REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Sister City Izumo, Japan Trip Student Presentation and Acceptance of Gift from Friendship City Icheon, Republic of Korea
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara has established relationships with three Sister Cities around the world: Coimbra, Portugal, established on August 4, 1974; Izumo, Japan, established on October 11, 1986; and Limerick, Ireland, established on August 1, 2014. The City of Santa Clara did have a Friendship City relationship with Limerick, Ireland before establishing the more formal Sister Cities relationship.
On April 23, 2019, the City Council approved a three-year Friendship City with Icheon, Republic of Korea and the City of Santa Clara. The City of Santa Clara and Icheon renewed the Friendship City relationship for an additional three years on July 9, 2024.
During the past few years, as part of the ongoing relationships, the cities have exchanged letters of greetings for various events, attended international events, and to announce newly elected officials. The Santa Clara Sister Cities Association (SCSCA) is a member of the Sister Cities International organization. SCSCA brings different cultures together, connecting people to people and building relationships.
The goal of the organization is to enrich the lives of our Santa Clara community and encourage cultural exchange programs and opportunities.
In August 2025, local students visited the Sister City of Izumo, Japan. Students will be providing an overview of their trip, highlighting the many notable moments they experienced while visiting the City of Izumo.
In April 2025, Councilmember Kevin Park visited with our Friendship City of Icheon, Republic of Korea for the 39th Annual Icheon Ceramic Festival. The Friendship City of Icheon presented the City of Santa Clara a gift, received on behalf of the City of Santa Clara by Councilmember Kevin Park during his visit to Icheon.
DISCUSSION
On September 23, 2025, students will provide a presentation on their trip to the Sister City of Izumo, Japan and a gift will be presented to the City of Santa Clara from the Friendship City of Icheon, Republic of Korea. Representatives from the Santa Clara Sister Cities Association will also be in attendance.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aimee Escobar, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager