City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment

Sister City Fujiyoshida visitors in Colorado Springs for 50th Anniversary

The Mountain Festival has begun!

Every August in Fujiyoshida, Japan, residents hold a Festival honoring the goddess of Mt. Fuji to keep the volcano from erupting for another year.  For this lively two day Festival, named one of Japan’s three most unique festivals and celebrated for over 500 years, the entire community comes out to watch the burning of large “taimatsu” torches and the parade of two large Omikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets.  The Festival is one of Fujiyoshida’s most prized cultural possessions.  Fujiyoshida, Japan is a sister city to Colorado Springs and this year we celebrate our 50th anniversary.

Over the next week, many events will be held throughout the city honoring the cultural connections between Colorado Springs and Fujiyoshida.  On August 4, from 12-8 p.m. at America the Beautiful Park, a free family event will feature diverse performers, artisans, craftsman, activities, experiences, food and fun, celebrating culture and diversity!   Special recognition will be given to our Waldo Canyon heroes from both stages all day long.  The authentic Japanese cultural activities, interactive dances and songs, all culminating in a FujiKaen Taiko Drumming performance, are not to be missed.

A list of all the events, locations and times, can be found on the Festival’s website, csfirefestival.webs.com.

Mayor Steve Bach met with the honorable Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi of Fujiyoshida, who has come to Colorado Springs to help us celebrate this Festival.  The two Mayors met at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center to view some of the preparations being made for the Mountain Festival.

Mayor Horiuchi said he was very sad to hear about our devastating Waldo Canyon Fire.  All of Fujiyoshida wished us well through the crisis.  Mayor Horiuchi will present to Colorado Springs a check for $11,415, money raised by the people of Fujiyoshida to help our people displaced by the Fire.

Mayor Bach thanked Mayor Horiuchi for his concern and contributions to our recovery.  “We are thankful for the generous donation from our sister city - that will go directly to Colorado Springs Together – helping those affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire.  We look forward to a week of celebrating our sister city Fujiyoshida.”

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