The Los Angeles County Grant Meal Program, Topanga Cares, is set to begin on Monday, July 13, at the Topanga Library from 3:30 to 5 p.m. It is highly recommended, however, that the public check at topangacommunitycenter.org on Sunday, July 12, in case anything has changed. At a later date, the Topanga Cares program will also provide a supply of toiletries to those in need, courtesy of the County of Los Angles, and by a donation from Darrell and Susan Mahler. Those facing any kind of food insecurities in the Canyon will have access to [prepared] meals at the Topanga Library parking area three times per week beginning on July 13 (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.). The meals will be provided by three restaurants—Rocco’s Cucina, Café 27, and Waterlily Café. Meals will be brought to the Topanga Library parking lot area for pickup and can be picked up for individuals who are homebound, as long as that person’s name is listed on a roster. All individuals who sign up will be provided a meal. Supplies are limited but additional meals will be on hand for those who have yet to sign up. Registration is Easy & Confidential There is a simple Reservation Form to register with the L.A. County Grant Meal Program. This form will be kept confidential: Please complete as much of it as you feel comfortable with. The information will only be used to plan for meal preparation and grant reporting. There are three ways to register: Online—Go to Topangacommunitycenter.org to complete the form online. You may print the form and turn it in at the Waterlily Café or Café 27.  Over the phone—Call the Topanga Community Center at (310) 455-1980 and leave a message. Give your name and which days you would like a meal; if you are not picking up personally, say who will be getting the meals for you. Then come on the first day of meal service to complete the rest of the information.  In person—You do not need to pre-register, but pre-registration will guarantee your meal and/or toiletries. If you would rather register in person, simply come to the Library on the first day of meal service. For additional information please visit Topangacommunitycenter.org. TCC provisions/prescription pickup service—If you live in the 90290 zip code and have a need for small provisions or a prescription pickup from a local pharmacy, please complete the form online at: topangacommunitycenter.org. Free masks—you are a senior or have a condition that makes you especially vulnerable to the virus and need a mask, please call (310) 455-3001 or email topangatowncouncil.org. Topanga to the Rescue Cecilie Stuart, of Move the World and Tam Taylor of the Canyon Sages, founded the group, known as the Regional Topanga Preparedness—Covid-19 Group, to prepare for the worst. “We know during this Coronavirus event that some in Topanga may have difficulty shopping for groceries and medications,� Stuart wrote. “So, a wonderful group of volunteers in Topanga (Canyon Sages, the Topanga Community Center and other Topangans) have banded together to help our most vulnerable residents get what they need.� A $55,000 Block Grant for Topanga from L.A. County, With so many unknown factors at this time, several Topanga non-profits are teaming up with L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s office to bring some relief to neighbors in need.  Los Angeles County is funding two programs—the Workforce Development Aging and Community Services’ area agency on aging is providing food to older adults who are food insecure. Around 40 people in Topanga are currently getting these meals. According to Los Angeles County, “the new program will be funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds allocated in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act by the federal government. CDBG funds are distributed by a U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) formula to cities and counties based on population, poverty, and overcrowded housing. The County of Los Angeles received funds on behalf of unincorporated areas.  The Port-A-Potty Returns “In the Third Supervisorial District, we received just over $55,000 to help the Topanga community address the impact of Covid-19 on residents,� wrote a County spokesperson. “With community input, we have decided to spend a portion of the funds on a Port-a Potty and a hand- washing station (the latter should arrive soon), located on County land at the northwest corner of Topanga Canyon Blvd. and Old Canyon. “The lead agency on the grant is the Topanga Community Center, which is contracting with several restaurants that will provide the food,� wrote the spokesperson. “Community volunteer organizations and individuals are playing a critical role in making this program work—the Topanga Canyon SAGES, Topanga Town Council, and TCEP, among others.�