Cabrillo National Monument VIP Newsletter | |
November 2022 Updates for VIPs | |
Don't Forget to Log Your Hours! | |
VIP Slideshow:
Through the Years at Cabrillo National Monument
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We see you, and we appreciate you all!
We chose the 2022 VIP Recognition Event theme of "Through the Years" to honor our VIPs for the time they have dedicated to this park—and this slideshow shows only a sliver of their hard work. There are so many projects of restoration, preservation, and visitor education that would have never succeeded without you all. I hope this slideshow can showcase not only the accomplishments, but also the bonds you have built together with your fellow volunteers!
As for our new VIPs—we are so glad that you have joined us! We look forward to seeing you shine and hope we can have you here as part of our bright future ahead.
Thank you so much VIP Becky Weider for assembling this slideshow!
If you would like to send any VIP event photos to our archives, especially for the 2022 VIP Recognition Event, please reach out to us at cabr_volunteers@nps.gov.
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- VIP Spotlight: Kathy Wellbrock
- Volunteer Navigation Committee Updates
- CAUTION: Elavated Avain Flu!
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- News Spotlight: Haunted Lighthouses
- Naturally Speaking: Building San Salvador
- Continued Education Opportunity
- Partner News: Ocean Institute
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Bayside Trail Closure, November 7-18
The Bayside Trail will be closed to the public due to construction from Monday, November 7th, through Friday, November 18th.
The park is making sure to have signs posted around the park with this information, as well as updating our park website and phone messages.
Thank you for your understanding.
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NPS Photo | C. Aurrecoechea
Landscape photo of a bend in the Bayside Trail, a dirt trail marked by a rope fence and surrounded by bushes, overlooking the water. In the distance, under a cloudy gray-blue horizon, sails a military carrier.
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Annual VSA Renewals!
To stay up to date and compliant with service wide policy, VIPs will need to renew their paperwork annually to be considered ACTIVE volunteers.
Deadline for VIP Paperwork Renewal is set for Tuesday, November 15th.
If you couldn't attend the VIP Recognition Event, pick up your goodie bags too!
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VIPs can complete the forms as they arrive for their shift by asking at the Visitor Center Information Desk to contact CVA Hannah (when available) or asking their VIP Supervisor for assistance. If you would like to still be considered an active volunteer but do not have planned shifts, or no longer consider yourself active, please let us know!
VIPs who could not attend the 2022 Recognition Event can also sign up for desk hours (link below), inform their supervisors, or reach out via email if they would like a goodie bag.
If you have any questions, please email cabr_volunteers@nps.gov. Please do not email your VSAs, as NO digital signatures will be accepted.
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NPS Photo | S. Hernandez
VIPs Jeannine and Rod pose at Visitor Center roundabout, showing off their new Cabrillo National Monument VIP fanny packs from their VIP goodie bags.
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VIP Spotlight:
Kathy Wellbrock
“October was an exciting, but also stressful time for my workload. It was the first time for me to be turning end of fiscal year reports for both volunteer and interpretation/education operations. Although stressed about it being my first time, I was able to find calmness in knowing that I had support throughout the process from one of our volunteers.
VIP Kathy has been a champion in helping me stay up to date on input and processing of our division stats Now, she is even helping me in improving stat reporting documents our park has, hoping it will help ease the process for next year! Thank you for the help you have provided to our division, Kathy! It is much appreciated,” as shared by Volunteer Coordinator, Sandy Hernandez.
Kathy is so wonderful to have here at Cabrillo National Monument as part of our team. Her expertise and dedication have made all the difference in tackling the VIP program's ever-increasing paperwork.
In her testimony, Park Ranger Amanda Gossard also shared:
"Kathy has been helping extensively with end of year volunteer and stats reporting. Her assistance with this is a huge help!! It’s also fun to hear about all her national park adventures!"
Thank you to Park Ranger & VIP Coordinator Sandy Hernandez for this month's thoughtful nomination. Send in future nominations to cabr_volunteers@nps.gov
Thank you, Kathy, for your continued dedication to Cabrillo National Monument!
(Above) NPS Photo | H. Marquez Macias
VIP Kathy is smiling while sitting at an office desk. In the background, Ranger Sandy smiling at her. The overflowing shelves of volunteer and event supplies are behind them.
(Below) NPS Photo | H. Marquez Macias
VIP Kathy is seen from the back as she sits and types away at a laptop, in an office desk. A stack of paperwork are in front and to the right of her.
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How Did We Shine? Kudos
After the 2022 VIP Recognition Event, we’d like to give kudos for some of the amazing people behind the scenes:
“VIPs Karen and Kim for your kind help with the Open Tower, and for sharing so much cool knowledge about lighthouses with those waiting in line! ”
"VIPs Dan, Becky, Gary, and Operation Warfighter Intern Jon for helping with set up, it would have been impossible without the strength of your teamwork!"
"VIPs Becky, Carol, and Gail for helping with the initial planning for the event. Ranger Sandy wanted to make it special as the first-time planner, and they rose to the occasion magnificently!"
Thank you, Ranger Sandy and CVA Hannah, for the kudos to some of the VIPs of our Cabrillo family.
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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 | VIP K. Fahlen
As seen from below, a photo of the Old Point Loma lighthouse's tower at night. The white-washed walls are tinted deep blue from the lights below, while the tower shines bright yellow from the Fresnel lens.
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Volunteer Navigation Committee (VNC) Updates
Our next VNC meeting is TENTATIVELY scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd at 9am in the Cabrillo National Monument Auditorium.
Virtual link HERE.
All volunteers are welcome to join in! You can RSVP by signing up on Volgistics for the next meeting. Never attended a VNC meeting but would like to give it a try?
Email cabr_volunteers@nps.gov so we ensure you are able to sign up on Volgistics.
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So, why would you need a committee run by volunteers—isn’t that just one more thing to add to your already full to-do list, and yet another meeting to attend? The Volunteer Navigation Committee (VNC) is so much more than just another committee and another meeting. The group provides volunteers with a voice in the decision-making processes related to the VIP program at CNM. See you at the next meeting!
NPS Photo | Seven smiling volunteers take a selfie in front of the Assistant Keeper's Quarters.
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Forecast of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
We take a moment to acknowledge those whose lives have been affected by suicide, provided information about suicide prevention, including recognizing signs and how to react.
The national hotline number for suicide prevention is 988. There were around 46,000 suicides in the U.S. in 2020. One in five adults will experience some mental health issues each year. There is a stigma associated with mental disorders.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is an issue this time of year. Check in with yourself and stay healthy. Things that can help when you are feeling down include regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, practicing mindfulness/meditation/spending time in nature, getting enough sleep, and taking time for self-care.

"Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of courage."
| Stock Image | Graphic art of many people, from different demographics, standing side by side. The one in the center holds a broad leafy plant. | | | |
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CAUTION ALL VOLUNTEERS: Do not handle birds!
Elevated Avian Flu Risks
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Please do not handle dead or injured birds!
Call 799 for help if a dead bird needs to be removed from a public area or an injured bird needs help. As much as possible, make sure to keep the public away from the animal.
If you would like to learn more, check out the San Diego Union Tribune article "SeaWorld San Diego halts bird rescue program as bird flu reaches Southern California."
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Pat Hartley/The San Diego Union-Tribune | Flock of pink flamingos relax in San Diego Zoo's Pond. | |
Interpretation, Education, & Volunteers (IEV) | |
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Thank you, Ranger Amanda, for doing a wonderful job during your detail as Acting Chief of IEV. Your leadership was much appreciated! A new detail/temporary appointment was announced on Inside NPS this week.
Ranger Julia and Mark's last day with Interp was 11/5. Thank you for a great season!
Upcoming Events/Dates/Visiting Groups (within the next month):
7-18 November – Bayside Trail closed for construction work
11 November (Friday) - HOLIDAY (Veterans Day) and FEE FREE DAY
12 November (Saturday), 6:00-9:00am - Special Use Permit (Ride the Point)
22 November (Tuesday), 8:30-3:30am - Naturalization Ceremony
24 November (Thursday) - HOLIDAY (Thanksgiving)
16 December (Friday) - Holiday Potluck for staff, partner staff, VIPs – Upper Maintenance. Please save the date! More information to come.
20 December (Tuesday) - 8:30-3:30am - Naturalization Ceremony
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NPS Photo | C. Aurrecoechea
Photo of a dramatic violet and yellow sunset behind the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and a Torrey Pine.
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Naturalization Ceremonies | |
Naturalization Ceremonies continue on Tuesdays throughout 2022!
The next Naturalization Ceremonies will be Tuesday, November 22nd. Please sign up if you are available, as we need VIPs!
2023 Naturalization Ceremony Dates have also been selected:
1/24/23, 2/22/23 (Weds, due to Monday holiday), 3/21/23, 4/25/23, 5/23/23, 6/27/23, 7/25/23, 8/22/23, 9/26/23, 10/24/23, 11/21/23, 12/19/23
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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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!
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NEW Volunteer Project at the Park - We Need You!
Looking to expand your service in the park? Curious about San Diego native bees and the plants they depend on? Want to contribute to climate change research? Enjoy walking the Bayside Trail? If you said yes to at least one of these, keep reading! Cabrillo National Monument is seeking dedicated volunteers to contribute to a long-term community science project right here at the park.
The project is called San Diego Native Bee Watch. With Cabrillo’s rich biodiversity, it’s no surprise many of our 700+ native bee species are seen visiting flowering plants all around the park. You’ve probably noticed a green sweat bee on Eastern Mojave Buckwheat, or a bumble bee on Lemonade Sumac (aka Lemonade Berry)! The goal of this community science project is to understand how native bees interact with native plants in a changing climate, so we may help preserve these important pollinators and the habitat they share with many species here at Cabrillo.
Project volunteers will set out on the Bayside Trail every week (or so) to document the current life stages of designated native plants (i.e., flowering, new leaf growth) and the presence of native bees. “But it’s not yet spring! There are hardly any flowers” you say. Plants experience different phases of their life cycle throughout the year, changing sometimes by the day, and this affects pollinator lifestyles. As you already know, no two days are ever the same here at Cabrillo!
Come join this fantastic opportunity to learn about the phenology of local species while contributing to their preservation and enjoying beautiful views of San Diego Bay. If you are interested in learning more, or already know you want to participate, please attend our introductory walk and talk along the Bayside Trail in late November/early December. Send an email to Sam Wynns (samantha_wynns@partner.nps.gov) expressing your interest in the San Diego Native Bee Watch Project, and you’ll be updated on project happenings.
NPS Photo | C. Aurrecoechea
Longhorn bee resting on California sunflower.
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Free STEM Education for Youth (and kids-at-heart)!
A-well-a don't you know, about the bird? Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word... As is biodiversity, intertidal zone, nature photography, and women in STEM. That’s right, we’re talking about The EcoLogik Project!
First it started as a free STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) summer camp for underserved girls, and now it’s expanding to education for all genders during workshops and after-school programming. But the EcoLogik team needs your help to spread the word!
Know any youth, ages 9-college who get excited about nature or technology? What about educators, parents (and grandparents, or other family) that want their kids to get pumped about science? Involved with a scout troop or other youth group that likes to explore?
Then these EcoLogik resources are for them! Check out our EcoLogik in-person workshops, EcoLogik virtual workshops, and EcoLogik After School program. It's FREE!
Have any questions? Reach out to EcoLogik Director Sam Wynns at Samantha_Wynns@partner.nps.gov
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NPS Photo | S. Wynns
A trio of flyers for the EcoLogik program with the orange and black octopus logo. For more detailed image descriptions, click the button to the left.
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Resources Management & Science | |
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Congratulations to Lauren Pandori, who has been selected as the next Resources Program Manager! She will be starting in this role in mid-December. Here is what Lauren has to say:

"After working as park Marine Biologist for two years, I will be moving into a new role as Cabrillo National Monument Resources Program Manager in mid-December. My time as park biologist has brought plenty of adventure: analyzing visitation data, conducting rocky intertidal monitoring, learning from other National Park Units, and hosting plenty of youth interns.
As program manager, I will foster science-informed resources management decisions that protect and preserve the park for this and future generations. I look forward to bringing new ideas to the park, and continuing efforts with the Greenhouse, TPERP and Weed Warriors programs.
- Maintaining healthy park ecosystems requires efforts in both planting native plants and removing non-native plants. Thanks to Greenhouse volunteers and Patricia Simpson, we have two newly planted areas at the park at the base of the Cabrillo statue and at the entrance station. Thanks to Weed Warriors and Lonie Brown, we have removed non-native plants along most of the Bayside and Coastal Trails.
- Low tide season is here! Keep an eye out for tides below 0.7 feet during park hours for the best tidepool exploration experience. Stay safe by wearing sturdy footwear with plenty of tread, long pants, and long sleeves. Resources staff will be in the intertidal regularly October – December.
- Check out the new “Crabrillo” tidepool sign, posted along the Coastal Trail as you approach the tidepool entrance from Lot 1."
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(Left) NPS Photo | P. Geiser
Incoming Resources Program Manager Lauren Pandori, PhD, stepping between the algae-covered rocks in the tidepools.
(Right) NPS Photo | A. Gossard
Photo portrait of Incoming Resources Program Manager Lauren Pandori, PhD, in her full NPS uniform.
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Thank you, Greenhouse Crew, for cleaning out all the dirty pots before the planting season gets into full swing! We did it!
Also, check out the new plants in front of the entry station sign! They are low growing succulents and cacti to welcome visitors.
More planting ahead near the Coastal Trail!
NPS Photo | P. Simpson
Photo of entrance station sign, below which are rocks and a patch with newly planted succulents and cacti.
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Visitor and Resource Protection | |
Entrance Station
Congratulations Ranger Julia Allshouse, our new Supervisory Rec Fee Tech!
After working as a Seasonal Ranger with INTERP for the summers of 2021 and 2022, she has now been hired for this permanent job here at Cabrillo National Monument. We are so glad to keep her here with us!
Please take the time to congratulate her when you see her at the entry booth and thank her for the exceptional work she is doing around the park.
NPS Photo | J. Allshouse
Photo of Ranger Julia Allshouse taking a smiling selfie in front of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse in her full NPS uniform.
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Lighthouse - Special Event! | |
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When?
Monday November 14th, 2022 at 8 am
What?
Our Old Point Loma Lighthouse and Assistant Keeper's Quarters exhibits need some TLC (Tender Loving Cleaning)! Volunteers are needed, and we are so grateful to anyone who can join!
How?
Sign up on Volgistics—spaces are limited, so be the first to RSVP!
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NPS Graphic | S. Hernandez
Flyer stating "Lighthouse Cleaning Day. Our Old Point Loma Lighthouse and Assistant Keeper's Quarters exhibits need some love. Will you join us? November 14th, 2022 at 8 am. Limited availability, RSVP on Volgistics!" A heart and lighthouse outline decorate the background.
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The New Point Loma Lighthouse—built in 1891—desperately needed restoration after years of neglect and exposure to the biting ocean weather. It was still active, but increasingly dangerous.
In 2017, finally, the US Coast Guard approved a $2.1 million restoration project led by 'Ohana Industries. They had to clean off the tower's rust and old coatings, repaint, and completely replace 20,000 pounds of cast-iron—and install a new, solar-powered LED light!
In March 2020, after years of delays, the restoration of the New Point Loma Lighthouse was finally complete. This lighthouse can now continue its service with new life.
Thank you, VIP Kim Fahlen, for sharing her article from Spring 2020's The Keeper's Log!
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Have a "Did You Know?" message you would like to share with other VIPs? Send your submissions to cabr_volunteers@nps.gov! | |
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Photo credits: Unknown | NPS Photo
Polaroid of New Point Loma Lighthouse, as seen on the seashore cliff, with its white houses and tower. Two palm trees can be seen against a bright blue cloudy sky.
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Get spooked at these haunted lighthouses along the California coast | |
What is it about lighthouses that ghosts like so much? Maybe it's the mist that often seems to shroud their lonely towers. Maybe it's their historic role as a beacon to keep sailors safe from shipwrecks. Whatever it is, up and down the California coast you'll find lighthouses supposedly haunted by their old keepers - and others on the opposite side of the veil.
Check out the spooky shout-out to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse in the LA Times!
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Patrick Hubry/Los Angeles Times | Geometric line drawing of a lighthouse tower over an oceanside cliff, with a starry night sky and the full yellow moon reflecting on the teal water. | |
Continued Education Opportunity: | |
Naturally Speaking Presents — Building San Salvador | |
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Friday, November 11, 2022
3 PM-5 PM (PST)
Zoom & Cabrillo National Monument Auditorium
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Imagine: What does it take to sail across the ocean? What would you need to bring? What challenges would you face?
Now imagine doing it without modern technology, medicine, or knowledge!
Join Dr. Ray Ashley of the San Diego Maritime Museum for the next Naturally Speaking talk about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s ship – what it took to make it and sail it in both the 1500’s and modern day.
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R. Ashley | Flyer that states “Naturally Speaking Presents: Building San Salvador” next to a picture of a 16th century sailing vessel and a headshot of a person wearing a brown leather jacket and dark sunglasses with white hair and beard. | |
NPR Short Wave — Podcast Series | |
Working With Tribes To Co-Steward National Parks | |
In the final episode...exploring the science happening in national parks and public lands, Aaron talks to National Park Service Director Charles Sams, who recently issued new policy guidance to strengthen the ways the park service collaborates with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, the Native Hawaiian Community, and other indigenous peoples...
Aaron talks with Sams, the first Tribal citizen to head the agency, about how he hopes this will change the way parks are managed, how the parks are already incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and what national parkland meant to him growing up as a member of the Cayuse and Walla Walla tribes on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in eastern Oregon.
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Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images | Photo of National Park Service Director Charles Sams, the first Tribal citizen to head the agency, looking directly into the camera. He is a middle-aged man wearing a gray suit, with dark gray hair and beard. | |
The Early VIP Gets the Plant | Thank you VIPs Greg, Dave, Gene and Risë for helping with the Monument planting event last week. They installed 54 plants around the base of the statue. So far, there are no rodent causalities to report! | | | |
Scripps Media, Inc | VIP Karen and Kim smile while wearing white "Volunteer" aprons, standing next to large glass Fresnel lighthouse lens. | |
Partner News: Ocean Institute Is Hiring! | |
Ocean Institute in Dana Point where we are currently seeking part-time Maritime Instructors. Anyone who is interested in history, theater, and/or living history is encouraged to apply! It is a great opportunity to express a passion for history and performance in a fun and stimulating environment in the beautiful Dana Point Harbor. Anyone interested is encouraged to send a CV and cover letter in the coming weeks. | | | | | | | |
