In The Pipeline:

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.”

— Isaac Newton

As you read here in the paper last week, after seven years and more than $500,000, it had finally arrived — the 70,000-pound, 145-foot steel pedestrian bridge that will now connect the mesa to the parking adjacent to the Bolsa Chica Conservancy. It didn’t matter that the morning was cool and drizzly (though the soft ground did seem to add some challenges for the workers). Just after 11 a.m., when the behemoth crane (with an appropriate “Mr. Crane” logo) lifted the bridge and swung it into the place, some sun had even started breaking through, as if to herald the new era.

Several dozen people had gathered on the shore to watch and take pictures, and the event had the feeling of a small-town community event. Many of the spectators, of course, were people connected to the cause, including Amigos de Bolsa Chica members who, for years, have volunteered thousands of hours to help preserve and protect the wetlands. Their expressions alone were worth the waiting in the rain.

Bonnie Turner, senior public lands management specialist with the Wildlife Conservation Board in Sacramento (and the project manager), was there as well. For her, this has been a particularly dedicated project.

“It felt really wonderful watching this bridge move over the landscape onto the abutments and listening to all the people shouting their approval,” she said. “It’s taken so long to complete and I was so happy that the project was successful. Now, over the next week or so, the concrete will be laid on the steel understructure and the handrails applied, and the native landscape planted, so this is coming to a close after 5 1/2 years of a long, long process to make sure everything was done right and according to environmental and coastal laws. I’m thrilled that so many groups and people gave of their energy, time and money to support this project . . . it could never have been completed without their support.

“I think that Bolsa Chica, one of the last few remaining coastal wetlands in Southern California that can support wildlife and visitors, represents what California should be known for, its conservation of wild places, even when they are so close and surrounded by civilization. How many places do you know where you can step into a place that supports so much diversity, while the traffic goes zooming by? Our children and grandchildren will be enriched and thankful that we took care of this place for them.”

And it’s hard to put it any better than that. See you on the bridge.

Author’s Day — The 2010 Friends of the Children’s Library Authors Festival happens Tuesday. Throughout the day, 38 authors will be going to 21 schools to speak in assemblies. My 13-year-old daughter, Claire, and I will be speaking at Sowers Middle School. Claire will talk about her role as a Time for Kids reporter and I will discuss writing this column, among other things.

Then, 30 authors will be coming to the Central Library reception/signing from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the library lobby and Children’s Department. Once again, Barnes & Noble will be there selling the authors’ books, mine included, and it would be wonderful to see you. Stop by if you can make it and say hello to Claire, myself and everyone else.

As well, the Friends of the Children’s Library tell me they have more than 350 entries to their writing and illustration contest, with about 85% of them coming from five grades in four schools. They will also recognize the schools and teachers for using this contest as a class project. The awards ceremony is set for 3:45 p.m. during the reception. There will be posters with each winner’s entry on display in the library lobby during February. This is a wonderful event and a great chance to meet many writers. I always enjoy meeting young writers while here, so if your kids are interested, bring them by to say hi. For more information, call (714) 847-5906.

Finally, a comment about the overwhelming amount of mail I received last week and continue to receive in regards to my piece on Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. I’ve never experienced anything like this as a column writer. The majority of the messages were from young fans over the world. Collectively, they mourn, but individually, they expressed in vivid, heart-wrenching language the pain they feel from Sullivan’s death. Their notes became like so much poetry; intense love letters and introspective reflections about a drummer, and a band that is an integral part of their existence. This loss is a huge moment in their young lives, and judging from the writing I saw, this loss ties them all even closer together as a community.

I wish all of you A7X fans, if you’re reading this, peace and healing. And may the power of the music push you to do great things. Lastly, I’m in the process of answering each note received, and though it may take a while, I promise to do it.

CHRIS EPTING is the author of 14 books, including the new “Huntington Beach Then & Now.” You can write him at [email protected] .