Community action saved a hillside

On Saturday, April 26, a host of volunteers and city dignitaries turned out to celebrate the opening of the new trailhead entrance to the Sonoma Overlook Trail. The two-year project, involving the creation of a trailhead kiosk with four information panels, stone benches, bike racks and an area for parking, was an all-volunteer effort made possible through the labor and support of numerous individuals and local businesses and organizations.
Mayor Joanne Sanders said, “It’s a tribute to our roots here in Sonoma and what has gravitated people for centuries to this area. It’s a magical place.”
Without the efforts of strong citizen support back in 1999 – to prevent the development of 60 acres of that “magical place” into a plush hotel and resort – the trail and the happy group would not be there. Councilmember Ken Brown, a strong backer of the campaign to prevent the development and an active member of the current trailhead task force, said, “I’m pleased and glad that we’re now providing an education and recreational element for everyone in the public to enjoy, in perpetuity.”
Since the Sonoma Overlook Trailhead Task Force received City Council approval the trailhead upgrade has been virtually cost-free to the City while conforming to City regulations. Major contributors were: the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, Ron Church & Harry Meglen Concrete Construction, Harland & Lely Corporation, Hanna Boys Center, José Sandoval, and Sonoma Materials. Irene Guidici Ehret painted the designs on the kiosk panels.
“We all realized that, beautiful as the trail was,” said John Donnelly, co-chair of the task force, “many couldn’t find it.” And so he found himself at the forefront of the trailhead project. “It’s wonderful when you meet people with the same interest and passion. We’re celebrating community spirit.”