CC SR 20200616 04 - Sister City with Sakura City, Japan
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 06/16/2020
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to form a “sister city” relationship with the City of
Sakura City, Japan.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Review the mutually agreed-upon formation of a “sister city” relationship with
Sakura City, Japan; and
(2) If acceptable, direct Staff to return to the City Council on July 21, 2020 with a
Resolution of Sister City Agreement with the City of Sakura City, Japan.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager
REVIEWED BY: Same as above
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. May 21, 2020 Sakura City PowerPoint Presentation (page A-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
Since 2001, more than 300 students from two middle schools in Sakura City, Japan
have traveled to Rancho Palos Verdes to attend Miraleste Intermediate School,
enabling students from both cities to attain a robust cultural understanding and
appreciation of both countries. To ensure that the program continues to strengthen
cultural bonds and foster many enduring and deep friendships, the City Council
discussed and agreed to proceed with pursuing a “sister city” relationship with Sakura
City at its regular City Council meetings on January 21, 2020, and April 7, 2020.
On June 5, 2020, Staff received confirmation that on May 21, 2020, Sakura City Mayor
Takashi Hanatsuka and the City Council of Sakura City discussed and approved the
establishment of its first “sister city” relationship with our City (Attachment A).
1
Staff from both cities have met to discuss the next steps in creating a sister city
partnership. A mutually agreed-upon resolution is being drafted for both organizations to
consider with the help of the City Attorney’s Office. The resolution, a Resolution of
Sister City Agreement, would promote the following:
Friendship between citizens;
Understanding of both cultures;
Fairness and goodwill; and
Active exchanges in culture, education, arts, and the economy.
If the above is acceptable to the City Council, Staff will place the resolution on the July
21, 2020 City Council agenda for consideration to memorialize a sister city relationship
with Sakura City. Also, Staff will prepare the following in the weeks subsequent to the
adoption of the resolution:
Schedule a ceremonial signing presentation.
Prepare City Proclamation and gift for Sakura City, Japan.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative action s are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not pursue a “sister city” relationship with Sakura City, Japan.
2. Take other action, as deemed appropriate by the City Council.
2
To form a Sister City with Rancho Palos Verdes12020.5.21Sakura City Council ReportA-1
To form a sister city友好都市を締結するにはSister city agreement will establish by signing the affiliation document by both mayors.「締結書」に双方の首長が署名(調印)をすることで、友好都市締結が成立する。※The format of the signing ceremony is not defined.(free)調印式の形式は定められていない。(自由)※If the face-to-face signing ceremony is difficult because of the covit-19, it is possible to think that exchange the affiliation document by mail. コロナウイルスの感染拡大の防止により、両市長が対面での調印式を開催することが難しい場合、郵送又での「提携書」のやりとりが考えられる。2A-2
Sister City Agreement (English sample)Sister City Agreement The Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes City, California, United States of America and Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan hereby recognize each other as SISTER CITIES. The purpose of this reciprocal agreement is to further develop a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.The Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes City and Sakura City, and their respective citizens, through active exchanges in a variety of areas such as culture, education, arts, and the economy, will strive to further friendships and deepen their mutual understanding.We hope this relationship brings our communities closer together and enhances each other's cultural experience.This present agreement is created in duplicate in Japanese and English languages, both texts being equally authoritative and effective upon the date of signing.(Signature) Name John CruikshankMayor, Rancho Palos Veredes City Name Takashi HanatsukaMayor, Sakura City Date: △△ ▲▲, 2020Place: Rancho Palos Verdes City3Quoted from webA-3
Sister City Agreement (Japanese sample)友好都市締結協定書日本国栃木県さくら市とアメリカ合衆国カリフォルニア州ランチョパロスベルデス市は、相互の信頼と尊敬を礎として、これまでの友好関係をさらに推進するため、友好都市の締結をすることに合意する。両市及びその市民は、文化、教育、芸術、経済など幅広い分野における交流を通じて、さらなる発展と互いの理解と連携を深めることに努めるものとする。本協定書は、日本語及び英語を等しく正文とし、署名の日から効力を生ずる。2020年〇〇月▲▲日日本国栃木県さくら市長署名花塚 隆志アメリカ合衆国カリフォルニア州ランチョパロスベルデス市長署名John Cruikshankランチョパロスベルデス市にて4Quoted from webA-4
Sakura City Schedule(Goal)さくら市のスケジュール(目標)5June-July Discuss when to form a Sister City with RPV６～７月 調印に向けての調整By 2020/12/31Hold the signing ceremony or exchange affiliation by mail = Form a Sister City対面での調印又は書面で調印「友好都市締結」= 友好都市締結Report citizens(Public magazine)市民へ報告（広報紙など）A-5
After forming a Sister CityThe following events can be consider (We hope)・The students of Miraleste Intermediate School come to Sakura City as a school program.・Each students exchange by online.・Citizens visit each other’s city at some event.6A-6