Topanga's Got Talent and Heart ... Most Definitely
Story by Ben Allanoff, Photos by Kelly Radinsky
On Saturday, November 7, an incredibly diverse and talented group of Topangans (and honorary Topangans) rocked and wowed the community house at the first annual Topanga Talent Show, a benefit for Topanga Youth Services (TYS) and the Topanga Creek Watershed Committee (TCWC). The event was a huge success in every regard and kicks off a great new tradition in the Canyon. ...
(See Messenger page 12-13, Vol 33, No 23, Nov. 19, 2009 for complete story and photos)
Holiday Gift Giving Topanga-Style (Guide #1)
Shop Sustainable Topanga this holiday season! In appreciation of the community's support, the Messenger is publishing free listings of Topanga businesses offering earth- and human-friendly holiday gifts, discounts and services in this and the next two issues. Word count is limited to a maximum of 100 words. Editorial deadlines: for December 3 issue, November 19; for the December 17 issue, December 1. If you wish to include a "10% (or other percentage or dollar amount) discount" with this listing, or an online order code, please include that wording in the write-up. Send listing and photo to editor@topangamessenger.com. To place ads, contact Mary Colvig-Rhodes at (310) 455-8747.
(See Messenger page 8, Vol 33, No 23, Nov. 19, 2009 for Holiday Gift Giving Guide #1)
Living With Wildlife: Betting on the Bobcat
By Sarah Priest
As the sun set on a crisp and chilly evening this fall, I had the rare honor to catch a good look at one of our more elusive canyon residents, the bobcat. The startled feline took one look at me and elegantly loped away down a sandy trail – quickly disappearing without a backward glance. I had time to see a rich coat of reddish brown fur marked with darker spots, superbly tufted and disproportionately large ears, a bewhiskered and fluffy round face and black bars on flashing long legs. ...
(See Messenger page 15, Vol 33, No 23, Nov. 19, 2009 for Living with Wildlife)
My Corner of the Canyon: Cats, Comfort and Caring
By Kathie Gibboney
I've begun, as of late, to measure all states of being by cat barometer. If cat is fine, all's right with the world. What matter if someone is rude, if the house is too small, if my reflection is ruthlessly aged? If, Butterscotch Tailwind Muldoon, is sitting contentedly, contemplating the Topanga hillside from his perch atop the computer, I, too, am content. ...
(See Messenger page 16, Vol 33, No 23, Nov. 19, 2009 for My Corner of the Canyon)
Living Well: Living Raw!
By Sage Knight
Topanga Tillie really wants to make a difference in the world, but frankly, with three mouths to feed and more on her plate than a Cirque du Soleil juggler, she doesn't always hit the mark. A million times a day, she grapples with the question, "How do I live my life in a way that works for me, is happy and productive, and also leaves me feeling good about how I am impacting the world?" or, more bluntly, "How do I get what I want without killing anyone?" ...
(See Messenger page 17, Vol 33, No 23, Nov. 19, 2009 for Living Well)
Readiness Report: Preparedness Teams Meet
By Michele Johnson
Topanga's coalition of emergency groups met on Saturday, November 7, at T-CEP's Emergency Operations Center off Old Church Road. Every other month, leaders of T-CEP's teams along with their allies, Arson Watch and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), meet to share information and strategize. Judy Hein, who sat in for Hotline team leader Lynne Haigh, said every time a leader gave a wrap-up, she learned something new. ...
(See Messenger page 20, Vol 33, No 23, Nov. 19, 2009 for Readiness Report)
