Yucaipa council ends exclusive talks with Props AV, orders competitive RFP for YPAC operations

The Yucaipa City Council moved on Aug. 24 to terminate exclusive negotiations with Props AV for operation of the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center and to prepare a competitive request for proposals.

Brady Westbrook, owner of Props AV, told the council he had offered to remove the venue’s financial burden from the city and to put staff on Props AV payroll, but said recent draft contract language from the city attorney left his firm “completely exposed.” He told council, “We simply cannot enter into another one‑sided agreement.” Several residents and business owners urged a transparent RFP process. Jacob Mace, a recent Yucaipa High School graduate, said a competitive process would ensure better value for the city and asked staff to run “a transparent and competitive request for proposals.”

Council members said public comment and the stalled negotiations convinced them to seek market competition. Councilmember Woolsey moved to terminate negotiations with Props AV and prepare an RFP; the motion passed by roll call. Mayor Venable and councilmembers Miller, Thorpe, Woolsey and Deputy Mayor Bieber all voted yes.

The council directed staff to publish an RFP (staff recommended a 30–60 day solicitation window using the city's prior RFP as a template), while keeping the YPAC open in the near term using budgeted contingency funds and transferred roadway dollars to cover a few months of operations.