City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes - Final
Human Relations Commission
7:00 PM Online and Redwood Conference Room,
City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale,
CA 94086
Thursday, September 11, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Zapata called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Chair Zapata led the salute to the United States flag.
ROLL CALL
Chair Maria Paulina Zapata
Vice Chair Nenuca Syquia
Commissioner Esther Rosenfeld
Commissioner Aaron Terry
Commissioner Ariana Ziolkowski
Present: 5 -
Commissioner Claudia Camacho
Commissioner Pedro Valencia Landa
Absent: 2 -
Commissioner Camacho arrived at 7:48 p.m.
Commissioner Landa’s absence is excused
Council Liaison Chang (present)
PRESENTATION
25-0916 Livable Sunnyvale Coalition Mission and Values Overview David Kunz, Vice Chair of Livable Sunnyvale, introduced Vice Chair Agnes Veith and Board Members Chuck Fraleigh, Mike Serrone, and Paulina Zapata. David Kunz delivered a presentation on behalf of Livable Sunnyvale.
The presentation outlined Livable Sunnyvale’s mission: “promote a livable, sustainable city with affordable housing and transportation solutions for all members of our community through education, outreach, and advocacy.” Key points included the role and importance of the non-profit coalition, an overview of past and current advocacy efforts, and highlights of several coalition partners.
Attachment 6
September 11, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final Livable Sunnyvale stated they received grants from Santa Clara County: URJGENT to support the use of Wordly, an AI-powered translation and captioning software at their meetings, and from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to advance efforts aimed at changing the narrative and perception surrounding the unhoused.
Kunz concluded by encouraging participation through social media, volunteering, or attending meetings.
Chair Zapata thanked Livable Sunnyvale for presenting and expressed pride in being part of the organization. Commissioner Rosenfeld asked for clarification regarding the Sunnyvale Housing Element 2023. Board member Mike Serrone explained that every 7–8 years, each city in California is required by the state to prepare a plan for how to accommodate housing needs. A key advocacy effort from Livable Sunnyvale has been to support distributing housing locations throughout the community rather than concentrating development in a single area.
Vice Chair Syquia expressed appreciation for the multi-sector and multidisciplinary efforts highlighted in the presentation, noting that Livable Sunnyvale’s work also impacts community health outcomes. Emphasis was placed on how creating a more walkable city and reducing commuting stress can lead to improved health.
Vice Chair Syquia observed that the slide listing coalition partners included mostly transportation organizations and asked if Livable Sunnyvale also partners with businesses, as employers have a vested interest in employees living nearby.
Agnes Veith clarified that the organization is not currently partnering with businesses on transportation issues but has engaged with them regarding minimum wage.
ORAL COMMUNICATION
Tammy Qualls expressed concern for Sunnyvale resident Ulises Peña Lopez and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to pledge support and visit him at Golden State Medical Center.
Cathy Wong also expressed concern for Sunnyvale resident Ulises Peña Lopez and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to pledge support and visit him at the California City Detention Center.
Mike Serrone, Planning Commissioner, speaking on their own behalf, expressed concern with the naming of Columbus Day and stated it should be renamed Italian Americans Day.
Samantha also expressed concern for Sunnyvale resident Ulises Peña Lopez and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to
Attachment 6
September 11, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final pledge support and visit him at the California City Detention Center.
Uriel Magdaleno also expressed concern for Sunnyvale resident Ulises Peña Lopez and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to pledge support and visit him at the California City Detention Center.
Anthony Shing also expressed concern for Sunnyvale resident Ulises Peña Lopez and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to pledge support and visit him at the California City Detention Center.
Aram J shared their concerns with the State of Israel.
Aby Peña shared concerns for their husband Ulises Peña Lopez, and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to pledge support and visit him at the California City Detention Center.
Zeada B voiced their concerns for Sunnyvale resident Ulises Peña Lopez and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to pledge support band visit him at the California City Detention Center.
Alex M shared their concerns for Sunnyvale resident Ulises Peña Lopez and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to pledge support and visit him at the California City Detention Center.
Kimberly M spoke to their concerns for Sunnyvale resident Ulises Peña Lopez and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to pledge support and visit him at the California City Detention Center.
Edwin discussed their concerns for Sunnyvale resident Ulises Peña Lopez and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to pledge support and visit him at the California City Detention Center.
Darelda M shared their concerns for Sunnyvale resident Ulises Peña Lopez and requested Commission support, including asking Representative Ro Khanna to pledge support and visit him at the California City Detention Center.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Commissioner Rosenfeld moved and Commissioner Terry seconded the motion to approve agenda item 1.A as submitted.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Attachment 6
September 11, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final Yes: Chair Zapata
Commissioner Camacho
Commissioner Rosenfeld
Commissioner Terry
Commissioner Ziolkowski
5 -
No: 0
Absent: Commissioner Valencia Landa1 -
Abstain: Vice Chair Syquia1 -
25-0900
Approve the Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes
of August 14, 2025
Approve the Human Relations Commission Minutes of August 14, 2025 as submitted.
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
25-0917 Discussion of United Against Hate Week and Planned Community Engagement Events
Equity, Access, and Inclusion (EAI) Manager Fernanda Perdomo-Arciniegas provided the staff report, noting that United Against Hate Week will take place October 19–25. The EAI Office will host and collaborate on two events:
•October 21, 3:00–5:00 p.m. – LGBTQ Youth Space’s Speakers Bureau: Sharing Their Stories – An LGBTQ+ Panel Dialogue (hosted by the EAI Office) •October 27, 7:00–8:30 p.m. – Sustainability Speaker Series: United for Disability and Climate Justice (in collaboration with the Sustainability Commission) The report highlighted that United Against Hate Week affirms the value and respect of all community members and the City’s core values were reviewed.
Chair Zapata and Commissioner Rosenfeld thanked EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas for the report.
Public Hearing opened at 8:08 p.m.
Dee spoke to their concerns about focusing the study issue solely on antisemitism, noting that it would be more appropriate to consider all forms of hate collectively.
Gabriel communicated their support for the study issue on Jewish hatred.
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September 11, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final Dina S shared their concerns about focusing the study issue solely on antisemitism, noting that it would be more appropriate to consider all forms of hate collectively.
Aram J discussed their concerns with the state of Israel.
Public Hearing closed at 8:20 p.m.
STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES
25-0896 Addressing the Surge of Jew-Hatred in Sunnyvale: A Call for a Community-Centered Study on Safety and Inclusion
(Consideration of Potential Study Issue)
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas presented the staff report, noting that the Study Issue on the Study Issue Process will result in changes to the current procedure, which is still being finalized. They referred to an email from the City Manager, Tim Kirby outlining the updates.
Commissioner Rosenfeld provided comments on their reasons for submitting this Study Issue Proposal and explained its importance to them.
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas added that the Community Equity Assessment will include this Study Issue as part of a focus group within the overall assessment.
MOTION: Vice Chair Syquia moved, and Commissioner Rosenfeld seconded, to add “Addressing the Surge of Jew-Hatred in Sunnyvale: A Call for a Community-Centered Study on Safety and Inclusion” to the proposed Study Issue List.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes: Chair Zapata
Commissioner Camacho
Commissioner Rosenfeld
Commissioner Terry
Commissioner Ziolkowski
5 -
No: Vice Chair Syquia1 -
Absent: Commissioner Valencia Landa1 -
25-0901
Flag Raising Policy (Consideration of Potential Study Issue)
Attachment 6
September 11, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final Chair Zapata reviewed the key elements of the issue and shared their reasons for submitting this Study Issue Proposal.
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas presented staff comments and noted that, under Council Policy 7.3.30, ceremonial flags may only be displayed through Council-adopted resolutions.
Commissioner Rosenfeld asked a clarifying question regarding the intent of the proposal, noting that the Study Issue would examine whether Sunnyvale could implement a policy allowing flag-raising at specific events to recognize a community’s heritage or country of origin.
Chair Zapata clarified, based on their experience, that such a policy would allow the flag of a country to be raised during designated events, such as commemorations of Colombian Independence.
Commissioner Camacho stated that while the Study Issue is a good idea, pursuing it in the current political climate could be risky.
Commissioner Ziolkowski asked whether flag-raising policies in cities similar in size to Sunnyvale had been researched. Chair Zapata responded that while they are aware of such practices in larger cities, such as San José and San Francisco, comparable research on cities of a similar size has not yet been conducted and would be included as part of this proposed Study Issue.
MOTION: Commissioner Rosenfeld moved, and Vice Chair Syquia seconded, to add “Flag Raising Policy” to the proposed Study Issue List.
The motion failed with the following vote:
Yes: Chair Zapata
Commissioner Rosenfeld
2 -
No: Vice Chair Syquia
Commissioner Camacho
Commissioner Terry
Commissioner Ziolkowski
4 -
Absent: Commissioner Valencia Landa1 -
25-0915
Exploring Youth Representation on City Commissions
(Consideration of Potential Study Issue)
Commissioner Rosenfeld provided comments on their reasons for proposing this
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September 11, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final Study Issue and explained its importance to them, noting that Maddy Chang previously presented to the Human Relations Commission in August and has also spoken before City Council to advocate for youth representation.
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas presented staff comments and noted that the Commission had Commissioner Ramisetty previously serving however there were struggles with attendance as we approached graduation, finals and moving away to college. They also highlighted that Council will be reviewing this issue during a November meeting.
MOTION: Commissioner Rosenfeld moved, and Vice Chair Syquia seconded, to add “Exploring Youth Representation of City Commissions” to the proposed Study Issue List.
The motion failed with the following vote:
Yes: Vice Chair Syquia
Commissioner Rosenfeld
2 -
No: Chair Zapata
Commissioner Camacho
Commissioner Terry
Commissioner Ziolkowski
4 -
Absent: Commissioner Valencia Landa1 -
25-0923
Amend Policy Manual to Include Religious Observances as Excused Absences (Consideration of Potential Study Issue) Commissioner Rosenfeld provided comments on their reasons for submitting this Study Issue and explained its importance to them.
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas presented staff comments and noted that it would be a good idea to review the policy to ensure it is more inclusive and does not penalize commissioners for faith-based practices. They also mentioned that this topic will be a part of an upcoming Council’s discussion.
MOTION: Commissioner Rosenfeld moved, and Vice Chair Syquia seconded, to add “Amend policy Manual to Include Religious Observances as Excused Absences” to the proposed Study Issue List.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Attachment 6
September 11, 2025Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes - Final Yes: Chair Zapata
Vice Chair Syquia
Commissioner Camacho
Commissioner Rosenfeld
Commissioner Terry
Commissioner Ziolkowski
6 -
No: 0
Absent: Commissioner Valencia Landa1 -
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
-Commissioner Comments
None.
-Staff Comments
EAI Manager Perdomo-Arciniegas reminded Commissioners of the upcoming State of the City event on Saturday, September 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and invited them to attend wearing the City-provided jackets.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Zapata adjourned the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
Attachment 6