CA Review CKM
Meeting Date: Oct. 24, 2023
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: Sheila Cobian, Legislative & Constituent Services Director [email protected], 442-339-2917
Subject: Annual Carlsbad Sister City Program Update
Districts: All
Rec
ommended Action
Receive the annual update on the programs, relationships and finances of Carlsbad’s Sister City Program as required by City Council Policy No. 77.
Executive Summary/Explanation
Carlsbad’s Sister City Program is operated by the not-for-profit, community-based organization Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors. At the City Council Meeting held Jan. 23, 2018, City Council Policy No. 77 (Exhibit 1) was modified, requiring an annual update on the programs, relationships and finances of the ambassadors. Tom Hersant, President of the organization, will present the update to the City Council (Exhibit 2).
Fiscal Analysis
This action has no financial impact.
Environmental Evaluation
This action does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under California Public Resources Code Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
Exhibits
1. City Council Policy No. 77
2. Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors presentation
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 1 of 22
{9ityof
Carlsbad
Council Policy Statement
Category: CARLSBAD SISTER CITY PROGRAM
Policy No.
Date Issued:
Effective Date:
Resolution No:
Cancellation Date:
Supercedes No.
77 Jan. 23, 2018
Jan.23,2018
2018-008
N/A
77 dated
Apr. 24, 2012
Specific Subject: Guidelines for the establishment and management of sister city relationships involving the City of Carlsbad
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to:
• Establish guidelines for the maintenance and expansion of Carlsbad's Sister City Program.
• Encourage sister city programs for the benefit of the City of Carlsbad and its residents. • Duly authorize and endorse a not-for-profit, community-based organization to be the managing organization for the sister city relationships with Futtsu, Japan and Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic and for sister city program activities conducted for the benefit of Carlsbad citizens.
BACKGROUND:
The Sister City Program was officially established in 1956 by President Eisenhower for the purpose of aiding in the development of mutual understanding between U.S. cities and international cities. One facet of the program was furthering economic and cultural cooperation and interchange between the participating entities.
In January 1988, the City of Carlsbad established its first sister city relationship with Futtsu, Japan (Resolution 88-18) by invitation of that city. It also established a Sister City Steering Committee (Resolution 88-19), made up of representatives from several community organizations, to be responsible for the sister city program in Carlsbad. This body worked together for 18 months, and then requested a new structure with additional assistance from the city.
The Carlsbad Sister City Committee and Program were established in 1990 by City Council Resolution 90-3 which created a nine-member Sister City Committee with a staff liaison in the Cultural Arts Office to assume management of the existing sister city relationship with
Exhibit 1
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 2 of 22
Futtsu, Japan. In early 1991, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic requested a formal relationship with its namesake, Carlsbad, California, and became the program's second sister city (Resolution 90-452).
In June 2010, the City Council dissolved the Sister City Committee by Resolution 2010-160, and suggested that the sister city program should be conducted and managed by a not for-profit, community-based organization rather than through continued city management.
POLICY:
It is the policy of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad that the relationships between the City of Carlsbad and its sister cities be conducted by a not-for-profit, community-based organization whose purpose is the operation of international relations with sister city partners and the presentation of appropriate recommendations to the City Council concerning the establishment of possible additional sister city relationships.
Activities undertaken in pursuit of this purpose should increase the visibility, effectiveness, efficiency and viability of Carlsbad's existing sister city partnerships, thereby supporting their missions in the areas of cultural, educational and economic relationships. At all times the benefits to the residents of Carlsbad should serve as the primary objectives of the not-for profit, community-based organization as it develops its relationships, programs and activities.
The City Council reserves to itself the right to rescind, restrict or transfer its appointment and endorsement by a vote of the majority of the City Council members.
The not-for-profit,community-based organization must maintain and demonstrate the ability to fund its activities without reliance on direct financial support from the City of Carlsbad, other than CSCA's annual Sister City lnternational's membership fee, including future fee increases, which the City can decide to discontinue at any time. CSCA will maintain membership in the Sister Cities International for the general benefit of the community and to support effective management of the program, unless otherwise directed by the City Council.
If the City Council directs CSCA to not enroll with Sister Cities International, the City will no longer appropriate the annual membership fee to CSCA.
In considering the establishment of additional sister city relationships, the not-for-profit, community- based organization should use sound policy and practices of its own development, should recommend additional relationships only if the following requirements are satisfied:
1. There must be a logical area of mutual interest with the city in prospect, in the fields of culture, commerce, education or history.
2. The not-for-profit, community-based organization must favor the proposed affiliation and intend to pursue a meaningful program after the relationship is established. The not-for-profit, community-based organization must be in a position to finance the resulting expanded activities without expectation of financial backing by the City.
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 3 of 22
3. A similar identifiable civic or official group must exist in the city with which affiliation is proposed, with a clear indication of intent to carry out active mutual programs. The government of the foreign city itself must evidence a desire to affiliate.
Recommendations of new sister cities will be brought before the City Council for consideration and approval before the not-for-profit, community-based organization proceeds with the formation of a Sister Cities Agreement (Agreement) with any proposed sister city. The Agreement will be executed between the officials of the sister city and the not-for-profit, community-based organization and the City of Carlsbad will not be a party to any specific obligations and commitments undertaken within the scope of the Agreement. After execution of the Agreement,and following a vote in favor by the City Council, the City of Carlsbad will sign an Acknowledgement recognizing the partner city as a Sister City of Carlsbad.
As a condition of its authorization to manage and operate Carlsbad's Sister City Program, the not-for-profit, community-based organization will appear before the City Council annually to submit current reports on its programs, relationships and finances. Within its appropriate scope of activities as an incorporated not-for-profit organization, the not-for-profit, community-based organization is encouraged to pursue independent funding opportunities in the community.
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 4 of 22
2022-2023 Annual Report to the Carlsbad City Council
Presentation by
Tom Hersant
President of Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors
Exhibit 2
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 5 of 22
Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors (CSCA)
is a member of Sister Cities International (SCI)
SCI was initiated in 1956 by President Eisenhower
It is a United States State Department sponsored
citizen diplomacy network
That motivates and empowers private citizens,
municipal officials and business leaders
to promote peace
- one individual and community at a time.
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 6 of 22
About Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors
Carlsbad - Futtsu - Karlovy Vary
Mission: “Taking Carlsbad to the World AND
bringing the World to Carlsbad”
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 7 of 22
Futtsu, Japan
Sister City since January 1988
Through efforts of Mr. Yoshiro Fujimura
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 8 of 22
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Sister City since January 1991
Through efforts of Mr. Jiri Slach and Mr. Ludvik Grigoras Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 9 of 22
CSCA Annual Programs
● Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS)
● Junior Ambassadors:
○ Global Citizen Youth Leadership
○ Sponsored Trips
● Ringing of Peace Bells
● Community Outreach
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 10 of 22
Young Artists and Authors Showcase
An annual Sister Cities International sponsored contest Encourages youth worldwide to express the SCI mission through:
Original artwork, literature, photography, and music.
Grand Prize Winners in each category win a $1,000 prize CSCA again received participation from Carlsbad students Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 11 of 22
Our Junior Ambassadors Programs
● Connect our youth globally
• Have a host family opportunity
• Challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zone • Establish international relationships
• Earn Service Hours
• Make a difference to our community
● Do this both online and in person
● Although a youth initiative, we wel come educators who wish to arrange global discussions for their students
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 12 of 22
Sponsored by Global Education Elite
Junior Ambassadors - Global Citizen Youth Leadership
We host a virtual STEM
mentorship exchange between
CHS’s robotic team and students
in Hong Kong.
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 13 of 22
Junior Ambassadors - Sponsored Trip 2023
Five students visited
Futtsu - Tokyo - Kyoto
• Home stays
• School visits
• Cultural immersion
Next student trip to Futtsu is Summer of 2024!
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 14 of 22
Home Stays
With a
Master Swordsman
With a
Master Mama
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 15 of 22
School Visits
We teach . . .
We learn!
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 16 of 22
Cultural Immersion
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 17 of 22
Community Outreach
• 2022 & 2023: Accepted invitation from Japan’s Consul General in Los Angeles to join ot
her sister cities in networking for economic ties through trade missions • 2022-2023: Participated in our Chamber of Commerce’s Green Expo • July 2022: Showcased our YAAS art pieces at the
76th Assembly District’s Summer Community Spotlight event Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 18 of 22
Our 2020 inaugural event commemorated 75 years of peace with Japan since the Hiroshima bombing
Our August 5, 2022 event commemorated 77 years of peace as well as the urgent need for peace in Ukraine
Ringing of Peace Bells
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 19 of 22
35 Year Anniversary with Futtsu
• Greeting by Mayor Blackburn at C ity Hall
• Homestay arrangements with Carlsbad families
• Sight seeing around Carlsbad as well as Hollywood and an A
ngels baseball game featuring Japanese celebrity player Shohei Ohtani
• A Legoland sponsored and designed Lego Build constructed by our
Mayor Blackburn with the students from Japan and Carlsbad • Reception with Proclamation presented by M ayor Pro Tem Bhat- Patel and our presenting the City the special medallion created by our Director, Laurenn Barker. Also included Taiko drummers, Mariachi’s, Mexican food and fun!
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 20 of 22
Major Upcoming Events
• We, along with S an Diego Sister Cities and
Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary, initiated a Southwest
California “Friendship Cities” peace-promoting
relationship with the Northwest Ireland region.
Now planning Next Steps for 2024
• O ur next biennial student visit to Futtsu in June 2024 • Represent Carlsbad at Karlovy Vary in November
a
t their Mayor’s Sister Cities Welcome
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 21 of 22
Want to join in?
CarlsbadAmbassadors.org
Prepared by Tom Hersant and Iris Cheung, Global Education Elite Exhibit 2
Oct. 24, 2023
Item #4 Page 22 of 22
2022-2023 Annual Report to the Carlsbad City Council
Presentation by
Tom Hersant
President of Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors
Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors (CSCA)
is a member of Sister Cities International (SCI)
SCI was initiated in 1956 by President Eisenhower
It is a United States State Department sponsored
citizen diplomacy network
That motivates and empowers private citizens,
municipal officials and business leaders
to promote peace
- one individual and community at a time.
About Carlsbad Sister City Ambassadors
Carlsbad - Futtsu - Karlovy Vary
Mission: “Taking Carlsbad to the World AND
bringing the World to Carlsbad”
Futtsu, Japan
Sister City since January 1988
Through efforts of Mr. Yoshiro Fujimura
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Sister City since January 1991
Through efforts of Mr. Jiri Slach and Mr. Ludvik Grigoras CSCA Annual Programs
● Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS)
● Junior Ambassadors:
○ Global Citizen Youth Leadership
○ Sponsored Trips
● Ringing of Peace Bells
● Community Outreach
Young Artists and Authors Showcase
An annual Sister Cities International sponsored contest Encourages youth worldwide to express the SCI mission through:
Original artwork, literature, photography, and music.
Grand Prize Winners in each category win a $1,000 prize CSCA again received participation from Carlsbad students
Our Junior Ambassadors Programs
● Connect our youth globally
• Have a host family opportunity
• Challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zone • Establish international relationships
• Earn Service Hours
• Make a difference to our community
● Do this both online and in person
● Although a youth initiative, we welcome educators who wish to arrange global discussions for their students
Sponsored by Global Education Elite
Junior Ambassadors - Global Citizen Youth Leadership
We host a virtual STEM
mentorship exchange between
CHS’s robotic team and students
in Hong Kong.
Junior Ambassadors - Sponsored Trip 2023
Five students visited
Futtsu - Tokyo - Kyoto
• Home stays
• School visits
• Cultural immersion
Next student trip to Futtsu is Summer of 2024!
Home Stays
With a
Master Swordsman
With a
Master Mama
School Visits
We teach . . .
We learn!
Cultural Immersion
Community Outreach
• 2022 & 2023: Accepted invitation from Japan’s Consul General in Los Angeles to join other sister cities in networking for economic ties through trade missions • 2022-2023: Participated in our Chamber of Commerce’s Green Expo • July 2022: Showcased our YAAS art pieces at the
76th Assembly District’s Summer Community Spotlight event
Our 2020 inaugural event commemorated 75 years of peace with Japan since the Hiroshima bombing
Our August 5, 2022 event commemorated 77 years of peace as well as the urgent need for peace in Ukraine
Ringing of Peace Bells
35 Year Anniversary with Futtsu
• Greeting by Mayor Blackburn at City Hall
• Homestay arrangements with Carlsbad families
• Sight seeing around Carlsbad as well as Hollywood and an Angels baseball game featuring Japanese celebrity player Shohei Ohtani
• A Legoland sponsored and designed Lego Build constructed by our Mayor Blackburn with the students from Japan and Carlsbad • Reception with Proclamation presented by Mayor Pro Tem Bhat- Patel and our presenting the City the special medallion created by our Director, Laurenn Barker. Also included Taiko drummers, Mariachi’s, Mexican food and fun!
Major Upcoming Events
• We, along with San Diego Sister Cities and
Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary, initiated a Southwest
California “Friendship Cities” peace-promoting
relationship with the Northwest Ireland region.
Now planning Next Steps for 2024
• Our next biennial student visit to Futtsu in June 2024 • Represent Carlsbad at Karlovy Vary in November
at their Mayor’s Sister Cities Welcome
Want to join in?
CarlsbadAmbassadors.org
Prepared by Tom Hersant and Iris Cheung, Global Education Elite