Unlike most government events, the young people, grades 2-5, ran the show, introducing speakers, including representatives from Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Rep. Lois Capps. Lauren Pidot of the BLM's Washington Office read the Secretary's letter, which thanked the students for their efforts, and added, "when kids get involved they can make great things happen on America's public lands." (text continues below)

The letter also noted Piedras is part of the BLM's National Landscape Conservation System which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It received that status thanks to legislation sponsored by Rep. Lois Capps, whose representative Greg Haas also delivered a certificate from Congress commending the youth, who have raised $6,000 toward the restoration, which they hope will include a new lantern room and light for the Station.

With assistance from their teacher Libby Anderson, the students, dressed in Victorian era clothing, presented a fun and educational program, sharing lighthouse history and anecdotes, games, short plays, and even including an original "Happy Birthday PBLS Song," that ends "How old are you? 135 years old, that's a grand age to be." Indeed it is, and it supplied a good reason to celebrate. A great time was had by all.

Students proudly hold the certificate from congress commending their efforts, presented by Greg Haas.

- J. Bedrosian, BLM California state office, 2/16/10

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 420