Montclair, CA — The Montclair City Council meeting on July 21 opened with an invocation led by Fire Department Chaplain Jimmy Crowell, who prayed for wisdom, integrity, and protection for council members and first responders.
The council moved into presentations, beginning with recognition of three Montclair police officers who were honored for their actions during a life-threatening incident in April.
The police chief detailed the April 9 assault with a deadly weapon call, explaining that officers responded to an apartment complex where the victim was suffering from multiple stab wounds, including a puncture to the carotid artery.
“Officers began packing the victim’s wounds with gauze and began life-saving efforts,” the chief said.
Fire personnel arrived on scene to take over treatment, and both fire officials and hospital doctors confirmed the victim would have died without the officers’ immediate action.
The officers each received life-saving ribbons and medals. A representative for Sen. Susan Rubio also presented a certificate of recognition on the senator’s behalf.
The next presentation honored departing Montclair High School Principal Joshua Cho, who has been promoted to Executive Director of Assessment and Research for the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.
Mayor Javier Dutrey described Cho as “seven days a week, 24 hours a day Montclair High School” and praised his leadership during the return to in-person instruction after COVID-19 closures. Councilmembers commended Cho’s popularity among students and his support for disadvantaged youth.
“I will always remember my time at Montclair High School as the best time in my professional career,” Cho said. “All of the people in Montclair will always be forever my family.”
Council business included approval of several agreements.
The council authorized use of the Montclair Transportation Center Kids Station parking lot for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program that will test randomly selected residents.
Councilmembers discussed that Set Free Ministries, which also uses the location, had been notified and agreed to the temporary arrangement.
The council also approved assigning a Montclair police officer to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force, with reimbursement for overtime and other costs.
The mayor also noted discussions underway to establish a formal “no-kill” policy at the city’s animal shelter, with a goal of achieving a 90% live release rate.
