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Photograph by Skye Dunlap
Michelle Maykin, 18, performs a traditional Taiwanese dance during the May 6 State of the City celebration.
City of Culture
State of the City address and street fair celebrate culture and prosperity
By Sam Scott
Sunnyvale Mayor Pat Vorreiter finished last Saturday's State of the City speech by asking for a little audience interaction.
Encouraging the crowd to hold hands, she said "Now raise [your hands] high above your heads and repeat, 'Welcome to our community' in whatever language you wish."
It was an appropriate conclusion to the event. Vorreiter centered the day on Sunnyvale's increasing diversity, entitling the event "Many Cultures, One Community."
Photograph by Skye Dunlap
Councilmembers Fred Fowler, left, Manuel Valerio, Vicemayor Jack Walker and Sunnyvale School District Superintendent Joe Rudnicki applaud the city's award winners.
"Diversity is our future," she said. "We must welcome it openly."
She said she wanted to unite Sunnyvale's neighborhoods and ethnic groups and involve them in Sunnyvale's civic and community life.
Photograph by Skye Dunlap
Mayor Pat Vorreiter asked Sunnyvale residents to embrace the city's diversity.
The day began with entertainment related to the diversity theme.
Starting at 11 a.m., a variety of international entertainers, ranging from Thai to Scottish to Chinese acts, performed on a stage on Washington Avenue, near the Town Center Mall before the speech. A good-sized crowd milled between the weekly farmer's market on Murphy Avenue and the entertainment, despite cool and cloudy weather. Booths from various city groups lined the street.
Photograph by Skye Dunlap
The Chinese Dragon added an Asian aspect to Saturday's festivities.
Each year, the sitting mayor decides how to stage the event. Last year, Councilmember Manuel Valerio held the event in the Palace club on Murphy Avenue.
Around 1:30 p.m., the mayor and the rest of the City Council took the stage before more than 100 people. Vorreiter said she wanted to take the city on the inevitable journey to becoming a more "inclusive community."
The specifics on how the changes would happen were not given, but Vorreiter said the city was organizing the Sunnyvale International Faire, slated for September, as a way to "celebrate the rich diversity of our community."
Mexican dancer Maggie Perez swirled and twirled to the delight of the downtown crowd.
Photograph by Skye Dunlap
In addition to calling for a diverse community, Vorreiter praised current community builders. She also called on residents to help people on the wrong side of the "digital divide."
"Let's agree not to let our prosperity divide us," she said.
The event also honored several Sunnyvale residents. Jeanine Stanek was named Distinguished Citizen of the Year for involvement in school and community organizations. Patricia Boyle was named "Outstanding Community Volunteer" for her dedication to teaching English as a Second Language. Marie Kuykendall, co-owner of Kuykendall's Auto repair, was named Outstanding Business Person for her involvement in Chamber of Commerce and Homestead High. Emily Mellentine was named Outstanding High School Senior for being her well-rounded involvement and academic and artistic success, and Le Boulanger Bakery was given the Award of Excellence for hosting the Fishbowl, a teen night spot, at one of its cafes.
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
