All eyes were on traffic, crime, and fire safety when Town Council President Carrie Carrier and Vice President Alisa Land Hill opened the January 12 Zoom meeting with updates from the Sheriff’s Dept., CHP, County Fire, and guest speaker Ryan Ulyate of the North Topanga Canyon Firesafe Council (NTCFSC). Sheriff’s Department Briefing. Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Cerveny provided an update on law enforcement in Topanga: “For November and December 2021, we had one assault, two grand thefts and two petty thefts,� he said. “Year-to-date, we had 66 crimes versus 52 crimes end-of-year 2020, a 22 percent reduction in crime.� California Highway Patrol. CHP Officer Wes Haver updated progress on Operation Safe Canyons. “For street racing, in November we had nine different deployments in the Santa Monica Mountains and San Fernando Valley. We issued 91 citations, impounded 11 vehicles, and made six arrests,� Haver said. “In December, we had seven deployments with 122 citations. We impounded 10 vehicles and made six arrests.� To report unsafe driving in Topanga and the Santa Monica Mountains, please call CHP dispatch at (323) 259-3200. L.A. County Fire Department. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Drew Smith provided a year-end summary: “We had a passive fire season, actually normal, with fewer Santa Ana events. Mother Nature provided us with 200 percent of rainfall (about 14 inches) and, as vegetation becomes lush, we are looking favorable so far. Things will only improve if we get more rain in January and February, traditionally our wettest months.� He assured the group that despite rumors, there was “no loss of service from any Engine Company, paramedics, or any other service we provide due to the COVID surge.� Chief Smith took a moment to honor Los Angeles County firefighter Jonathan Flagler, a 21-year firefighting veteran who died after suffering injuries during a house fire in Rancho Palos Verdes on Thursday, January 6, 2022. “We lost a veteran firefighter,� Smith said. “It’s the first loss of life in a structure fire in 30 years. What your firefighters do sometimes comes at a price.� Featured Speaker Ryan Ulyate of North Topanga Canyon Firesafe Council. Ulyate gave an informative presentation about the latest in-home hardening measures that people can take to help their residences withstand a wildfire. “You must create a zero to five-foot noncombustible zone around your house,� he said. “Don’t have plants next to your house; clean out underneath the decks. Remove planters and wooden fences from within five feet that could bring a fire straight to the house.� Ulyate said his firesafe presentation is full of information about fire safety zones and products to harden your home from wildfire. Ulyate has offered to give the presentation anytime upon request. For more information: https://cafiresafecouncil.org/fsc-location/north-topanga-canyon-fsc. Library Report. Library Manager Ashley Abrams reported that due to Covid, in-person programs have been suspended to the end of January or February. “You can sign up for virtual events, including Storytime, and we have activity kits for school-age children,� she said. “Our hours have not changed and, as a reminder, we are offering sidewalk service to pick up your holds or pick up materials. We also do online printing that you can pick up at the print station.� Request for Homeless Count volunteers. Given the current surge in COVID-19 cases the annual homeless count has been postponed to February 22-24. Additionally, TCTC received approval to postpone the Youth Count to February 23rd–March 4. “It is our understanding that this count could help secure additional funding for our area to address homelessness,� Carrier wrote. “Regardless of whether we meet the threshold needed for more funding, it is crucial that we have an accurate count so that the proper policies and interventions can be developed to make real progress on this serious challenge. “We still need a few good volunteers. Because the count starts between 6-7 a.m., early birds are encouraged to participate. Please email the TCTC at contact@topangatowncouncil.org to join. “A special shout-out goes to the Sheriff’s HOST team, TAR, T-CEP and the SAGES for all the heart and help they have offered on this front over the years.� Topanga Access Cards—It’s time to renew your cards online. First-time cardholders should call to arrange an appointment at (310) 455-3001, then press 0 to leave your name and phone number. Call Lindsay Zook for an appointment at (310) 569-8931 or purchase online at: topangatowncouncil.org. Become a Town Council volunteer. TCTC is looking for volunteers to help on various activities. For more information, email: contact@topangatowncouncil.org or call (310) 455-3001. RESOURCES Third District Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s Office—Contact Tessa Charnofsky at TCharnofsky@bos.lacounty.gov; Phone (818) 880-9416 State Senator Henry Stern—Contact Jeremy Wolf at Jeremy.Wolf@sen.ca.gov; Phone (818) 876-3352 Assemblymember Richard Bloom—Contact Tim Pershing at Tim.Pershing@asm.ca.gov; (310) 450-0041 Topanga Canyon Town Council—Formed in 1977 in response to needs unique to the mountain community, residents created the TCTC to serve as a liaison with Topanga’s official governing body, the Los Angeles County Supervisor’s Office. For information: onetopanga.com/topanga-town-council; (310) 455-3001.