Abandoned core campus of former sonoma develomental center
major community concerns
High Wildfire and Evacuation Risk
Many Sonoma Valley residents fear buildout of the Eldridge Enterprise (Rogal/Grupe) plan for the SDC core campus will impact emergency evacuation routes and procedures, thus putting lives at risk when the next fast-moving wildfire hits. To better understand the extent to which adding thousands of vehicles to our two-lane country roads during an emergency evacuation, the Valley of the Moon Alliance (VOTMA) recently commissioned an Evacuation Time Estimate Study by KLD Associates, a leader in the field. To read the results, click on the button below.
Another important resource for understanding local opposition to overdevelopment of the SDC based on public safety concerns is Small Is Beautiful, a short documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Carolyn Scott. Screenings are available upon request. CLICK HERE to watch the trailer. CLICK HERE to contact Carolyn Scott.
community pushback
SCALE and SCT File CEQA Lawsuit Against Sonoma County
In January of 2023, SCALE and co-petitioner Sonoma County Tomorrow (SCT) filed a legal challenge to Sonoma County's Certification of the SDC Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR). On April 26, 2024, Judge Bradford DeMeo ruled in plaintiffs' favor. Judge DeMeo's ruling represents a major victory for community grassroots activists. However, the revised EIR must return to the Judge for review, meaning this case is not closed. Meanwhile, the County is plowing ahead with a "Specific Plan with a Builder's Remedy overlay." Permit Sonoma's website states: "The public draft of the EIR is expected to be published by Early Summer of 2026, with a public comment period to follow."
Sonoma Valley Next 100 Files Lawsuit Against DGS and Developers
In January of 2025, Sonoma Valley Next 100 filed a lawsuit in Sonoma County Superior Court against DGS (State Department of General Services), Rogal, Groupe and others. While the SCALE/SCT lawsuit challenges the County and the CEQA process, the SV Next 100 lawsuit is agains the State and claims that DGS is violating the Enabling Legislation and established historic preservation laws, and that it is neglecting its responsibility to protect the site’s natural resources under the Public Trust Doctrine.
On Mar 13, 2026, a ruling by Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Broderick allows his tentative ruling against DGS (Department of General Services) in favor of Sonoma Next 100 to proceed to trial. The next phase will be discovery and pre-trial motions about the disposition of the former Sonoma Developmental Center."
A Balanced and environmentally superior plan
Provide, Protect , Preserve Alternative
The Provide, Protect, Preserve Alternative was developed in the fall of 2025 by a small working group of representatives from Sonoma Community Advocates for a Liveable Environment (SCALE) and Sonoma Valley Next 100 in response to public health and safety concerns, environmental site constraints, non-compliance with CEQA (as identified by the Sonoma County Superior Court in the SCALE decision), and broad community input. It represents a balanced and environmentally superior approach to redevelopment of the site. CLICK HERE to read the PPP Alternative.
what's next?
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Your voice and vote can make a difference!
We need leaders willing to champion what's best for our local communities and for the environment.
The highly flawed SDC planning process is symptomatic of a much larger issue; government serving private interests as opposed to government serving the common good. Ask your Supervisor where they stand on redevelopment of the SDC. Pressure your Supervisor and State Legislators to demand a scaled-down plan for the SDC and only vote for candidates willing to reject kleptocratic exploitation of public resources for private profit!
Your support is needed!
Donate to Sonoma County Advocates for a Liveable Environment
Every penny of every donation goes directly to paying for ongoing legal efforts to scale back proposed redevelopment of the SDC core campus. SCALE relies entirely on hard working volunteers; no paid staff. SCALE’s fiscal sponsor is Valley of the Moon Alliance (VOTMA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tax id #80-0038375. CLICK HERE to donate to SCALE.
Donate to Sonoma Valley Next 100
Sonoma Valley Next 100, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, is working to turn things around for the future of the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC), provide truly affordable housing and save its historic buildings and its mature landscape at the center of our community. CLICK HERE to donate.
Good News on the Legal Front
March 11, 2026: Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Broderick ruled against DGS (Department of General Services) in favor of Sonoma Valley Next 100 to proceed to trial. The next phase will be discovery and pre-trial motions about the disposition of the former Sonoma Developmental Center.
CLICK HERE to read Sonoma Valley Sun article explaining the ruling.
CLICK HERE to donate to Sonoma Valley Next 100.