Town Hall silent on reason for Sunnyvale Fire Chief’s absence
Sunnyvale Fire Rescue Chief Tami Kayea has not reported for duty at the Sunnyvale first station since before Christmas Day, the Sunnyvale Star has learned. Interim Town Manager Bill Vegas has not publicly disclosed the reason for Kayea’s absence.
Deric Salser – Husband, father, businessman, philanthropist – and a tortilla-throwing Texas Tech fan
Finally! Sunnyvale has its hometown grocery store.
Editor’s Note: Deric Salser has been one of the most prominent businessmen, real estate developers, and philanthropists in Sunnyvale for almost three decades. Salser and his wife of 33 years, Lynne, built one of the first custom homes in the Homestead subdivision, where they raised two daughters, Claire and Alexandra who both attended Sunnyvale ISD from kindergarten through graduation. Salser has offered his leadership on the Chamber of Commerce, the Sunnyvale Education Foundation, the SISD band booster club, SISD advisory committees, the SISD school bond campaigns, including the high school bond election, and his church board.
Anchor of Gateway Park features Starbucks &
drive-thru pharmacy.
Staff Report - December 17, 2025 — Tom Thumb opened its newest grocery store in Sunnyvale this morning in the new Gateway Park development, offering residents expanded access to fresh food, household essentials, and employment opportunities as the town continues to grow.
The store, located at 3400 N. Belt Line Road, welcomed its first customers with a special gift: the first 300 shoppers received a bag of groceries.
The long-awaited location spans 59,000 square feet and is fully stocked with tens of thousands of items, including more than 1,000 locally sourced products, giving shoppers a variety of options to fill their pantries, host events, or explore specialty items. Store officials said the layout was designed with convenience in mind, featuring wide aisles, clear signage, and thoughtfully organized departments.
Golf cart parade to collect gifts for toy drive
Staff Report - December 17, 2025 — The 3rd Annual Golf Cart Parade through Sunnyvale neighborhoods will be this Friday, December 19, starting at 7 PM at Jobson Park. Residents and families can either participate in the parade or sit along the route sipping hot chocolate! If you would like to participate, please arrive by 6:30 PM. Organizers of the parade will collect toys along the route as part of a local toy drive.
Kearney’s Feed Yard will be donating gift cards for the best-decorated golf cart and runner-up. Saddle Up Boutique will be at the staging area selling the latest and greatest western-inspired fashion.
Tom Thumb donates to SISD & Education Foundation
Staff Report - December 17, 2025 — Sunnyvale’s hometown grocery store, Tom Thumb, announced a three-year partnership with Sunnyvale ISD and a sponsor contribution of $45,000. Additionally, a check for $5,000 each to the Sunnyvale High School cheer squad and band were presented to Superintendent Matt Kimball and the Sunnyvale ISD Board of Trustees.
Tom Thumb also announced a $10,000 contribution to the Sunnyvale Education Foundation to support students and teachers in the district.
SRYSA reminds parents of deadline for spring sports registration
Staff Report - December 17, 2025 — The Sunnyvale Raiders Youth Sports Association is reminding parents that the deadline to register for spring baseball, softball and lacrosse is quickly approaching.
Families must complete registration by December 31 to ensure their children can participate in the upcoming spring season. SRYSA officials encourage parents not to wait until the final days, as teams and divisions are formed shortly after the deadline.
Hounds Town Sunnyvale spreads “Howliday” cheer with Donation Drive for animal shelter
Staff Report - December 18, 2025 — Hounds Town Sunnyvale is spreading cheer this season with a Christmas donation drive benefiting the Sunnyvale Animal Shelter, helping ensure local animals receive extra care and comfort during the holidays.
The drive, which has already seen strong support from Hounds Town clients, is collecting essential items for shelter animals, including kitty litter, dog and cat food for all ages, toys, blankets and towels. Organizers say donations of any size can make a meaningful difference for animals waiting for their forever homes.
DID
YOU
KNOW?
That after 13 years in existence, the Sunnyvale Raiders Youth Sports Association currently has more than 65 sports teams, 1,100 athletes & 200 volunteers.
The Sunnyvale Star is Sunnyvale’s hometown news source, dedicated to keeping our community informed. We deliver timely news and special interest coverage on our Town, award-winning schools, local businesses, sports, social scene and the people shaping Sunnyvale’s future.
