SAN JOSE – On Dec. 9, 2025, the Valley Water Board of Directors re-elected Tony Estremera to serve as board chair for 2026. Richard P. Santos was re-elected as vice chair.
Chair Estremera has served on the board since 1996 and will begin his sixth term as chair. He previously held the position in 2001, 2007, 2014, 2021 and 2025. Chair Estremera represents District 6, which includes parts of Central and East San Jose, including the Mayfair neighborhood.
Chair Estremera has extensive experience in government, having served in both appointed and elected positions. He has participated in various task forces, committees and boards in Santa Clara County. He currently serves as the Chair of the County Redevelopment Oversight Board and as Vice Chair of the Delta Conveyance Design and Construction Authority.
Chair Estremera earned his bachelor's degree from Santa Clara University and a law degree from UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law. He is an active member of the State Bar of California. In 2019, he retired as Directing Attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Santa Clara County.
Director Santos has served on the board since 2000 and will begin his fifth term as vice chair. He previously served in 2004, 2017, 2024 and 2025. A retired firefighter and native of Alviso, Vice Chair Santos represents District 3, which includes Alviso, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Milpitas and Berryessa/Alum Rock.
Visit Valleywater.org for more information.