Saratoga leaders from government, business, service groups, the faith community, schools, foundations and volunteers shared their accomplishments for 2025 and goals for the new year.
“A key goal for the council in 2026 is to work with surrounding cities to create special districts in our hillsides that will provide a means for long-term, sustainable wildlife protection,” Mayor Chuck Page says.
Vice Mayor Tina Walia reports, “As Silicon Valley Clean Energy board chair, I championed expanded capital funding and am thrilled that in 2025 Saratoga received a $677,000 grant to electrify and upgrade city-owned infrastructure at City Hall.” Looking ahead to 2026, she says, “As the 2026 president of the Cities Association of Santa Clara County, my main priority is to work regionally with the board on disaster preparedness.”
Councilmember Belal Aftab, who served as mayor in 2025, says, “We are excited about celebrating Saratoga’s 70th anniversary and our country’s 250th” in 2026. www.saratoga.ca.us
Saratoga Historical Foundation President Annette Stransky says 2025 accomplishments included “delivering excellent lectures on local history and organizing the annual Blossom Festival. We have a great lineup for 2026 and a few surprises. www.saratogahistory.com
Laurel Perusa, volunteer organizer of the Village Scarecrows and Love Notes, says, “In 2025, we were happy to see our annual July 4 ‘America the Beautiful’ event growing as a beloved Saratoga tradition. 2026 should be an extraordinary year as we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday.”
The Saratoga Foothill Club has completed a major renovation of its Julia Morgan-designed clubhouse. Club president Jean Elliott says, “A major milestone of 2025 was the launching of a new website that tells our story, serves our members and supports the rental of our newly refurbished facility. We will work in 2026 to drive operational efficiency and flexibility to support our work as a club and in the community.” www.saratogafoothillclub.org
Dr. Hugh Roberts has been a fixture in Saratoga as a teacher, lawyer and now an active member of the Saratoga Retirement Community. “Thanks to the Saratoga High School committee for elevating me to the SHS Hall of Fame for 2025. For 2026 looking forward to the Saratoga Retirement Center beginning construction to add elegant spaces for 100 more active seniors in Saratoga.” www.saratogaretirement.org
West Valley College President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza says, “I am proud that in 2025 West Valley was recognized as No. 1 in the South Bay for student return on investment. In 2026, my goal is launching new, high-demand academic offerings, such as Physical Therapy Assistant and Industrial Design.” www.westvalley.edu
David Guidry, president of the Saratoga Rotary Club, says, “I’m very proud of all the community service projects our club has done this year, including collecting hundreds of pounds of plastic for recycling. My goal for 2026 is to continuing building our club and increasing member engagement.” He encourages those interested in membership to visit www.saratogarotary.org.
Thousands come to Saratoga to visit Hakone Gardens. Meredith Lee, executive director of the Hakone Foundation reports, “In 2025, Hakone increased cultural programming with more educational workshops, performances and our first Moon Festival. We look forward to expanding our community offerings in 2026.
“Hakone Gardens will host a Japanese New Year Celebration (Oshōgatsu) on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.,” Lee adds. “The event marks a time of renewal, gratitude and family reflection. A special shishi-mai (Japanese lion dance), believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck, health and prosperity for the year ahead, will be performed at 11 a.m. sharp by Ai Matsuda from Hawaii.” www.hakone.com
If you have business or social news about Saratoga, please let me know: debby@debbyrice.com.
