[5] Sibonga stated that her mother encouraged her to pursue a career in journalism because, "...she had so much respect for Victor Velasco, the longtime editor and publisher of the Filipino Forum.

[6] From 1977-1978, they would run the monthly newspaper, supporting civil rights movement, often militant, and urged people to take part in "united minority action.

"[8] Sibonga's husband suggested she take a summer class at University of Washington aimed at assisting ethnic minorities interested in going to law school.

[5][10] In 1978, Sibonga achieved another historical first by becoming the first minority female to serve on the Seattle City Council when she was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Phyllis Lamphere.

[10][12] Sibonga ran for reelection in 1983 and won the general lection in a landslide against Frank Doolittle, the chairman of Board of Public Works, 64% to 36%.

[4] Sibonga introduced legislation that would provide reparations to five city employees fired during World War II because of their Japanese ancestry.

[5] While she was chair of the parks committee, it studied potential redesigns of Seattle Center, which included an expensive and unpopular proposal from Disney consultants.