct. 7 and ratified amendments extending the closing dates for the sale of the former Sierra High School site and a fifth amendment to the Powell Elementary sale. The board authorized staff to proceed under the negotiated terms.

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Citrus College clears way for new STEM building

Citrus College has demolished its Liberal Arts/Business building and Veterans Success Center to make way for a new STEM building, the first project funded by the $298 million Measure Y bond passed in 2020. The new building will be about 63,000 square feet, include a dedicated wing for the Veterans Success Center, and is designed to be net zero energy. Site clearing is expected to finish in five to six months, construction is set to start in the first quarter of 2027, and the building is expected to take up to two and a half years to complete.

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APU dedicates renovated Cougar Stadium

Azusa Pacific University held a dedication and ribbon cutting for its newly renovated Cougar Stadium on Oct. 17 before the Cougars' game against Chapman University. Chapman led 20-3 at halftime and went on to win 26-3. The loss left Azusa Pacific 1-4 on the season, while Chapman improved to 5-1.

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Ground broken on Azusa Wilderness Park at canyon entrance

Los Angeles County and the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy have broken ground on the first phase of a new gateway park at the entrance to Azusa Canyon, at 100 N. Old San Gabriel Canyon Road. Phase one will add a new gate and roundabout, road realignment, a camping area, a parking lot, playgrounds, two river overlooks, picnic areas, restrooms and an extension of the San Gabriel River Bike Trail. The park is expected to open by next September. Supervisor Hilda Solis presented $1.8 million in Proposition A and Measure A funds for the phase.

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Azusa celebrates Día de los Muertos tonight at North Recreation Center

The City of Azusa's Community Resources Department invites residents to a Día de los Muertos celebration tonight, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the North Recreation Center, 340 N. Orange Pl. The evening is billed as a time of remembrance, culture and community to honor the lives of loved ones.

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