Second Annual Fall Workshop & Reception
November 15, 2019 - San francisco, CA
On November 15, 2019, CJSCN held its second annual Fall Reception in San Francisco for all California sister city members. Approximately 60 people representing around 30 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, Sister Cities International (SCI) Foundation President Tim Quigley, CJSCN Board President Meg Mizutani, and Steve Teraoka from Teraoka & Partners LLP, CJSCN’s Founding Sponsor. Ms. Mizutani outlined CJSCN’s achievements during 2019, including the publication of a monthly information newsletter, our first Spring Workshop in March, and collaboration with local sister city programs to encourage grass-roots networking, which led to three regional meetings over the summer.
Following the welcome remarks, the attendees were divided into four discussion groups based on their city’s geographic region. The groups were prompted to think about the question "With more collaboration, what would become possible?". These discussions were very lively and produced a number of notes, which will be compiled by CJSCN and shared with subscribers soon. Jennifer Murawski, member of JET Alumni Association of Northern California (JETAANC), visited each group during the discussion period, sharing how it may be possible for sister city programs to work with JET alumni in their communities.
After the workshop portion finished, Sister Cities International (SCI) Northern California Board President Bill Hinkle gave a toast and 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 with other passionate sister city leaders 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.
Sister Cities International (SCI) Foundation President Tim Quigley gives remarks.
CJSCN Board President Meg Mizutani shares CJSCN’s many achievements for 2019.
Remarks by Mr. Steve Teraoka, Managing Partner of Teraoka & Partners LLP, which is CJSCN’s Founding Sponsor.
Organizers of and speakers at the event: (from left) Frank McAuley, CJSCN Board member; Meg Mizutani, CJSCN Board President; Kevin O’Donnell, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco local staff; Bill Hinkle, President of the SCI Northern California Board; Tomochika Uyama, Consul General in San Francisco; Kathleen Kimura, CJSCN Board member; Tim Quigley, Sister Cities International (SCI) Foundation President
Photo of all event attendees.
Jennifer Murawski (second from left), member of JET Alumni Association of Northern California (JETAANC), visited with each discussion group to introduce possible collaboration opportunities.
Discussion group, one of four
Discussion group, two of four.
Discussion group, three of four.
Representatives from each discussion group presented notes from their conversations to all the participants.
Mr. Bill Hinkle, President of the SCI Northern California Board, gives a toast before the networking reception portion of the event.
Display board made by CJSCN President Meg Mizutani showing the locations of all sister city relationships between Japan and California.