Sacramento, CA – Senator Mike McGuire took the first steps to forever honor the legacy and contributions of the man who was responsible for the creation of Annadel State Park and whose ongoing philanthropy helped keep the park open during the darkest days of the recession.

Senator McGuire’s resolution – SCR 79 – would urge the State Park and Recreation Commission to add Henry Trione’s name to the Annadel State Park title in order to recognize his vision, generosity and dedication to Sonoma County while retaining Annadel in the park’s historic name. The proposed new name would be: Trione-Annadel State Park.

SCR 79 was approved in the Senate Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday.

“It’s because of Mr. Trione’s vision and generosity that generations of Northern Californians will enjoy this amazing park that features ancient oak woodlands, breathtaking meadows, flowing streams and miles of hiking and biking trails,” Senator Mike McGuire said. “Henry Trione’s most significant and enduring contribution to Sonoma County and the State of California is the creation of Annadel State Park and we can’t thank him enough for protecting this sensitive open space, forever.”

Henry Trione died earlier this year at the age of 94. Starting out from his humble roots as a son of an Italian Immigrant, Mr. Trione worked at his father’s Humboldt County bakery, he was a proud Navy veteran and he went on to become a successful local businessperson.

Throughout the years, Trione gave away much of his fortune in support of the arts, social service programs to help the neediest North Bay residents and he spearheaded the effort to create one of Sonoma County’s most beloved parks, Annadel.

During the budget crisis in 2012, when state parks were closing down, Henry Trione was the one who personally provided the majority of the funds needed to keep Annadel State Park open and thriving. He helped rally the community to keep the park accessible to the public and under county administration – where it continues to this day.

Senator McGuire’s resolution is supported by the California State Parks Foundation, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, the Santa Rosa City Council, and United States Congressmen Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman. Principal co-authors of the resolution are Senator Lois Wolk and Assemblymembers Bill Dodd, Jim Wood and Marc Levine.

During yesterday’s Senate Natural Resources Committee hearing, representatives from the California State Parks Foundation, the City of Santa Rosa and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors spoke in support of the resolution.

After approval in the Senate Natural Resources Committee, SCR 79 will be heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee before heading to the Senate Floor.

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