Title
Staff Report for Discussion of Process By Which City Council Members May Travel to the Sister City of Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Per a request from the Mayor, staff provides this analysis of the procedural steps that would be necessary for the Mayor or members of the City Council to travel to one of San Leandro's Sister Cities as part of San Leandro's sesquicentennial celebrations in 2022. Staff recommends that the City Council Rules Committee review this information and provide direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
The City of San Leandro has several long-standing Sister City and Friendship City partnerships, including with Ponta Delgada, Portugal. Ponta Delgada is located within the Azores, an island region in the mid-Atlantic. Per the City Council Handbook, Sister City relationships are meant to transcend political or social concerns and lead to ongoing community involvement with the residents of each Sister City. The San Leandro Town Affiliation Committee selected Ponta Delgada as an official Sister City in March 1970. According to available administrative records, cultural exchanges have taken place over the years between the two cities. Examples include:
* In 1989, Mayor Dave Karp and a group of San Leandro residents traveled to Ponta Delgada and the President of the Azores visited San Leandro that same year.
* In May 2000, Mayor Shelia Young, City Councilmember Gordon Galvan and City Attorney Steve Meyers visited Ponta Delgada;
* In August 2001, Mayor Aruda of Ponta Delgada, accompanied by the President of the Ponta Delgada Council, visited San Leandro. A public reception and re-dedication of the Portuguese Immigrant monument at Root Park and other activities were held in their honor; and
* In 2008, Mayor Tony Santos traveled to Ponta Delgada for a 5-day visit during the Great Feast of the Holy Spirit.
* In 2021, Mayor Cutter and Council Member Pete Ballew participated in a live video conference with the May...
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