Whether it’s the general stress of everyday life or the crankiness of middle age, sometimes there are just too many things to complain about. (Don’t even get me started about the people who speed down my street.) So, when somebody goes out of their way to do something nice, they really deserve to be mentioned. UPS driver Alex Flores not only brings my packages all the way up the steep steps to my patio, but always gives my dog, Livvie, plenty of attention and often a treat if he hasn’t given them all away to his other canine customers. She gets so excited when she sees him coming that she actually howls. This is the Topanga I know and love. Thank you, Alex! —Katie Dalsemer Former Topanga Messenger Photographer