Opinion ID: 1173856
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Completion of Performance

Text: (6a) The city argues that, since the contract did not expressly authorize use of rotary mud, plaintiff, in performing in that manner, attempted to force the city to reform the contract and to subvert the policy requirement of competitive bidding. It contends that modifications of a contract can only be awarded through competitive bidding ( Paterson v. Board of Trustees (1958) 157 Cal. App.2d 811 [321 P.2d 825]), and that, absent modification, plaintiff's only remedies lie in either prompt rescission of the contract or discontinuance of performance and suit for damages (see Kenworthy v. State of California (1965) 236 Cal. App.2d 378 [46 Cal. Rptr. 396]). (7) As the court in Gogo v. Los Angeles etc. Flood Control Dist. (1941) 45 Cal. App.2d 334, 338 [114 P.2d 65], stated, however, [a] party induced by a false representation to enter into a contract may proceed to perform it and sue for damages for the misrepresentation. (6b) Evidence in the instant case showed that plaintiff's abandonment of the project would have created a serious public hazard. The bank on the downhill side of the roadway had been cut sheer and solidified by a chemical process. The chemical solidification, however, effected only a temporary control; a halt in construction pending a suit for rescission or damages, or pending further competitive bids, would have risked the collapse of the road and the sliding of the structure onto the street below. Under the circumstances, plaintiff justifiably completed construction; defendant has not questioned the reasonableness of the methods used, nor the cost incurred, in the completion. Defendant stands on somewhat stronger ground when it alleges that, in view of the situation, plaintiff delayed too long before resuming work. Section 2-8 of the Standard Specifications, however, contemplates that the contractor will halt performance pending issuance of a change order, and the reasonableness of plaintiff's delay and its resulting claim for damages raised questions for the jury.