Our players were at a distinct disadvantage. Meanwhile, the local boys leagues had access to local parks and designated land with which they could improve and build. In 1996, under the leadership of our League President Bruce Weinstein, we obtained permits at two local high schools. With the hard earned and saved dollars from fundraisers and contributions, we skinned infields, installed batting cages and greatly improved the schools facilities. At the end of that season, after spending thousands of dollars, one of the schools terminated our permit.
Frustration builds even further.
After countless letters, telephone calls and meetings, he hit a brick wall with our local Parks Commission and Politicians. It was obvious that the only way to obtain equal access to safe playing fields was to turn to the courts. After one phone call, one fax and a period of one week, we had the full support of the American Civil Liberties Union behind us. In April of 1998, the ACLU, in conjunction with the Women's Law Center and the law offices of Kay Schuler, filed suit in U.S. Federal Court on behalf of West Valley Girls Softball against the City of Los Angeles for gender discrimination. In October of 1999, a tentative agreement was reached between the City of Los Angeles and West Valley Girls Softball.