Sister Cities Santa Cruz Explores Partnership with Puerto Escondido Du

Published on December 01, 2025

Sister Cities Santa Cruz Explores Partnership with Puerto Escondido During November Delegation Visit

Santa Cruz, California — From November 10–13, 2025, a delegation from Santa Cruz, California visited Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico, as part of ongoing efforts to create a new partnership between the two coastal communities. At present, Santa Cruz, has sister city relationships in Japan, Nicaragua, France, the Crimea, and Italy. With direction from the city Council of Santa Cruz, an ad hoc exploration subcommittee was established to review the potential for a new relationship in Mexico. The visit brought together leaders in government, academia, culture, and environmental conservation, affirming a shared commitment to sustainable and creative collaboration.

The Sister Cities Santa Cruz delegation included Carola Barton (Chair, Sister Cities Committee of Santa Cruz), Erika Allende (Chair, Mexican Sister City Exploration ad hoc Subcommittee), and Isaí Pazos (Executive Director, Senderos Santa Cruz). During the visit, the group met with Dr. Miguel Olvera, Mayor of San Pedro Mixtepec; Mrs. Yadira González, Tourism Councilor; Mrs. Pamela Gutiérrez, Director of Tourism; and other municipal authorities. Together, they explored opportunities for mutually supportive projects.

At Universidad del Mar, the delegation met with Dr. Alberto Lozano, Academic Vice-Rector, as well as professors and department heads. Discussions focused on creating new pathways for collaboration in research, education and training for students and faculty.

Program Highlights

• Learning about community-based art and education initiatives at Casa Wabi.

• Discussing marine conservation and turtle protection efforts with Biologist Alison Raymundo, Director of Campamento Tortuguero Palmarito.

• Presenting collaboration programs at “Un Sueño Posible” Event Hall, with participation from local government, academia, and civil society.

• Exchanging ideas on coastal preservation with Almendra Gómez Leyva and Manuel Martínez Carreño of Save the Waves/World Surfing Reserve.

“This delegation visit celebrated our shared values in education, culture, and environmental stewardship,” said Carola Barton, Chair of Sister Cities Santa Cruz. “Together, we are cultivating a relationship that makes a positive impact for people and the planet.”

The Sister Cities Santa Cruz–Puerto Escondido relationship continues the Sister Cities model of cross-cultural collaboration, demonstrating how international partnerships can support local sustainability, creativity, and academic cooperation.

Media Contact: Tremain Heddden-Jones, Superintendent of Recreation

Email: sistercities@santacruzca.gov

Website: www.santacruzca.gov/sistercities