RAISE THE ROOF FUNDRAISER
May 12, 2007, 6-9 pm
Salisbury Tasting Room
Tickets on sale now - Click here for more information.

November 2006 - Latern Reroofing Completed
November 2006 - Interview with Margo Camilleri

2006: A Remarkable Year
To The Keepers,

On all fronts 2006 has been a remarkable year for the Lighthouse Keepers. First, we now have an executive director! Margo Camilleri joined us at the beginning of October and has been busy setting up our operations and opening our new office in downtown SLO. We now have a working phone line: 805-540-5771 & e-mail: info@sanluislighthouse.org

Margo’s comes to us from Cal Poly, and her experience includes fund-raising, grant writing, graphic design, and office management. Plus, she has a positive and active personality - great for the board and visitors alike.

Construction
Several major construction priority projects have been completed. The most satisfying has been the stabilization of the foundation at the Headkeeper’s quarters by the window, under the parlor. The brick foundation has been cracked for more than 20 years and has been slowly sinking. At the end of October we saw the area trenched, the foundation jacked up and a concrete footing poured under the old brickwork.

The same contractor, who worked on the foundation repairs, Noble Building Company, then submitted a successful bit to add a handicapped rest room in the duplex building. The rest room will allow access from both the inside and outside, along with a new accessible ramp so that both people and supplies can reach the upper level of the duplex, and eventually the headkeeper’s quarters as well.

In addition, our own volunteers, headed by Bob Vessely, Mike Fairbrother and others have completed the tin reroofing of the lantern. The culmination of all this work means that restoration of the exterior of the lighthouse is nearly complete.

The Questers also continue their research and furnishing of the interior of the headkeepers quarters. With furniture, the Parlor, and now the Kitchen, are a must see.

Opening Access
On the fund-raising side, we have been fortunate that PG&E is working with us (as part of the steam-generator permitting process) to improve coastal access at the Lightstation. This effort comes in three packages. First, is the commitment to help add funds to improve the 1.8 mile road, including improved alignment, repair culverts, and pave the whole length of the existing road. Second, is the funding for two 15 passenger vans which will allow us to transport those unable to make the hike on the Pecho Coast Trail, including school children and participants of small group events. Finally, there is considerable movement on setting aside and dedicating a large tract of land around the Lightstation for permanent open space.

Less easily communicated has been the initiation of a major update in our organization. First is the implementation of an improved accounting system and the establishment of five standing committees to carry out the activities required of us.

These committees include:
1) Restoration: Grounds and Maintenance
2) Publicity and Outreach
3) Membership Services and Fund-raising
4) Docent Programs
5) Archives and Historic Documentation

Changes to Keepers
The year 2007 will see an update of our by-laws and a preparation of a Utilization Plan for coordination of all activities at the Lightstation. Once this plan is approved, and a corresponding use permit is issued by the County, in tandem with the road improvements (scheduled for April) we can increase attendance and visibility. Our immediate goal is to raise the number of visitors from the current 1,200 per year, to hopefully 10 times that amount in three to five years.

Finally, as you would expect, we need your participation in our membership drive, which helps sustain this effort. Thank you in advance for your support.
Andrew Merriam
President, PSLLHK

WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH OUR MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN
As we move into the New Year we need more man power and more funds. The core membership group is a small but very dedicated group of people intent on restoring the light station. We could use your help with the operations and membership portion of the keepers and would like an infusion of new enthusiasm and ideas.

Remember, your contributions are tax deductible
(we are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization).

For more information call Margo Camilleri at 805-540-5771 or e-mail info@sanluislighthouse.org