The Canyon Chronicle - June 26, 2020 (Volume 1, No. 1) - www.thecanyonchronicle.com

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June 26, 2020

Vol. 1 No. 1

CHRONICLE THE CANYON

Flavia Potenza

The Canyon Chronicle.

Why Now? When the Topanga Messenger was conceived and born in 1976, we were a mix of wannabe hippies and solid citizens, who said, “Hey, this town needs a newspaper!”

It didn’t come about because of any one person. There were nine of us…and a community. One person may have said, “Let’s create a newspaper,” but eight others agreed and said, “I can do this,” “I can do that.” We started with $33 and our first ad.

We assembled the paper in several people’s living rooms, sitting on the floor with a typewriter, doing layout and paste-up on a coffee table. It would be a while before we would have any semblance of an office. A computer eventually made its way into our world, stoneage technology that helped us run just a bit more efficiently.

The night we cranked up Sid Francis’ behemoth printer in his print shop, we watched it churn out page after page, then packed them up and drove them to the Community

STAFF BOX Publisher & Editor Flavia Potenza Associate Editor Kait Leonard Media Manager Eleanor Zeri Creative Director Eiffel Nazaryan Contributors: Linda Ballou Joel Bellman Annemarie Donkin Kathie Gibboney Paula LaBrot JP Spence Amy Weisberg Layout & Design Eiffel Media Copy Editor: Ellie Carroll Distribution: Marsha Maus

House where the community was waiting to collate them into the first issue of the Topanga Messenger. I seem to recall we were up most of the night. They were some of the most exciting moments to be alive.

The paper continued to publish for the next 40 years, thanks to one more person: Ian Brodie, foreign correspondent for the London Daily Telegraph and The Times’ Washington Bureau. He invested in the Messenger and remained its publisher until his death in 2008.

When the Messenger was dissolved in 2016, 40 years to the day since it began, the community was devastated. What to do, they wailed.

What else but start another newspaper? With the advent of the Messenger Mountain News in January 2017, the community heaved a sigh of relief but its three-year tenure crumbled and fostered an “interim” paper, the Topanga New Times, that seems determined to stay.

As the Chronicle launches, we will have dueling newspapers in our mountain hamlet of 11,000 people. A surfeit of riches, I say, in a time when we’re facing a pandemic of existential crises.

Topanga will always need a newspaper and what the Chronicle brings is a robust team of experienced journalists, business professionals, digital creatives and designers to bring fresh perspectives and a greater online presence to the community at large. With little promise of reward, they are the ones this time who said, “Here’s what I can do,” and we took the first step forward together.

The times don’t call for business start-ups. When anticipated start-up funding for the Chronicle fell through with a resounding “No!,” a day of heartbreak followed by a phone call, resulted in setting up a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $15,000.

I will be forever grateful for that “No!” It was a gift. In a week we were looking at $10,000 in our GoFundMe account. Amazing as that is, the best part of that “No!” was not only the money but that it came from the heart of the community. It says that The Canyon Chronicle

The Canyon Chronicle™ is an independent community newspaper published bi-weekly

by Canyon Media, Inc.© 2020 All rights reserved.

can truly be a community newspaper.

In the darkest of times, what remains essential is to be informed. We aspire to maintain the same business model of a free paper that is delivered to the entire 90290 as long as the advertising is there to support us. The success of the GoFundMe campaign has guaranteed the birth of a new newspaper and an important community resource for years to come.

The Canyon Chronicle thanks you and vows to work to bring you a competitive

www.TheCanyonChronicle.com

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and relevant newspaper that reflects our world and brings it to the world around us. ■

Topanga Strong

Celebrating the Canyon Chronicle as it continues the 45-year tradition of outstanding community journalism serving Topanga.

- Friends of Topanga Strong

June 26 Vol. 1 No. 1

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TOPANGA DAYS PARADE

My Corner of the Canyon

By Kathie Gibboney Being so much here at home, I’ve been given a chance to witness some miracles I might have otherwise missed. I saw caterpillars form their hard-shelled chrysalises emerge as new and winged things. I saw small birds that had hatched on our patio, peek out of the window shutter birdhouse, and encouraged by their mother’s chirping, bravely leave the nest to fly off into the blue Topanga sky. My heart soared with them. I have been privy to this august publication, now known as, The Canyon Chronicle, attempt to, phoenix like, rise to live again.

These things please me and I admire the mythic transformations that occurred.

Day after day I wait for my own change. To become some new and better me. Where is my metamorphosis? Where are my wings? But something is wrong, and I fear I am a victim of de-evolution. I’m getting worse instead of better. I may as well wear the Devo pyramid hat.

I swear there are days when I do nothing but pet the cat and scroll through some vintage McDonald’s’ place mats for sale on eBay. I actually purchased a classic Mayor McCheese and the Hamburgler, as a present for my brother. Before this pandemic is over, he may be the lucky recipient of a complete set, (I’ve got my eye on a Ronald McDonald at the circus).

In this current stagnant state, I have veered far from my former efforts at some semblance of style and glamor, now appearing before my poor husband in some truly horrid “at home” outfits. If there were an ugly Covid fashion contest I’m sure I would win for my “Given Up Caring” look of baggy gym shorts from junior high school, topped with a t-shirt depicting a goblet, that reads, “You’re the Fly in My Champagne,” while wearing a pair of distressed bunny slippers and eating a corn dog. Sadly, I’m so lazy, if there was a fly in my champagne, I’d probably just swallow it. What the hell?

I try to pretend we’re on vacation, that maybe it’s great to have time off, to apply purple hair color, eat pie for breakfast, smell the roses, drink wine and listen to the old vinyl, but the uncertainty of our future,and state of our whole divided world robs me of such ease.

Oh, and there’s something else as well. Something closer to home I was trying to avoid facing, putting off, steeling myself against its coming. But there is no place to hide when the Tree of Heaven blooms. It garishly announces the season with pesky flowers, small and green, raining down in a mass profusion, creating a chartreuse carpet covering the decking, smelling dusty and pungent with a sharp fragrance of pepper and sage. The tree has other names, not nearly as poetic. The official name is Ailanthus altissima but is also called the baser “Stink Tree.”

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Our son admits to liking the tree, “The smell reminds me of my youth,” he says.

“It reminds me of Topanga Days.”

And there it is. For once the tree blooms, it’s time for Topanga Days! A Topanga Days that is not coming this year in the time of Covid 19. I am heavy hearted and sad, like a child who has to experience the loss of something she loves and wants and cannot have. I just might throw a tantrum, a real hell-raiser. I’ll lie on the ground yelling, “I want Topanga Days! I want my Topanga days!” and kick and scream like the time when I was four and I wanted the white moccasins, but the shoe store was out of my size. My poor mother had to look on aghast at her daughter’s obnoxious behavior as she apologized to the horrified shoe salesman. Recently I came upon a pair of white moccasins and immediately bought them. The salesman never knew how lucky he was to have had them in my size.

Seeing a tear run down my cheek as I faced the loss of the annual, glorious community celebration of the special place that is Topanga, the dear Beleaguered Husband says, “Don’t worry. We’ll dress up and still go to Pine Tree Circle. I’ll put you on the hood of the car and make the drive up to the Community House.”

And so, come that Monday morning, we rose and donned our tie-dye as we have done every Memorial Day for twenty-seven years and drove - no, not with me on the hood of the car, but with a sparkly, pink flying pig aloft - the short distance to Pine Tree Circle. Never have I seen the Canyon look more beautiful; all the plants and trees lush, the flowers vibrant, a crystal-clear, mystic view of My Mountain, the familiar homes of dear neighbors, the Cat Goddess statue decked for Memorial Day. It was as if Topanga was giving itself to me, maybe even showing off a bit as if saying, “This is for you Kathie. Happy Topanga Days!”

Just as we arrived, we saw some other decorated vehicles pulling out onto the boulevard and we did indeed join the parade. With horns blaring we slowly drove along behind a gardener’s truck who had no doubt, unwittingly become part of a line of celebrants. People, in their masks safely spaced, stood along the road, waving and cheering. We progressed to the bottom of the Community House and as the rest of the cars continued, we stopped for a moment in the now quiet morning. But did I, just for a moment hear the sound of music coming from up the hill? The familiar tenor of Billy Portman’s voice announcing the seed spitting contest? Is that incense I smell?

We finished our promenade with a quick drive through Bonnell Park where we aptly came upon a woman walking her cat. She, too, is part of Topanga. The cat’s name is Tom. In other times I would now be finishing my annual coverage of Topanga Days and submitting it for publication in the paper and the intrepid editor would ask, “Didn’t you get any better pictures then these?” and “But who won the pie eating contest?”

I looked over old copies of the Topanga Messenger and the Messenger Mountain News, (both publications for which I have always felt proud and privileged to write), to find a past, evergreen tribute that captures the Topanga Days spirit, and to share it here, in honor of our iconic parade and fair. I found this description from 2010, the year Ziggy played, the year the theme was, One Canyon, One World.

“Amongst the razzle dazzle could be seen a young Topanga child in a tutu, a flower painted on her face, eating a snow cone with some of it dribbling down her tummy, strolling about oblivious to the crowd, just happy to be herself at a fair, as if the whole thing had been created just for her. God Bless the Child. God Bless Topanga Days”.

Then the whole world explodes and goes mad. See what happens if we don’t have Topanga Days? The change I was looking for is much larger than my own.

COVID-19 is not the only virus in the land.

We need to be the vaccine. We have to listen to the voices raised and say, “Yes, enough! No more in my country! Here in 2020, at last, we will stand against prejudice, ignorance, and the hate that warps our nation, until it’s wiped from our land and every blessed child has got its own.”

We can make the mountains sing, or make the angels cry, - Lyric from — “Get Together” by The Youngbloods, often played at Topanga Days ■

LETTERS

Canyon Limo Prevails!

By Jenise & Randy After being in business for 20 years we, like the rest of the world, have never seen a situation like this. We have been through the financial crash of 2008. We survived the influx of ride-sharing cars like Uber and Lyft. We’ve been though all kinds of situations, high and low. Nothing has ever affected us like COVID-19. I could say that by the second week of March, just about everybody who had booked rides with us canceled and it seemed no one was willing to travel anywhere. It was just too foolish, given the situation.

It has not been a good time to travel and we are not encouraging people to travel. We ourselves would rather wait before we travel anywhere, by plane or any public mode.

In two-and-a-half months since the virus started, we have only gotten three calls for rides, and two of them have been to drive a dead goat to a special lab in San Bernardino to figure out what it died of. Two different goats, for the record. Neither died of the coronavirus, in case you were wondering.

Travel enriches our lives, widens our perspectives, and crumbles cultural barriers.

The only trips we’ve ever regretted are the ones we didn’t take.

The phone rang off the hook for 20 years with calls to the airport, calls to take kids to school, to take people for hospital appointments, to pick up people to and from parties and restaurants and, well, you name it.

Now, aside from Randy’s numerous guitar students, whose lessons have been shifted to Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime, the phone only rings when there are friends or relatives calling to pass the time.

We have been luckier than some in receiving government help. At least we got the stimulus check and food stamps. But we have had to defer and cancel, at least for the time being, much of the enormous payments a limo company has to make to keep in business. You have no idea.

Through all these trials and tribulations, and with all the time we’ve had to think of the many possibilities for the present and the future, we’ve come up with a plan for this time. It’s actually based on a solution we’ve been implementing ever since we started our service, way back in 2000.

We have often driven families to and from the airport who would rather keep their kids in their own child seats, have much luggage, and who often have a hectic time dealing with the ins and outs of air travel.

We started to take these families in their own cars or vans where they can have everything packed the night before and everyone is in their own comfortable, familiar environment.

We are ready to take everyone this way, at least for the time being, and it’s working out great! We will come to your house, pick you up in your car and drive you to the airport in it, safely and simply. We will leave your car at your house while you are on your trip, and get it to pick you up when you return.

We can make some arrangements other than LAX with our Canyon Limo cars for other airports such as Burbank, Long Beach, or John Wayne, as well as for doctor appointments and other needs.

We follow all CDC rules and will supply face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers for all riders or you may bring your own if you prefer.

If you are exhibiting any symptoms of the coronavirus, or any other serious illness, you should be looking for a trip to the doctor instead of a trip out of town.

Please take care of yourselves, for you own sake, as well as for the sake of the Topanga Community at large.

Normally, we say, “Never stop traveling.” For now, we say, “Don’t rush the traveling but when you do, Be well! Be safe! Wear your face mask! Always stay six feet apart!

And always wash your hands!”

When things get back to normal, we’ll be ready for all your transportation needs. ■ Love, Jenise and Randy (Business Owners/Entrepreneurs) www.canyonlimoservice.com 310-455-1924 • 310-456-4284 • 800-545-9866

Topanga’s Littlest Theater Buys the Farm

By Antony Bartlett Dear Topanga Community, I am writing to inform you that Topanga’s Littlest Theater is no more. A move to a heavenly Oregonian farm to pursue a long-held agrarian dream precipitates the closure. I dismantled the stage on Memorial Day weekend and packed it all away in boxes, perhaps to be re-invented as a farm theatre (who knows?).

I was struck at the normality of the room left behind. A simple white Topangan bedroom, with white walls and a vaulted ceiling, with no hint that such magic had taken place in there. In fact, the only clue: pockmarked dry-wall where lighting bars, proscenium arches and wings were fastened. These traces soon to be glossed over and forgotten thanks to a can of spackle.

The transitory, truly glorious nature of this project has left a deep impression in me. As I sit in this pedestrian room, empty save for a ladder and paint brush, I am spirited away. I can hear Chris Murphy twanging his mandolin, the Countess of Devon and elderly local sages reciting poetry from the now dismantled oak stage. The faint memory of wood saws being played to eerie effect, bathed in a pool of purple light, a live WhatsApp call projected from the Tiger’s Nest on Bhutan Night, a fairy light Moulin Rouge and an Eiffel Tower all merging into a kaleidoscope of healing love, community, joy, boundless talent, and sheer enthusiasm that made anyone lucky enough to see a performance forget themselves for a few moments.

I can hear Kamakshi Hart’s shame talking to me, Adam’s stand-up making everyone fall about, bearded magicians, the entire audience reaching up for their party favor woolen berets being lowered on a clothes line, while serenaded by Tyler playing the Marseillaise. Young singers with voices beyond their years, proud parents clapping, drummers drumming, disco balls twirling and fragrant Valentine roses all manifested in a space that has dissolved into our collective memories.

Of all the things that have happened in those short 18 months, I will never forget Tim O’Gara singing his own compositions about our “Crooked Canyon”.

Topanga’s Littlest Theater gave us all a sense of place. A particular moment in time.

It was before the Pandemic was a thing. It made us all feel alive and connected and close. And I don’t regret a single moment or ounce of energy that I put into this project.

Thank you to everyone who brought their talents, in whatever form, to this short-lived, yet epic adventure.

Long live Topanga’s Littlest Theater. I loved you so. ■

K-12 Open Enrollment Topanga Elementary Charter School (TECS), a Transitional Kindergarten (TK)/ Kindergarten to Fifth grade school, has begun open enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year.

To receive online enrollment documents, e-mail Lisa O’Connor at lisa.oc onnor@lausd.net.

To double check if TECS is your home school, please visit: http://rsi.lausd.net/ResidentSchoolIdentifier and enter address.

If TECS is not your home school, please visit https://achieve.lausd.net/K12OpenEnrollmentand sign up!

The K-12 Open Enrollment Process is a state mandate allowing students anywhere in LAUSD to apply to any regular, gradeappropriate Los Angeles public school with designated open enrollment seats. Parents or guardians who want to enroll their child at a school other than their current school of attendance must complete an open enrollment form at achieve.lausd. net.

Topanga Elementary Charter School is located at 22075 Topanga School Rd., Topanga, CA 90290. ■

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COMMUNITY NEWS Local Businesses Test the Waters

By Kait Leonard As Los Angeles County attempts to get back to normal, or something like it, Topanga businesses explore this new phase. While not everyone has emerged from hibernation, some business owners have opened with limited hours, others offer sales, and some are introducing new product lines. They all share an optimistic spirit and sense of gratitude for their customers.

A “50% off” sign adorns every shelf and tabletop at the Topanga Candle Company. This is owner, Tom Vogel’s way of building excitement for candles. “I just want to give people a reason to come in,” he explains.

“Topanga businesses reopen, proving the spirit of the Canyon survived the first phase of the pandemic.”

“I’m just grateful to see people again,” says Monica Zaidman of Moona Star

keep her own business going and support farmers in Ventura who supply her shop.

At this point, she plans to continue creating in the morning and delivering in the afternoon. “I am extremely grateful for my community. They supported me through these strange and sad times,” says Zapata.

As an essential service, the Canyon Gourmet wasn’t hit as hard as some. Even so, they have exciting plans to usher in the new era. They are currently adding daily fresh seafood to their offerings and expanding their meat section. But perhaps even more exciting for the season, ice cream is coming back. The Canyon Gourmet welcomes summer.

Customers are also invited to schedule friends-and-family candle-making parties. “Bring a bottle of wine. We’ll play music and make candles,” says Vogel. On top of all this, a significant renovation is underway. The new version of the shop will be revealed at a grand opening planned for July 1.

Photos by Kait Leonard

Pami Ozaki’s landscape business thrives and keeps the doors open to her lovely shop.

Tom Vogel of Topanga Candle Company invites people to candle making parties.

Across the walkway, the owners of the Sassafras Shoppe, a garden and nursery store, are currently hammering out details for their second grand opening celebration. Co-owners Ronnie Corbett and Pami Ozaki haven’t set the date yet, but they’re excited to be working on it. Sassafras hasn’t been hit as hard as some businesses, perhaps in part because “the film industry is sitting home looking out their windows at their yards,” says Ozaki who is ready to beautify that long neglected green space.

On the other side of the street, Flower Power’s summer blooms offer hope and happiness to anyone passing by. Owner, Abigail “Gidget” Zapata, didn’t take the onset of the pandemic lying down. She immediately alerted her customers via social media that she would be taking orders and making deliveries. Zapata was able to

A development that is exciting to everyone tired of eating in front of the television, restaurants are once again offering on-site dining. The Canyon Bistro reinstated the option to eat-in on June 1. Waiters serve customers on the patio and in a limited indoor area. Safety precautions remain in place, but it only takes a few bites to master the strategy of eating around a mask. Customers seem happy to make the effort.

Next door business neighbors, Monica Zaidman of Moona Star and Ann Lombardo of Pebbles, have both thrown open their doors. “I’m just grateful to see people again,” says Zaidman. Lombardo agrees. “It’s just wonderful hanging out with my amazing customers. They’re all so sweet,” she gushes. Both shops opened with limited, trial hours, and both are already expanding their schedules.

No one knows how long a complete reopening will take. Right now, face masks and respect for social distance are still required. Will there be a second wave to deal with at some point? If so, will businesses be asked to limit services again? So many questions persist. But one thing members of the Topanga Canyon community know beyond any doubt—the spirit of the Canyon is strong. It will survive whatever this virus dishes out.

Let’s Connect!

The Topanga Town Council is reaching out to find residents in our canyon who are the most vulnerable during a disaster event. The Town Council wants to connect these residents to important information, services, supplies, and organizations that can help during a crisis.

Disasters come in all forms - wildfires, earthquakes, floods, viral pandemics, and other life-threatening emergencies - with some events requiring an evacuation of the canyon. If you feel you have a limitation that would keep you from being able to get food or supplies, or power for medical equipment, or would need an Access Card for a caregiver to help with evacuations, send an email to: contact@topangatowncouncil.org or leave a voice mail at: 310-455-3001. If you know of someone who Postmistress, Mabel Christie, prepares masks for mailing.

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could use help, please have them contact the Town Council to get connected.

Photos courtesy of Topanga Town Council

COMMUNITY NEWS

Won’t You be my Neighbor?

By Thée Comeau Mr Rogers had it right when he invited children to be his neighbor. He also advised that grown-ups find their “helpers,” when faced with a challenge.

All of Topanga knows the importance of being prepared ‘when the bad thing happens‚‘: wildfire, earthquakes, floods, and now a pandemic. What is less obvious is that the safety of your family often depends not only upon your own preparations, but on the coordinated efforts of your neighbors. Reliable real time information and cooperation are critical. Communication is key.

The Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness (TCEP) has organized a Neighborhood Network (NNs) team to encourage local neighborhoods to come together as neighbors to survive a disaster and thrive as a cohesive community with relationships that we can rely upon in both good times and bad. TCEP’s goal is ambitious: cover every household in Topanga to re-invigorate existing networks and form new ones to create a conduit for the rapid transmission of accurate information in a disaster. The system is somewhat analogous to an old-fashioned phone tree.

Communication of accurate, verified and up-to-date emergency information originates with TCEP and posted on its website (tcep.org/ emergencystatus) and the TCEP Hotline, (310) 455-3000, and pushed out to NN coordinators who distribute it to their networks.

During these incidents, TCEP may also provide information via Family Radio Service (FRS) radio channel 15 in their Top of the Hour (TOTH) updates. Each area of the canyon is assigned a specific FRS channel for localized neighbor-to-neighbor communications. The transmission range is currently being upgraded and TCEP will soon be announcing the giveaway of several hundred new FRS radios. The FRS radios are essentially battery-powered walkie talkies and are expected to work even when the internet and cellphone service fail, or during a Public Safety Power Shut Off (PSPS) power outage.

Being connected to your neighbors and community can save lives and prevent a lot of unnecessary distress. Find your channel in the Topanga Disaster Survival Guide on pages 97-98 (topangasurvival.org).

The Neighborhood Network system keeps your personal information private, shared only with your neighborhood coordinator and, only with your explicit permission, with your immediate neighbors. Many existing networks also host occasional social gatherings to promote closer ties within their communities. It’s a fun way to get to know their neighbors, share resources, and establish overall security so no one falls through the cracks in an emergency.

Adam Silbar, a TCEP board member and NN Team member, has recently begun organizing his own neighborhood in lower Fernwood and is actively working to recruit coordinators for areas nearby. Catherine McClenahan, another team member and coordinator for her long-running and robust Mesa NN, is spearheading an effort to work with Topanga realtors to provide a “Welcome Basket,” to all new residents, inviting them to join their local NN. Other members of the Task Force are reaching out to non-traditional neighborhoods, of people with social connections rather than geographical proximity, such as the Sages and local schools. Because people aren’t static and locations change over the course of the day, the goal is to provide overlapping coverage and increased security for all of the residents of our beautiful canyon community.

For more information on how to join your local NN or to coordinate a new NN in your area, please reach out to nn@tcep.org.

June 1, 2020 Topanga Residents: As summer approaches, the threat of wildfire increases - and all Topanga residents need to be aware of measures they can take to mitigate risk and prevent fires. It is critical for homeowners to maintain proper brush clearance around their property. Creating defensible space increases the chances that a home will survive a wildfire, and gives our firefighters tactical options to defend homes and structures.

The annual LACoFD Defensible Space Inspection Program begins on June 1st and continues through the month. If a home is not compliant with brush clearance requirements during the initial inspection, follow-up inspections will be done within 30 days. This will ensure that all necessary clearance is completed prior to the onset of fall Santa Ana winds.

Los Angeles County personnel are currently finalizing safe evacuation procedures with respect to changes due to COVID-19. Now is also the perfect time to reevaluate your own family’s evacuation plan with these factors in mind. Please review the “READY! SET! GO!‚“ brochure for more information on preparing your home and evacuation plan.

Remember - preventing wildfires is our collective responsibility, so we are asking that you stay dedicated to our common goals. We strive to maintain a strong sense of community partnership and look forward to working with you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Respectfully, Andrew Smith Acting Assistant Fire Chief LACoFD Division VII

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NEWS FEATURE Topanga Peace Alliance on the Move

By Flavia Potenza On Monday, June 1, noticing the growing protests over the outrage of George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police, Julie Levine rallied Topanga Peace Alliance members to stand in support and hold their own protests in their usual Friday evening spot in front of Pine Tree Circle.

On the first day, about seven TPA members spontaneously gathered in front of Pine Tree Circle along the Boulevard on Monday. With signs aloft, they stood in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and thousands of protestors across the nation who donned masks and put aside their fear of COVID-19, demanding that the police officers who killed George Floyd be held accountable for the brutality exhibited.

By Friday, the group had grown to about 30 people, the small numbers in Topanga still part of the global protest “We were there every day,” Levine said, and gave credit to Lori Precious who helped organize it. “On Friday I counted over 30 people,” said Levine, “mostly children and lots of positive energy, homemade signs. The people driving by were mostly super positive, except for a few aggressive types who gave us the finger and/or screamed at us. One guy said f--- you and I responded, ‘I love you, too!’ and that went over big with our group!

We also had great discussions and the children were so knowledgeable and motivated. On Tuesday, I believe, the 405 was closed and the traffic was diverted through the Canyon. Many protesters and allies drove by and were super appreciative!”

Police Target Legal Observers at Black Lives Matter Protests Julie Levine is also a Legal Observer (LO) for the National Lawyers Guild (NLG).

Since protests have spread to all 50 states in response to the police murders of George Floyd and countless other Black people, law enforcement has responded with a violent show of force against protestors as well as journalists, street medics, and legal support.

According to the NLG national office, “Multiple National Lawyers Guild (NLG) Legal Observers (LOs) have been arrested or injured while monitoring demonstrations against racialized police brutality.

“Reports from NLG chapters in multiple cities lead us to conclude that police are intentionally targeting LOs. In Atlanta, LOs Megan Harrison and Asia Parks were arrested and held for 17 hours before being released. According to Harrison, she was walking down a line of protesters linking arms, taking names and dates of birth in case of arrest. When police attacked the crowd, she heard “get the girl in the green hat,” before being grabbed from behind and forcibly arrested.

“The NLG strongly condemns this attack on Legal Observers, who attend protests to document police activity and ensure demonstrators’ legal rights. Guild LO’s

TPA members standing in solidarity for Black Lives Matter

Photo by Julie Levine

wear neon green hats and other paraphernalia with the label “NLG Legal Observer” to identify their role, but this visibility has also made them a target for police. This goes right to the heart of why NLG does this work. While the police enforce the law on protesters, who is there to monitor the police “NLG Legal Observers are a core part of the NLG Mass Defense program, which began in 1968. For more than 50 years the Guild has provided legal support designed to enable people to express their political views as fully as possible without unconstitutional disruption or interference by the police.

“We are deeply grateful to our LOs on the ground, and Guild members and staff are following up with LOs arrested or injured to assist with possible legal, physical, and mental health needs. We affirm our ongoing support for Black organizers and activists who continue to face the greatest amount of violence, harassment and intimidation by law enforcement.

NLG Resources: NLG Mass Defense Program; NLG Know Your Rights Materials; Bail and Legal; Defense Fund Best Practices Guide; Recent NLG Statements and Press Releases; Find your local NLG Chapter. ■

The 400-Year-Old Pandemic: Police Violence Against Blacks

By Kait Leonard June 5, 2020. Approximately 300 people gather peacefully on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills to protest police violence against the African American community as represented by the deaths of George Floyd and other recent victims of police shootings. Protestors display signs with slogans like “Black Lives Matter,” “We Won’t Be Quiet!,” and “I Can’t Breathe!” The crowd cheers and fists pound the air as speakers, poets, and singers demand justice and systemic change.

Several people in the group hold signs honoring Breonna Taylor who would have turned 27 today had she not been killed by police when they entered her Louisville, KY, home in the middle of the night on March 13. They were looking for drugs they did not find. Taylor was shot at least eight times, according to reports.

Police maintain they were met with gunfire when they served a search warrant. The family of the victim disputes this.

“Peaceful protestors in Beverly Hills call for justice and systemic change.”

“I’m holding up Breonna’s name so people don’t forget that the police kill black women too,” says a young woman who preferred not to be named. Taylor’s death received less national attention than did Floyd’s. When asked to comment on this, some people today feel the difference in public response has to do with the fact that no images of the crime were made public.

One woman holding a Justice for Breonna sign said “It’s easier to cover up what they’re doing when no one’s standing around with a camera.” The shooting occurred before 1 a.m. in Taylor’s bedroom. No footage will be released by the department because officers involved did not wear body cameras, according to the Chief of Louisville Metro Police. The officers involved are currently on administrative leave.

Today, the streets in Beverly Hills are calm. Traffic control officers have blocked

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LAPD officer raises his fist in solidarity as protestors on bicycles parade down Obama Boulevard.

Police officer raises fist in salute to Black Lives Matter.

Photo by Kait Leonard.

off parts of Wilshire Blvd. to accommodate the protest. Cars with banners displaying the names of David McAtee and Momodou Lamin Sisay drive slowly through the intersections. McAtee, owner of a popular barbecue spot that served Louisville police free of charge, was killed as police attempted to disperse a crowd of protestors on June 3. Momodou Lamin Sisay, son of a retired Gambian diplomat, was shot during a routine traffic stop on May 29. Police maintain that Sisay drew and fired a gun, prompting the police to respond with fire. The Gambian Foreign Affairs Ministry is calling for a full investigation.

Unlike the massive police presence during the height of the protests, today only a smattering of police cars are stationed along Wilshire. Officers watch the gathering from a distance. People are respectful and the streets are calm. Some shops in the area remain boarded up. Others have opened for business, though aside from protestors, the sidewalks are relatively free of the usual Beverly Hills shoppers and diners.

Today the streets of Beverly Hills are calm, but according to protestors, life will not go back to business as usual until justice is served. ■

NEWS FEATURE Photo by Megan Mathes Jacobs

Northridge Protest

Black Lives Matter

By Eleanor Zeri It was 90 degrees in Northridge, June 2, as protesters and organizers of The Northridge Black Lives Matter (BLM), @northridgeblm protest, began gathering around the Oviatt Library at California, State University Northridge (CSUN). They were there to peacefully protest the murder of George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, who was killed in her own apartment while sleeping, and the countless, but not forgotten lives ended by police brutality.

The Black Lives Matter movement, which has seen exponential support since the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, first demanded all arresting officers to be reprimanded and charged in a public post by Tamika D Mallory, an activist known for organizing the Women’s March in 2017.

would be there, too.

The organizers had been in dialogue with the police before the protest, a feature that was different from other protests. I congratulated the organizers on their success and their strong leadership skills but I wrongly assumed they were a CSUN led-group with the protestors being mostly CSUN students (that’s how I heard of the protest, through CSUN back channels). Since I thought they were students I thought the chances the LAPD would fire were low. I was wrong. Ebony corrected me. “The majority of the protesters weren’t students but from all over LA,” she said. “The LAPD told us if we were to take the protest off campus, LAPD would show up, and the National Guard, with rubber bullets.”

“With their zip-ties and bullets out,” Carolee continued, “It was a slap in the face: the fact they came in to intimidate. We asked them to march with us and they showed up with zip-ties and rubber bullets already out.”

Ebony cut in, “We were told when, not if, it goes off campus that it is going to get violent.” “We were confident it wouldn’t get violent,” Carolee said, “but they continued to echo when, to try and keep the march on campus.”

“What Do We Want? Justice.

When Do We Want It? Now.”

“Hands up, don’t Shoot!”

Photo by Saeed Yusuf

Ebony recalled that “during the protest, an LAPD officer came directly up to me and said, ‘I suggest you make a right on Plummer street to end this protest soon… if the protestors keep straight it’s going to get violent,’ so we kept going straight on Reseda, past Plummer.”

It was at this moment when one white male came out from the sidewalk toward us, voice raised, body lurching. It took seconds for four to five protestors to lock elbows to protect the group. With one common goal, we marched past the instigator.

Not all the cops were trying to escalate. Two Northridge cops were trying to deescalate.

One even told the organizers how proud he was of them. “He carried supplies for us as we marched in the hot sun” said Ebony. “The LAPD kept twisting our words; Officer Murphy from Northridge was the only officer trying to deescalate and the LAPD kept trying to intimidate the organizers. The CSUN police were supporting the protestors and the LAPD told us to expect violence.”

The Northridge BLM is of one mind. With one successful protest, the organizers used this momentum and organized another on Friday, June 5. This is what leadership looks like - continual commitment to the movement.

Support Northridge BLM. The Chapter is selling T-Shirts with the tag line, “TIRED 1610-2020 (Been Tired).” To purchase: @blackcreationsonline via Instagram. ■

White Silence Is Violence

“Hands up, Don’t Shoot!” the protestors chanted, as they stood face-to-face with a dozen police officers. “Say Her Name, Breonna Taylor!,” “Say His Name, George Floyd,!” “What do we want? Justice! When Do We Want it? Now!” Without speaking to the organizer, no one would have known it took one day for Northridge BLM to organize 1000 protestors and an inspiring sit-in. In a phone interview with Carrolee, Saeed, and Ebony, we discussed the protest that day, why they wanted to form the chapter, how long it took to organize, and their leadership.

Carrolee was the first to talk. “It was organized quickly…only one day…{and} was organized to be an official Black Lives Matter chapter.”

The leadership was palpable.

Carrolee said, “We were there for a common goal, we knew it was to be peaceful.

When we put in this much positivity, it was going to be peaceful. We were confident.”

Days earlier, the organizers forewarned all protestors in an Instagram post, “THIS is a peaceful protest that’s gonna end in a peaceful sit-in, no looting or violence of any sort. All allies welcomed, please respect the movement.”

But it didn’t matter if all protestors were there for peace; the police

Our concerts are on hold for a whilte but you can still support us. The Topanga Symphony is launching our new logo designed by Connie Schurr. This 11/2 inch metal lapel pin wtih the new logo is available at topangasymphony.com.

June 26 Vol. 1 No. 1

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LIFESTYLE those tree trunks.

Simply spending time in the natural world may reduce the risk of type II diabetes, heart disease, stress, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. Based on a growing body of research surrounding this topic, ecotherapy, or green therapy, has become increasingly popular with traditionally trained therapists and their clients.

When looking for an ecotherapist, first consider whether the blue of large bodies of water like a lake or the ocean calls to you, or if you crave the dappled greens of the forest. Most people have a clear preference, and so do nature-based therapists.

“Taking a moment to smell the flowers might just cure what ails you.”

“The beach is my happy place,” says Dr. Maria Nazarian, The Beach Therapist.

Her belief in the value of working with clients as they walk barefoot in the sand is so strong that she gave up her traditional office. “The beach does more than half the work for me,” she says. “Simply being in nature stimulates the production of

Bare, muddy feet. Ahhhhhh!

Photo courtesy of, Liat Alon

Ecotherapy: Keeping Nature Close

serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improves mood, sleep, and memory. Nature also elicits joy, gratitude, and generosity, which lead to stress reduction,” explains Nazarian.

Liat Alon, associate Marriage Family Therapist, located her practice, The Wild & Authentic Path, in Topanga Canyon because the area offers easy access to a rich natural environment. Alon works in the green world. Hiking the canyons supports her clients in getting reacquainted with who they are underneath the influence of

By Kait Leonard The term “tree-hugger” conjures images of hippies in bell-bottoms and tiedyed tee-shirts. Actually, the phrase dates back to 1730, when more than 350 people in India hugged the trees in their village to block loggers from cutting them down to

familial and social conditioning. “When we are in the purity of nature, all the external noise quiets. The wilderness regulates us. It gives us the space to find our balance,” Alon says.

Both Nazarian and Alon bring tools from modern therapeutic practice into

build a palace. The King’s men beheaded more than 300 people, but the villagers

the blue and the green. They each incorporate mindfulness practice, the art of

would not give in. Ultimately, the King apologized.

training your mind to stay in the present moment, and psychotherapy techniques,

Why were so many willing to die for trees? On this occasion, they risked everything to protect the forest because of the life-supporting resources it provided

like cognitive behavioral therapy. Exposure to the ocean or the trees enhances the benefits of these research-based therapeutic models.

- mainly fuel and building materials. We have learned much more about the array of

Is nature therapy right for everyone? Though it might benefit everyone, some

gifts nature has to offer, since these tree-huggers first wrapped their arms around

people may not be receptive to it. Dr. Nazarian says no one observing her with a client

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10

June 26 Vol. 1 No. 1

LIFESTYLE Of course, since access to nature has been restricted because of the coronavirus, both therapists are currently seeing clients in virtual domains. They long for the days when the threat has passed, and they can return to the blue and green worlds they love.

Over the course of our lifetimes, almost half of all Americans will experience mental health issues. We don’t know yet whether the current pandemic will cause this number to rise even higher, but we do know the Department of Mental Health is bracing for an increase in crisis calls. Sadly, access to nature has been restricted at a time when we need its healing benefits most. Right now, it is even more necessary to find ways to gain access to even small doses of the wild world, and fortunately, this shouldn’t prove too difficult for most people.

For anyone lucky enough to have a yard, making time to garden or simply sit and soak in the sunshine will support well-being. Bringing flowers, potted plants, and tabletop water fountains into the home lifts the spirits and boosts physical health.

These little glimpses of nature are not the same as trekking through a mountain forest or strolling along a coastline but incorporating even small natural elements into our restricted worlds “can have a powerful impact,” explains Alon.

Perhaps it’s time to dig out the bell-bottoms and tie-dyed tees and find a local

For Dr. Maria Nazarian, the beach is her office.

Photo by Ken Pagliaro.

palm tree, jacaranda or magnolia to embrace. ■

on the beach would recognize that they were in a session. She dresses casually and has bare feet. During part of the session, she leads the client through a grounding exercise and a guided meditation. The rest of the time is spent walking and talking.

To onlookers, they are just two people meditating and socializing. Still, if a client is too self-conscious, they may prefer the seclusion that office walls provide. If this is the case, Nazarian will refer that client to a more traditional, office-based colleague.

Alon agrees that while the benefits of therapy in nature cannot be denied, the client has to have a certain openness to a setting that breaks the mold of traditional therapy. She does continue to see people in more conventional places like sober living facilities, and even there she incorporates outdoor walks into her sessions when appropriate. With other clients she takes to the trails and even has women’s retreats planned that will span three days in the great outdoors. Each participant will carry on her back everything needed for survival. “We’ll go out there to escape the noise, to get off the hamster wheel, to reconnect to that which holds true meaning in our lives,” says Alon. “The goal is to bring back into civilization what they uncover while out in the wild”, she explains.

Therapist Liat Alon located her practice in Topanga Canyon for easy access to a rich natural environment.

Photo courtesy of Liat Alon.

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Congratulations to Flavia and her team on the successful launch of The Canyon Chronicle.

Tel. 818.883.4800 www.CanyonOakFinancial .com

Photo by Miriam Geer.

June 26 Vol. 1 No. 1

11

Adam Gardner

Aidan Moriarty

Collin Doyle

Sofia Penzias

Eden Sapir

Nathaniel Heard

“Topanga means being able

“A place where I can see my

“Friends and family, nature

“My home, where my friends

“Happiness and laughter.”

“Happiness and friendship.”

to enjoy nature and my friends in

friends.”

and animals, fun, my home.”

live and my safe place!”

the same place.”

Gianna Butler

Gisella Ramirez

Harper Schwartz

Hudson Spitznagel

Ian Davis

Quinnlyn Scheppner

“A loving community and an

“A place to be myself, where

“A loving and caring

“Friendship and wonderful

“A place where I feel safe.”

“Friendship, fun, and nature.”

important part of my life that I will

it’s okay to make mistakes, work

community to me.”

memories.”

always remember.”

hard and never give up.”

Dr. Amenta-Shin 5th Grade Teacher

Kevin Kassebaum Principal

Sondra Tapper

5th Grade Teacher

Celebrating Our TECS Fifth Graders

By Amy Weisberg, M.Ed.

Culmination is always a special time for our Topanga Elementary Charter School (TECS) and the fifth- grade teachers, Mrs. Tapper and Dr. AmentaShin, our Principal Mr. Kassebaum, the fifth-grade parents and students, who were determined to keep traditions alive, even in the midst of a global pandemic.

On June 5, the first TECS virtual culmination took place followed by socially distanced driveby celebrations. I reached out to the students and parents to gather the traditional quotes: “What Topanga Means to Me” and photos of the culminating students to honor them at this special time. We are thrilled that we received so many responses and are happy to share them with you.

These children are our future and our focus.

Many started at TECS in Transitional Kindergarten and spent seven years at our school participating in countless wonderful experiences including school musicals, class performances, instrumental performances, science fairs, art gallery exhibitions, student council, big buddies, science hikes, library stories and research, computer lab learning, physical education, Track and Field Day and Jump

Rope for Heart, field trips in and out of the Topanga, woodland restoration and garden creations.

I am sure that the students have an abundance of memories to carry with them as they leave the small, nurturing community of Topanga and disperse to a multitude of middle schools to continue on their educational journey.

The “drive-by” ceremony began with some words of farewell from fifth-grade teachers Mrs Tapper, and Dr. Amenta-Shin and Kevin Kassebaum, TECS Principal.

Mrs. Sondra Tapper, Fifth Grade Teacher— “Students, I can only hope that when you look back at your time here at Topanga it is with fond memories. Think about how much you have grown as an individual and how Topanga Elementary School and its teachers have given you your roots and helped lead you on the path to success.”

Dr. Amenta-Shin, Fifth Grade Teacher “Topanga Elementary is so much more than a school building; it has been your second home. Yes, you go to school to learn, but you also go to be with your friends, they are part of your extended family, not just classmates. Although it may feel like your

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world has gotten smaller, in some ways it has gotten bigger. You are part of a worldwide initiative focused on saving lives. Physically distancing yourself from others is an act of love. When you feel sadness creep in for what you have lost, remind yourself that you are doing your part to save lives.”

Kevin Kassebaum, Principal TECS - “We recognize this culmination ceremony was held virtually; and we kept it similar to our other in-person culminations, including the order of speakers, the musical performances, and reading of names for culmination. This is especially significant for our school community, as most of the fifth grade students started as Transitional Kindergarteners and Kindergarteners here.

“Virtual culmination does limit the ability to connect with parents in recognizing their contribution to the school community over the years. Culmination from elementary school is a rite of passage for the whole family and our school community. There may be a future opportunity for an in-person gathering if the Mayor lifts social distancing restrictions.” ■

Sydney Rissas

Elias Gorman

Ethan Park

Franklin Blanco

Natalie Tepet-Raxon

Iset Powers

“Topanga is a place where I

“Friendship and fun.”

“Like a second home to me.”

“Family and friends.”

“A place of kindness and safety.“

“A second home to me, and a place where I can be myself.”

can see my friends.”

Tiberius Riskin

Isabel Beran

Isabella Martin

Isabella Aguilar

Landon Lerner

Lilly O’Connor

“This School is a great school with

“A place where my friends

“Friends and community and

“Learning in a beautiful

“Friends, family, and growing up.”

“A strong community and a place

so much nature surrounding it!.”

are and it’s my second home.”

our little town.”

environment in the canyon.”

where I can learn and feel safe”

Additional Graduating 5th Graders.

(Photos not available) Cash Sartorio Rebecca Hill

Vera Robinson

Laurie Coekin Reffell

Leland Anderson

Madeline Sarrow

“A wonderful community

“Family and friendship”

“A home away from home and

“Friendship, fun, and nature.”

“A safe place I can call a

where I feel safe and loved.”

Aria Lebeau

second home.”

the place where I met and made my great friends.”

Emma Surd

Dest Dorigny “Like a small community.

It’s home. ”

Luka Dimkich “A home away from home.

A place I can feel safe.”

Soren Cohen

Lila Doolin

Naila Green

Madeleine Guedin

Violet Coekin Refell

“The best elementary school ever!”

“Family, friends and a safe welcoming

“A loving community.”

“Peace and memories to me.”

“New friends; it is like a home from home..”

home and environment!”

Lydia Browning “A place where students can make friends while also learning and growing.”

Sophia Samios “I have been at TECS from TK to fifth grade with so many great memories..”

Jackson Richmond

Lochlan Flynn

Johanna O’Connor

Juno Schwartz

Lucca Pigott

“Outdoors, animals and

“A place where I feel safe.”

“A loving and caring

“A loving and caring

“Family, friends, and a

community to me.”

community to me.”

community.”

friendship.”

Tristan Day “A safe place that I can call home and see my friends.”

*Photos were submitted by teachers, students’ parents, and taken by various photographers and Miriam Geer, our school photographer. WHAT TOPANGA MEANS TO ME

www.TheCanyonChronicle.com

ENVIRONMENT Photo Courtesy of National Parks Service

Three Little Kittens Born in the Santa Monica Mountains!

P-54, a three-year-old mountain lion living in the Santa Monica Mountains, recently gave birth to a litter of kittens - males P-82 and P-83 and female P-84, according to National Park Service biologists. Researchers believe this is her first litter.

It’s always good news to discover a new litter of kittens, but biologists are hopeful for another reason: the presumed father, male mountain lion P-63, may have just brought something that is much needed into the Santa Monica Mountains - genetic diversity.

More than four months ago, P-63, the only adult male radio-collared mountain lion living in the Santa Monica Mountains, was repeatedly “located” with P-54 over two days, which is generally an indication of a mating interaction. Approximately 90 days later, researchers noticed a series of localized GPS locations indicating that either P-54 was feeding at a kill site or that she had given birth.

This may also be the first time that P-63 has fathered kittens.

“The last litter of kittens that we marked at a den was from P-19, during the summer of 2018,” said Jeff Sikich, a biologist who has been studying mountain lions for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area since 2002. “That litter was likely the product of inbreeding, which is just one of the serious problems facing the isolated mountain lion population in the Santa Monica Mountains south of the 101 Freeway. We’re hoping this circumstance is totally

different, but only genetic testing will tell us for sure.”

After Park Service biologists discovered P-54’s litter, they weighed and examined the trio and determined that all appeared healthy. Each kitten was given an ear tag to help identify them in the future, samples were taken for genetic testing and all were returned to the den. P-54’s kittens were estimated to be 19-days-old at the time of tagging.

P-54 has been tracked by biologists in the Santa Monica Mountains practically her entire life. She was born in January 2017 and the following month, NPS researchers marked her with a tracking device as a kitten while her mother, P-23, was away from the den.

In January 2018, P-54’s mother, P-23, was found dead near the side of Malibu Canyon Road, after being struck by a vehicle. P-54 was one year old at the time of her mother’s death, which is during the early end of when kittens typically leave their mother. Fortunately, she survived.

The new litter’s likely father, P-63, was initially captured at approximately 15 months of age with his mother, P-62, in February 2018 and outfitted with a GPS collar.

Both cats were captured north of the 101 Freeway in the Simi Hills. Since then P-63 has crossed that freeway a total of three times and has stayed in the Santa Monica Mountains since December, 2018.

Southern California’s extensive freeway network presents a major barrier for wildlife, which is particularly a concern for the mountain lion population largely isolated in the Santa Monica Mountains. Planning and fundraising for a wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway in the Liberty Canyon area of Agoura Hills is in progress.

The bridge would provide a connection between the small population of lions in the Santa Monica Mountains and the large and genetically diverse populations to the north.

This is the 17th litter of mountain lion kittens marked at a den site over the course of our long-term study. Three additional litters of older kittens (all at least six months old) were discovered and marked when they had already left their den site.

Since 2002, the National Park Service has been studying mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains to determine how they survive in an increasingly fragmented and urbanized environment.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for overseeing the management and conservation of mountain lions in the state.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is the largest urban national park in the country, encompassing more than 150,000 acres of mountains and coastline in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. A unit of the National Park System, it comprises a seamless network of local, state, and federal parks interwoven with private lands and communities. As one of only five Mediterranean ecosystems in the world, SMMNRA preserves the rich biological diversity of more than 450 animal species and 26 distinct plant communities. For more information: visit www.nps.gov/samo. ■

June 26 Vol. 1 No. 1

15

ARTS & CULTURE Symphony’s 38th Season Delayed

By Jeanne Mitchell The Topanga Symphony has presented three free classical music concerts a year since it was started in the summer of 1982. The music season always begins with the summer concert, and the 38th Season was to begin on Sunday June 14, 2020. However, the Topanga Community Club is closed due to COVID-19 so the first concert of the new season will be announced in The Canyon Chronicle when it is rescheduled.

As we wait for the announcement of the next free concert of quality classical music, the Board of Directors has decided to launch the new Topanga Symphony logo designed by former Topanga resident, award winning logo designer and graphic artist, Connie Schurr. The printer-friendly logo, with musical instruments artistically embedded into the highlights of the mountains, represents the essence of classical music in the Santa Monica Mountains as the Topanga Symphony has been for the past 37 years.

Sylana Smith, daughter of former Topanga Symphony president, Jack Smith, designed the original logo of Orpheus, a musician in Greek mythology, playing a lyre under a tree. This artistic logo symbolized the Topanga Symphony, and will continue to be seen in the concert program notes, never to be completely retired, but to live on in the heart of our programs.

As a promotion for the new logo and to provide an opportunity to support the Topanga Symphony, a newly minted lapel pin is now available for purchase. The lapel pin is available at: topangasymphony.com, select “Support Us.” The Topanga Symphony Board of Directors is also producing additional items: hats, bags, wine glasses, and t-shirts, that will be available for purchase soon.

BECOME A FRIEND! The Topanga Symphony is supported by community members through tax deductible donations to the “Friends of the Topanga Symphony”, local businesses that place ads in the concert programs, and from generous grants from LA County Supervisor Sheila Khuel and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture Organizational Grant Program.

More than 100 concerts represent a truly community orchestra, consisting of a mixture

Book Reviewed by Linda Ballou

of amateurs, students, and professional musicians under the direction of Jerome Kessler since 1982. An exceptional caliber of soloists has performed throughout the years bringing

Everything you ever wanted to know about Topanga Beach History, but didn’t know to ask is here. In this meticulously researched chronicle of the events taking place at this mostly overlooked bastion of eccentrics, dreamers and schemers, you get the answers.

The spirit of enterprise began with marketing relics found in burial mounds of native peoples dating back about 7,000 years. With the arrival of the Spanish who

the classical masterpieces to life here in Topanga.

Many premieres of contemporary classical music compositions have been presented to the audiences who come from the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.

The Topanga Symphony is truly a shining star of the Topanga community and surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. As we await the next concert performance, secure your Topanga Symphony lapel pin with the new logo and wear it proudly to promote and show support for this amazing orchestra. (topangasymphony.org) ■

doled out huge land grants to the elite, rodeos began. Soon makeshift lodging sprang up at Topanga Beach and the party that lasted more than a hundred years began.

The geography has changed since crowds of thousands clamored for seats at events at Topanga Beach. In 1906 a sea arch collapsed beneath where posh Mastro’s Ocean Club sits today. The arch marked the end of the highway until the death of May Rindge, the “Queen of Malibu,” who spent her fast fortune fighting those who wanted to lay railroad tracks through her land. Before Pacific Coast Highway was established there was a lagoon with a large bird population opening to the surf.

Moonlight dance parties often lasted the night. Rodeos with spur-jangling

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cowgirls and boys drew crowds of thousands. Rumors of bull fighting brought more.

Bootlegging blossomed during prohibition and Hollywood made its mark there as well. There was even a notorious cult performing secret ceremonies. Storms

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eventually took out the holiday cabins that popped up on the beach. Then, came the surf culture. An amazing array of characters populated the Topanga Beach between 1820 and 1920. The photo gallery included in this compact, yet concise history of this dynamic time is worth the price of admission.

Topanga Beach: A History by Pablo Capra is available from the Topanga Historical Society and Topanga Home Grown. ■

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June 26 Vol. 1 No. 1

17

PEOPLE FIRST PERSON: We Survived COVID-19

there who needed it more. The following day, I spoke with my primary care doctor.

She also stayed with me for about 30 minutes. She asked about my breathing and I told her. She asked if I could walk across the room or if I needed to go to the hospital. I thought about that last question. In the end I told her that if I were going to die, I would rather be at home.

Pause. What was I thinking?! I told her that I did not want to go to the hospital because, if I didn’t have the virus, I would surely get it there. Maybe I wasn’t thinking clearly. Or maybe I was thinking very clearly. My doctor agreed and carefully outlined a program of graduating steps to follow. They started with a lot more medications Topanga resident and artist, Olivia Ferrari suffers from chronic persistent and ended with a call to Kaiser to reserve a room with a ventilator, which, thankfully, asthma. The mere thought of a highly contagious respiratory virus, let alone a I never needed. pandemic, couldn’t possibly touch America, could it? Ferrari believed so. She The next seven days were hell as I fought from a mostly reclining position. I had diagnosed early symptoms as a cold or allergies but within two weeks she could no sense of smell or taste and could not concentrate. I was tired of not breathing hardly breathe. Her doctor put her on a program whose last step was to reserve a right. I looked at internet pictures of houses for sale in Hawaii where I was born. I room with a ventilator at the hospital. thought about returning home and this was a comfort. This became a goal. I could My experience began innocently enough. It was early March and there was a not really join thoughts together other than following the doctor’s instructions. This faint promise of summer in the air. I made an appointment for March 7, at my regular was my light at the end of the tunnel, my ticket back to real life. salon for some regular beauty treatments.

After about seven days I was I was thinking of the sun and getting into somehow better. I could still hear my lungs better shape. Only peripherally wary of a virus struggling but I was returning to health. referred to primarily as “the coronavirus,” I I texted with my sisters. The company theorized that the virus eventually would where my husband works had put the come to California, but the weather was nice.

“Shelter in Place” mandate in, and he was While there were a few scattered reports working from home. This was a comfort, of people getting sick, it really seemed so far too, until he also displayed symptoms…. away. Italy and Iran had taken center stage For him, it was more like a bad head for the virus and the pandemic had not yet cold. Sinuses packed and pounding, nose been declared. No one I knew seemed to be very clogged and then running, a minor suffering. I kept my appointment thinking that sore throat that would come and go, and it might be the last for a month or so. fatigue that would come on strong in the The appointment itself was uneventful. afternoon and worsen in the evening.

We talked as we always do about her boyfriend Climbing stairs became exhausting and and family and my art. Two hours later, I was breathing was something he focused ready to leave when she mentioned that her on, taking slow deep breaths. At times he father was really sick. Her mother was a nurse felt he had a fever, but the thermometer and had tried everything she knew, including showed normal. In week one things slowly antibiotics. I looked at her and noticed that her became worse but some time in week two cheeks were flushed and there were beads of they very slowly became better. In all, it was perspiration. Fever, I thought. I calmly asked about four weeks before he felt somewhat her what his symptoms were, and they back to normal. sounded classic to what I had heard about With me, each following day the coronavirus.

I continued to try to notice some “Triumph in Decay.” I started this pen-and-ink illustration, the third in a series, then I felt panic. Though I had other errands improvement, to take the medications became too sick to continue. My brain was not joining concepts together and I couldn’t to do, including the week’s shopping, prescribed and rest. It took about another define the leaf. After a few weeks, when I was better, I went back to my drawing board and I made a beeline for home and showered and week to realize that, indeed, I was on the finished it, hence the “Triumph.” The sycamore leaf itself is crumbling but still offers her scrubbed from top to bottom and dressed in road to recovery for real. I wanted to do beauty. Original art is 15” x 25”. fresh clothes. I recall wanting life to be normal, more, I wanted to return to activity, but regular, just the usual, and made dinner, having enough breath to do the activity was cleaned the kitchen, had a cocktail, and forgot a struggle. about it.

At the time of writing, it had been four Eleven days later I woke up feeling tired and a bit achy with a sore throat, and weeks since I got sick and the entire social face of the earth has changed. I wave to occasionally a little, light cough. I did not think for a second that I might have old friends and neighbors at a distance and there is a tiny feeling of apprehension if contracted the virus; I had thoroughly put all thoughts of that out of my mind. I took they get within six feet. We order our groceries via the internet and then spray them some aspirin and grabbed the two-pound bag of Halls cough drops, headed over to on arrival with disinfectant. We wear plastic gloves and masks when we leave the my newest drawing and forgot about it. The aches went away after a few days; the house for anything and I no longer go for my leisurely walks with my friend. The Tai sore throat sort of went then came back. The cough stayed but didn’t really bug me.

Chi class that I attend is being conducted via Zoom, like my husband’s meetings.

On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the virus, referred to now One day, we drove to an old friend’s house to pick up some plastic pots for as Covid-19 or C-19, a pandemic. Everyone I knew seemed focused on New York, planting vegetables. Begrudgingly (I thought), we practiced safe distancing; they and we thought, “Oh, those poor dears,” but still there were only about 1,000 cases did not leave their upstairs balcony choosing to speak to us from the 20 to 30-foot reported in the U.S. distance. Somehow, we were comfortable with that, too. These people, like most of Logic and the L.A. County Department of Public Health dictated that this was my friends, enjoy the touch of an embrace and being physically close. In the back of nothing to worry about. Contracting the virus was not a high probability. Despite the my mind the new mantra chants, “social distancing, wash my hands well, don’t touch pandemic status of the world, in California the cases were far away still: Silicon Valley, my face.” It was only a couple of months before when we were debating the pros and San Francisco. cons of such behavior. At the last party that I attended I remember one friend saying, I continued to sicken slowly over the next seven days, a light cough that was “ This is Topanga, it’s always safe to hug here.” really nothing, my throat was still sore, but now, I felt like the bottom of my lungs had As we drove home with the pots, passing the old church, lifeless on Sunday disappeared; I couldn’t get a deep breath and I had a low-grade fever. like all of the shops in town, I thought of weddings and birthdays that would not be I have a love affair with breathing as I also have chronic persistent asthma, so attended, and of drive-by bunnies at Easter. Part of me was saying this is wrong, part breathing with its essential qualities and me are old friends. I also keep a full arsenal of me was thinking about what it must have been like for those trying to survive the of medications to help me breathe in any given situation short of calling 911. pandemics of the past. I tell myself, no, this is not bad. This is what we must do to On Day 7, I had taken everything that I had and still couldn’t recover my breath. move forward. This is the new face of progress.

This was troubling; this meant I should call my doctor, and I did. The first person I It does still seem so strange the distance we must still maintain. I find that I spoke with was the nurse practitioner. She was great. She stayed with me on the have been yearning at least to hear the voices of those whom I love. Phone calls phone for about an hour. She had a long list of questions: Had I been to China or EU over texting, photos exchanged of what I am growing, eating, drawing, or painting. I recently? Had I been in contact with anyone who had been confirmed positive for the wonder at this strange virus, the damage, and the way we used to live. But also at how, Covid-19 virus? by its nature, I find myself focusing now on redefining my immediate environment.

I cried. I was embarrassed that I had been frivolous and gotten sick. I had put Thoughts of travel, vacations, and casual touching fall away from my perspective. Are myself in harm’s way and had been harmed and now I needed help. This meant that I we really undergoing a complete reset of social behavior? was taking the valuable time of medical people when I knew there was someone out It’s as though I woke up to a whole new world. ■

Malibu Poet Laureate Eleanor “Ellen” Reich - 1934-2020 Malibu Poet Laureate Ellen Reich passed away at home on Friday, May 1, of cancer, with family and loved ones around her.

Reich was named as the city’s second Poet Laureate after Ricardo Means Ybarra, by the Malibu City Council on March 11, 2019. The two-year term would have continued to March 27, 2021.

“Ellen was pure giving through and through,” said long-time friend and poet Ann Buxie. “She was determined to find the best in everyone.

When she did, she encouraged and celebrated it. Her last words to me were, ‘Let’s all be peaceful.’ That has become a timely directive for these times. How can we be peace-makers?”

Reich was a longtime Malibu resident who was widely published and taught poetry and writing classes at the Malibu Senior Center, and creative writing and autobiography in Malibu for Emeritus College, a division of Santa Monica College. Reich was also an active fine artist and had her work exhibited in the Weisman Museum of Art and the Ojai Valley Gallery. The Malibu City Council created the Poet Laureate program following a recommendation by the Cultural Arts Commission in November 2016, following the Commission’s goal to forever keep poetry as an integral piece of the community’s artistic landscape.

The Poet Laureate acts as the official Consultant in Poetry to the City of Malibu and the Malibu Library, and participates in or creates a Poetry Invitational event each year, represents the City at literary and poetry events, and works with the Laureate Committee to promote poetry and literary arts in local schools and the broader community. Learn more about the City’s Poet Laureate Program at malibucity. org/883/Poet-Laureate.

“I am saddened by the news of Ellen’s passing, but I am deeply grateful for her passion for keeping poetry and literature alive and well in Malibu,” said Mayor Karen Farrer. “Our Poet Laureate will be missed but never forgotten, and her spirit lives on in the wonderful work she left behind.” Reich is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. ■

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COUNTY NEWS Topanga Crime and Traffic Report Crime in Topanga since the COVID-19 shutdown rose 100 percent over April 2019, but traffic collisions are down.

Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Cerveny, of the C.I.T Team with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Malibu/Lost Hills Station, reported Topanga crime statistics and some noteworthy incidents for April 2020.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS: An assault was reported in the 100 block of South Topanga Canyon Blvd. The victims were approached by the suspect, male, white, 30-years of age, red hair, who began yelling obscenities at them. The victims called someone for a ride because they were frightened by the suspect. While they were waiting, the suspect picked up a four-foot long wooden fence picket that was laying on the ground and swung it toward the victims. The victims fled the area. (20-02160).

An attempted residential burglary occurred in the 27900 block of Alta Drive. The living room and a rear sliding screen door were open but the unknown suspect(s) did not make entry No signs of forced entry were seen. (20-02102).

A commercial burglary was reported in the 100 block of North Topanga Canyon.

The front window of the location was smashed to gain entry. A cash register was taken from the location. (20-02237).

There was an attempted burglary of a a mailbox in the 1600 block of North Topanga Canyon Blvd. The door was bent and the key lock insert was damaged.

Unknown if any mail was stolen. (20-02406).

A 2013 Toyota Prius was stolen from the 300 block of South Topanga Canyon Blvd. The vehicle is still outstanding. (20-02381).

A 2005 Toyota Tacoma pickup was stolen from the 1500 block of Old Topanga Canyon Road and is still outstanding. (20-01980).

Residents of Los Angeles and Topanga were arrested for domestic battery in the 21900 block of Entrada Road. The suspects were ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend.

(20-01972).

A vehicle burglary occurred in the 700 block of South Topanga Canyon Blvd.

The driver door was punched to gain entry. A wallet, cash and two Leap Frog tablets were stolen from inside the vehicle. (20-02175).

A theft from an unlocked vehicle was reported in the 600 block of North Topanga Canyon Blvd. A wallet, cologne and bag with miscellaneous hair/nail products were stolen. (20-02400).

A theft of a pressure washer and a doily occurred in the 1500 block of Old Topanga Road. The suspects were the victim’s previous tenants. (20-02006).

Topanga March and April Traffic Reports CHP Public Information Officer Wes Haver reported that CHP responded to zero collisions on Topanga Canyon Blvd. (SR-27) in March 2020, from the two-mile bridge south to PCH compared to one traffic collision in March 2019, with zero injuries.

Officer Haver reported one traffic collision on SR-27 in March 2020, from the two-mile bridge north to the L.A. city limits compared to zero traffic collisions in March 2019, with zero injuries. The cause of the collision was determined to be code 22350 - unsafe speed.

CHP responded to zero collisions on SR-27 in April 2020, from the two-mile bridge south to PCH compared with two traffic collisions in April 2019, with zero injuries.

Officer Haver also reported zero traffic collisions on SR-27 in April 2020, from the two-mile bridge north to the L.A. city limits compared to zero traffic collisions in April 2019, with zero injuries.

To report unsafe driving, call (818) 888-0980; (800) TELLCHP; or e-mail Officer West Haver at Weston.haver@chp.ca.gov. ■ The figures for serious crimes in the Topanga area are listed below for the month of April 2020.

Salvador Becerra, Jr., Promoted to Captain Of Lost Hills Sheriffs Station

By Linda Ballou Salvador Becerra, currently Acting Captain at the Malibu/Lost Hills Station (LHS), has been officially named Captain and will maintain his leadership role at the station.

He started his career as a line deputy in 1990 at Pitchess Detention Center, South facility (PDC-South). His early years in patrol were served at Century Station, LHS, and Training Bureau, where he served the Department and the residents of Los Angeles County in various capacities and roles from line deputy to training officer.

Promoting to sergeant in 2000, Becerra transferred to Compton station as a field sergeant and then to Operation Safe Streets Bureau as the gang enforcement team supervisor. He was also assigned to Risk Management Bureau as a health and safety sergeant, and to Transit Services Bureau as a field sergeant. When he promoted to lieutenant in 2013, Becerra returned to PDC-South as a watch commander, transferred to Audit & Accountability Bureau as a team lieutenant, then to Men’s Central Jail, East Los Angeles Station, Santa Clarita Station, and again to LHS. After a brief transfer to Court Services Division, Becerra returned to LHS as the Acting Captain and now Captain.

Becerra has a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both from California State University at Northridge. He is married with two daughters, one in high school and one in college. When he is not at work, he enjoys doing his own yard work, repairing his own cars, restoring old VW’s, watching the Dodgers play, and is always in the middle of a book.

There has been a Becerra on the Department for over forty years. As the son of retired Captain Irma Becerra, Sal Becerra is an LASD legacy and hopes he is not the last in his family to serve.

With approximately 177 sworn and civilian personnel, LHS serves the communities of Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Hidden Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Topanga, and the unincorporated areas of Chatsworth and West Hills. The station also boasts an award-winning Search and Rescue team, comprised of LASD Reserve Deputies and civilian volunteers from all professions, who provide their expertise to aid residents and visitors of the Santa Monica Mountains recreation area. (http:// www.lasd.org) ■

VOTE BY MAIL “Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently approved sending vote-by-mail ballots to all registered voters for the November presidential election.”

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POLITICS Rude Interruptions “American Carnage”

By Joel Bellman Twice this week, people asked me to compare today’s spiraling chaos to two of the darker moments in recent history, specifically 1968 and 1992.

Then, likewise sparked by institutional racism and its evil twin, police brutality, it also seemed like society was quickly devolving into a violent dystopia.

How did it feel in 1992? Well, kids, I was working late downtown in the County Hall of Administration for Supervisor Ed Edelman. The verdict in the Rodney King case had just come down that afternoon - an all-white jury acquitting four LAPD officers of excessive force, even though they’d been caught on video continually beating a black man, plainly not resisting them, who was down on all fours like a wounded animal. The beating itself was shocking enough; this outrageous verdict a year later was more than people could stand.

As word spread throughout the community, people took to the streets. I watched in silent horror on our conference room television as the near-fatal beating of truckdriver Reginald Denny in the intersection of Florence and Normandie in South Los Angeles went on and on and on, broadcast from a local news helicopter. I thought I was watching a man being murdered, live and in prime time. A few blocks from our office, police were trying to control an angry crowd that was gathering in front of City Hall. Trash cans were lit and hurled. The cops moved in, and suddenly everybody was running, including reporter friends that I recognized. It was time to leave.

As I headed west toward home, the smell of smoke was everywhere. The wail of distant sirens pierced the night, and an ominous orange glow would signal a new fire somewhere. At one point I was diverted by a police blockade, beyond which was an opaque wall of dark smoke. Once I got past Koreatown - the epicenter for much of the destruction and looting due to the killing of Latasha Harlins, a 15-year-old black girl, by a Korean shopkeeper only two weeks after the King beating - I made it home without further incident. For nearly a week, the days were relatively quiet, but night-

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time saw new flareups. The destruction was considerable: 63 people killed, nearly 2,400 injured, more than12,000 arrested, property loss estimated at $1 billion, more than half of that suffered by the Korean community. Economic recovery took many months, and there are still parts of the city where physical as well as psychic scars still remain.

The year 1968 saw the culmination of several years of continuing racial and political unrest across the country. In 1965, five months after the legendary Selma civil rights march, and five days after the Voting Rights Act was signed, the Watts riots erupted after a young black man was arrested for reckless driving and an altercation ensued between the cops and other family members, igniting six days of riots, looting, and property destruction. In 1966, riots shook Chicago, Omaha, Cleveland, Atlanta, and San Francisco; the “Long Hot Summer” of 1967 saw riots in Cincinnati, Buffalo, Newark, Detroit, Milwaukee, and elsewhere.

But in 1968, the assassination in April of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by a white supremacist instantly touched off simultaneous riots in Detroit, New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, and elsewhere.

Despair deepened when presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated two months later, further crushing idealism and hopes for positive change. Riots flared in Louisville, Akron, and Miami - capped by the infamous “police riot” at the Chicago Democratic convention in August.

As a 12-year-old, I was lucky that my small college town was not directly affected, but no one from that era could come away unscathed by terrifying images of lawless chaos continually beamed into our homes on the nightly TV news. There was no “Bright Lights, Big City” - urban centers like Los Angeles had seemingly been reduced to smoldering ruins that it was best to avoid.

So is today better or worse? While we’ve not yet seen anything like the loss of life, injuries, and arrests in those distant disturbances, just wait. Today, we confront something far worse: a president and federal government that appears bent on exacerbating and inflaming the situation at every opportunity sheerly for selfish political advantage.

Principal causes of the ‘60s unrest were poverty, loss of job opportunities, and institutional racism. What do we have today? Radically worse income inequality, a global pandemic that has disproportionately sickened and killed vulnerable people of color in high-risk occupations with low-quality health coverage, Great Depression levels of unemployment, and an out-and-out racist president who delights in insulting, threatening and tormenting racial minorities of all colors. Now add in the fact that many young people have been cooped up at home for more than two months with nothing to do, earning no money, itching for action and somebody to blame.

Pandemic, economic collapse, race riots, threats to deploy armed forces against protesting American citizens - while the president, mocked by conservative columnist George Will as “this low-rent Lear raging on his Twitter-heath,” tightens his grip on power by spreading lies and disinformation designed to undermine confidence and depress voter turnout in the November election, our last remaining legal opportunity to rescue democracy by taking him out.

No, this is worse. Much worse. Downward we plunge, with no bottom in sight. ■

POLITICS PDSMM Holds Zoom Meeting with Rep. Ted Lieu

By Annemarie Donkin

Amid protests and the pandemic, U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu graciously gave of his time to answer questions from the Progressive Democrats of the Santa Monica Mountains.

With just five months before the November 3 General Election, about 21 local residents signed on to a Zoom meeting held by the Progressive Democrats of the Santa Monica Mountains (PDSMM).

They attended a meeting with U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu, who has served California’s 33rd Congressional District since 2015, when he succeeded retiring 40-year incumbent Henry Waxman. Today, Lieu serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He is also an Assistant Whip for the Democratic Caucus.

Lieu is a former active duty officer in the US Air Force and currently serves as a Colonel in the Reserves.

Dorothy Reik, President of the PDSMM, hosted the event on May 30 and conducted an informative question and answer session with Lieu.

She asked how he felt about the protests throughout the world surrounding the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.

“George Floyd was murdered by the Minneapolis police,” Lieu said. “It was clear to me he was murdered; but [President Trump] has done nothing to calm down the protests or make changes that heal the country… instead, he seems to be putting more fuel on the fire.”

When asked about the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Lieu agreed there is a laundry list of things yet to be done.

“We need free testing, medical sick leave, paycheck protection, hospitals, more testing, increased funding for small business loans and testing for hospitals,” he said.

“The HEROES Act provides funding for frontline, paramedics and teachers. It’s now on the Senate side to pass with Leader Mitch McConnell; all we ask is for him to at least come to the negotiating table.”

Lieu further emphasized there were three main things he felt needed to be done immediately, “test, isolate, and trace contacts. That is how we can reopen safely.”

Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) and current program director of KPFK-FM 90.7 radio, spoke up about how essential it is that progressives take action to defeat President Trump and flip the Senate.

“For the elections in November, the polling data looks good,” Lieu said. “Trump has the lowest approval ever. We need to hold our majority and expand it. Everything looks good for November, I feel a Blue Wave.”

Lieu continued, “The pandemic has shown the huge health care inequalities and the lack of affordable health care and the huge effects of disproportional Blacks, Asians, and Latinos dying at higher rates due to inequalities. We passed a $2-trillion

The HEROES Act Throughout the meeting, Lieu referred to questions about various issues by referring to the brand-new legislation, the HEROES Act that, if passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President, will assist millions of people and government programs currently at risk.

The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act or the HEROES Act introduced in the House on May 12, 2020, responds to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak and its impact on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals and businesses. The Bill has passed the House and now waits for a Senate vote. Among other things, the bill: Provides FY2020 emergency supplemental appropriations to federal agencies; Provides payments and other assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments; Provides additional direct payments of up to $1,200 per individual; Expands paid sick days, family and medical leave, unemployment compensation, nutrition and food assistance programs, housing assistance, and payments to farmers; Modifies and expands the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loans and grants to small businesses and nonprofit organizations; Establishes a fund to award grants for employers to provide pandemic premium pay for essential workers; Expands several tax credits and deductions; Provides funding and establishes requirements for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing; Eliminates cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments; Extends and expands the moratorium on certain evictions and foreclosures; and requires employers to develop and implement infectious disease exposure control plans.

The bill also modifies or expands a wide range of other programs and policies, including those regarding: Medicare and Medicaid, health insurance, broadband service, medical product supplies, immigration, student loans and financial aid, the federal workforce, prisons, veterans benefits, consumer protection requirements, the U.S. Postal service, federal elections, aviation and railroad workers and pension and retirement plans.

stimulus bill just like that, it’s just a matter of political will; I look forward to passing Medicare for All with a Blue Tsunami.”

PDSMM Treasurer Mike Goldman asked about the November elections.

“I was just wondering, there has been a lot of talk about the suspension of elections,” Goldman asked. “I don’t know how viable those possibilities are; also, what can the Dems do about Trump withholding funding to the World Health Organization (WHO)?”

Lieu answered that the issue of withholding funding has not been passed in the budget.

“The Democrats think it’s illegal; there’s going to be a lawsuit. We believe he doesn’t have the legal authority to deny funding,” Lieu said. “In November, it’s voter’s choice; also, [Trump] didn’t stop the funding that Congress allocated to the WHO.” Reik also asked about President Trump’s comments regarding withdrawing from the WHO. “It’s insane,” Lieu said. “We are in a worldwide pandemic, the WHO is dedicated to fighting diseases worldwide…there is a virus threat to Americans as long as it exists anywhere in the world. If you have this virus, we want to bolster and help the organizations that fight this worldwide. Trump does completely irrational things that hurt the United States.”

Reik followed up, asking what would happen if Trump’s term expires and he refuses to leave office or cancels the elections in November.

“If his term expired, he can’t stay,” Lieu said. “The only way to change the date of election is to change the law in the House. There will be an election in November. If he loses, the Secret Service will likely escort him out of the White House in January; even Republicans would ask for him to exit the White House in January.”

“The 33d District is very lucky with Ted Lieu,” said Alan Minsky.

Earlier, Iris Mann said even though she lived in Rep. Gil Cisneros’ district, she wanted to know if there was anything we can do to help Lieu in the November election.

“Thank you,” Lieu answered. “I am blessed to have an amazing district with rational, kind people.”

People can safely send donations for Democratic candidates to Lieu at www. tedlieu.com, or the Blue Momentum PAC. Other safe Democratic sites for donations are democrats.org and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) at https://dccc.org.

History of the PDSMM - Progressive Democrats of the Santa Monica Mountains is a chartered club of the Los Angeles Democratic Party that strives to cultivate progressive ideals within our community by supporting reformist elected officials.

“We believe that awareness of current events and involvement with local officials aids in our commonly shared goal of Waging Peace. We uphold a revered reputation with such officials by continuously jumping on pressing issues and advocating for moral justice. There is no compromise when it comes to the environment and equality among all.”

In 2013, Dorothy Reik was elected to the Board of the Progressive Caucus of the Democratic Party, several members of whom are delegates to the California State Party Central Committee. Reik won re-election to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party Central Committee in the March 3 primary. To donate or become a member: www.pdsmm.org, or contact Dorothy Reik at dorothyreik@pdsmm.org. ■

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HEALTH Endocrine Disruptors Are Everywhere

By Eleanor Zeri There are many chemicals in the environment that affect our bodies, and especially our hormones. These are found in the air, soil, water supply, food and personal care products, and interfere with your body’s natural hormones. They are called Endocrine disruptors.

They are found in everyday products, such as, plastics, food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. According to Environment Health News, these chemicals affect developmental, reproductive, brain, and immune-system functions. Even low doses of EDCs may be unsafe. Even low doses of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be unsafe.

“Endocrine disruptors (EDs) either act like or block your natural hormones.”

For the past 20 years, EDCs appear to have been responsible for the growing number of people with infertility, diabetes, early onset of puberty in girls and early menopause in women, cancer, birth defects, and neurobehavioral disorders,” (www.hormone.org).

“It’s an easy yet powerful fix to eliminate chemicals in your home and personal products,” says Topanga resident, Jane Hammond, a physician assistant specializing in hormone replacement therapy. “Start by simply eliminating all scented personal and laundry products. Even small changes can help.”

EDCS TO LOOK FOR AND AVOID Here are names to look for on EDCs that exist in almost everything we use in our daily lives: • Bisphenol A (BPA) - Found in many plastic products including food storage containers • Dioxins - from chemical and pesticide manufacturing, waste burning, and wildfires • Perchlorate - a by-product of rocket fuels. Used as propellants and on food packaging.

• Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - used widely in coating on non-stick pans, paper, and textiles.

• Phthalates - used in plastics, found in food packaging, cosmetics, and medical supplies, • Phytoestrogens (plant hormones) - naturally occurring substances in plants that have hormone-like activity. Found in soy products like tofu or soy milk • Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) - found in flame retardants for furniture, foam and carpets • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) - used to make electrical equipment like transformers, hydraulic fluids, lubricants, and plasticizers • Triclosan - may be found in anti-bacterial soaps

candles, cleaning products, dryer sheets, fabric softeners, and perfumes.

• Avoid harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like gasoline, oil, solvents, and dry cleaning fluids that are linked to asthma and some cancers • Avoid chemical cleaning products • Avoid canned foods with BPA liners, choose fresh or frozen • Avoid handling register receipts, the paper has a high concentration of EDs • NEVER EVER MICROWAVE IN PLASTIC! ALTERNATIVES FOR THE HOME • Use wool dryer balls instead of fabric softener or dryer sheets in the dryer.

• Avoid scented laundry products. They leave chemicals in your clothes that are absorbed through the skin. They also pollute the air.

• Use home-made vinegar cleaning products.

• Create your own all-purpose cleaning solution. The simplest one is: combine a mixture of half vinegar to half water in a spray bottle, and add 10 drops of essential oil. More DIY cleaning recipes at drpompa.com.

“These small changes are subtle but they will impact your health and the health of the planet in a big way,” Hammond says.

RESOURCES: The Environmental Working Group has an app that can be downloaded on your phone and is a great place to look up more ways to limit exposure to hormone disruptors in your home. (www.ewg.org). ■

HOW TO AVOID EXPOSURE IN THE HOME • Avoid BPA- Use stainless steel or glass water bottles.

• Eliminate all scented products including soaps, air fresheners, scented

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www.TheCanyonChronicle.com

SCIENCE All Things Connected The Dragon Flies

By Paula LaBrot I have had a love affair with the Columbia Space Shuttle and the whole NASA space program, but I was beyond pissed today - the day after the extraordinary launch of Crew Dragon, the United States’ first human-carrying spacecraft designed by a private company - because I was unable to find any video or broadcast updates on its successful docking with the International Space Station, delivering two American astronauts safe and sound.

This historic launch is a grand, paradigm shift into a “whole new world of economic activity in space, with private organizations doing what once required an entire nation to do, creating new opportunities for experimentation and discovery,” according to Tim Fernholz, writing for Quartz (qz.com), but,the magnitude of this great achievement was overshadowed as the nation erupted in angry violent reactions to the George Lloyd murder in Minneapolis.

I am sad for the children who did not get to experience the collective, inspirational thrill of exploration, discovery and daring my own children so vividly experienced with the beautiful maiden flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia, especially after our long months of quarantine which have taken a toll on everyone’s spirits. This was a monumental leap forward into the future! A whole new era of space travel! Possibilities abound! Let’s celebrate now!!

A LITTLE HISTORY The Dragon space capsule is a re-usable, cargo carrying space craft designed and built by SpaceX, Elon Musk’s private space transportation company. The original, un-manned Dragon has had many successful missions delivering supplies to and from the International Space Station. The Dragon spacecraft, designed to survive re-entry, not only delivers cargo, but is able to return to Earth carrying cargo back.

It carries pressurized and unpressurized payloads, live (like lab mice) or inanimate cargo.

Boosted into space by SpaceX’s mighty Falcon rocket, the Crew Dragon’s historic manned flight can also claim the recovery of the first private spacecraft booster that has ever delivered human astronauts to space. According to SpaceX, the Falcon 9 is the “world’s first orbital-class reusable rocket,” a feature the company says will help to cut down the cost of space access. The rocket stands at a mighty 230 feet tall and carries a mass of a whopping 1.2 million pounds. Talk about recycling Holy Moly!

INSIDE THE CAPSULE The Crew Dragon capsule has a high-tech, black-and-white, clean, sleek, minimalist design. It is roomy and uncluttered. It is 27 feet tall and 13 feet wide. There are carbon fiber and Alcantara cloth cushioned seats tilted up toward a touch screen, which replaces all the buttons, switches and knobs from the Apollo/Shuttle days.

Touch-screen technology provides real time data for the astronauts from where the craft is in space to information about the environment inside the capsule. Crew members can monitor the interior environment with an Environmental Control and Life Support System, and they can set the onboard temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There are four windows for the astronauts…that feature goes

back to the Apollo days when the early astronauts successfully fought for a view. The capsule can carry seven passengers.

The spacesuit the astronauts wear in the capsule is as new as the interior design. The futuristic, sleek white-with-black-trim very thin and light suit is designed

by Hollywood costume designer Jose Fernandez (Captain America, Wonder Woman, Batman). What?! Don’t worry. It is a super functional new breed of spacesuit. NASA describes it: “The spacesuit is custom-made for each passenger aboard Crew Dragon and is designed to be functional, lightweight, and to offer protection from potential depressurization. A single connection point on the suit’s thigh attaches life support systems, including air and power connections. The helmet is custom manufactured using 3D printing technology and includes integrated valves, mechanisms for visor retraction and locking, and microphones within the helmet’s structure. The customtailored suits include touchscreen compatible gloves, a flame-resistant outer layer and provides pressurization with a controlled environment for the crew in atypical situations, such as cabin depressurization. The suit also routes communications and cooling systems to the astronauts during flight.”

Oh, that Elon! How I would love to have lunch with him…I love the guy!

RETURN TO EARTH The astronauts carried to the International Space Station on Crew Dragon will spend one to four months in space. Their safe return to Earth will be the cap on the success of the mission. As the capsule gets closer to Earth, the spacecraft will jettison its trunk. “The trunk is a cylindrical, finned module that contains the spacecraft’s builtin solar arrays and other equipment required for its flights to and from the space station,” according to space.com.

The heat shield will protect the astronauts during the fiery re-entry. Once clear of that phase, four Mark 3 parachutes will carry the capsule to a gentle splashdown, recovery crews from SpaceX’s GO Navigator ship will collect the crew and capsule and return to Cape Canaveral.

If that all goes well, a new era of commercial space travel has begun.

TO THE STARS AND BEYOND! Where are we going with all this? Into the future, my friends. We are going to build a base on the moon. We are going to put fantastic telescopes on the moon…they are ready and waiting, and we will see deeper into space than Galileo ever dreamed.

From the moon, we are going to send persons to Mars. Four seats have already been booked for the first commercial passenger flight around the Earth. Plans are in the works for an orbiting hotel. Oh, Dr. Seuss, “the places we’ll go!” I so want children to know this and dream of their place in it!

This excitement, this thrill…this breaking the bonds of negativity and gravity… this amazing private/public partnership…this capitalism at its best…this inspiring, joyful, awesome, courageous event…done in the messy transparency of our crazy, wonderful culture…this rising above into the ether…the unknown….the irresistible future!!

Vamos a ver!! ■

R os s i

Lee

Rob in

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June 26 Vol. 1 No. 1

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