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Santa Barbara-Toba Sister Cities 60th Anniversary at Carrillo Ballroom
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Santa Barbara-Toba Sister Cities 60th Anniversary

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On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the City of Santa Barbara and Toba, Japan, commemorated the 60th anniversary of their Sister City partnership, which has fostered meaningful friendship and cultural exchange since 1966. A 12‑member delegation from Toba, led by Mayor Atsushi Kotake, visited Santa Barbara from September 29 to October 2. 

The Santa Barbara–Toba Sister City Organization (SBTSCO) hosted a ceremony at Casa Covarrubias Adobe that featured a proclamation from Mayor Randy Rowse and remarks by Mayor Kotake, former Mayor Helene Schneider, Japanese Consul General Kosei Murota, and SBTSCO President Linda Matthews. Festivities brought together representatives from all six Sister City committees and included performances by the Spirit and Jr. Spirit of Fiesta, a musical performance by a Toba artist, and a welcome from Mayor Pro Tempore Kristen Sneddon, followed by a historical slideshow from SBTSCO President‑Emeritus Takako Wakita, who has been involved with SBTSCO for more than 50 years.

SBTSCO also hosted dinner for the delegation at the University Club, where local and Toba officials enjoyed a performance from a musical artist from Toba. During their stay, the delegation met with Santa Barbara tourism leaders to discuss reciprocal initiatives and attended the Santa Barbara Sister Cities Annual International Dinner at the Carrillo Ballroom.

About Sister Cities
The People-to-People Program, initiated by President Eisenhower in 1956, promotes the friendship of people regardless of race, creed, or color, by the establishment of Sister Cities. The Program offers each community, its citizens, its organizations, and the city itself a chance to participate in the fascinating and rewarding field of international relations.