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Sonoma County approves plan for Sonoma Developmental Center

Board of Supervisors 3-1 Vote on SDC Plan!

On Dec. 16, 2022, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to support ā€œa planā€ that included compromises bound to offend some local citizens.

It was a long dayā€™s journey (10 a.m. ā€“ 5 p.m.) for the policy makers. Observers in the BOS chambers or on Zoom at home watched as Supervisor Susan Gorin whittle down certain proposals to approach localā€™s goals locals such as minimum size and activity. While Valley residents are likely displeased with the BOS decisions, the tenacity and diligence of Supervisor Gorin moved the goal posts in their direction.

How many homes was an issue brought to light by Supervisor David Rabbitt. He noted that in many developments people idealize concepts. If Those concepts have the effect of increasing costs or killing off the development. Rabbitt stated that 1,000 units will attract developers and allow them to prosper. He believes proposing a development less than 1,000 would limit the number of investing developers. Thus, he voted ā€œNo.ā€

Supervisor Gorin followed ideas of her vocal First District constituents and argued for fewer homes. She has publically used the number 450 homes. However, as the BOS meeting progressed the majority of Board members approved 620 with a proviso for expansion to 750 units. Exactly under what circumstances the expansion would occur was unclear.

The Planning Department proposal included a hotel on campus. Supervisor Gorin argued for a petite hotel or conference center. Sonoma Mayor Sandra Lowe stated the City would experience negative benefits if the hotel were approved. A hotel remains in the proposal.

The Planning Commission presented the Board with changes to the Specific Plan that were adopted. The BOS approved an increase in the width of the Sonoma Creek corridor. A Planning Commission amendment was approved that transferred 19 acres of land for development from the northwest property to the southeast. This will provide greater space for the wildlife corridor. A Planning Commission recommendation that was included in the plan was for a Community Benefits Clause. This proposal initiated by Unite Here Local 2 called for improved working conditions and benefits for employees in all project activities. It was adopted.

So whatā€™s next?

The County plan now goes to the State Department of General Services (DGS). Currently there are three reported parties interested in bidding on the SDC property. Community comments indicate that there may be law suits filed over the Specific Plan as adopted by the Board.

Boyes Hot Springs Rainfall to date far behind 2021-2022!

At press time Boyes Hot Springs received 6.26ā€ of rain. By that time in 2021-2022 Boyes had reported 17.09ā€. This disparity underlines the fact that California is in a drought. With no significant changes in this weather pattern the state or county may need to act.

Rainfall varies throughout the County. Over 180 Sonomans register to report weather patterns at Community Rain and Hail Studies at Colorado State College (CoCoRAHS.org). Rainfall totals reported for these locations at press time:

  • Boyes Hot Springs ā€“ 6.26ā€
  • Sonoma ā€“ 4.83ā€
  • Glen Ellen ā€“ 7.74ā€
  • Kenwood ā€“ 7.34ā€
  • Cazadero ā€“ 11.86ā€

Pequeno Creek Still Dry!

Few people in the Springs know the location of Pequeno Creek. While most creeks in the Springs have flowed this year, Pegueno (small) Creek remains dry.

Question: Where is Pequeno Creek? Answer: Springs Splash, February 2023

A story of one-day home installation on Central Avenueā€¦.

Michael Acker, Springs Historian and artist, photo recorded the one-day installation of a house at 551 Central Avenue! Is this remarkable feat of delivering a pre-constructed home to a vacant lot the answer to the housing shortage? A similar installation was completed on Calle del Monte two months ago. Find a vacant lot, install a foundation and call for the delivery of a house. Thatā€™s rather amazing.

While perusing Ackerā€™s story of house installation take additional time to visit his Springs Museum (springsmuseum.org). This website covers histories in El Verano, Boyes Hot Springs, Fetters Hot Springs and Agua Caliente. Have fun ā€“ Learn about the early days of warm mineral waters and summer vacation homes at the Springs Museum.

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