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Sunnyvale commissioners share personal stories in ‘Stories of Sunnyvale’ session
Summary
At a special Sunnyvale Human Relations Commission meeting, four commissioners shared personal narratives about immigration, service and cultural identity as part of a new "Stories of Sunnyvale" initiative aimed at building connection and public understanding.
Commissioners used a special meeting session to present personal narratives intended to highlight Sunnyvale’s diversity and the motivations that guide their public service.
Commissioner Aaron Terry, who said he was raised in Section 8 housing and later served in the Coast Guard and Air Force reserves, framed his remarks around the theme of resilience and service. "That guy would be proud of you," Terry said, describing how military service and community helped reshape his life and led him to work in humanitarian airship development at LTA (Lighter Than Air).
Commissioner Claudia Kamacho offered reflections in both Spanish and English on the cultural influences that shaped her life and the value of family and sacrifice. Vice Chair Sika described how layered cultural groups—including family, Philippine culture, Jesuit values and Bay Area norms—shaped her orientation toward organizational development and public service; she urged building rather than waiting for opportunities, saying she wants to "build my own table instead of sharing one." Chair Paulina Sapata recounted her mother’s migration and sacrifices after fleeing violence in Colombia, closing her remarks to the commission with, "Mom, we made it."
Deputy City Manager Connie Burcellis and Council Liaison Richard Melinger thanked commissioners for sharing and described the storytelling as a way to increase transparency and community connection. The commission closed the public comment period for the study-session item after no members of the public signed up to speak.
The commission’s storytelling initiative is intended to surface lived experience that informs the commission’s work on equity and inclusion; staff said the presentations also aim to help residents understand why commissioners prioritize particular community concerns.
