UCLA signed a $300,000 lease with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to continue its use of Jackie Robinson Stadium, officials announced Thursday.
In addition to the new lease, UCLA officials agreed to provide an annual $1.15 million to the VA department’s West L.A. campus.
UCLA’s baseball team has been using the stadium on Constitution Avenue since 1981. In 2011, a group of veterans filed a lawsuit against the VA alleging UCLA improperly leased Jackie Robinson Stadium because it did not directly benefit veterans.
UCLA’s contribution will allow the VA to launch new programs and services for veterans, according to a press release. In November, the VA released a master plan that called for improved veteran housing and medical services.
The lawsuit also alleged the VA failed to provide adequate care to veterans.
Under the new agreement, the stadium and nearby park area will also serve as a location for recreational activities for veterans and their families, including a veterans’ baseball team and an area for growing produce.
UCLA will spend $750,000 annually to open a center for family resources and well-being, and another that aims to address mental health issues and addiction, according to the press release. UCLA will also spend $400,000 annually to relocate the UCLA Veterans Legal Clinic and expand it to provide improved services to veterans.
Over the next 10 years, UCLA will also provide $2 million to launch various recreation and mentorship programs.
Chancellor Gene Block said in the press release the VA’s commitment to improving its campus has motivated UCLA to assist in its efforts.
“Beyond research and teaching, UCLA’s other core mission is service,” Block said. “I can think of no better way to serve our community than through an even stronger partnership with the VA.”
Compiled by Chelsea Nivison, Bruin contributor.
It would have been very helpful to have reaction from the VA itself and/or from veterans at UCLA. There are plenty of us. As is, the article is basically a press release on behalf of the university. You should definitely improve this article.
As a veteran, I don’t see a problem with the stadium lease, it is revenue that can be used to benefit vets. On the whole, the VA is improving, although I look at the campus and see so many bldgs not being used. The vendors running the Dom and that awful New Directions program should be kicked off the campus with the heads placed firmly you know where…
So the narrative here is that UCLA doesn’t really belong on the VA campus, but by throwing enough CA taxpayer money at the VA, they’ve basically bought the right to stay where they don’t belong. Huh.