The Sonoma Penglai Sister City Committee (SPSCC) wants to let everyone know that the kick-off of the Wine Country Chinese Legacy Project Campaign has begun.  What is the Wine Country Chinese Legacy Project?  Simply stated, it is an acknowledgement of history and an expression of gratitude which exemplifies the mission of the Sonoma Sister Cities Association, and its parent organization, Sister Cities International.

Here’s what SPSCC would like you to know:  the vitality of Sonoma County’s wine industry exists, in part, because of the numerous contributions made by a diverse group of immigrant communities that helped shape its current appearance and commercial growth.   In keeping with the mission of Sister Cities International (SCI) , the Sonoma Penglai Sister City Committee (SPSCC) began a process to create acknowledgement and awareness of the importance the Chinese immigrant community that came to Sonoma in the latter part of the 19th century.  Most Americans are probably aware that Chinese laborers worked to construct the transcontinental railroad which became a key backbone of commerce across the country in the late 1800s.  Less known is how Chinese farm workers planted and tended the first vineyards in Sonoma County.

To honor those efforts of the Chinese immigrants, SPSCC is pleased to launch the official start of the Wine Country Chinese Legacy project.  The Project will be a beautiful physical monument, known as a ting, to be installed in Depot Park; it received full and final approval from the Sonoma City Council on September 7, 2016.   The funding to make this monument a reality will depend on contributions, and so the SPSCC is seeking support for this effort.  Notice the beautiful conceptual drawing, above, by Caroline Praetzel.

For more information about the commemorative structure and how to contribute, please click  
HERE

The Sonoma Penglai Sister Cities Committee operates under the auspices of the Sonoma Sister Cities Association (SSCA), a registered nonprofit organization (federal ID #68-0108056).  Your contribution to the Sonoma Chinese Legacy Project is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed under federal and state law.