College of Adaptive Arts celebrates 39 graduates with disabilities in Saratoga

College of Adaptive Arts graduates

Thirty-nine adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities graduated from College of Adaptive Arts on June 20, earning privately accredited diplomas in various fields of study.

CAA held its 2026 commencement ceremony at Mission College. The nonprofit is located on the campus of West Valley College in Saratoga.

The ceremony featured remarks from West Valley-Mission College District Chancellor Brad Davis, CAA Executive Director Nicole Kim and student Sam Headley, along with performances from CAA’s cheer squad, guitar class and hip hop dance crew.

“Our graduation is more than just a ceremony; it is a celebration of perseverance, growth and possibility,” Kim said. “Our students have spent the year building skills, confidence, friendships and dreams for the future. We celebrate not only what they have accomplished but what they will continue to achieve.”

Celebrate Independence Day

Saratoga’s annual Fourth of July celebration will feature music, a parade and the Voices of Freedom showcase.

The event is scheduled for 9:30 to 11 a.m. July 4 at Kevin Moran Park, 12415 Scully Ave. A pre-program concert by the all-volunteer McCartysville Band begins at 9:15 a.m.

The program starts at 10 a.m. with a color guard presentation, a salute to veterans, band and choir songs the audience can join in and the Voices of Freedom showcase. At 11 a.m., families can join a short parade around the park to the sound of Sousa marches performed by the band.

Free water and flags will be available, and children can get free ice pops afterward. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs and sit under the trees or on the lawn. Shaded seating and chairs also will be available for older adults and people with disabilities.

Organizers said street parking is limited. Parking is available at or near Blue Hills Elementary School and Goleta Avenue. Visitors can use the footbridge over Highway 85 that connects Azule and Kevin Moran parks.