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.

It's that time of year---brush clearing around your home!

Los Angeles is subject to hot weather, high winds, dryness and overgrowth, which create fire hazards when combined. It is important you brush clear your property and create a defensible space around your home to ward off potential fire disasters.   Firefighters credit brush clearance with preventing a major loss of homes and other damage during the wildfire. Most brush fires start on uncleared, overgrown areas with lots of fuel (such as dead branches, tree parts and dry leaves), so brush clearance is considered a crucial barrier when flames reach developed areas. Although brush clearance inspections occur one a year, remember that maintenance is a year-round responsibilty.  The LA County Fire Code requires all structure owners to comply with brush clearance requirements in an area up to 200' from structures.  To help you following safe brush clearing guidelines, please read on.

How to receive emergency updates from TCEP and other selected accounts

by Scott Ferguson

Set up your Twitter preferences to receive push notifications from TCEP on your mobile device. You'll get real time updates on incidents texted to your phone in seconds. In a fast moving fire emergency, Twitter will be your best place to stay informed because you won't miss any Tweets. Facebook may not display every TCEP post to you (unless you've enabled the Notifications feature).

TopangaCERT is another local social resource you should have on your mobile devices. CERT is more active on reporting traffic issues, although TCEP will often report major traffic problems that affect a broad area.

Keep in mind we are all volunteers, so never rely solely on TCEP for emergency information. We do our best to be there when the bad stuff happens but it's not our full-time gig, sooo...no guarantees expressed or implied, know what I mean? Always have multiple ways to get information to cover your disaster bases. Take the time to prepare a Family Emergency Plan and evacuation plan, and practice your plans when all is quiet.

Be safe!

Step-by-step guide on setting up Twitter and TCEP push notifications:  http://fb.me/4uc60lXez

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.

Want to know ways to combat the drought and comply with the water conservation mandate?  Then check out the LACWD website.

It has helpful information where you can learn about the phased water conservation plan, see drought concerns for 2015, and find water conservation tips and rebate programs. You can also find a native plant list and learn about the new landscape phrase, "Xeriscape".  By using water responsibly, Los Angeles County residents can make a huge difference in protecting this resource for future generations.  Click here for more information on how you can save water and save money!  Watch videos on: Water Supply: Rainbarrels,  Water Conservation, Energy Conservation,  Rain Gardens: Creating Water Supply At Home and At Work.

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!

999 FOR KIDS

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s – Malibu/Lost Hills Station is asking for your support for this very worthy cause.

Thousands of children in Los Angeles County are under the care of or assisted by the Department of Children and Family Services because they have been abused, neglected or have severe mental and physical disabilities that require resources far beyond their families’ capabilities. County funding is not always sufficient to provide the special equipment and services that these children need to enhance their lives. Many of the children must use wheelchairs or cannot interact and communicate without assistance.