SONOMA DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERApril 22, 2014

HISTORY OF SDC Since 1891, serving individuals with

developmental disabilities Originally 1,670 acres

In 1975 approx. 160 acres were transferred to County Parks

In 2002 approx. 600 acres were transferred to Dept. of Parks and Rec.

Current size/land inventory: approx. 1,000 aces

UNITING THE COMMUNITY

Retain services on the property Permanent protection of the land

Habitat and wildlife movement Clean and ample water for wildlife and residents

Expand recreational opportunities Parkland expansion Nature-based environment for clients

Retain employment opportunities and services to the community

CURRENT SERVICES

Services provided: 24/7 medical/nursing care, pharmacy, dental

services, durable medical equipment Number of residents: 453

253 in ICF – behavioral issues 200 in NF – medical issues

Est. 10-20% of residents from Sonoma County

Number of employee’s: 1,394 (Sonoma Valley’s largest employer)

NATURAL LAND BENEFITS

Last large undeveloped property in Sonoma Valley

Two reservoirs Nearly 1,000 acres of connected habitat

including: oak woodlands, redwoods, grasslands, lakes, wetlands

and streams deer, mountain lion, coyote, bobcat, steelhead,

spotted owl and red-legged frog 9,000 acres of protected land:

A regionally significant linkage Two reservoirs

OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ASSETS Parkland Features

12+ miles of scenic and diverse hiking, biking, and equestrian trails

Connecting trails to Jack London State Historic Park & Sonoma Valley Regional Park

Equestrian Facilities Lake Suttonfield and Fern Lake – fishing access, lakeside

trails

Agricultural Education Heirloom Orchard Eldridge Farm Nursery

Outdoor Sports Facilities

TASK FORCE ON THE FUTURE OF DCs A Task Force was established by the state to

address issues impacting developmental centers (DCs)

The Task Force report details critical information considered, processes followed, and the recommendations reached by TF members

Recommendations recognize the DCs will transition from large, congregate 24-hour nursing and Intermediate Care Facility services, to new models that emphasize community integration

COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS

Coalition: Audubon Canyon Ranch; CA State Parks;

Parent Hospital Assoc.; Ag. OSD; Regional Parks; DHS; HSD; Sonoma Ecology Ctr.; Sonoma Land Trust; Sonoma Mountain Preservation; VOM National History Assoc.

Legislative Services Model Site Reuse Open Space Strategy

PUTTING A FACE TO SDC

COUNTY PRIORITIES Service Options

Keep SDC open and expand residency to serve greater Northern California

If closed: services continue onsite managed by the County with specialist providers and regional consortium

If closed and continued services not an option: continue services via new model and have local plan for site use/reuse

Land Options Prioritize options for the property that preserve

the land for wildlife, resource management and recreational use