Valley of The Moon Alliance
Sonoma Valley needs us now to protect its rural character!
Sonoma Valley needs us now to protect its rural character!
The Valley of the Moon Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer organization founded in 2002, exists to review and challenge policy and development proposals that could have deleterious impacts on the natural resources and residential quality of life in Sonoma Valley.
VOTMA is neither against growth nor the right of property owners to reasonably build out their holdings. However, while commercial interests are well represented at policy-making levels, VOTMA seeks to be a voice for residents and noncommercial property owners who also have a long-term stake in maintaining the region as a beautiful and healthy place to live, do business, and raise families. VOTMA champions environmental conservation, wise planning, and sustainable growth.
In 2004 a VOTMA-sponsored study entitled “The Potential for Event Facilities on Agricultural Land in the Sonoma Valley” was completed (see VOTMA_2004_potential_event_study.pdf). It indicated the possibility of growth outpacing anything Napa or Marin counties have experienced, which gives us pause to consider the future of this historically agricultural and rural residential area.
Critical areas of concern include:
These six critical areas of concern underscore the importance of viewing policy and development through a lens capable of revealing "The Big Picture." While any given policy or project might be acceptable in and of itself, it’s the cumulative impacts of multiple policies and projects that warrant our full attention. However, at the grassroots level, it’s by focusing on individual policies and projects as they move through the pipeline that cumulative impacts can most effectively be addressed. To that end, VOTMA is dedicated to filling the role of community watchdog, alerting the public to potential dangers and protecting our uniquely beautiful Valley of the Moon.
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Click on the button below to learn more about specific projects and areas of concern.
Our Vision is to promote the preservation, protection and maintenance of the agricultural character, natural resources and rural beauty of Sonoma Valley.
Our Mission is to provide a forum for research, information, education and recommendations on projects that affect the environmental qualities of the valley communities.
Since our establishment in 2002, VOTMA has made significant contributions towards our community and environmental protection:
1) Along with its affiliate organizations, filed a lawsuit to Permit Sonoma that challenged approvals of the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) Specific Plan and the related Environmental Impact Report (EIR) . In April 2024, the Sonoma County Superior Court ruled in favor of the lawsuit.
2) Followed the planning of the Kenwood Ranch project (formerly Sonoma Country Inn). After being approved in 2006 and sold and purchased a couple of times over the years, it is now in the process of being built.
2) In 2004, commissioned and published a study entitled "Potential for Event Facilities on Ag Lands," which identified the potential adverse effects of winery events on Sonoma Valley.
3) Contributed to stakeholder committees and followed the process to a County Winery Events Ordinance.
4) As a result of input provided by VOTMA to County of Sonoma planning staff, several detrimental proposed projects never moved forward to completion.
Our Board consists of lawyers, environmental scientists, educators, and activists who have years of experience in their respective fields.
Our current board members are:
- Kathy Pons, Glen Ellen
- Roger Peters, Kenwood
- Jim Munger, Santa Rosa
- Tim Dorman, Glen Ellen
- Chris Koch, Kenwood
- Joel Butterworth, Santa Rosa
Our regular Board members are supported by the following advisory board members, who have vast experience with Sonoma Valley issues:
- Norman Gilroy
- Jay Gamel
- Alice Horowitz
- Matthew Dickey
- Tracy Salcedo
Sign up to hear from us about news or upcoming issues.
On March 1, 2024, VOTMA entered into an agreement with KLD Associates to conduct an independent evacuation time estimate (ETE) study for much of Sonoma Valley. An anonymous survey of evacuation needs and behavior is now available. Click on the button below to learn more about the Sonoma Area Fire Evacuation (SAFE) Study.
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