Features

The “Me” in Anthropomorphism

Long Beach Millennials Juan, 20, and Natalie, 18, are dating and own five dogs between them. Both plan on having dogs for a couple of years before having children when they get married,…

“The Chat with Claire Fordham”

Journalist and broadcaster Claire Fordham introduces her latest creative project, a podcast: “The Chat with Claire Fordham.” Interesting people. Regular contributor to the Messenger Mountain News, Claire Fordham loves writing and reading…

Mother Nature’s Entourage Got It Right

The human body has the largest natural network of cannabinoid receptors. It’s called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and its discovery may be the single most important scientific medical discovery ever, possibly saving…

Sweet Mysteries of Life

BORED TO DEATH Doors were kept unlocked and nosey neighbors and playing children flowed from house to house, never waiting for an invitation or even knocking. This village seemed innocent enough, quiet…

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Bonnell Drive’s Spooktacular!

Bonnie Graves’ first Halloween in Topanga was just after she and her husband, Adrian Sexton, bought a house on Fernwood. “I was a new homeowner and a new mom. I wanted our…

Coco’s Beloved Witch Workshop

Topanga’s resident (good) witch, Coco Blignaut, hosted the first in a series of three workshops in her garden where 14 “beloved witches” convened to learn the truth about witches and learn how…

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The Ghost of Thelma Todd

Of all of the ghosts said to haunt the Santa Monica Mountains, actress and comedienne Thelma Todd may have the best reason for lingering, if only because the numerous theories and rumors…

LoveBug & Me Music

Topanga’s “Mommy and Me” music class expands throughout L.A. Singer-songwriter Mary Arden Gorman founded “Goddess Mamas” in Topanga when her son, Bodhi, was born seven years ago. That morphed into “LoveBug &…

When Dogs Bite

Before adding another dog to your family, unincorporated communities like Topanga would do well to consider the welfare of the current dog population. On July 11, the Los Angeles County Board of…

Destiny Calls

Sometimes we question whether one person can actually make a difference in the world. There have been many people, intrepid solo acts, who have inspired and shaken the roots of their communities…