Santa Barbara-Toba Japan Sister City marks 50th Anniversary

Toba’s Mayor Kusuichi Kida was among a delegation of two dozen people who traveled to Santa Barbara for a visit to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Santa Barbara-Toba Sister City partnership.

Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens is now home to three Japanese Cherry Blossom trees, donated by the City of Toba, thanks to a tree-planting ceremony Wednesday morning.

The group spent the day touring State Street, Santa Barbara’s historic Courthouse and will enjoy a ceremonial dinner at the University Club.

On Thursday, our Sister-City visitors will be out touring the waterfront sites of Santa Barbara ( Toba also has a Dolphin Fountain created by Santa Barbara artist Bud bottoms in 1989), then leave Friday for Los Angeles.

Santa Barbara families are hosting the special guests as a way of introducing them to typical American homes, meals and living styles.