LA River Bridges Events
On January 30, 2008, 11 historic bridges over the Los Angeles River were designated as city Historic-Cultural Landmarks. While this ensures a role for the city's Cultural Heritage Commission in reviewing proposed widening and replacement projects, it does not prevent outright demolition. The fate of the bridges will remain a topic of debate for years to come.
To enlighten and educate in a fun, interactive way, the Los Angeles Conservancy, the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), and Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) have joined forces to celebrate these bridges with two special events in April as part of "Spanning History: The Bridges of the Los Angeles River."
Panel discussion - Thursday, April 10, 7 p.m., at the Getty Center - As part of its Conservation Matters lecture series, the Getty Conservation Institute will host a panel discussion regarding the status of, and plans for, the bridges. The panel will be moderated by Larry Mantle, host of 89.3 KPCC's AirTalk, and will include noted bridge experts and preservationists. The event is free, but reservations are required.
"Bridge Mix" - Sunday, April 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., various locations - This family-friendly tour and activity day will highlight four of the historic bridges on the east and west banks of the river between downtown and Boyle Heights. After docents give a brief history of each bridge, a range of hands-on activities will explore a special theme at each site.
Reservations and tickets for both events are available online. The April 10 panel discussion is free, but reservations are required. Tickets for the April 13 "Bridge Mix" are $25 for Conservancy and FoLAR members, $30 for the general public, and $10 for children 12 and under. For more information, panel reservations and "Bridge Mix" tickets, please visit www.laconservancy.org