Santa Barbara, California - July was a very busy month for the Santa Barbara / Puerto Vallarta Sister City Committee with a 4th of July BBQ that raised $1,000 USD for the rehab clinic in PV. In attendance were 54 adults and 6 children who all enjoyed the BBQ. It was a great afternoon of food, fun and friendship!

Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital graciously made medical donations to the Tomatlán Clinic in Puerto Vallarta. Two of our members, Jacqueline Duran, 1st Vice President, and Robin Cederlof were instrumental in making the connection and managed the packaging preparations. Member helpers included Carlos Valesco, Joe Sanchez, and Roberto Najera. Gil Garcia made arrangements with the Navy League for shipment to Puerto Vallarta.

Thanks to member, John Ahlman, fire fighting equipment was donated by the S.B. Fire Department. Raul and Gil have volunteered to take the fire department equipment to San Diego for shipment to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The medical equipment donated by the Goleta Valley Hospital and the fire fighting equipment donated by the Santa Barbara Fire Department (thanks to member John Ahlman) are now on their way to Puerto Vallarta. Coordinator of the effort was Jacqueline Duran, 1st Vice President.

Puerto Vallarta Visitation

The visit from Puerto Vallarta Sister City members took place from July 21st to the 26th and they were greeted by many of our members at the Welcome Brunch; the County Courthouse event in which Puerto Vallarta Sister City President, Rigoberto Montero, received a citation from Santa Barbara Mayor, Helene Schneider; a tour of the Santa Barbara Mission and other activities.

Tomatlán Clinic Effort Brings Recognition

SB/PV Sister City Member, Gil Garcia, accepted an award presented to Club Comitéde Ciudades Hermanas SB/PV by Federation of Jalisco Clubs. The presentation took place on Sunday, August 16, 2015 at the annual Señorita Jalisco event in La Mirada, CA.

Out of 180 Clubs, two other clubs received awards. The awards honored clubs that had demonstrated exceptional performance in the 3x1 projects funding and development process. The Santa Barbara club was honored for its exceptional performance in the Boca de Tomatlán Health Clinic. This is especially noteworthy because the Boca Clinic was the first 3x1 project undertaken by the Santa Barbara Club.

In his acceptance speech acting on behalf of the SB Club, Gil acknowledged the cooperative efforts of several organizations, including two Rotary Clubs in Santa Barbara.