Benicia-Tula Sister Cities

05/02/2026

Dear Paul Adler

We, the Benicia-Tula Sister Cities members, wish to express our heartfelt and sincerest gratitude to you, Paul Adler, a true Rotarian, for your invaluable, sincere and above-and-beyond efforts in coordinating and securing grant funding, from both the Rotary Club of Benicia and District Rotary organization, for the Texquedo Vehicle Bridge Project in Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico.

Thanks to your dedication, the construction of this much-needed vehicle bridge, which will be managed by the Tula Rotary Club, can now commence.

If you remember, it all began in September 2024 when the Benicia delegation, including yourself, visited Tula to participate in their Independence Day festitivities. It was then that we were made aware of the dire need, by ClubRotario Tollan de Tula, for a bridge that would allow year-round vehicle passage over the river. Just over a year later the grant funds were awarded.

In our recent project kickoff visit to Tula, we met, as well, with civic leaders of the two indigenous communities, in close proximity to the bridge, that will be beneficially impacted the most – Texquedo and San Miguel de las Piedras. They expressed their deepest gratitude and explained that this simple bridge will actually have a much broader impact allowing other neighboring indigenous communities to benefit as well.

Much happiness to you and your family in the next chapter of your lives. You will be missed. We want you to know that none of this could have happened without you.

With deepest gratitude,
Benicia-Tula Sister Cities Members

04/30/2026

BTSC visit to the recently restored Xijay de Cuauhtemoc, Hidalgo original, century-old school house. Xijay is an indigenous, rural Tula community about 30 minutes from the center of Tula.

04/30/2026

Texquedo Vehicle Bridge Project - flyover view of the bridge site and logistically challenging terrain.

04/30/2026

BTSC members, Pepe and Richard, joining in the festivities at the recently restored Xijay de Cuauhtemoc old school house with teachers and parents and ClubRotario Tollan de Tula members.

04/30/2026

On April 23, BTSC members, Pepe Arteaga and Richard Theisen, revisited the primary school in the rural, indigenous Tula community of Xijay de Cuauhtemoc, Hidalgo.

Forty-five years ago, on March of 1985, the Sister Cities of Benicia and Tula facilitated a joint effort of ClubRotario Tollan de Tula and Rotary Club of Benicia to construct two classrooms that would replace the almost century-old, original school house that had become dilapidated and unusable.

The inspiring motto on the monument reads:

“What is well learned is never forgotten.”

04/30/2026

BTSC members, Pepe Arteaga and Richard Theisen, arrived in Mexico City on April 22 for the long-awaited kickoff of the Texquedo Vehicle Bridge project.

Once completed, people in Texquedo will have year-round vehicle access to their neighboring community, San Miguel de las Piedras, as well as, Tula itself.

04/11/2026

04/07/2026

With deep sadness we say goodbye to our dear friend, Mary Frances Kelly Poh, longtime member and President of Benicia-Tula Sister Cities association. She passed away peacefully in the hospital surrounded by family on Monday afternoon, April 6, 2026. She was a dynamic force for growth of the Benicia-Tula Sister Cities, participating in many events and exchanges throughout the years. As a dedicated member and dear friend of the association, her absence will be deeply felt by all.

Forever in our hearts, Mary Frances, rest peacefully. 🕊️🤍

02/11/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the Benicia Police Department for their incredibly generous donation of police gear that will soon be bound for Tula. The gear will be distributed to a village in the outskirts of the City of Tula that wouldn't otherwise be able to acquire it on their own. BTSC is so fortunate to have such a supportive community that is making a difference to the people of Tula.

01/14/2026

In a prior post, we showcased a video which included the Spanish version of the song written by Chef Cheska for Benicia Tula Sister Cities. Here's the English version of the song - Across the Bridge We Built - with the video in the background of the farewell dinner for the Tula members visiting us during the July 4th 2025 week. Enjoy!