July 15, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Federal Challenge to Measure ULA Dismissed: Los Angeles Superior Court Now the Only Arena For ULA Legal Challenge

Judge Redirects Controversial Dispute, Leaving Fate of ULA in the Hands of Local Courts

By Dolores Quintana

On September 5th, a federal judge dismissed the legal challenge to Measure ULA, redirecting the contentious transfer tax debate to the confines of the Los Angeles Superior Court, the sole remaining legal arena to determine the tax’s destiny, as reported by The Real Deal.

In the case of Newcastle Courtyards LLC v City of Los Angeles, Judge John Kronstadt ruled that federal court was not the appropriate venue for deliberating a Los Angeles tax matter, which the Newcastle case appeared to be addressing. Kronstadt underscored the limited jurisdiction of federal courts, stating, “Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. Accordingly, when a federal court finds that it lacks subject matter jurisdiction, it must dismiss the complaint in its entirety.”

Newcastle Courtyards’ attorney, Keith Fromm, expressed intentions to appeal the decision. Fromm contends that Measure ULA infringes upon the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection clause. His second argument is that since he believes that Measure ULA has damaged the real estate market in Los Angeles, it does not serve the interests of the residents of Los Angeles. 

Judge Kronstadt has rejected Newcastle Courtyards’ assertion that Measure ULA had exceeded its bounds by classifying it as a tax. The plaintiff contended that ULA was, in essence, a charge on a specific group of individuals. The judge concurred with the City of Los Angeles’ position, asserting that Measure ULA was a citizen-sponsored initiative endorsed by the city’s voters, functioning within a legislative capacity when exercising their initiative power.

Newcastle Courtyards remains actively involved in a separate legal challenge to Measure ULA within the L.A. Superior Court. In April, their case merged with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles. The upcoming milestone, in this case, is a case management conference scheduled for October 24th.

Related Posts

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Miami Developer Seeks to Convert Century City Apartment Tower into Condos: REPORT

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

If approved, the property at 10000 Santa Monica Blvd., known as Ten Thousand and built in 2017, would mark the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Elvis’ TV Legacy in Beverly Hills to be Explored in Upcoming Event

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The session will feature rare clips from the Paley Archive, including Presley’s debut TV appearance, his 1968 Comeback Special, performances...

Holmby Hills Parcel Once Owned by Pioneering Film Director Lists for $25.5M

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The lot is situated across from the Playboy Mansion and just moments from The Spelling Manor A 1.66-acre parcel of...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Billy Wilder Theater to Screen Housing Struggle Short Films with Q&A

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The program includes works by community organizers and filmmakers addressing housing struggles from LA to D.C. A free film screening...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

Chinese Bakery Hi Bake to Open First U.S. Store in Beverly Hills: REPORT

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hi Bake will offer a fusion of French and Asian pastries, including croissants filled with molten chocolate or wagyu beef...