The East Brother Light Station is seeking volunteers for its upcoming “Wickie” workday scheduled for Sunday, May 17. Participants will depart from Point San Pablo Harbor at 1900 Stenmark Drive at approximately 10:30 a.m., with the specific departure time dictated by local tide conditions. The workday concludes with a return trip at 3:30 p.m., and lunch will be provided for all attendees.
The nonprofit organization needs help with weeding, gardening, painting, and general cleanup. Fence repair, engine servicing, and metal chimney repair are also planned. There is a critical need for volunteers with professional skills as electricians or diesel and small engine mechanics to assist with specialized infrastructure repairs.
Beyond physical labor on the island, the organization is looking for remote assistance with marketing, social media, newsletter production, and grant writing. Additionally, the board of directors is seeking new members and an experienced secretary to assist with financial management, historic preservation, and fundraising efforts. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the organization to declare their interest and list any specific technical skills.
The East Brother Light Station is a Victorian-era lighthouse that has been converted into a unique bed-and-breakfast, offering guests a rare opportunity to stay overnight in a historic maritime setting. The bed-and-breakfast provides lodging that directly funds the maintenance and preservation of the 1873 structure, which is the oldest operating wood-frame lighthouse on the West Coast.
Recent years have brought significant operational hurdles for the station, including a major power outage in 2021 caused by a failure in the underwater electrical cable. The nonprofit organization managing the island is currently focused on an urgent $750,000 fundraising effort to replace the aging pier and gangway. Because these structures serve as the only way for guests and volunteers to reach the island, completing these repairs is essential for the continued operation of the bed-and-breakfast and the survival of the landmark.