Sonoma developmental center Archives

Sonoma Developmental Center main entrance along Arnold Drive looking west from the state owned former mental institution at Eldridge in the Sonoma Valley near Glen Ellen, Wednesday, May 10, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Documentary on Sonoma Valley Redevelopment Battle Resonates Worldwide

September 2025

The documentary, lauded by international film festivals, addresses a universal problem of high-density, upscale development.

7/25/2014:A1: The Sonoma Developmental Center in Eldridge is home to 443 clients and employs 1,200 workers. 3/8/2014: A1: The Sonoma Developmental Center is the last large undeveloped property in the Sonoma Valley. The sites future is in doubt after a state task force in December recommended that Californias four remaining developmental centers be downsized PC: The Sonoma Developmental Center links over 9,000 acres of protected land connecting the the Marion Coast to the interior coast ranges of California in Sonoma on Friday, March 7, 2014. The Sonoma Developmental Center the last large undeveloped property in the Sonoma Valley and is home to many native plants and animals.(Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)

What’s in Store for the Last Big Spread of Undeveloped Land in Sonoma Valley?

February 2019

Closed by the state, the 127-year-old Sonoma Developmental Center awaits a new owner and plan for its future. At roughly 900 acres, the property encompasses some of the most beautiful and valuable land in the North Bay.