Sonoma, California
Sonoma is a historically significant city in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA, surrounding its historic town plaza, a remnant of the town's Mexican colonial past. It was the the capital of the short-lived California Republic. Today, Sonoma is a center of the state's wine industry for the Sonoma Valley AVA Appellation, as well as the home of the nationally recognized Sonoma International Film Festival. Sonoma's population was 9,128 as of the 2000 census..
Origins
The region of Sonoma was originally the home of Native American Coast Miwok tribes as well as the Pomo people and Wintuns. Many of the Native Americans still remain, even after seven changes in government since the Spanish first explored and took over the region (see Sonoma County for governments.)The town of Sonoma began with the foundation of Mission San Francisco Solano in 1823 by Father José Altimira of the Franciscan Order. This mission was the farthest north of all 21 California missions, and was connected to the others by the Camino Real (Royal Road). Mission San Francisco Solano was the last of the California missions to be established, and the only one founded after Mexico's independence from Spain.Soon after it was built, it was secularized by the Mexican government, under the orders of Lieutenant, later General, Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. Under Vallejo's supervision, the Presidio of Sonoma, or Sonoma Barracks (part of Spain's Fourth Military District), was built beside the mission for the army, and he pursued control and order in the region over the native tribes and kept a military eye on the Russians of Fort Ross. Vallejo, who owned over 7 million acres (28,000 km2) in landholdings and was one of Sonoma's most illustrious residents, was instrumental in its growth and made Sonoma into the political center of Northern California. He maintained good relationships with the Native Americans of the region, was helped by his friendship with native Chief Solano of the Suisunes, who had been baptized at the mission and who near the city.Vallejo was also partial towards the influx of American immigrants, both legal and illegal, who entered by way of Sutter's Fort, despite his personal dislike of John Sutter. He was, however, careful to ensure the newcomers did not achieve too much power, lest they destabilize the state. His partiallity was tested when an illegal American alien, Edward Bale, formed an American mob attempted to murder Vallejo's brother Salvador in Sonoma's central plaza after losing to him in a duel. Bale was foiled, and plans were made to execute him right on the plaza. However, Vallejo, law-abiding citizen he was, ordered a court trial at the Sonoma alcaldia, where Bale was nonetheless found guilty of attempted murder. His life, however, was spared by the Mexican government, which did not want to create any problems. After the overthrow of the unpopular governor Nicolás Gutiérrez by Vallejo's nephew Juan Bautista Alvarado in 1836, the Monterey diputación named him Comandante General of California, further increasing the prestige of Vallejo and Sonoma. When the American immigrants attempted to overthrow the Mexican government in the Bear Flag Revolt, they imprisoned Vallejo in the town jail and declared Sonoma capital of the 'Republic of California'.
Plaza
El Pueblo de Sonoma was laid out in the standard form of a Mexican town, centered around the largest plaza in California, 8 acres (32,000 m2) in size. This plaza is surrounded by many historical buildings, including the Mission San Francisco Solano, Captain Salvador Vallejo's Casa Grande, the Presidio of Sonoma, the Blue Wing Inn, the Sebastiani Theatre, and the Toscano Hotel. In the middle of the plaza, Sonoma's early 20th-century city hall, at the plaza's center and still in use, was designed and built with four identical sides in order not to offend the merchants on any one side of the plaza. The plaza is a National Historic Landmark and still serves as the town's focal point, hosting many community festivals and drawing tourists all year round. There are approximately thirty restaurants in the plaza area, including Italian, Irish, Mexican, Portuguese, Mediterranean, Himalayan, and French. It provides a central tourist attraction. It is also the location of the Farmer's Market, held every Tuesday evening from April to October.
American revolt against Mexican rule
Sonoma is known as the birthplace of American California, for it was in this town plaza that the Bear Flag Revolt took place and a Bear Flag was first raised on June 14, 1846. The rebelling men claimed to act on the orders of Col. John C. Fremont proclaiming independence from Mexican rule and a free country called the California Republic here. Sonoma served as the capital of the short-lived California Republic until the United States Stars and Stripes flag was raised during the Mexican-American war.General Vallejo was imprisoned during the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, and he later transferred his allegiance to the U.S. and endorsed California statehood (1850). With his amassed land holdings, Vallejo guided the development of the town of Sonoma. He was one of the most powerful residents in the town's history, dividing up the lands into large ranches for friends and family.
Viticulture
Sonoma is also considered the birthplace of wine-making in California, dating back to the original vineyards of Mission San Francisco Solano, then improvements made by Agoston Haraszthy, the father of California viticulture and credited with introduction of the Zinfandel/Primitivo grape varietal. The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival takes place late each September, and is California's oldest celebration of its winemaking heritage.
Geography
Sonoma is located at 38°17′20″N 122°27′32″W / 38.28889°N 122.45889°W / 38.28889; -122.45889 (38.288771, -122.458884). The city has an area of 2.65 sq mi (6.9 km2), none of it covered by water.The city is situated in the Sonoma Valley, with the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west, with the prominent landform Sears Point to the southwest.
Climate
Sonoma has typical Mediterranean weather with hot, dry summers (although nights are comfortably cool) and cool, wet winters. In February, the normal high is 58.4 °F (14.7 °C) and the typical low is 37.3 °F (2.9 °C). In July, the normal high is 89.8 °F (32.1 °C) and the normal low is 51.9 °F (11.1 °C). There are an average of 58.1 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and 12.1 days with highs of 100 °F (38 °C). The highest temperature on record was 116 °F (47 °C) on July 13, 1972, and the lowest temperature was 13 °F (−11 °C) on December 22, 1990. Normal annual precipitation is 30.64 inches (778 mm). The wettest month on record was 20.29 inches (515 mm) in January 1995. The greatest 24-hour rainfall was 6.75 inches (171 mm) on January 4, 1982. There are an average of 68.6 days with measurable precipitation. Snow has rarely fallen, but 1.0 inch fell in January 1907; more recently, snow flurries were observed on February 5, 1976 and in the winter of 2001.
Environmental features
The principal watercourse in the town is Sonoma Creek, which flows in a southerly direction to discharge ultimately to the Napa Sonoma Marsh; Arroyo Seco Creek is a tributary to Schell Creek with a confluence in the eastern portion of the town. The active Rodgers Fault lies to the west of Sonoma Creek; however, risk of major damage is mitigated by the fact that most of the soils beneath the city consist of a slight alluvial terrace underlain by strongly cemented sedimentary and volcanic rock. To the immediate south, west and east are deeper rich, alluvial soils that support valuable agricultural cultivation. The mountain block to the north rises to 1,200 feet (366 m) and provides an important scenic backdrop, around whose views the city's original streetscape was carefully laid out.In terms of fauna, there are a variety of birds, small mammals and amphibians who reside in Sonoma. California quail frequent the riparian areas, while black tailed deer kite, towhee, waxwing, robin, thrush and sparrow bird species are found locally.The town of Sonoma boasts a relatively quiet setting, with California State Route 12 (called from north to south Sonoma Highway, West Napa Street, and Broadway), Fifth Street West, and Spain Street being the primary noise sources. About eight miles (13 km) south of the city is the Infineon Raceway, which is also a significant noise generator. The total citywide population exposed to environmental noise exceeding 60 CNEL is approximately 300.
Demographics
As of the latest census of 2000, there were 9,128 people, 4,373 households, and 2,361 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,442/sq mi (1,330/km²). There were 4,671 housing units at an average density of 1,762/sq mi (681/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.80% White, 0.36% African American, 0.34% Native American, 1.70% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.61% from other races, and 2.14% from two or more races. 6.85% of the population were Hispanics (of any race).There are 4,373 households of which 21.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.0% were non-families. 39.2% of households consist of individuals and 21.5% have someone living alone who is 65 or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.77. The age distribution is as follows: 18.6% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 24.2% who have achieved age 65. The median age is 47 years. For every 100 females there were 81.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.0 males.The median income for a household in the city was $50,505, and the median income for a family was $65,600. Males had a median income of $51,831 versus $40,276 for females. The per capita income for the city was $32,387. 3.7% of the population and 2.0% of families were below the poverty line. 3.3% of those under 18 and 4.7% of those are 65 and older.
Politics
In the state legislature Sonoma is located in the 2nd Senate District, represented by Democrat Pat Wiggins, and in the 6th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Jared Huffman. Federally, Sonoma is located in California's 1st congressional district.
Media
There are two local newspapers in Sonoma: The Sonoma Index Tribune, and the Sonoma Valley Sun.The Sonoma Index-Tribune from Sonoma Valley Publishing, has been family owned since 1884. It was started by Benjamin Frank in 1879 as 'The Sonoma Index.' In 1884, Harry Granice purchased the small weekly and it soon became 'The Sonoma Index-Tribune.' Today, the paper is still owned and operated by the same family line. Upon Granice's death, his daughter Celeste Granice Murphy took over the publication. In 1946, Robert M. Lynch joined his aunt in the newspaper business, eventually buying the paper from her. Today Robert Lynch's sons, Bill Lynch and Jim Lynch, serve as owners and publishers of the twice weekly publication. The same company also provides the quarterly SONOMA magazine. The newspaper has received dozens of awards in its history, including recognition from the National Newspaper Association and the California Newspaper Publishers Association.The Sonoma Valley Sun is a weekly newspaper serving the city of Sonoma and surrounding communities since 2004 with news reporting, graphics, and photography. Its bimonthly companion insert, FineLife, is no longer published. The Sonoma Valley Sun formerly served the Latino community with El Sol, which is also no longer published. In 2010, publisher and owner Bill Hammett, a multimillionaire with ties to the telecom industry, sold the paper to a consortium of four freelancers after laying off his staff.
Transportation and highways
California State Route 12 is the main route in Sonoma, passing through the populated areas of the Sonoma Valley and connecting it to Santa Rosa to the north and Napa to the east. State routes 121 and 116 run to the south of town, passing through the unincorporated area of Schellville and connecting Sonoma Valley to Napa, Petaluma to the west, and Marin County to the south. Sonoma County Transit provides bus service from Sonoma to other points in the county. Golden Gate Transit cancelled its service from Sonoma Plaza to downtown San Francisco.
Notable residents
Joseph Hooker, one-time politician and future American Civil War general, lived in Sonoma in the 1850s. His house still exists in town.Jack London: (1876–1916) claimed that Sonoma meant 'The Valley of the Moon', which phrase is still applied to the town as well as the whole of Sonoma Valley. The writer lived for many years in the nearby town of Glen Ellen.Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo: Last Mexican military commander of northern California. His residence in Sonoma was the site for a portion of the Bear Flag revolt which made California a Republic.Count Agoston Haraszthy: the father of California viticulture, created the first winery west of the Mississippi. He tried many locations (including Wisconsin!) but settled in Sonoma with General Vallejo's assistance. His first winery, Buena Vista, still exists today.General Hap Arnold: an aviation pioneer and commander of the United States Army Air Corps (from 1938), commander of the U.S. Army Air Forces (from 1941 until 1945) and the first General of the Air Force (in 1949). The main arterial road, Arnold Drive, the runs up the west side of Sonoma Valley, is named for him as for Arnold Field a Football Field in Downtown SonomaJohn Lasseter: (born January 12, 1957 in Hollywood, California) is an animator and the chief creative executive at Pixar Animation Studios. Lasseter won Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film (Tin Toy) and Special Achievement Award (Toy Story).Chuck Williams: founder of Williams-Sonoma, the food assessory chain store, started its existence on Broadway, two blocks from the Plaza, before moving to San Francisco.Sebastiani Family: Family patriarch, Samuele Sebastiani, started Sebastiani Vineyards in 1904. His son, August, ran the company from 1944 to the late 1970s, when his son Sam took the reins. August died in 1980. In 1986, August's youngest son, Don Sebastiani, took the company from about 200,000 cases to just shy of 8 million cases produced in 1999, at which time he sold a number of assets to Constellation Wines. Don then left the old family company and he, along with his sons, Donny & August, started Don Sebastiani & Sons in 2000. Sebastiani Vineyards was under the direction of Sam & Don's sister, Mary Ann Sbastiani Cuneo, before being sold in Foley Wine Group in 2008. Don's son, August Sebastiani, was elected to the Sonoma City Council in 2006.Robin Williams: (born July 21, 1952 in Chicago) famous actor and comedian.[citation needed]Brian Posehn: Comedian and co-star on The Sarah Silverman Program grew up in Sonoma.Professional athletes: Tommy Everidge, Tony Moll and Joe Abouata were classmates, and grew up in Sonoma.
Historic sites
Sonoma can boast three of the first ten California Historical Landmarks:Mission San Francisco Solano(#3) - On July 4, 1823, Padre José Altamira founded the northernmost of California's Franciscan missions here, the only one established in California under independent Mexico.
The home of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo (#4) - known asLachryma Montis(Tears of the Mountain), was built in 1850.
Bear Flag Monument(#7) - On June 14, 1846, the Bear Flag Party raised the Bear Flag in the Sonoma plaza and declared California free from Mexican rule.
ThePresidio of Sonoma, the northernmost Mexican military post, still stands facing the plaza.
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Items named after the town
Sonoma Jack Cheese: Cheese, moist to very dry light colored cheese covered inchocolate powderand most credited to the Vella cheese making family. The Vella Cheese factory, former Sonoma Brewing Co. building, continues to make a variety of cheese products and is within walking distance of the Plaza.
TheGMC Sonomawas a compact pickup truck.
Intel's 'Sonoma' series processors. Several of Intel's processors were given names from towns, cities or places in Sonoma County when Intel's CEO was Les Vadasz. He is a resident of the Valley of the Moon area.
Points of interest
Agua Caliente
The Valley of the Moon
Sonoma Creek
Arroyo Seco Creek
Jack London State Historic Park
Quarryhill Botanic Garden
Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Developmental Center
Cornerstone SonomaInternationally acclaimed garden installations created by world class landscape architects from around the world. Plus, shops, art galleries, a cafe, and wine tasting.
Buena Vista Winery
Wine Country
Sonoma Traintown Railroad- a quarter scale train in a park 1-mile (1.6 km) south of the Town Square that covers 10 acres (40,000 m2). It has a petting zoo, ferris wheel, swings, vintage carousel, scrambler, miniature coaster and an airplane ride. In a television commercial, Train Town has claimed to be one fifth the size of the original Disneyland and twice the fun. It was opened in 1968. The airplane ride is only for children that are 54 inches (1,400 mm) tall or shorter, so it does have a height restriction.
Sonoma Plaza
Blue Wing Inn of 1840, where such notable guests, according to local tradition, includedJohn C. Frémont,U. S. Grant, GovernorPío Pico,Kit Carson, FightingJoe Hooker,William T. Sherman,Phil Sheridan, and members of theBear FlagParty.
GeneralMariano Guadalupe VallejoHome: official residence of the last Mexican Governor.
Presidio of Sonomaadobe
Mission San Francisco Solano, California's last Mission
Swiss Hotel - adobe structure and original home of Vallejo's brother, located on The Plaza.
Sebastiani Theatre - a historical theatre built in 1933 by Samuele Sebastiani as a movie house.
Infineon Raceway
The Sonoma Overlook Trail
Microsoft WindowsBliss (image)was photographed southeast of town on Fremont Drive near the site of Stornetta's Dairy.
The Corner Store- Located in one of Sonoma's oldest buildings, The Corner Store is a historic brick site that has been plagued by fire and even burned down several times.
