Cabrillo National Monument VIP Newsletter | |
July 2023 Updates for VIPs | |
Don't Forget to Log Your Hours! | |
Congratulations to our new IEV Program Manager: Ranger Amanda Gossard! | |
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It is my pleasure to announce that Amanda Gossard has been selected as Cabrillo National Monument's next Program Manager for the Interpretation, Education, and Volunteer programs!
Amanda has 15 years of federal service with the NPS, and her commitment to Cabrillo National Monument began in 1998, when she was onboarded as a youth volunteer. In 2003 she was selected as a Youth Conservation Corps member and spent the summer removing invasive plant species from the park. She returned as a crew leader for the same program in 2005. Amanda continued as a volunteer at CABR, primarily assisting with the herpetological monitoring program, until she took a position as a Visitor Use Assistant at the entrance station in 2008. She worked in the fee booth for three years before making the switch to the division of Interpretation, Education, and Volunteers (IEV). After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in recreation and tourism management, she was converted to a permanent employee as part of the Pathways program. Since joining IEV, she has held many collateral duty roles including Special Events Coordinator, Volunteer Program Manager, and Education Coordinator. As a lifelong learner, Amanda went back to school to earn her graduate degree in conservation education. Concurrently, she attended the NPS GOAL Leadership Academy to gain the skills necessary to be a leader and a change-maker within the National Park Service. Shortly after graduating both programs, she decided to test her newly gained skill set by accepting a 120-day detail as a District Interpreter at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Towards the end of last year, Amanda was selected to fill in as Acting IEV Program Manager for another 120-day detail. She is excited to continue her tenure at CABR and to utilize her experience and skillset to advance IEV and park-wide goals.
Amanda will start her new position on August 13th.
Congratulations Amanda!
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NPS Photo | Unknown (Left), A. Gossard (Top Right), P. Geisler (Bottom Right)
Collage of three photos of Ranger Amanda Gossard. Left is a 2003 photo of Amanda as a Youth Conservation Corps member at Cabrillo National Monument. Top right is her NPS GOAL Leadership Academy graduation photo. Bottom right is a view of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
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- Feature Story: Congratulations to our new IEV Program Manager, Ranger Amanda Gossard!
- In Memoriam: Karen Hoekstra & Peter Lee Tancredi
- Volunteer Navigation Committee Updates
- Safety Messages for VIPs: Protocol for Entering Cabrillo National Monument
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- Division Updates: Naturalization Ceremonies, Field Trips, and Comic-Con! Oh, my!

- News Spotlight: "Report: Wet winter creates issues for beach water quality across California"
- Continued Education Opportunities for VIPs
- On the VIP Voice: What's in the Tidepools?
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In Memoriam
It is with grieving hearts that we take a moment to inform you all that we have had two recent passings in our Cabrillo National Monument family: Karen Hoekstra and Peter Lee Tancredi. Both were long-time dedicated volunteers in our park and left legacies behind to live on with us.
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Karen Hoekstra
"I didn't remember Karen well, but I do remember her when she came to a Tidepool Committee meeting and introduced herself. She told us that she knew Bonnie Phillips and volunteered as a TPERP in prior years. She was very personable and participated in several activities over the years that we worked together. Although she wasn't able to volunteer the past few years, her spirit and enthusiasm were present in the park. She will be missed by everyone, and Cabrillo is better by its relationship with Karen. Thank you, Karen!"
"Karen was always so happy to be around. She had a ready smile and an easygoing way about her – she was fun to talk to and could brighten anyone's day."
“Karen was a bright light at the monument. I had the pleasure of working with her for many years because she began volunteering when I started my career here. She was always so kind, inquisitive, funny, and showed a genuine interest in what was going on with people. I will remember and hold close her laughter and her kind spirit for years to come.
With condolences to Karen's family, friends, and everyone who worked alongside her at the monument." - Ranger Amanda
Upon retiring from volunteering in 2020, Karen had the following to say about her time at Cabrillo:
"When my husband and I moved to Point Loma 22 years ago, we didn’t realize what a special place it is. What I didn’t realize was that Cabrillo National Monument is even more special. I have truly enjoyed volunteering at the Park. I started at the Tidepools, which was very rewarding, and I ended my career at the Lighthouse and the Visitors Center. I have met so many interesting people from around the world, and learned so much about the Park’s history, geology, native plants, and animals."
Karen was diagnosed with ALS almost 2 years ago, and passed away at home on Monday, June 26, 2023. She called it “going over the rainbow” and she departed peacefully and fearlessly.
NPS Photo | VIP Karen Hoekstra smiles in her uniform, the San Diego Bay behind her.
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Peter Lee Tancredi
Peter-Lee started by volunteering with us at the Visitor Center and later transitioned to taking on the role of Entrance Station VIP. Many of us will miss being greeted by him at the gate, hearing, “Entrance Station, Peter-Lee,” on the radio, and his friendship.
He also spearheaded Cabrillo National Monument’s How Did We Shine? program, which you all see highlighted every month on this newsletter. We asked staff and volunteers to share a few memories through the How Did We Shine? form:
“When I worked weekends, I would often go to Jensen's for lunch and when I would come back into the park, Peter Lee would usually be helping the entrance station by checking passes in line. Even if the line was backed up to the cemetery, he would always take the extra time to ask me how I was and how work was treating me. His kind demeanor and positive energy was something that I'll always remember about him. I will miss our small talks that always included some laughs and hearing his voice over the radio.”
“Peter kept dog treats in his pocket and would keep stats on how many dogs we engaged with by counting dog treats – he would start of knowing how many treats he began his day with and would count how many he finished with. Everyone always got a laugh out of that.”
“I thought very highly of Peter and will miss him very much. He was helpful and kind.”
“Peter made sure that each person who visited the park was treated with respect and kindness. I remember hearing him greet people as they came to the park. Even though I wasn’t the one he was greeting, just hearing his upbeat voice always made me smile and feel my spirits be uplifted.”
“He was so kind. He really helped me feel welcome in my first year working at the park. Thank you so much, Peter Lee!”
“Peter- you are certainly going to be missed! I’ll miss your joyful attitude, your kindness, your smile, and your ever uplifting self.”
"Peter was one of the nicest people around. He was always interested in others and was always ready to help. He worked so hard at the park and contributed so much. He made you feel like you were the most important person in the world."
"Peter was not only a model volunteer, but he was also a model human being. I volunteered alongside with Peter for almost a decade. Always upbeat, friendly to everyone and a great ambassador for the park. I will miss our quick catch up when he greeted me along the entrance line in weekends. Peter led a great life, and I am a better person by being able to call Peter my friend. He will be missed by all. Thank you, Peter!"
“Working with Peter Lee was such a joyful experience for me, and I will miss our check-ins. I will miss his laugh and joyful way of greeting everyone in our team. He was always so caring and thoughtful towards us all. Each one of our volunteers is precious to me, and I am sorry to see one of them go.”
We can remember Peter-Lee by looking back at his VIP Spotlight article on the VIP Voice.
NPS Photo | VIP Peter Lee smiles in his uniform, leaning against the Entrance Station.
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How Did We Shine? Kudos
Birds of feather flock together, or so they say...that explains why all of VIPs are so passionate and dedicated! Cabrillo National Monument was busy in June and will only be busier in July. We're lucky to have such amaze-wing VIPs to help!
Here are some visitor and staff kudos that show how our volunteers are soaring high:
For VIP Sandy W.: "So helpful about lighthouse access!"
For VIP Suzanne: "She swore in my daughter as a Jr. Ranger, and she was WONDERFUL! Thank you!" and "Suzanne up here at the top was very helpful too!"
For VIPs Ken and Barb: "A+ volunteers in the tidepools, we were assisted with great visit enhancement with our granddaughter! We had a stingray and keyhole limpet encounter with Ken."
For VIP Mary R. and Jan S.: "Were amazing and helpful. Showed us how to spot and ID creatures in the tidepools. We had such a wonderful time exploring with them even though Mary was training Jan....they were both A++!"
For VIP Jack V. and John D.: "Very helpful, especially about the National Park stamp book."
For VIP Patricia F.: "So nice, got all 4 children to become park rangers, and was just a joy to talk to!
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Let's keep it going! Thinking of a fellow volunteer who deserves to be celebrated? Send us your kudos and spotlights to the link below, so we can share them in the next newsletter, and celebrate each other together! | |
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NPS Photo | P. Geisler
Close-up of pelican soaring over the teal and light blue ocean waves.
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Volunteer Navigation Committee (VNC) Updates
Our next VNC meeting is TBD. A message will be sent out via Volgistics a week before the first Saturday of the month.
"Thank you to Cabrillo's VNC for all the continued education opportunities it has been organizing for our VIPs! It's been great to see the development of our VNC this past year." - Ranger Sandy

All volunteers are welcome to join in on VNC meetings!
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So, why would you join a volunteer committee—isn’t that just another meeting to your already full schedule?
The Volunteer Navigation Committee (VNC) provides all volunteers with a voice in the decision-making processes for the VIP program at CNM. You can make a difference. Join us at the next meeting!
NPS Photo (top) | Ranger Sandy and four wonderful VIPs and interns at the tidepool entrance.
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Stay cool! Heat illness 101
Don't underestimate the dangers of hot weather and dehydration! With the summer finally heating up, please keep this in mind during shifts:
- Drink water every 20 minutes...even if you don't "feel" thirsty!
- Wear a hat and sunscreen (reapply too)!
- Take shade breaks!
Learn more about heat illness' signs and prevention from this illustrated OSHA guide.
Please contact "Any Law Enforcement" if:
- You, another VIP, or a park visitor reports suspected heat illness.
- You spot an unattended child or dog inside a locked vehicle on a hot, sunny day.
In just one hour, on a hot day, even a car parked in the shade can reach temperatures over 100 °F. Thanks to a VIP report, this summer has included one dog rescue already!
NPS | P. Geisler
A VIP wearing a hat on a bright and sunny day, with the ocean waves foaming behind her.
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REMINDER: Entering the park properly
Please make sure you are following park protocol when entering the park as a VIP. Here's a quick overview:
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Only to use the employee lane when here for official VIP service! You must be in uniform and make a full stop at the stop sign. Only continue when Entrance Station staff recognizes you as a VIP and gives you the go ahead.
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If you are a newer VIP, please be sure to wear your official VIP hat to use the employee lane. If you are a newer VIP who has not completed training and received a hat, please continue to use the visitor lane until you finish training.
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When using the employee lane as a VIP, please do not show your America the Beautiful pass. Seeing this can misinform and upset visitors.
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Please do not cut through bike lane. Only enter the employee lane once you have passed the traffic cones placed by staff.
Thank you so much for doing your part to help our Entrance Station rangers and VIPs!
NPS | P. Geisler
View of the winding accessibility road leading to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
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Joshua Tree Law Enforcement
To help ensure coverage at Cabrillo National Monument, LE Rangers from Joshua Tree National Park may occasionally be stationed here. As always, they will respond to "Any Law Enforcement".
Be sure to say hi if you see an unfamiliar LE Ranger around...they may be from Joshua Tree!
NPS | Bill Bjornstad
A Joshua Tree National Park Law Enforcement vehicle.
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Interpretation, Education, & Volunteers (IEV) | |
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Thank you, acting IEV Ranger Chris Symons!
It has been such a pleasure working with Ranger Chris. His hard work and passion to jump right in is greatly appreciated.
Ranger Chris Symons heads back to his home park, Pinnacles National Park, on August 8th. In the meantime, he will be helping with the transitioning of the position with Ranger Amanda.
A huge thank you to Ranger Chris for coming out to help here at Cabrillo National Monument. Be sure to say your "see you laters" to him before he heads back home!
CNMF | Gary Severt
Park Rangers Sandy Hernandez and Chris Symons smile fron the top of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse tower.
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POSTPONED: VIP Ice Cream Social Saturday (7/29)
We were notified by VIP Peter Lee's family that his memorial service will take place on Saturday, July 29th.
Out of respect for Peter Lee's passing, and what he meant to the Cabrillo National Monument family, this event has been postponed until further notice. Once we have confirmation, we will be sure to share the details of the memorial service to interested VIPs and staff members.
(Flyer) NPS | H. Marquez
Colorful flyer with ice cream cones and the NPS volunteer logo. The information written on it is now covered by a red banner that reads, "postponed."
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SAVE THE DATES! VIP FIELD TRIPS | |
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San Diego Zoo
Saturday, October 7th
More details to come. We're excited to offer VIPs this opportunity!
San Diego Zoo | Unknown
Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) close-up.
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Birch Aquarium
Saturday, November 4th
More details to come. We're excited to offer VIPs this opportunity!
Birch Aquarium | Caitlyn Scully
Leafy snapdragon (Phycodurus eques) close-up.
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Naturalization Ceremonies
The Naturalization Ceremonies are starting again! The next one is Tuesday, July 25th. Please sign up for a Naturalization Ceremony if you are available, as we need VIPs' help!
Never volunteered at these ceremonies but would like to give it a try?
Email cabr_volunteers@nps.gov so we can provide more details and ensure you are able to sign up!
Thank you for your continued commitment and support with the Naturalization Ceremonies!
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NPS Photo | VIP Kim
Trees frame the image of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse's lens and lantern in the distance. The historical 38-star flag also waves in the frame.
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Help wanted: Join our Textile Team VIPs!
Want a flexible volunteer opportunity, where you can even "work from home"? Want to take part in the care and protection of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse? Join Cabrillo National Monument's Textile Team!
Please reach out to Ranger Sandy at sandy_hernandez@nps.gov if you are interested in joining the VIP Sewing/Textile Team, or if you have any questions about the role.
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NPS| C. Aurrecoechea
Three VIPs in the Textile Team pose with stitched pillows and a "Textile Team" sign.
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Comic Con Museum - STEAM Squad!
STEAM Fair Science Splash Talks
Friday, July 21 - Sunday, July 23
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Comic-Con Museum
Balboa Park
Museum Tickets: Vary from $25 to free (children under 6)
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Join the Squad this summer with San Diego Comic-Con International and the Comic-Con Museum!
Do science, create art, learn new things, and be inspired! This STEAM Fair is family-friendly event, no ComicCon badges are required. As a VIP, you and your families are invited!
This event will feature our Science Educator, Sam Wynns, and a booth representing Cabrillo National Monument. Make sure to visit and say hi!
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AAAS | McKenna Pace
Comic-Con Museum STEAM Fair Flyer, lists the information described above.
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Resources Management & Science | |
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Oceanside Trail – Work is paused for now but will continue in early August. The trail is still closed to the public and is anticipated to be completed later this year.
New at the Coastal Trail – The trailer at the Coastal Trail entrance has been removed and replaced by a shed! This new shed will house supplies for safety and TPERP programs.
Panama Gun Mount #4 – As you drive down Cabrillo Road toward the tidepools, you may have noticed a new clearing in the “horseshoe” of land between Cabrillo Road and Gatchell Road. This is Panama Gun Mount #4, which has been cleared of vegetation and will be undergoing further restoration work in July. While it's not safe for VIPs to access yet, we've included a sneak preview below!
Old Point Loma Lighthouse – The interior of the lighthouse will be repainted starting July 17, with some impacts to lighthouse operations.
NPS Photo | P. Geisler (Above)
Back view of the now-removed TPERP Trailer, with lush green plants below.
NPS Photo | P. Geisler (Below)
A clearing showing Panama Gun Mount #4, with two rangers pacing its wide cement loops.
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Weed Warriors
Great work on taming the weeds. The reporting of our EDRR plants has really helped to reduce the amount of these “Baddies” in the park. The identification of Tocalote (Centaurea melitensis) has been great! Keep up the good work.
Have friends or family who want to try out Weed Warriors, or just volunteer for a day? Check out Volunteer.gov for Open Drop-In Sessions!
NPS | H. Marquez
Weed Warriors smile for a team selfie.
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Entrance Station
Welcome Ranger Evelyn Hernandez, and congratulations on your first position with the National Park Service! As a Recreation Fee Technician for Cabrillo National Monument, please make sure to say hi when you enter the park!

"Hi, I’m Evelyn! I am a Navy veteran originally from the Bay Area but have lived in Southern California for the better part of 6 years. I am an avid traveler and a lover of theme parks.
I had always thought national parks were only for outdoorsy people. However, when the pandemic put a halt on big travel plans, I decided to hit the road and visit national parks for the first time, and I fell in love. I could not have asked for a better location for my first position with the NPS. Looking forward to working with you all!"
NPS | E. Hernandez
Ranger Evelyn Hernandez smiles at the camera with a bright expression. She wears black-framed glasses and has brown eyes and hair.
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Partner Message from CNMF | |
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Cabrillo National Monument Foundation (CNMF)'s Thank You Picnic took place on Saturday, June 24th.
Thank you so much to the VIPs who signed up to help! As Peggy Junker, CNMF Development Manager, stated:
"You worked really hard setting up, especially in those crazy winds, and then cleaning up! I thought the open tower was a terrific success and was really enjoyed by the attendees."
Keep an eye on the VIP Newsletter for more volunteer opportunities at special park and CNMF events!
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CNMF | Gary Severt
Park rangers, VIPs, and CNMF staff smiling, standing on the Old Point Loma Lighthouse's stairs.
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Report: Wet winter creates issues for beach water quality across California | |
"An unusually wet winter led to water quality challenges at California beaches, according to an annual report released Wednesday by an environmental group, which determined that only two beaches statewide — including one in San Diego County — were worthy of spots on its coveted 'honor roll' of clean water conditions."
Check out this KPBS article highlighting the Point Loma Lighthouse! Your work as volunteers, protecting the park's natural resources, helped make our clean waters possible. Thank you!
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KPBS | Susan Murphy
View of Old Point Loma Lighthouse's whitewashed walls and tower, and a purple and pink sunset sky.
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Continued Education Opportunities | |
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"People with disabilities — permanent or temporary, visible or invisible, are the largest minority in the United States. But their stories and histories often remain untold or their disabilities are hidden.
'Disability stories' refer to the array of experiences by, from, and about people with disabilities represented across our nation. Disability history does not follow a single, chronological thread. Instead, it is a flow of simultaneous triumphs and struggles."
July is Disability Pride Month! Learn below about how the National Parks Service honors and commemorates the histories of people, events, and places tied to American disability history.
As a VIP, make sure that you are informed about Cabrillo National Monument's Accessibility Can you find one service that you didn't know about?
The VIP Voice's E-binder has resources for you too: Communicating With and About People With Disabilities.
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National Museum of American History | Unknown
President George H.W. Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act. Photo inscribed to Justin Dart, Jr., 1990.
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"Academy award-winning actor and singer Billy Porter takes us on a journey through time to explore the more obscure political actions that have changed the course of LGBTQIA+ history. Before that fateful day at Stonewall in 1969, there were nearly 50 years worth of queer political actions that took place but today, they are still overlooked when regarding modern history and civil rights movements."
For San Diegans, July is when our Pride Parade takes place! In just 5 minutes, learn more about the civil rights struggles and victories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans.
Want to know more about San Diego's rich and fascinating history with its own LGBTQ+ community? Curious about how WWII ties in?
Watch the free KPBS documentary: San Diego's Gay Bar History.
them | Video thumbnail for "Billy Porter Gives A Brief History of Queer Political Action."
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What's in the Tidepools? - June 2023 | |
As we enter the summer season, a variety of bird sightings highlight this month. Don't forget to visit the Tidepool Videos page. A Great Horned Owl was observed by Pauline at closing in the upper portion of the park...
Have any cool tidepool photos or videos to share? Please feel free to send them to cnmvipvoice@gmail.com!
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NPS Photo | P. Geisler
A Great Horned Owl (Bubo virgianus) in flight, with its wings outstretched, against a bright blue sky.
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