. >> people like the idea of this brid that's been here for 75 years. so i'm in the minority on it. >> reporter: in one year those lights will come down for at least several months. but the people who put them up want your help to keep them flickering for another 10 years. >> we're kicking off a campaign, a $12 million campaign, to keep the bridge lit through 2026. >> i'm optimistic we'll find generous donors. >> reporter: that feat could be more impress every than the lights. for generations the san francisco waterfront has sparked epic battles over form and function, most recently was the very loud public takedown of the 8 washingto condos, the warriors arena plan, even the bridge's namesake. now out of the foggy night sky, a consensus on a display of lights nearly two miles long. >> it's quiet. it's elegant. so why wouldn't you keep it? >> i say keep it, yeah. i think it would be cool. >> reporter: no matter what, one year from now, the lights will come down so caltrans can perform maintenance on the bridge. whether or not they go back up depends on