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Council OKs Downey Theatre rental waiver for El Grito event but declines talent-fee request
Summary
The council approved waiving up to $12,000 in Downey Theatre rental and labor fees for an El Grito de Independencia performance but denied a separate $10,000 talent-fee request; council asked staff to work with organizers on an alternate date if the proposed Sept. 11 timing conflicts with September 11 remembrance activities.
Downey City Council voted June 23 to waive theater rental and labor fees of up to $12,000 for Ajua's proposed El Grito de Independencia performance, while declining a separate $10,000 request to cover talent fees.
Parks and Recreation Director Jason Chacon said the production is a cultural celebration featuring mariachi, folklorico dance groups and regional artists; the organization requested the waiver for a performance tentatively scheduled for Sept. 11, 2026. Staff noted the theater has limited availability around that timeframe and that last year the city provided rental waivers but not talent fees.
Council members expressed sensitivity to the Sept. 11 date (the 25th anniversary of the attacks) and asked staff to seek an alternative date if possible; they also discussed the option of staging the event outdoors on concert infrastructure, but staff noted contracted venue technicians would still be required for theater productions. A motion to waive rental and labor fees (but not to cover talent fees) passed unanimously. Staff will work with the presenter on date availability and public-access ticketing requirements similar to last year.
