The West Basin Municipal Water District is offering innovative conservation programs.

Faced with future water supply shortages, West Basin has implemented its Water Reliability 2020 program to reduce our dependence on imported water. Everyone can do their part by conserving at least 20 gallons per day. There is a range of conservation activities that will help everyone be more efficient with their water use. Click here to learn more about our conservation programs, which includes a signup for free rain barrels and more.

CALTRANS SAFETY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Begins August 6, 2015 through August 10, 2015*

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will have intermittent closures on SR-27 as part of a safety enhancement project on SR-27 from Mulholland Drive to Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1).  Crews will install new reflectors or Botts’ dots, re-stripe lanes, and grind a narrow groove along the stripe line to enhance safety along the highway.

There will be intermittent closures on the following days on SR-27:

Thursday, August 6 – 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Friday, August 7 – 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Saturday, August 8 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.   
Sunday, August 9 – 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.*
Monday, August 10 - 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.*  
*If necessary, Motorists should expect delays and consider alternate routes.  Flaggers will be in place.  The California Highway Patrol will be on duty.  Remember to Be Work Zone Alert.

TCC'S KELLY ROCKWELL REPLACES FORMER PRESIDENT MARK NYGARD

Mark Nygard regretfully has moved out of the canyon after living here for almost 30 years, but he has entrusted his leadership role at the Community House to Kelly Rockwell, who is no stranger at the TCC.  Her special volunteer spirit has led her to be TCC's Corresponding Secretary, co-chair of the playground committee and manager of the soccer team. Kelly organized the first annual Fiddle & Griddle Overnight Campout and had a role in other events, including Dr. King Day of Service, KIDSWAP, and Earth Action Day.  She now steps up as President and has a special message to the community. . .

The Las Virgenes Homeowner's Federation presents a summary on obtaining permits for horse facilities in the canyon.

The Las Virgenes Homeowner's Federation wrote an important factual summary about "permitting equestrian facilities in our new Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program."  It helps clarify some of the misinformation that has been circulating throughout the community and may help you to understand some of the questions and concerns.

To read the LVHF summary, please click here.

2015 TOPANGA RESIDENT ACCESS CARD HOLDERS
Get special gate admission price when you flash your 2015 Access Card!

It's always fun to experience the Topanga Film Festival, but it now offers another exciting feature . . . so to speak!  By flashing your 2015 Topanga Resident Access Card at the festival, you can receive $5.00 off your ticket with you purchase at the gate. This is part of the Topanga Town Council's effort to encourage Topangans to shop and recreate locally, to promote nonprofit causes and to help boost the Topanga economy.

SCE POWER POLE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM & NOTICES OF SCHEDULED WORK

Starting in summer 2015, SCE will be replacing poles at a much higher rate than normal within the City of Malibu and nearby unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. These are poles that need to be upgraded to meet current safety standards of the California Public Utilities Commission. Poles will be replaced by SCE crews or by our approved contractors.  Normal work hours in Topanga are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekend work is permitted with prior approval by the local agency.

Learn how Los Angeles County Fire Fighters battle Topanga's fires by air from 69Bravo.
You won't want to miss seeing this incredible video about 69Bravo's helipads showing how fighting Topanga fires from the air has saved our canyon from extensive fire destruction.
In this video, LA County Fire talks about the recent Topanga Sky Fire by saying, "They estimated that if the helipads (at 69Bravo) had not been there, and the water 'pumpkins' especially, the fire would have gone all the way from Topanga to the Pacific Ocean within two hours." Watch the video to learn more about 69Bravo and how it is one of the most important fire fighting assets for Topanga and Malibu. Click here to see this amazing video.

Topanga's Turtles are feeling the heat and need your help.
by Rosi Dagit, RCDSMM
As the temperatures continue to hover over 90^oF, our local native western pond turtle neighbors are searching for refuge. This summer marks the fourth year in a row that the main turtle pond has been dry, and the small refugia pools are dropping fast. Thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers, last fall we were able to hand carry 200 gallons of water per week almost half a mile to keep the refugia pools going, but they were already low again by May 2015. Since August 2014, we have found over 50 dead turtles. This is a very large percentage of the 350 individuals we have tagged since 2002. Most appear to have died of starvation, as they can only feed when in the water.  We need your help! Please read on to hear more about the turtle's plight and to see some incredible photos.

To donate volunteer time, supplies or a temporary pond location, call Rosi at 818-597-8630, or send a tax deductible donation to: RCDSMM, 540 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA  90290.  Be sure to note it is for the Turtle Fund.  Thankyou!