City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes - Final
Human Relations Commission
7:30 PM Online and Redwood Conference Room,
City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale,
CA 94086
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Syquia called the meeting to order at 7:44 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Chair Syquia let the salute to the United States flag.
ROLL CALL
Chair Nenuca Syquia
Commissioner Esther Rosenfeld
Commissioner Maria Paulina Zapata
Present: 3 -
Vice Chair Venkata Siva Ramisetty
Commissioner Claudia Camacho
Absent: 2 -
Vice Chair Ramisetty's absence is excused.
Commissioner Camacho arrived at 7:49 p.m.
Council Liaison Srinivasan (present).
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment opened at 7:42 p.m.
No Speakers.
Public Comment Closed at 7:43 p.m.
MOTION: Commissioner Rosenfeld moved and Commissioner Zapata seconded the motion to approve Item 1.A.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Attachment 1
May 14, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final Yes: Chair Syquia
Commissioner Rosenfeld
Commissioner Zapata
3 -
No: 0
Absent: Vice Chair Ramisetty
Commissioner Camacho
2 -
1.A 25-0614
Approve the Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes of March 13, 2025
Approve the Human Relations Commission Minutes of March 13, 2025 as submitted.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 25-0615 Review of Fiscal Year 2025/26 Recommended Budget Equity, Access and Inclusion (EAI) Manager, Fernanda Perdomo-Arciniegas, presented a staff report on the recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The presentation included an overview of the City Manager’s Budget Message, a review of the Budget Approval Process, and Council’s Policy Priorities.
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas highlighted the core principles, goals, and objectives of the Equity, Access and Inclusion office. The update also included information on key EAI-related projects such as the Sunnyvale Unity, Community EAI Needs Assessment, and EAI Training. Additionally, goals from the Library and Recreation Department that align with EAI initiatives were also presented.
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas encouraged Commissioners to explore collaboration opportunities with other Commissions to support shared priorities.
Commissioner Rosenfeld proposed exploring a multicultural event with collaboration with the Arts Commission with the goal of celebrating cultural diversity through food, art, music, and dance. Commissioner Rosenfeld also inquired about the potential risk to certain funding sources, the timeline for funding confirmation, and whether the City had a contingency plan should funds be lost.
Council Liaison Srinivasan confirmed that the CDBG and HOME grants were approved earlier in the day and are no longer at risk.
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May 14, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final Commissioner Camacho inquired about the use of artificial intelligence in current projects. EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas indicated there was no known allocation for artificial intelligence in the current project budget. However, technology is playing a significant role in supporting initiatives. Wordly, an accessibility tool, is currently in use by the Commission and will also be utilized at the upcoming Unity Event to enhance accessibility.
Commissioner Zapata requested clarification on the Human Relations Commission (HRC) budget and the ability to fund community events. EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas explained that the HRC does not allocate funds directly to community organizations. Instead, it supports community engagement initiatives outlined in the HRC Work Plan. For example, funding from the project budget was used to compensate speaker Whitney Parnell (Service Never Sleeps) for the HRC-promoted unity event “Allies in Training: Building a Better Community.” Commissioners were reminded that the purpose of the Community Neighborhood Grants is to fund events organized by community groups.
Chair Syquia proposed inviting community organizations to present at HRC meetings to increase visibility and engagement. They emphasized the importance of the Community Needs Assessment in guiding both the Commission and City Council on community priorities, emphasizing that the initiative merits the investment.
Public Hearing opened at 8:34 p.m.
No Speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 8:34 p.m.
3 25-0616
Overview of First Signature Event Theme: “Allies in Training:
Building a Better Community” and Commissioner’s report on outreach efforts.
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas provided the staff report, noting that event posters have been distributed and posted at the Library, Community Center, and Community Services offices. Commissioners received printed flyers and promotional buttons and were encouraged to wear them to support outreach and visibility. The importance of the upcoming training was emphasized, particularly in building allyship and fostering mutual understanding. Allyship was described as an ongoing commitment, integral to the EAI framework. Attendance at the training may also be noted on a resume or professional portfolio.
Commissioner Rosenfeld inquired about the event’s capacity. EAI Manager
Attachment 1
May 14, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final Perdomo-Arciniegas clarified that the event will be conducted in a hybrid format, with unlimited online participation and in-person attendance limited to the Bay Conference Room’s capacity of approximately 50 individuals. The EAI Office is monitoring registrations and will develop an alternative plan if in-person interest exceeds the room's capacity.
Commissioner Zapata asked whether the event would be recorded to accommodate those unable to attend due to work commitments. EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas stated that the event will not be recorded due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed, in order to maintain a safe and open environment for dialogue.
Commissioner Zapata noted having identified three volunteer groups to invite to the event. EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas encouraged Spanish-speaking participants to attend in person for an improved experience, particularly due to the use of breakout rooms.
Commissioner Rosenfeld shared plans to promote the event through three additional groups, including Homestead High School, and asked whether attendance was limited to Sunnyvale residents. EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas confirmed that the event is open to all participants, regardless of residency.
Chair Syquia recommended sending invitations to the attendee list from the prior immigration event but expressed a preference to send the messages directly to ensure a more personal approach.
Commissioner Zapata proposed that Commissioners host a table at the Library and distribute promotional items. Chair Syquia suggested additional tabling at the Downtown Sunnyvale Farmers Market. Commissioner Zapata volunteered to contact the Downtown Association to explore this option.
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas encouraged Commissioners to promote the event on social media but reminded them to avoid engaging with each other’s posts to remain in compliance with the Brown Act.
Council Liaison Srinivasan suggested exploring tabling opportunities at the Wine Festival. Commissioner Zapata volunteered to contact the Chamber of Commerce to inquire about participation.
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas informed Commissioners of a new outreach method via utility bill inserts and requested that Commissioners report if they receive
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May 14, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final the insert in their next billing cycle.
Chair Syquia suggested tracking how attendees heard about the event to assess outreach effectiveness. EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas confirmed that this question will be included on the event registration form.
Public Hearing opened at 8:55 p.m.
No Speakers.
Public Hearing closed at 8:56 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Syquia adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m.
Attachment 1