HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/03/13 Item 18CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STATEMENT
~~~ CITY OF
_~ CHULAVISTA
MARCH 13, 2012, Item ~ g
ITEM TITLE: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA EXTENDING
AN INVITATION TO IRAPUATO, MEXICO
TO REESTABLISH A SISTER CITY
RELATIONSHIP
SUBMITTED BY: INTERNATIONAL F NDSHIP COMMISSION
REVIEWED BY: CITY MANAGE
CITY ATTORNE ~-~
4/STHS VOTE: YES ~ NO
SUMMARY
The Sister City concept was inaugurated by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966 to establish
greater friendship and understanding among the people of the United States and other nations
through personal interaction. The International Friendship Commission of Chula Vista requests
the City Council approve Irapuato, Mexico, as a Sister City for the purpose of exchanging ideas
and people between the citizens of Chula Vista and Irapuato. Irapuato would become Chula
Vista's third Sister City, joining Odawara, Japan and Cebu, Philippines.
ENVII20NMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a
"Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it consists of a
governmental action that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the
environment. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the
activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The International Friendship Commission recommends that the City Council on behalf of the
people of the City of Chula Vista extend an invitation to the government and the people of
Irapuato, Mexico to participate with Chula Vista as its Sister City for the purposes of creating
greater mutual understanding between the peoples of our cities and nations.
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MARCH 13, 2012, Item ~'-
Page 2 of 2
DISCUSSION
During the International Friendship Commission meeting of October 19, 2011, Commissioner
James Clark moved to reestablish a Sister City relationship with Irapuato, Mexico and the
motion was approved by a majority vote (5-0-2, Rita Legaspi and Eugene Yee abstaining).
Chula Vista has two Sister City relationships established in 1981 with Odawara, Japan and 2001
with Cebu, Philippines. A Sister City relationship with Irapuato was begun in 1971 and ended in
1999.
The International Friendship Commission believes that reestablishing a Sister City relationship
with Irapuato, Mexico, is appropriate at this time to reflect our close ties with our neighboring
country of Mexico. Although the San Diego region is located on the international border with
Mexico and shares vibrant and culturally diverse communities and resources, our city does not
have a formal sister-city relationship with any Mexican city. While the City of San Diego is a
sister city of Lebn, Guanajuato, Mexico, the largest city of that State, Chula Vista, the second
largest in the San Diego region should reestablish its ties with Irapuato, the second largest city of
Guanajuato. This relationship will open channels of communication and interaction with the
`Bajio' region in the State of Guanajuato in the heart of Mexico.
International Friendship Commission members James Clark and Hector Vanegas are liaisons,
through the Friends of Irapuato.
When a Sister City relationship is formalized, Sister City visits and delegations are activities that
strengthen ties between cities and open channels for civic and business opportunities, such as
trade and investment visits and cultural exchanges.
DECISION MAKER CONFLICT
None.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal year 2011-12 budget includes funding for the International Friendship Commission.
No additional appropriations are requested as a result of this item.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
No ongoing fiscal impact is anticipated as a result of this item.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A: Similarities between Chula Vista, California and Irapuato, Mexico
Resolution also attached.
Prepared by: Lilia Cesenq Office Specialist, Department of the City Council
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CHLJIA 'VISTA,
CHULA VISTA-IRAPUATO
Proposed Reactivated Sister City Relationship
Civic Leader:
Chula Vista: Cheryl Cox, Mayor (2010-2014)
Irapuato: Jorge Estrada Palero, Presidente Municipal (2009-2012)
Population:
Chula Vista: 225,000
Irapuato: 440,000
Airport:
Chula Vista: San Diego International Airport, 7 miles; Tijuana International
Airport, 10 miles.
Irapuato: Guanajuato Bajio International Airport, 47 miles
Universities:
Chula Vista: Southwestern College, proposed multi-university campus.
Also, San Diego State University, University of California San Diego,
University of San Diego.
Irapuato: Higher Technological Institute of Irapuato (ITESI), Monterrey
Institute of Technology (ITESM), Quetzalcoatl University (UqI), University
of Leon, Liceo Cervantino University (ULC). Center for Advanced Research
and Studies (CINVESTAV) specialized in plant biotechnology and genetics
and National Center of Plant Genomics.
Hospitals:
Chula Vista: 5 Hospitals
Irapuato: 10 Hospitals
Headquarters:
Chula Vista: US Olympic Training Center
Irapuato: Secretariat of Economic Development State of Guanajuato.
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Major Event:
Chula Vista: International Friendship Games, Lemon Festival
Irapuato: Strawberry Festival
Advantage:
Chula Vista offers Irapuato access to San Diego County.
Irapuato offers Chula Vista access to State of Guanajuato (including Leon,
Guanajuato city, Celaya and San Miguel de Allende).
Irapuato is a Mexican city (and municipality) located at the foot of the Arandas
mountain (in Spanish: Cerro de Arandas), in the south central region of the state
of Guanajuato. It lies between the Silao River and the Guanajuato River, a
tributary of the Lerma River, at 1,724 m (5,656 ft) above sea level. It is located
at V°20°40'N 101°21'W20.667°N 101.35°W. The city is the second-largest in the
state (only behind Leon), with a population of 342,561 according to the 2005
census, while its municipality has a population of 463,103. The municipality has
an area of 845.16 km2 (326.32 sq mi) and includes numerous smaller outlying
communities. The city's main industry is agriculture and it is famous for its
strawberries and the raising of pigs and cattle. The fruits and flowers of
Irapuato's luxurious gardens are well known throughout Mexico.
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Cathedral and zoca/o, circa 1907. Photo courtesy SMU
Prehispanic era
In the pre-Hispanic era, the site was inhabited by the Chichimecas (c. 1200
C.E.), a group of semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers. Later on, the Tarascans (also
known as the P'urhepecha) conquered the region and initiated the establishment
of a permanent settlement. They constructed buildings in the tarascan
architectural style, produced pottery, and practiced agriculture. They called the
settlement Xiriquitzio (or Iriquitzio), which the Spanish conquerors pronounced
"Jiricuato" (or Jiricuicho), which meant "the place with houses (or low
dwellings)". The initial growth period, however, was short lived. The downfall of
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the Purepecha empire led to the abandonment of the settlement, at which point
it was once again inhabited by the Chichimecas.
Conquest
In the 16th century, oasts amounts of silver ore were discovered at the present
day site of the capital city of Guanajuato. This discovery led to a massive
migration of Spanish settlers to the area.
Attractions
• Fountain of Dancing Water (in Spanish: Fuente de Aguas Danzarinas): The
fountain, which was inaugurated on December 21, 2004, stands in the central
plaza of Irapuato. Every night there is a light, music and water show. The
fountain is lit up in a rainbow of colors, and the jets provide a choreographed
show accompanied by music.
Irapuato Zoo (in Spanish: Parque Zoo/dgico de Irapuato): The Irapuato Zoo,
which is located on the outskirts of the city, is home to 103 mammals, 271 birds,
and various species of fish. The zoo was established in 1992 by architect Vicente
Cazares Rodriguez, with the support of the then state governor, Carlos Medina
Placentia.
Plaza Cibeles Mall (in Spanish: P/aza Cibe%s): This is the newest and largest
mall in the city of Irapuato. The mall contains many stores such as the Liverpool
chain, and a Cinepolis movie theatre. The mall was named after the famous
Plaza de Cibeles, a famous square in Madrid, Spain, which features a beautiful
sculpture and fountain that have been adopted as a symbol for the city of
Madrid.
John Paul II Monument (in Spanish: Monumento a/papa Juan Pab/o I~:
Bronze statue of Pope John Paul II, located in the Miguel Hidalgo square next to
the Irapuato Cathedral. The statue was made out of keys that were donated by
all of the people of Irapuato. The bronze sculpture has a steel skeleton and has a
weight of 300 kg (661 Ibs). It was unveiled on February 15, 2006.
Irapuato Cathedral (in Spanish: Catedra/ de Irapuato): The cathedral was built
in 16th century in the baroque style. The outside facade is also baroque. The
interior is in the neoclassical architectural style. The cathedral is laid out in the
traditional Latin Cross style.
Miguel Hidalgo Square (in Spanish: P/azue/a Migue/ Hida/go): A large public
square in the historical center of Irapuato. The square contains the Fountain of
Dancing Water as well as the Irapuato Cathedral. The square is named after
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the father of the Mexican Independence movement.
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Little Hospital Church (in Spanish: Temp/o de/Hospita/ito): This was the first
church built in Irapuato. The interior was completed in 1713 and the facade in
1733. It is baroque in style and dedicated to the Lady of Mercy (in Spanish:
Sen"ora de /a Misericordia). The church is built in the traditional Latin Cross style.
The main altars contain images made from corn paste. The church was originally
built as a chapel for the Indians' Hospital (in Spanish: Hospita/ de Indios), which
was built two centuries earlier by Vasco de Quiroga in 1550.
Dolphin (or Florentine) Fountain (in Spanish: Fuente de /os de/fines (o
F/orentina)): In 1864, Maximilian I of Mexico donated three bronze Florentine
fountains to the state of Guanajuato. These fountains are located in Irapuato,
Leon, and the city of Guanajuato.
Sergio Leon Chavez Stadium (in Spanish: Estadio Sergio Leon Chavez):
Former home of the Irapuato Freseros soccer team. It was one of the stadiums
used in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. It has a maximum capacity of 32,000
spectators.
• Sun Clock (in Spanish: Re%j de/SoQ: The clock is over a century old and it is
located in the Juan Alvarez Square. The clock is elevated on a pedestal and
column.
The Canon de los Murcielagos (Canyon of the Bats) is located outside the city of
Irapuato in the Sierra de Penjamo. It is home to thousands of bats, but it is open
to the public for hiking and other activities. The terrain is rugged and depending
on elevation, vegetation varies from low evergreen rainforest to rainforest that
loses its leaves each year. The area also contains waterfalls and natural pools.
Education
The city of Irapuato is home to some private universities, and a single public
university:
• The Higher Technological Institute of Irapuato (ITESI) is the only public
institution decentralized from the state government.
The city is home to a research center of the Center for Advanced Research
and Studies (CINVESTAV) specialized in plant biotechnology and genetics and
the newly created National Center of Plant Genomics.
Some of the private universities include:
The Irapuato campus of the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher
Education (ITESM), (also popularly known as e/ Tec de Monterreyor simply as
el Tec).
The Irapuato Institute (Instituto Irapuato)
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The Irapuato campus of the Quetzalcoatl University (UQI)
There is also a branch of the University of Leon (Universidad de Leon).
Liceo Cervantino University (Universidad Liceo Cervantino) (ULC)
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RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA
EXTENDING AN INVITATION TO IRAPUATO, MEXICO
TO REESTABLISH A SISTER CITY
WHEREAS, the Sister City concept was inaugurated by the President Lyndon
Johnson in 1966 to establish greater friendship and understanding between the people of
the United States and other nations through the medium of direct personal contact; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Presidents endorsed the Sister City program for the purpose of
exchanging ideas and people between the citizens of the United States of America and
people of other nations; and
WHEREAS, Sister Cities International requested that Chula Vista and other
communities in the United States affiliate with cities in other nations of similar
characteristics and mutual interest; and
WHEREAS, the City of Chula Vista through its City Council, recognizes and
endorses this program in hopes that it will lead to a lasting friendship between the people
of Chula Vista and Irapuato, Mexico.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Chula Vista as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council on behalf of the people of the City of Chula
Vista extends an invitation to the government and the people of Irapuato, Mexico to
participate with Chula Vista as its Sister City for the purposes of creating greater mutual
understanding between the peoples of our two great cities and nations.
SECTION 2. The Mayor is hereby authorized to act as official representative of
Chula Vista to carry out this program.
SECTION 3. Copies of this Resolution to be sent to the Mayor and Council of
Irapuato, Mexico, and Sister Cities International in Washington, D.C.
Presented by Approved as to form by
l~f~~ 1
Cheryl Cox
Mayor
Glen Googins
City Attorney
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RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA EXTENDING AN INVITATION TO
IRAPUATO, MEXICO TO REESTABLISH A SISTER CITY
RELATIONSHIP
WHEREAS, the Sister City concept was inaugurated by the President Lyndon Johnson in
1966 to establish greater friendship and understanding between the people of the United States
and other nations through the medium of direct personal contact; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Presidents endorsed the Sister City program for the purpose of
exchanging ideas and people between the citizens of the United States of America and people of
other nations; and
WHEREAS, Sister Cities International requested that Chula Vista and other communities
in the United States affiliate with cities in other nations of similar characteristics and mutual
interest; and
WHEREAS, on October 19, 2011, the City's International Friendship Commission voted
in favor of recommending to the City Council that the City reestablish its sister city relationship
with Irapuato, Mexico.
WHEREAS, the City of Chula Vista through its City Council, recognizes and endorses
this program in hopes that it will lead to a lasting friendship between the people of Chula Vista
and Irapuato, Mexico.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Chula Vista
as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council on behalf of the people of the City of Chula Vista
extends an invitation to the government and the people of Irapuato, Mexico to participate with
Chula Vista as its Sister City for the purposes of creating greater mutual understanding between
the peoples of our two great cities and nations.
SECTION 2. The Mayor is hereby authorized to act as official representative of Chula
Vista to carry out this program.
SECTION 3. Copies of this Resolution shall be sent to the Mayor and Council of
Irapuato, Mexico, and Sister Cities International in Washington, D.C.
Presented by
Cheryl Cox
Mayor
Approved as to form by
en R. ogins
Ci A ey
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