Half Moon Bay Unveils Sister City Garden to Commemorate 30th Sister City Anniversary with Kariwa Village
2026/10/20
Deputy Consul General Ishihara holding the ribbon that is being cut by Mayors Ruddock and Shinada, and former Half Moon Bay Mayor Naomi Patridge, who signed the original sister city agreement during her tenure (Photo credit: John Williams)
The new sister city garden at the Half Moon Bay Library recognizing the friendship between Half Moon Bay and Kariwa (Photo credit: John Williams)
On Saturday, October 10, Deputy Consul General Takeishi Ishihara attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new sister city garden at the Half Moon Bay Library, which was constructed to commemorate the 30th anniversary of sister city relations with Kariwa Village in Niigata Prefecture. A delegation from Kariwa Village also was in attendance, led by Mayor Hiroo Shinada. Since establishing their sister city relationship in 1995, the two cities have maintained an active exchange of student delegations.
The ceremony was attended by Half Moon Bay Mayor Debbie Ruddock, Councilmember Patric Bo Jonsson, other city representatives, Half Moon Bay Kariwa Sister City Association (HMBKSCA) board members, and members of the public.
Deputy Consul General Ishihara praised the 30 years of active exchange between the two cities and welcomed the addition of the sister city garden.
The ceremony was attended by Half Moon Bay Mayor Debbie Ruddock, Councilmember Patric Bo Jonsson, other city representatives, Half Moon Bay Kariwa Sister City Association (HMBKSCA) board members, and members of the public.
Deputy Consul General Ishihara praised the 30 years of active exchange between the two cities and welcomed the addition of the sister city garden.
Deputy Consul General Ishihara giving remarks (Photo credit: John Williams)
Half Moon Bay Mayor Ruddock giving remarks, alongside Councilmember Patric Bo Jonsson and other city officials (Photo credit: John Williams)
(L) HMBKSCA Co-Chair Jill Impink giving remarks (Photo credit: John Williams) (R) HMBKSCA Co-Chair Tom Wilkins giving remarks (Photo credit: John Williams)
Garden designer and creator Alison Shadwell-Williams speaking with Mayor Shinada (Photo credit: John Williams)
Group photo (Photo credit: John Williams)
