The South El Monte City Council voted 3‑2 on Oct. 7 to authorize out‑of‑state travel for council members to visit a Wynwood street‑art tour in Miami as part of exploratory work for an Olympic arts initiative.

Public commenter Kimberly Valencia urged the council to study nearby Los Angeles arts districts and regional programs rather than send multiple members to Miami, arguing the trip is an inappropriate city expense amid budget shortfalls and service cuts. “Responsible governance begins at home,” Valencia told the council during public comment.

Council discussion showed a split. The council packet listed the travel as a $6,600 total cost; the city attorney confirmed state law and municipal rules require council approval for out‑of‑state travel on city business. Supporters said travel budgets already exist and that conferences have yielded implementable ideas in the past; one councilmember said, “Every single conference, I brought something back” to justify attendance. Opponents suggested first studying regional examples such as Los Angeles arts districts that have existing arts‑led development models.

The motion to approve was recorded as moved by Councilmember Larry and seconded by Councilmember Hector; the clerk recorded the vote as 3 in favor, 2 opposed. The council also discussed that any travel outside California must come to the council for approval under existing municipal practice and that materials for the trip were from a private tour operator rather than an official host organization.

City staff and the city attorney said the council must formally approve any out‑of‑state city travel; the trip resolution will be implemented consistent with existing travel rules and with any follow‑up reporting to the council after the trip.