EUCLID AVENUE BENCHES
Several years ago Upland Sister City Association undertook a project to place three benches on the median of Euclid Avenue at 14th Street. These benches are to preserve the memories of past and present Upland Sister City members and members of our sister cities in Mildura, Australia and Caborca, Mexico. After much fund-raising, including a grant from Upland Foothill Kiwanis and coordination with the City of Upland, we are excited to now have two benches in place.
Mildura Bench dedicated in 2021
The first bench dedication took place on March 5, 2021 at the newly established Upland Sister City Square situated on the median of Euclid Avenue at 14th Street.
The Upland Sister City Association organized the dedication to honor Mildura, Australia celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sister City relationship (1969–2019). The bench commemorates the historical link between Upland, California and Mildura, Australia. Both communities share the same founding fathers, George and W.B. Chaffey, who were engineers from Ontario, Canada. A real highlight was to welcome and host a contingent from Mildura for the ceremony.
Upland Bench dedicated in 2025
Subsequent to the placement of that first milestone bench, Upland Sister City Association members, friends and city dignitaries held another ceremony on April 13, 2025 to dedicate a second bench and a new memorial plaque at the same 14th Street and Euclid Avenue location. This newer installation honors the program's long-serving local volunteers including Zella and Harvey Stone, Ian and Sarah Richardson, June and Dean Love, Carol Zahniser, Sharon and Paul Christensen, Lillian and Bob Kunz and Christine Shaurette.
The unveiling 2025
Sister City Board Members Joyce Johnson and Carol Zahniser
Board President Desiree Herrera speaking at Bench Dedication along with Board Members Ann Thomas, Carol Zahniser and Joyce Johnson
Board Treasurer Christy Shaurette giving treasurers report
Councilman James Breitling, former Mayor and Board Member Debbie Stone, and Board Member Ann Thomas
Board Member Ann Thomas and Fern Musser at welcome table
Board Vice-President Carol Zahniser serving refreshments
The Shaurette Family
City Council Members Rudy Zuniga and James Breitling with Sister City Board President Desiree Herrera
Board Member Sarah Richardson, the Burke Family and Julie Bridge
Former mayor Ray Musser and his wife Fern
Written by James Breitling, Upland City Councilman
Upland Sister Cities Association
honors dedicated members at Sister City Square
Today, April 2025, we celebrated international friendship and local service at Sister City Square on 14th Street and Euclid Avenue.
The Upland Sister Cities Association dedicated its second bench and a new plaque honoring those who’ve given exceptional service to our Sister Cities program:
Zella Stone, Harvey Stone, Ian and Sarah Richardson, June and Dean Love, Carol Zahniser, Sharon and Paul Christensen, Lillian and Bob Kunz, and Christine Christensen Shaurette
Their commitment built lasting bridges between Upland and our global partners. The new bench is a beautiful addition to Euclid Avenue and 14th Street — a peaceful spot to reflect on decades of friendship and service.