Light Station: 1972 to 1992

Disengagement

In 1972, the Fresnel lens was disengaged and an aero-marine type rotating beacon was mounted on the roof of the Fog Signal Building. The original lens was painted and shrouded and remained in the lantern room. The clockworks was removed from the building, and the fog signal machinery had been disengaged several years prior. The last lightkeeper retired. Coast Guard personnel based in Fort Bragg were billeted in the residences.

Point Cabrillo was a monitoring station for LORAN-C (Long Range Aids to Navigation), an electronic system used by ships and aircraft to pinpoint their exact location and projected route. The Loran-C system was discontinued by the US Coast Guard in 2010.

Coast Guard officers and their families continued to live in the keepers’ houses until the Conservancy took possession in 1992.

Preservation

The property was purchased and preserved from development in 1992 by the California State Coastal Conservancy and managed by a non-profit affiliate, the North Coast Interpretive Association (NCIA). The NCIA turned over all duties to the newly incorporated Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association (PCLK) in 2002.

Restoration from 1995 to 2001 included the Lighthouse, Oil House, and Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop.

More recent restorations include the three Lightkeeper’s residences as well as three buildings behind the residences.