And he's loved every minute of it. He's even learned to say "Hello" in Chinese.

"This is truly what makes California great," Syka said. "It's a lovely place to live, and I've been all over the world."

And his neighborhood—nestled in the heart of Sunnyvale—has gotten even closer in the past year, thanks in part to a massive music festival/block party thrown by his neighbor Vince Ramirez. The party was on again this year, on July 3, when Syka, Ramirez and more than 200 guests poured into W. Iowa Avenue for 12 hours of potluck food, local music and community bonding.

With the city's permission and help, the residents closed off the street so they could walk the block without worrying about vehicle traffic.

Ramirez—who grew up in Sunnyvale and moved to Iowa Avenue in 2000—started the block party last year. "I wanted everyone to come out and spend time together, get to know each other and listen to music together," Ramirez said.

He said that having everyone know everyone else has made the street safer for families who live there because a tight-knit community will watch for people who don't belong on the street.

"I think it's a good thing, because when I was a boy, everyone knew the people on our street, so they could spot a stranger when he came onto the street," Syka said.

In his many years living on Iowa, Syka said there weren't parties like this until Ramirez threw the first one last year. This year, the party was open to the surrounding community, and Syka even invited family from Petaluma and Virginia.

Because of the size of this year's event, Ramirez and his neighbors pitched in to raise the $1,800 necessary to rent tables and other picnic essentials. In addition, Ramirez provided nonalcoholic drinks and condiments for those who attended.

Ten bands, some made up of local residents, donated the entertainment, and the music ranged from upbeat rock to acoustic folk and pop.

"I love music, I think it soothes the soul. By having it at the party, people can come out and express themselves and have a good time together," Ramirez said. "We're trying to feed off the vibe that the downtown puts out every Wednesday night with everyone out dancing."

There was even a separate area for small children to play in, supervised by community members in 15- and 30-minute shifts, although Syka said everyone did their part to keep an eye out for the youngsters.

"We all keep a lookout, it's kind of our unwritten rule," Syka said. "We look out for things that could get out of hand, we look out for the people around here."

Ramirez and Syka said they hope the party will continue, growing better each year as the neighborhood—and the rest of Sunnyvale—continues to evolve.

Block-party information and permits are available from DPS Fire Prevention staff at 408.730.7212.