Escondido council directs staff to refine festival proposal using remaining sister‑cities funds, requires local involvement

The City Council voted 5‑0 to direct city staff to refine a funding proposal for a proposed Oaxaca cultural festival at Kit Carson Park and to pursue that refinement using the remaining balance of the city’s sister‑cities budget, with clear inclusion of local Escondido organizations in the event plan and budget.

The council’s action followed a presentation by Jennifer Schenig (economic development) and a pitch from Renee Reynoso, director of 2 Streams Live, the event promoter seeking up to $40,000 in financial and in‑kind city support for a March 2026 two‑day festival combining live music, dance, vendors and community booths. “We’re looking for partners,” Reynoso said, describing prior events and the potential to draw county‑wide visitors.

Why it matters: The proposal drew substantial public comment and detailed council questioning about cultural representation, where funds would come from and whether the event would prioritize local residents and local Oaxacan community groups. Several council members said they supported the idea but not the full $40,000 request from the city’s general fund; they asked for a community‑rooted plan and transparency about who benefits.

Staff and the promoter said the total artist and production costs run higher than the $40,000 request; the promoter offered possible revenue‑share arrangements and said the $40,000 would help underwrite artist costs, production and outreach. City staff reported that the economic development subcommittee recommended bringing the event forward for council consideration and that the subcommittee had previously supported moving it forward for funding review.

Speakers in public comment included Francisco Martino, a community member who asked how the festival would represent Zapotec artists and whether local performers would have access to stage time and internships; other commenters and council members repeatedly urged that local Escondido Oaxacan organizations be involved in planning and that in‑city groups be prioritized for participation and compensation.

Council discussion centered on two funding questions: (1) whether to use general fund money or to limit city contribution to existing sister‑cities funds; and (2) whether staff should require a more explicit plan that lists local partners and local financial participation before any additional city contribution. Councilmembers noted the existing sister‑cities line in the budget was set at $25,000 annually and that, after earlier travel and commitments, about $23,000 would remain available in the current fiscal year.

Mayor White framed the council’s position as a conditional support: the council signaled approval to proceed with a refined proposal using the sister‑cities pot and to include local Escondido groups in budget lines and program plans. “Once again, I would, you know, I think that it's appropriate that we put those clauses or ideas...on our vote,” Mayor White said during the discussion, referring to the no‑Measure I funding constraint later clarified in the vote discussion. The motion to direct staff to prepare a refined proposal and return with specifics was seconded and passed 5‑0.

Action and next steps: The council’s direction requires staff to return with a revised plan that (a) relies on up to $23,000 from the sister‑cities budget rather than Measure I or other restricted funds, (b) identifies specific local Escondido organizations and proposed compensation or participation, and (c) shows how city in‑kind support (venue use, permit facilitation, utilities and communications) will be provided. The council asked staff to ensure transparency about where funds would be drawn from and to report back at a future council or subcommittee meeting.