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Last week, the City of Santa Cruz welcomed a delegation from its sister city, Shingu, Japan, led by Shingu Mayor Taoka Michitoshi. The delegation included Shingu’s city council members and staff, who participated in a week of events to strengthen the two cities' relationship.
Highlights of the visit included the Blue Innovation event, meetings with the Chamber of Commerce, a marketing summit with Visit Santa Cruz, and a special discussion with Downtown Association staff. The Santa Cruz Sister Cities Committee and the Parks and Recreation Department organized a series of cultural and community events to celebrate the occasion. Among these was an art reception at the London Nelson Community Center, featuring works representing Santa Cruz’s various sister cities.
The delegation's visit culminated in a celebration at the Museum of Art and History, marking the 50th anniversary of the sister city partnership between Santa Cruz and Shingu. The celebration drew local, state, and national dignitaries, including the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, Osumi Yo, State Senator John Laird, and representatives from the office of State Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. Shingu Sister City Association Chairman Taku Iwasawa and Santa Cruz City Councilmember Sandy Brown also attended.
In recognition of this historic milestone, the California State Senate and Assembly issued a joint resolution honoring fifty years of friendship between the two cities. Councilmember Sandy Brown delivered special remarks and presented the Mayoral Proclamation, officially declaring October 5, 2024, as “Santa Cruz — Shingu Sister Cities Day.”
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