MAYOR CHAMPIONS LOVE, CONNECTION, AND COMMUNITY THROUGH “COUPLES CONNECT” AHEAD OF VALENTINE’S DAY
West Covina, CA – Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado invites couples throughout the community to strengthen their relationships at Couples Connect: A Relationship Workshop. This free, interactive seminar is designed to help partners improve communication, rebuild connection, and navigate conflict in healthy, productive ways. This unique and heartfelt initiative comes just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The workshop will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Cortez Park Community and Senior Center, located at 2501 E. Cortez Avenue in West Covina. Attendance is free, and dinner will be provided.
Many couples experience challenges such as communication breakdowns, trust issues, unresolved conflict, or emotional distance. Couples Connect offers practical tools and real-world strategies to help partners move forward together, regardless of where they are in their relationship journey.
“Strong relationships build strong communities,” said Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado. “This workshop is about giving couples the tools they need to communicate better, reconnect, and support one another through life’s challenges.”
While Couples Connect may be viewed as a creative date-night opportunity, the program goes much deeper. Mayor Lopez-Viado, alongside Kelly DuPee, a certified relationship and life coach, has been actively involved in weekly planning sessions to ensure the experience is engaging, fun, and meaningful. Together, they will guide couples through actionable techniques that can be immediately applied at home.
“I'm honored and excited to be presenting this workshop alongside Mayor Lopez-Viado. We are committed to strengthening families and fostering love and unity. These ingredients are essential for a happy and healthy West Covina,” said Kelly DuPee.
Workshop topics include:
- Responding rather than reacting during disagreements
- Listening to understand and building trust
- Prioritizing your relationship amid busy schedules
- Addressing issues calmly and lovingly
- Apologizing effectively and healing emotional wounds
Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Couples are encouraged to reserve their spot as soon as possible. Registration is available at https://WCCouplesconnect.eventbrite.com.
For more information, visit the City of West Covina’s website at www.westcovina.gov.
About the Presenters
Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado has been married for nearly 21 years and brings both personal and professional experience to her work. She holds a master’s degree in communication studies and has extensive expertise in the field, having provided trainings in conflict resolution and positive confrontation through workshops for the City of Los Angeles, the City of Pasadena, and the California Parks and Recreation Society. Mayor Lopez-Viado has served the City of West Covina as both a community volunteer and public servant and has been a member of the City Council since 2018.
Kelly DuPee has been married for over 38 years and has served as a pastor for more than 35 years. He is a relationship and certified life coach, published author of Turn It Up! How to Have the Lifelong Marriage You Really Want, and founder of the Turn It Up Marriage Coaching nonprofit established in 2021.