“The past is a foreign country,” author L.P. Hartley famously wrote in his book The Go-Between. Perhaps that’s why we hold on to the postcards…
The performance at Pine Tree Circle attracted the biggest audience. Everyone was careful to maintain a safe distance but that didn’t stop people from dancing and having a good time. Photo by Saori Wall 
Mariachi Tierra Mia brought the soulful joyful sounds of Cinco de Mayo to Topanga on Dos de Mayo—May 2. The traveling performance, organized by the Topanga Community Center, took place at locations throughout Topanga, giving neighbors an opportunity to come together (at a safe social distance of at least six feet) and celebrate.
Photo by Saori Wall
James Moriarty, the Topanga Community Center volunteer who drove the band to its different Topanga performance locations, gets into the spirit of the day with a serious hat. Photo by Saori Wall 
The performance at Pine Tree Circle attracted the biggest audience. Everyone was careful to maintain a safe distance but that didn’t stop people from dancing and having a good time. Photo by Saori Wall 
Mariachi Tierra Mia musicians Ivan Alejandro Pena, on guitarro, and Christopher Rubalcava on trumpet,
perform a traditional love ballad. The band performed a range and variety of mariachi music during the canyon
performances, with each of the five musicians showcasing their individual instruments and singing talent. Photo by Saori Wall
Mariachi Tierra Mia stopped at Rosewood, Pine Tree Circle, Cheney Road, and the Top of Topanga. At every stop, people came out of their houses and enjoyed a welcome diversion. Photo by Saori Wall 
Mariachi Tierra Mia performs at Rosewood, against a backdrop of spring green. The Cinco de Mayo celebration gave everyone who came out to hear the musicians and participate an opportunity to set aside fears and stress of life in the time of coronavirus, and celebrate not only Cinco de Mayo, but the sense of community that makes life in the canyon special. Photo by Janek Dombrowa
