Politics & Government

L.A. Times Editorial Board Knocks VA, UCLA for Appealing Judge's Ruling on Leases

If appeals fail, the university may have to vacate Jackie Robinson Stadium after the 2014 season.

The Los Angeles Times editorial board takes a hard look at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' 387-acre campus in West Los Angeles on Monday, knocking it and UCLA for appealing a judge's recent decision that the VA's leasing of land on the campus to the university, the Bentwood School and other institutions is in violation of federal law.

The ruling, in a lawsuit brought by vets, effectively locks the university out of Jackie Robinson Stadium, where Bruin baseball has been played for decades, and puts in doubt the future of Brentwood's School's athletic facilities. 

The Times wrote:

Instead of appealing the decision, UCLA could play a helpful role by urging the VA to sit down with the plaintiffs to work out an agreement that meets the needs of the interested parties but also ensures that the federal government fulfills its responsibility. If baseball stays, great. But what is most important is that homeless veterans finally get the housing and healthcare services they need on the West L.A. campus. That's why the VA owns the property, after all.
If appeals fail, the university may have to vacate the stadium after the 2014 season.


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