It hasn’t been a good time to sell houses in Topanga since the fire. Many of us thought about moving, the market became saturated, and prices have dropped. Realtors say things will pick up in the spring. And if there are no more fires for two seasons, Topanga will once again be the desirable place to live it always was. Traffic disruptions and fire risk notwithstanding.
But this article isn’t about property values, or the shock and devastation of the fires that saw 33 Topanga homes lost. It’s my take on why Topanga is still an incredible place to live, and some of the amazing people and things to do here.
I write as someone who has options. I hold British and American passports and my son, who lives in Fiji with my grandchildren, has told my husband, Colin, and me we can move there and live with him. My daughter lives in a one-bedroom apartment in London. How very convenient.
I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 26 years. Topanga has been home for 11 years and we can’t imagine living anywhere else. Well, we can and we have, but nowhere seems like a better option. Colin and I live with my sister, Julia, and her 20-year-old daughter, Marley, in a wonderful house with stunning views nestled among magnificent trees.
The neighbors are fantastic. Next-door neighbor Julie pops round with delicious home-baked scones. Sinisa and Catherine live two doors down. They ignored the fire evacuation order and diligently and bravely hosed down the flames that were heading toward our homes, probably saving them. They also cooked meals for the emergency workers. Sin bakes the most delicious sourdough bread. He and Catherine are brilliant, creative and hardworking people who have no intention of leaving Topanga. Ever.
Another neighbor, Raffi, was able to enter our home after we evacuated and rescued some important papers we had left behind in our haste. He also saw a photo of our parents he thought Julia and I might want if the worst happened. So thoughtful.
I often bump into Sin and Catherine on my morning walk around Kerry Lane loop. As well as neighbors like Barb, Scott, Jeff, Sara, Carl, Pam, Dave, Katy, Greg, Terry, and Eduardo. I also know the names of their dogs, like Luna, Bella, Penny and Watson. Us humans pass the time of day and marvel at how lucky we are to live here.
On Christmas Day, Julia and I realized we probably hadn’t bought enough cake for the holiday (is there ever enough cake?). Julia went for her usual morning walk and bumped into Barb walking her dog (Jack, who has since passed, sadly). Barb delved into the bag she was carrying and handed Julia a banana bread. She had baked a batch to hand out to neighbors she met that day. That’s a big part of the magic of Topanga: the people who live here.
According to the last census count in 2020, there are 8,560 of us living in Topanga. And there is plenty to do in what is really quite a small place. Coffee or lunch at Water Lily, Mimosa, Topanga Living, Cafe on 27. How about dinner at Canyon Bistro, Endless Color or the iconic Inn of the Seventh Ray? If you can get a table, I’m told the Persian food at Yaldaz Corner is incredible.
Prabhakar “Chai Guy” Prasad sells delicious Indian vegan food he cooks himself outside Moona Star on TCB Wednesday evenings—weather permitting. When he isn’t cooking, making and selling his chai tea at the Friday market, Prabhakar is a model, actor and stand-up comedian.
Let’s also not forget how fortunate we are to have the General Store that stocks practically everything including fresh meats, fruits and vegetables. The community mourned deeply when Helen, the co-owner, passed a few years back.
At the time of this writing, I haven’t seen this year’s Theatricum Botanicum’s performance of the radio play, It’s a Wonderful Life. But last year’s version—starring our then-fellow residents Ewan McGregor and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead—was outstanding. Theatricum continues to delight and entertain us with its summer repertory and educational programs.
I hate to gossip, but pull up a chair. The McGregors moved back to London this year and I heard they sold their Topanga home for $7M. And that was after the fire. Who even knew there was a property in Topanga worth that much?
A highlight of the year for me was my birthday party catered by the fabulous Adriana and her delicious La Chingona Tacos. Such an integral part of our community.
I enjoy yoga at Ethereal Yoga in Pine Tree Circle. I especially love candlelit yin yoga with Amit on a Tuesday evening, as well as Thursday evening with Erica. Ethereal offers plenty of daily yoga classes for all levels. There’s also a pilates studio in Pine Tree Circle, but I’m about 30 years too late for that kind of exercise. I hear good things about it, though.
I’ve recently discovered Carlo Petroni’s Topanga Circuit Workouts on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Loving keeping fit with Carlo. The Friday class is at 9am at the Topanga Farmers Market held at the Community Center. Wednesdays are at 8:30 am outside a private home on the boulevard. At $15 per person, Carlo’s classes are a bargain.
I sometimes go to Paige Nelson’s wonderful Sacred Motion Class on a Thursday evening. It’s a chance to dance and waft about in community with like-minded women. At the end of the class, we sit in a circle and share how we are feeling, hopes for the following week… you know, girl stuff. As one member of the class said last week: “When life gets messy, just dance.”
And there are amazing annual events: Topanga Days, Reggae on the Mountain, Topanga Artist Studio Tour, Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival, Butterfly Day and the Chili Cook-off, Topanga Film Festival, Topanga Trash Warriors—all showcasing Topanga’s glorious Bohemian spirit. The Community Center is a hive of activity.
So much to love at the Friday Farmer’s Market. I have my new friend Carly to thank for introducing me to Steve’s yoghurt on sale there. The rose yoghurt is my favorite flavor. Colin prefers the fig.
I recently heard about the Topanguins WhatsApp Group with its 1,024 members (the maximum allowed for a standard WhatsApp group) providing information on all the many gatherings and events happening in Topanga. Julia was the most recent person to join and only after someone dropped out because they moved. Or died. Or were kicked off. Well, dippy-do for Julia. But at least she can tell me what’s going on in Topanga because I don’t know the half of it. Enjoying the community and the scenery, Colin, Julia and I are happily staying put.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, wealthy and safe 2026.
