Panel discussion and LA Forum Newsletter launch

 “How is the Sixth Street bridge impacting the community?”

Date: Saturday, 18th of November, 2023

Location: MLA Office, 251 S Mission Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Time: 10am - 12pm

Please join us to celebrate the launch of our 2023 newsletter focused on the Sixth Street Bridge. We’re exploring the impact of the bridge on the community with a free panel discussion and walking tour.

Come have coffee and pastries on us, followed by a short presentation and documentary about the bridge created by USC landscape architecture students. We will then have a spirited panel discussion followed by a walking tour over, under, and around the bridge with USC documentarians leading the way. 

The newsletter includes beautiful newspaper-sized posters with photos by Content Production and text about the history and architecture of the bridge -- available for you to take home.   

The panel comprises representatives from both sides of the bridge, including Boyle Heights and the Arts District. Our moderator, journalist and LA Podcast host Alissa Walker, will lead the discussion on provocative topics such as: 

• How can this iconic landmark build connections and foster the community?

• What role does the bridge play in gentrification? 

• What kind of public engagement is necessary for the planned park below?

• Can the monetization of the bridge via film and photoshoots be used for the community?

Join us for what is sure to be a lively debate!

Making the most of the day:

Please wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, water, and a hat to protect yourself. We will be departing from Studio-MLA at 11:30am for the short walk to the bridge. 

Panelists:

Francisco Romero served as co-lead convener for the Park Equity Alliance organizing for procedural, structural, and distributional justice in the parks and water fields, and via ReDesignLA has served as a mentor for multiple organizations on best practices toward policy-impact and community engagement for the development of multi-benefit projects across Los Angeles.

Laura Velkei is a founding member of Arts District Community Council LA.  She is a long time political campaigner and community advocate and champions Project Monarch LA, a Monarch Butterfly Habitat restoration project at LA State Historic Park.

Javier Meier Borrani is an architect and founder of RFRM Collective. His work emphasizes social and public service, fostering partnerships with city officials, nonprofits, and local stakeholders, while also leading community advocacy efforts through LARABA and ADCCLA, all with a vision for long-lasting impact on Los Angeles.

Moderator: Alissa Walker writes about transportation and architecture and is the co-host of LA Podcast.

Tourguides: Hannah Flynn, Leslie Dinkin, Rio Asch Phoenix, Nina Weithorn, students at USC Landscape Architecture Department with Alex Robinson. Project Fifty-one Miles. 

Partnered with Friends of the Los Angeles River and with support from USC Arts-in-Action and President Folt's President’s Leadership Funds for Sustainability, the team consists of four landscape architecture students, a photographer, and a documentarian. They walked the full length of the Los Angeles River from the headwaters in Canoga Park to the estuary in Long Beach over six days in early August. They envision the river as both a symbolic and literal linkage in a region known for its sprawl, and set out to experience the landscape in its entirety. They are now working on a documentary and book to share their journey and advocate for a more accessible Los Angeles River.

Co-Host: Studio MLA

Location: MLA Office, 251 S Mission Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90033

Please note: by attending this event, you agree to the liability waiver and release below. Liability Waiver and Release: * I hereby declare that I accept and understand the following conditional requirements of my participation in LA Forum's Under The Influence 003 event. I declare that I fully intend to be bound by the condition stated herein. I further declare that I have read and fully understand all of the conditions outlined below. In consideration of acceptance of my participation in LA Forum's Under the Influence 003 event, I, for myself, my heirs and assigns, hereby release the sponsors, program participants, coordinators, and officials of this event from any and all liability arising from illness and/or damages I may suffer as a result of participation in such an event. I attest that I will wear any protective gear required by the event organizers. I agree that if I violate this agreement and attempt to bring suit against any part of parties named herein, that I will be held responsible for attorney’s fees and any costs incurred by that person in defending such action. I further understand that this waiver applies to all or any events in which I may participate from the time I convene with the event forward and that this waiver and release of rights contains no expiration date.