SBPV Sister Cities Committee Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

By Bonnie Carroll

Santa Barbara Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee Celebrated Mexican Independence Day and National Hispanic Month at an afternoon party on the patio of Casa Garcia; hosted by long-time members and board members Gil and Marti Garcia, where SBPV President Sebastian Aldana, board members, volunteers and guests were joined by Euclides Del Moral of Oxnard Mexican Consulate who presented a spirited Mexican flag ceremony to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. 

The festive afternoon included both DJ Music by D&D, Diana Guerrero and Dalet Alvarado as well as a live performance by talented singer Irma Segura. Guests mingled, enjoyed a delicious catered Mexican dinner by Chiltepin Catering, a lively auction of donated gift items, and dancing to favorite musical selections. Attendees included members from combined Santa Barbara Sister Cities, many of whom will be attending the November Santa Barbara Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities trip to Puerto Vallarta to celebrate the groups 50th Anniversary working together.

The Santa Barbara/Puerto Vallarta Sister Cities Committee program is a direct cultural and social exchange between Santa Barbara and Puerto Vallarta, established in 1972 through the efforts of local city officials and interested citizens and includes countless programs of community outreach and cooperation. The program is a living legacy left by the late President Dwight D. Eisenhower who conceived the program and initiated it in 1956. 

The grass-roots strength of the Sister City movement rests on the people-to-people programs, and the direct contact activity of the individual Sister Cities. Over 30,000.00 was raised throughout the past year to support the Volcanes Food Bank that supplies meal ingredients to over 500 families that have been economically devasted by loss of tourist related jobs due to the pandemic. For detailed information on all the programs supported by SBPV Sister Cities Committee please visit: www.sb/pvsistercity.org. For membership information please contact Gil Garcia at gil@gilgarcia-aia.com.

Gil & Marti Garcia, SBPV Sister Cities Committee event hosts