City of Sunnyvale

Meeting Minutes - Final

Human Relations Commission

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

7:30 PM

Online and Redwood Conference Room,

City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale,

CA 94086

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

Present: 3 -

Absent: 2 -

Chair Nenuca Syquia

Commissioner Esther Rosenfeld

Commissioner Maria Paulina Zapata

Vice Chair Venkata Siva Ramisetty

Commissioner Claudia Camacho

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:

Yes: 3 -

Chair Syquia

Commissioner Rosenfeld

Commissioner Zapata

No: 0

Absent: 2 -

Vice Chair Ramisetty

Commissioner Camacho

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.