Celebrate the Light, December 6th at Point Cabrillo

More than a year ago, the Coast Guard said the Lighthouse and lens, as a Federal Aid to Navigation, could be decommissioned. State Parks received written notification in February, 2014. To the dismay of the Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association, the previous agreements that assured that when the brilliant 3rd Order Fresnel lens was decommissioned the PCLK would operate it as a Private Aid to Navigation were in question.

A vigorous campaign was initiated to convince our partners at the U.S. Coast Guard that the community and volunteers who lovingly restored this lens could continue to operate it after it was decommissioned. Volunteers examined county records for the legal agreements that assured the transition. In support of keeping the light shining, many wrote the Coast Guard, including our local, state and federal lawmakers, members of our community and visitors from points beyond.

Due to the hard work of the volunteers who maintain the light, and the community which has supported Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park for so many years, the evidence of our abilities persuaded the Historian’s Office in Washington, D.C. to allow the PCLK to apply to operate the lens as a Private Aid. We were waiting for documents when, a few weeks ago, our friends in Congressman Jared Huffman’s offices inquired about the status, and were told the Coast Guard had reconsidered decommissioning the lens entirely.

Chief of External Affairs, Collin Bronson of United States Coast Guard District Eleven wrote that it was, “in consultation with the local community and the unique demands of the area” that this decision was achieved.  Chief Bronson’s letter assures this community that the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse will remain a federal aid to navigation with no further plans to remove or alter the light.

This wonderful news calls for a celebration! The Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association invites our community of friends and supporters to a PARTY on Saturday, December 6, 2014, in the Lighthouse at the Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park. Cake and refreshments will be served and the Gift Shop will be open for holiday purchases. Lens tours will be available from 11:30 to 2:00. PCLK Board members and docents will be on hand to chat.

We might even see southward bound migrating Gray Whales.