REVIEW AND CONSIDER AN ANNUAL CELEBRATORY EVENT TO
HONOR THE CITY OF BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE, PHILIPPINES
AS LATHROP’S SISTER CITY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 9, 2026 | ITEM 5.4
SUMMARY
On Monday, November 10, 2025, the Lathrop City Council Regular Meeting agenda included a "Mayor's Referral" regarding the approval of an annual celebratory event to recognize the city's sisterhood with the City of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. By consensus, the City Council accepted the referral.
The City of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines was approved as a Sister City of the City of Lathrop in April of 2003. The Sister City designation recognizes the strong cultural and historical ties between Lathrop residents and the Bacarra community. Lathrop’s Sister City relationship with Bacarra promotes cultural exchange, strengthens international relationships, and fosters mutual understanding between the two communities.
BACKGROUND
Members of the Lathrop community with ties to the City of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines have periodically organized celebratory events at the Community Center. Most recently, a request has been submitted to formalize this celebration as an annual event, to be held on the last Saturday in April.
The event is fully organized and managed by local residents who will assume responsibility for all scheduled activities, including entertainment, food, speakers, and social engagement.
Admission tickets will be sold by the group in order to raise funds for scholarships and community service projects, and the event will be open to the public. Total attendance is not expected to exceed 200 guests.
The City would waive fees for facility usage, waive staffing costs for facility monitors, authorize payment of third-party security and authorize reimbursement for one day event insurance with all waivers and reimbursements cumulatively not to exceed $3,000 in 2026 and an additional 5% compounding annually thereafter.
FISCAL IMPACT
Cumulatively not to exceed $3,000 in 2026 and an additional 5% compounding annually thereafter.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends authorizing an Annual Sister City Celebratory Event organized by Lathrop residents to be held on the last Saturday in April and waive fees for facility usage, waive staffing costs for facility monitors, authorize payment of third-party security and authorize reimbursement for one day event insurance.