May 11, 2015:
In case you were unable to attend the first workshop on May 2nd, but would like to browse or even have the material we gave out to participants, you can easily access them in the link below. You could also email Samantha at samantha@sonomalandtrust.org to either pick up a folder here at Sonoma Land Trust’s office or have one mailed directly to you.
Enjoy!
May 7, 2015:
For those who attended the workshop, it was clearly seen through out the day how successful the event was. A few hundred people attended, prepared to share their comments, ideas, and concerns for the future of the Sonoma Developmental Center. Already in the beginning stages of organizing all the questions, comments, and ideas by going through the multiple post-it notes placed on the numerous idea boards throughout Vintage House, as well as flipping through the many comment cards, it can be seen that a large majority of those who attended provided depth to their thoughts about the possible future of SDC.
If you were not able to attend the first workshop, please take a look at the article below for a great summary of the event. We hope to see you at our next workshop!
Ideas, passions raised at ‘Transform SDC’ workshop
Provided courtesy of the Sonoma Index-Tribune website, by Christian Kallen.
May 4, 2015:
The SDC Draft Resource Assessment is here, providing a great compilation of a lot of data about the existing conditions on the SDC property!
The Resource Assessment was prepared based on a review of previous studies completed on the property, local and regional reports and monitoring efforts, GIS mapping and analysis, outreach and interviews with individuals familiar with SDC and its regional significance, and assessments of cultural resources, wildlife permeability, and habitat connectivity completed for SLT. It summarizes the following:
You can also view the Resource Assessment on the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District’s website here.
April 2, 2015:
Join us for the first community workshop to Transform SDC, the Project Introduction and Community Visioning Launching on May 2, 9am to 1pm at the Vintage House in Sonoma. As the State is pushing to close SDC and other developmental centers, we invite you to learn more about this unique community resource and help us chart a course away from closure and towards a transformed and revitalized Center.
Please RSVP by April 25th to Samantha at Samantha@sonomalandtrust.org or by phone at (707) 526-6930 ext. 123 so we can adequately prepare.
Hope to see you there!
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.
February 19, 2015:
The following is a rather interesting article about the impact of “low-impact” activities such as hiking on wildlife. There were contributions made to the article by the editor at Outside magazine, who has quite the experience writing about the outdoors and environment.
Check this link out if you enjoy a great educational read.
Leaving Only Footsteps? Think Again
Provided courtesy of The New York Times website, by Christopher Solomon.
February 5, 2015:
The following article displays the support Susan Gorin, representing the 1st District on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has for the ‘Transform SDC’ Project.
Click the link below to view this article on the efforts being put forth and the future goals the SDC Coalition has going forward.
Closer to Home: Agreeing on a vision for the Future of Sonoma Developmental Center
Provided courtesy of the Press Democrat website, by Susan Gorin, 1st District Supervisor of Sonoma County.
January 29, 2015:
Q: How long has the Sonoma Developmental Center been established in Eldridge, California?
A: Opening at its current location on November 24, 1891, the center has been established for 123 years now. The center has also existed at previous locations in Vallejo and Santa Clara since 1884.
Q: How many people live at the Sonoma Developmental Center?
A: As of December 31, 2014, four-hundred and seventeen individuals live at the Sonoma Developmental Center.
Q: What is at risk if the Sonoma Developmental Center were to close?
A: The loss of the SDC facilities and open space to development would have consequences affecting hundreds of patients and their families, over 1,000 employees, support services in the local community, critical habitat for fish and wildlife, and the potential for recreation and public access.
Q: Are there plans for the Sonoma Developmental Center to close?
A: There has not been a stated plan to close the Sonoma Developmental Center, but there is no perfect solution for the future of the center as change is inevitable and understandably, the scope of the degree of change is very difficult for those directly affected. According to the California’s Department of Developmental Services website on the History of the Sonoma Developmental Center, ” (it) has always been and will always be committed to continuous improvement of its comprehensive array of therapeutic service.” Although the California Department of Health announced its notice to terminate federal funding for the center, DHCS along with DDS emphasized that patient care will not change as a result of the termination notice.
Q: Are people allowed to access the property for recreational uses?
A: Individuals have frequented the property for decades now, whether it be for hiking, birding, or horse back riding. It is encouraged that one stays to the out skirts of the property though away from the buildings as the residents of SDC do reside and use the facilities.
Q: What are some special status species that reside on or near the Sonoma Developmental Center?
A: A few special status species that reside on or near the Sonoma Developmental Center are the Northern Spotted Owl, the Red-Legged Frog, the California Tiger Salamander, and the Western Pond Turtle. Pictures of most of these special status species are available to view in the Photos box of this blog.
Q: Where do I go to report a siting of a special status species on or near SDC, or report a safety hazard present on the property?
A: To report a siting of a special status species on or near SDC, go to the California Natural Diversity Database and fill out the form titled Submitting Data to CNDDB. With reporting a safety hazard present on the property, one can email the Department of Developmental Services Chief Deputy Director John Doyle at john.doyle@dds.ca.gov.
Q: When and where is the next public meeting for the ‘Transform SDC’ Project?
A: The next public meeting, the Parent Hospital Association Legislative Meeting, will be held on March 25th from 10am to 12pm at SDC in the Wagner Building.
Q:Where can I go to retrieve more information on the efforts being put forth for the project?
A: The ‘Transform SDC’ Blog is made to be a one stop shop for all the information you may need to stay up to date on the efforts of the project. Other websites that may provide additional information and are part of the SDC Coalition are the Parent Hospital Association, the Sonoma Ecology Center, and the County of Sonoma website with connection to Supervisor Susan Gorin.
Q: How can I help with the ‘Transform SDC’ Project?
A: We will be establishing a Tags Committee where those who would like to be involved in the process can come and express their interests and ideas. There will also be public workshops held soon as part of the planning process for the project.
January 1, 2015:
Pictured at Stevenson Pond in the Sonoma County Parks near the Sonoma Developmental Center is the California red-legged frog. This species can be found on the special status species list.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Wilcox.
January 1, 2015:
Pictured is a special status species, the Ferruginous Hawk at the Mitsui Ranch near the Sonoma Developmental Center.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Wilcox.
Transform SDC 