For nearly a decade, a plan to restore the 388-acre Veterans Affairs campus in West Los Angeles into a veterans community has been entangled in false starts, scandal and litigation. It was not long-ago veterans set up a tent city outside the VA gates during COVID-19 to protest the agency’s foot dragging. After a trial this summer, a federal judge issued a broad ruling in favor of veterans to build additional temporary and permanent housing on campus.
But that, too, could yet be another false step. The VA recently appealed the Court’s order citing “irreparable harm” to the agency responsible for veterans care. And last Friday the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked implementation of the District Court’s order while the agency’s stay motion is heard. The case has caused more uncertainty – not less – over the future of the campus and VA’s suitability to resurrect a community that once reached upwards of 5,000 veteran residents.
Our organization, Vets Advocacy, has been monitoring VA’s implementation of the Master Plan since its inception. And during that time, we have been asked the same question, over and over: “What’s taking so long?”
The explanation varies on the immediate challenge but, with the benefit of time and perspective, I’ve come to one unifying answer – it’s the culture.
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