[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 111 (Monday, August 2, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S10006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       POINT CABRILLO LIGHTHOUSE

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today, I recognize an important and 
historic restoration project now nearing completion in Mendocino, 
California. While the North Coast of California is renowned for its 
natural beauty and breathtaking views, in Mendocino there is another 
coastal landmark that has captured the imagination of this rugged 
region. Built in 1908, the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is a living 
reminder of California's maritime history. And on August 6th, the 
Lighthouse celebrates the 90th anniversary of the first lighting of its 
light.
  This one-of-a-kind structure was originally built by the United 
States Lighthouse Service to protect the legendary ``doghole 
schooners'' that plied the lumber trade between San Francisco and 
California's northern coast at the turn of the century. The Lighthouse 
was turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939, and still houses Coast 
Guard navigational aids and monitoring equipment. However, the 
Lighthouse structure and its rare Fresnel lens suffered significant 
damage after many years of neglect. Then, in 1998, the California 
Coastal Conservancy and North Coast Interpretive Association stepped 
forward to restore and reinstate the original Fresnel lens, and to 
renovate the Lighthouse for use as an educational and interpretive 
center.
  Thanks to the efforts of the people of Mendocino, the Coastal 
Conservancy and the North Coast Interpretive Association, the 
Lighthouse restoration project will soon be complete. A weekend of 
festivities will celebrate the Lighthouse's revival and highlight the 
attractions of the Point Cabrillo Preserve and Light Station. This 
celebration will acknowledge the efforts of the many volunteers and 
community partners that also helped make this project a success.
  It is important to take the time to applaud the restoration of this 
nationally significant, historic landmark. I also think it is important 
to recognize the significance of community projects such as the Point 
Cabrillo Lighthouse, which serve as invaluable, irreplaceable links to 
our common past and as unique educational tools for the future. I 
commend the efforts that have gone into this restoration project, and 
send the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse volunteers and other partners my 
best wishes for their continued success.

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