McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Monday, March 30, 2026 3:13 PM
Jomsky, Mark; PublicComment-AutoResponse; Gordo, Victor; Rivas, Jessica; Marquez, Miguel; Hampton, Tyron; Jones, Justin; Masuda, Gene; Cole, Rick; Lyon, Jason; Madison, Steve
c ^ . . ' ^ay Rivas; Phillis Griffin;
JESSE MAREZ
Public comment _Council meeting 3-20-26JTEM Number 5 _ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
STATEMENT
SCI-PISCA Membership Portal Page.png; lnvoice-D46ADZ50-0001.pdf; Receipt-2129-7452.pdf; PISCA_New_Affiliation_Policy(SCAP).pdf; Guanajuato Invitation to the Pasadena Mayor_6-23_2025.pdf; Pasadena Mayor Letter 1-28-26_Friendship Invitation.pdf; Dakar-Plateau Proposal of Affiliation.pdf [,;i ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you frnow the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
Honorable Mayor, Vice mayor and City Council Members,
As a former Human Relations commissioner who worked on the City of Pasadena Anti- Discrimination statement draft, founder of the Guanajuato Proposed Affiliation(PA) civic group and President of the Pasadena International Sister Cities Association, PISCA honoring and owning our name on one day before the Farmworkers Day in the US, who in Spanish was commonly known as "Piscadores", Spanish for Pickers.
We respectfully request for the City council to be responsive to the Pasadena People on the following requests, give them full consideration and respond to our civic group and the Pasadena people's call to formally finalize the Guanajuato-Pasadena Sister Cities Affiliation, accordingly, timely and respectfully, in alignment with the provided Pasadena new Sister Cities Affiliation Policy (SCAP) and the submitted recommendations on the 12-08-25 Guanajuato Proposal of affiliation report.
During these difficult times of political tension and division, the persecution and harassment by the federal government who continues to kidnap our children and family members and losses of lives of innocent people, it is now more important than ever for our elected officials stop the speeches and take action to send a clear message of peace to the national and international audience.
The deplorable actions by the federal Government are out of our control but the Recommendations to formalize the first Mexico Sister Cities affiliation of Guanajuato- Pasadena are seating at the city councils desk, these recommendations have met alt the 1 03/30/2026
ItemS
steps in the Pasadena New sister cities Affiliation Policy(SCAP) and comply with all Sister Cities International Guidelines.
Alt Pasadena Civic groups who are fostering and growing people to people community relationships with our international friends should be protected and respected above all politics by elected officials. We must learn from past mistakes and create a system that protects these relationships above personal conflicts and fabricated regulations that only hurt the relationships and our reputation. The Guanajuato PA and other groups continue to work in harmony since the separation from the suspended PSCC.
Please read the following requests with care and act responsibly to protect not only the Guanajuato Relationship but all the existing and future international people to people relationships in Pasadena.
Elected officials will come and go but these relationships will only grow stronger, Elected officials must support all civic groups and be responsible to protect the International relationships above all politics and internal conflicts.
The further delay of the Guanajuato-Pasadena Sister Cities process is not helping and resembles the same discriminating past and practices of past leaders whose names are still being displayed proudly at City council chambers, We urge the City council to collectibly accept the Guanajuato PA recommendations duly submitted in the 1 2-08-2025 report and respectfully request that an agenda item be placed in the near future to form an official Delegation to visit Guanajuato following the SCAP New Affiliation process.
Format Request for Council Alignment on Guanajuato-Pasadena Sister City Affiliation Process
March 30, 2026
Pasadena, California
HONORABLE VICTOR M. GORDO, Mayor of Pasadena
JESS RIVAS, Vice Mayor of Pasadena
Members of the Pasadena City Council
Subject: Request for Council Alignment on Guanajuato-Pasadena Sister City Affiliation Process
2 Dear Mayor Gordo, Vice Mayor Rivas, and Members of the City Council, We want to thank Mayor Victor M. Gordo, and Assistant to the City Manager Alexander Hernandez for meeting with the leadership of the Guanajuato Proposed Affiliation (PA) and Pasadena International Sister Cities Association (PISCA).We appreciate the opportunity to present the work completed over the past two years and to discuss how our elected officials can help advance this historic, community-Led initiative.
We write to follow up and to respectfully request City Council alignment and leadership regarding the Guanajuato-Pasadena Sister City affiliation process, formally submitted to Council on December 8, 2025.
A Completed Community-Led Process
The Guanajuato Proposed Affiliation (PA) represents more than two years of sustained work by Pasadena residents, institutions, and stakeholders. This effort has already:
Established an active people-to-people relationship between Pasadena and Guanajuato Facilitated official delegations and cultural exchanges Produced a formal report with clear recommendations for Council action This is not a preliminary effort—it is a completed community-led process awaiting for the proper representation and response by our city Council.
Concern Regarding the January 28, 2026 Letter
We respectfully raise concern regarding the Mayor's January 28, 2026 correspondence to the Municipality of Guanajuato, which introduced a "Friendship City" invitation.
While we recognize the authority of the Mayor to extend such "Friendship city"invitations, the timing and approach raise important governance considerations:
The "Friendship City" step is not required under the Pasadena Sister Cities Affiliation Policy (SCAP) or Sister Cities International guidelines
The action was taken without coordination with PISCA, the community body that developed the affiliation
The action was taken without clear Council direction or public process alignment As a result, this step would only delay the process and create confusion in an otherwise advanced process and may be perceived as a departure from the established, community-d riven pathway of the people to people program to create formal Sister Cities affiliations. 3 Importance of Process and Representation
Sister Cities affiliations are, by design, community-led civic processes, that must be supported and formalized by Elected officials.
Maintaining complete alignment between:
Sister cities international Guidelines
Internal Pasadena New Sister Cities Affiliation Policy (SCAP) The community's work,
The Council's oversight, and
The Mayor's actions
is essential to ensuring credibility, transparency, and trust—both Locally and internationally.
This is particularly important for Pasadena's Mexican community, whose cultural representation and engagement are central to this initiative as our culture has been omitted from the Sister Cities program in Pasadena for over 70 years.
Opportunity for Council Leadership
This moment presents a clear opportunity for the City Council to:
Affirm and support a community-led people to people international relationship initiatives Ensure that Pasadena's actions reflect inclusive governance and proper due process Advance what would become Pasadena's first Sister City affiliation with Mexico with no further delay of impediments.
•
Requested Next Steps
We respectfully request that the City Council:
Review the Guanajuato Mayor's letter sent on June,23rd 2025, where a cordial Invitation is extended to the Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council
Review The Pasadena Mayor's letter sent on January 28th,2026, where a "Friendship city" invitation was extended.
Review and act upon the December 8,2025 PISCA recommendations by the Guanajuato PA and PISCA
Provide clear direction to advance the formal Sister City affiliation with Guanajuato Work collaboratively with PISCA to coordinate next steps, including forming an official Pasadena delegation in 2026
Ensure that future communications regarding the Guanajuato initiative are aligned with the established SCAP process and plenty of community engagement, especially from PISCA and the Guanajuato PA representatives that have worked on this initiative for over two years. •
4 Closing
This initiative reflects the work, commitment, and Voice of the People of Pasadena, It must NOT be undermined or sidelined. Our elected officials must uphold and respect the people's work and voice, especially when it comes to building international diplomatic relationships that enrich our communities.
It is essential that the in-house Pasadena Sister Cities program moves forward reflecting that same spirit—collaborative, transparent, and aligned with the community it represents. Past mistakes MUST be acknowledged and avoided moving forward.
We remain committed to working with the Mayor and City Council to bring this historic affiliation to completion.
Respectfully,
Rene H. Gonzalez
President
Pasadena International Sister Cities Association (PISCA) "Connecting Hearts Across Frontiers"
PD . Dear Mayor and City council members, as requested by Mayor Gordo during our meeting please find our attached Sister Cities International(SCI) -PISCA membership Portal Page along with our annual SCI dues receipt and invoice, as well as the Dakar Plateau report, that clearly follows the same SCAP document with no "Friendship City" requirements. Since 2007. This is the same document that the GuanajuatoPA and PISCA adopted and have followed since the beginning of our Guanajuato PA work. 12_08_2025_Report on the 2025 Cultural Exchange Visit.pdf Rene H. Gonzalez, President,
5 Pasadena International Sister Cities Association (PISCA) Guanajuato Proposed Affiliation(PA) Committee, Chair
Direct-WhatsApp:
Connie De La Torre, Vice President,
Pasadena International Sister Cities Association (PISCA) Guanajuato Proposed Affiliation(PA) Committee, Vice Chair 6 i
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3 Invoice
Invoice number D46ADZ50-0001
Date of issue October 23, 2025
Date due October 23, 2025
Sister Cities International, Inc.
1012 14th St NW
Suite 1400
Washington, District of Columbia 20005
United States
+1 202-347-8630
[email protected]
SisterGities
INTIftfitAtiOHAfc
Bill to
Rene Gonzalez ([email protected])
Pasadena, California 91103
United States
$1,030.00 USD due October 23, 2025
Pay on line
DescriptionQtyUnit priceAmount
U.S. Member (100,000-300,000 Annual Cost: $1,030)1$1,030.00 Subtotal
Total
Amount due
$1,030.00
$1,030.00
$1,030.00
$1,030.00 USD
Receipt
Invoice number D46ADZ50-0001
Date paid October 23, 2025
Sister Cities International, Inc.
1012 14th St NW
Suite 1400
Washington, District of Columbia 20005
United States
+1 202-347-8630
[email protected]
^i SisterGfties
Bill to
Rene Gonzalez ([email protected])
Pasadena, California 91103
United States
$1,030.00 paid on October 23, 2025
DescriptionQtyUnit priceAmount
U.S. Member (100,000-300,000 Annual Cost: $1,030)1$1,030.00$1,030.00 Subtotal
Total
Amount paid
$1,030.00
$1,030.00
$1,030.00
Payment history
Payment methodDateAmount paidReceipt number
LinkOctober 23, 2025$1,030.002129-7452
PASADENA INTERNATIONAL SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION
SISTER CITY AFFILIATION POLICY
1. POLICY
It is the policy of Pasadena International Sister Cities Association (PISCA) that any community group wanting to form an affiliation with a foreign city must register first with Sister Cities International and then follow the procedures set forth below.
2. PROCEDURES
2.1 There shall be evidence of the desire for a Proposed Affiliation (PA) by both parties including correspondence from the proposed city to the effect of wanting to join with Pasadena as a sister city and an indication of official and/or citizen support for the PA.
2.2 There shall be visits between cities followed by continuous contacts, both unofficial and official.
2.3 Acceptance for the PA shall be indicated by people joining or expressing interest in joining PISCA.
2.4 Strong commitment shall be shown to the development and maintenance of a successful affiliation including corporate and/or cultural support.
2.5 A member ofPISCA shall be appointed subcommittee chair and given responsibility for all matters dealing with a PA. This person should be an active member ofPISCA. The newly formed subcommittee members shall have:
1. A clear understanding of sister city relationships and purpose of affiliations (see attached Sister Cities International affiliations policy and procedure statements).
2. The ability to generate at least ten new members to the PISCA.
3. Several experienced members who can assist the endeavors of the subcommittee.
4. Preliminary commitments, where possible, for support in hosting, cultural and business exchanges, fund raising, student exchanges, etc.
2.6 The subcommittee shall take the lead role presenting the PA to the community.
1. Both parties must bear in mind the SCI ideals of people-to-people associations.
2. The subcommittee should attempt to gain media coverage to promote the affiliation.
PISCA_Affiliation_Policy.doc 1 of 2 Rev: 10/2025
2.7 An "action plan" shall be developed setting forth each step toward a formal presentation for PISCA's executive committee and general membership, and should include such items as:
1. Similarities to Pasadena in light of cultural, physical and social aspects of the PA (i.e. size, location, population, educational and cultural facilities, aspects of economy, etc.).
2. The potential for student and citizen exchanges.
3. The potential funding sources.
2.8 A formal written report shall then be prepared for the Executive Committee of PISCA.
The report will include:
1. Items 2.1 through 2.7, as applicable.
2. Photographs and contact names from the PA.
3. Any other non-PISCA local support for the PA.
4. List of all cities reviewed for the PA.
2.9 After the EC has reviewed the report, it shall be distributed to the active general membership with the EC'S recommendation. The distribution will take place 10 days before the general membership meeting date. The general membership will then discuss and vote on the proposed affiliation.
2.10 If the PA is approved by PISCA general membership, the proposal will then be presented to the city council.
2.11 If the PA is adopted, the selected city and Pasadena shall make arrangements for an exchange of official delegations for the purpose of acceptance and signing ceremonies in each city.
1. These official delegations shall include mayor, council members, city manager, PISCA President, and any other community members who wish to attend.
2. The new affiliation shall have comparable city officials in their delegation.
PISCA_Affiliation_Policy.doc 2 of 2 Rev; 10/2025
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Guanajuato, Gto., June 23,2025.
Mr. Victor M. Gordo
Mayor of Pasadena
California, United States
Dear Mayor,
Warm greetings from Guaiiajuato Capital, a World Heritage City and the cultural heart of Mexico.
On behalf of the Municipal Goveminent. I would like to express our appreciation for the bonds of friendship that unite our communities.
1 would like to follow up ou the sister city process between Guanajuato and Pasadena, which we discussed in December 2024 when we had the opportunity to meet in person, f am convinced that now inore than ever, given the situation in the United States and around tlte world. it is essential for local governments to send a clear message of peace, unity, and mutual understanding among nations.
For this reason, we are pleased to extend a cordial invitation for you to lead, together with Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas and the honorable councilmembers, an offtcial delegation from tiie City of Pasadena to visit our city between October 25 and November 3,2025. This visit would allow you to experience firstliand the cultural richness ofGuanajuat.o during the International Cervantino Festival and the Day of the Dead celebrations, two of the most significant expressions of our identity.
As these dates coincide with a season when Guanajuato welcomes thousands of national and international visitors, hotel accommodations tend to fill up very quickly. Therefore, we would greatly appreciate receiving a response in the coming weeks in order to guarantee proper logistics and prepare an engaging agenda of activities for your delegation.
I am deeply grateftil to you, to Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas, to Councilmember Rick Cole, and to Ms.
Lena Kennedy, President of Pasadena's Sister Cities Committee, for the warm welcon-ie we received diiring our visit to Pasadena City Hall. I also want to thank Rene Gonzalez and the entire Guanajuato Affiliation Proposal Committee (Guanajuato PA) for the attentions given to the delegation from the Municipal Government ofGuanajuato during our stay in your city.
We took forward to your response and to any opportunities for coordination that may arise to make this visit a reality. It will be an honor to welcome you to Guanajuato.
With appreciation and respect.
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Munic
Samantha Smith.
pal President ofGuanajuato
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OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
January 28,2026
Samantha Smith Gutierrez, Presidenta Municipal
Municipality of Guanajuato
Guanajuato, Guanajuato
Mexico
Presidenta Municipal Smith Gutierrez,
As the New Year begins, we extend our warmest greetings to you and to the people ofGuanajuato.
On behalf of the City of Pasadena, California, and the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee, it is our distinct honor to formally invite the historic City of Guanajuato to become a Pasadena Friendship City, with the shared intention of cultivating this relationship into a formal Pasadena Sister Cities partnership in the near future.
Pasadena has a longstanding commitment to fostering international friendship, cultural exchange,and collaborative learning among cities around the world. A relationship between Pasadena and Guanajuato would reflect our mutual respect for rich cultural heritage, strong educational traditions, and vibrant civic life. Through this partnership, we envision meaningful opportunities to strengthen cultural, educational, and economic ties that benefit our residents and promote lasting goodwill between our communities.
We are proceeding in full accordance with the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee's Policy and Procedures for Establishing Sister Cities Affiliations and are committed to building a thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable foundation for collaboration. Beginning as Friendship Cities will allow our communities to engage through joint initiatives, exchanges, and dialogue—laying the groundwork for a potential future formal Sister City relationship.
I, along with the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee, am enthusiastic about the promise of this collaboration. We look forward to learning more about your administration, your city, and your community as we explore opportunities to grow together in partnership.
Enclosed, please find the Pasadena Sister Cities Policy and Procedures materials for your review. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss next steps at your convenience and are open to coordinating through a video conference, hosted visits, or delegation exchanges.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this invitation. We are confident that our shared values and aspirations will lead to a strong and enduring friendship between the City of Pasadena and the Municipality of Guanajuato.
Sincerely,
)^.^N[,
VICTOR M. GORDl
Mayor
100 North Garfield Avenue • Pasadena, CA 91109
(626) 744-4111 • Fax (626) 744-3727
Pasadena Sister Cities Corn mlttee
PROPOSAL of AFFILIATION
Pasadena* CA
and
Dakar Plateau, Sen ega I
Presented by the Ad Hoc Committee on Africa
Committee Choir: BouaFem Bousscloub
Committee Members: J<m Barry, Taicvanna Butler. Nia Briilcy, Leslie Caldwcl), Ann Fafson. Gerda Govine. Nova Hindoyan, Taleen Hindovan, £l(?na Mindry King, Raequcl London, Mame Mbaye, Deborah Mindry, Gary Moody, Jcnnipha.laurcn Nielsen, Su&ana Porras.TreasureSheppard, Moreen Viljoen, Horace Williams.
I
INTjRQDUCTION
On behalf of the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee (PSCC), this Proposal of Affiliation (PA) is the outcome of the Ad Hoc Committee on Africa's efforts to c&tabli&h a sister city jn Africa, It outlines the Ad Hoc Committee's selection approach, highliehts its work to sctect a suitable sister-city, and presents a ratioddle for a proposed affiliation with Dakar Plateau, Senegal.
This Proposal of Affiliation meets all the GfiterJa listed and defied in the PSCC's Sister Cjty Affiliation Policy (SCAP)o, A copy is attached,
Each time one of these criteria is met - not necessarily in an ordinal order • it will be identified as follows: (SCAP X.X.I
in that respect, this document shows "evicience of the cfesirefw a Proposal of Affiliation fPA) by both porties, includmg correspondence" (SCAP 2,1.). A copy of the invitation from the Mayof of Dakar Pbteau is attachecf. In late 2015, a member of PSCC, Boualem Bousseteuh. was appointed Chair of the Ad Hoc CommiHee on Alrjca (SCAP 2.5). He ensured that he had "o deaf tinderstondmg ofsfstercity retotionshtps and purpose of offWations" (SCAP 2.5.1t and "generated at least 10 new PSCC members " (SCAP 2.S.2) with whom he shared this understanding, Thus, a dynamic committee of 13 people began meeting m March 2D16, Still in growth phase, the committee at this point has increased by six (6) new members, showing an occeptance of the PA, indicated by people joining or expressing an interest," (SCAP 2.3).
It is in direct line with and in fu1t spirit of President Eisenhower's intent to promote world peace by "establishing people la peaplc relations, in addition to government to goyernment relations.
Furthermore, we made ours the motto " May we onrich each other from our differences." This Proposal of al'filialion was accepted at a 14 June 2018 Special Session by a vote of 26 yes, 1 (one) no and 1 (one) abstention.
U is presented ir» three parts:
Part I, Gene ra( Context,
A, TheSdection Approach
B. The visit to Dakar Plateau, Senegal
Part It. A CEos,er Look
A, Dakar Plateau Geography and KasEory
B. Dakar Piateau Social and CultMral Environment
PART I II. Focal Points
A, Arts & Culture
B. Education
C. Business
D. Tourism
2 PART I.
-GENERAL CONTEXT
A» The Selection Approach
On the basis of the "know thyself in order to know others," the commiltee's fir&t move was to take stock of Pa&adena, focus on an ovcr.all scope of our citv and highlight what it proyide& to our community and to polentiat Sister Cit^ partners. The second move was to scout for an African sister crty,
1. Taking stock of Pasadena
Though a small city of 140000 inhabitants on 22 square miles, Pasadena counts in its boundaries, among other thin gsi
Four (4) Museums
o Norton Simon
o USC Pacilica Asia Museum
o The Pasadena Historical (Vluseum
Pasadena Museum of Cajifornia Art (NOTE: Closiing end of July 2018J The unrivaled jet Propulsion laboratory (JPL), builder and manager of NASA'S unmanned spacecraft program.
The world respected California Institute of Technology (Caltceh), ranked 1st in the world by The Times Higher Education's World University Ranking 2015-16.
The Art Center College of Design, leader in Industrial Design (ranked number 1 by Design Intelligence) and Mediia Design, and also fanked in the top 25 global film schools by the Hollywood Reporter.
The Rose Bowl, the granddaddy of all bowls, Pasadena is also the ske of the dazzling annual Rose Parade, which every January 1 focuses the eyes of the world on oyr city, The event is always followed by a championship football game at the Rose Bowl. •
•
Without any doubt Pasadena can stand shoulder to shoulder with many world class cities,
2. Scouting Afncofor a sister-dty
For our selection of a country we decided that the following were qyalifytng factors:
• Preferably English-speaking population
No war or no epidemics
• A Gtcmocratic political system
• Human-rjghts consideration
a
After two rounds of lively discussions about the 54 countries <n Africa, we selected three finalists; • Ethiopja,
• Ghana and
South Africa.
Our first selection was South Africa. The commitiee turned its attention to a city. A similar process lcd to the selection of the City of Cape Town, which was approached by emajf in early 20A6. Around the same time, we contacted the Consulate General of South Africa to inform them of our plans and to request their assistance. The Con&yl General Ms. Danielle De Bruyn-Grady, and her Deputy Consul Mbclengwa, provided professional and warm support by inviting us to several social and economic events they held locally.
After several months of waiting, the city of Cape Town responded it was not interested in a "formal relationship." Although disappointing, this answer was not a total surprise. A few weeks earlier, a conversation had taken place between M$. Patricia De Lille, Mayor of Cape Town, and Boualem Bousseloyb, Chair of The PSCC's Ad Hoc Commhtee on Nrica, at a reception given by the Consul General of South Africa to honor the Mayor of Cape Town and her city's economic delegation as they toured the USA. It was understood then that the City of Cape Town was primarilv interested in investors.
Next, we contacted the South African cdies of Durban and Port Eli;abcth. Both cities expressed their interest and promised «* letter of Intent, which we had requested as an unstated form of serious interest. In early March 201S, during the busy preparation for the irip to Dakar, an errtail came from Port Eli^afaeth advising that the city "would start the process of entering into an Arrangement of Cooperation and Friendship" and that it was drafting a letter of Intent, We are still waiting for these Lett.ers of Intent form Duran and Port Eli;abeth, In no way did this close doors to possibMitws in other countries. In June 2017, an unexpecled opportunity revealed itself in the form of a phone call from the Honorary Consul of Senegal, Ms, Mamc Toucoufeur Mbaye. Planning a trip to Senegal and fully aware of our African sister cilv project, Ms, Mbaye offefed to take a leiier to the iMayor of Dakar Plateau. Mr. Alioune Ndoye.
She was entrusted with such a missive. A month later, Consut Mbaye returned with a warm letter from the Mayor that invitfid a delegation from Pasadena to visit and discuss the topic of twinning our cities. A copy of the letter is attached.
4