A bridge to remember: MVHS walks down memory bridge

Om Khandekar • October 19, 2015

Over six years ago, the Don Burnett bicycle-pedestrian bridge opened to the public and finally connected two communities split by the I-280 freeway. Since then, the bridge has only grown in prominence around Cupertino. MVHS math teacher David Greenstein was part of the committee that ultimately decided to build this bridge over other qualified projects. Here, Greenstein shares his story and students share their bridge-related memories.

Part one: Math teacher David Greenstein, the man with the plan

Burnett Bridge Opening Pic — Photo taken Oct. 3 at 4:45 p.m at the Don Burnett bicycle-pedestrian bridge. The bridge has remained in good condition since it’s opening in 2009. (Photo by Om Khandekar)

The bridge can be seen by anyone driving up I-280 or simply walking around Cupertino, but only math teacher David Greenstein can say he saw the bridge from the very beginning. The concept itself stemmed from a movement to create a freeway system for bikes, and after careful deliberation the bridge was chosen as the best. Since they created a system of freeways for cars in the 1960’s, no one considered the impact it would have on bicyclists and walkers. Even though it was an incredibly expensive build, around fifteen to seventeen million dollars in total, the bridge was opened to the public in 2009.

Part two: Marcus Adrian Laguisma, the cameraman

Burnett Bridge Section One Picture — Photo taken Oct. 3 at 5:33 p.m at the Don Burnett bicycle-pedestrian bridge. The triangular geometry of the mainframes of the bridge make it very appealing to take pictures of. (Photo by Om Khandekar)

Senior Marcus Laguisma, the vice president of the Photo Club, knows that a good photo requires more than a fancy camera or an experienced photographer. It also requires a beautiful subject. So, when Laguisma held a promotional photo shoot for his club, he knew exactly what landscape would make a good photo — the Don-Burnett bridge during sunrise. The bridge’s triangular geometry and architecture made it a truly unique photo destination as it sets up many cool photo opportunities for a photographer.

“The bridge is the most interesting place in Cupertino, like architecturally,” Laguisma said. “I mean, the triangles make a really good picture.”

Marcus Bridge Pic — Photo taken Sept. 20 at around 6:30 p.m. at the Don Burnett bicycle-pedestrian bridge. Senior Marcus Adrian Laguisma hoped to capture the beauty of the bridge at sunset. (photo by Marcus Laguisma)

Part three: Anshu Jain, the romantic

Burnett Bridge Section Three — Photo taken Oct 3 at 5:00 p.m. at the Don Burnett bicycle-pedestrian bridge. The bridge spans the distance between Cupertino and Sunnyvale, almost like a very long hallway. (Photo by Om Khandekar)

At night, the bridge can be an even more alluring location. Its lights and white color create a charming ambiance, and the perfect location to ask someone to a dance. For senior Anshu Jain, the bridge was the ideal location to ask out a girl to a dance for Jain. Jain envisioned the bridge as a site that gave off a romantic vibe, and to his knowledge, senior Alli Case, the girl he was asking, also loved the bridge.

“The bridge has a pretty kind of view in the nighttime,” said Jain. “With the lights shining down, and it seems like a hallway. I don’t wanna sound like I’m really looking forward in life, but you know when like people get married, they walk down this long beautiful thing? It was kinda like one of those special places.”

Jain asked Case to the 2014 homecoming dance of by dancing to the song “Bow Chicka Wow Wow” by Mike Posner, with a whole routine involving hiding behind a wall of friends and popping out during the chorus. His asking went just as planned and the Don-Burnett bridge provided an ideal backdrop with its elegant aesthetic.