Mt. SAC Prevails in Stadium Funding Challenge

April 20, 2018 - 08:55 AM

Mt. San Antonio College no longer faces hurdles in construction of its new stadium following an April 17 ruling that denied a local taxpayer group’s motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the project.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Holly E. Kendig ruled against United Walnut Taxpayers, who had long-claimed that Mt. SAC could not use Measure RR funds to build a new stadium because it was not listed specifically as a bond project in the ballot language. Judge Kendig, disagreed, saying that a school bond list does not have to be specific and instead, the bond can identify the types of projects for which the funds will be used, such as replacing obsolete infrastructure in classrooms.

“We are pleased that Judge Kendig agreed that the stadium is a valuable learning space for our student-athletes and that the project falls within the types of projects funded by bond measures,” said Board President Dr. Manuel Baca. “We are looking forward to the stadium’s completion.”

The new stadium will provide much-needed facilities for new educational programs and significantly improve physical conditions, technology, and academic delivery. It will also play host to the 2020 Track and Field Olympic Trials.

This latest legal decision comes on the heels of a settlement agreement between Mt. SAC and the City of Walnut, in which the city dropped all of its lawsuits against the college.