Documented proof of "historic patterns of segregation by race and ethnicity" in City of Sonoma

Sonoma Valley Collaborative members want more diverse and affordable homes for a sustainable Sonoma Valley community.

The City of Sonoma’s draft Housing Element says “that there are no known historic patterns of segregation by race and ethnicity, persons with disabilities, familial status, age or income” (p. HBR-140). This statement is incorrect. The deeds of many Sonoma parcels still retain their racially restrictive provisions in writing, though these provisions are no longer enforceable. Local property deeds with similar restrictions are apparently held by the City and the County of Sonoma and/or the Sonoma Valley Historical Society. We in Sonoma don’t need to be defined by this history, but we should acknowledge it and commit to policies that will achieve a fair housing future.

This example is from 4th Street East. The house, built in 1966, is within the "Frugoli tract”, which covers 25 or more parcels across almost 10 acres. The tract was established in 1948. The restrictive provisions still appeared in the deed when the current owner bought the property in 2018.

We encourage you to watch the Sonoma County NAACP and Sonoma County Black Forum March 14, 2022 presentation on the State of Black Housing in Sonoma County, or read our takeaways.

The Sonoma County NAACP chapter has been bringing the data and foundational work on racial exclusion in housing forward since 2020, building on the volunteer efforts of D'mitra Smith, former Chair of the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights, who has been working to push to daylight this issue in Sonoma since 2015.