East Brother is more popular than ever but is in great danger. See
https://www.kqed.org/news/12097809/a-trip-to-the-remote-island-lighthouse-in-the-middle-of-san-francisco-bay. It was recently voted #2 nationally in
Best Lighthouse Stays.of
2026!
The cost estimate for completing the pier and gangway repairs has risen to just over $1 million.
I have contacted the office of our congressman, John Garamendi, several times to request help in funding the repairs, but I have received no response. The Congressman has a keen interest in maritime-related
projects and has committed at least $4 million, “to provide necessary funds for repairs to and refurbishment of the ship [Red Oak Victory].”
In July, I wrote to Congressman Garamendi (through his staff) with the following:
The Red Oak Victory is an important part of Richmond’s heritage and part of Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, and I fully support any effort to maintain the ship.
I also want to bring you up to date on our efforts to preserve East Brother Light Station, which is likewise critically endangered. As I have explained previously, without a new pier deck and gangway,
the island’s historical structures will cease to be accessible to the public and can no longer be maintained, eventually succumbing to weather and vandalism. East Brother is now 152 years old and I believe the oldest structure in the Contra Costa County portion
of the 8th Congressional District.
We have now secured all permits from regulatory agencies (BCDC, USACOE and SFBRWQCD) and have purchased the replacement gangway, which was delivered to Richmond earlier this month.
The project is essentially “shovel ready.” All we need is $750,000 to pay a marine contractor to fabricate and install the new pier platform and install the new gangway.
Is it possible that Congressman Garamendi could, as with the Red Oak Victory, help us find the funding to complete this project and save East Brother Light Station?
Unfortunately, I never heard back from the Congressman or his staff.
To better try to get his attention, I am asking you to send an email to the congressman and his staff. You can simply
cut and paste the following message. Also, send this to as many of your friends as possible.
Address your email to:
Debbi.Gibbs@mail.house.gov;
Harpreet.Sandhu@mail.house.gov;
ca08jg.outreach@mail.house.gov;bradley.bottoms@mail.house.gov
Dear Congressman Garamendi,
I am a long-time supporter of East Brother Light Station, operated and maintained, under license by the Coast Guard, by the 501(c)3 nonprofit East Brother Light Station, Inc. since 1978. After hosting
over 70,000 visitors, East Brother is in imminent danger of closing forever because of the deteriorated condition of its pier, which is the only means of access. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a California Historic Landmark.
Approximately $1 million is needed to repair the pier and replace the gangway. The project is “shovel ready,” has all required permits and a CEQA clearance.
I know that you have a history of supporting maritime projects, most recently with a multimillion-dollar commitment to the SS Red Oak Victory. The Red Oak Victory is an important part of Richmond’s
maritime heritage and part of Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, and I fully support any effort to maintain the ship.
East Brother is even more endangered. It is 152 years old and the oldest structure in the Contra Costa County portion of your district.
Please do what you can to help find $1 million to preserve east Brother and keep it accessible to the public.
Please copy me in your email.
Tom Butt, President
East Brother Light Station, Inc.
Mailing address: 117 Park Place, Richmond, CA 94801
M 510/220-1577
Tax Exempt Since 1979 – EIN: 94-2552929
CA RCT #035826
East Brother Light Station, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that operates and maintains East Brother Light Station as a public service under a license
from the U.S. Coast Guard. East Brother Island is a California Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
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