New bridge is oh, so lovely

Cyclists and equestrians are seen on the Foothill Boulevard bridge yesterday as officials conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony nearby. Construction for the new bridge is now complete but the artwork will take a few more months. The photo below shows a rendering of the artwork, which depicts vintage cars traversing Route 66.

The artwork may be finished in February, according to Associate Engineer Curt Billings, but it all depends on the fate of Redevelopment Agency funding.

The City Council was joined by Supervisor Janice Rutherford and Sen. Bob Dutton at the ceremony marking the completion of the bridge and Pacific Electric Trail. But the person who stole the show was Donna Jimenez, a representative from Rep. David Dreier's office. Jimenez was more excited about taking a picture with the politicians than she was about the bridge. She said in her 14-year career, she has never had her photo taken with local politicos.

Jimenez was so excited, in fact, she was at a lost for words. When addressing Dutton, she described him as "lovely," an adjective that even surprised the senator, who was wide eyed and taken aback upon hearing the word.

After the pictures were taken, Jimenez gave all the politicians, including Dutton, a hug. See, the bridge has that affect on people. It can get you across town and make you feel giddy about life's most banal offerings.