More than 1,100 Sonoma residents have signed an online petition to stop the city from rezoning the historic Sebastiani Winery property, a move they fear will pave the way for a large-scale hotel or shopping center.
According to the Sonoma Index-Tribune, the group Save Sonoma argues that changing the 20-acre site from “agricultural” to “mixed-use” threatens the city’s small-town charm, reduces vital vineyard land, and could significantly increase wildfire and evacuation risks for the neighborhood.
While the property owner, Foley Family Wines, says the site is currently underused after winemaking production stopped in 2021, opponents are calling for a clearer definition of what “mixed-use” actually entails.
The city is currently accepting public comments on the draft land-use plan through February 18, and protesters have already threatened a referendum to repeal any changes if the city moves forward with the rezoning.
