Panel to Seek New Bids for Greek Theatre Operation

Writing the latest chapter in one of City Hall’s most protracted political feuds, the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission voted Wednesday to reject bids from both Nederlander and House of Blues for a 10-year Greek Theatre operating contract, and to seek new proposals.

The commission--which has deadlocked three times on who should run the theater--voted 3 to 1 to reopen the bidding process. Commissioner Lisa Specht, who had supported the House of Blues effort, cast the dissenting vote, saying she felt that rebidding would take too long and cost the applicants too much money.

The Recreation and Parks Department staff expects to spend as long as nine months compiling new proposals.

Although the commission staff had previously touted the House of Blues bid as the best deal for the city, many officials disagreed over who should get the contract. Local labor leaders backed the existing operator of the theater, as has City Council President John Ferraro--a longtime ally of the family that runs the Greek. House of Blues supporters argued that the city could earn millions of dollars more by picking a new operator for the historic theater in the hills of Griffith Park.

House of Blues officials reacted with anger to the commission’s decision Wednesday, saying the city will not find a better bid from another contractor. Meanwhile, Nederlander officials--who questioned the House of Blues’ financial strength--welcomed the rebid because they say it will force their competitors to prove that they can make good on their financial promises to the city.