PD Editorial: Fitting tribute forHenry Trione

In an age when unlimited sums of money are flowing into political campaigns but local parks, and nonprofits struggle for dollars, it’s good to be reminded of people like Henry Trione.

The late philanthropist and businessman, who died in February at age 94, came from a time when those who did well in business saw it as their obligation to give back to the community in ways more substantial than through independent expenditure campaigns.

And he did. Trione, who made his money through mortgage lending, timber, wine and owning a part of the Oakland Raiders, left his mark on the landscape of Sonoma County life in multiple ways, from the creation of the Wells Fargo Center and Empire College to the preservation of such things as Santa Rosa’s annual Rose Parade.

Given that, it would be fitting to put his name on the one thing that, according to his friends and family, brought him as much joy as any other of his contributions, Annadel State Park.

As we noted when Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, initially raised this idea three months ago, Annadel wouldn’t exist if not for Trione. In 1969, the 5,000-acre property surrounding Lake Ilsanjo was targeted for a housing development. But Trione put up $1 million of his own money and talked his hunting buddy, Joe Long of Long’s Drugs, to help in putting together a $5 million package to preserve the land. In truth, Trione saved the park twice. Three years ago when Annadel was faced with closure due to declining state funds, he pitched in $100,000 to keep it open.

It’s well known that Trione was not interested in having his name associated with any particular bridge or building. But Annadel was “the only thing he ever said he wanted his name on,” said Mark Trione, his son.

And the idea is gaining steam. Already supported by the Santa Rosa City Council as well as Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors this week approved a resolution calling for the name to be changed to “Trione’s Annadel State Park.” If approved by the state Legislature, the final decision rests with the California State Park and Recreation Commission, which reportedly isn’t keen on changing the names of parks. But it has done it before, and it should do it again. It would be a fitting tribute to a man whose name and contributions deserve to be forever attached to these beloved northern oak woodlands, which, like Trione, represent the best of Sonoma County life.