UCLA will get some of its access back to the baseball stadium and practice field on the Veterans Affairs campus in West LA, a federal judge ordered Monday.

Judge David O. Carter accepted parts of UCLA’s proposal to allow the team to continue using the facilities, leased from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, after they were ordered to leave at the end of last month.

The latest order grants the Bruin baseball team temporary access to the field until July 4, 2025, to give the university time to figure out an exit strategy, Carter said. UCLA will also have to double its annual rent to $600,000, which is due in the next two weeks, as outlined in its proposal.

But some veterans and advocates are disappointed by the decision.

“It’s really unfortunate that they come back and only give $600,000,” Rob Reynolds, the veterans’ attorney, told LAist after the hearing. “They’re paying their coach more money than what they’re paying for the use of the ballpark.”

Bruins head baseball coach John Savage earned $848,000 in gross salary last year, according to the University of California employee salary data.

What happened in the meeting

The decision stems from discrimination process filed by a veterans group in November 2022, who argue that disabled veterans who rely on VA medical services need more housing near the West LA campus.

Carter ordered the construction of 750 temporary homes over the next 18 months and 1,800 permanent units on or near the West LA campus. On Monday, he repeatedly asked both parties where the baseball fields fit into those plans.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs expressed opposition to letting UCLA back onto the baseball fields, citing the rent increase from $320,000 to $600,000, which they felt was not enough.

But Carter responded with his own concerns about leaving the field empty while both sides nail down the details and, in the meantime, UCLA losing money.

He encouraged UCLA and the plaintiffs to continue their conversations about possible long-term agreements, such as housing for student veterans. But if that doesn’t happen by next July, the Bruins will again lose access to the fields, which can then be used for housing.

Carter added that this gives the university enough time to figure out an exit strategy.

The answer

Martin Jarmond, UCLA’s director of athletics, said in a statement to LAist that they are excited to practice and play at Jackie Robinson Stadium this season.

“Our youngsters have worked hard and kept a positive attitude during this period of uncertainty and we are delighted that they will be able to resume their regular training at the stadium,” Jarmond said.

Robert Canas, a plaintiff and veteran who lives on the West LA campus, told LAist after the hearing that the order is “appalling.”

“$600,000 is not a lot of money for the property and where it is,” he said. “And I feel like where that field is there could be veterans housing.”

But Canas said he hopes this will be the Bruins last season on the VA campus and that they will have a backup plan next year.

Steve Soboroff, who testified as an expert witness for the plaintiffs, told LAist he doesn’t see the order as a big win for anyone and hopes UCLA can reach a settlement that benefits all parties.

“It’s practical to start looking for land, because we won’t use it this year, but we will start next year,” he said after the hearing. “And I hope they can come up with something … that can help us fill enough (housing) for veterans.”

Brad Rosenberg, a lawyer for the Department of Veterans Affairs, declined to comment after the hearing, as did attorneys for the plaintiffs.