Welcome to Sonoma Stories
Every relationship with Sonoma is a journey.
Some people first came here for a visit.
Some found Sonoma and decided to stay.
Some found Sonoma, became active in the community, and helped build the Sonoma we know today.
Others were born here - and many of them also became active in the community and helped build the Sonoma we know today.
Each journey is different. Together, these personal stories show what Sonoma is really like.
The Sonoma Journey
The Journey Pyramid shows four ways people experience Sonoma:
I Visited
I Found & Stayed
I Helped Build
I Was Born Here
Many storytellers have more than one story. Their stories are linked as chapters so you can follow that person’s Journey.
You might begin with someone’s I Visited story, then follow the link to read how they Found Sonoma & Stayed, and continue to discover how they Helped Build Sonoma.
People who were Born Here may also have a linked story about how they helped build and shape the community.
At the end of each chapter, follow the linked story title to continue that person’s Sonoma Journey.
Use the links at the top of the page to explore any part of the Journey.
How It Works
No writing is needed.
Meet with Don for a short recorded conversation, usually 10 to 15 minutes, or record your story yourself and send us the audio file.
We turn the conversation into a written story in your voice. If your experience includes more than one part of the Sonoma Journey, it may become a series of connected chapters.
You review the story and can make changes before or after it appears on the site.
Stories can be recorded in English or Spanish, and every story can be read in either language.
Get Started
👉 Click Share Your Story at the top of the page to begin sharing your Sonoma Journey.