Horse Evacuation Information from LA County's Equine Response Team

The County of Los Angeles Equine Response Team, is an all-volunteer group trained to quickly and safely evacuate livestock during natural disasters and other emergencies. Learn how the ERT works during a fire, and what you can do to prepare in advance for safe horse evacuation. 

Learn how Los Angeles County Fire Fighters battle Topanga's fires by air from 69Bravo.
You won't want to miss seeing this incredible video about 69Bravo's helipads showing how fighting Topanga fires from the air has saved our canyon from extensive fire destruction.
In this video, LA County Fire talks about the recent Topanga Sky Fire by saying, "They estimated that if the helipads (at 69Bravo) had not been there, and the water 'pumpkins' especially, the fire would have gone all the way from Topanga to the Pacific Ocean within two hours." Watch the video to learn more about 69Bravo and how it is one of the most important fire fighting assets for Topanga and Malibu. Click here to see this amazing video.

How to receive emergency updates from TCEP and other selected accounts

by Scott Ferguson

Set up your Twitter preferences to receive push notifications from TCEP on your mobile device. You'll get real time updates on incidents texted to your phone in seconds. In a fast moving fire emergency, Twitter will be your best place to stay informed because you won't miss any Tweets. Facebook may not display every TCEP post to you (unless you've enabled the Notifications feature).

TopangaCERT is another local social resource you should have on your mobile devices. CERT is more active on reporting traffic issues, although TCEP will often report major traffic problems that affect a broad area.

Keep in mind we are all volunteers, so never rely solely on TCEP for emergency information. We do our best to be there when the bad stuff happens but it's not our full-time gig, sooo...no guarantees expressed or implied, know what I mean? Always have multiple ways to get information to cover your disaster bases. Take the time to prepare a Family Emergency Plan and evacuation plan, and practice your plans when all is quiet.

Be safe!

Step-by-step guide on setting up Twitter and TCEP push notifications:  http://fb.me/4uc60lXez

ILLEGAL DUMPING AND GRAFFITI SHOULD NOT HAVE A HOME IN OUR CANYON

Many residents have commented on seeing sofas, mattresses and furniture dumped along our beautiful roadsides.  All residents can and should take an active role in reporting incidents of graffiti and illegal dumping. By reporting incidents as soon as you see them, the issue can be remedied/removed in a more timely fashion. The Topanga Town Council thanks everyone for being diligent in reporting any criminal activity in our canyon.

TO REPORT ILLEGAL DUMPING ---
BY PHONE: 1-888-CLEAN-LA, press O (zero). Give specific location information and item(s) to be picked up.
ONLINE:  CLICK HERE
If you are reporting illegal dumping on private property, please note that it is the responsibility of the property owners to clean-up and remove any illegally dumped items on their own property. For bulky item pickup, you can call Universal Waste Services at: 800-631-7016. Bulky item pickups are at no charge and are scheduled on most Thursdays.

TO REPORT GRAFFITI ---
BY PHONE: LA County's Graffiti Hotline - 800-675-HELP (4357)

BY EMAIL: To help the Sheriff's Department with these type of crime related activities, they ask you send them a photo with date/time/location of the graffiti so they can run it through their database before the graffiti is removed. This can help them detect crime patterns and activities in and around our area. You can do so by emailing Sergeant Johnson at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

It's that time of year---brush clearing around your home!

Los Angeles is subject to hot weather, high winds, dryness and overgrowth, which create fire hazards when combined. It is important you brush clear your property and create a defensible space around your home to ward off potential fire disasters.   Firefighters credit brush clearance with preventing a major loss of homes and other damage during the wildfire. Most brush fires start on uncleared, overgrown areas with lots of fuel (such as dead branches, tree parts and dry leaves), so brush clearance is considered a crucial barrier when flames reach developed areas. Although brush clearance inspections occur one a year, remember that maintenance is a year-round responsibilty.  The LA County Fire Code requires all structure owners to comply with brush clearance requirements in an area up to 200' from structures.  To help you following safe brush clearing guidelines, please read on.

The Las Virgenes Homeowner's Federation presents a summary on obtaining permits for horse facilities in the canyon.

The Las Virgenes Homeowner's Federation wrote an important factual summary about "permitting equestrian facilities in our new Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program."  It helps clarify some of the misinformation that has been circulating throughout the community and may help you to understand some of the questions and concerns.

To read the LVHF summary, please click here.

Want to know ways to comply with the water conservation mandate?  Then check out the LACWD website.

It has helpful information where you can learn about the phased water conservation plan, and find water conservation tips and rebate programs. You can also find a native plant list and learn about the new landscape phrase, "Xeriscape".  By using water responsibly, Los Angeles County residents can make a huge difference in protecting this resource for future generations.  Click here for more information on how you can save water and save money!  Watch videos on: Water Supply: Rainbarrels,  Water Conservation, Energy Conservation,  Rain Gardens: Creating Water Supply At Home and At Work.