Eileen Martinez, Chief of Interpretation and Education for the Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma in San Diego.  She gave an excellent Powerpoint presentation, supported with pictures and an excellent talk on the Cabrillo National Park and the highpoints for a visitor. This year the National Park Service will celebrate their Centennial. Eileen brings over 25 years of public land service to her current position.
 
Eileen is a native of San Diego, where 6 generations of her family have lived since the turn of the 20th century. She grew up in La Mesa and attended Helix High, Grossmont College and San Diego State University.
 
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. In addition to telling the story of 16th century exploration, Cabrillo National Park is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources.
 
Living History is used to allow visitors to meet with people from the past. Re-enactors stroll the park and offer a living picture of what life was like in the 1880s. This sparks inspiration to learn more about Spanish history, lighthouses, clothing, or their own heritage.
 
The area always teems with wildlife. The ecosystem is dominated by coastal sage scrub plants, which have adapted to warm, dry summers and cool winters. The coastal sage scrub habitat is not known for having strong winds, so animals pollinate plants. To survive through the dry season, some plants have large roots, or bodies, where they store water to use when needed. Other plants have leaf adaptations that prevent the loss of water.
 
There are lots and lots of things to see and do during your visit to Cabrillo National Park in Point Loma:
  • The Visitor Center - great place to begin exploration
  • A wonderful bookstore for adults and kids
  • Iconic Cabrillo statue
  • Spectacular view of San Diego Bay – water on 3 sides
  • Wonderful relief maps of San Diego and S. California areas
  • The Old Pont Loma Lighthouse with a spiral staircase
  • Rocky intertidal zone and tide pools
  • Chat with a Park Ranger, on hand to answer questions and provide suggestions
  • Get a Junior Ranger activity-kit for kids
 
The Cabrillo National Monument Website has a plethora of information and wonderful pictures. Take time to browse: https://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm