By Tom Butt
On this Giving Tuesday, we’re reflecting on the importance of East Brother Light Station (EBLS) and the community that keeps it going. Your support helps preserve the lighthouse, maintain safe operations, and safeguard this historic landmark for future generations.
We hope you’ll consider including EBLS in your giving plans. Every contribution, large or small, helps sustain this unique maritime treasure.
Thank you for standing with us.
Although the government shutdown stalled us for a while, we are making great progress getting “shovel ready” for the pier and gangway project. You will recall that we must replace the deteriorated 1962 pier platform and gangway to continue operating and maintaining East Brother Light Station. Without access, the 45-year run as a popular dinner, bed and breakfast destination will end, but even more dire, the ongoing maintenance and security will also end, and the island will fall prey to vandals and the weather.
Here is where we are:
- Bid documents for the projects are complete, sealed and stamped by engineers.
- The US Coast Guard has officially approved the project.
- Permits from the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board and the US Army Corps of Engineers are under review.
- Transfer of ownership of the island from the US Coast Guard to our nonprofit East Brother Light Station, Inc., is in progress.
- We have purchased the new gangway, and it will be delivered in the spring of 2026.
- We have been receiving some nice donations, the latest $30,000 from a person who has stayed there six times, renting the whole island with friends and family.
We should be technically able to start construction in 2026, but we still need $600,000 to $700,000 to get there.
If you want to help, you can do so in several ways:
Donate online:
- Network for Good https://ebls.networkforgood.com/
- Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-east-brother-lighthouse-replace-the-pier
Write a check to:
East Brother Light Station, inc.
(Pier and Gangway Project)
117 Park Place
Richmond CA 94801
Give us names and contact information of corporations, individuals, foundations or organizations that you believe may be potential donors. We will do the rest.
Questions or comments? Contact:
Tom Butt, President
East Brother Light Station, Inc.
17 park Place
Richmond, CA 94801
510-220-1577
Tom Butt is a Richmond resident, business owner, former mayor and longtime city councilmember. He is founder of East Brother Light Station, Inc., the nonprofit that restored and now maintains the property, and currently serves on its Board of Directors. This post first appeared on Butt’s e-forum newsletter.
