Federal Judge’s Work for Veterans Honored
World War II veteran and appellate court Judge Harry Pregerson of Woodland Hills has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for his commitment to helping homeless veterans through the years, authorities said Wednesday.
Pregerson, who sits on the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, was influential in establishing the Salvation Army’s Haven Program at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, which provides housing and support services for homeless veterans. Pete Dougherty, VA director of homeless programs, also cited Pregerson’s role in the Century Freeway Housing Program.
The program was designed to create 3,800 affordable housing units for those displaced by construction of the Century Freeway.
The program now has about 8,000 units and continues to provide housing, Dougherty said.
Pregerson was honored Tuesday in a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Pregerson earned a law degree from UC Berkeley in 1950. He practiced law in Van Nuys and held several judicial posts before being appointed to the 9th Circuit in 1979.
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