Making the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse a National Monument has taken the first step after a trio of California Congress members, led by Lois Capps, introduced a bill to protect the North Coast monument along with several other spots in California.
Capps (D-Santa Barbara) joined Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-San Jose) and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) to introduce the “California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act,” legislation that would expand the California Coastal National Monument to include the lighthouse, including the Lighthouse Ranch (8 acres) and Trinidad Head (13 acres) in Humboldt County and the Cotoni-Coast Dairies in Santa Cruz County (5,780 acres). In addition, it provides for the inclusion of currently exempted offshore rocks and small islands off the Coast of Orange County.
“Expanding the California Coastal National Monument would provide greater access to these national treasures and ensure that these beautiful landscapes along California’s coast are preserved for all to enjoy,” said Capps. “I am particularly pleased that this legislation would incorporate Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area into the California Coastal National Monument. It is an honor befitting this outstanding landmark, which is teeming with historic importance and natural beauty.”
A movement has also begun to have the Monster of Piedras Blancas named the official mascot of the new national monument.
