Springs Splash by Thomas Martin - June 2018
The long awaited report by the consulting firm of
What is to become of the SDC?Casino, Resort Development, Upscale Homes, or Community Center?
The State of California plans to close the SDC doors at the end of 2018. Legislative leaders Sen. Mike McGuire, Sen. Bill Dodd, and Supervisor Susan Gorin, together with Sonoma residents and organizations, are trying to develop a consensus to present to the Department of Developmental Services about alternative uses. The late June community meeting is an integral part of that decision making process.
Is there a consensus growing among residents? At a mid-April meeting at Dunbar School attendees in separate committees came together on the concept of forming a “trust” with the State to manage the properties. The idea is based on the “Presidio Trust” formed in San Francisco.
On May 10 there was a little publicized meeting about the future of the SDC at Altimira Middle School. To view the meeting go toSen. Mike McGuire’s website under “California Legislators.” There is a complete replay of the meeting there.
If you wish to present your ideas watch for the time and location of the late June meeting. See you there!
Important issues: Resident Community Care, and Employees…
While the future of the physical facility seems uppermost in people’s minds, there remains the question of care for the remaining residents. The general citizen lacks understanding of resident needs. They require 24 hour attention. They are severely disabled. When Developmental Centers closed in other parts of the State clients were transferred into community residential settings. The question remains whether the SDC clients, many of whom are more profoundly disabled will be able to make such a transition.
Little discussion has been publicized about the future of the current SDC employees. It is anticipated that the employee representatives are in discussions with the State about severance, transfers, continuity of service in other facilities, continuation of benefits, and retirement assistance. Hopefully such matters are brought to the general public’s attention in the coming weeks.
Important Community Decisions Will Soon Be Made!
Sonoma citizens need to make their wishes known to decision makers about the SDC. Plan to attend meetings. Write your State Legislators, County Supervisor, and Governor Brown. In the final analysis it will be the Legislature and Governor who determine the outcome of this issue.
Supervisor Susan Gorin, District 1 • State Legislators: Search on line.
Susan.Gorin@sonoma-county.org: Phone: 707-565-2241
State Senator Mike McGuire: 916-651-4003; 707-224-1990
State Senator Bill Dodd: 916-651-4002; 707-576-2771
Assemblywoman Cecelia Aguiar-Curry: 916-319-2004; 530-737-1034
Governor Jerry Brown: 916-445-2841
Potpourri – Springs Community Alliance Meeting Report
In mid-May Supervisor Susan Gorin attended a meeting of the Springs Community Alliance to discuss a myriad of issues related to the community.
First, she introduced her two new Field Representatives who community members may call with questions. They areLiz Hamon andArielle Kubu-Jones.
After the fire… What did we learn? First, prepare against the next one. Weed abatement - clear brush and grasses, check your insurances, record on videotape all your important belongings, rebuilding cost estimates, escape routes, and pre-arranged contacts with loved ones, and… Paving… is planned for Riverside to Boyes Blvd. as well as Arnold Drive from Boyes Blvd. to Madrone… Roundabout at 121/116 is coming according to Cal Trans… Improvements to Hwy 12 from Madrone to north of Kenwood has also been promised by Cal Trans… to solve Springs parking we need aMunicipal Advisory District, and a timetable for implementing theSprings Specific Plan is set.
