My name is Stewart Hyland, I live in East Palo Alto, California. I grew up in Oakland, California raised by wonderful Black, southern baptist parents, who were good role models for civic participation and public service.
My wife Cruz and I were married in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 36 years ago, where we have attended ever since. We have raised our three sons, who are each their very own unique selves. During that time we also taught them by example, making a tradition of going to vote each election day. We have been active in the major concerns of our young city, affordable housing, public safety, good schools, and more resources for our youth and seniors.
Beginning with PIA (Peninsula Interfaith Action) now Faith in Action, we learned to organize based on our faith, with neighbors who spoke either English or Spanish, whether or not they grew up here or came from another country. We learned that our needs are common to us all. That common needs can be solved when we talk to each other and actively listen. Relationships build power to make change because we are stronger together.
My volunteer work, in nonprofit boards and on city commissions has taught me where there are resources and ways to work within the two worlds that serve so many EPA residents. I have served as the founding board chair of One East Palo Alto, a co-chair of the PIA board, interim chair of EPACANDO, and have been appointed to the city commission and served 8-years as co-chair of the Measure C Oversight Committee.
