It started with a series of anti-gay Facebook posts made by Stacy Mattson, co-owner of several Sonoma businesses, that went viral in the spring of 2019, as reported in the Sonoma Index Tribune. Stacy Mattson, along with her husband Ken Mattson and business partner Tim LeFever, own Sonoma’s Best Hospitality Group, which consists of over 20 Sonoma businesses targeting locals and tourists alike. As noted in that article, "LeFever, has served as chairman of the board of the Capitol Resource Institute, which has lobbied to repeal state legislation that ensures gay people and gay rights are included in school textbooks and that sexual orientation is protected against discrimination in the schools. LeFever was also part of a group, Privacy for All, that in 2015 proposed a state initiative which would have banned transgender people from using bathrooms in government buildings that matched their gender identity.”*

The reaction to the Sonoma Index Tribune report was fast and furious. While it was shocking to learn that the Mattsons and their partner are had these views and supported anti-human rights causes, it was abominable to learn that the profits they earn from their businesses are used to support anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-women initiatives. Sonomans were quick to express disgust. The Mattsons and LeFever have refused to comment then and have remained silent to this day.

To learn firsthand how the community feels about the Mattsons and LeFever, a simple search for “Mattsons" on the Sonoma Index Tribune Facebook page  will result in news articles and passionate comments. Below are some links to various news articles.

*Tim LeFever's current ties to these groups is unknown