Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Beverly Hills High School Wasted $3 Mil. In Bond Money In Futile Legal Battle Over The Purple Line
Beverly Hills High School, which has long opposed a Purple Line extension slated to run underneath school grounds, has spent at least $3.1 million of voter-approved bond money in a losing fight against Metro in court over the subway line. Measure E was approved by voters in 2008 to allow the Beverly Hills Unified School District to borrow up to $334 million put towards "modernizing school facilities; making structural seismic repairs; upgrading, repairing and reconstructing classrooms."
Litigation to fight futile battles against Metro was not included in the outline of what the bond money would be used towards. The only major construction project funded by the bonds as of June 30, 2013 was a renovation to the Horace Mann School auditorium, according to the Los Angeles Register. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky has said that the matter "certainly raises an eyebrow."
The school district has long opposed the subway extension that would run underneath the grounds of Beverly Hills High School, preferring a proposal that would have the Purple Line run along Santa Monica Boulevard. They have cited concerns ranging from seismological activity, methane gas buildup, to even terrorism in their opposition.
Independent audits have found that the total amount spent in the legal battle with Metro between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2013 have summed up to $3.1 million, though Beverly Hills Weekly recently reported that the figure was closer to $4.1 million.
Beverly Hills Councilman William W. Brien suggested the district to drop the matter and move on: "It's time to figure out how to [build the subway extension] in a way that protects and mitigates any of the concerns that the city and the school district have."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
