Welcome to Sonoma Stories

Every relationship with Sonoma is a journey.

Some people first came here for a visit. Others were born here. Some chose to stay, and many became involved in building the community we know today.

Every journey is different. Together, these personal stories reveal what Sonoma is really like—through the voices of the people who know it.

The Sonoma Journey

The Journey Pyramid follows three chapters in a person’s relationship with Sonoma:

• I Visited Sonoma—or I Was Born in Sonoma

• I Chose to Stay

• I Got Involved in the Community

Every journey begins with visiting Sonoma or being born here.

Click on Born Here or Visited and pick a person to follow their journey.

From there, you can follow someone’s connected stories: from their first experience of Sonoma, to their decision to stay, to the ways they became involved in the community.

Share Your Sonoma Story

No writing is required.

You can meet with Don for a short recorded conversation, usually lasting 10 to 15 minutes. You may also record your story yourself and send us the audio.

We turn the conversation into one or more written stories in your voice and connect the chapters of your journey. After your stories appear on the website, you can review them and request changes.

Stories may be recorded in English or Spanish, and every story can be read in either language.

Get Started

👉 Click Share Your Story to begin sharing your Sonoma Journey.