Formed in 1989, the Long Beach-Sochi Committee is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to promoting goodwill and better understanding between the two cultures. It relies on donations from the community and local businesses for the funding of its programs. Formal agreements between the two cities were signed in April of 1990, when representatives from the city of Sochi and the Rendezvous Society arrived.
Located on the northeastern coast of the Black Sea. Sochi is long renowned as the largest resort/spa city on the “Russian Riviera.” Among the lovely parks of Sochi is the Arboretum. Its centerpiece is the Friendship Tree and grove. As a symbol of peace and friendship, the original Friendship Tree contains over 600 grafts placed there by representatives from 140 nations of the world. Because of the Friendship Tree and Museum and numerous other peace – promoting activities, Sochi was awarded in 1987 the honorary title of “Envoy of Peace” by the United Nations.