City to Study Contract of Pico House Developer

City Councilman Richard Alatorre on Wednesday asked city officials to study the terms of the contract held by a Santa Monica developer for the Pico-Garnier portion of El Pueblo de Los Angeles city park in downtown Los Angeles, with the purpose of getting out of the agreement.

Alatorre, with the unanimous backing of the council, asked for the examination in the wake of growing criticism from Chicano activists and historians who argue that the proposed $15-million project by Grand American does not include enough cultural exhibit space.

Of particular concern to opponents of the project is a proposed French restaurant in Pico House, where they say a Mexican cultural center should be placed instead.

The Pico House was built by Pio de Jesus Pico, the last Mexican governor of Alta California, as Los Angeles' first hotel. Results of the study are expected in about 30 days.