Project Team

Yesenia works for MidPen Housing, a non-profit dealing in the development and management of affordable housing. While at MidPen, Yesenia has assisted in applying to various funding sources and has been involved in pre-development, entitlements, and construction.

Statement of Interest: “I am interested in serving on the Planning Advisory Team because this is a unique opportunity for community members to be part of the planning process of land use that will impact our community. I think it’s important to have different perspectives on what is needed in this area. I work for an affordable housing developer and would be highly interested in seeing the opportunity for affordable housing at the former Sonoma Developmental Center site. As we all know housing in general is scarce especially in Sonoma Valley, there is a high need for affordable housing and this site would be a great opportunity to serve our large low income community. I am interested in reading more about the constraints and opportunities for future development of this land. This would be great opportunity to be involved in the development of the specific plan for the former SDC site.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Land Development and Development Finance

Within 2 miles of SDC: No

Marianne is a project manager for the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Marianne has worked on the Treasure Island and Presidio projects for the City, including Environmental Impact Reports and Master Plans.

Statement of Interest: “SDC provided care to our most vulnerable residents. SDC always tugged at my heart. We had friends who had children living there, knowing the decision to place a loved one there was not easy. The way that we care for our vulnerable residents has changed. SDC provides an opportunity to re-imagine the future, with respect to its past. I worked on the Presidio for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, bringing special events facilities on line, while engaging the community on envisioning community spaces. I worked for the Treasure Island Development Authority on the EIR and development plan, while bringing underutilized buildings online to keep the Island economically self-sufficient. I currently work for the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development in San Francisco, focused on open space activations, and small business acceleration programs. SDC can be an environmentally, economically self-sustaining development, providing community benefits, housing, and economic opportunities.”      

Area of Technical Expertise: Economic Development or Market Research, Property Management, Open Space/Recreational Land Management, Community Organizing (Related to SDC and Otherwise)

Within 2 miles of SDC: No

Peter is a land use attorney with experience in land use development, development finance, and environmental resource management. Peter has worked for the California Department of Housing & Community Development and the Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Statement of Interest: “I was raised in Sonoma County and attended West County elementary and high school and have been connected to Sonoma County for close to 50 years.  I now reside 50% of the time in Kenwood and 50% of the time in San Francisco where my legal practice is based but am deeply passionate about Sonoma County and the Sonoma Valley.   I have watched the decommissioning of SDC and the initial discussions regarding re-use with great interest.  As a Land Use Attorney I have a professional/intellectual interest but as a resident of Sonoma Valley, I also have a personal interest in sound land management, reuse and preservation of natural resources.  Through my professional career I have experience with the balancing of interests and the complexity associated with the reuse of institutional properties.  Most recently I have represented the master developer of the Alameda Naval Air Station, a decommissioned Defense Department property, that is now being redeveloped for adaptive reuse.   I would be honored to lend my profession experience and personal interest to the SDC long range planning effort.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Land Development and Development Finance, Land Use Planning, Legal Related to Land Use, Development, and/or Environmental Resource Management

Within 2 miles of SDC: No

Kelso is a real estate developer and broker, working in economic development, market research, finance, land use planning and entitlements. Kelso has consulted on specific plans, and previously served on the City of Sonoma Design Review and Historic Preservation Commission.

Statement of Interest: “SDC has been an important place for my family since it cared for my great-aunt Margaret when she arrived at the “Sonoma State Home” as a developmentally disabled ten-year-old in 1925. The family fell in love with the Sonoma Valley on their regular visits and moved up from San Francisco shortly after her death in 1940. Three generations later, we’re still here, and SDC has remained special for my family, whether through recreation, exploring the outdoors, or community service. As we plan SDC’s next chapter, we must make sure the story remains special for future generations. Perhaps this will be the place a family got the chance to buy their first affordable home. Or the place where they started a new business. Or was introduced to the beauty of the outdoors. The future of SDC is the future of the Sonoma Valley. As someone born, raised, and committed to this Valley, I am a stakeholder. I want to help steward this magical place into its next era and leave for future generations a historically significant, well planned, sustainable, dynamic and innovative community the envy of our region and state.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Economic Development or Market Research, Land Development and Development Finance, Land Use Planning, Community Organizing (Related to SDC and Otherwise), Historic and/or Cultural Preservation

Within 2 miles of SDC: No

Mollyanne is a landscape designer and consultant, and served as Director of the Sonoma Garden Park. Mollyanne previously worked for Innovative Mobility Research at UC Berkeley, studying new transportation systems in collaboration with the California Department of Transportation.

Statement of Interest: “I am committed to preserve and generate a community resource that serves multiple objectives. I resonate deeply with the objectives of finding a solution that provides a generous degree of public access to the property, provides low-impact affordable homes, contributes to a thriving local economy and community, provides wildlife corridor, and honors the exhilarating views and natural beauty. There are many other ideas that are appealing and interesting, that I would investigate and possibly support, as I learn about them.  If selected, I will engage with honesty and transparency. I will communicate with civil respect and earnest attention to the tools that keep groups away from conflict and controversy, and towards collaboration and creativity.  I will invite and seek information and engagement from diverse stakeholders. I am an out-of-the-box thinker, grounded in the reality of the parameters and challenges that will surround this project. This would be an exciting commitment.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Economic Development or Market Research, Land Development and Development Finance, Land Use Planning, Community Organizing (Related to SDC and Otherwise), Sonoma Developmental Center, Environmental Stewardship

Within 2 miles of SDC: Yes

Bob is the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 Compliance Program Manager and Native American Tribal Liaison for the National Park Service’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Bob previously worked 19 years as park ranger for the National Park Service.

Statement of Interest: “I recognize the importance and rarity of this opportunity, that a land parcel of this great size and diverse public interest and of such importance to so many who had important ties to its past use is being "reprogrammed."  And likewise, it is laudable that state and county agencies are providing so many opportunities for public input on the future of this former campus. As I am approaching retirement within the next 12 months or so from my current line of work, I have been looking for a way to be able to give something back of my talents and skills to my beloved local community of Sonoma Valley in some purposeful way that will have a lasting legacy for so many people.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Historic and/or Cultural Preservation

Within 2 miles of SDC: Yes

Richard is the Executive Director of the Sonoma Ecology Center, which has operated for over 20 years on the SDC campus. Richard was involved in establishing a wildlife corridor on the site, and helped form the SDC Coalition to bring community interests into the closure process for the campus.

Statement of Interest: “Our main office has been located for 20 years on the SDC campus. I know the facility, knew many of its residents and staff, and have experience with the issues and opportunities of the site. I'm a founder and am on the leadership committee of the SDC Coalition, and have worked over the last decade to assure that a process like the Specific Plan was in place to support the community's interests after closure. As executive director of Sonoma Ecology Center, I also have years of experience with the Sonoma Valley community, and have served on numerous boards and committees. I currently serve on the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce board, Sustainable Sonoma's steering committee, the Springs Specific Plan Community Advisory Team, and others. I am personally and professionally interested in seeing that the Specific Plan process brings the best ideas and opportunities together to benefit our community, our county, and beyond.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Open Space/Recreational Land Management, Community Organizing (Related to SDC and Otherwise), Sonoma Developmental Center, Environmental Stewardship

Within 2 miles of SDC: Yes

Nicholas is the Co-Director of the Hanna Institute and Artistic Director of Heart Without Borders. Nicholas has experience in community organizing, historic and cultural preservation, and working with communities of English language learners (ELLs).

Statement of Interest: “My growing family moved to the Springs four years ago for a summer. We fell in love with the diverse community in Sonoma Valley and never left. My now day job integrates communication and resources between communities of faith, the school district, the Boys and Girls Clubs, the community health center, our elders, and more while living first in the Springs and more recently Glen Ellen. What happens with SDC decides the future face and health of our valley, and this project needs people with diverse perspectives and skills to help connect the dots forward by connecting the dots back – in not only gathering and growing the ideas of our community but finding the local partners to breath life into them. The intersectionality of respecting the ecology, honoring its history of arts and healing, and knowing the changing needs of our community is dire. I can do just that.”     

Area of Technical Expertise: Community Organizing (Related to SDC and Otherwise), Historic and/or Cultural Preservation

Within 2 miles of SDC: Yes

John is a Land Acquisition Program Manager for the Sonoma Land Trust. He has been practicing law in California since 1990, and as a part of the SDC Coalition has developed extensive background on the operations, current condition, natural resources values, and future potential of the SDC.

Statement of Interest: “On behalf of Sonoma Land Trust (SLT), I am interested in serving on the PAT to continue to advance our organizational goal of permanently protecting the open space and wildlife corridor lands of SDC. SLT is one of the main authors of the February 2019 'SDC Land and Water Protection Proposal', and my role as a stakeholder on the PAT will be to ensure that the objectives and goals of this proposal are considered and included in the specific plan, and that the natural resource values of the property are protected through a transfer of the open space portions of the property to state and county park agencies. In addition, I am a long-time resident of the Sonoma Valley, so the future of SDC will have a direct and meaningful impact on the place I call home.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Open Space/Recreational Land Management, Land Use Planning, Community Organizing (Related to SDC and Otherwise), Sonoma Developmental Center, Environmental Stewardship, Legal Related to Land Use, Development, and/or Environmental Resource Management

Within 2 miles of SDC: Yes

Vicki has been a land use and environmental planner for over 30 years, and worked on the Taylor Mountain Regional Park Master Plan, as well as numerous General and Specific Plans for counties and cities. Vicki reviewed and edited the Sonoma Valley Groundwater Basin Plan as a member of the Basin Advisory Panel.

Statement of Interest: “As a professional land use planner and local resident committed to a successful transition of SDC/Eldridge, I am excited about the potential to contribute to the process as a PAT member. My 30 years preparing General Plans, Specific Plans, and EIRs gives me a well-rounded understanding of the planning process, cost-containment strategies, and the PAT’s role.  I am familiar with the SDC property, use patterns, local planning issues, and environmental concerns. I maintain a good relationship with other community stakeholders and have been involved in the SDC Coalition Leadership and Glen Ellen Forum and served on similar advisory committees (GSA, BAP).  My qualifications include a MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School and a proven record of project management, report editing, consensus-building, and establishing policies and land use alternatives for complex multi-agency projects. I have a keen interest in creating a feasible plan that meets timelines, balances respective interests, and sets the stage for inspiring redevelopment. Yes, I'm a stakeholder - a concerned resident and representative of the Glen Ellen Forum SDC/Eldridge Committee. I am semi-retired so have the time to fully participate.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Open Space/Recreational Land Management, Land Use Planning, Community Organizing (Related to SDC and Otherwise), Sonoma Developmental Center, Environmental Stewardship

Within 2 miles of SDC: Yes

Peter is a real estate manager, and spent 17 years on the Presidio of San Francisco Restoration Advisory Board. While on the Board, Peter worked with regulators on environmental remediation involving toxic/hazardous materials, lead based paint, and petroleum.

Statement of Interest: “I am a stakeholder only by the fact that I live within the 2 mile radius of the SDC. The SDC is a historic property that requires a massive amount of critical thinking to arrive at a meaningful reuse plan. Each step of the planning process will involve alternative uses of buildings, land, and infrastructure that will need to be considered individually as well as part of the overall reuse plan.  I believe that I have had enough experience in this type of evaluation process to be of benefit to the SCD long range plan.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Land Development and Development Finance, Property Management, Open Space/Recreational Land Management, Land Use Planning, Environmental Stewardship, Historic and/or Cultural Preservation

Within 2 miles of SDC: Yes

Robert has over 40 years of experience in real estate development and consulting, including residential, affordable, commercial, and recreational properties. Robert has additional experience in market research, infrastructure, finance, planning and environmental stewardship.

Statement of Interest: “I want to see the Specific Plan be a real road map not just another plan for its own sake. My approach is collaborative and consensus based and I am used to working as part of a team. The SDC property is both one of the most exciting opportunities and also one of the most challenging. Its future will impact the Valley for generations to come.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Infrastructure/Civil Engineering, Economic Development or Market Research, Land Development and Development Finance, Property Management, Land Use Planning, Community Organizing (Related to SDC and Otherwise), Environmental Stewardship, Legal Related to Land Use, Development, and/or Environmental Resource Management

Within 2 miles of SDC: Yes

Victor has been a real estate development manager for over 30 years in the Bay Area, and has experience in acquisition, finance, design and engineering. Victor is currently working on a residential reuse project of the Alameda Naval Air Station, including a new ferry terminal for transit to San Francisco.

Statement of Interest: “SDC is easily the largest redevelopment opportunity in the County and as a public resource requires a leveled headed, thoughtful & detailed approach much like the Presidio did in San Francisco.  My professional experience is based in the private sector & I can bring that perspective to the Specific Plan Process. SDC is a tremendous resource. All my projects have been challenges and I look forward to helping on a consistent basis if selected to participate.  As a side note as a youth I worked at the largest State Mental Hospital and  have a day-to-day feel for how they used to operate.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Utilities Management, Economic Development or Market Research, Land Development and Development Finance, Property Management, Land Use Planning, Community Organizing (Related to SDC and Otherwise)

Within 2 miles of SDC: Yes

Nicholas is the Executive Director of the Glen Ellen Historical Society, the Chair of the Glen Ellen Forum Steering Committee, and the Chair of the Glen Ellen Forum Traffic and Safety. Nicholas is involved in local community organizing and has experience in historic preservation.

Statement of Interest: “As a community leader I feel a responsibility to help guide the evolution of this very important project. As Executive Director of the Glen Ellen Historical Society I have become unusually familiar with both the history and conditions of the Campus. I am aware of the significant challenges this redevelopment will entail including decayed infrastructure, practical realities of building removal, campus redesign and coalition building. I have studied land use planning and permaculture, both of which will be important as we pursue a balance of uses on the campus. As a member of both the Glen Ellen Forum's Commerce and Tourism and our Traffic and Safety Committees I have a familiarity with our communities needs regarding wise commercial planning and transportation. I am an avid outdoorsman and hike the Lake Suttonfield and Fern Lake/Camp Via areas often. I have a interest in helping guide this redevelopment process so the Eldridge campus can become an example of a healthy, well designed community that will be an example for future development throughout our nation.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Community Organizing (Related to SDC and Otherwise), Historic and/or Cultural Preservation

Within 2 miles of SDC: Yes

Molly is an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Santa Rosa where she has worked on land use, CEQA, real property, public works and water projects, affordable housing and water regulatory issues for the past 14 years.

Statement of Interest: “I currently serve on the board of directors for Family Advocates United/PHA, which is the organization that represented family members and loved ones residing at the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC), and continues to advocate for all families who have an intellectually or physically disabled loved one served by the State's regional center system.  I was asked by FAU/PHA to apply to serve on the PAT as their voice and representative.  My brother lived at SDC for over 18 years prior to its closure.  I, along my family, visited him there and became part of the community at SDC.  I feel it is a very special place and am grateful that the County will be able to engage in a deliberate and thoughtful process in mapping out its future.”

Area of Technical Expertise: Legal Related to Land Use, Development, and/or Environmental Resource Management

Within 2 miles of SDC: No