Sister City Report by Friendship Across the Sea Chairmen Walter and Connie King:

Another wonderful year of exchange between Kerman and Kannami (Japan) has come to a close. This year's delegation consisting of six students and two adult chaperons were a fun, adventurous group. They practiced their English, traveled with host brothers, sisters and parents, and saw some of what Kerman and the San Joaquin valley has to offer.

We, in return, forged new friendships, learned some Japanese, and renewed our appreciation for the friendliness of the community and the beauty of the San Joaquin Valley.

Some of the activities the delegation participated in were, walking the foggy Golden Gate Bridge, touring old Sacramento and the State Capitol, Canoing down the San Joaquin River, target practice at the Range, splashing in the river in Yosemite, panning for gold and riding the stage coach in Columbia, learning about California coastal life at the Bay Aquarium, and walking cannery row.

We enjoyed hearing the laughter and seeing all the smiles.

On behalf of the Friendship Across the Sea Committee, we want to thank all the host families, community members and businesses that participated this year. Without your support, kindness and generosity in giving of your time, this program could not continue.

We especially appreciate our host families: Brian and Karolyn Lambrecht and family (23 students so far--!), Greg and Pam Grouleffand family, Bob and Marilyn Felker, Jim and Nancy V olkoff and family, Charlie 8Qd Toni Jones and family, and Jesse and Grace Escamilla and family. THANK YOU!!

Many individuals and businesses volunteered their time, provided materials and/or helped in countless other ways: Karolyn Lambrecht, Evelyn Knowles, Cecelia Rodriguez, Danelle Provencio, Chris Otto, Myra Rodriguez Squeo, Mary Helen Rodriguez, Louise Pedersen, Adam King, Meredith King, Brandy Helmuth, Dana Lambrecht, Michael Berquist, Savannah V olkofl: Alexandra Corona, Jose Garcia, Mandy Porto, City of Kerman Mayor Trinidad Rodriguez, City Manager Ron Manfredi, City Clerk Renee Holdcroft, Marcy Reyes, Kerman Unified School District Superintendent Roger Halberg, Dana and Keith Helmuth and family, Porto Brothers Farm- Joe and Wendy Porto, Pacheco Dairy- Brian Pacheco, Terranova Farms- Don Cameron and Jenise Grinstead, Valley Food- Mark Yep, Kerman Telephone- Michelle Ripley, Kerman Police . Department Officers Donnie and Joshua, North Central Fire District firemen, Fresno County Library Kerman Branch- Rita Del Testa, Sun Empire Foods- Phil and Sandra Dee, Subway- Raj Dhaliwal, Kerman FF A- Cory Malloy, Kerman 4-H- Cathy Haupt.