UCLA Jackie Robinson Stadium (Photo: CASportsFan, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)
A federal judge has ordered UCLA’s Jackie Robinson Stadium, located on the VA West Los Angeles campus, to be locked down as part of a legal dispute over the use of VA land.
The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, requires UCLA to present a plan for the stadium’s grounds to benefit Veterans, as intended when the land was originally deeded. The judge expressed frustration over the illegal leasing of VA land to private entities, including UCLA, the Brentwood School, and others, which failed to prioritize the needs of Veterans.
On Thursday, VA security locked the stadium gates and posted no trespassing signs, following the judge’s instructions. In response, UCLA released a statement affirming its support for Veterans and expressed disappointment in the ruling but noted that they were complying. The university said the VA has leased part of its land to UCLA since 1963 in exchange for compensation used to support Veteran programs. UCLA Athletics also stated it was adjusting operations as students lost access to the stadium.
The court’s decision follows a lengthy hearing where Judge Carter criticized the VA and other leaseholders for failing to use the land in ways that benefit Veterans, many of whom are homeless or in need of healthcare. The judge also warned the Brentwood School, which operates an athletic center on VA land, that its facilities could be demolished if they were not made accessible to Veterans.
The case is part of a lawsuit brought by unhoused Veterans with disabilities, challenging the VA’s land leases and seeking housing for Veterans in need. Judge Carter has been outspoken about the corruption and influence that have affected the VA’s management of its West Los Angeles campus, which spans 388 acres. The land was donated to the VA in 1888 to serve as a home for Veterans but has been leased to various private entities over the years.
The VA has argued that its campus lacks available space for additional housing, but the court ruled that Veterans are entitled to more than 2,500 units of housing on the campus. Judge Carter’s ruling also mandates the construction of 750 temporary housing units within 18 months and an additional 1,800 permanent units within six months. These efforts are intended to address the urgent issue of Veteran homelessness in Los Angeles.
Related article: JUDGE RULES WEST LOS ANGELES VA HOUSING POLICY UNFAIR TO DISABLED VETERANS
Judge Carter, a Vietnam War Veteran, has been critical of the VA for allowing private interests to control land meant for Veterans, calling the situation an emergency. He said the VA, which receives a $407 billion annual budget, must prioritize Veterans’ needs over private development. The VA has not commented on the judge’s findings but has reiterated its commitment to ending Veteran homelessness across the country.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.