> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# VA grounds have a history
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/va-grounds-have-a-history-editor/
- Published: 2005-10-11T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:55:45.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Brentwood, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Ray Mickey Santa Monica*

I have been interested in your articles on housing for homeless veterans at Brentwood VA, which I think is a good idea. The idea of commercial development of part of the grounds is a poor idea. Such use for non-veterans is not a new idea. My recollection is that about 35 years ago, President Nixon wanted to do the same. He hadn’t counted on legal difficulties. At a Memorial Day service in Woodlawn Cemetery several years ago, Mr. Sid Reyes explained that his family had donated the land with the restriction that it be used for veterans. I think they brought a suit with the result that the property remained for the benefit of veterans. Perhaps the city attorneys could check on this and remove an impediment to moving forward.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 11, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/101105.pdf?ref=smdp.com)