Annemarie Donkin

Annemarie Donkin is a journalist who wrote for The Signal in Valencia, CA and was the Managing Editor for the Topanga Messenger from 2013 to 2016. She is thrilled to write for the Messenger Mountain News to continue the tradition of excellent community newspapers. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel throughout California, read, watch movies and keep bees.

VOTE! March 3 Primary Election

This is the first year Californians will have a voice in the early primaries. Be part of California’s political history. Whichever Voting Center you choose to place your vote, this is the…

Dorothy Reik Runs for L.A. County Democratic Central Committee

Long-time Topangan Dorothy Reik, president of the Progressive Democrats of the Santa Monica Mountains (PDSMM), is running for re-election to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party Central Committee in March 3 primary.…

5G-Free California Recruits and Trains Activists

During the General Action Meeting on January 9, the leaders of 5G Free California coached attendees through role-play scenarios where they learned to speak their convictions against proposed 5G technology. The 5G…

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Wildworks Refuge Threatened with Eviction

After 25 years in Topanga, The Nature of Wildworks, a beloved wild animal sanctuary, may be forced to move, the result of a citation issued by the County of Los Angeles Department…

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Matilda the Musical: The Show Must and Did Go On!

Despite a nearby four-acre fire that interrupted the Saturday afternoon and evening performances at the Topanga Community Center, the young actors quickly pulled it together for a final performance on Sunday afternoon…

A Perfect Storm Drove Woolsey Fire

Driven by powerful Santa Ana winds, the Woolsey Fire burned more than 97,000 acres and is now considered the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County’s history. “It was the perfect fire…

TEM Task Force: Preparing for the Next Emergency

A spirited meeting encouraged discussion among Topanga Emergency Management Task Force members as they worked through ideas and concerns to prepare for the fire, flood, or earthquake next time. Seeking answers and…

Getting Homeowner’s Insurance in High-Fire Risk Areas

California homeowners are at risk of losing insurance in high-wildfire risk areas, leaving them with fewer or more expensive options. Yet, there is hope and it helps to “know your score.” As…

Directorial Debut of The Princess Bride Triumphs at TCC

Sierra Friday excels as the director of The Princess Bride for Topanga Youth Services. Even at 15, Sierra Friday is no stranger to the theater, and she learned from the best in…