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Zacatlan, Mexico, proposed as Lodi sister city
Should Paul Mertz's plan take root, swapping Zinfandel wine for Zacatlan cider could soon be commonplace.
The local real estate agent thinks Zacatlan, Mexico — the center of an apple growing region northeast of Mexico City, already with one ticking tie to Lodi — would make a great sister city.
"I think it's got a lot of potential," Mertz said Friday, noting his proposal is still in the early stages.
Olvera, a clock manufacturer in Zacatlan, is now at work on a hand-made, 9-foot-tall clock, which will be donated by the Lodi Association of Realtors to the future World of Wonders Science Museum, Mertz said.
Mertz showed Olvera representatives around Lodi earlier this year, and initiated the sister city idea with them.
He'll present more detailed plans to Lodi's Sister City Committee June 24.
Mertz noted the Mexican city hosts annual apple and flower festivals. It's in an agricultural and mountainous region, with roughly the same population as Lodi.
Zacatlan is surrounded by four indigenous villages, where most people speak the native Aztec language, according to several travel Web sites.
Lodi now has two sister cities: Lodi, Italy, and Kofu, Japan. Both relationships are recognized through Sister Cities International, a nonprofit network that promotes "town twinning."
Lodi has spent $280, $322 and $350 over the past three fiscal years, respectively, for sister city activities, said Jennifer Perrin, Lodi's deputy city clerk.
No major trips have been paid for by the city in recent years, she added.
With Lodi's large Hispanic population, Mertz said he feels a cultural exchange with a Mexican community is a natural fit.
Bill Hinkle, who chairs Lodi's Sister City Committee, said he's had only preliminary talks with Mertz about the idea.
"This is brand new — it's kind of come out of the blue," he said.
He said adding a new city will take both money and commitment.
"It all depends on the support behind it," he added.
Contact reporter Chris Nichols at chrisn@lodinews.com.
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