Puerto Vallarta Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía González and a delegation of seven other officials traveled to Santa Barbara, California yesterday as part of ongoing Sister Cities program activities.
The delegation includes Council Members Laurel Carrillo Ventura, president of the Civil Protection commission, and Christian Bravo Carbajal, who heads the Clean Beaches commission. Also participating are Misael López Muro, director of Civil Protection and Firefighters; Oscar Zamora, head of the municipality’s Supply Department; and Héctor Briseño, an advisor to the mayor.
Francisco Javier García Benítez, president of the Puerto Vallarta-Santa Barbara Sister Cities Committee, and his wife Valeria Zamora complete the eight-person contingent.
The primary purpose of the visit is to receive training and updates on civil protection protocols. The delegation was welcomed by Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse, who exchanged gifts with Mayor Munguía. Together, they observed exhibitions, protocols, and drills presented by Fire Department experts.
During the visit, Munguía acknowledged the significant benefits that the sister city relationship has brought to Puerto Vallarta, highlighting especially the support in security, civil protection, and training that have contributed to the community’s development and well-being.
The sister city relationship between Puerto Vallarta and Santa Barbara was established in 1972 and has served as a bridge of cooperation between both communities for more than 50 years. This partnership has facilitated numerous projects with social impact, including donations of medical equipment, educational and cultural exchanges, and the strengthening of rehabilitation and social assistance programs.
The Vallarta delegation’s agenda in California will conclude on Sunday.