64,659 Sign Call to Review Greek Theatre Contract

Organizers of an unusual referendum drive aimed at reversing a decision over a contract for the Greek Theatre submitted 64,659 signatures--well above the 40,780 valid voters’ signatures required--the Los Angeles city clerk’s office said Monday.

But those signatures still need to be validated to determine whether the issue is eligible for the ballot.

Because competitors of the current contractor have sued the city, the issue is expected to be discussed in court next week.

Universal House of Blues is attempting to reverse a City Council decision last month that granted the politically well-connected operators of the concert venue another five-year contract. Greek-Nederlander Inc. has said it would immediately begin sorely needed improvements to the theater and that it would grant workers a retroactive raise to meet the city’s living wage law.

But some critics, including House of Blues, have argued that the council should have competitively bid the contract and that others would provide a better financial deal for the city.

The referendum drive could force the City Council to either reverse the decision or put the matter before voters, presumably on the November presidential ballot.