By: Kym Whitney

In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower launched the "People to People Program" as a visionary initiative to enhance global understanding through direct, personal communication between cities. This program laid the groundwork for what has become a widespread movement: Sister Cities International. Today, over 900 U.S. cities have established sister city affiliations around the globe, with California leading the charge, boasting 188 sister cities.

One notable participant in this program is the Newport Beach Sister City Association (NBSCA), a non-profit volunteer organization committed to promoting international communication, understanding, education, and friendship between the people of Newport Beach and those of its sister cities.

Activities and Opportunities

The NBSCA achieves its mission through a variety of activities:

Cultural Exchanges: These exchanges allow residents to experience the traditions, arts, and customs of sister cities.
Business Exchanges: Facilitating trade and business connections fosters economic growth and mutual benefits.
Student & Teacher Exchanges: Educational exchanges enrich learning experiences and foster international understanding among young people and educators.
Student Scholarships: Providing financial support for students to study abroad enhances educational opportunities and cross-cultural understanding.
Host Families: Hosting visitors from sister cities provides a personal touch to cultural exchange, fostering lasting friendships.
Fundraising: Supporting the association’s activities through various fundraising events ensures the continuity and expansion of its programs.

As a member of the NBSCA, individuals can immerse themselves in new cultures, meet people with similar interests, travel to sister cities, participate in fundraising events, celebrate foreign holidays, and contribute to event planning by volunteering on committees. This involvement helps promote international unity and understanding.

Sister Cities

Okazaki, Japan: Located 200 miles west of Tokyo with a population of 350,648, Okazaki is the birthplace of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The city is renowned for its stonework, miso production, fireworks, and significant centers for the automobile, chemical, and textile industries and biological research.

Antibes, France: Situated on the Mediterranean coast between Nice and Cannes, Antibes is famous as the Rose Capital of Europe and the home of some of the largest yachts in the world.

Ensenada, B.C., Mexico: Newport Beach’s closest sister city, Ensenada, enjoys a special relationship marked by cultural exchanges, including an art exchange program with elementary school children. The highlight of this sisterhood is the annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, a celebrated event that brings together participants from both cities.

Celebrating A Recent Trip to Okazaki, Japan

In May 2024, the Newport Beach Sister City Association, consisting of a 15-member delegation from Newport Beach, including Newport Beach City Councilmembers Robyn Grant and Erik Weigand, Newport Beach Sister City's president, Truly Gold Boring, and her mother, Teddi Tate, a 30-year member of the program traveled to Okazaki, Japan, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of friendship and affiliation. The group participated in various ceremonial events around the city alongside Okazaki Mayor Yasuhiro Nakane and many elected officials from their 37-member city legislature.

“It was my great honor to represent the City of Newport Beach on the Sister City Okazaki delegation. The highlight of the visit was the presentation of an original artwork by Orange County artist Pierce Meehan, commissioned by the Sister City Association. The artwork, which combines elements of the American and Japanese flags, symbolizes the longstanding friendship between the two cities. Okazaki officials expressed deep appreciation for the piece, recognizing it as a meaningful representation of the bond between Newport Beach and Okazaki.” Robyn Grant, Newport Beach City Council Member

“It was an honor of a lifetime to join with Councilmember Grant and the Newport Beach Sister City Association to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. Japan is a truly remarkable country and the people of Okazaki welcomed us with open arms. We were impressed with their historical significance in Japanese culture as well as their time honored crafts and traditions, especially after touring their Hatcho miso factory and meeting with several stonework artisans. I am hopeful our relationship continues to grow and I look forward to future visits with the residents of Okazaki.” Erik Weigand, Newport Beach City Council Member

"The people of Japan are absolutely the most kind and generous community. The joy they have in celebrating our friendship is unparalleled. The culture of Japan is filled with honor and respect, from presenting a city gift to wrapping a $2 souvenir; they take pride in the little things as much as they celebrate their great accomplishments. I am confident that for years to come, we will continue to build a legacy of lifetime friendships that feel like family. Japan is the cleanest country I have ever visited; no trash, not a gum wrapper, not an empty water bottle, or a napkin is left on the city streets, freeways, or sidewalks. Unbelievable pride they take in keeping their cities spotless.” Truly Gold Boring, current NBSCA president

Aside from some small souvenirs the delegation presented to the hosts, no taxpayer dollars were used for the trip.

In more news, Sister City sent two chaperones and six high school students to Okazaki from June 17-25. A delegation of adults from Okazaki Sister City visited Newport Beach from July 8-11, which included a meeting with Mayor O’Neill. Lastly, Japanese exchange students visited from July 25-29 and were hosted by the Newport students who previously went to Japan.

What’s Next for NBSCA

Next year, 2025, marks the 35th anniversary of Sister City’s relationship with Antibes, France. They are currently planning a trip to France within the next two years to celebrate this milestone.

They will also be hosting a wine-tasting fundraiser in the spring of 2025 to support the exchange program and establish a scholarship fund.

Legacy of Leadership

The NBSCA has enjoyed a long history of excellent leadership. Past President Connie Skibba and current President, Truly Gold Boring have played pivotal roles in the association's success. Boring’s grandfather, Col. Robert (Moe) Hamill, was a founding member who played a crucial role in starting the program in 1984 alongside Wendell Fish and the Newport Beach Rotary Club. Hamill, Fish, and Maseo Kato from Okazaki founded the Okazaki-Newport Beach program.

Over the years, Newport Beach has greatly benefited from these relationships. Many City Councilmembers and city staff have traveled with Sister Cities, including former City Manager Homer Bludau and former Councilmembers Keith Curry, Diane Dixon, Evelyn Hart, Mike Henn, Steve Rosansky, and Don Webb.

Join the NBSCA

Becoming a Newport Beach Sister City Association member is a gateway to learning about new cultures, meeting fascinating people, and participating in meaningful exchanges that bridge communities worldwide. By joining the NBSCA, you can help foster the international unity and understanding that President Eisenhower envisioned over six decades ago.

For more information, visit www.nbsca.net