It’s no secret that we love books here at Topanga New Times, and that’s true of many of our friends, neighbors and readers. We are blessed to live in a community not only of readers but of writers, and that’s what makes our annual holiday book guide so special. This year, we’re featuring a dozen new books by local authors or about things of local interest, plus TNT historian Jimmy P. Morgan’s annual “gift of reading” recommendations. Whether you are looking to give the gift of reading or just looking for a good book to read, there’s something here for everyone. Cover concept and design by Urs Baur.
Stormy weather complicated many people’s travel plans this week, and floods devastated parts of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, but here in the Santa Monica Mountains rainy weather was welcome, and so was the reduced risk of wildfire it brought, however temporary. We may not receive much rain this year, or maybe we will. It’s hard to say. All the signs point to an emerging La Niña weather pattern in the Pacific, with stronger than usual trade winds and colder than average ocean temperatures. La Niña can bring drier, warmer winters to the West coast—and colder, snowier ones in the Midwest and Northeast—or not. This meteorological phenomenon is even more temperamental—and less predictable—than her brother El Niño. La Niña often brings drought and fire to the West, but so far, NOAA is characterizing this winter’s event as “mild,” at least for now, so all bets are off. A lot of us feel like all bets are off for almost everything as 2024 winds down, but here in the Santa Monica Mountains, the first of the year is falling, gently, softly, washing the dust of the summer from the chaparral—a blessing, no matter what the winter holds.
California tribes are urgently advocating for President Joe Biden to create three new national monuments before he leaves office at the end of the year. Kw’tsán National Monument, would protect 390,000 acres of ancestral land in Imperial County. Chuckwalla National Monument, would encompass 627,000 acres to the south of Joshua Tree National Park. Sáttítla National Monument would incorporate more than 200,000 acres in the Medicine Lake Highlands near Mount Shasta.
Opponents of the proposals are almost exclusively lobbyists for the mining and energy industries. The land that would be protected by Chuckwalla National Monument is expected to be targeted by the Trump Administration for mining leases, and other “extractive” activities, putting ancient cultural heritage sites and critical habitat for species like the endangered desert tortoise at risk. It’s a race against time, and time is running out.
Closer to home, Adam Schiff, the key proponent for the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Rim of the Valley Corridor expansion is heading back to Washington as California’s newly elected senator, but the plan to expand the Santa Monica Mountain’s NRA is expected to land on the back burner until and if the tide turns in Washington, and a more environmentally friendly climate emerges.
Winter doesn’t officially arrive until December 21, but the cool weather and rain has finally made it feel more like Christmas really is around the corner in a way that no amount of merchandise displays and blaring holiday songs in the big box stores can do. We are getting in the mood for good cheer here at TNT with our annual holiday book lists in this issue. Jimmy P. Morgan’s Gift of Reading includes a wonderful selection of books for almost every interest, and our traditional collection of new books by local authors and of local interest also has some fun and unusual book suggestions, from art and architecture to memories and fiction. We also have a delightful recipe for purple sweet potato pie and an interview with two young Topanga ballerinas who will be starring in Westside Ballet’s beloved annual Nutcracker production. Holiday shopping? Topanga’s shops offer a wonderful selection of gifts right here at home, and don’t miss the Topanga Farmers Market Winter Holiday Artisan Market, Fridays through December 20, 9 am-1 pm at the Topanga Community Center, and Theatricum Botanicum’s entirely delightful Holiday Family Faire with an artisan marketplace December 14, 11 am – 5 pm.
There are also many local opportunities for experiential gifts in and around the Santa Monica Mountains. The gift of a yoga class, an art workshop, a sound bath, or a candle-making session could offer the recipient a welcome break from stress. And sometimes just making the time to take a hike at a favorite park, visit a museum, spend a day at the beach, or just staying home with family or friends to play a game, do a craft, or cook something special might be the most welcome gift of all. Memories stay with us long after more material gifts are forgotten.
Stay safe, be well.
