Topanga Messenger

 It was a stunning victory for Santa Monica Mountain communities and coastal areas when, on February 11, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 (Supv. Michael Antonovich abstaining) to adopt the Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program (LCP). Spearheaded by Third District Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, the LCP is a mechanism for allowing one-stop approval for agreement between the County and State whereas the Coastal … [Read More...]

 Malibu, CA—The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC) has announced the election of its new officers for 2014. The Honorable Linda Parks, Ventura County Supervisor from the Second District, was elected Chairperson for a one-year term by a unanimous vote of the Members. Jerome C. Daniel, appointee of Los Angeles Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, was appointed Vice Chairperson. Parks previously served as a Planning Commissioner, City Councilmember and May… [Read More...]

 Old Canyon Ranch was host to the joyous union of Shawna and Michael Russell, who were married on Valentine’s Day in its magnificent, natural oak tree cathedral. Their story is both beautiful and heartrending as they overcame enormous personal obstacles and built a strong, healthy life together. The trials of their past brought them together in church one day, and the strength they drew from each other built a deep enduring love b… [Read More...]

 The annual chili dinner for our firefighters at Station 69 took place on Feb. 9. While a small gathering due to limited space at the station, it always proves to be fun getting to know them and having them know how much the community supports them. Special thanks to Laura Bateman and Linda Leonard who made the scrumptious chili, as well as to Karla Morrison, Becca Barkin, Tanya Starcevich and Flavia Potenza for bringing the rest … [Read More...]

 Wednesdays & Fridays at 10:15 a.m.—Toddler Storytime. Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and more! Wednesday, March 12 at 5 p.m.—Teen Art Day. Join us for a variety of DIY art projects to make and take home! Ages 12-18.  Thursday, March 13 at 5 p.m.—Teen Advisory Board Meeting. Earn volunteer credit while sharing input on books and teen programs! Ages 12-18.… [Read More...]

 The California Superior Court of Los Angeles County, reacting to what began as an investigation prompted by Best Friends Animal Society (www.bestfriends.org) and other animal welfare groups, has entered a permanent injunction against Barkworks, a Los Angeles-area pet store chain dogged with accusations that it acquires its animals from “puppy mills” and conceals that fact from consumers. The court order stems from settlement of a lawsuit against Barkw… [Read More...]

 Have you seen the signs along Oak Road, in Old Canyon, reminding drivers to slow down? Gracie and Tallulah Gandee, Mom Danielle, Lauren and Tony Dow, worked on this neighborly project together to create signs for their neighborhood reminding drivers to slow down. “It scares us when cars and trucks come whizzing around the bend and don't seem to care that we are there,” they say, and think it would be cool for other kids and familie… [Read More...]

 Deaths highlight need for safe road crossings. THOUSAND OAKS, CA—Three local mountain lion kittens have been fatally struck by vehicles in recent weeks, in two separate incidents. Roads pose one of the most significant challenges to the long-term survival of mountain lions in the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding area. “Roads are a challenge not only because mountain lions keep getting hit and killed by cars, but also because major roads s… [Read More...]

 On February 11, a hiker spotted and photographed this bobcat severely infected with notoedric mange in Topanga State Park. The bobcat was captured and radio collared in 2011 by UCLA and NPS biologists, at which time he was suffering a case of moderate notoedric mange. He was treated for the disease at the time of capture and released on site. Although he recovered from his initial infection and appeared to remain healthy for more than a… [Read More...]

 Sacramento, CA—Senator Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, outlined priorities for responding to drought conditions and creating more reliable water supplies in California. “These priorities should be reflected in the water bonds under consideration in the Legislature and in other legislation and administrative actions,” she said, adding that the state should consider measures that automatically ta… [Read More...]

 A private fundraising brunch is planned at the historic Mountain Mermaid on Sunday, March 16, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., to support Sheila Kuehl’s run for L.A. County Third District Supervisor, replacing Zev Yaroslavsky who will term out this year. The event will be hosted by Meredith Baxter and Nancy Locke; Bill Buerge and Gail McTune; Pat and John MacNeil; Roger Pugliese; and Dorothy Reik. Sponsors are Hope Edelman and Wendie Malick. Ell… [Read More...]

 SACRAMENTO—Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) today announced that he has introduced legislation, AB 1699, to ban the sale of personal care products that contain micro-plastic particle abrasives, commonly referred to as “microbeads,” that are found in products such as facial scrubs, soaps, and toothpaste. “Microbeads are a significant part of the debris accumulating in the Pacific Ocean and are also found at alarming levels in our local wate… [Read More...]

 Around 11:32 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16, L.A. County Sheriff's Malibu Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded to an injured hiker call at Paramount Ranch, Agoura Hills. A 22-year-old woman from Northridge was hiking with her father when she fractured her ankle near Coyote Trail. Numerous personnel from several federal and county agencies worked together in difficult terrain conditions to reach the woman. Once located, Los Angeles County Fire paramedics tend… [Read More...]

 On a cool and cloudy Sunday morning, a gregarious group of about 200 Topanga kids, their parents and a number of unattached adults lined up outside the Community House on Feb. 9 to enjoy homemade pancakes, sausages and bacon cooked up by a handpicked group of devoted dads. While the kids—and some parents—ran around in their pajamas, most parents relaxed and visited with friends to the outstanding music of the “Topanga Flapjacks”… [Read More...]

 The Calabasas Historical Society is organizing a field trip to see Endeavour at the California Science Center on Wednesday, March 19. The trip includes an IMAX film and the “California Story,” a companion exhibit featuring images and artifacts that relate to the shuttle program to California where the orbiters were built, followed by viewing Endeavour at the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. The California Science Center is located at 700 Exposition Park, Los… [Read More...]

 Success of coalition approach to ending the killing of healthy animals in shelters provides road map for cities across the nation. LOS ANGELES, CA—The number of healthy or treatable dogs and cats killed in Los Angeles city animal shelters has been cut nearly in half in just two years, Best Friends Animal Society announced today. Statistics provided by LA Animal Services show that since the formation in 2012 of a 70-organization coalition led … [Read More...]

 $5-$10 goes back to your child's school for five days of camp before March 15. Perfect Day is offering their "give back" program for Spring Camp where $5 will go back to your child's school for a week of half-day camp and $10 for a week of whole day camp. The Perfect Day team found this to be a good way to raise unlimited funds for the schools while your child gains skills in surfing, learns about the environment and enjoys the beautiful bay we … [Read More...]

 Your new best friend will be waiting for you Sunday, March 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at LaCienga Park (LaCienga Blvd. at Olympic). The Pet Care Foundation (Pets 90210) will host their biggest pet adoption event to date with beautiful, adorable and very adoptable cats and dogs from several organizations, all there to find their forever home. This event coincides with the City of Beverly Hills’ Woofstock event with food and retail vendors, doggie demonstrati… [Read More...]