Supporters rally on Sonoma Plaza for SDC

Saturday's rally was covered in the local press. You can find that coverage online at the following links:

Slide show in the Press Democrat

Article in Saturday's Press Democrat: Advocates rally in Sonoma to support Eldridge developmental center.

Some of the people who rallied in support
of SDC listen to speakers afterwards in the
amphitheater on Sonoma Plaza.

On Saturday, September 14, supporters of the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) rallied on Sonoma Plaza to show their support for the center and keeping the resources and care available at California's oldest center accessible to the State's developmentally disabled.

After circling Sonoma's square people gathered in the Plaza's amphitheater where Mayor of the City of Sonoma Ken Brown read the proclamation in support of SDC passed by the City Council earlier in the month. (see: Sonoma City Council Voices Support for SDC on this blog.) Also speaking were a number of Parent Hospital Association board members, as well as Gina Cuclis, a Sonoma Co. Board of Education Trustee who advocated on behalf of SDC to the City.

Mary O'Riordan also gave her report on the MoveOn.org petition that she delivered to the governor and legislators last week. Over 2,300 people have signed in support of SDC to date, and signatures continue to be collected. If you have not yet had a chance to sign and would like to, visit petitions.moveon.org/sign/governor-brown-save-sonoma.

You can also show your support for Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) by writing to California's Health and Human Services Secretary asking her to keep SDC open and allow it to accept admissions.  Suggest that SDC's unique services be opened up to the community, and ask her to share your letter with the task force now meeting on the future of developmental centers.

Secretary Diana S. Dooley
California Health and Human services Agency
1600 Ninth St. Room 460
Sacramento, CA 95814

email Secretary Dooley via jim.suennen@chhs.ca.gov

If you would like to contact the governor, you can write him with the same message.

Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814

City of Sonoma mayor Ken Brown
read the proclamation passed by the
Council supporting SDC.

Newly elected PHA boardmember
Rev. Tom Chesterman spoke at
Saturday's rally.

Longtime PHA member and past
board President Steve Doherty at
Saturday's rally.

Staunch advocate for SDC and PHA
member Paul Ferrario also spoke to
the crowd in the amphitheater.