Cabrillo National Monument VIP Newsletter
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March 2023 Updates for VIPs | |
Don't Forget to Log Your Hours!
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March is Women's History Month! | |
Every March, we celebrate Women's History month by honoring and learning more about the amazing American women who have contributed to the NPS. In this month's Did You Know?, learn more about MarĂa Israel–our Old Point Loma Lighthouse Keeper's Assistant, entrepreneur, and lady of the lighthouse!
If you haven't yet, VIPs, we highly recommend you check out our park's virtual exhibit on women's suffrage Forward into Light!
Check out more continued education opportunities than the ones below in the NPS's Women History Month page and the local Women's Museum of California too–or a plan a visit to one of the National Parks Named in Honor of Women.
Finally, we would like to celebrate the contributions, commitment, and care shown by our park's female/femme volunteers and staff. We are grateful you chose to become a part of Cabrillo National Monument's history.
Thank you, and happy Women's History Month!
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NPS Photo | C. Aurrecoechea
Ranger Julia Allhouse and Jenna Castle, smiling, on the lighthouse tower. The flag, shining ocean, and vast cloudless sky are in the background.
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- Feature Story: Women's History Month
- VIP Spotlight: Gary Reilly
- Volunteer Navigation Committee Updates
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- Save the Date! Living Coast Discovery Center Field Trip
- Summer Job Opportunity at SAMO
- Did You Know?
- Continued Education Opportunities for VIPs. Celebrate Women's History Month!
- On the VIP Voice: What's in the Tidepools
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VIP Spotlight:
Gary Reilly
As shared by Ranger Sandy Hernandez, "VIP Gary is such a joy to have as part of our team. Being a historian and storyteller, Gary is very knowledgeable about a lot of things at Cabrillo and I often go to him for support. I have also heard many great compliments from visitors through my time at Cabrillo that refer to the work Gary provides to the park.
Gary supports many Cabrillo National Monument operations, including guided walks, roving, searchlight shelter, living history, TPERP, and Visitor Center. His dedication to Cabrillo is very much appreciated by all staff and partners. Thanks, Gary, for all your hard work... and the laughs!"
Here's what visitors had to say about VIP Gary, just from February 11th's kudos. His guided tours are a huge hit with visitors!
"Gary was amazing!"
“Gary answered all of our group’s questions and the light tour on the trails was super engaging! Thanks for a great experience and for letting the history live on!”
Thank you to Ranger Sandy Hernandez for this month's thoughtful nomination. Send in future nominations to cabr_volunteers@nps.gov
Thank you, VIP Gary Reilly, for your continued dedication to Cabrillo National Monument!
(Above) NPS Photo | Unknown
VIP Gary Reilly smiles warmly at the camera while standing behind the Visitor Center's Front Desk.
(Below) NPS Photo | C. Aurrecoechea
VIP Gary Reilly stands, staring into the distance, in front of historical weapon exhibit.
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How Did We Shine? Kudos
We appreciate all of you so much for coming out and volunteering at Cabrillo National Monument, especially with all the extreme rain and wind we have experienced lately. You are all troopers!
Here are some kudos from the staff and visitors who would like to thank you for making their visit bright, even on gloomy days:
For VIPs Ferol, Bradley, Heidi, Jeannine, and Vicky: "Ranger Amanda would like to express her gratitude for the volunteers who assisted with the Blue Star Families whale event. While the weather did not cooperate with our whale watching efforts, the families had a great time and especially loved the whale origami project. Thank you for your contribution to this and all special events at the park; we couldn't do them without you!"
For VIP Patrick: "He told me about the shipwreck! Thank you!”
For VIP Kelly: "We learned so many cool things about tidepool research! She was so engaging and we had a blast. Thank you!"
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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! | |
NPS Photo | M. Rose
Fish-hook cactus full of pink and white flower buds. One is blooming, revealing a bright yellow center.
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Volunteer Navigation Committee (VNC) Updates
Our next VNC meeting is scheduled for April. An email will be sent beforehand to confirm meeting details.

All volunteers are welcome to join in on VNC meetings! 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 VNC provides volunteers with a voice in the decision-making processes related to the VIP program at CNM. 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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Covid-19 Reminder
San Diego County currently remains at a Low Community Level.
| | Stock Image | Many people, of different ages and backgrounds, standing side by side. | | | |
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IMPORTANT:
Car Safety at Cabrillo
Unfortunately, we recently had another incident with a volunteer speeding.
Being late is better than causing an accident. Please slow it down when approaching the Entrance Station and while driving through the park.
Thank you!
NPS Photo
Many cars lining up on the road to enter our park.
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Interpretation, Education, & Volunteers (IEV) | |
Even as our Low Tide and Whale Watching season draws to an end, we look forward to enjoying the spring flowers along with all of our amazing volunteers.
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and dedication! Your service is what truly allows this park to bloom–it's not just the rain!
NPS Photo | C. Aurrecoechea
California Ground Squirrel eating Bushmallow, surrounded by its blooming flowers.
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Naturalization Ceremonies
The upcoming 2023 Naturalization Ceremony will be on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. If you are available, please sign up for this month's ceremony. 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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Resources Management & Science | |
Rain brings erosion events to all areas of the park. If you spot a landslide or cliff collapse, stay away from the area and radio 799 to inform park staff. Thank you!
Research projects on bees, bats, birds, and crabs are ongoing. Park staff (500s, 200s and 799) are aware of the research schedule.
Staffing Updates
Sabrena Stembridge has started working as the new Cultural Resources specialist! Her expertise in field archeology and museum curation will expand our skillset. Here are a few words she would like to share with you all:
"Hi everyone! I am very pleased to be the new Cultural Resources Specialist at Cabrillo National Monument! I recently received my Master’s degree from UC Denver. Previously my work has been in the California deserts, Nevada mountains, and Colorado foothills.
Looking forward to working here with all of you in this beautiful place. Say hi if you see me around!"
NPS Photo | S. Stembridge
Sabrena Stembridge smiles at the camera. In the background are green leafy bamboo.
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Greenhouse
Thanks, Greenhouse VIPs, for your patience on the new greenhouse schedule.
There is a fair amount of annuals coming up, especially at the tidepools. California Poppy, Ground Pink, Golden Field and Lupine to name a few. Blue Dicks and Wishbone Bush are also brightening the trails.
I hope you all get a chance to enjoy them!
Thank you, Greenhouse crew, for all your support!
NPS Photo | P. Simpson
Field of California Poppies in bloom.
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SAVE THE DATE: Living Coast Discovery Center Volunteer Tour Swap | |
We are in the process of partnering with the Living Coast Discovery Center for a volunteer swap. Currently, we are discussing having
Saturday,
April 8th at 1pm
be the date in which our volunteers will have the opportunity to go see their turtle and shark & ray presentations and walk around with their staff. Please save the date, so you can join us on this fun opportunity! More information will come as details get planned out on both sides.
Click on the barn owl to learn more about this partner organization!
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SAMO Youth Crew, Full-Time Paid Positions for Summer 2023
The SAMO Youth Program provides paid work experience and mentoring for diverse college students. The goals of the program are to create a developmental work experience for underrepresented students that:
1) Promotes an ethic for conservation and stewardship.
2) Introduces students to careers in public service.
Partnership: The Santa Monica Mountains Fund works to protect and encourage appreciation and understanding of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
The Fund supports the National Park Service efforts in education, science, research, improving facilities, community engagement, stewardship, and philanthropy.
Students earn $16.04/hour working outdoors.
Application Due Date: Friday, April 7, 2023
To apply, students must email us at samoyouth.nps@gmail.com and attach a cover letter, resume, include 3 references and academic transcripts.
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MarĂa Arcadia Alipás Israel | |
MarĂa Israel was a Machado–an elite Mexican-Californian founding family of San Diego. She helped connect her husband Robert with the job opportunity at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
In 1873, she became a paid assistant Lighthouse Keeper there herself. She was one of the rare few women in that role at the time!
On top of being an engaged mother to several children, MarĂa Israel...
- Kept the Nightwatch (sewing under the Fresnel Len's light).
- Cleaned and whitewashed the lighthouse and living quarters (per Board's regulations).
- Grew a kitchen garden to feed her family (despite limited water and poor soil).
- Entertained tourists (selling them her hand-made seashell frames)
"MarĂa [Arcadia Alipás] Israel's work at the lighthouse was essential for the function of this institution that guided ships arriving at one of the U.S. West Coast’s central ports... [Her] labors exemplify the ways that women sustained the economic stability of institutions at the heart of California maritime industry and tourism."
Thank you, Professor Charlotte Hansen Terry, for providing her biography for the NPS' Women's History in the Pacific West Series! Read more about our park's lady of the lighthouse below.
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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! | |
NPS Photo | Unknown (Left)
Shell artwork created by MarĂa Arcadia Alipás Israel.
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NPS Photo | Unknown (Right)
19th-century photo of MarĂa Israel as an adult woman.
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Sculptor dives into the deep end for bronze map of La Jolla canyons |
"Sculptor Carl Glowienke likes to take deep dives into his work, spending hours making sure his creations are accurate in every detail. And if he’s going to create something, he wants to do it in a medium that will last a long, long time...

Cabrillo National Monument is home to three of his sculptures, including a Pacific gray whale and calf, a tactile model of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and outbuildings and a tactile model of the Point Loma Peninsula."
Check out this article in the La Jolla Light about the master sculptor behind Cabrillo National Monument's statues, and what he's been creating now for another park here in San Diego!
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La Jolla Light | Carl Glowienke
Carl Glowienke works at his Lakeside studio on his massive bronze model of La Jolla’s geographical features above and under water.
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Continued Education Opportunities | |
Short Video
KPBS-SD: Women in History: The Role of Spanish Women in San Diego's Early Years
Beyond Maria Israel, there were a lot of Spanish and Mexican-Californian women who helped build the San Diego we know and love today.
Watch the 7-minute-long video above, featuring San Diego Mesa College Professor Rita Sanchez, and find out more about them! If the above link does not work for you, try:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xybCkRQdjkY
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Digital Exhibit
Women's Museum of California
https://www.womensmuseumca.org/women-of-california-gold-rush
Eureka! Women of the California Gold Rush
Check out this digital exhibit by the Women's Museum of California:
"Of the 40,000 people who arrived by ship in the San Francisco harbor in 1849, only 700 were women.
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For the few women who braved the harsh journey to Gold Country, freedom, independence, and the chance to forge a living and identity separate from male family members beckoned them towards the west."
Some of these women may have even sailed into or past San Diego Bay, which was first illuminated by the Old Point Loma Lighthouse in 1855...Explore the exhibit today!
For more on San Diego's history, their other digital exhibition will tell you all about fascinating local icons from 1850 to 1930. Check out Women of the Gaslamp Quarter!
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Women's Museum of California | Nesbit & Co., Printers
Segment of Gold Rush-era poster advertising quick clipper ship travel to California. The phrase "She will fully equal them in speed!" from the poster is bolded.
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Virtual Lecture
Wednesday, March 8
7 P.M. PST
https://www.acssandiego.org/upcoming-speaker.php
Revisiting DDT pollution in California wildlife 50 years after its ban
"In the United States, DDT was banned 50 years ago because of its potential human carcinogenicity and harmful effects in wildlife... The talk will focus on California coastal wildlife’s exposure to DDT+ and their health concerns and discuss potential concerns on human health regarding DDT+."
Hosted by the American Cetacean Society, San Diego Chapter, this talk by Dr. Eunha Hoh offers a long-term perspective on ocean pollution and its impact to marine life...like our park's beloved gray whales!
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ACS | Joshua Meza-Fidalgo
Photo of gray whales swimming in the water.
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What's in the Tidepools? - February 2023 |
February was another outstanding month for exploring in the tidepools. The king tides produced an extreme low tide of -2 feet, giving an exceptional viewing of critters...including a Moray Eel spotted by VIP Tansy!
Also, if you haven't yet, have fun checking out January's What’s in the Tidepools? !
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NPS Photo | M. Rose
Close-up of a Black Sea Hare (Aplysia vaccaria) in the tidepools.
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