A Student Publication of Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA

SACMedia
A Student Publication of Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA

SACMedia
A Student Publication of Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA

SACMedia
Ruben Montoya

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor

Ruben Montoya is the Opinion Editor for SACMedia. As a journalist, he enjoys spicier, hot takes on the news. In his free time, he is a huge hyperpop and EDM listener, gamer and major fan of the Dodgers, Lakers and Arsenal FC.

All content by Ruben Montoya
Attendees in opposition of the Chino Valley Unified school board’s policies hold up signs in protest at the June 15 school board meeting at Don Lugo High School in Chino, California.

Chino Valley school board bans pride flags, delays discussions for policy targeting transgender students

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
June 22, 2023
Thursday's closed session council meeting was held at West Covina City Hall.

West Covina City Manager David Carmany resigns

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
May 18, 2023
West Covina resident Angie Gillingham speaks during public comments at Tuesday's meeting.

West Covina holds hearing on event controversy amid criminal investigation against councilmember

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
May 18, 2023
Gabrielino-Shoshone spiritual leader Jamie Rocha walks away after her public comment at the March 21 council meeting.

Investigation spotlights friction within West Covina City Council following event dispute

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
May 16, 2023
Celebrating its 100 year anniversary, the city of West Covina has seen more outrage than celebration this year. Via Ron Cogswell/Flickr

Former West Covina fire chief wins $4.1 million in wrongful termination suit

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
May 9, 2023
Attendees watch on as a resident delivers their public comments at West Covina City Hall.

West Covina creates two new city staff positions, budget questions loom

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
May 5, 2023
The West Covina City Council convenes for its April 18 meeting.

West Covina to move forward on requiring permits for street parking

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
April 23, 2023
Assemblymember Bill Essayli (foreground, left) sits in the audience as protestors in attendance hold up signs.

Chino Valley school board supports now-halted bill targeting transgender students

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
April 12, 2023
Mayor Pro Tem Tabatabai (left) and Mayor Diaz (right) observe as Armando Herman (foreground, right) delivers his public comment.

West Covina votes on budget measures, homeless services

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
April 8, 2023
File photo of the Quemetco facility in the City of Industry.

Quemetco continuous environmental violations spark local outcry

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
April 1, 2023
Mayor Pro Tem Brian Tabatabai (left) speaks during the discussion of agenda item No. 8, while Mayor Rosario Diaz (right) observes the audience.

West Covina Mayor Pro Tem Brian Tabatabai survives attempt to revoke his title

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
March 24, 2023
The candidates for president/CEO participated in an open forum on March 6 in the Sophia B. Clarke Theater.

Mt. SAC will have a new president next semester. Meet the candidates vying for the position

Ruben Montoya and Bryan Jimenez
March 20, 2023
The West Covina City Council convenes prior to the March 7 meeting.

West Covina Mayor Pro Tem Brian Tabatabai’s title in threat of being revoked

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
March 16, 2023
Gabrielino-Shoshone representative Jamie Rocha speaks at the Tuesday Feb. 20 West Covina City Council Meeting.

Indigenous people denounce West Covina mayor and councilman after centennial event debacle

Ruben Montoya and Delila Grubaugh
February 23, 2023
A Norfolk Southern train derailed on the outskirts of small town East Palestine, Ohio. Photo courtesy James St. John/Flickr.

Opinion: The most important story of the year so far

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
February 18, 2023
West Covina residents, including members of the NAACP (right) bow their heads in prayer at the Feb. 7 City Council meeting.

West Covina City Council meeting marred by racial remarks once again

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
February 10, 2023
West Covina City Council District 4 Council member Ollie Cantos moments before he was sworn into office on Dec. 20, 2022.

New West Covina City Councilman Ollie Cantos talks about tearing down stigmas and disability rights

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
February 1, 2023
Via Pro Tacos

Pro Tacos brings delicious street tacos to Walnut

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
January 27, 2023
Council members and West Covina city staff gather in the minutes prior to the Jan. 17 meeting.

West Covina amends campaign finance rules

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
January 20, 2023
Buffalo Bills fans at a game in Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, New York. Photo courtesy Matthew D. Britt/Flickr

Opinion: Damar Hamlin’s injury shook the football world, will it spark a change?

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
January 6, 2023
A sign notifying students of possible drug inspections at Rosemont Middle School, La Crescenta, CA. Fentanyl overdoses among youth have surged in 2022. Photo courtesy Cory Doctorow/Flickr

Opinion: Local news coverage on the fentanyl crisis is failing

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
December 30, 2022
Ollie Cantos (center) alongside his mother, Lynda Cantos (left) and California State Senator Susan Rubio (right) at West Covina City Hall.

West Covina City Council has mixed attitudes in the final meeting of the year

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
December 23, 2022
The bridge located at the border of West Covina and the City of Industry located at the intersection of Valley Blvd and Nogales Street. The bridge allows car and train traffic on Valley Boulevard to flow over Nogales Street, allowing straight forward access to and from the 60 freeway for residents. Photo courtesy of Ryan Cogswell/Flickr

Opinion: West Covina’s politics is a clique of the most influential

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
December 23, 2022
A replica Statue of Liberty holding the Christian cross outside of the World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo courtesy Kathy Drasky/Flickr

Opinion: How local churches influence their followers

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
December 9, 2022
Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz/Wikimedia Commons

Opinion: Tesla is the symbol of everything wrong with California

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
December 2, 2022
Wolff (left) ran for city council District 4, while Diaz (right) is the Mayor Pro Tem and is set to take office as Mayor following Councilman Dario Castellanos' departure from office. (Photos courtesy Yara Wolff for West Covina and the City of West Covina)

Tension flares in West Covina following elections

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
November 25, 2022
Ollie Cantos (pictured) secures victory after a contested open seat election, as current Mayor Dario Castellanos opted out of seeking reelection earlier this year. Courtesy photo.

Disability rights advocate Ollie Cantos declares victory in District 4

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
November 18, 2022
Courtesy of Ron Cogswell/Flickr

West Covina election update: Wu, Cantos maintain leads, on track to secure seats

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
November 13, 2022
Photo courtesy Martin Fisch/Flickr

Opinion: It has never been more expensive to watch live music

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
November 11, 2022
A variety of flavored Juul pods. The FDA banned the sale of Juul products in June, however Juul products continue to be sold as the company appeals the decision. Courtesy of Vaping360/Flickr

Opinion: Proposition 31 is a modern-day Prohibition

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
November 4, 2022
Courtesy of Ron Cogswell/Flickr

Meet the candidates running in West Covina’s District 4 race

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
November 2, 2022
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Opinion: Hurricane Ian response mirrors Katrina fiasco

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
October 6, 2022
Photo courtesy of Kevin9625Ja/Wikimedia Commons

Bad Bunny raises awareness amid desperate conditions in Puerto Rico

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
September 30, 2022
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Opinion: So much for family values, Marjorie

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
September 30, 2022
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr

Opinion: ‘Better Call Saul’ Emmys drought continues

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
September 23, 2022
Photo courtesy of Jernej Furman/Flickr

Inflation grows 0.1% in August

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
September 16, 2022
Photo courtesy of Bastian Greshake Tzovaras/Flickr

The Labor Movement Is Facing A Critical Moment

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
September 8, 2022
Sykes (left) ran for city council twice before being elected in 2011 and ousted by Wu (right) in 2015. (Photos courtesy of the City of West Covina)

Former West Covina Mayor Looks To Take Back City Council Seat

Ruben Montoya, Opinion Editor
September 2, 2022
Load More Stories