When COVID hit, East Brother Light Station, like many visitor destinations, had to close down. For the next year and a half, Desiree Heveroh volunteered to “housesit”  East Brother to make sure it remained safe and secure until it could open again. She had to learn how to operate the island’s boat alone, often with treacherous seas. During her stay, the submarine electrical cable failed, and she had to also learn to operate the antique emergency generator.

For the compelling story of her experiences, see She Lived Rent-Free on Her Own Private Island (youtube.com).