Promoting Peace and Cultural Understanding Through a People-to-People Program

Sister City Community Outreach Programs

In 1967, Hermosa Beach, CA, formed a “sister city” relationship with the city of Loreto in Baja California Sur, Mexico, and thus was formed the Hermosa Beach Sister City Association (HBSCA). This serene, picturesque fishing village is located on the Sea of Cortez in the southern part of the Baja California peninsula. Over the years, the HBSCA has forged a very close bond with Loreto and its citizens. With assistance and guidance from the HBSCA, Loreto has vastly improved the quality of life for its residents and created many opportunities for its citizens. The HBSCA is a United States Congressionally Recognized Program.
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Hermosa – Loreto Sister City Programs

Student Cultural Exchange Program
  • Since 1974, our organization has operated an ongoing student exchange program for middle school students (ages 11-14). (See Student Exchange Page for more details)
Paramedic, Fire, and Medical Programs
  • Since 1999, HBSCA has sponsored ongoing paramedic and firefighter training for the “bomberos” of Loreto, which has grown into a highly recognized model program throughout Baja California.
Casa Hogar
  • We provide support to the local group foster care facility.
Educational Funding, Donations, and Support
  • Teach-the-Teacher Environmental Courses
  • Classroom Supplies
  • Computer Labs
  • Sports Equipment

Annual Group Trip

Join us in October for our Annual Group Trip to celebrate Loreto’s founding on October 25, 1697. Each year, members and friends of the Hermosa Beach Sister City Association travel to Loreto in late October to help residents celebrate the founding of this first Spanish colonial settlement on the Baja California Peninsula. Loreto has the honor of being the very first California Mission established by Jesuit missionaries and is the start of the Camino Real of all Baja and Alta California.
Every year, we enjoy boat trips to Coronado Island, tours of the Fire Station, and day trips to nearby cities and resorts, as well as nightly celebrations with cultural experiences that include folkloric dancing, musical symphonies, and a variety of governmental presentations.
The trip is always organized a few days before and after October 25 (Loreto’s Founding), so mark your calendars to save the date! See the “Events” page for more information.

Contact Us

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Hours of OperationMonday-Friday: 9:00 A.M.- 5 P.M.
Address PO Box 1025, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254-1025
Service AreaCalifornia and Baja California Sur
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