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Santa Cruz names Puerto Escondido a two‑year 'friendship city' to expand cultural and academic exchanges
Summary
Council approved a two‑year 'friendship city' designation with Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, to pursue cultural exchanges, lifeguard and marine‑safety collaboration, artist and student exchanges and joint conservation programming funded and developed through Sister Cities and community partners.
The Santa Cruz City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 24 to adopt Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico, as a two‑year "friendship city," with the option to make the relationship permanent if the initial period proves successful.
Carol LeBarton, chair of the Sister Cities Committee, and subcommittee members described an exploratory trip and outreach that identified opportunities in arts, marine conservation, lifeguard training and student exchanges. The city said it received a $30 million BHCIP state grant for the Coral Street navigation center earlier in the meeting; the Sister Cities action is separate and focuses on cultural and academic ties.
Committee members and presenters described several concrete collaboration ideas: artist residency exchanges with Casa Wabi, cooperation between the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History and Puerto Escondido arts programs, a proposed "Sister Waves Lifeguard Exchange" with Santa Cruz Fire Department marine safety staff, and potential university partnerships for marine science and nursing exchanges. The friendship‑city designation will last two years and the committee intends to host exchanges, delegation visits and online programming during that period; success would lead to a permanent sister‑city relationship.
Councilmembers praised the proposal as a cultural bridge that would deepen ties with Oaxaca‑heritage residents in Santa Cruz and create opportunities for school and community exchanges. Councilmember O'Hara moved and Councilmember Brunner seconded the resolution; the clerk recorded an all‑aye roll call and the motion passed.
Staff and Sister Cities volunteers said planned activities include delegations to and from Puerto Escondido, youth programming, arts exchanges and lifeguard training coordination; funding and schedules will be developed during the friendship period.
