SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The Cabrillo National Monument and its recreational facilities reopened Thursday thanks to the end of the federal government shutdown, and park officials were working to reschedule a canceled celebration to mark its 100th anniversary.
The monument was closed Oct. 1 along with 400 other national parks because of the lapse in Congressional appropriations. About 30 employees were furloughed or had their jobs affected in some way, although a few security and emergency services personnel remained on duty, spokeswoman Bonnie Phillips said.
"We are all excited and happy to be back at work and welcome visitors to the Cabrillo National Monument," Phillips said.
Phillips said park staffers were working to reschedule the three-day Centennial Celebration, which was initially scheduled to take place last weekend. The monument at the southern tip of Point Loma, which gets about 800,000 visits a year, turned 100 years old on Monday.
The "Cabrillo Lights Up the Night" gala fundraiser was rescheduled for March 15, Phillips said.
The Cabrillo National Monument grounds and its facilities including its bookstore are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except the tidepool area, which closes at 4:30 p.m. and the Bayside Trail, which closes at 4 p.m.
