The 2024 Sunnyvale State of the City Celebration began at City Hall in the outdoor amphitheater on Sept. 21 with Los Alebrijes folklorico performers from Columbia Middle School and the dedication of the city’s newest (of more than 200) public art installation—The Arc of Dreams by Linda Brunker.
“It’s wonderful to be here with you today to share how we’re doing in Sunnyvale – the Heart of Silicon Valley,” said Mayor Larry Klein in his State of the City address, delivered in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 456 W. Olive Avenue. “And I’m delighted to report that our heart is beating strongly, and we are thriving!”
It takes a myriad of involved community members for a city to thrive. Sunnyvale honored seven 2024 Community Award winners and two Mayor’s Award of Excellence recipients.
“Few can match Jan’s heart, her drive, her constant smile and her passion for our city,” said Mayor Klein.
A Sunnyvale resident since 1962, Chicago native Janet Camp was the individual recipient of the Mayor’s Award of Excellence. Camp taught for more than 35 years in Sunnyvale middle schools.
2024 State of the City
In over four decades of volunteering, Camp helped found two Sunnyvale nonprofits—FISH and, in 1983, Our Daily Bread. A love of history led her to fundraise to build Sunnyvale’s Heritage Park Museum and to serve multiple terms as president of the Sunnyvale Historical Society.
Founded in 1926, the Rotary Club of Sunnyvale received the Mayor’s Award of Excellence for an organization.
“Sunnyvale Rotary has made a positive impact in our community for almost 100 years, and we’re grateful for their unwavering commitment to Sunnyvale,” said Klein, noting Rotary’s motto— “Service above self.”
Sunnyvale Community Award winners must be nominated by at least three community members to be considered for the award.
2024 Volunteer of the Year Cortney Jansen, a full-time employee and mother of two boys, was lauded for her many contributions to the Lakewood Village Neighborhood Association and the Sunnyvale School District.
“Courtney’s commitment to her community is apparent in the roles that she has taken on to help keep her neighbors informed, advocate for students, and make sure schools have needed resources,” said Council Member Richard Mehlinger in presenting Jansen with her award.
Distinguished Resident Mark Kato helped found in 2013 and leads the Sunnyvale Sister City Association. Sunnyvale and Lizuka, Japan, became sister cities in December 2013.
2024 State of the City
“Mark founded the organization with the goal of strengthening a sense of global community,” said Council Member Russ Melton in presenting Kato with his award. “The result has been the enthusiastic formation of a strong, supportive relationship between the [sister] cities.
And so, for fostering strong communities, positive attitudes, and an appreciation of diverse cultures, I am pleased to present Mark Kato with the award for distinguished resident of the year,” said Melton.
Other 2024 Community Award Recipients:
- Contribution to the Arts – Nitya Narasimhan, founder and artistic director of Prayukti Arts
- High School Student of the Year – Rohan Mittal from Saint Francis High School
- Businessperson/Business of the Year – Leigh Odum, owner of Leigh’s Favorite Books/Bookasaurus
- Educator of the Year – Aisha Lomando from Fremont High School
- Environmental Achievement – Community for Natural Play Surfaces, a cohort of volunteers
“Sunnyvale’s future is bright,” concluded Mayor Klein in his speech. “Come join me as we work to achieve a better future together!”
