FIRST OFF . . .

After a debate that lasted nearly an hour Wednesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted 10 to 3 to declare the Los Angeles Festival a city-sponsored “special event,” providing assistance and services of various city departments and $22,433 worth of rental equipment. Debate centered around issues of “exclusivity” and “elitism.” Voting against special help to the festival were Councilwoman Gloria Molina and Councilmen Nate Holden, who contended that Los Angeles minority artists were not sufficiently represented in the festival, which begins Sept. 3. Councilman Ernani Bernardi, in voting against, said it was “chintzy” for a $5.8-milion festival to ask for help. Councilwoman Joy Picus, speaking for the majority, said the city “should be falling all over itself” to help the festival because it promotes the city as an international arts community.