On the Brink of Collapse

A Historical Perspective of the Sonoma Developmental Center

/ Sonoma Land Trust / Leave a comment

May 28, 2015:

Beginning in 1891, SDC has contained a rich history as a ‘community within a community.’ With the State’s desire to close the Sonoma Developmental Center by 2018, this all may change. The following article provides a brief personal historical perspective of Eldridge and how SDC has shaped the community into what it is today.

Click on the link below to read this insightful article.

Musings of a Sonoma son: When Eldridge was a real community

Provided courtesy of the Sonoma Index-Tribune website.

SDC Budget Letter Regarding Proposed Closure of Sonoma Developmental Center in State Budget

/ Sonoma Land Trust / 2 Comments

May 20, 2015:

The following is the letter state legislators representing Sonoma County and the Sonoma Developmental Center have submitted to the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees regarding the recent budget proposal.

“We ask that the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees consider a more reasonable timeline to allow better planning to ensure patient health and safety, community preparedness, and….”

Click on the link below to read the entirety of the letter.

SDC Budget Letter from Dodd, McGuire, Wolk, and Wood

The Main Building Against the Sonoma Mountain

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March 21,2015:

Constructed in 1908, the brick building seen through the brush against the Sonoma Mountain served as the Main Administration Building from 1908 to 1957. It was then used as the Professional Education Center from 1957 to 1980. It was finally placed on the National Register of Historical Places by the Glen Ellen Historical Society on August 25th, 2001.

Photo courtesy of Paolo Vescia Photography.

Sonoma Developmental Center's Main Building

SDC Legislative Meeting: Pleas to Save the Center

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March 16, 2015:

As the Parent Hospital Association (PHA’s) annual legislative meeting convened last Saturday, the overwhelming message to save the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) from closure was heard from a patient crowd lined up all the way out the back door of Wagner Hall on the SDC Campus. Some speakers have loved ones who are clients at SDC, some spent their career caring for the developmentally disabled at the site, and some were just concerned citizens. With an audience of more than 200 people, as well as elected officials and representatives from Sonoma County and state, the support for saving the Sonoma Developmental Center was heard loud and clear. State Senator Mike McGuire, Assemblyman Bill Dodd, Supervisor Susan Gorin and representatives from Congressman Thompson, State Senator Lois Wolk and Assemblyman Mark Levine all expressed their support for creating working partnerships for a successful outcome, as well a unified message that the focus should be on those who still call SDC their home.

As many expressed, one of numerous concerns was that SDC could be the last resort for the type of care needed for those with severe physical or mental health challenges. Therefore, the importance that SDC remain open is critical, although many know that “change is on its way.”

It was also announced that the first ‘Transform SDC’ Project workshop is now set for May 2nd at the Vintage House in Sonoma from 9am to 12pm. Additional information will be provided in the following weeks to come.

For further information on how the SDC Legislative Meeting progressed please follow the link below.

Passionate Pleas to Save Sonoma Developmental Center

Provided courtesy of the Press Democrat website, by Robert Digitale.