Topanga Messenger

 On Thursday, July 10, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) unanimously voted to approve the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) for the Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program (LCP), an exhaustively detailed land-use plan that will constrain future development of the coastal zone. In this, the second of two components of the LCP, the first being the Land Use Plan (LUP), Coastal Commission approval was based on numerous modifica… [Read More...]

 After eight years at Topanga Elementary Charter School, Nicole Sheard decided to move closer to home and is moving on to Canyon Charter Elementary School in Santa Monica. The Principal Selection Committee of the LAUSD announced that Steve Gediman will replace Sheard and takes on his new position as principal on July 17. “Mr. Gediman brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, coordinator, assistant principal and principal,” the committee states. “His… [Read More...]

 Our rain season has just concluded and the big question is: how dry was it?  Our season total in Fernwood was 6.85 inches. Our average over the last 18 years is now 19.94 inches.  This is the second driest season I have recorded. The driest was 2006-2007 season with a meager 4.62 inches. Let's hope we will see more rain this season.… [Read More...]

 Thursday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m.—Sensory Exploration for Toddlers. Join us for a special program for toddlers that promotes learning and exploration through touch, sight, sound and scent. Please be prepared for a wet and messy morning! Ages 1-3 with parent/caregiver. Thursday, July 17 at 4 p.m.—Kid’s Book Club. Join us as we discuss “The Luck Uglies” by Paul Durham, have a snack and create some art! Parents: refreshments will be served; a … [Read More...]

 The 24-hour contest was a notable accomplishment for local Topanga radio operators. TOPANGA, CA— Over the weekend of June 28-29, as part of a continuing tradition of service to the community, T-CEP participated in the annual 24-hour American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day contest that was both a test of the emergency communications abilities of the Disaster Radio Team (DRT) and the interaction with local agencies s… [Read More...]

 LOS ANGELES, CA—Woodcraft Rangers, a provider of expanded learning programs in greater Los Angeles, will host its annual Gala on July 31, from 6 to10 p.m., at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center located at 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles. The Gala offers a thrilling evening of fine fare and entertainment. Included in the evening’s program are Woodcraft’s Awards of Distinction given to individuals who embody the spirit of our programs and … [Read More...]

 On Saturday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m., Malibu’s own Leslie Bixler will return to Bank of Books Malibu with her Rockin’ Rhythm Storytime. This monthly singalong featuring both Leslie’s original songs like “I’m a Pirate” and old favorites like “Twist and Shout” has proven to be enormously popular with local preschoolers and their parents. A mom and recording artist with three albums to her credit, Leslie has also taught music at a local preschool, so she kno… [Read More...]

 TOPANGA, CA—In a tribute to its late co-founder Gabe Gelbart, the hospice residence at Anam Cara is being named “Gabriel’s House” during a ceremony welcoming the community to a Garden Day and Memorial Dedication on August 3. Gabe, 53, was a humanitarian, philanthropist, architect, and artist whose creative touch and belief in the healing beauty of nature can be seen throughout Anam Cara, including its California native plant landscape. He was planting… [Read More...]

 The Arbor Day Foundation is offering a handy tree-care booklet designed to help people plant and care for trees. Anyone can receive “Conservation Trees,” a user-friendly booklet featuring illustrations, color photos and easily-understood descriptions, by making a $3 donation to the Foundation. “Taking care of existing trees is just as critical as planting new ones, and proper care ensures communities are able to fully enjoy the diverse benefits of urb… [Read More...]

 Do you love animals?  Children?  Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Check out the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) docent training program at an information meeting on Saturday, July 19, 2014, 10 am to noon, at the Los Angeles Zoo's Witherbee Auditorium.  GLAZA's docent program, open to ages 18 and up, provides comprehensive training, with no previous experience necessary.   Reservations for the July 19 information meetin… [Read More...]

 American Forests plants 25 trees with local partner Pasadena Beautiful Foundation WASHINGTON, D.C. — American Forests, a leading national conservation organization, recently delivered to Mayor Bogaard and the city council an in-depth report on Pasadena’s urban forest, which assessed the value of the benefits the trees provide to the community at more than $8.8 million and a replacement value of more than $308 million. This study, funded by Ba… [Read More...]

 July is Lost Pet Prevention Month. Nearly one in five lost pets goes missing after being scared by the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms or other loud noises, according to a survey by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. While losing your pet can be a traumatic experience for both you and your pettake heart, as 93 percent of dogs and 75 percent of cats reported lost are returned safely to their homes according to another su… [Read More...]

 The Manzanita Speaker Series will present renowned landscape architect Mia Lehrer who will share her commitment and vision to achieving a healthier, more holistic future through the design of symbiotic cities. (ML+A), Lehrer's international landscape architecture and urban design firm, is located in Los Angeles, CA. It is known for its design and development of a wide spectrum of ambitious public and private projects including; the LosAngeles River Re… [Read More...]