Council rescinds Greek Theatre extension, orders competitive RFP after referendum petitions

The Los Angeles City Council voted to rescind its prior approval of a five-year extension for the Greek Theatre contract and directed the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners to issue a competitive request for proposals (RFP).

Councilmember Wax, arguing that the council should avoid further delay and added expense, urged colleagues to “rescind this and go out to competitive bid,” saying the city would get the best deal by letting multiple bidders compete. City Attorney Walters told the council the petition opposing the contract had qualified for the ballot but that “the city's under no order not to take an action,” explaining the council’s two primary legal options: rescind the contract or place the matter on the ballot.

The discussion centered on several topics: whether litigation by opponents or by the contractor (referred to in the meeting as the Nederlanders)…