PRI denies retaliatory practices, says employee was threatened
THIRD STREET — Allegations of retaliatory practices by the Promenade’s new vending cart operator have elected leaders considering breaking the contract with the company.
The Santa Monica City Council this week asked city staff to continue an investigation to determine whether the new vending cart program operator, Provenzano Resources, Inc. (PRI), breached its contract. The firm allegedly retaliated against some outspoken cart operators by rejecting their applications to be part of the new program.
In addition, the City Council asked City Attorney Marsha Moutrie to consider whether City Hall might buy out the contract with PRI and manage the Promenade vending cart program itself. Some City Council members felt the allegations suggest that aspects of the new program aren’t in line with what they feel are appropriate business practices for Santa Monica and its contractors.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 12, 2005. Read the original PDF.