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Photograph by David Royal
Kayloni Butalid enjoyed the horse-drawn hayride around the 10 acres apricot orchard in the park with her son Kelvin and husband Amanado. Visitors to the park waited in long lines to get a ride.
Sunny Day
State of the City, park opening bring Sunnyvale residents out in force
By Gretchen Knaup
Preserving tradition with reflection on the past, the annual state of the city took place May 12, boasting a sense of community, spirit and pride. Energy pulsated through the festivities as crowds enthusiastically engaged in display booths and activities. "We are just trying to get a sense of community because the city is getting so large," said San Miguel Neighborhood Association vice-chair, Betty Morin.
The main events taking place in the new OPHIE amphitheater were the community awards, the opening of the Orchard Park Heritage Interpretive Exhibit, and Mayor Jack Walker's state of the city address.
During the Mayor Walker's address, students read passages from essays they wrote about the history as well as future predictions on the city, illustrating their pride.
The branches of an old apricot tree embrace Jenna Celsi.
Photograph by David Royal
"All schools will merge into one to create more room for housing. School districts will develop a new medical technology to make people learn in their sleep, making Sunnyvale the smartest city in the USA," read Elisa Wikey and Justin Moctezumn.
Mayor Walker noted although Sunnyvale is doing well despite the country's apparent economic downturn.
"We live in some interesting times. Some of us find ourselves unemployed and many of us can't even afford the cost of healthcare. Fortunately we live in Sunnyvale, and the state of Sunnyvale is good. First we need to realize we are a unique community. Our common bond of community makes us distinct in the Bay Area, which gives us power," he said.
Walker spoke of the need for citizen action and community involvement in order to keep this prosperity, saying, "We have more than enough challenges to overcome, and we're going to need your help ... We have learned the lesson of cooperation. Last year we broke round on the Mozart Project. It was an important milestone to recover our downtown. We lack community identity because we don't have the opportunities to interact. The downtown will provide that opportunity."
Charles, with camera, John and George Viscovich find their parents' names on the engraved bricks at the park. Their father arrived in the Sunnyvale area in 1903.
Photograph by David Royal
Walker also addressed the energy crisis, adding, "Let's show our Vice President that conservation does make sense."
Following the mayor's address were the annual community awards. According to the city the nominees for the awards are solicited from a broad range of community organizations, businesses, schools and citizens. The wards selection committee was comprised of Sunnyvale citizens and business representatives appointed by Walker.
The distinguished citizen of the year award went to OPHIE Alliance co-founder, Joe Gutierrez. "This is the highest honor we bestow on the citizens," said Councilman Fred Fowler, who presented the award. Gutierrez accepted the award by saying, "The reward was the wonderful and beautiful people I got to work with. This award is icing on the cake."
Mayor Jack Walker motions for OPHIE chair, Joe Gutierrez.
Photograph by David Royal
Other award recipients included Ryan Arba for the outstanding high school senior award, Jan Camp for the outstanding community volunteer award, and Deborah Owens for the outstanding businessperson award. Also the recipient of the award of excellence went to Holly Lofgren, of the Friends of Fremont. Lofgren made it possible to build a swimming pool at Fremont high school by raising over $700,000.
The event attracted a wide variety of residents who came for everything from the mayor's address and the electric car rides, to the orchard park heritage exhibit opening and opportunities to learn. Lining the entrance were two model A Fords from 1930 and a 1949 Chevy Canopy Express. "These cars were used on ranches. They would make trucks out of them to put produce in the back," said car collector Don Mingst.
Once inside, long lines formed for face painting, ice cream making, orchard tours and the BBQ lunch. Such businesses as PG&E and Osh Hardware were there distributing information on energy conservation. The Northern California Solar Energy Association was along side displaying alternative methods of energy.
Photograph by David Royal
Mark Camp of Sunnyvale, peers into the cab of an old 1930 Model A Ford ranch truck, owned by Don Mingst.
The Master Gardener Volunteer Program educated residents on Sunnyvale's history through gardening with a display garden of herbs, flowers, vegetables, and berries.
"This is a heritage garden based around what was grown in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Years ago they would use this (lemon balm) in their drawers to make their clothes smell good," said recent graduate of the program, Mary Ann Lipsig.
Other organizations present at the event included Sunnyvale Public Safety, and Lakewood and Gavello Glen Neighborhood Associations.
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Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
