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 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.
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, & Medical Programs
For the past 20 years, HBSCA has sponsored ongoing paramedic and firefighter training to the "bomberos" of Loreto, which has grown into a highly recognized model program throughout Baja California.
Educational Funding, Donations, & Support
Teach-the-Teacher Environmental Courses
Classroom Supplies
Computer Labs
Sports Equipment
Children's Health & Welfare Programs
Providing support to the local Loreto Integral Family Development Program (known as DIF in Spanish).
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 "Events" page for more information.
