In the summer of 1909, shortly after William H. Taft became president, two events took place that would shape the city of Fort Bragg: the Point Cabrillo Light House was lit for the first time and Cornelius Vander Starr graduated from Fort Bragg High School.

Starr would go on to found the insurance giant AIG and set up a charitable trust, which would help build the C.V. Starr Center, a community recreation center. The Light House would help protect lumber schooners carrying wood to rebuild San Francisco and other communities after the 1906 Earthquake and spur a local economic boom for decades.

Today, 102 years later, the C.V. Starr Center and the Lighthouse are in peril as a result of a  struggling economy. In both cases, however, civic-minded volunteers have come together to save them. Here's a report from the Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association (PCLK) on their plan to rescue the light station, which draws more than 30,000 visitors each year:

Ever since State Parks announced that the Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park will be closed effective July 1, 2012, the Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association (PCLK) has been seeking ways to keep the park operating beyond the announced closing date and long into the future.

To that end we have entered into discussion with State Parks, and were asked by them to submit a proposal and business plan for the long-term operation and management of the park.

The PCLK Board of Directors has created a proposal that will provide for the continued long-term financial stability of the PCLK and, equally important, ensure that our beautifully restored light station is adequately maintained in future years.

We have entered negotiations with State Parks personnel regarding this proposal and the renewal of our concession contract. The outcome of those negotiations is not certain but all parties agree that keeping the Point Cabrillo Light Station open is the common goal.

It is also our goal to continue to offer and improve our children’s education programs, visitor services, including the gift shop, museum displays, marine science aquarium, and vacation rentals.

To accomplish all of these things without the support that State Parks has provided during past years will be a significant challenge.

It may require that we change some of our current assumptions and practices. The PCLK Board will have to make significant decisions in the next couple of months to ensure the continued operation of the park. If you have ideas or suggestions that you think would help us please be sure to discuss them with any board member; our telephone number is (707) 937-6123, or email us at info@pointcabrillo.org.

Whatever changes the future may bring, rest assured that the PCLK Board of Directors is committed to keeping the park open for the enjoyment and education of all our visitors. We are looking forward to your continued support in this endeavor.