Form Name:
Unique ID:
Boards and Commissions Applicat ion
1451653309
Applicant Information
Name
Are you a Sunnyvale resident?
How long have you lived in
Sunnyvale?
Isabella A Salim
Yes
15 years
--4/15/26
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Isabella Salim
Description Area Residence Notice:Unless otherwise noted , your principal place of residence must be in Sunnyvale . You must live in Sunnyvale at the time of appo intment and at all times during serv ice on a board or comm ission.
Current Main Residence
Email
Phone
Description Area Employment NoticeCity of Sunnyvale emp loyees may not serve on a board or comm ission.
I am a current City of Sunnyvale No
employee.
Have you ever served on a City of No
Sunnyvale board or commission?
Have you attended a meeting of Yes
the City Council, or a board or
commission?
Briefly describe what you learned
by watching or attending a
meeting of the City Council,
board or commission. What
improvements would you
suggest?
After watching a City Council meeting, I learned how local officials make decisions by discussing issues, listening to community members, and voting on proposals. The council members
explained topics clearly, which made it easier to follow along, and I noticed that public comment plays an important role in shaping decisions. One thing I found interesting is that while the meeting was understandable, not many people participated in giving feedback during the meeting, which made it seem like only a small portion of the community is actually involved in the decision-making process. To improve meetings, I would suggest increasing public engagement by promoting meetings more through social media, allowing easier ways to submit feedback online, and creating more opportunities for younger people and busy community members to share their opinions. Encouraging more public participation would help ensure decisions better reflect the needs of the entire community.
Have you attended meetings of
the board(s) or commission(s) for
which you are applying?
Yes
How many meetings have you
attended?
2 Board or Commission Selection
First Choice Arts Commission
Applicant Qualifications
Isabella Salim
What motivated you to apply for
this board or commission?
I was motivated to apply for the Arts Commission because of my deep involvement in music and my belief that the arts play a vital role in building a connected and expressive community. As a musician and composer I have seen firsthand how music can bring people together, create a sense of belonging, and provide individuals with a meaningful way to express themselves. Being part of my school's jazz band and being the founder of an all-girls' jazz band myself has especially shaped my perspective, as it has shown me the importance of representation and access in the arts. Through that experience, I've developed strong collaboration skills, discipline, and the ability to listen and adapt within a group - qualities that I believe are essential when working on a commission. I also bring creativity, a willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for supporting opportunities for young and emerging artists. I am eager to contribute ideas that help make the arts more accessible, inclusive, and visible throughout the Sunnyvale.
What skills or attributes can you
bring to this board or
commission?
I bring strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, along with a genuine willingness to learn and contribute to Sunnyvale's Arts Commision. Through my academic work and musical involvement, I have developed discipline, time
management, and the ability to work effectively both
independently and as part of a team. I am a thoughtful listener and a strong believer in considering different perspectives before forming opinions, which is essential when working in a group setting like a commission. My experience in music, including my involvement in my all-girls jazz band, has also strengthened my creativity and adaptability. I am motivated, responsible, and committed to representing the perspectives of young people while contributing ideas to the city of Sunnyvale that are both innovative and practical.
Isabella Salim
The primary role of a board or
commission member is to provide
advice to City Council on policy
issues that are within the scope
of the board or commission. What
steps would you take to
effectively exercise this specific
board or commission role?
To effectively serve in this role, I would first take the time to fully understand the responsibilities and current initiatives of the Arts Commission, as well as how it collaborates with the City Council. I would prepare for meetings by reviewing agendas, researching relevant topics, and staying informed about local arts programs and community needs. Personally, I believe it is especially important to listen, both to fellow commissioners and to members of the public, so I would actively seek out community input especially from students and young artists whose voices may not always be represented. When providing advice, I would aim to be thoughtful, informed, and open-minded, considering both creative possibilities and practical impacts. I would also communicate clearly and respectfully, ensuring that my contributions are constructive and aligned with the city's goals. Overall, I would approach the role with responsibility, curiosity, and a commitment to representing my community's interests.
Education – List college degrees,
majors and any relevant training
or experience that demonstrates
your ability to effectively serve
on this board or commission.
I am currently a high school student with a strong academic focus and an interest in pursuing physics in the future. My coursework has helped me develop analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication. In addition to my academics, I have extensive experience in music through my school's band
program, where I play the tenor saxophone and perform jazz vocals. I am also the founder of an all-girls jazz band, where after noticing the lack of female representation in the classroom I took the initiative to create a space for female musicians like myself to collaborate and perform. Preparing for performances and auditions has also strengthened my discipline, time management, and ability to work toward long-term goals. These experiences have provided me with leadership skills, organizational experience, and a deeper understanding of the importance of representation and access in the arts, and I believe they allow me to effectively serve on the Arts Commission.
Isabella Salim
Describe your involvement in
community activities, volunteer
and civic organizations.
I am actively involved in my school's music program and regularly participate in performances that contribute to both my school and the local community. As the founder of an all-girls jazz band, I have taken initiative to create an inclusive space where students can develop their musical skills, build confidence, and access opportunities in jazz that are often limited. This experience has strengthened my ability to collaborate, lead, and support arts engagement among young musicians. Outside of school, I
volunteer weekly at Ponderosa Elementary, where I support classroom activities and assist with translating between Spanish and English. This role has helped me contribute to clearer communication between students, teachers, and families while also deepening my connection to my community's cultural and linguistic diversity. In addition, I am a member of my school's Pacific Islander Students Association, Latino Student Union, Physics Club, and Music Club, where I help promote cultural awareness and student engagement. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and the role of the arts in bringing communities together. I hope to bring this perspective to the Sunnyvale's Arts Commission by helping expand opportunities for youth involvement and
community-centered arts.
Description Area The City has a Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials and an Attendance Policy (7.2.19), 2 G (II) that appointed members are required to follow.
Do you have any concerns related
to the above code and policy?
No
Are you willing to accept a
temporary appointment for the
remainder of an unexpired term?
Yes
Board or Commission-Specific Questions
Arts Commission
Isabella Salim
What role do you think public art
plays in a city?
To me, public art plays an important role in shaping both the identity of a city and the way people experience it on a daily basis, because it reflects the stories, culture, and values of the community in a way that feels visible and accessible to everyone.
When I see murals, sculptures, or installations in public spaces, it makes those areas feel more intentional and meaningful, almost like the city is communicating something about its history and the people who live there, rather than just being a collection of buildings and streets. I also think public art is important because it makes creativity more inclusive and accessible, since it exists in places that everyone passes through rather than being limited to museums or galleries, which means people from all backgrounds and circumstances can engage with it in their everyday lives. In that way, it can reach a wider and more diverse audience, while also highlighting cultural identity, honoring local voices, and bringing attention to themes that matter to the community in a way that feels open and approachable rather than exclusive.
Overall, I see public art as something that strengthens community connection and pride by transforming ordinary spaces into places that encourage reflection, conversation, and a stronger sense of belonging, ultimately helping a city feel more inclusive, and representative of the people who call it home.
How might the City strengthen
art programs in the community?
I think the City can strengthen art programs in the community by expanding access and making opportunities more visible and inclusive, especially for young people and underrepresented groups. This could include increasing funding for school and community arts programs, supporting local artists through public commissions, and creating more free or low-cost workshops where people can explore different forms of art regardless of experience level. I also think partnerships between schools, community centers, and local organizations could help connect students to real artistic opportunities and mentorship, making it easier for them to stay engaged in the arts outside of the classroom. In addition, hosting more public events like art walks, performances, and community showcases would help bring
people together and give artists more platforms to share their work.
Isabella Salim
The Sunnyvale Public Art
collection includes sculptures and
other physical art. As an Arts
Commissioner, how would you
prioritize the inclusion of visual,
literary, interactive and
performing arts to embody the
cultures of our diverse
community?
As an Arts Commissioner, I would prioritize a public art collection that reflects the diversity of Sunnyvale in a way that feels inclusive, accessible, and personal to different parts of the community. I would start by making sure visual art, like murals and sculptures, continues to be a strong foundation because it is the most visible and can represent cultural stories in everyday public spaces. At the same time, I would want to expand more into interactive and performing arts because those create experiences rather than just displays, and they invite people to participate rather than just observe. For example, performances at community events or interactive installations could help people feel more connected to the art and to each other. I believe literary arts are really important because they give voice to personal stories, especially from communities that may not always be seen or heard in physical artwork. Poetry displays, story-based installations, or public readings could be powerful ways to reflect different cultures and perspectives in Sunnyvale. I would prioritize balance rather than choosing one form over another, making sure each type of art has a role in representing the community. My goal would be for people to see themselves reflected in the city's art, whether through something they can walk past, interact with, read, or experience live.
Fair Political Practices Commission Statement of Economic Interests Description Area If you are appointed to the Arts Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, Housing and Human Services
Commission or the Planning Commission, you must electronically file the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700), which will be a public
record.Statement of Economic Interests - Form 700Understanding of Filing RequirementI understand and agree that if I’m appointed to the Arts Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, Housing and Human Services Commission or Planning
Commission I must electronically file the Fair Political Practices Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700). This form reports my economic interests and those of my spouse or domestic partner, if applicable. I understand this will be a public record.
Radio Button Yes
Your Agreement
Isabella Salim
Description Area IMPORTANT NOTICE – READ BEFORE SIGNING:By selecting both “Yes” and “Submit Form” below I am adding my digital signature to this application. I am also agreeing with the following statements:All statements I have made on this application are true and correct.I authorize the City of Sunnyvale (City) to investigate the accuracy of this information.I release the City from all claims and liabilities arising from such investigation.I acknowledge that any false statement on this application will be grounds for the City to deny my appointment. A false statement discovered later, will be grounds to dismiss me from my appointment at any time.I acknowledge that any false statement on this application could lead to criminal charges. Charges could fall under California Penal Code, Section 115 or other applicable law.
I agree Yes
Your full name Isabella Salim
Date Apr 15, 2026
Isabella Salim