Topanga’s Independent Voice Since 1976

March 19, 2021 • Vol. 2, No. 5

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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Market share based on available MLS and off market data from 2020 90290 SFR sales. Thinking Out Loud In Praise of… ometimes, it feels right to give over this editorial space to community voices because someone said, better Sthan I ever could, what needs to be heard. As the pandemic progressed through more than a year now, Jean Colonomos kept a diary, a COVID-19 Diary, which brought to us terse colloquies of people we don’t Publisher / Editor know, yet we heard their voices, not unsimilar to ours, during dark days. Now, it’s time to praise those “who Flavia Potenza speak the frequency of humanity,” and name some of our own. —Flavia Potenza, Editor Creative Director Nira Lichten

Associate Editor COVID-19 Diary Kait Leonard

By Jean Colonomos nascent in movements like Black Lives Matter, Senior Reporter StopDiscriminAsian, Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight Annemarie Donkin Dear Reader, about national voting rights, Say Her Name, the Join me as I praise Women’s marches, #neveragain formed by high Creative Consultant Jthose who speak school students from the Stoneman Douglas the frequency of shootings fighting for tighter gun control and in Eiffel Nazaryan humanity. Join me our electing Kamala Harris, an African American Contributors in praise for doctors Vice President with Indian heritage. I praise and health care Nancy Pelosi and the House of Representatives’ Linda Ballou workers who, in double impeachment of the former Destroyer-in- Joel Bellman the beginning of the pandemic, lacked personal Charge. I praise the American people for electing Kathie Gibboney protection equipment, had to breathe through Joe Biden and for all the positive actions he’s taken headache inducing N95 masks and wore makeshift from Day One, among them, halting construction Paula LaBrot plastic garbage bags to protect themselves and their on the Keystone Pipeline, rejoining the Paris Amy Weisberg patients. I praise frontline workers who were denied Climate Accord, taking action on LGBTQ rights, protective gear. Church bells toll to mourn and praise reuniting families in the U.S. forcibly separated, Copy Editor / Distribution those who died in isolation with only a phone call and safe access to abortion, among others. I praise Ellie Carroll for a final “good-bye.” I praise those like my hustle- Mother Nature and the endless reams of beauty bustle friend, Ann, who found new appreciation in she provides: dark swallows in flight lighting up staying home. I praise Topanga’s stores, restaurants, the pale sky; how skinny legged sand pipers scurry Contact US the Topanga library and their workers for putting in [email protected] place necessary safety measures so our community General inquiries: could thrive. I praise Helen and Simon, owners of [email protected] the Topanga General Store who stock a cereal for Advertising inquiries: elderly me so I won’t have to venture into a big [email protected] supermarket. Further praise for the kind Ahrens- P.O. Box 1101 Pigott family who shop and deliver my groceries, Topanga, CA 90290 and Karla and Joe of Morrison’s Heating and Air (310) 460-9786 who help the community and me in countless ways. Every morning Karla and I check in and I’m Follow us on Instagram @thecanyonchronicle, reminded of how these phone calls reflect a loving & Facebook and twitter @CanyonChronicle friendship that grounds me. I praise her industrial engineer husband who speaks like an artist when The Canyon Chronicle is an he shares, “I talk to my machines.” I praise the independent community newspaper question Leslie asks, “What if fear is safe?” I praise published bi-weekly by Canyon Media, editor Flavia Potenza and The Canyon Chronicle’s Inc.©2020. All rights reserved. staff for keeping our community current with thecanyonchronicle.com local and world news. I praise my daughter’s mantra, “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” I praise the Topanga Women’s Circle that outfits apartments for veteran’s families when they move PHOTO BY into a new place while reorienting themselves to The view from Jean Colonomos’ home that inspires her to write, “I praise Mother Nature…when a deer civilian life. I praise the generosity of citizens like Topanga’s Independent Voice Since 1976 shows up and its spirit reminds us to be gentle to March 19, 2021 • Vol. 2, No. 5 Jon Rivera, Artistic Director of Playwrights’ Arena, ourselves and others.” who often cooks Filipino dishes from his native country. Since theatre has been closed, he sees his on the beach then swerve in unison; the monarch chef role as a new creative endeavor. “Two months butterfly’s stained glass wings; the intoxicating smell into this year, he’s whipped up two dishes a day, of lavender; and the wonders of imagination nature six days a week.” The food he offers is free. I praise provides. I praise Sheila, co-owner of Ashland’s undocumented workers who risk their lives for a Bloomsbury Books and our 50-year friendship better future in America. I praise organizations like where we live between the words; my daughter and No Kid Hungry, Feeding America, and Mazon who son-in-law, my three young grandchildren whose provide free food to countrywide food banks. I love and laughter fill me with happiness. I praise praise the doe that showed up and spent two hours my diary contributors who’ve generously given me on my land because something “interested” her. permission to use their words—Andy, 2 Anitas, When a deer shows up, its spirit reminds us to be Cathy, Clare, Jay, Karen, Karla, LM, Lou, Marsha, gentle to ourselves and others, this messenger that Mary Kay, Sarah, Star, Uncle Red, Yves, and many harbingers an awakening about to be born. I praise others. I end in praise for all that we have come the worldwide goddesses and gods of science who through and for new vulnerabilities that have

quickly developed three vaccines though they’re become part of our lives.

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now researching what to do about dangerous new CUSTOMER POSTAL PRESORTED STD PRESORTED strains. I praise Dr. Fauchi where, in his recent Epilogue by Phil Taggart: “a / cartoon / bubbles EDDM ECRWSS interview with NPR’s Teri Gross, I learn how / a question / and then / blinded / by / expedience Photographer Stephen Berger has been to scientists found that some of the 20 years of AIDS / the answers / are boxed, wrapped / and never the Sepulveda Basin at dawn many times research was essential to create these vaccines delivered // mostly we are forgotten / like angels to photograph birds and such but on that morning, it was cold enough that mist was in such a short time. I praise the planets that on dancing on pins / like moths caressing the flame / rising from the lake. “It was the first time I’d Dec. 21, 2020, birthed us into the Age of Aquarius self reconciled / as our pyramids crumble / god is seen it do so, and when the sun peeked over the where in the next 200 years we’ll gain enhanced in the box / dreaming / and all we really know / is horizon, it was so beautiful I couldn’t help but perceptions and a greater social conscience already now / and all we really want / is to be loved.” n push the shutter.

March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 3 News Topanga Lagoon Restoration Moves Forward—Slowly

By Annemarie Donkin cultural archaeological significance of the site and the surf break.” The Coastal Commission, California State Parks and Public Engagement Meeting On Saturday, Feb. 27 about 87 people the Resource Conservation participated in an online public District of the Santa Monica engagement meeting to learn, discuss, Mountains (RCDSMM) and determine which of four options continue working on plans to they felt best served the State Park and the surrounding environment. The restore the Topanga Lagoon. plans and options can be viewed on the The fabled and storied Topanga RCDSMM website at rcdsmm.org. Lagoon area west of Topanga Canyon After a brief presentation, meeting Blvd. at PCH has been going through PHOTO COURTESY OF RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT OF THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS (RCDSMM) participants broke out into separate a major restoration project for the Even after 20 years, the complex plan to create Lower Topanga State Park and restore online rooms to discuss which of past 20 years to incorporate public the Topanga Lagoon, remains in early development stages with another public four design options appeared most meeting in December. access with the preservation of fish, acceptable. birds, wildlife, Topanga Creek, and Issues included preserving the the Topanga Lagoon. fish and wildlife; public access Funded by the California State including parking; a visitor’s center; Coastal Conservancy, the general a PCH traffic turnaround; the bridge plan revision in 2012 identified span over the Lagoon; and whether several goals for the Lower Topanga the Topanga Ranch Motel should be Zone including restoring lower preserved in its present location. Topanga Lagoon without impacting Debates and comments ranged the surf break; providing a natural from no restoration to a renovation gateway into Topanga State Park with that includes moving the motel and minimally built structures; providing lifeguard headquarters further inland overnight accommodations and and providing a helipad on PCH for appropriate concessions; evaluating emergencies. opportunities for restoring the “The four alternatives were Topanga Ranch Motel and develop developed to reflect how the various interpretive and educational priority elements (restoration, visitor elements for visitors. (Author’s services, emergency access, etc.) Note: Topanga Beach, just across could potentially work,” wrote Rosi PCH, is under the Department Dagit, Senior Conservation Biologist, of Beaches and Harbors for Los RCDSMM. Angeles County which is under “Note that Alternative 1, ‘No the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Project Managed Decline,’ will be

County Sheriff’s Department.) Source: Esri, Maxar, Geoeye, Earthstar Geographics, Cnes/Airbus Dc, Aerogrid, Ign, And The Gis Community; evaluated. Once we finalize the 30 Indeed, in 2001 when California Sources: Esri, Garmin, Intermap, Increment P Corp percent conceptual designs in the State Parks acquired the 1,653-acre Map of Topanga Lagoon Restoration Planning Area fall, the next step is to complete the property that includes the Reel Inn, you can see surfboards, a wetsuit steelhead trout; protect and enhance CEQA/NEPA process during which the Topanga Ranch Motel, Wylie’s drying, a bicycle, a hammock, potted tidewater goby and bird habitat; the pros and cons of each alternative Bait & Tackle shop, about 70 homes plants, a barbecue, a string of paper increase wetland and transitional are weighed. Based on the results of and many other businesses, State lanterns, an astronaut sculpture that habitat; and improve water quality that analysis, a preferred alternative Parks endeavored to turn it into a used to be on the hill, a hand-painted while accommodating for the can be identified to move to the next public area known as Lower Topanga TOPANGA sign, a painted cow skull, projected increase in wave action and stage of design,” Dagit said. State Park. empty Jack Daniel’s crates…” tidal levels due to sea level rise.” Interested elected officials who Yet, according to the Topanga When asked about public To that end, State Parks called on attended the meeting included Association for a Scenic Community safety during the planning phases, the RCDSMM to design alternatives Assemblymember Richard Bloom (TASC) who wrote in a 2007 letter to California State Parks wrote that they and engage the public to share their of District 50 that includes Lower the editor of the Topanga Messenger, prioritize the safety of visitors and ideas and provide suggestions for the Topanga. “This is indeed a very “When State Parks evicted the staff. Lagoon and visitor-serving elements important project for me,” Bloom residents of Lower Topanga, it “Procedures and policies are of the project. said during the meeting. “This area became the steward of the land and continually updated to support public “In 2019-2021 we will engage could serve us better in so many protector of the historic Woods’ safety within park units as well as the community in a series of ways. [There is] reason for optimism House. Park rangers were to occupy surrounding communities,” State workshops, complete the Topanga as the process goes through the steps the houses of evicted residents while Parks wrote. “Additionally, State Parks Motel Condition Assessment and along the way with the agencies and an Interim Plan for Lower Topanga Peace Officers (SPPOs) work closely Conceptual Design for Rehabilitation participants engaged in making was drawn up with community with the state’s network of local, and initiate the Topanga Lagoon it happen. I want to express my input to govern the park until a new state and federal law enforcement Restoration Planning Project,” gratitude and support of the input General Management Plan could be agencies to provide police protection said the RCDSMM website. “We from the public to provide better created. This General Plan would be services within state park units and anticipate completing Phase 1 access, recreation opportunities crucial in managing a $43 million surrounding communities. integrated planning, 30 percent and accommodations, and fix the acquisition that involves not only the State Parks wrote that there is no conceptual design and initiate CEQA degraded habitat [that went] from creation of a new state park, but the camping at the lagoon. However, permitting for the selected design a 30-acre lagoon to one acre and extremely expensive and complex there is primitive camping within alternative by the start of 2022.” eroding badly, and where we can restoration of the Topanga Lagoon— Topanga State Park and “currently, The RCDSMM website says that reverse the damage of the past all while minimizing damage to the State Parks is not aware of homeless “Anticipated visitor serving elements y e ar s .” creek and other natural resources of encampments at the lagoon.” will be investigated in the project Another public engagement the 1,653 acres.” design process to include overnight meeting will take place in December That plan is still in its early RCDSMM to the Rescue accommodations, restoration of 2021 to gather further public input stages and, meanwhile, State Park According to the RCDSMM, “The Ranch Motel structures, appropriate on the project. employees enjoy a beach-friendly Topanga Lagoon Restoration concessions, a visitor center with lifestyle inside the fenced-off cabins Project will enhance the ecological public restrooms, interpretive For more information: The Topanga of the Topanga Ranch Motel. function, visitor use and accessibility information, nature trails, parking, Lagoon Restoration Project website According to a first-hand account of the lagoon in several ways. a picnic area, surf viewing and beach will post new information as it of the current state of the Topanga Environmentally, the lagoon will access. This planning and design becomes available: rcdsmm.org/ Ranch Motel, “Behind the gate, improve fish passage for southern will also include preserving both the resources/topanga-lagoon-restoration/

4 March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 Backyard Astronomer The Vernal Equinox

By Eric Fitzgerald

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!’” —Robin Williams

nce again, on March 21st the Olength of the days and nights balances out all over the world in that astronomical phenomenon we call an equinox. Halfway between the winter solstice and the summer solstice, we have arrived at the vernal equinox. Twice a year we experience this leveling of light and dark on our little blue planet, but why is that? Being a visual person, I like to try and visualize the reasons behind such things. Seasons on Earth are directly attributable to the fact that our planet’s daily rotational axis is tilted to the plane of our orbit around the sun. This cockeyed spinning we do every day causes the northern half of CHART BY ERIC FITZGERALD our globe to point away from the This chart helps me to picture in my mind exactly what the solstices and equinoxes look like. The side insets are how the Earth looks from the point of view of the Sun. In the upper inset the north pole is pointed away from the sun on the winter solstice. Sun in December and toward the In the lower inset the sun is directly over the equator and both the Arctic and Antarctic circles are in daylight on the spring, or Sun in June. This means the Sun vernal, equinox. The chart is not to scale. is over the Tropic of Capricorn on December 21st—or about 23.5 axis relative to our path around the being equal, the sun is directly bring you all joy and equanimity degrees south latitude. Likewise, sun. Why Capricorn and Cancer over the Earth’s equator and in these bizarre times we are all the sun is directly over the Tropic you also may wonder? The sun is everybody on earth roughly shares experiencing. Hopefully with a of Cancer on June 21st—or about in the constellation of Capricorn in 12 hours of day and 12 hours of little mindful caution, let’s all try 23.5 degrees north latitude. Why December and in the constellation night—halfway between winter and heed the late Mr. Williams 23.5 degrees? As you might have of Cancer in June. and summer. gleeful observation and let us guessed: this is the tilt of our Earth’s So, on the equinox, all things May this vernal equinox party! n Passover Seder

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March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 5 news Neighborhood Security and Disaster Preparedness

By K.C. Soll to the Palisades Post Office) ([email protected]) to help Palisadians achieve an FCC Amateur Radio license It’s reassuring to see our neighbors (HAM). It’s not difficult to pass in Pacific Palisades taking steps the test for a technician class toward Disaster Preparedness FCC license for anyone over during a recent meeting of the nine years old. It’s also a golden Pacific Palisades Community opportunity to teach children Council (PPCC). the importance of neighborhood One resident, Jennie Buchbinder, resilience by participating in vital spoke about her HOA’s positive communications before and during experience with the free LA City- emergencies. There could come sponsored RYLAN (Ready Your LA a day when the loss of cell towers Neighborhood) program, a FEMA and electric power outages disrupt and American Red Cross disaster regular communications. preparedness program called Map To learn more about FCC Your Neighborhood (MYN) that licensed Amateur Radio operators, helps neighborhoods become “who are here when all else fails,” resilient, before, during, and after contact LAFDACS (lafdacs.org); or a disaster. Although public in-situ Hank Wright: [email protected]; classes are no longer taught due and cert-la.com and scroll down to COVID precautions, RYLAN to “home,” where the new LAFD training is available “virtually.” Emergency Preparedness Guide See the link below for contact is available for download. It could information and a video explaining save your life, or that of someone in the benefits of RYLAN/ MYN. your family, or a neighbor. On a neighborhood level, Take some time to understand inexpensive FCC FMS devices, such the implications of not having a as FRS radios, allow potentially plan. (Emergency Management life-saving communications Department: emergency.lacity.org) within a 250-foot distance in an Thanks to Topanga Coalition emergency. They are best-used for Emergency Preparedness in neighborhoods organized in (TCEP.org), Topanga CERT, and disaster-preparedness. Arson Watch,among others, most With help from L.A. City Fire Topangans are well aware that Department (LAFD) Auxilliary communications before, during, Communications Service (ACS), and after a major disaster are plans for a “Radio Shack” funded essential, as is having a plan. It’s by the local American Legion reassuring to see our neighboring members, will be located at the cities working their plans, too. American Legion Hall (next Emergency preparedness guide We’re in this together.

The Truth About Medicare TV Ads If you watch TV for more your benefits and plan choices. is no way that the benefits you have an over-the-counter than 20 minutes on a weekday Here’s how it works: Medicare promised in the ad will apply to (OTC) benefit that you are not afternoon, you’ll likely see an ad costs and benefits vary from any of the plans in your county. aware of. Your OTC benefit is promising exciting benefits for insurance carrier to insurance Your broker can explain like credit at a drug store (or Medicare beneficiaries. Dental! carrier. And, more importantly, to you the balancing act the catalog). With that credit, you Vision! Money back on your they vary from county to county. insurance carriers have to do can buy drugstore items such as Social Security check! You Yes…every insurance carrier has when doling out benefits. No toothpaste, vitamins, and knee might even see a handsome TV different plans for each county plan can offer everything. A braces. But if you don’t use the star from the ’70s with a in the US. (There are more than $2,000 hearing aid benefit might benefit, you lose it. dashing mustache explaining 3,000 Medicare Advantage plans mean there is no transportation So, instead of chasing that you should call and have a in the US for 2021.) benefit. If you want to have a $0 after promises you see in an review of your entitlements. These nationwide ads are co-pay at the doctor, you might advertisement, reach out to your Since you already have a speaking to everyone at the same not get to see the doctor of your broker or insurance carrier about Medicare broker, there is no time, from Denver, Colorado to choosing. how you can make the most of need for these 800-number Glens Falls, New York — from Many seniors are not the plan you already have. services. They can answer any Walla Walla, Washington to informed about all the benefits questions you might have about Kissimmee, Florida. But there available in their plan. Maybe brightstarins.com

6 March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 LIFESTYLE The Topanga Surf Rats: Remembering Tim Regan

By Damian Andrews, January 28, 2021 hooting at the sight of the whitewash of the waves’ feathering lips showing excellent surf. here is a cold wind blowing through the silent We frantically slapped on our ragged, piecemeal Tnight, as the owl hoots in the dark skies. It wet suits, trying to be the first to hit the empty lineup. is snowing in Topanga and the Corona virus is We jumped into the cold water and scurried out like rampant. I wake up drenched in sweat, choking, rats trying to be the first one to reach the outside feast. gasping for air, as if it is my last breath. I immediately Each of us caught our first ride. We hooted and egged run to the bathroom, and “drink bleach” (gargle with each other on. We were “stoked” (a term originated mouth wash) to bring life to the brainless corpse. This by the surf culture, and today commonly used across nightmare (kid trump) is taking over reality; escaping the world) by the internal fire of surfing. its grip is not as easy as waking up. I light a fire in the I remember the last ride like yesterday. Reggae stove, think back to happier times and start writing. caught the wave of the day. He paddled into a It was early evening, September 1979, the “bomb” from the outside, struggled to his feet on a surf was pumping at Topanga Beach. My friend PHOTO BY CHRIS REGAN (DAMIAN.CLOR.JPG) late drop, bottom turned and tucked under the lip “Reggae,” Tim Regan, lived on Colina and came 1979 Topanga Beach photo of kids: ( L-R) Eric of the barrel. It enveloped his soul. Reggae shot out from a family of five kids who had not quite Andrews, Brian Campbell (holding latest Surfer of the barrel and ripped the wave all the way down Magazine), and Richard. From Andrews archive. converted to the long-haired variety. He called me. the point to the shore break. I answered. “Hello.” Reggae: “Hey, Domo (me), Reggae got the ultimate “shore ride” (riding the do you want to hit the surf for dawn patrol?” Me: wave from the top of the point to the shore break), “Damn straight! I heard it’s pumping, let’s charge and this was one for the memory banks. It was like early!” Reggae: “I’ll be at your house before 6 a.m.” scoring the go-ahead goal in the last seconds of At 5:55 the next morning, Reggae rolled into a soccer match to win the championship… pure, our driveway in his parents’ blue and white 1971 euphoric bliss! two-tone VW bus. He had just got his license and During Tim Regan’s history in Topanga in the his parents’ permission to drive. This was a big step late 1970s, Timmy worked as a sous chef at the in the liberation of a young teenage driver. “Three Dolphins Inn” (currently Hidden Treasures), With tense anticipation, I rolled the sliding door was head chef for the Topanga Fish Market that of the VW bus open, threw my gear in, jumped into REGAN ARCHIVE PHOTO burned down in 1979, and was a master carpenter the front seat and shut the door. Reggae said, “Good Tim Regan “Chasing the dream 10-15 feet, summer through his final years in Telluride, Colorado. He morning, Domo!” as he lifted one leg to expel a 1997, Tavarua, Figi.” was featured on the cover of the Topanga Messenger thunderous sound. The kid could fart on a dime, a true nervous excitement, wondering what would be in skateboarding his parents’ empty swimming pool talent. A heinous green gas enveloped the interior of store for us. Passing through the center of town, I on Colina Drive. Timmy was a serious, extremely the bus. I quickly flew out of the passenger door where noticed a crusty, disheveled man climbing over a funny and hardworking individual. laughter and stench collided with the morning air. I’m rock out of the creek. I said, “Reggae! Creek Rat!!!” In memory of my good friend Tim Regan, who left choking and saying every good word I learned and we both busted up laughing. died last July at 57 after an infection spread to his from my older brothers. When the air cleared, Dawn broke as we rolled down the bottom street, heart. His many friends and family are looking Reggae was still laughing as I jumped back in. past the houses of Topanga Beach, anticipation forward to celebrating his life together at some point. Reggae and I rolled down the road joking with rumbling in our bellies, erupting in a chorus of Peace. n

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March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 7 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Last year, a fire destroyed the home of Lisa and Frank Villasenor, and they lost everything, among them all of the family photos. Friends found these photos: above, Francis’ school photo; (top right) Francis creating a mask, possibly for an art show; and (bottom right) Francis with husband, Cappy Sorentino, and their son, Ellison, born December 19, 2020. Francis Villaseñor Sorentino, 31, culminated TECS in 2000

By Amy Weisberg, M.Ed. NBCT time, my classroom aide. Their father, Frank, is The multi-purpose room was decorated like a a longtime Topangan and official unsung hero. professional haunted house, there were games It is always interesting to learn about Francis was in Julie Buntin’s (Schaller) class all over the black top, and a scary black hole our TECS alumni and the various when we team-taught a group of first- and that you could walk/run through. I remember second-grade children. I was lucky to have once a year we had a Track and Field Day where paths they are taking, the careers they Francis as a student, and later, her sister Lizzy. the whole school would get colored sweat are pursuing and to learn how their I remember Francis as a hard-working student bands and participate in different track events. time spent at TECS impacted their who always had a smile on her face, the same My favorite was running the big track race to lives. Learning about Francis’ path in smile she now shares with her husband, new see what place I would get. baby, and her own kindergarten students. I ran for Vice President of student council. education and the positive impact of I lost, but my slogan stuck amongst my family. the time spent in elementary school is What do you remember about your To this day they will still say, “Don’t take one of my treasured teacher moments. experience at TECS? What had an impact chances, vote for Francis.” I remember writing a I am so happy to have had the chance on you? persuasive letter in our fifth-grade class to Wells I have many fond memories of TECS. There Fargo about helping to preserve a plot of land. to see what Francis is doing and even were so many wonderful teachers and Teacher Many of the friends that I made at TECS I still more thrilled to learn that she is a Assistants (TAs) there. I remember my keep in touch with. I feel fortunate that I have kindergarten teacher. It is a great kindergarten teacher, Miss Moon, who let me been able to have friends like Jesse Johnson and feeling to know that TECS alumni bring my baby sister to show and tell. There Andrea Dyer. I also feel fortunate that I got to are giving back to the community was Petra, the T.A., who helped me acclimate grow up in Topanga and go to TECS. to being at a new school (she was always and having known her as a student, I encouraging me to go talk to other kids on the What higher education or training have you am sure Francis is a kind and caring playground during recess and lunch); and my pursued? teacher. fifth-grade teacher, Miss Poutakoglou, who I received my Bachelors in Liberal and Civic taught me to find my voice and be confident Studies from St. Mary’s College and my Masters in my learning. The playground made of tires and Teaching Credential from Pepperdine rancis Villaseñor, now Francis Sorentino, was a magical place, where there were so many University. I love being a teacher. I appreciate Fattended Topanga Elementary Charter places to explore. I remember playing hide being able to encourage students to be creative School (TECS) along with her sister, Lizzy, and and seek with friends there. It was/is the best and ask questions as they explore learning. It is brothers, Lawrence and Charlie. Their mom, playground I have been to. the best at the end of the year when you get to Lisa, was a tireless school volunteer and at one The Halloween carnival was incredible. see the progress of each individual student. n

8 March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 From Topanga to Mars

By TECS News Team own stars. Her book, “Dream Big! How to Georgia Pernin and teachers Mr. Harrell and Additional reporting by Phoenix Rodan Reach for Your Stars,” not only gives the Ms. Welch combined their third-grade classes inside scoop on life in space, but describes for the special session. The students learned how n February 18th, the teachers of Topanga ways to reach and evaluate one’s dreams and many places on Earth look like parts of Mars, so OElementary Charter School (TECS ) made shows how each person’s dreams are valid much so that it can be hard to tell the difference space in their daily schedules for a special and achievable. in photos. Kira Whalley commented that it is (virtual) guest. In honor of the anticipated During the school-wide assembly, Harrison interesting to think there might be microbes Mars Mission, a young aspiring astronaut (and took many questions from students and shared (“tiny bugs” as Dr. Beegle called them) in a delta the co-founder of the international nonprofit her love of all things space. The curious young on Mars as there are on Earth. organization, The Mars Generation), Abigail minds of Topanga had more questions than The students also heard about how “Astronaut Abby” Harrison, came to visit all the there was time to answer, but more information challenging this work can be. “I learned that it children from kindergarten to fifth grade. can be found in Astro Abby’s book. Even though can take 20 minutes to get a message to the Mars Harrison holds a degree in biology from school is closed, school librarian, Ms Rit can rover,” said Indigo O’Connor. Wellesley College, has interned at a NASA- help children borrow a copy or buy their own “My uncle is now working on Mars time so funded astrobiology lab, and has been featured in through Harrison’s website. sometimes he has to work in the middle of the TIME, Forbes, Seventeen, Marie Claire, Glamour, All proceeds earned from sales of her first night, which is crazy,” said Georgia. Teen Vogue, the BBC, USA Today, and more. book will be donated to The Mars Generation, Haley Welch noted that for those who don’t Currently working as a research scientist in Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. like to fly or stay in tight spaces, they can still the Jackson Lab at Harvard Medical School, Harrison is from Minneapolis. Follow her work on space. “Even if someone doesn’t Harrison believes that no one is ever too on Twitter @AstronautAbby; on Facebook become an astronaut, they can still work on cool young or too old to pursue their dreams and at Facebook.com/Astronaut Abby; and on and important space projects,” she, herself, is living proof of that notion. The Instagram @AstronautAbbyOfficial. For more It wasn’t just the students who enjoyed the virtual visit was arranged through TECS parent information: themarsgeneration.org/dream-big- discussion. Mr. Harrell said, “It was fantastic leadership representative Jo Miria, and her how-to-reach-for-your-stars. to have someone who actually works on the third-grade daughter, Zoe Tashjian. The children of TECS wish Abigail Harrison project talk to us about it.” Ms. Welch said the Zoe chatted with the News Team’s roving every success in reaching her childhood dream presentation was “Out of this world!” reporter, Phoenix Rodan, who asked: What are of becoming an astronaut and appreciate how All of this excitement over space is another some things you took away from the assembly she inspired them to reach their own dreams. example of how Topanga Elementary Charter with Astronaut Abby? School supports its mission as a science and arts “It was really fun and it was such an honor for PERSEVERANCE CONTINUED… school with engaging and inspiring exposure to the whole school to have her there,” Zoe replied. More than seven months ago, on July 30, 2020, the the science that is all around us. It’s nice to have these assemblies even though I MARS 2000 Mission launched the Perseverance would much rather be in school.” rover into space from Cape Canaveral Air Force Run Run Run Harrison’s story reminded Zoe of the time Station, Florida. It made a safe landing at Jezero Topanga kids gathered pledges for a new twist she went into a skydiving simulator at Universal Carter on Mars on February 18. on the school’s annual Coyote Run! Usually, this Studios and shared some specific things she took The third graders at TECS had the honor activity involves running laps of the school’s away from her experience as a young astronaut of meeting (virtually) one of the leads on the upper yard to the cheers of classmates and in training. mission, Dr. Luther Beegle of the Jet Propulsion parents, and many teachers have fun running “We learned you can’t be claustrophobic if you Laboratory (JPL). He leads the team for the alongside their classes. Like all things during the want to be an astronaut because you always have SHERLOC instrument mounted on the rover’s pandemic, such a fun day had to adapt, so the to be in a tight space. Before this I don’t think a robotic arm. SHERLOC stands for Scanning pledges were collected in a number of fun active lot of us knew that you have to go through four Habitable Environments with Raman & ways. To fulfill their activity hours kids could years of training to be an astronaut.” Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals, which walk, jump, skate, bike, run, skateboard, dance, A rising star in her field, Harrison is conducts inter-planetary detective work in the hike, twirl, dance on aerial silks, horseback ride, determined to help as many young people search for signs of life. perform gymnastics, play soccer, basketball, or as possible to start reaching for their very Beegle is also the uncle of third-grade student swim their way to success. n PHOTOS BY MIRIAM GEER MIRIAM BY PHOTOS PHOTOS COURTESY JPL COURTESY PHOTOS Abigail “Astro Abby” Harrison was a special Dr. Luther Beegle of the guest at Topanga Elementary for all the children Jet Propulsion Laboratory from kindergarten to fifth grade. The virtual (JPL) leads the team for SHERLOC on Mars. visit of Astronaut Abby was arranged by TECS the SHERLOC instrument parent leadership representative, Jo Miria, and mounted on the Persever- her third-grade daughter, Zoe Tashjian (above). ance rover’s robotic arm.

March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 9 LIFESTYLE PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHELE NOVEMBRE MICHELE OF COURTESY PHOTOS Animal communicator Michele Novembre listens to and talks to the animals.

By Kait Leonard offered by Novembre refer to themselves as pet have occurred down the path not taken. Irani is . However, Novembre says that people happy with how Missy is doing, and she credits ave you ever wished you could just ask your associate the term with predicting the the positive changes to Novembre. Hpet what’s going on? You can, according to future, which she does not do. “ is a animal communicators like Michele Novembre form of communication that transfers through A Veterinarian’s Advice who claims she can use her telepathic skills to thoughts, pictures, and feelings from one being to lizabeth Craig, DVM CVMA CCRT, a communicate with animals, even those who another,” she explains. Especialist in animal rehabilitation and are missing or have passed away. She also offers Novembre says her purpose in communicating acupuncture, said that when clients come in energy healing services. with animals is to give them a voice and help with information obtained by a communicator, Many modern-day Dr. Dolittles, Novembre their humans connect more deeply with them. veterinarians do “exactly what we would have among them, have lists of positive reviews. Before she had a label for it, her “extraordinary done without that information. We do a medical However, while there are plenty of pet ability” with animals was present in childhood. examination.” And if you suspect that your pet parents who leave sessions raving about their She could always sense animals’ feelings and read might have a problem, she advises starting with experiences and list benefits such as deepening their facial expressions. Her ability deepened the veterinarian. It could save precious time in their relationship with their pet, solving behavior after going through in-home hospice care with getting your pet diagnosed. issues, and even saving the pet’s life. The field has a beloved cat. From that experience, she made Craig makes good points and most animal its skeptics as well. the decision to delve into her gifts in a more communicators tread carefully when approaching structured way, and she enrolled in a two-year medical issues. Novembre maintains that it is From Dr. John Dolittle to Present-Day Pet training program. not her intention to take the place of a licensed Communicators and Psychics She believes that everyone has some degree veterinarian. “I offer possibilities, suggestions, Most animal lovers will admit to having long of ability to do what she does and explains that and share what I would do or have done in specific conversations with their pets, and it’s easy animals try to communicate with us, but we have situations similar or identical to yours,” states to bring to mind the classic image of a child lost our ability to use our innate telepathic ability. Novembre on her website (animalsexpressions. holding a tea party for the family dog. Author She says telepathy is our first language, how com). She also posts the disclaimer, “I am not a Hugh Lofting brought this fantasy to life in the we as infants communicate with our mothers. veterinarian and cannot and will not diagnose or character of Dr. John Dolittle in 1920 in his Unfortunately, as we grow up, we learn to prescribe.” children’s series. Modern day Dolittles might discount the subtle messages we receive, leaving use slightly different techniques than their us unable to access our telepathic abilities. General Words of Caution predecessor, but they’re doing something right. Whether it is true that we all have a bit of the The field of animal communication, like all At this point, most people have at least Dr. Dolittle in us, animal communicators, like fields that function outside the paradigm of the heard of animal communicators, sometimes Novembre, offer their services to help us sort , has its detractors. A basic called pet psychics. The profession dates back things out with our animal companions. internet search of “debunking animal psychics” at least to the mid-twentieth century. The 2002 produces over 2.5 million results. Among these airing of Sonya Fitzpatrick’s popular television A Pet Parent’s Story hits are stories told by people who visited animal show, The Pet Psychic, spread the idea of animal Sarah Irani adopted Missy, an adult dog who had communicators and claim that none of the communication far and wide. Today, a simple been living on the streets. Irani describes Missy information provided was accurate. internet search of “animal communicator in the early days as “sweet” but adds that she was explain that a technique called “” services” brings up over two million listings “skittish and withdrawn” and seemed to want to is used, which involves a “psychic” picking and the term, “animal communication school,” run away. Irani contacted Michele Novembre in up on cues from the client and then following produces over one million hits. the hope that she could help her help Missy. them based on positive responses to probing They met on Facetime, and Irani says that questions. An Animal Communicator’s Story even working remotely, Novembre’s love of However, the internet also provides countless Michele Novembre is a certified animal animals is clear. During their telepathic session, stories like Sarah Irani’s. communicator who offers communication Novembre was able to help Irani understand Ultimately, pet parents must make up their services as well as “medical scans,” Rainbow Bridge some of the trauma that Missy endured before own minds and research the practitioner they’re sessions for animals who have passed away, and being rescued. From there, Irani opted for a considering working with. energetic and emotional healing sessions. She will series of Emotional Freedom Technique sessions Regardless of concerns raised by skeptics also attempt to locate lost pets, though she makes with Novembre, which she believes helped Missy about animal communication, there can be no clear on her website that results are not guaranteed. release “some of her trauma and fear.” doubt that Michele Novembre loves animals and She grew up with cats, dogs, horses, hamsters, Irani is very satisfied with her sessions with practices from a sincere place. She is currently bunnies, fish, and even a tarantula, so it makes Novembre. She’s now had Missy for five months working on a six-month goal of starting an sense that she works with all species of animals, and noticed “huge improvements in her comfort animal sanctuary with a focus on saving horses all that is, except for humans. “I’m not psychic. and behavior.” and rehabilitating local wildlife. She also plans I’m an animal communicator,” says Novembre. Skeptics might argue that five months in the to conduct workshops to train others to talk to The difference between being an animal home would have improved Missy’s comfort animals because, “It’s important that we have psychic and a communicator is not clear cut. level even without any energetic intervention. a universe full of animal communicators. It’s Many people who offer services similar to those Of course, there is no way to tell what would important for the animals and for us.” n

10 March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 Topanga Historical Society Topanga Before Today

Actors read Ziff’s Magazine at the Topanga Post Office

Cowboy actors pose in an apparent advertisement for Ziff’s Magazine (March 1925 issue) at the Topanga Post Office. Ziff’s Magazine was an irreverent joke book published in Chicago, IL, from 1923-1926. The cover always displayed a shapely young woman with some play on words. Committees protested against this “obscene literature,” saying Ziff ’s contained pictures and articles detrimental to youths between 14 and 19 years who “devour the contents of the books.” Nevertheless, the magazine captured the Jazz Age style and sophistication and set the model for the glossy men’s magazines of the future. Retrieved from Topanga Historical Society digital archive, accessed March 15, 2021, topangahistoricalsociety.org/cms/document/725. —Courtesy of Alli Acker Archive

MAGAZINE COVER COURTESY OF ZIFF’S MAGAZINE, MARCH 1925

March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 11 Rude Interruptions

Situation Normal?

by Joel Bellman fact, that Geisel—even as a WWII left-wing Ken Burns treatment on PBS with a six-hour editorial cartoonist criticizing racism in the documentary airing across three nights that ow that many of us “olds” have gotten armed forces, and an American isolationist promises to “uncover the man behind the Nour second dose of the coronavirus in opposition to engaging imperial Japan and myth.” Spoiler alert: underneath his brawling, vaccine (Moderna in our case, my wife and fascist Germany—employed familiar racist hyper-macho exterior was a man sexually I experiencing only minimal side effects), caricatures like buck-toothed and bespectacled ambivalent, insecure, and abusive, whose the alarming winter surge has dramatically Japanese, thick-lipped and grass-skirted writing was streaked with racism and sexism. retreated, and outdoor restaurant dining has Africans, pigtailed “Chinamen,” and so on. An unflattering reappraisal and calls to cancel reopened, it is becoming possible to envision a Maybe it was a slow news week, maybe him are sure to follow. life approaching normality again. it touched a nerve for nostalgic Boomers, Yes, it’s a real thing, not some imaginary The news media, often a lagging indicator of or maybe it was just low-hanging fruit for “right-wing frame.” The notion of simply cultural and political trends, are groping their self-righteous social justice warriors, but it blocking or cancelling ideas and people we way toward something like the pre-2015 norm: quickly exploded into a major story when Dr. don’t like for some perceived infraction of before Donald Trump’s five-year dumpster fire, Seuss Enterprises announced on March 2, the political conduct is short-sighted, narrow- before the COVID plague carried off 540,000 annual “National Read Across America Day” minded, and should be intellectually abhorrent. luckless souls, before a second presidential long associated with Geisel and falling on It’s not what liberal democracy should be impeachment for inciting an insurrection to take his birthday, that six Seuss titles were being about. We might expect it from Russia, North over the federal government after two months of withdrawn from sale and future publication Korea, or Saudi Arabia, but it has no place failed efforts, by fair means and foul, to steal an election clearly lost by more than seven million popular votes and 74 Electoral College votes. It feels like waking from a nightmare—or a coma. Normality, for the press, includes a welcome and overdue return to more substantive government policy coverage. President Biden has at this writing (probably more by the time you read this) successfully confirmed more than half his 23 cabinet appointees, with the single unfortunate exception of Neera Tanden as director of the Office of Management and Budget. Her tongue proved sharper than her blue pencil, affording Senate Republicans an opportunity to do what they do best: fake umbrage at the kind of relatively minor rhetorical infractions routinely eclipsed by GOP partisans’ own major felonies. While Republicans were huffing and puffing over Tanden’s snarky tweets (the horror, the horror), House and Senate Democrats passed— over monolithic GOP opposition—a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus-relief package, which President Biden quickly signed. Promises made, promises kept! And I’m guessing that Republicans up for re-election next year who voted against the measure will shamelessly campaign on all the benefits it brought home, no thanks to them, to their districts.

ou know that things are truly getting back Yto normal when we find ourselves once again drawn into a fresh battle in the ongoing culture war. No matter how many times pundits proclaim “a new seriousness” after every national calamity, be it a major economic collapse, terrorist attack, or lethal global Americans’ capacity for trivial distractions seems inexhaustible. How many readers had “Cancel the racist pandemic, our capacity for trivial distractions Dr. Seuss” on their 2021 current events bingo card? seems inexhaustible, and endlessly surprising. How many readers had “Cancel the racist Dr. because they portray people in ways that are here, and needs to stop. I deplore the fact that Seuss” on their 2021 current events bingo card? hurtful and wrong.” denialism on the left has helped this become Poor Theodor Geisel. From 1937 to his The press had a field day, the story had a rallying cry for the right, and I keep hoping death in 1991, the writer and cartoonist better “sizzle.” Shocking and disappointing to me was that liberals and progressives will rediscover known under his middle name as “Dr. Seuss,” the near-unanimity of the commentariat that the principles of free speech and free inquiry was our leading children’s author, entertaining banning such books was a good thing—not they once embraced. There’s no sign of it yet, generations of kids with his fanciful drawings updating, not contextualizing, not using them so the damage from this pernicious concept of strange creatures and the wondrous places for a teachable moment, but pulling them off continues. they inhabited, accompanied by his distinctive the market. I don’t know how much of this may be rhyming schemes that often carried positive Not at all shocking to me was the market PTSD and overcompensation for the Trump life lessons. They might be about the hubris response: Dr. Seuss rocketed up in popularity era, how much is general intellectual laziness, of power, the importance of self-esteem, on Amazon, and overnight his titles were or how much is a well-meaning but misguided or environmental stewardship; sometimes, nine of the site’s Top Ten best-selling books. response to the rise in racial hate crimes and maybe just entertaining silliness. I was raised Second-hand copies of the six banned titles white-supremacy activity. on his stories. “Yertle the Turtle” was one of my now command prices ranging up to several As the pandemic fades and American life very first books, and they were among my kids’ thousand dollars. resumes its familiar and natural rhythms, I favorites, too. If past is prologue the next author to be sincerely hope our “new normal” will revive our Geisel was also a man of his time, and it was cancelled may be another best-selling giant tradition of robust debate and discussion—and a time when trafficking in racial stereotypes of 20th century literature, Ernest Hemingway. reject the impulse to suppress and censor even was generally acceptable. So common, in The first week of April, Papa gets the full that which we may find profoundly repugnant. n

12 March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 All Things Connected The New Abnormal… Remote Working

By Paula LaBrot from home even half-time can save between $2,000-$6,500 per year. It is very clear, as the Covid19 Lunches, coffee, work clothes…all cases decline and more people these add up over a year. are vaccinated, we have to Pros for the Employer get back to work and back to Employers also benefit from remote school. As a futurist, I do not working. Their spatial needs can be see a complete return to any significantly reduced, saving money in rent, heating, electricity and all kind of “normal” workforce kinds of overhead costs. They pay less paradigm. The future is for lost time with remote workers. already “present.” According to Gaille, the average employee works a total of 11 minutes Remote Working before they’re interrupted in their Working from outside an office, or work. remote working, was catapulted Working in cubicles creates 29% forward by the pandemic in 2020. more distractions compared to According to Caroline Castrillion, workers who are in private offices. writing for Forbes, “By 2025, an All it takes is a 2.8-second estimated 70% of the workforce will interruption to double the error rate be working remotely at least five days in the work of an employee. If that a month. interruption reaches 4.5 seconds, While 2020 may be considered then their error rate triples. the year of remote work, the Frequent interruptions increase percentage of workers permanently worker exhaustion by almost 10%, working from home is expected creating a 4% higher risk for the to double in 2021, according to a development of physical health survey from Enterprise Technology deliver projects on time. Research (ETR). Another recent Slack is a messaging tool that Gartner CFO (chief financial officer) replaces regular email within an survey revealed that more than two- organization. When the teams thirds (74%) plan to permanently are remote, they can use Slack shift employees to remote work after channels for instant messaging and the Covid-19 crisis ends.” collaboration. The cool thing about remote Team Viewer is one of the most work is that assessment of the extensively used screen-sharing tools worker is not about hours on the globally. It is a perfect tool that might job but on the amount and quality prove to be a game-changer in work- of work that is done. It turns out from-home situations as you can get that remote workers are highly help from your team and experts like productive, more productive you can do in an office. than in-office workers. Just like there are varied study styles, Challenges communication styles, fashion By far, the biggest challenge in a styles, etc., remote workers are freer remote (or “distributed”) workforce to follow their individual strengths to employers is security for the and methodologies. This lessens employer. The IT department of a stress, and, ultimately, increases business loses the company firewall productivity. with a remote workforce. Remote employees have engaged in certain Pros of Remote Working for Staff risky behaviors, such as storing For workers, the pros of remote sensitive data, using inappropriate working include, first and foremost, admin access and failing to update No Commute. software, says security experts at Enormous amounts of time problems. working together from distant places Tanium. The highest risk is the and stress are saved by eliminating It takes the average worker 25 as far away as England! You think vulnerability of sensitive data. travel to and from the workplace. minutes to return to productivity we are having fun? (A brilliant show For the employee, challenges There are tremendous cost savings after a distraction. directed by Judith Hendra!) include low bandwidth communi- in gas, wear and tear on a vehicle, These issues cause almost $600 cation, meaning if you don’t have insurance and parking. Less of a billion in lost productivity for Tools of Remote Working enough bandwidth, you can’t have carbon footprint is healthier for the workers in the United States. That’s You need a bit of vocabulary to face-to-face communication, which environment as well. why the Society for Human Resource understand the tools available for is a huge disadvantage. Isolation Having a flexible work schedule Management (SHRM) notes that 30% remote working. SaaS stands for is another problem. Building and reduces stress and allows more family of employees who work remotely and “software as a service.” It used to maintaining trust among team mem- interaction. It is especially helpful for report to an office say that “being at be called “on demand software.” It bers and being able to maneuver for parents, who can take care of a sick home makes them more productive allows users to connect to and use promotions are also problematic. child or family emergency, drive a over an eight-hour shift.” cloud-based apps over the Internet. carpool, attend a school function Probably the most interesting According to Microsoft, “You rent The New Abnormal without losing a whole day of work. advantage for employers is the the use of an app or apps for your The pandemic has forced a massive Small business advisor Brandon diversity of talent available through organization, and your workers remote work trend. According to Gaille writes, “Workers who have a remote workforce approach. People connect to it over the Internet, the World Economic Forum, “The permission to work remotely are can be recruited from all over the usually with a web browser.” Here are number of employees permanently more likely to stay productive, even if world. Gaille points out that, “having a few: working remotely globally is set to they feel under the weather, because a virtual playground for everyone Proofhub is an online project double in 2021, and the percentage of they have immediate access to the to come together creates fuel for management app that is used to permanent remote workers will rise tools needed to work.” innovative fires.” plan, to set up remote collaborations from 16.4% to 34.4%. It’s cheaper for workers who work Just recently, Topanga Actors through messaging and video Stay agile, dear readers! remotely as well. Global Workplace Company performed one of our conferencing, to organize, create Analytics says that people who work live zoom productions with actors time sheets and milestones, and Vamos a ver!

March 19 • Vol. 2 No. 5 13 MY CORNER OF THE CANYON

On A Clear Day By Kathie Gibboney she wanted to be hit by him, just because anything? It was as if the wonder of living had he was wearing camouflage and flying an just drained out, right there mingling with the s I drove to the optometry appointment I American flag.” dirty oil spots on the parking lot pavement. Aenvisioned (get it?) new glasses. It’s been Rioting would break out, there, on Ventura Yet the wonder was there, still right there and years since I’d had an eye exam and the old Boulevard. Maybe I’d get shot, just a flesh I almost missed it. glasses were pretty useless, held together on wound, of course, and appear on the nightly Oil spots, if you look closely, when the light one side by a safety pin. news recounting my harrowing experience hits them they reveal beautiful opalescent Time for new lenses, maybe some cool, of being unjustly accused by the other driver rainbow colors. For some reason, just as I oversized tortoise shell frames to affect that of being stoned just because I had a Topanga inserted the keys in the ignition, I glanced up bookish but sexy look. I’d probably have license plate holder. Through tears I’d look to see some reflection of the sun, creating a to pay a bit more, only the ugly glasses are directly into the camera and plead, “Why mirror like glare on a third story window of covered by insurance, but hell I’m worth can’t we all just get along?” Elusive fame one of the hospital buildings, the maternity it. When I stand up to read my great work, would finally be mine! ward. brilliant poetry, essays or stories in front of The light blazes, high and holy and shines, an audience and slip on the wonderous new as if to say, “Just look up silly lady, here is your glasses, an audible, admirable sigh will go real appointment. You didn’t miss it. You want through the crowd. They will be in the palm to see clearly? Glasses won’t help you. You’ve of my hand before I even open my mouth. just lost heart. But don’t worry, it’s safe. Here’s These days, due to COVID-19, I don’t get out your wonder!” a lot, so the optometry appointment looked I don’t start the car but instead just sit to be the high point of my day. Too bad I was still and smile like a fool as I realize it was in running a bit late. that very structure, right there behind those Suddenly, orange traffic cones blocked the windows on a morning in early October, road and I had to take the alternate route, the when some 22 years ago my daughter was long and crowded way. Now I would need born. How dare I return to this place, this to negotiate busy traffic, to think, to reason, Mecca, without so much as a passing nod of be extra cautious when changing lanes, gratitude for having, on these grounds, been checking the rearview mirror, anticipating blessed with the gift of my Miranda arriving the upcoming left turn, lest I find myself Did I mention I don’t get out much? to me the very day before my own birthday. involved in a collision where someone might I pull unscathed and unfamous into the The best present I’ve ever had. spew angry words my way and I back at them. crowded Kaiser lot and finally find a parking How dare I ever take for granted the beauty Soon the whole thing would become political spot. I walk as fast as I can but arrive at and of the time I’ve been given on and lead to physical violence captured on cell optometry fifteen minutes too late. I have to this plane and not sing out for joy, even if I phones, as I fought off being pummeled by reschedule for another time. So much for the can’t sing? Just because this last year has been the My Pillow the other driver had grabbed high point of my day. All that’s left is a stop at too full of TV, really bad outfits, political from his truck bed to use as a weapon against Target and Trader Joe’s and I don’t have high rhetoric, laziness, fear, loathing, and Cheetos, me. Onlookers would take up sides, “He rear- expectations for either. I walked back to my does not lessen the breathtaking in a ended her on purpose because she was going car dulled and unenthused about life. I passed daffodil showing up overnight, as if delivered too slow, and he was in a hurry.” I heard him elderly people with canes limping along, and by a Topanga garden fairy just to me. I didn’t yell out, “Move it Boomer, stop singing along in wheelchairs, some appearing dazed, asleep, need glasses to see it. to Neil Young and drive!” or already beyond the pale. Miranda, home briefly from college, Another witness would report, “No, How much longer have I got? A dear, crosses the living room complaining about I saw the whole thing. At the last minute good friend has just suddenly died. I lapse her hair. I don’t need glasses to see her passing she swerved over into his lane, almost as if into a funk. Why go on? Does anything mean beauty. n

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