Lombardo Family History | Lombardo Ranch Dixon

A Family Story
Rooted in the Land

The story of Lombardo Ranch is ultimately a story about family, agriculture, and a lasting connection to Dixon. For generations, the land has been shaped by people who understood that stewardship requires patience, hard work and a long-term perspective.

Long before discussions about growth and planning, this property was working farmland. Fields of wheat, barley, corn, tomatoes and other crops helped support local agriculture while contributing to the rural character that continues to define Dixon today.

The values that guided those efforts, responsibility, stewardship and planning for the future, remain at the heart of the property’s story.

Rina Gallino & the
Family Legacy

At the center of that story is Rina Gallino, whose life helped shape the family’s connection to the land.

Born in Italy in the early 1900s, Rina immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island and built a life rooted in agriculture. Family members remember her as someone with an extraordinary understanding of plants, soil and growing things. Whether tending gardens, orchards or fields, she approached the land with care and purpose.

She passed along those values to future generations, teaching that land was more than property, it was something to be nurtured, improved and thoughtful

A Longstanding Connection to Dixon

Over the decades, Dixon became an important part of the family's story. The community's agricultural roots, strong sense of place and connection to the land mirrored many of the values that shaped the Lombardo family.

As the city evolved, so did the role of the ranch. What began as farmland gradually became part of broader conversations about schools, infrastructure, open space and the future of the community. Throughout those changes, the family remained committed to making decisions with future generations in mind.

Contributing to the Community

The Lombardo family’s connection to Dixon extends beyond agriculture. Over the years, family-owned land has helped support important community assets, including future school sites, water infrastructure, drainage facilities and public open space.

One of the most visible examples is Rina’s Trail, a public pathway named in honor of Rina Gallino. Today, residents use the trail for walking, recreation and enjoying the outdoors, creating a lasting connection between the family’s history and the broader community.

These contributions reflect a belief that land can serve multiple purposes over time while remaining connected to its history.