A “free” L.A. River bridge to cost millions in public funds; brush fire burns near Highland Park homes; a visit with Echo Park artist Peter Shire

Eastside Scene: Atwater Village | beeharmon

• The City Council approved the construction of a $16 million L.A. River bridge connecting North Atwater Village and Griffith Park. The span for pedestrians and equestrians was once promoted as a gift to the city that would be paid for by private donations. But after costs escalated, taxpayers will now have to pay at least $12 million to get the structure built. “So here we are, at this 11th hour, with a $16.12-million bridge that the community didn’t really ask for,” Councilman Mitch O’Farrell said at a hearing. L.A. Times

• Firefighters put out a brush fire in the 4800 block of Marmion Way in Highland Park on Friday night before it spread to nearby homes.  The fire began in a car before spreading to brush and vegetation on a steep slope below the homes. KTLA

• A visit to the studio of Echo Park potter and sculptor Peter Shire. Jewish Journal

• A former teacher and teacher’s assistant at Evergreen Avenue Early Education are claiming they were fired by the school district over reporting allegations of abuse at the Boyle Heights school. ABC7

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