The Canyon Chronicle - October 15, 2021 (Volume 2, No. 20) - www.thecanyonchronicle.com by The Canyon Chronicle

T o p a n g a’ s I n d e p e n d e n t Vo i c e S i n c e 19 7 6 October 15, 2021 • Vol. 2, No. 20

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Another Wright Way Team Sale JU ST SOLD $200K+ OVER ASKING. All time record sales price in Topanga for a 1 bedroom home under an acre!

THE WRIGHT WAY TEAM MARKETING RECAP • • • • • • • • • • •

Professional day and twilight photos, drone photos, lifestyle video, and drone video. One LA times print ad, one LATimes.com digital ad. One postcard mailed to every home in Topanga. Two Topanga Paper full page ads. Syndicated to 800+ websites. Email marketing. Numerous Artificial Intelligence powered paid social media ads to identified buyer demographics. One catered open house launch party. 150+ people at launch party. 10 offers received. Sold for $1,400,000 – 16% over asking price.

CALL US TODAY IF YOU WANT THE MOST CUTTING EDGE, COMPREHENSIVE MARKETING IN THE BUSINESS, FOR YOUR HOME. Ready to see how different the curated white glove Compass approach is to selling real estate? Utilizing The Wright Way Team and our access to Compass Private Exclusives, Compass Concierge, Compass Bridge Loans, and many other amazing services, will change how you have ever experienced the real estate process. There is a reason why Compass has been the #1 Brokerage in Topanga 3 years running, and why The Wright Way Team is currently the #1 team in Topanga. We are a local family team, powered by a forward thinking, fast moving, high touch and high technology company, changing the industry for the better, leading from the heart, and delivering exceptional results for our clients! @thewrightwayteam NUMBER ONE 2021 TOPANGA TEAM. PASSIONATE LOCAL AGENTS. UNPARALLELED MARKETING REACH. INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY. RESULTS DELIVERED. AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER.

Adrian Wright

Jordan Wright

818.939.6415 adrian.wright@compass.com DRE 00935559

818.746.6987 jordanwright@compass.com DRE 01952694

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. #1 Topanga agents status based on total closed transaction sides. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

Thinking Out Loud Karla and Joe Morrison are Migrating to Michigan...

...And kept it quiet until they couldn’t! It didn’t give The Canyon Chronicle much time to find a few close friends to say in public how much this “Topanga version of a Power Couple,” as Tam Taylor observed, have contributed, mostly behind the scenes, during 25 years as community volunteers. If you‘ve ever had a problem with your air conditioner or heating system, you would know them as Karla and Joe who took your call, came to your house and got things done for you and the community they love. These tributes reflect the essence of volunteerism that helps build a community and many friendships.

Publisher / Editor Flavia Potenza

Lisa Villasenor* I met Karla about 23 years ago when our kids were in the same class at Topanga Elementry. We were room moms together and worked on silent auctions, Halloween carnivals, arts and crafts festivals, Topanga School plays, Girl Scouts, Topanga Days, relentless fundraisers for the Community House, Topanga Ballet, Topanga softball, and one of our favorites: 23 years cooking and serving for the Sages Senior Dinners. Karla is a dependable, caring woman who takes care of business. She has helped so many people and organizations in our community. I am blessed to call her my friend. I am excited for Karla and Joe to enjoy this next chapter in their life. They leave an incredible legacy and will be missed… *Lisa’s home burned down last year and, at least temporarily, she cannot continue with the Senior Dinners.

Creative Director Nira Lichten Senior Reporter Annemarie Donkin Creative Consultant Eiffel Nazaryan Contributors Linda Ballou Joel Bellman Kathie Gibboney Paula LaBrot Kait Leonard Amy Weisberg

Ami Kirby: Ami and her late husband, Doug, met Karla, Joe, and their daughter, Kayla, at a Hannukah party. We sat together after dinner and Karla told me that she and Joe had recently moved to Topanga. I immediately responded to her warm manner and found we had much to talk about. Because we were now “family,” Karla invited us to a Passover end-of-fast dinner. I learned of Karla’s interest in food when I saw her well-appointed kitchen and enjoyed the food she had prepared. After dinner, she showed me through the house, pointing out its heating and air-conditioning features. We soon began to receive Karla’s annual holiday letters, a treat to read. I wish I had saved them. They were closely typed on a single, legal-size paper crammed with news of family, visits from friends and family, summers at their Minnesota cabin on a lake, projects undertaken, and her community activities. They expressed her huge energy and warm involvement with friends and community. Doug especially liked her letters and always referred to her as “Kah La” fondly mimicking her Minnesota accent. He enjoyed her hugs, as we all did. The first community activity I remember her organizing was a large spaghetti dinner served to the Topanga Elementary school staff and parents. She called it “Pass the Parmesan” and it was a huge endeavor that continued for two or three years, at least for the years that Kayla was at Topanga Elementary. She was involved in many community organizations such as the Topanga Historical Society and T-CEP. She told me she preferred to work on the sidelines of the many community organizations she was involved in. Of course, I remember the beautiful spread of food she, Karen and Lisa put together for Doug’s memorial. It was spectacular and I’m sure she did that for many other people, as well. She has a huge heart!

Tam Taylor: We recognize Karla and Joe not for their financial or political success but because of their tireless work for their community. So many of us have relied on both of them for so many things as they donated time, materials, and know-how. We grew to love and appreciate them more every year. They preferred to work behind the scenes and made Topanga a better, more caring community. As happens with power couples, their absence leaves a void, which only inspires the rest of us to do more to take up where they leave off. They have woven a more beautiful fabric of Topanga with their dedication and tender caring, and the town is stronger for it. We wish you well and godspeed. —Flavia Potenza

editor@thecanyonchronicle.com General inquiries: info@thecanyonchronicle.com Advertising inquiries: ads@thecanyonchronicle.com P.O. Box 1101 Topanga, CA 90290 (310) 460-9786 Follow us on Instagram @thecanyonchronicle, & Facebook and twitter @CanyonChronicle

T o p a n g a’ s I n d e p e n d e n t Vo i c e S i n c e 19 7 6 October 15, 2021 • Vol. 2, No. 20

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Michele Johnson: Charming, feisty and always honest, Karla puts her heart and soul into everything she does. She even laughs with her whole body in a way that moves everyone around to join in. For many, many years, she was the mainstay of the Community House, the worker bee who actually got everything done. She also helped lead the effort to build the new playground and cooked for memorials and events large and small. As I remember, she grew up as a member of a large family of restaurateurs in Canada and was an experienced chef long before moving here. Joe, who ran Morrison Heating and Air Conditioning, provided those services time and again to the Community House. When he wasn’t manning the grill at an event he’d be working in a host of other capacities. (On a personal note, who can we trust now to recondition our balky heater?) Karla not only worked the phones at Morrison Heating, but worked the emergency hotline for TCEP. She volunteered at Topanga Elementary as she raised her kids, handled subscriptions at the Topanga Messenger, and was a celebrated volunteer for the Topanga Women’s Circle, preparing homes for homeless women and children. I know her best for her essential role with the Canyon Sages, Topanga’s senior organization. For the last 12 years, she, together with Lisa Villasenor and Karen Dannenbaum, brought back Senior Dinners to the Community House. Thankfully, Kristina Rocco Levy and Karen Dannebaum will continue to carry on the dinners. Great volunteers are hard to find. Thanks, and bon voyage!

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Karen Dannenbaum: I first met Karla Morrison when our children were in the annual Topanga Nutcracker. We were assigned to be “door guards” on either side of the door to the Penny Room, monitoring when the door would open, and who could go in or out. I learned way back then that Karla was a lot of fun, had a sharp sense of humor, and was not someone to mess with. We graduated to “back stage moms” where I discovered another of Karla’s many skills, being quick with a needle and thread, often needed in the rush of performing. I soon found out that she was a volunteer at heart when she convinced me to help with the Senior Dinners well before the Sage’s came about. There I saw not only her cooking skills, but the talent of a caterer, teaching me the art of beautifully arranging the buffet tables. What really impressed me was not only how capable she was, but how she knew all the seniors coming for dinner and would make the time to sit down with each of them and chat for a few minutes. Eventually, I met Joe, and found they ran Morrison’s Heating and Air together. She would call on Joe to come and repair things at the Topanga Community Club, usually to fix the old refrigerator that was in the kitchen. He also donated his time keeping things running and installed the AC in the new Sages Room. I guess Karla decided I need more volunteer projects, as next she had me helping with Topanga Days when she was in charge of all the cash that went in and out during the festival. There is no one more responsible than Karla when it comes to other people’s money. Joe was also a big part of Topanga Days. They would sponsor a huge banner over the ball field, and Joe would set up his favorite event, the Horseshoe Competition. We will all miss Karla and Joe.

Copy Editor / Distribution Ellie Carroll

Artist Valerie Walsh has a deliciously bizarre sense of humor for our Halloween holiday cover. “It is a tongue-in-cheek idea based on a Topanga Outhouse I once saw,” she says. It is titled “Halloween Hillfolk Outhouse,” a painting on paper.

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NEWS Amy Weisberg Selected as a Policy Fellow for 2021-2022 Teach Plus California Amy Weisberg, Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten teacher for Topanga Elementary Charter School, Los Angeles Unified School District, has been selected by Teach Plus, a national nonprofit that empowers teachers to lead improvements in educational policy and instructional practice. She has been named, along with a group of 25 demonstrably effective teachers from around California for its 20212022 Policy Fellowship cohort. The cohort will focus on a range of issues of importance to California’s teachers, students, and parents. Those issues include equitable school funding, transparency and accountability, the creation of a culturally affirming and antiracist school climate, strategies for ensuring an excellent, empowered, and diverse teaching force, and highquality early childhood education. “I’m so excited to have been

selected as a Teach Plus Fellow,” says Weisberg. “I was encouraged to apply by my friend and colleague, Dr. Nikysha Gilliam, who was a Fellow last year. Though the process was arduous, consisting of a written application, a written analysis of current legislation, an individual interview and a group interview, I found it a good challenge. Now, as a Weisberg has taught at Topanga Fellow, I am thrilled to have a voice Amy Elementary Charter School for 27 years. in state education policy and look forward to this year of learning and The new Fellows hail from growing as an educator, contributing across the state, from Chula Vista in to education policy, and advocating the south to Hamilton in the north, for our students.” and many communities in between “Even though this is one of including Los Angeles, Fontana, the most challenging years to be a Sacramento, Merced, Glendale, teacher, these exceptional educators National City, and Richmond. Their have stepped forward to grow their teaching experience ranges from two expertise as advocates for educational years to 42 years across traditional equity,” said Sarah Lillis, Teach Plus public and charter public schools, California Executive Director. “I am from transitional kindergarten to looking forward to seeing all that we high school. can accomplish together,” The Fellows were selected

through a rigorous application process that required them to demonstrate effectiveness, commitment to equity, and pursuit of excellence and innovation in their teaching. Throughout the program, the Fellows are trained in policy, advocacy, research, and communications to develop the skills necessary to advocate for changes for California’s students. The mission of Teach Plus is to empower excellent, experienced, and diverse teachers to take leadership over key policy and practice issues that affect their students’ success. Since 2009, Teach Plus has developed thousands of teacher leaders across the country to exercise their leadership in shaping education policy and improving teaching and learning, to create an education system driven by access and excellence for all. teachplus.org

What Is Transitional Kindergarten? California’s Universal TK is Set to Roll Out! By Amy Weisberg, M.Ed., NBCT

PHOTO BY AMY WEISBERG

We are in the second month of school and my class is settling into a comfortable routine and friendships are forming. I am learning the personalities and preferences of my students. Transitional Kindergarten (with a few kindergarten students) is my happy place. I am happy to come to work each day and so lucky to get to have fun with my students! Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a mystery to many people. What is it? Junior kindergarten? Advanced Preschool? No Transitional Kindergarten is a new grade level, the first year of a two-year kindergarten program. While the skills are monitored and based on the kindergarten Common Core Standards; mastery is not expected until the end of the second year, the Kindergarten year, and the curriculum is modified. Special curriculum materials and assessments have been developed specifically for TK students. The California Preschool Learning Foundations serves as a guide to developmentally appropriate knowledge and skills Transitional Kindergarten is a program that originated in The California Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 due to the change in the eligibility date for kindergarten from December 2 to September 1. There was a three-year phase-in program and now, the program is fully implemented based on this California law. The research has shown that the creation of Transitional Kindergarten (SB 1381) has had a positive effect on preparing California’s children for kindergarten readiness and future school success. Starting kindergarten at an older age has a positive impact on children’s social-emotional skills, preparing them for academic success due to the increased demands placed on young students. Transitional Kindergarten is reminiscent of the kindergarten of the past, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and a focus on social-emotional learning. One of the most exciting elements of this expansion is the recognition of the importance of adult/child interaction by increasing the ratio of adults to children from the current 24:1 to an eventual 10:1. That is a huge difference! In TK, there is an emphasis on building relationships with teachers, aides, and classmates. Parents are often involved in the classroom

Jude B., Fiona, Darla, and Ruby conduct a scientific investigation.

Kalou building with tree blocks.

through volunteering. We are building a classroom community. The focus is on welcoming our young students to school. For some, it is their first school experience. For others, who have attended preschool, they are meeting new friends in a bigger location. We have a gradual introduction to school routines and phase in academic learning. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) requires TK teachers to have specific training in early childhood development and language acquisition that develops children’s oral language skills and the ability to self-advocate. We use social-emotional programs provided by the district as well as Second Step, a program developed by the Committee for Children. Additionally, I use a program called Conscious Discipline, which teaches children to use their words to express their feelings, and to use self-control to regulate emotions. This year, we are fortunate to have The Kindergarten Readiness Program, a LAUSD program that provides resources including daily social-emotional lessons, circle activities and more. The program also provides a counselor and psychologist to work with struggling students, those perceived to be at risk for success in first grade. It is a team effort to support our youngest learners. While social-emotional learning is a huge part of TK, preparing the students with academic readiness skills is the foundation for school success. The children participate in a structured reading

program that includes letters, sounds, sight words, and learning to write to communicate. The math program encourages exploration and problem solving with the children often working together, collaborating to build with pattern blocks, linking cubes, work puzzles and build structures with Magna Tiles. The science program revolves around investigations and learning about the world around us, and the social studies program helps children learn about the importance of community. California is now ready to expand TK to all fouryear-old children as detailed in SB 130. The roll-out began in the 2021-2022 school year and continues until it is fully implemented in 2025-2026. The funding for expanded Pre-K and TK is included in Governor Newsom’s 2021-2022 state budget. Topanga Elementary Charter School is an enriched environment funded by LAUSD and Topanga Enrichment Programs (TEP) that provide part-time classroom aides (paid for by TEP), a fulltime librarian, an art teacher, computer education program, and YMCA physical education coaches. The LAUSD Arts Prototype Program provides eight weeks of dance and drama. Our children have a wide variety of experiences during their school day and a lovely campus to explore. We look forward to the expanding emphasis on early childhood education and anticipate the success of Universal TK as state funding grows to support our youngest learners. October 15 • Vol. 2 No. 20

NEWS Senior Dinners Return to the TCC By Annemarie Donkin

irst Friday Dinners are back! After a long 18 months during the pandemic, First Friday Senior Dinners have resumed at the Topanga Community Center (TCC). To celebrate, more than 40 seniors gathered on Friday, October 1, at the Senior Center to kick off the fall season in true Topanga style. The weather was perfect as Karen Dannenbaum hosted the event outside on the shady side of the Topanga Community House with help from Tyler Traband, Tam Taylor, Jenni Klemp, and Mackenzie Runyon. Among the guests were Rose Wiley, Karla Morrison, Tom and Photo by Annemarie Donkin Seniors welcome back the first Senior Dinner since TCC closed its doors in 2020 due Jeanne Mitchell, Rick Provisor and to the COVID-19 pandemic. They still maintained CDC safety guidlines. Merlene Lear. The meal started with appetizersin-a-cup fresh veggies with a tasty required unless you were dining and physical therapist. hummus made by Dannenbaum. the tables were spaced and restricted “We are happy to be back here in Rocco’s Cucina and Kristine to four people each. person,” Larry Anderson said. Rocco-Levy provided the crispy salads “Including meals-to-go that While Dannenbaum and the and warm lasagna and meatballs. The were picked up, we served about 48 other hosts cheerfully and efficiently dinner was topped off with Karen dinners,” Dannenbaum said. “I was served and cleaned up the meals, Dannenbaum’s famous pumpkin very happy that most people chose folks were content to stay and visit. coffee cake with brown sugar glaze. to stay and see their neighbors whom “The dinners are really dear to Yum. “It’s a three-part process, the they hadn’t seen in a long time.” my heart. I love seeing all the senior cake, the crumble on top and the glaze In fact, I was privileged to join residents of the canyon get out and after it’s baked,” she said. a table with some truly charming socialize and I especially enjoy For many of the diners, including people—Ellyn Hardison a traveling getting compliments on my desserts,” those who received delivered meals R.N.; Larry Anderson, a civil engineer Dannenbaum wrote via email. during the pandemic, this was a great who has lived in Topanga since 1937, “Over the years I’ve gotten to know way to get back in touch. Masks were and his wife, Janet Anderson, a a lot of Topanga residents that I might

not have met otherwise. I think the dinners are the mainstay of The Canyon Sages and I am very appreciative of the Topanga Community Center offering physical help, and funding the dinners all these years. “The dinners are going through big changes, as Lisa Villaseñor, the head chef, and Karla Morrison, can no longer participate in them. Fortunately, for the October dinner, Kristina Rocco-Levy had some donation funds and was able to prepare the main course and salad at her restaurant, Rocco’s Cucina. The lasagna and meatballs were raved about by everyone. I made the hummus and dessert and we put together the individual appetizer cups in the TCC kitchen”. What happens during the rest of the year with COVID is yet to be seen, but many hope the dinners can continue. “My hope is that we will be able to continue with in-person dinners,” Dannenbaum wrote. “The response was great and everyone complied with the safety rules we had set. There is enough room outside for the tables and if our SoCal weather holds, we should be able to continue. We are looking for a new volunteer head chef, so that is the biggest challenge.” n For more information, email info@canyonsages.com or go to canyonsages.com

Medicare Enrollment Starts October 15 By Michele Johnson

The Canyon Sages is sponsoring a Zoom presentation on Tuesday, October 19, at 2:00 p.m. to explain what Medicare covers. Bruce Johnston, a licensed broker with decades of experience in Medicare, will present a primer of all things Medicare and answer your questions.

re you on Medicare or want to be? Do you have a friend or loved one who needs help with their Medicare choices? Medicare, the 55-year-old federal program that provides health care for older Americans and those with disabilities, will help more than 61 million people pay for everything from hospital stays to doctor visits to prescription drugs. But there are many options and considerations about when to enroll and how to evaluate renewing your current plan. If you’re getting ready to enroll, it’s important to know the very specific timetable—you can start signing up three months before you turn 65, and you’ll have until three months after your birthday month to enroll. If you miss that deadline, you may end up paying higher premiums. To help you think through the various plans, the Canyon Sages’

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Zoom presentation will explain what Medicare covers, when one is eligible, how to apply, and more. Bruce Johnston, a licensed broker with decades of experience in Medicare, will present a primer of all things Medicare and answer your questions. To attend: email Jane Terjung at janeterjung@gmail.com to receive your Zoom invitation and link. The presentation is timed to the Medicare Open Enrollment season: October 15, 2021: Medicare Open Enrollment starts. This is the first day to enroll in a 2022 Medicare plan, whether you’re a current beneficiary or new to the program. During this time, you can sign up for any Medicare part, including Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D, or you can change your coverage. December 7, 2021: 2022 Medicare Open Enrollment ends; this applies to all Medicare Parts. January 1, 2022: This is the first day your coverage starts for all Medicare Parts and any previous changes take effect. January 1 to February 14, 2022: Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period. Medicare Advantage enrollees can switch back to original Medicare. You can also sign up for Medicare Part D plans in this period. n

International ShakeOut Day, Oct. 21

International ShakeOut Day is always the third Thursday of October (this year: October 21). While COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties and challenges, one thing’s for sure: ShakeOut is still happening this year! As always, you can hold your #ShakeOut drill when and where you want. You can choose another date or several dates, and include people in multiple locations (home, work, or school), perhaps through video conferencing. It’s actually a good idea to practice earthquake safety in different situations each year, and ShakeOut Organizers are here to support you. n For information: shakeout.org/california

Sen. Henry Stern to Chair Holocaust & Genocide Education Council On October 6, Governor Newsom announced a historic $40 million investment to combat rising anti-Semitism and other acts of hate, with a particular emphasis on the public school system. The move is in light of new evidence showing a lack of knowledge about the Holocaust and other recent genocides among California students. To spearhead this initiative, the Governor drew upon Senator Henry Stern’s bill, SB 693, the Never Again Education Act and established the Governor’s Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education naming Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles) as co-chair alongside Attorney General Rob Bonta and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his steadfast leadership on this critical issue” said Stern. “As a young Jewish boy in LA, it was the teachers in my life who secured my right to learn in a safe environment. I look forward to the opportunity this council presents to ensure every educator in California has the resources they need to help students comprehend and fight bias in the classroom.” The Governor’s Council was inspired, in part, by Stern’s Never Again Education Act that is intended to provide teachers with training and resources for teaching content such as genocide within existing curriculum and social science framework. “As the generation of survivors in many of our families pass on, it is essential we find alternative ways to express the impact of hate and bias to ensure atrocities like the Holocaust, Armenian and Rwandan genocides never happen again,” continued Stern. “Education is a key component of the puzzle to lift up the stories

of our community long after they’re gone.” The Council intends to serve as a state hub to stand up against anti-Semitism and bigotry through education by leveraging existing state efforts in the California Department of Education through the Initiative to End Hate and the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Children’s Justice. Additionally, the council intends to do an assessment on the current status of genocide and Holocaust education in the state and provide recommendations on future actions to bolster those efforts. The Newsom Administration successfully secured millions of dollars in this year’s budget to ensure that future generations of Californians never forget the lessons of past genocides, including millions of dollars to develop curriculum resources related to Holocaust and genocide education, for the Holocaust Museum LA, the Tauber Holocaust Library and Archives, and the Museum of Tolerance for a new exhibit focused on anti-Semitism. In addition, Newsom’s budget allocated $110 million for a multi-year grant program to fund support services for victims and survivors of hate crimes and their families and to facilitate hate crime prevention measures and priorities. Also serving on the Governor’s Council as members are Assemblymembers Adrin Nazarian, Jose Medina, James Ramos and Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, and Senators Scott Wiener, Connie Leyva, and Susan Rubio. Based on community feedback, the Council will also include academics, advocates and community organizations reflecting the wide diversity of communities impacted by genocide throughout history. n

3130 Voltaire | $1,199,950 SOLD

Beautiful single story 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on a quiet cul de sac street in desirable Viewridge, featuring a an open floor plan with high vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors. The living room contains a fireplace and large windows that capture the front gardens. The bright sunny eat in kitchen has sweet garden windows, custom tile and ample cabinetry. A luxurious master suite with his and hers walk in closets and an a spa bath with a dual sink vanity, oversized custom shower and jetted tub. A large bonus room and loft add over 500 sq. ft. and a separate Art Studio complete this fantastic property. Located in the Santa Monica Mountains with access to miles of hiking and biking trails just minutes to restaurants, shopping and beautiful Malibu beaches.

Lisa Saver CalBre Lic.#01203202

310.455.2540 Mobile 310.804.8607 TopangaHomesOnline.com

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Sotheby’s International Realt y and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

October 15 • Vol. 2 No. 20

Little Tokyo Ghost Club, the downtown LA community, welcomes revelers to three frightfully festive events, offering something for ghosts and ghouls of all ages and trick-ortreating galore. Fine Dining, anyone? Photos courtesy of Haunted Little Tokyo.

By Kait Leonard

Halloween season is off to a phantasmagoric fury, and it’s not over yet. Though ghosts, goblins, and quite a few pumpkins have already claimed dates on October calendars, check out the following events to fill any remaining spots. Remember, once the coffin lid closes on haunt season 2021, it’s a long slumber before we rise again. Local and Low Key Topanga Elementary Charter School’s (TECS) annual Halloween Fundraiser will stir your spirits on Saturday, October 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Topanga Community Center. Dance to live music by local band Kummerspeck, while feasting from food trucks, imbibing fine wine or beer, and strutting your stuff in the Costume and Dance contests. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event will be a little different from previous years, but don’t get spooked. There will be frightful fun to be had while supporting the enrichment program at Topanga Elementary. For tickets and updated information visit https://bit. ly/topangahalloween. The Haunted Online Halloween Scavenger Hunt. For a night in but not off, how about a virtual haunt hunt? Famous for the hunts online and all over town, Watson Adventures is hosting The Haunted Online Halloween Scavenger Hunt on October 23 and 30 at 5:00 p.m. Like their in-person events, participants will be

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placed on teams and go for a virtual walk “to and within” haunted places. For information, visit them at https://watsonadventures.com/ hunt/the-haunted-online-halloween-scavenger-hunt/. Out and About Fifth Annual Haunted Little Tokyo. After your night in, surely it’s time to get out of the house. How about going on a Halloween adventure in Tokyo? Little Tokyo, that is. Hold on to your witchy hats because the Fifth year of Haunted Little Tokyo has been confirmed! Presented by Little Tokyo Ghost Club, the downtown LA community has scheduled three frightfully festive events, offering something for ghosts and ghouls of all ages. The Haunted Little Tokyo Pumpkin Patch will be free to all in the Japanese Village Plaza on October 16-17 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition to everything pumpkin, there will be Photo Opportunities and a Coloring Contest. Haunting Scavenger Hunt. Return on October 30 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. to combine Trick-or-Treating with the Haunting Scavenger Hunt. Map in hand (or hook, claw, or paw as the case may be), explore Little Tokyo, picking up treats along the way. There’s a chance for a special prize if you complete the whole map. Then, after all the family-friendly treats, take the little ones home and return for a 21+ Haunted Block Party from 7:00 p.m. to Midnight. DJs will provide the tunes while you eat, drink and make scary. There’s even a Costume Contest. Additional information is available at http://www.golittletokyo.com/haunted/. Beverly Hills Pumpkin Patch. Not wanting to be outdone by Little Tokyo, the undead in Beverly Hills would just love to taste…oops!...

Verdugo Moon rose brightly for the band’s first appearance at the Topanga Bubble Bar on Make Music Day, June 21. Monthly concerts continue. Beverly Hills Pumpkin Patch. Photo courtesy of the Beverly Center

How about a day trip to Pumpkins in the Pines at SkyPark’s Santa’s Village? Santa wants you to meet his friends for some Halloween fun. Photos courtesy of Skypark at Santa’s Village.

that is, see you at the Beverly Center for the second annual familyfriendly Pumpkin Patch. They’ll have pumpkin carving demos, live music, and social media-worthy photo ops. But that’s not all. This year, they’re offering a special Fall-Themed Photo Moment in the Grand Court. This event runs through October 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day except Sunday when they close at 6:00 p.m. Haunted Halloween Photo Shoots. For the social media stars out there craving something spooktacular to make their fiendish friends scream from envy, Wild Artistry Photography in Los Angeles has you covered. They’re offering Haunted Halloween Photo Shoots. Fly solo or bring your whole coven, and enter the world of the Siren Skull, Wiccan Witch, or Autumn Scarecrow. You provide your own outfit or costume but the topper could be a professional make-up package that is available for purchase. For details on package options and to book your appointment go to https://wildartistryevententertainment.com/halloween2. Road Trippin’ Pumpkins in the Pines. Looking for something a bit further off the usual path…way, way off? How about a day trip to Pumpkins in the Pines at SkyPark’s Santa’s Village. Don’t be afraid: Santa won’t add you to the naughty list for celebrating the season of haunt. In fact, he’s invited a cast of costumed friends to help with the festivities every Saturday and Sunday through October 31. They’ll greet you with a Monster Mash Light Show and escort you to choose a pumpkin from the patch, which you can paint in Santa’s workshop. After enjoying a day of cookie decorating, crafting, and feasting on seasonal goodies, a haunted hike through the Fantom Forest may scare away those extra calories, as will the Sleepy Hollow Puppet Show and Trick-or-

Treating. For information and tickets, go to their website at https:// skyparksantasvillage.com/pumpkins-in-the-pines-2021. Halloween Rockin’ Oingo Boingo. Through some mysterious means, tickets are once again available for the Halloween Party with Oingo Boingo Former Members (basically the band minus Danny Elfman). Black Valentine and Tilli & The Coolers will get your blood flowing. Then rock out to hits like “Dead Man’s Party” and “Weird Science.” At The Canyon in Agoura Hills, this is one night only, October 31, doors open at 6:00 p.m. There’s a two-drink minimum. This show was previously listed as sold out, so grab seats while you can. Information is available at https://wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/ events/oingo-boingo-former-members-agoura-hills-oct/. Verdugo Moon Halloween Bash. This up-and-coming band featuring Mina Bloom takes the stage one-night only on Saturday, October 23 at the Topanga Canyon Bubble Bar, 7:00-9:00 p.m. For a full evening of music, dancing and a cash bar, go early to hear the Chester Copperpot Band from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Located at 127 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., in the main Courtyard across from the Topanga Creek General Store. October 2021 has something for everyone from the tiniest fairies and pirates to the naughtiest nurses and grimmest reapers. This season’s lineup of events might just prove to be electrifying enough that the specter of last year’s “Halloween-that-Wasn’t” vanishes from our nightmares for good. NOTE: For all events, check websites regularly for updates on COVID restrictions.

October 15 • Vol. 2 No. 20

NEWS L.A. County Redistricting Heats up in The Santa Monica Mountains The Los Angeles County Citizens Redistricting Commission is strongly urged to retain all of the Santa Monica Mountains Communities completely within the Third District. By Annemarie Donkin

or the first time in Los Angeles County’s history, an independent Los Angeles County Citizens Redistricting Commission (CRC) will redraw the five Supervisorial districts for the next 10 years. In November 2008, California voters passed the Voters FIRST Act, taking the job of redistricting out of the hands of the Legislature and transferring it to the citizens. After the 2020 Census, it is again time to draw district lines according to population. To accomplish this task on behalf of approximately 10 million County residents, the 14-member CRC will adopt supervisorial districts that are about equal in population—about two-million people per district— based on U.S. Census data. Other considerations are fairness regarding race and ethnicity; not splitting cities, neighborhoods and communities of interest (COI) and having compact districts. Districts shall comply with the Federal Voting Rights Act (VRA) and the CRC may not draw districts to favor or disfavor

Los Angeles County’s Third Supervisorial District encompasses 431 square miles, stretching from the ocean to Los Feliz, and from Venice up to San Fernando. With nearly two million residents, the LA County Board of Supervisors Third District has a population larger than 14 states and Washington DC.

political incumbents, candidates, or political parties. Mapping Criteria The challenge for the CRC is that the needs and interests of 88 cities and more than 100 unincorporated areas with diverse populations of ethnicities, races, and other demographic factors must be taken into consideration. The City of Los Angeles itself will need to be divided into two or more supervisorial districts, given its size of 3.9 million residents. Based on community input, Los Angeles City Neighborhood Councils and COIs want to remain whole as much as possible. According to the CRC website, the final map must be

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completed by December 15, 2021 in accordance with the following criteria: • Districts will be reasonably equal in total resident population— about 2 million each. • Districts shall comply with the Federal Voting Rights Act (VRA). • Districts must be geographically connected. • Districts should be drawn so as to minimize dividing cities, neighborhoods, or communities of interest. • The County Board of Supervisors will have no input or ability to alter the final district maps. Topanga’s Position Statement. The Topanga Town Council took the position to urge the Commission to “retain the status quo of the Third District to keep Topanga connected to the communities that touch its boundaries on all sides from the mountains to the coast. That requires preserving the Third District largely as it already exists. Such a plan would allow our town to be completely and firmly planted within the Santa Monica Mountains and greater Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) with whom we form a community of interest (COI). “Those communities share many of the same challenges and concerns, such as habitat and biodiversity conservation, tree preservation and watershed protection, as well as similar professional and recreational interests involving the mountain and coastal areas. They also share a profound interest in preventing wildfires, mitigating climate change, and preparing for emergencies. For all of these reasons, we encourage the Redistricting Commission to essentially preserve the integrity of the 3rd District, and Topanga’s place within it, as it has existed since 1991, 2001 and 2011.” (For more information, email: contact@topangatowncouncil. org; or onetopanga.com.) The Las Virgenes Homeowner’s Federation. The powerful Las Virgenes Homeowner’s Federation (LVHF) also submitted a letter to the Commission on behalf its more than 400 members: “The Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation, Inc., (LVHF) is the oldest

and largest umbrella organization of communities and neighborhoods in the Western Santa Monica Mountains. We strongly advocate that our longstanding COI remain together in the same supervisorial district. It is essential to understand that the Unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains portion is divided into two inseparable, land-use policy areas—the Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program (LCP) that encompasses 52,000 acres and the adjacent North Area Plan (NAP) which encompasses 22,000 acres. These two governing land-use policy documents are administered, implemented, and enforced by the L.A. County Department of Regional Planning— and are intentionally aligned. They are contiguous and adjoined to the five Council of Governments (COG )cities forming the compact COI.” “We [the LVHF] have been representing wildland mountain/ coastal communities and thousands of stakeholders united in common and shared interest in this COI for more than 53 years. We respectfully ask the Commission to keep us together as one unique Community of Interest in a single Supervisorial District and that our West Hills Unincorporated Community remain with the COI as it is now as part of the Significant Ecological Area (SEA) and contiguous to the Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve which is contiguous to the North Area and Calabasas and a natural part of the Santa Monica Mountains COI.” (For more information: lvhf.org) City of Calabasas Letter. James R. Bozajian, Mayor of the City of Calabasas also urged that “the Santa Monica Mountains communities be retained for regional integrity, shared open space, watershed, recreation, transportation, law enforcement, schools and water districts, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA). “The unifying geographic feature of these five cities is their location at the foot of the SMMNRA. Coordination among these entities during emergencies is essential to coordinate a safe and prompt response and allow communication and evacuation to proceed in an orderly fashion. Numerous homes through this entire COG area are rural and keep livestock. Many of the roads are narrow or steep. This area creates a unique set of challenges. “Dividing Calabasas from Malibu or its other neighbors who are in the same fire risk hazard zone would leave Calabasas vulnerable to the risks that stem from fractured chains of commands and leadership. Maintaining the Las Virgenes COG in one district will help prevent these problems.” Get Involved and make an impact. If you are interested in attending meetings, writing letters or helping to create Los Angeles County Supervisorial District maps, go to https://redistricting.lacounty.gov. n

SCHOOLHOUSE SCOOP New face and familiar friends By TECS News Team

all is in full gear at Topanga Elementary. On campus, we have many returning students and teachers as well as some new faces. Welcome Ms. Garza! The school extended a warm welcome to our new second grade teacher, Ms. Julieta Garza. Ms. Garza is an educator, an artist, and a youth advocate interested in combining art, community building, and instruction as part of her students’ education experience. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree and teacher credential, she received an MFA in Ensemble-Based Physical theatre from Dell’Arte School of Physical Theatre this past June. She’s taught math, science, and theater in elementary, middle, and high schools in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago areas.

Her passions include making art and sharing what she has learned with youth. When she is

not in the classroom, Ms. Garza loves

to perform, watch movies, see theater, go to concerts, read, eat popcorn, and cook. She remarked that she finds inspiration in nature. “I think that’s one of the things I love about being here at Topanga Elementary. It is a wonderful space with the ocean and hills surrounding us,” she added. Second grader Wilder Rehm expressed his enthusiasm to get

PHOTO COURTESY OF MS. GARZA

Julieta Garza brings a rich array of art projects to her second-grade students.

to know his new teacher. “I’m so excited to meet Ms. Garza!” he exclaimed. What does Ms. Garza recall about her own second grade experience? She fondly remembers being her teacher’s helper. Second grade was also the year when she performed a dance for the whole school dressed as a little frog. “I found my love for performing that year!” she added. All in all, she’s a great addition to the Topanga Elementary community! Unconventional art Art classes with Ms. Randy Butler are back in-person at school. The theme for the year is “art is not just paintings on museum walls” and exploring “art in unconventional

spaces.” She will be introducing the students to artists who work with nature, design with metals, and create with technology, as well as art created using a variety of materials, e.g., cameras, fabric, wood and glass. Ms. Randy’s first classes focused on three big messages to the kids. First: Comparison is a thief. Students should not compare their work to that of others. Second: Art is a process and you can’t see the final work when you are mid-way through. As they do their art, kids will layer their technique to get to the full picture. Third: She emphasizes that art is an emotional release and outpouring. “Art can come with frustration and needs patience,” she noted.

Kindergartener Vylet Laramie noted, “I am learning many new things about art from Ms. Randy.” Pencils or chalk pastels or fabric or wood? She noted that every person needs to find the mediums that work best for them. And to do this, try many mediums and along the way you will discover the medium that is your best fit. Her aim for art class at Topanga Elementary is to nurture each student’s creative ability and discover each kid’s natural and personal gifts. When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Randy does photography, creates her own personal pieces of clothing and painted denim (putting to use her degree in fashion design), and paints and draws “all the time.” She strives to do something creative every day. There are many ways to support the school Whether you are a parent at TECS, or a community member who believes in the importance of public education, TEP (Topanga Enrichment Programs), the TECS booster club, has many ways for you to support our school throughout the school year. One way is to sponsor new student art banners which will be featured in front of the school for the school year, advertise your business to the school community and support the enrichment programs at the same time. Contact: TepBoard@ topangaelementary.org for details. Our children thank you! n

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October 15 • Vol. 2 No. 20

ALL THINGS CONNECTED In the Name of Love By Paula LaBrot

here are so many articles to write for you. I just want to send a more personal message this time. I was thinking this morning that, all over the world, thousands of people go to work every day with the sole purpose of generating content that causes people to become angry with their fellows. What a horrible way to make a living! Scott Barsotti, writing for Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University writes, “Without dropping a bomb or firing a shot, nations can do tremendous harm to one another through cyberwarfare. But even without, say, hacking into a power plant or weapons system, malicious actors can erode trust in institutions and breed an atmosphere of contempt, distrust and even violence among citizens.” All for power and profit. It’s not like this should be news to anybody. In my efforts to encourage digital literacy, I wrote about internet trolling a couple of years ago. Outrage and anger rule the social media sites. Families and friends can’t find common ground. People’s jobs are taken from them if they express a “wrong” opinion. Diversity? Not a chance! How can people still be buying into this crap? Well, there is a reason. Governments and private companies have spent a lot of money on research to develop the ability to hack your brain. How Your Brain Gets Hacked First, you must understand that all social media neuroscience research and development is purposed to create techniques to keep you engaged. The more time you spend on social media, the more advertising the companies can sell and the more money they make. It’s that simple. “Our evolved biology serves us brilliantly in many ways but also includes vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Persuasive technology that shapes attitudes and behavior, pushes many of these buttons, leveraging our vulnerabilities to generate engagement and, ultimately, corporate revenue,” according to the Center for Humane Technology. The Center states that “social media presents a special case of persuasive technology where psychological levers are poked and prodded again and again, often without our conscious awareness. We don’t click randomly: many designs deliberately leverage our deepest vulnerabilities by promoting compulsive behavior that compromise s our autonomy and well-being.” Dr. F. Perry Wilson of the Yale School of Medicine lays out a simple algorithm for social media. “It’s how social media leads us away from what is true. Social media actually exploits some really well-researched cognitive biases that affect us all. At the heart of the issue is the algorithm.” According to Wilson, “Social media algorithms are all designed to show you stuff similar to stuff you’ve engaged with before; they are designed to maximize engagement with the service, not to provide you with truth or what is best for you, or what will make you happy. The goal is to keep your eyes on the website. All the problems…spring from that one dark well. But maybe if we start to recognize the biases being exploited, it will help solve the problem.” It’s just so cold, isn’t it? And so dangerous in the hands of the world’s bad actors.

October 15 • Vol. 2 No. 20

A Few Brain Hacking Techniques The Center for Humane Technology lists several brain hacks based on persuasive technology. Making the Trivial Seem Urgent. Because our attention is a limited resource, at any given moment our brains need to determine what is important. The “salience network” of the brain, which includes the anterior insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, helps us do that. When the salience network is activated, we are alerted to threats and opportunities. Acting as a kind of circuit breaker, the salience network signals when the brain should direct its resources to some new, external source. Notifications (vibrations, red dots, flashing lights, banners) constantly trigger the salience network, effectively fooling us that something new but trivial is urgent. Of course, there are occasions when we get an important notification that needs to be highlighted, but most of the time, social media notifications act as false alarms, compromising our ability to attend to what is important. Encouraging Seeking Without Fulfillment. We want things, and when we get them, we enjoy them. However, the brain circuit involved in wanting (mesolimbic dopaminergic system) is much more powerful than the brain circuit involved in enjoyment. The feeling of wanting something can be so strong that even when we find what we want, we don’t get much satisfaction. Sometimes, the wanting networks in the brain become hypersensitive and we get addicted: endless loops of seeking. In addiction, what we want becomes dissociated from what we enjoy. Technology often capitalizes on the potency of wanting, providing endless possibilities for seeking but few experiences that satiate. We might find fleeting pleasure, but no enduring

satisfaction. Our “tolerance” increases, and we need more to achieve the same effects. The result: we keep clicking and scrolling, mindlessly consuming content, often with minimal oversight from cognitive control regions of the brain. Weaponizing Fear and Anxiety. Two decades ago, researchers wrote an influential paper where they famously concluded “bad is stronger than good.” Negative information garners more attention and shapes emotion and behavior more powerfully than positive information. Our brains process negatively valenced information, especially fear-related stimuli, more quickly and thoroughly than they process positive information. This makes evolutionary sense: in the pursuit of survival, the potential loss involved in a singular experience of threat outweighs the gain involved in singular experience of pleasure. It is unsurprising that social media content generating fear, anger, and disgust spreads much faster than positive content. We marinate in this negativity and it propels deeper engagement. Fear and outrage become the norm and can erode our sense of goodness and shared humanity. These are a few examples of the neuroscience at work every time you sign onto social media sites. This is why it is so important to limit the time children and teens spend online. Stop…..In the Name of Love! Stop being a tool. Stop being so reactive. Stop being mean. Stop being one-sided and monolithic. Stop letting your humanity get ripped out of you. Enjoy diversity. Embrace it! Educate others. If you want a better world, let it start with you. An Ocean is Made of Drops —Mother Theresa Vamos a Ver!

MY CORNER OF THE CANYON Into The Mystic By Kathie Gibboney

h, what to wear to an outdoor concert, a Van Morrison concert, at night, on my birthday (I’ll not mention which one)? I know there are larger questions to ponder, important matters concerning, politics, health, and the future of the planet, or at least what may now go and not go into the recycling bin, but for this special evening I need to focus my diminishing mental faculties on the pressing problem of wardrobe. In the old days I might choose some go-go boots, a mini skirt and a psychedelic, see-through blouse in which to groove the night away but times have changed. Now I must design my current ensemble in true Boomer style, beginning with the consideration of, dare I say it, “comfortable shoes.” No more for me the strappy sexy sandal, the classic red spike heel, the pink patent leather mule, the pointy toed glitter boot. But don’t get me wrong they are still there waiting in the back of the closet, in case I have a shoe epiphany or a final farewell party to “The Shoes That I Once Wore.” The day of the concert finds the temperature in Topanga hovering around 100 degrees. We will be going to the Santa Barbara Bowl, where it is bound to be cooler but probably not cool enough for the faux leopard print coat I had planned to wear. I’ll have to go a different direction. I drag out a variety of gay apparel all chosen to work in conjunction with what I deem a cool pair of comfortable sneakers: lace-up Billabong, orange and zebra stripe. After a great deal of effort in and out of clothing, rejects piling up on the bed and suffering the indignity of getting stuck with a dress half over my head and calling out loud “help” as I flailed about, I put together an outfit. It could, perhaps be construed as some kind of vogue look, even though I’m mixing several different decades and topping it all off with a sunflower wreath crown, as a nod to the ‘60s. It is, after all, my birthday and shouldn’t a bold fashion statement always border a bit on the ridiculous?

That’s the fun of it! The Beleaguered Husband is equally colorful in a vibrant patterned sweater and striped straw hat. We’re ready to rock or maybe trick-or-treat, costumed as old people trying to look hip. Bless our aged hearts. The drive up to Santa Barbara is surprisingly smooth and the radio is playing a segment titled, “Music by Bands That Made the Sunset Strip.” How appropriate! And I think back to seeing those bands; Buffalo Springfield, The Doors, The Seeds, The Byrds, and the absolutely fabulous,

it wasn’t always easy to pay for concert tickets. Our allowances could only go so far. Sometimes we had to get, shall we say, creative. I recall going backstage at the Hollywood Bowl and explaining to the guy at the door, that a photographer from Rolling Stone, one Micky Glass, (madeup name), was supposed to have left us tickets. We ended up in box seats seeing The Animals. At the Shrine Auditorium Cindy’s brother bought a ticket, went inside, then collected discarded ticket stubs from the floor and threw them down to us from

incredible, Arthur Lee and Love. We used to see them all and I recall those concerts of old, beginning with the Beatles and including, The Jefferson Airplane, Eric Burdon and the Animals, the Rolling Stones, Kinks and a little something called, the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Those were the sounds of our youth, the background music to our young and hopeful lives, whether you’re failing algebra or falling in early love. Those songs soared and seared solidly, soulfully and oh so splendidly into our psyche. They were a gift and hearing them again is enough to make you break down and cry. In those days of golden yore,

an upstairs window so we could show them to the doorman explaining that we’d already been in and just stepped outside for a few minutes. It worked. The same resourceful brother, a talented artist, actually forged tickets by hand, which looked enough like the real thing to gain us entrance to the Hollywood Palladium. And in those heady intrepid days we weren’t above scooting under or over a fence, even in a mini skirt, or slipping through an unattended back door. Fortunately, in 2021, the expensive, out-of-our-pricerange tickets to see Van Morrison are a gift from a generous dear friend, so no sneaky shenanigans

are required. Makes me wonder if I’ve still got the touch? I like to think so, but with the advance of my age and technology best I walk a straight line. Our friend lives rather close to the SB Bowl so the plan is to walk, hence the comfortable shoes. We are in the midst of the crowd, friendly group, casual, well shod and pleased to be out in the magic of the early autumn of a Santa Barbara evening which casts its own spell. Even the ushers are smiling, allowing my husband to carry in his plastic cup of wine and I get my first, but not last comment, “I like your outfit!” I admit to being a bit daunted by all the steps leading up to our aisle but considered us lucky to be in aisle I instead of T or X. Stars are out and after the opening act of legendary American Bluesman, Taj Mahal, who still produces music that gets inside of you and lifts you up, the Belfast Cowboy himself takes the stage. There he stands, Van The Man, in a cool suit which seemed to change color under the lights as the night progressed, from blue to white to yellow, wearing sunglasses and his trademark fedora. And, oh Van, I am every bit nothing but a gushing girl, belying my age, awed and agape at your power, that old deep voice clear in the night air, lilting and resounding from your Celtic heart, and shaking us to our very gypsy souls. Thank-you for your cool saxophone, harmonica, rock-and-roll, blues, soul, mystic cosmic spirit and putting a smile on the face of the man sitting next to me who suddenly didn’t look so beleaguered anymore We leave lightened, on that October night, sort of stunned, both younger and older, and I feel I could walk a long way. Happy Birthday to me! n To appropriately attend her birthday gift of tickets to a Van Morrison concert, Kathie Gibboney designed her attire—a Vogue mix of several different decades topped off with a sunflower wreath crown, as a nod to the ’60s—around a cool pair of comfortable orange-andzebra-striped-lace-up Billabong sneakers.

TheCanyonChronicle.com October 15 • Vol. 2 No. 20

ARTS TAC Presents a Trilogy Written for Zoom Format Topanga Actors Company (TAC) presents a live Zoom production of three interlocking plays on October 29, 30, 31. The Apple Family: A Pandemic Trilogy by Richard Nelson is a play written specifically for the Zoom format! Five characters are featured, a brother, his three sisters, and the partner of one of the sisters as they cope with Covid 19 in their everyday lives. A family connects on Zoom at the beginning of each play. They talk about completely familiar things like: dare we go to the supermarket, or how may we deal with an overanxious friend, or how they feel about George Floyd’s murder. You get to see the characters in “real” time over three days, so you get involved in their pleasures and problems just as you used to do with TV “Soaps” (except Nelson is the more interesting writer). Please join us to enjoy this newest form of writing...a strong cast will bring the story home. Remember, TAC was one of the first, if not the first company in Los Angeles to use Zoom to continue bringing theater to our audience during the COVID shutdowns. We are excited to present one of the first plays actually written for this format. See you online!

‘When Pigs Fly’ Introduces New Gallery Space, New Artists Artists from Topanga and neighboring communities have come together to create a new venue for art in Topanga. The new location of Topanga Canyon Gallery is 137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., across from the south entrance to Pine Tree Circle. The opening reception and celebration will be on October 23 from 4-7 p.m. The opening show, “When Pigs Fly,” is a whimsical re-imagining of the axiom that turns the concept of the impossible on its head, celebrating the bohemian joie de vivre that exemplifies Topanga Canyon. The beauty of the natural surroundings of the canyon, have also long nurtured creative expression and attracted artists and art enthusiasts alike to this “place above.” This premier group art exhibition celebrates the gallery’s move and rebranding as a salient contemporary art gallery, representing emerging and established artists in LA County. We welcome you to visit Topanga’s art gallery with deep roots here and celebrate creative freedom in a relaxed atmosphere. One of the newly participating artists showing in “When Pigs Fly” is June Kim. Ms. Kim builds her sculptures and installations by fabricating red thread on plexiglass structures. Her materials and hand sewing process are inspired by the red thread concept from ancient Asian belief, that we are all destined to meet with our significant others with invisible red thread connection. Ms. Kim was born in South Korea and raised in the U.S. where she obtained her art training and continued on to win recognition and show in museums and galleries around the country. Another new participant, Debbi Green, has a long history in the Topanga art community and is now presenting a new evolution in her

June Kim’s sculptures of red thread on plexiglass structures are inspired by an ancient Asian belief.

Debbi Green’s art continues to evolve with “The Modern G,”

work. As she describes it, “In the past year or so, I have been honing my craft so that I can have better color combinations, use freer brush strokes, trust myself and play more! New work, new experiences will be different but definitely evidence of me, same humor and same love of color.” Ms. Green followed a successful career in fashion design and film costuming with years of fine art education, which has led to her recognition today as a fine artist. Future shows will exhibit a comprehensive body of work by two

artists, each in a separate gallery space. Every three weeks a new artist’s work will occupy each space, to give art lovers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the work of a number of artists each season. The build-out of the new space has been accomplished by the artists themselves. Walls have been removed and new walls built in order to create two gallery spaces, occupying half of the downstairs of the former Abuelita’s restaurant. A large sliding door has been added to the entry of the gallery spaces to welcome art collectors and large works of art. “Our intent is for the gallery itself to make a statement focused on new contemporary works of art, as we move through this first year at our new location,” states Creative Director Lisa Baldwin. “When Pigs Fly” will present new works by 15 participating artists from October 22 through November 7. The Gallery is open Fridays, 2–7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon–5 p.m. Please join us to welcome the new gallery at the opening reception, October 23, 4– 7 p.m.

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Chryssa Lightheart - (310) 663-3696 Devon Stiteler - (310) 597-9011

Listed at $730,000

Welcome to this amazing spacious 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms custom home Or make it a 2+2 and office. A 1-story with wood floors and facing the mountains of Topanga. From the custom porch enter into the loveliness of high ceilings, a bright and open concept living room with tons of natural light. A washer/dryer room for maximum convenience. Spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets, countertop space for food preparation and a breakfast bar that can convert into a wonderful buffet setting for entertaining. Fireplace. Gated Community amenities include a large swimming pool, spa, playground for the kids, dog park, large recreation room with kitchen, pool table and ping pong table, library, outdoor eating areas. 20 minutes to the beach and PCH, 15 minutes to regional shopping mall, soon to be entertainment center and fantastic restaurants.

SOLD

Entrada Road 3 Bed | 1 Bath Chryssa Lightheart - (310) 663-3696

SOLD

$1,995,000

Come home to your horses. Dappled sunlight from a canopy of trees line the gated driveway. The private house sits on an impeccable property locat-ed across the street from Topanga State Park.

Topanga Skyline Dr. 2 Bed | 2 Bath William Preston Bowling - (310) 428-5085

$950,000

This vintage Topanga Charmer on a quiet tree-lined, dead end street has plenty of birds to serenade you. Large flat fenced yard in cool Fernwood on a corner lot comprising of three parcels.

Vacant Land IN ESCROW

AMAZING OCEAN VIEWS AND BOULDER OUTCROPPINGS Everding Motorway $650,000 2.53 acres William Preston Bowling

BEAUTIFUL CANYON VIEWS OUTSIDE COASTAL Zuniga Road $625,000 1.5 acres William Preston Bowling

HUGE BUILDING SITE WITH OCEAN VIEWS Hawks Nest Trail $415,000 2.5 acre William Preston Bowling

(310) 428-5085

LOCAL & GLOBAL

Pritchett-Rapf Realtors

CalBRE 00528707

Investing experience, cutting edge promotions, time, money, and expert knowledge that gets you unparalleled, superior results and letting third parties tell you who is the best of the best.

21044Waveview.com 3 BD 3 BA | LIVING ROOM, GUESTQUARTERS, ART STUDIO, WINE ROOM | $2,785,000

Presenting an exceptionally rare mid-century architectural masterpiece nestled in the heart of Topanga Canyon. This custom-designed original built by celebrated architect Matthew Leizer debuts for the first time on the market and sits at the end of a private driveway leading to a serene oasis.

LEASED

653 OLD TOPANGA CANYON

610 S TOPANGA

2 BD 1 BA | $4,400 PER MONTH

1 BD 1 BA | $2,700

SOLD

LEASED

6445 KANAN DUME ROAD

20155 OBSERVATION

MALIBU CONDO | REACH OUT TO ME TO SEE MORE LIKE THIS

SOLD TO MY BUYER FOR $1,800,000 | SOLD FOR MY BUYER 2 YEARS LATER AT $2,289,000. $489,000 GAIN IN 2 YEARS

Catherine Campbell DRE: 01164030 | 310.663.9039 catherine@lovetopanga.com

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Antwone & Marcus Landscaping, Cleaning, and Hauling

Kavala Rose Home Design

Home Staging, Interior Decorating, Landscape Design.

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