Inaugural Workshop & Reception
october 26, 2018 - San francisco, CA
On October 26, 2018, CJSCN held our first workshop and kick-off reception in San Francisco for all California sister city members. Approximately 50 people representing a variety of sister city programs across California attended. The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco acted as host for the event, and we are grateful for all the support they provided, including the use of the Consul General’s home for the event.
The event began with words of welcome from Consul General Tomochika Uyama, CJSCN Board President Meg Mizutani, Sister Cities International (SCI) Northern California Board President Bill Hinkle, and a video message from SCI CEO Roger-Mark DeSouza. Representatives from major CJSCN sponsors were also invited to speak, including Ms. Yuko Oku from NTA, and Ms. Catherine Gormley from Teraoka & Partners LLP.
Following the welcome remarks, the attendees were divided into three discussion groups, each led by a CJSCN board member. The groups were prompted to think of common issues that they would like advice for, and what kind of resources they would like to see CJSCN provide. They were also asked to share success stories from their sister city programs, and discover the differences and similarities between programs across California. Summaries of these discussions were then shared with the entire group. These notes will be compiled by CJSCN and shared on Facebook and this website soon.
After the workshop portion finished, guests were invited to partake in excellent food from the Consul General’s chef, and network with each other. We hope these opportunities to connect and share program obstacles and achievements proved valuable to all who attended! Please scroll down for some photos from the event, taken by Vice Consul Ryo Aono.
Consul General Tomochika Uyama gives welcome remarks.
CJSCN Board President Meg Mizutani introduces our mission.
Mr. Bill Hinkle, President of the SCI Northern California Board, speaks about the connections between SCI and CJSCN.
SCI CEO Roger-Mark DeSouza speaks to attendees via a video message.
Ms. Catherine Gormley of Teraoka & Partners LLP, who played an integral role in CJSCN’s registration as a non-profit organization, makes remarks.
Ms. Yuko Oku from NTA, one of CJSCN’s major sponsors, gives remarks.
Photo of all event attendees.
Photo of CJSCN Board, sponsors, and Consulate representatives. From L to R: Mr. Kevin O’Donnell, Mr. Mark Kato, Ms. Yuko Oku, Consul General Uyama, Ms. Meg Mizutani, Ms. Catherine Gormley, Mr. Frank McAuley, Ms. Kelley Cortright, Vice Consul Ryo Aono. (Not in attendance: CJSCN Board Member Ms. Kathleen Kimura)
CJSCN Board Member Frank McAuley leads a discussion group.
CJSCN Board Member Kelley Cortright oversees attendees connecting with their group mates.
Mayor Blake Inscore and Mr. Chris Howard from Crescent City, CA make the toast to begin the reception portion of the event. They shared the moving story of how the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami tragedy led to their city developing a sister city connection with the Japanese city of Rikuzentakata in Iwate Prefecture.