Year-End Sister Cities Committee Meeting
On Thursday, November 20, the Sister City Committee held its final meeting of 2025. Members of the City Council joined the committee to share thank-you messages, holiday wishes, and appreciation for the committee’s growth throughout the year. The City looks forward to further strengthening Glendale’s Sister City Program in the coming year.
Sister City Rosarito, Mexico Delegation Visit to City Hall
Meet and Greet with Voices of Artsakh Music Group
On September 19, the Voices of Artsakh Music Group visited Glendale City Hall to learn more about City services and tour the community. Councilmembers and the Sister City Coordinator participated in the visit to strengthen Glendale’s ties with Armenia. That same weekend, the group performed at the historic Alex Theatre, sharing their music with hundreds of community members. Thank you for choosing Glendale!
The Dominican Business Expo by the Chamber of Commerce of Dominicans Abroad
The Sister Cities Program was represented at a one-day business event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Dominicans Abroad. Clara Tavarez, head of the Santiago de los Caballeros Committee, emphasized the importance of the Sister City relationship with Glendale.
Program Coordinator Ani Avanesyan shared updates and invited attendees to get involved in the initiative. Consul General Alfonso Rodríguez expressed strong interest in reactivating the partnership, aligning with Council direction.
The Glendale booth received strong interest from community members and business leaders eager to support the program.
Sister Cities Committee Kick-Off Meeting
We are pleased to announce that the Sister Cities Committee held its Kick-Off Meeting on August 7, 2025. The meeting included a productive discussion on the committee’s mission, goals for the upcoming year, and opportunities for future collaboration.
We were also pleased to confirm the representatives who will serve on the Committee for the upcoming term. Their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to fostering international relationships will be key to the success of our sister city partnerships.
We look forward to a year of meaningful connections and impactful initiatives with our sister cities around the world.
View photos from the meeting here: Link to the album.
Glendale Sister Cities Program Showcases Global Ties at Vardavar Water Festival
The Glendale Sister Cities Program proudly participated in the 4th Annual Vardavar Water Festival on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Verdugo Park, engaging with thousands of community members through its dedicated booth and outreach. The booth highlighted Glendale’s international partnerships—especially with its Armenian Sister Cities, Gyumri and Kapan—and emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy.
The festival, organized by Hayk For Our Heroes , drew over 15,000 attendees and continues to be one of the largest Armenian cultural events in Los Angeles. The Glendale Sister Cities presence at the event offered an opportunity to educate residents and visitors about the City’s growing network of global relationships and to celebrate the ties that unite Glendale with communities abroad.
The event began with opening remarks from the Mayor of Glendale and City Councilmembers, who welcomed guests and acknowledged the festival’s growing significance, both as a cultural celebration and as a platform for strengthening international friendship.
Rooted in ancient Armenian tradition, Vardavar provided a joyful and meaningful setting to honor Glendale’s bonds with its Sister Cities Gyumri and Kapan Armenia in Armenia. These relationships reflect Glendale’s broader commitment to global engagement, cultural understanding, and inclusive community-building.
The day was filled with vibrant music, food, performances, and of course, water-filled fun. A massive splash zone, firetruck sprays, and lively water battles brought joy to attendees of all ages.
The City of Glendale Welcomes Student Delegation from Kapan, Armenia
On June 12, 2025, the City of Glendale proudly welcomed ten students from Kapan, Armenia, as part of the Glendale-Kapan Sister City partnership. This visit was organized in collaboration with the Hakobyan Pan-Armenian Center and represents a significant step toward fostering deeper connections between the two cities.
The delegation was officially greeted at City Hall by Mayor Ara Najarian, members of the Glendale City Council, City Manager, and the Sister City Coordinator. As part of their immersive experience, the students attended a City Council budget study session, providing them with valuable insight into the inner workings of local government, including how the City prioritizes funding, plans community services, and addresses the needs of its residents.
Following the study session, the City hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting students, offering the students a chance to engage with City officials in an informal setting and exchange ideas on governance and culture.
The Glendale-Kapan Sister City relationship has long been a testament to the strong cultural and historical ties between the two communities. This visit reflects the City Council’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing Glendale’s Sister City Program through youth engagement, educational initiatives, and meaningful cultural exchange.
Watch the event photos here
Glendale Reengages with Sister City Playas de Rosarito at "Ventana a México" Event in San Diego
On April 26, 2025, the City of Glendale proudly reengaged with its sister city, Playas de Rosarito, during the Ventana a México event held in San Diego, California. Representing Glendale, Ani Avanesyan, Sister City Program Coordinator, met with key leaders from Playas de Rosarito to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two cities and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
This important engagement reaffirmed the cities' shared commitment to cultural exchange, tourism promotion, and economic development initiatives. With the presence of key officials from Playas de Rosarito, Glendale representatives discussed future opportunities to build meaningful connections through educational, cultural, and economic partnerships including:
• Rocío Adame, Mayor of Playas de Rosarito
• Alan Bautista Plascencia, President of the Tourism and Economic Development Commission of Playas de Rosarito
• Paul Corona, Honorary President of the Playas de Rosarito Tourism and Convention Committee (COTUCO)
• Iran Leonardo Verdugo, Secretary of Economic Development and Tourism of Playas de Rosarito, Baja California
The Sister City relationship between Glendale and Playas de Rosarito continues to serve as a vital bridge promoting international friendship, cultural understanding, and new economic opportunities.
Under One Sky Event Brought Together Over 100 Community Members
March 26, 2025
Click here to view the article.
Incheon Delegation Visits Glendale
January 9, 2025
Boeun-gun Students Visit Glendale City Hall
January 14, 2025
