Articles

Vallejo Sister City Association Leaders Participate in 48th NorCal Chapter Annual Conference: “Sister City Showcase!”

Orinda, California [November 8, 2025] — Board members of the Vallejo Sister City Association (VSCA) joined sister city leaders from across Northern California this weekend at the 48th NorCal Chapter Annual Conference, “Sister City Showcase!”—a dynamic gathering dedicated to strengthening global partnerships and promoting peace through people-to-people diplomacy.

Hosted by the Northern California Chapter of Sister Cities International (SCI), the conference brought together representatives from cities, elected officials, and community stakeholders to share best practices, innovative initiatives, and success stories from local sister city programs. The atmosphere was one of collaboration, inspiration, and renewed commitment to international friendship.

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Yajaira Rubio Machado Honored as 2025 John Garamendi Woman of the Year

Yajaira Rubio Machado Honored as 2025 John Garamendi Woman of the Year

VALLEJO, Calif. — October 2025 — Yajaira V. Rubio Machado, a beloved community leader, cultural educator, and entrepreneur, has been named one of the recipients of the 2025 John Garamendi Women of the Year Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to culture, education, and community empowerment in Vallejo and beyond.

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19th Annual International Dinner & Dance Unites Vallejo Community

Vallejo, CA — September 27, 2025 — The Vallejo Sister City Association and the Vallejo Sister City Commission proudly hosted our 19th Annual International Dinner, Auction & Dance this past Saturday, bringing together community members, cultural performers, and supporters for an evening that highlighted Vallejo’s global connections and cultural diversity.

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Vallejo Sister City and Arts Commission Approve Placement and Return of Japanese Cultural Sculpture

The Vallejo Sister City Commission and the Commission on Culture and the Arts have unanimously approved the outdoor placement of a newly reconstructed Onigawara sculpture—a traditional Japanese ornamental tile—restoring a key cultural feature of the Japanese Garden located between Vallejo City Hall and the JFK Library.

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VSCA Celebrates Freedom and Unity at Annual Waterfront Juneteenth Celebration

Vallejo, CA [June 21, 2025] – Under radiant sunshine at Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green, the 36th annual Vallejo Juneteenth celebration unfolded with its vibrant blend of culture, music, education, and community. The event—highlighted by the theme “Remember. Create. Act.”—featured a 9 a.m. parade followed by a lively festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., showcasing live performances by Tony Lindsay, the Soul Soldiers, Oakland Rising, and Yaboi Nilo, among others.

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Vallejo Sister City Association Celebrates Global Connections at the 76th Annual Solano County Fair

Vallejo, CA [June 12 – 15, 2025] — The Vallejo Sister City Association (VSCA) proudly took part in the 76th Annual Solano County Fair, held June 12–15, 2025. This landmark event hosted a vibrant Cultural Pavilion where the VSCA brought global traditions to life through exhibits from Vallejo’s international sister cities.

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Vallejo Celebrates 57-Year Partnership with Akashi, Japan at Special Tea Gathering

Vallejo, CA [March 30, 2025] – The spirit of international partnership and cultural exchange was alive and well on Sunday, March 30, 2025, as the Vallejo Sister Cities program hosted a free community Japanese Tea Gathering at the JFK Library’s Joseph Room. The event, a celebration of the 57-year relationship between Vallejo and its sister city of Akashi, Japan, offered attendees a delightful afternoon immersed in Japanese tradition and culture.

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Vallejo Sister City Delegation Attends Colorful Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio City, Philippines

Baguio City, Philippines [February 21, 2025]— In a vibrant display of cultural unity and international friendship, a delegation representing our Sister City program recently traveled to Baguio City, Philippines, to take part in the world-renowned Panagbenga Flower Festival. The trip, held in February, marked a successful chapter in the growing bond between our city and Baguio.

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Vallejo’s Sister School Exchange Program Celebrates Global Ties at Baguio City National High School

Baguio City, Philippines – Vallejo’s longstanding international connections continue to thrive as students from Vallejo’s Mare Island Technology – Griffin Technological Academy (MIT-GTA) take part in an ongoing cultural exchange program with Baguio City National High School. The exchange, part of the Sister Cities initiative, brings together students from Vallejo and its sister cities across the globe, including those in South Korea, Japan, Tanzania, and Mexico, strengthening bonds for future generations of leaders.

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VSCA Hosts Annual Membership Meeting, Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Looking Ahead to Future Initiatives

Vallejo, California [January 25, 2025] – On Saturday, January 25th, the Vallejo Sister City Association (VSCA) gathered for its annual membership meeting, reflecting on the events and accomplishments of the past year and unveiling plans for the year ahead. The meeting, which took place at the VSCA headquarters, offered members a chance to look back on the organization’s active 2024 and discuss the direction of future initiatives aimed at furthering international friendship and cooperation.

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