Letter to The Breeze with correction: https://venturabreeze.com/2025/05/gratitude-for-coverage-and-invitation-to-upcoming-event/
By Ivor Davis and David Comden –
Quick quiz question:
Ventura has a sister city. Is it:
• Nice (pronounced “Niece”), a seaside town in the South of France?
• Perth, a seaside town in Western Australia?
• Loreto, a seaside town in Mexico?
• Brighton, also a seaside town—this one in England?
If you guessed Loreto, go to the top of the class! But when I asked six shoppers at Ventura’s Downtown Farmers Market recently, not one of them got it right. Which is a shame—because Loreto is one of our best-kept secrets.
Loreto, Mexico is Ventura’s official sister city, and it’s closer than you might think—less than two hours by plane from LAX, or about 915 miles if you’re up for a scenic drive.
Former Ventura Mayor Carl Morehouse—often mistaken for Kris Kristofferson (and with good reason!)—recently invited us to join a group of Ventura County dignitaries on a visit to Loreto. Fun fact: Loreto’s other sister city is Hermosa Beach. Situated on the Sea of Cortez, Loreto still feels like the Mexico of years past. It hasn’t been overbuilt or commercialized like Cabo San Lucas.
Image by Ivor Davis and David Comden
Instead, it reminds you of what Cabo used to be—quiet, authentic, and full of character. Our guide during the visit was Liz Ramirez, a Southern California native who now calls Loreto home. She runs the delightfully unpretentious Casa Mangos and is known by locals as the unofficial Queen of Loreto. Walking through the cobbled streets with Liz was like strolling downtown Ventura with retired Breeze publisher Sheldon Brown—everyone knows her by name.
Home to around 20,000 residents— including many expats from the U.S. and Canada—Loreto shares a lot with Ventura. Both cities are coastal, have a Mission (Loreto’s is the Mission de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó, founded in 1697), nearby mountains and islands, and a deep connection to the natural environment. Loreto even has a national park teeming with sea life in the surrounding waters of the Gulf of California.
Though we’re not usually group travelers, being among a bunch of smart, nature-loving adventurers has its perks. We went whale watching—on both the Gulf and Pacific sides—and even braved the cool water for snorkeling among thousands of fish. We explored the mountains to visit Mission San Francisco Javier (1699), a remote oasis where life thrives against the odds.
We also visited a local cultural center where Ventura artist MB Hanrahan was leading a mural workshop with Loreto youth. The connection between the cities felt real and inspiring.
Loreto has, of course, been discovered by Americans—many of whom have bought gorgeous homes on the water—but it still retains its charm. We were hosted at a stunning estate by Linda and Don Kinsinger one night, and on another, we marveled at the stars in skies unpolluted by city lights. David and I even shared stories from Hollywood’s Golden Age (Mexico edition!) at the downtown bookstore Caballo Blanc, thanks to local organizer and SoCal transplant Leonore Arab.
We also learned about Eco-Alianza, an organization working tirelessly to protect the area’s natural resources, and the work being done to support local students through scholarships and exchange visits between Loreto and Ventura.
There’s something truly awe-inspiring about the sea life in the region—especially witnessing a blue whale up close. They swim thousands of miles south each winter, only to make the return journey north in the spring. It’s humbling, powerful, and unforgettable.
Ventura and Loreto share more than just a coastline—they share a heart. Our sister city relationship fosters meaningful cultural exchange, friendships, and respect. In a world where connection matters more than ever, embracing our neighbors is a gift we shouldn’t take for granted.
So, we invite you to get involved with the Ventura Sister City organization. Learn more, participate, and maybe even plan a visit to Loreto. Trust us—you won’t regret it. www.venturasistercity.org; https://loretomexicoinfo.com
