Elk Grove Mayor Visits Sister City

Elk Grove Mayor Steven Detrick sent Patch a report by text message Friday night from , where he is visiting this week as part of an aid campaign for Elk Grove's flood-damaged sister city.

Elk Grovians have collected more than 100 large boxes of warm clothes, shoes and blankets for residents of Ataco after . The ended Thursday.

Here's the mayor's report on his visit so far:

When I first arrived in Ataco, we went to one of the sites of home destruction from the landslide after heavy rain, wind and an earthquake. Then we arrived at the Ataco city square where over 500 residents were waiting for our arrival.

It was quite an event. It had both the U.S. and El Salvador flags, both national anthems were played, the district queens and regional electeds were there, music with special dance performances and several speeches to welcome me.

I closed the formal event with a speech and proclamation from Elk Grove to Mayor Oscar Gomez. Then we had a dinner celebration for everyone...Some of these folks walked 3-4 miles one way to attend. This was a very special event!

The damage I have seen so far has been mud slides, roads and bridges washed out and homes that have slid off the steep hillside. This community is so pure, just the simple showing of care by me coming to Ataco to support our extended family means a great deal to them. After the celebration last night I received 100s of hugs, handshakes and thank yous!

Detrick is scheduled to stay in El Salvador through Nov. 15. See more photos from the trip on Facebook.