We support the designation of a Point Pinos Historic District. Such status would benefit the community and future generations through conservation of the historic, natural, scientific, cultural, and recreational resources associated with this unique headland.

The City of Pacific Grove has jurisdictional stewardship over one of Monterey Bay’s most spectacular coastal resources, the Point Pinos Lighthouse Reservation. This extraordinary land is bounded by the ocean, and Lighthouse and Asilomar Avenues. The Point Pinos Lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. However, this limited designation did not fully recognize the historical significance of the entire Reservation. By signing this petition, I support broadening the recognition that is warranted. 

Designation of the historical importance of the Lighthouse was made during the 1970s, which by current evolved standards is deficient. Today there is a more comprehensive approach to such designation, as well as a more informed appreciation of the historic significance of the entire 92-acre Reservation site. Included would be its many already registered Indigenous sites, Crespi Pond, the 1793 Spanish Fort Cape of the Pines, the 1923 Fog Signal, Navy/Coast Guard and Army WWII activities, and the Cold War Navy building – later NOAA with its iconic mural – as well as Point Pinos Lighthouse. 

Official designation would enhance the prominence of the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse, its shared border with the California Coastal National Monument, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Ricketts’ and Steinbeck’s Great Tide Pool, and its proximity to another historic site, Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds with its National Landmark buildings only a mile south. The creation of a Historic District would recognize the entire footprint of the Reservation, its historical importance, and the regional cultural legacy that this iconic site represents. (Please see: Point Pinos Heritage Map.)