Santa Barbara - Toba, Japan Sister City photo: Dolphin sculpture unveling at Toba in 1989,
Santa Barbara-Toba Japan Sister City 50th Anniversary Celebration Itinerary: October 18 - 21
On October 18, a twenty four member delegation from the city of Toba, Japan, including Toba’s Mayor Kusuichi Kida, will arrive in Santa Barbara to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Santa Barbara-Toba Sister City partnership. Upon their arrival they will be hosted by Santa Barbara families dinner at their homes. These dinners will introduce our guests to typical American homes, meals and living styles.
The following day, Wednesday, October 19 at 10:30, a tree planting ceremony will be held at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden. Three Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees, donated by the city of Toba, will be planted in the Park. Following this, the Toba delegation will tour the downtown of Santa Barbara and enjoy our local restaurants for lunch.
At 2:30 they will tour the SB courthouse. At 3:30 they will join with members of the Santa Barbara Sister City Organization, SB City Mayor Helen Schneider and the Consul General of Japan from LA, at the Mural Room of the SB County Courthouse for a commemorative ceremony where the City of Santa Barbara and Toba will exchange anniversary resolutions.
Following the Courthouse ceremony a dinner at 5:30 will be held at the University Club to honor the 50th year partnership. The dinner will give an opportunity for the Toba delegation to interact with members of the SB-Toba Sister City Organization and other guests who have had significant connections to Toba. It will also include a slide presentation of the history of this close connection.
On Thursday, October 20 the Toba delegation will be given the opportunity to explore Santa Barbara including a tour of the city by trolley including a stop at the Dolphin fountain which is a symbol or our partnership with Toba. Toba also has a Dolphin Fountain created by Santa Barbara artist Bud bottoms in 1989. They will enjoy lunch with Mayor Helene Schneider and a Uni (sea urchin) demonstration and tasting. They will also have the opportunity for wine and beer tasting and visit the Historical Museum.
On October 21, the Toba delegation will enjoy a brunch at the home of Sally and Mark Hamilton before continuing their tour in Los Angeles.
For more information Mark Hamilton email: mandshamilton@gmail.com or call 805-452-0275
