Sister Cities

Sister Cities

July 18 was the day San Diego and Panama City formally became Sister Cities. The first alliance was established in 1957 when the official link of the San Diego-Yokahama Sister City Society was formalized. It was one of the first Sister Cities on the West Coast. Now, the San Diego-Panama City friendship pact is the 16th Sister City pact for our town — so fitting as the centennial of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition is marked this year.

The recent formal signing ceremony was held in the Balboa Park Club, with many dignitaries and House of Panama supporters in attendance. The mayors of Panama City and San Diego signed the legal agreement, acts greeted with applause and celebratory words. Children beautifully garbed in colorful Panamanian dress and musicians were part of the program. A beautiful dinner was held at the House of Hospitality the evening before the signing ceremony, and it offered just the right note of cordiality. Diplomats, elected officials, members of the Houses of Pacific Relations, and Panama-American members of the community greeted President Blandon, Mayor of Panama City and his gracious wife. Toasts were offered and stories were shared — so much good will and conviviality. (619.722.0789, or www.houseofpanama.org)   Darlene G. Davies

Sister cities: Photo courtesy of House of Panama