Saratoga is fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers and leaders. We gathered some for a yearend look at milestones achieved in 2024 and a look ahead to goals for 2025.
Uber-community volunteer Jill Hunter reports that the Saratoga Village will be ablaze with blooms. “The Village Gardeners are currently planting 300 daffodil bulbs throughout the Village for us all to enjoy in the spring.”
Outgoing Saratoga Mayor Yan Zhao: “In 2024, the City of Saratoga achieved a major milestone by adopting its Housing Element, ensuring compliance with state mandates while preserving the unique charm and character of our small town. Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to prioritizing public safety and focusing on the issues that matter most to our residents. We want to ensure that Saratoga continues to be the best place to live, work and raise a family for generations to come.”
West Valley College President Dr. Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza: “I am proud that in 2024, WVC was ranked No. 1 in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley for transfer success and increased older adult learner enrollment by expanding program offerings. Our 2025 goal: to reinvigorate community connections, enhance workforce development and expand corporate partnerships.” www.westvalley.edu
Hakone Foundation President Emily Lo: “In 2024 we hired Meredith Lee as executive director to succeed Shozo Kagoshima, who retired at the end of November. Our goals in 2025: to secure financial resources to kick off the koi pond renovation in the fall of 2025, and to promote cultural and historical education through programs and enhanced visitors’ experience.” www.hakone.com
Lisa Finley, president of the Saratoga Foothill Club: “We’re proud of restored Julia Morgan-designed clubhouse that is available for rentals. We invite all to shop for fabulous items in our community-wide garage/treasures sale in April.” www.saratogafoothillclub.com
Saratoga Fire District Commissioner Eugene Zambetti: “This year the Saratoga Fire Protection District will design and implement evacuation routes for the high fire zones in hillsides.” www.saratogafire.org
Community volunteer Laurel Persua: “I am proud to be associated with, and always look forward to America the Beautiful in July and Saratoga Scarecrows in October. Both events have grown over the years, and I’m excited that both Montalvo and West Valley College will enter scarecrows this year. Can’t wait to see them!”
Annette Stransky, Saratoga Historical Foundation president: “I look forward to the Blossom Festival, produced by the SHF. It’s such a great community event, held in the Heritage Orchard. It is wonderful seeing little kids enjoying the petting zoo, people dressed as Saratoga costumed characters and the wonderful organizations, craftspeople, musicians that participate. We have a rich history to celebrate.” www.saratogahistory.com
Heath Rocha, acting superintendent of the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District: “Saratoga High was recently named the YMCA’s 2024 Project Cornerstone Caring School Climate Campus. It continues to be a high-performing public school known for its collaborative learning environment, academic rigor and strong emphasis on social-emotional well-being.” www.saratogahigh.org
Angela McConnell, executive director of Montalvo Arts Center: “Last year we published ‘Hello Goodbye Hello,’ celebrating 20 years of phenomenal, multidisciplinary international and local artists at the Sally and Don Lucas Artists Residency at Montalvo. Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to share Montalvo ‘s new permanent monument to the Ohlone lands and spirit, an interactive augmented realty walk throughout our grounds.” And.. McConnell got engaged in 2024, and will marry Todd DelVecchio at Montalvo this spring. www.montalvoarts.org
Chuck Swan, Saratoga Rotary Club president: “I plan to maintain Saratoga Rotary’s position as the premier organization in the community. Our club offers vocational, community involvement, and youth services while assisting and providing funds for many local and international projects.” www.Saratogarotary.org
Kelly Medrano, business operations manager for the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, will be heading up many projects to keep visitors and residents coming to the city, including the Cool Car Classic, the wine strolls and a few other surprises. www.saratogachamber.org
If you are looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve close to home with a great dinner, La Fondue, the Plumed Horse and Mandala’s are all taking reservations.
Here’s wishing you and yours good things in 2025!
If you have business or social news about Saratoga, I’d like to know: debby@debbyrice.com.
Source: www.mercurynews.com