On August 5, a cross-cultural celebration of the three-year anniversary of the formation of the sister city partnership between Rancho Palos Verdes and Sakura City, Japan was held at the Ken Dyda Civic Center, Rancho Palos Verdes.
Live entertainment included taiko drumming and dance performances, including Japanese folk and traditional music groups, and koto performances. Local Rancho Palos Verdes officials joined dignitaries from Sakura City and the Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles for the celebration.
Performers from Matsutoyo KaiDancers from Dance 1 Performing Company of Redondo BeachRPV resident Billy Hevener sang and played Ukulele in honor of the Sister City CelebrationLeft to Right Member of Improv Taiko, RPV Mayor Pro Tem John Cruikshank and Yoshio Kotake Mayor Pro Tem of Sakura, JapanGroup photo of Matsutoyo Kai Japanese Folk and Traditional Music GroupCity Manager Ara Mihranian, Councilmember Paul Seo, Former Councilmember Ken Dyda, Mayor Pro Tem John Cruikshank, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, Keno Sone, wife of Consul-General of Japan, Mami Sone, Sakura City Mayor Pro Tem Yoshio Kotake, Sakura City Councilmember Shoji Sasanuma, Sakura City General Affairs Department Head Tatsuo Soeta, Sakura City Head Clerk Gakuyo Takahashi, Sakura City Assistant Language Teacher Emmanuel Chambliss and RPVA Deputy City Manager Karina Bañales
