Update of Current Events
(last updated December 2007)

Anjo 25th Anniversary as Sister City

In April,2007, a delegation of twenty-six, including Mayor Coerper, enjoyed a memorable tour of Japan, with stays in Tokyo, Kamakura, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and our sister city, Anjo. In commemoration of the 25 th anniversary of the sister city agreement, the group was royally received by Anjo officials and citizens and enjoyed their gracious hospitality.

The City of Huntington Beach is celebrating its 25 th Anniversary with Sister City Anjo City, Japan . To commemorate the 25 years of cultural exchange, a luncheon was held on Monday, July 2 nd at the Waterfront Hilton. Here four local artists displayed their works of art that will be sent to Anjo as part of the art exchange program that has existed for many years. The luncheon began with a Sister City greeting from Carmen Erber, President of the Huntington Beach Sister City Association. She introduced City Officials, including the City Council, and the Sister City Association Board. Mayor Gil Coerper greeted those in attendance before Anjo City Treasurer and Delegation Leader, Toshiaki Omi, addressed the audience. Darlene D. DeAngelo, Curator of the Huntington Beach Art Center, introduced the artists and presented the works of art that will travel to Anjo, Japan. Highlights of this 25 th Anniversary Luncheon will be available in the August edition of Surf City Highlights, available at www.surfcity-hb.org and on HBTV Channel 3.

In keeping with the 25 th Anniversary with Anjo, a delegation of 25 adults visited Huntington Beach from July 2 nd to July 5 th. These guests were hosted by Huntington Beach families. Other anniversary activities included a concert Tuesday, July 3 rd where members of the delegation played the Japanese K and flute.

The Sister City Association of Huntington Beach has been operating since 1977. This non-profit organization provides cultural information and youth exchange programs with our Sister Cities, Anjo, Japan and Waitakere, New Zealand. The Association provides planned continuous contact between citizens on a variety of levels. This “citizen diplomacy” motivates friendship and respect for diversity. Over 200 students and many adults from our city have shared in a cultural exchange during the past 25 years. Through communications with citizens of our sister cities, participants discover each other’s similarities and differences. The chance of maintaining world peace comes through awareness and understanding created through involvement of people of goodwill in both countries.

Student Ambassador Program

Ambassadors for the 2008 student exchange have been selected and notified. Applications for the 2009 exchange program will be available beginning September 2008.

Membership

Thanks to all who maintain memberships, volunteer their time and homes to our guests. If you have not yet taken the opportunity to support Sister City, please see our membership page (click here). Having a charity IRS code, contributions are a taxable deduction.

Watch the this web site for more detailed information or call (714) 846-7685