Human Relations Commission elects Commissioner Zapata as chair and Commissioner Camacho as vice chair

In the heart of Sunnyvale's city hall, the Human Relations Commission convened on July 10, 2025, to address key procedural matters, including the selection of new leadership. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as members prepared to nominate candidates for the positions of chair and vice chair.

The meeting began with a clear outline of the nomination process, emphasizing that no member could nominate themselves. Instead, nominations would be made by peers, and each nominee would need to accept or decline their nomination. This structured approach aimed to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection of leadership roles.

Commissioner Zapata was nominated for chair, and the vote was swift. With a unanimous decision from the present members, Zapata was elected to lead the commission, despite the absence of two members. The vote count stood at 4-0-2, reflecting a strong consensus among those present.

Following the chair's election, the focus shifted to the vice chair position. Commissioner Camacho was nominated, and once again, the vote was overwhelmingly in favor, echoing the earlier support for Zapata. The commission's leadership was thus solidified, setting a collaborative tone for future discussions.

As the meeting progressed, a member raised a question regarding the nomination rules, highlighting a potential misunderstanding about self-nominations. This prompted a brief discussion about the administrative policies governing the commission, ensuring that all members were aligned on the procedures moving forward.

With new leadership in place and procedural clarifications addressed, the Human Relations Commission is poised to tackle upcoming initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement and addressing social issues in Sunnyvale. The meeting concluded with a sense of readiness, as members looked ahead to their responsibilities in promoting human relations within the community.