The lantern of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument is undergoing some much-needed restoration and maintenance. Bay Area contractor Joseph Murphy Construction began the project on January 9 with the careful padding and boxing of the delicate lens, which will remain in place throughout the project. ?To protect the priceless lens, it had to be completely encased,? said Superintendent Terry DiMattio. ?Because the lens is enclosed and the light turned off, the end of the Point Loma peninsula will be dark for the duration of the project, but will come back to life once the work is done.?
The job is expected to take two to three weeks to complete, but much will be accomplished during that time to preserve and protect the lantern. Scaffolding has been constructed and raised and now envelops the tower; the copper roof panels from the lantern will be removed, cleaned, and reassembled; gaskets between panels will be replaced; and paint and rust will be removed from the captain?s walk and rails, which will then be primed, painted, and reassembled.
To inconvenience visitors as little as possible, the lighthouse remains open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, although it ?may be closed for short periods of time due to safety around the site,? said Superintendent DiMattio. He further stated, ?Once the project is complete and the protective casing around the lens is removed, and San Diegans will once again enjoy the light at the end of the Point much like it was in the 19th century.?
