Loreto: Our Sister City

Get to know Ventura’s Sister City

Ventura has a sister city: Loreto, Mexico!
Loreto City Council and Buenaventura (Ventura) City Council have voted unanimously to approve the Sister City relationship between Loreto and Ventura. Each city’s respective mayor presented the other with the Key to their city, expressing enthusiasm about potential opportunities for both cities in areas of cultural and historical exchange, and eco-tourism. Mayor Heitmann highlighted the historic, cultural, religious, and natural resources that are common to both cities, and exchanges that will benefit both municipalities.
Loreto is a small city of approximately 17,000 people that sits on the east coast of Baja California, facing the Sea of Cortez. It was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula and is the starting point for the historic El Camino Real corridor that follows north along the ancient route of the Spanish missions from Mission of Our Lady of Loreto to Sonoma, California. From Loreto, Father Junipero Serra, who established the Mission San Buenaventura, planned his journey north to Alta California.

Loreto is also home to Loreto Bay National Park and over 800 species of marine life. There are efforts to create a sister park relationship between Channel Islands National Park in Ventura and Loreto Bay National Park, that will provide extensive opportunities to share science, research conservation and eco-tourism programs, and sustainable growth efforts.
Fun fact: Loreto was the setting for the 7th season finale of ABC reality TV show The Bachelor, aired May, 2005.

What is a sister city?

A sister city relationship is one formed between two cities in different countries. The idea was first introduced by President Eisenhower in 1956, who promoted links between citizens of different countries in an effort to bring about citizen diplomacy and build global cooperation at a local level. Cities can have more than one sister city; Chicago is currently leading the pack with 28 sister cities, followed by Los Angeles with 25. A sister city is officially recognized once the highest elected official from both cities sign off on an agreement.

What are the objectives of sister city relationships?

Sister city relationships are meant to be mutually beneficial and may address several different aspects of community development. For example, sister city relationships have helped cities implement innovative policies and management techniques in sanitation, water, health, transportation, tourism, economic development and education. Sister city partnerships may also help each other during natural disasters or other emergencies by raising funds or collecting needed-supplies. Sister cities may also support schools and clinics through donation of materials or skills-training.
With regard to business and trade, sister city programs create connections with international municipal officials, institutions and businesses. These connections build trust, access, and expertise that help local businesses find new opportunities such as access to new markets, assistance navigating import/export regulations, and expanding availability of resources.

Arts and culture exchanges are some of the oldest international partnerships around. By sharing each other’s cultures through sister city relationships, communities can gain insight into the history, values and spirit that make up their sister city. Exchanges may take different forms including musical performances, art exhibits, peace parks and gardens, and international cultural festivals.
Opportunities for international and diplomacy experience for youth is also a benefit of sister city relationships. They provide a unique opportunity for youth to travel abroad and experience another community as a guest, rather than a tourist. Activities often include short- and long-term student exchanges and sports tournaments.

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