Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.”—John Lewis, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change
Millions of Americans took to the streets on June 14 to exercise their first amendment rights to assembly and free speech, and in a protest against Donald Trump and the Trump Administration’s policies. The organizers of the No Kings March estimate that between four and six million people took part in the protest nationwide. No matter what comes next, it was an important moment in history, and potentially a watershed moment. American voices will continue to be raised in protest. The next day of action is on July 17, the fifth anniversary of civil rights leader John Lewis’ death. Organizers say this day is, “a national day of action and protest in response to perceived threats to civil and human rights.” Cover photography, concept and design by Urs Baur
The packet of flower seeds came from the old Feed Bin, on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Blvd. The seeds—mixed wildflowers—were purchased last year and never planted, until now. We will never buy flower seeds, or cat food, or dog toys, or Christmas gifts there again. All the things contained in that old red barn are reduced to ashes and memories, but here are these seeds. The package says they have expired, but seeds are amazingly tough and durable. With luck, they will germinate, grow, and bloom in a garden that was spared the fire but was white with ash this past winter.
The seeds of the beautiful purple phacelia that has covered the sides of Topanga Canyon in the Palisades fire burn zone this spring lay dormant in the soil not just for a year but for decades. The fire and the rain that followed caused so much destruction, but the disaster also germinated these long dormant seeds, leading to an amazing rebirth. The flowers are just finishing their bloom now that summer is here. The seeds of these flowers will now lay dormant in the soil, awaiting for the next cycle of fire and regeneration: beauty from ashes.
If it feels like the world is currently on fire, there is the promise of renewal here, too. Strength, courage, and unity shown bright at the mass No Kings protest on June 14. An estimated 4 to 6 million people showed up at more than 2000 events to peacefully protest the Trump Administration’s policies. The event was the largest single day protest in American history.
Topanga residents are passionate about civil rights and environmental and social justice. We know hundreds of friends and neighbors who joined the protest on Ventura Boulevard, in Malibu, and in Downtown LA, and right here in the heart of the canyon. We are devoting much of this issue to this issue because, no matter what happens next, this was an important moment in history,a time to pause for reflection.
The next Indivisible protest is scheduled for July 17. It’s a Thursday, which means fewer protestors will be able to participate, but the date is symbolic. This protest, called ”Good Trouble Lives On,” will honor the life and legacy of the late civil rights leader, activist, and politician John Lewis, a champion of using peaceful protest to generate change.
Do peaceful protests really make a difference? There’s a substantial amount of research that indicates that if enough people participate they do. Taking positive action for change is a lot like planting seeds: an act of faith, but also direct action that can help grow change, with persistence and determination.
There are other ways to help. Angry about ICE? Or that the Senate seems poised to take away health insurance for millions of Americans, federal aid for medical research, libraries, schools, NASA, and the weather service, while ballooning the deficit by nearly three trillion dollars? Or by Utah Senator Mike Lee’s plan to sell off nearly three million acres of public open space, including nearly half of the Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead areas and almost all of Frazier Mountain here in Southern California? Now is the time to contact the senators who will be voting on the budget bill: https://www.senate.gov, or try https://5calls.org, a website that makes it easy and painless to contact elected officials. The other thing we can all do is spread the word. Make sure our friends and neighbors know what is at stake and why it is concerning.
Keeping the pressure up really does help change policy. Here’s a local example. Victims of the December 12, 2024 Franklin Fire, which burned 4000 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, have finally received an emergency declaration from the governor. Nine houses were destroyed and 27 buildings damaged, but the fire was eclipsed by the much larger disasters a month later. Impacted residents will now be eligible for state recovery aid, something that wouldn’t have happened without determination on the part of the disaster victims not to give up.
It may take a long time for some seeds to germinate, the odds may seem impossible, but the phacelia flowers blooming right now on the mountainsides in Topanga are a reminder that hope can take root even in scorched earth.
Stay safe, be well.
