Infrastructure

Transform SDC Project Workshop Flyer for May 2

/ Sonoma Land Trust / Leave a comment

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!

Transform SDC Project Workshop – Flyer for May 2

The Main Building Against the Sonoma Mountain

/ Sonoma Land Trust / Leave a comment

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

/ Sonoma Land Trust / Leave a comment

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.

Subcommittee No.1 on Health and Human Services Agenda

/ Sonoma Land Trust / Leave a comment

March 5, 2015:

In lieu of the budget hearings yesterday at the State Capitol, attached is the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No.1 on Health and Human Services Agenda.  This document outlines the program and budget review, state developmental centers, rates and wages for regional centers,  and other community services issues.  As there were additional issues raised by advocates, budget funding is still uncertain for controversial projects such as “Transform SDC”; therefore, the staff recommendations are to hold the issues open until the next budget hearing.

Click on the link below to view the agenda.

Subcommittee No.1 on Health and Human Services Agenda

Provided courtesy of California State Assembly.

Q & A on the Sonoma Developmental Center

/ Sonoma Land Trust / Leave a comment

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.

Spread the word and encourage people to follow our ‘Transform SDC’ blog to receive the latest information and be a part of this amazing project!

Governor Proposes Continued Funding for SDC in 2015-2016 State Budget

/ Sonoma Land Trust / Leave a comment

January 13, 2015:

Governor Proposes Continued Funding for SDC in 2015-2016 State Budget to Cover Program Improvements

On January 9th, Governor Brown released his Draft 2015-2016 State Budget. In a published Budget Summary, the following information is provided about what we can expect for funding allocations for developmental centers in general, and for SDC in particular:

Department of Developmental Services

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides consumers with developmental disabilities a variety of services and supports that allow them to live and work independently or in supported environments. California is the only state providing developmental services as an individual entitlement. DDS serves approximately 288,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in the community and 1,100 individuals in state‑operated developmental centers (DCs). For 2015‑16, the Budget includes $5.7 billion ($3.3 billion General Fund) for support of the Department.

Certification Issues

  • The Budget includes $21.4 million ($11.6 million General Fund) and 179.5 positions for costs related to the ongoing implementation of Program Improvement Plans at the Sonoma, Fairview, and Porterville Developmental Centers.
  • The federal government, through the state Department of Public Health, has determined that certain units at the Sonoma Developmental Center are non-compliant with federal licensing and certification requirements and should be decertified, thereby becoming ineligible for federal funding. This ruling is being appealed, but if the appeal is not successful the state will have to back-fill approximately $33 million in lost federal funds in 2014‑15, growing to $43 million in 2015‑16. In addition, the Porterville and Fairview Developmental Centers are implementing federally required Program Improvement Plans to maintain annual eligibility for approximately $50 million in federal funds.

For more detailed information, see the January 2015 Department of Developmental Services Governor’s Budget Highlights.

Sonoma Developmental Center: At a Crossroad

/ Sonoma Land Trust / Leave a comment

January 1, 2015:

John McCaull from the Sonoma Land Trust describes the efforts being put forth towards the ‘Transform SDC’ Project in the article provided below. By engaging the community as well as tapping into imaginations and passions of those who care for the Sonoma Valley, the recommendations for future uses of the SDC land, health care, and infrastructure appear fruitful in this en devour.

Please take a minute to read the following article.

Sonoma Developmental Center at a crossroads

Provided courtesy of The Kenwood Press website, by John McCaull, Sonoma Land Trust.