The $3 billion in stem cell research, approved by California voters last November as part of Proposition 71, could be in jeopardy as a result of lawsuits filed last week.

Two separate suits one filed by a group opposed to stem cell research, plus two taxpayer groups, and the other filed by a not-for-profit public interest group seek to overturn the measure, or at least halt the distribution of funds until what they consider to be various flaws are fixed.

“The campaign is not over when the voters approve initiatives,” said Robert Stern, president of the Los Angeles based Center for Governmental Studies. “The litigation is just starting.”

The suits were filed directly with the state Supreme Court because the plaintiffs are seeking an expedited hearing to prevent the funds from being disbursed on the expedited timeline sought by proponents. But legal experts said the high court rarely hears cases that have not been considered by a lower court and expect the suits to be remanded to an appellate or trial court.

It is not unusual for successful propositions to be challenged in the courts. In the case of Proposition 71, the big question is whether the opponents can get a temporary restraining order to prevent funds from being dispersed to researchers, especially given that proponents are seeking timely cures and this type of litigation can drag on several years.

Hospital Aid

Hospitals across the state are having a difficult time meeting the requirements of new seismic standards that essentially require them to build new facilities.

Not in Covina.

Earlier this month, the City Council voted unanimously to hand Citrus Valley Health Partners $2.2 million to assist it in rebuilding its Covina hospital.

The non-profit operator will use the redevelopment funds to draw up initial designs and study possible sites. But the city which gained a national reputation for tightfistedness 10 years ago when voters ejected the entire city council in a tax revolt wants some thing in return.

The city would like to move the hospital closer to its downtown onto a smaller parcel, and then use the existing 10-acre pad for medical office buildings or another similar use.

Staff reporter Laurence Darmiento can be reached at (323) 549-5225 ext. 237 or at

[email protected]

.