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The Portola Valley Town Council voted Vice Mayor Judith Hasko as the new mayor and Council member Craig Taylor as vice mayor for 2025 on Dec. 11. The town recognized outgoing Mayor Sarah Wernikoff and Council member Jeff Aalfs as council members Rebecca Flynn and Helen Wolter joined the dais.
Wernikoff and Aalfs were presented with a resolution from State Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, and Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto. They also received a resolution signed by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.
“I want to sincerely thank Jeff and Sarah for their years of dedication to helping Portola Valley in changing times,” said Hasko. “Having served on the council for two years now, I can appreciate more fully how much work the departing council members have done for our community.”
Hasko recalled Aalf’s hard work in supporting town residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and dedication to sustainability. She also honored Wernikoff in her ability to navigate multiple challenges and leading efforts for town committees to have more independence.
Aalfs thanked past, present and future council members and staff that he has worked with over his 13 years of tenure. He shared his appreciation for former council members Maryann Derwinn, John Richards, Ted Driscoll and to all seven town managers that have served since 2011. In his speech, Aalfs also recognized significant members of the town staff by name, recalling the work they did together.
“The past year, we’ve made a lot of progress. Sometimes it unfortunately takes a crisis to make some of the hard changes that we’ve been making, but I think we’ve stepped up and there’s more to do,” said Aalf. “I am hopeful for the future of Portola Valley. I am grateful for all of the support I got from so many people in doing this job.”
Wernikoff celebrated Aalf’s accomplishments and said: “Jeff has exemplified principled and steadfast leadership, always prioritizing what is best for our community above all else.”
Wernikoff was honored for her four years of service to the town during the COVID-19 pandemic, various wildfires and for the hours she spent on the housing element.
Community member Alex Von Feldt expressed admiration for Wernikoff’s practical and realistic views and her ability to find compromise in difficult situations.
In a speech, Wernikoff thanked the town staff for their support through challenges with the housing element, leadership transitions and financial struggles.
“I’d like to extend my congratulations to Rebecca Flynn and Helen Wolter and express my gratitude for their willingness to serve our community,” said Wernikoff. “We face significant challenges and I am confident they will help guide us through the work ahead.”
As the new mayor of Portola Valley, Hasko spoke on the importance of improving town finances and creating a positive and productive environment for town staff. She asked the community to be patient and understanding as the town navigates through its challenges.
“We have done a lot in the past year but we have much more work to do going forward,” said Hasko. “I ask for all of you to commit individually to share your comments, concerns and potential solutions so we can identify the best way we can set up our town for success.”
Mayor Hasko will provide important leadership in the next year. We the residents feel hopeful moving forward. It should be a wonderful year.