Ernest Finley founded The Press Democrat in 1897 merging his newspaper, The Evening Press, with the Sonoma Democrat. During his 45 years as editor and publisher, Mr. Finley acquired a reputation for a fair and honest reporting while contruibuting significantly to the quality of life in Santa Rosa. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Finley served as president and publisher of the Press Democrat for 31 years, carrying out the ideals he had established. The newspaper and the radio station they owned and supported all worthwhile community projects over their 76 years of ownership, and they were in the vanguard of any effort to advance or assist the City of Santa Rosa, County of Sonoma, and North Bay in various community efforts, including the founding of the Sonoma County Fair, and being the driving force for the northern counties that made the Golden Gate Bridge a reality. Their Foundation - the Ernest L. and Ruth W. Finley Foundation continues perpetually their interest in the community and its projecets. A noteworthy example is the Foundation's joint effort with the City of Santa Rosa for the creation of Finley Park, including the community center and aquatic complex.