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Local flag football league pitches international exchanges with Vallejos sister cities; commissioners offer support
Summary
Ken Sarna and his son Ryan presented their leagues youth and scholarship program and proposed cultural and sporting exchanges with Vallejos sister cities, especially Ensenada. Commissioners supported appointing liaisons to work with the league and the Sister City Association to develop a proposal for Council consideration.
Ken Sarna and Ryan Sarna presented an overview of the Sarna Leagues youth programs Oct. 20 and asked the commission to consider partnering on sporting and cultural exchanges with Vallejos sister cities, particularly Ensenada, Mexico.
Ken Sarna, a fifth-generation Vallejoan, told commissioners the league now serves about 3,000 youth and has raised roughly $350,000 in scholarship money over four years. "Flag football is the fastest growing sport in the world," Ken Sarna said, and he added that several sister-city teams are preparing for international competition.
Ryan Sarna described local partnerships with the NFL and the San Francisco 49ers, an expansion to neighboring cities and a program that includes an annual service trip and sports clinic in Ensenada. "We've given $350,000 in registration scholarships to not turn anybody away," Ryan Sarna said, explaining the leagues equity and affordability mission.
Commissioners expressed broad support. Commissioner Lamb offered to serve as liaison between the commission and the league and to coordinate with any commissioners who wished to participate. Commissioner Pelton Stewart noted the commissions prior sports and youth exchanges and encouraged integrating the leagues plans with existing sister-city outreach. Commissioner Rubio Machado indicated willingness to participate and attend follow-up meetings with Ensenada representatives.
Commissioners asked the league to develop a written proposal with recommended next steps and cost estimates; several commissioners suggested that the association and Visit Vallejo could assist with logistics and fundraising. The commission asked designated liaisons to meet with the league and report back to the full commission with formal recommendations for Council consideration.
