The One, The Only, Topanga’s Chamber of Commerce

“It’s a voluntary three-year commitment and it’s thrilling,” says Chamber president Joseph Rosendo.

In anticipation of the upcoming 64th Annual Topanga Chamber of Commerce (TCoC) Awards dinner on April 6, Chamber President Joseph Rosendo wants people to know—more even than simply honoring the 2012 awardees— that this is a celebration of Topanga’s people who have fought to protect and preserve the Canyon over the years.

“The truth is,” he says, “is that the struggle never ends,” Rosendo said. There is always something new presented that has the result of changing the Canyon in a way that makes it lose its spirit, scenic beauty and lifestyle that we who live here and the world prizes. Rosendo travels the world with his TV travelogue, “Travelscope,” and he knows.

“Everywhere we travel, everyone knows about Topanga and has a warm, positive response,” he said. “The 2012 awards are honoring the people who have been part of that struggle.”

CITIZENS OF THE YEAR

Now in their eighties, no one embodies the youthful spirit of Topanga more than this year’s Citizens of the Year, columnist Al Martinez and his beautiful wife, Joanne, who have lived here since Jan. 1, 1972. Each has served the community well; Al through his L.A. “By God” Times columns and recently those he writes for the Messenger (for which we thank him as much as God).

Joanne was responsible for the family moving here from Oakland when Al got the job with the L os Angeles Times.

“I didn’t want to move, so Al told me to pick a place,” Joanne recalled. “I looked at a map and saw this road snaking around and knew it would be in the mountains. I love the outdoors.” She looked at other areas, too, but said she “never, ever considered any place but Topanga. I’ve been glad ever since. I think Topanga is life changing. I feel blessed.”

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

TCoC is honoring the Topanga Watershed Committee (TWC) with the Non-profit Organization of the Year award for stepping up about pesticide spraying along the Boulevard.

As a result of the efforts of the ad hoc Topanga Canyon Boulevard Roadside Committee, where county and state ­­agencies and local volunteer organizations, such as TWC, have come together with concerned residents, the committee will be recommending “best management practices” to Caltrans for maintaining the Boulevard (State Highway 27) without using toxic chemicals and still fulfill traffic and fire safety mandates.

“The Boulevard is our ‘Main Street’,” said Rosendo. “What we, as Topanga’s Chamber, realized from working on this committee and all the entities that have participated, is the possibility of officially designating this highway as a scenic corridor.”

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Lance Roberts, owner of Froggy’s Topanga Fish Market, was chosen to receive the Business of the Year award. Froggy’s is a Topanga landmark and a venue for some of the best music in town. Last year, Roberts upgraded the service and the food .

“At one time or another, everyone goes to Froggy’s, for the food and ­for the ambience, of course, but also for music,” Rosendo said. “It is another opportunity for young musicians to come in and showcase their work. They’ve got every kind of music going on there.”

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Speaking of young people, Rosendo noted that the Chamber is actively opening its doors to those up-and-coming whippersnappers, inviting them to participate and share their creativity and talents with the Canyon.

“The perception is that the TCoC is stodgy.” Rosendo became animated as he continued: “We are Topanga’s Chamber of Commerce and we are different from others. We have a Chamber that matches the spirit of Topanga. We are the perfect Chamber for this town and we are getting young people involved. Our business people respond to that; they love it.”

As an example, he pointed to Jennifer Babcock’s 7-year-old daughter, Lucy, who has become a member of TCoC, with her baking company, Lucy’s Bake Shop.

“We are a volunteer organization. It’s a full-time job and I have my other full-time job,” Rosendo said. “The TCoC Board is a human resource. To be able to follow through on good ideas we need volunteers who will commit to three years and we invite anyone who comes into the Canyon with the spirit of Topanga and wants to be of service to become a member,”he said. “It’s thrilling.”

The awards banquet takes place, Saturday, April 6, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Froggy’s Topanga Fish Market, 1105 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga CA 90290.

Tickets are available online at topangachamber.org or by mailing a check, payable to Topanga Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 185, Topanga CA 90290. Cost is $45 for members, $55 for non-members and includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert and one drink ticket. No tickets will be sold at the door.

For more information, contact TCoC Event Chair, April Hinkle, (818) 294-5033, or events@topangachamber.org.