To promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation, one individual, one community at a time.

Eighteen High School Students and their chaperones recently returned from an incredible trip to our latest Sister City in Tollo, Italy.

The chaperones for the trip were: Pam Keller, Leah Yamamoto, and Marjorie Barrett, our tour designer in Italy, who also served as a third chaperone.

The Junior Ambassadors who participated were: Aaron Kim, Emily Simon, Evan Iniguez, Grace Chun, Isabella Reyes, Jatziry Acevedo, Kraig Karcher, Lily Hancock, Marisa Thienprasiddhi, Molly Kim, Olivia Chung, Olivia Miller, Shanelle Thompson, Sydney Cruz, Thomas Rovira, Victoria Arizon, Yocelin Sandoval, and Zoe Karaya

In 2021, our former Mayor Bruce Whitaker and former FSCA President Michael Oates signed an agreement with Tollo’s Mayor Angelo Radica to become Fullerton’s 4th Sister City in honor of Tommy Lasorda. Tommy was a 63-year-old Fullerton resident and Hall of Famer who managed the Los Angeles Dodgers for 20 seasons, leading them to two World Series titles. Lasorda’s father, Sabatino Lasorda, was an Italian immigrant hailing from Tollo who came to the United States and met his wife, Carmella Lasorda. Together, they raised Lasorda and his four brothers.

Our recent trip began in Rome and meandered through Florence before landing in Tollo for an action-packed few days. Our Italian Hosts opened their homes where we stayed as special guests. Relationships were built quickly and naturally as we played baseball together, ate, drank and toured through their beautiful city. Our delegation was introduced to the land, places of worship, multiple museums, a castle, and, of course, fantastic food. Our hosts planned a party for the entire community in the town square, complete with a traditional parade reenacting the siege by the Turks. Tollo is a comune and town in the Province of Chieti in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Tollo is renowned for its vineyards and olive groves. The current population is 3900 residents. The majority of families involved are wine makers under the umbrella of Cantina Tollo, a winemaking cooperative which began in the 1960s. Many children in the region are involved in playing baseball.

When it was time to go on our next adventure to the Amalfi Coast, the junior ambassadors asked if we could cancel that part and stay in Tollo with our new friends. They loved it that much!

The day after we left, this post appeared in the social media account of Tollo Baseball and Softball. This sampling of what was expressed effectively sums up our experience. (Translated from Italian to English)

“Tollo & Fullerton together in the name of Tommy Lasorda ( Laura Lasorda ).

“This second meeting with the friends of Fullerton ended with tears of emotion. In less than 48 hours, our kids and their families found themselves caught up in a whirlwind of emotions, in the concoction of so many things to do and so damn little time on their hands! We hosted some wonderful people who we will always keep in our hearts.

A profitable exchange, and hopefully a very long-lasting one. Enthusiasm is through the roof, just imagine repeating this adventure, why not, this time with

“Fullerton is playing at home.

“It’s undeniable that the struggle to carry on with this project over the months, especially in the last few weeks, has been considerable… but really, it was worth it, because we gained something that cannot be bought or sold: a deep connection that reaches the soul.”

Before leaving, we made a plan to reciprocate. Expect to hear about an Italian Junior Ambassador Delegation visiting Fullerton next summer, in July 2026. The FSCA will be seeking families who are willing to host students in their homes during that time. We plan to have a small, friendly baseball “tournament” and show off our beautiful city.

The core idea behind sister cities is citizen diplomacy, where individual citizens play a role in building international relationships and promoting peace. The Fullerton Sister City Association provides Fullertonians with an opportunity to promote this mission and experience the benefits of building diplomacy and peace in our world. Won’t you join us?