A new community-led effort is underway to support one of Santa Cruz’s most recognizable coastal landmarks. Local resident and longtime lighthouse steward Bill Simpkins, in partnership with community members, has established the Keepers of the Light Fund through the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation to support ongoing maintenance and restoration of the beacon at Abbott Memorial Lighthouse.
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse
Perched above Lighthouse Point, along West Cliff Drive, the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse has long served as both a navigational beacon and a symbol of Santa Cruz’s coastal identity. However, as a historic structure exposed to harsh marine conditions, the lighthouse requires specialized care. Replacement parts are often difficult to source and come at a significant cost.
Most urgently, the lighthouse’s beacon light is nearing the end of its lifespan. The cost to replace the light is approximately $25,000, reflecting both the specialized equipment required and the complexity of installation.
“We invite the Santa Cruz community to join us in preserving the iconic beacon of the Abbott Lighthouse, Simpkins said. “As a ‘Keeper of the Light,’ you’ll be able to look up at that bright five-second flash and know you helped keep our coastline’s history alive. Together, we can keep the light shining for generations to come.”
The Keepers of the Light Fund has been established as a long-term resource to support ongoing repairs, preservation, and future needs of the lighthouse beacon. To help launch the fund and build early momentum, a special community recognition opportunity will be offered during the first month (April 6-30) of fundraising:
Donors who contribute $1,000 or more within the initial one-month campaign period will have their name included on a commemorative plaque, created by the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH), to be installed at the Abbott Memorial Lighthouse this summer.
The community will be invited to celebrate the installation of the new light and unveiling of the donor recognition plaque at a public event this summer. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.
Community members interested in supporting the project can make a donation through the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation at: www.cfscc.org/funds/abbott-lighthouse-temporary-fund
“We’re grateful for the community’s support in helping care for the Lighthouse, which is an important part of the West Cliff corridor and Santa Cruz’s coastline,” says Tony Elliot, Director, City of Santa Cruz, Parks & Recreation. “Maintaining a historic structure in a marine environment comes with unique challenges, and this kind of partnership helps ensure the lighthouse remains in good condition for all of us to enjoy.”
TOP IMAGE: A photo of Abbot Lighthouse taken in the 1880s.