Jody Lyle – Superintendent
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Jody Lyle as the new permanent superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) beginning July 28, 2024. Lyle first started working with the NPS in 1992 as an environmental educator...
Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project
California State Parks announced that members of the public can review the proposed Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project now through August 13th. The proposed FEIR identifies the range of closely related alternatives considered...
OUR LORD’S CANDLE
Hesperoyucca whipplei, the stately chaparral yucca, or Lord’s candle, is so abundant in the Santa Monica Mountains that we sometimes forget to take a look at this remarkable, beautiful mountain sentinel. Cover concept and design by Urs Baur. Too...
Chapparal Yucca
We saw the white fire of the yucca, Lighting the mountains— And still along the trail Spring’s flowers lingered for summer. —Madeleine Ruthven, “Yerba Buena,” Londelius Came to the Mountains, 1934 In late spring and early summer, thousands of...
A Bump on the Head
I have recently learned that some people have positive outcomes after experiencing traumatic brain injury. In a report published in July of 2021 through the National Institutes of Health, it was observed that a “patient… exhibit[ed] newfound superlative abilities...
Volcanic Roots
“The volcano is a she; the locals know, and that is how we refer to her. La Montagna.” Our guide through the vineyard on a northern slope of Mount Etna casts his eyes across the land. This particular business...
Sage Pesto
Let’s try something new…something different. This week I noticed an abundant amount of sage growing lushly in my garden. Thick, silvery, slightly fuzzy leaves popping up everywhere. I hate to see anything from the garden go unused, so I...
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Endures
The Sunnydale High School Class of 1999 celebrated their 25th anniversary this graduation season. The occasion was celebrated by a dance on campus, held by Fandom Charities Inc. Sunnydale High School, the fictional school from the 1997 television series...
How to Handle Discordant Communications
“Despite how open, peaceful and loving you attempt to be, people can only meet you, as deeply as they’ve met themselves. “ This is a quote by writer Matt Kahn. It’s a powerful phrase. When I first read it,...
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