a special thank you to kathleen kimura as penny said for your exceptional stewardship of this important relationship. and also we have your co-chair alan is alan here? alan? okamoto thank you alan for your leadership as well. and i will just say for a moment my wife went with then mayor newsom on a trip to oaxca on the sister city trip and had an incredible time and we're going to have to do that again as promised. >> i did not get to go on that trip so i look forward to it. japantown, one of the oldest and most significant japanese neighborhoods in the u.s., is a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates japanese traditions. the japan center peace pagoda and kabuki theater are just a few of the landmarks that highlight japan's lasting influence in our in our city. and as i know we are working to make it even better. events like the northern california cherry blossom festival and tuna butter. so did i say that right? okay. that festival brings thousands to celebrate japanese culture while businesses both small and large contribute to our economy. the japanese-american community continues to