Culver City Mayor Mehaul O’Leary will present commemorative gifts to L.A. Marathon runners Kiyoshi Takihara, 27, and Masako Yasuba, 40, from Kaizuka, Japan.

Mr. O’Leary will extend the awards next Friday evening at a welcome potluck by the hosted by the Culver City Sister City Committee, at 6 o’clock, at the home of Mike Cohen, 4378 Jasmine Ave.

Public is invited.

For information, contact Marathon Exchange chairpersons Tim Petersen, tim@tpaarchitecture.com or Matt Seeberger, seebergermatt@yahoo.com.

Three days later, the community is invited to share in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Kaizuka and Culver City.

This will happen on Monday, Feb. 15, from 5 to 7 in the Dan Patacchia Room at City Hall.  The Consul General of Japan and local officials will attend the free event. International appetizers, dancing, singing, a multi-media show, dignitary presentations and the El Marino Taiko drum team are on the agenda.

“The Sister City Committee has assembled a great showing of talent to mark 50 years of friendship and cultural exchanges with Kaizuka,” said Allison Burns, co-chairperson with Lyndon Stambler of the anniversary event.