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East Brother Light Station Site # 5060 | |||
| East Brother Island Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on East Brother Island in San Rafael Bay, near the tip of Point San Pablo in Richmond, California. It marks the entrance to San Pablo Bay from San Francisco Bay. Built in 1873 it was maintained by a series of light keepers. After many years as an automated station, and under the threat of destruction and replacement with a light on a pole in the middle of the island, the facility was taken over by a non-profit 501(c)3 California Corporation under license from the US Coast Guard. | |||
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| Background: | |||
| The first lighting was in 1874, and automated in 1969, the lighthouse was designed in the American Stick style by Paul J. Pelz, who also designed East Brother Island's sister stations,[4] Point Fermin Light in San Pedro CA, Mare Island Light, in Carquinez Strait, California (demolished in the 1930s), Point Hueneme Light in California (replaced in 1940), all in essentially the same style. The former keeper's house began operating as a bed and breakfast in 1980 | |||
| East Brother Island was historically part of the Ohlone (Costanoan) territory in the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically in the lands of the Huchiun-Aguasto and Karkin groups who lived on the shores of San Pablo Bay. These Ohlone people were hunter-gatherers who depended on the bay's resources and lived in seasonal villages. Today, their descendants, including the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, continue to work to preserve their culture and land rights. | |||
| The Habitat: | |||
| While it once had a similar rugged, rocky habitat to its neighbor, West Brother Island, it has been extensively altered to support the lighthouse and Victorian-era buildings, with the main habitat consisting of the lighthouse structure and its grounds which collect and filter rainwater for use on the island. | |||
| The Experience: | |||
| This one-of-a-kind bed and breafast is only accessible by boat. Open year-round, access is sometimes unavailable due to weather, tides, and power outages. Views from the East Brother Lighthouse are panoramic, including the San Francisco Bay, the strait separating the San Francisco and San Pablo bays, and the surrounding area. Visitors can see the historic lighthouse, the surrounding water, and enjoy views of the distant San Francisco skyline. The historic lighthouse can accomodate up to 10 guests. | |||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | |||
| The island is home to Anna's Hummingbirds, Heerman Gulls, Western Gulls, Elegant Terns, Black Phoebe, Yellow rumped warbler, House finch, Black Oystercatcher and Common Raven. Nearby West Brother Island is a rookery for Brown Belican, Double-crested Cormorants, Brandt's Cormorants and gull species. Turkey vultures and wild turkeys are also seasonal visitors. Mammals observed in the surrounding waters include Habro Seals, Sea Lions, and Harbor Porpoise. | |||
| Viewing Tips: | |||
| Although the bed and breaktast provides binoculars, it's best to bring your own if you have a good pair. However, many of birds and mammals are easily visible without binoculars. | |||
| Site Notes: | |||
| The island is only available to guests. However, they hope to have day use available in the spring and summer. The island is managed by two innkeepers who sign a two-year agreement with the EBLS nonprofit. A tour and history of the island is provided to all visitors. | |||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | |||
| Back on dryland, visit Point Reyes National Seashore, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, PIER 39, K-Dock, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richardson Bay Audubon Sanctuary | |||
| Visitor Information: | |||
| Visit Richmond Visit website | |||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | Yes | ||
| Open: | Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | ||
| Hours: | Guests are arrive approximatley 3:30pm and depart following day | ||
| Year Round: | Yes | ||
| Seasonal: | It can be seasonal depending on storms and tides. | ||
| Road Information: | |||
| Road Hazards: Stenmark Drive is the road that leads to the Port San Pablo Marina. It is narrow and windy. Has many potholes and a hilly climb towards the end. Proceed with caution. | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 8 | |||
| Parking Fee: | |||
| Proximity to viewing area: | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: No | |||
| Parking Notes: There is parking available at the Port San Pablo Marina where guests are picked up and ferried to the lighthouse by the innkeepers. Look for signs for East Brother Light Station and Point San Pablo Harbor along Stenmark Drive. Parking is included in your reservation. There are designated spaces for EBLS guests to park immediately to the right as you enter the harbor parking lot (right after the goats). The spots are delineated as 'East Brother Parking Only" and have orange cones that say "EBLS". You will not get towed. | |||
| How to Get There: | |||
| Please see the map at the Point San Pablo Harbor website, https://www.pspharbor.com/directions. Currently Google Maps offers directions using 1900 Stenmark Dr (formerly Western Dr), Richmond, CA 94801 as your destination. | |||
