Sonoma City Council Voices Support for SDC

At its regularly scheduled meeting September 4th, the Sonoma City Council unanimously adopted a resolution in support of Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC). The resolution had been put on the Council's agenda by Mayor Brown after he received requests for support of SDC from a number of people in the community. Several people in attendance spoke in support of the resolution; there was no opposition.

You can read an article on the Council's action in the Sonoma Index-Tribune at Council supports keeping SDC open, by Pam Gibson (09.05.2013)

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SUMMARY

The Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) faces an uncertain future. In June, the State Health and Human Services Agency formed a “Task Force on the Future of the Developmental Centers”. The Task Force was charged with developing a Master Plan to be completed by November, 2013, that addresses:

• The service needs of all developmental center residents
• The fiscal and budget implications of the declining population
• The aging infrastructure, staffing, and resource constraints
• The availability of community resources to meet the specialized needs of residents now living in developmental centers
• A timeline for future closures

First District Supervisor Gorin has established the Sonoma Developmental Center Coalition, which includes representatives from various County Departments and Agencies as well as representatives of the Parent Hospital Association (PHA).

CITY OF SONOMA RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONOMA IN SUPPORT OF SONOMA DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER

WHEREAS, Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) is woven into the fabric of Sonoma Valley having provided services since 1891; and

WHEREAS, Approximately one thousand acres of land, lakes, and various structures encompass the Sonoma campus, including a residential campground, store/cafeteria, post office, petting farm, sports fields, swimming pool, plant nursery, and picnic areas; and

WHEREAS, SDC has proven to be a leader in meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilities by providing an extensive array of services that promote ongoing health, learning, self- advocacy, and increased independence. Innovative social, recreational, educational, vocational, and other programs are continuously offered. This is accomplished through the knowledge, innovation, creativity, and enthusiasm of our highly experienced staff; and

WHEREAS, The most significant issue is the people who are served by SDC. The rights of the patients need to be protected and the rights of the families who need the care of their loved ones need to be protected; and

WHEREAS, SDC should remain open in order to continue providing its specialized, 24-hour care to California's most vulnerable developmentally disabled individuals, who for reasons of medical frailty, mental, emotional or behavioral issues, or other profound disabilities cannot function or survive in community care homes; and

WHEREAS, The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, known as the “Lanterman Act,” is an important piece of legislation that was passed in 1969 establishing that people with developmental disabilities and their families have a right to the services and support they need to live like people without disabilities; and

WHEREAS, The State of California should view SDC as an asset that should continue to serve people with developmental disabilities including residents and nonresidents. The State should explore improving SDC's financial viability by making its specialized services available to all individuals with disabilities. For example, personalized wheelchair, shoe and equipment construction, occupational therapy and counseling; and

WHEREAS, As the provider of 1,200 good paying jobs, closing of SDC would have a severe impact on Sonoma Valley's and Sonoma County's economy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Sonoma supports the continuing operation of SDC and requests that the State Task Force on Development Centers focus on the critical patient care supplied by SDC and that the ban prohibiting new admittances to SDC be lifted.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Sonoma recognizes that the
professional staff at SDC make a great contribution to the “quality of life” of the patients.

ADOPTED this 4th day of September, 2013