May 31, 2025
This is a personal “piece” on the Palisades Fire.
Because the event affected me in such a dramatic way, I borrowed Love’s 1967 album title for the essay title — as it best captures the inner turmoil of losing one’s anchor to being…
I started surfing Topanga over-16-years-ago. I switched to knee boarding 9-years-ago following my double hip surgery. Soon I will begin boogie boarding in-an-attempt to return to body surfing (the knee replacement has made it very difficult to kneel on the board).
When I say “attempt” to body surf it’s because it is the most physically rigorous of the 4 wave sports I have mentioned – though this opinion is up for debate. Wind surfing and para-sailing are quite out of the discussion for this almost 70-year-old body!
Some 13-years-ago, Rosenthal Winery opened a tasting room across from Topanga State Beach. As long-time Readers may remember–I was able to experience Heaven on Earth with a solid surf and then a short walk across PCH and wine till sunset. As a Wine Club member, I also parked my car in the Rosenthal lot. I even commanded a reserved parking spot on most Fridays!!
But the Palisades Fire changed my 13-year tradition.
Segue:
A “change” has occurred when one perceives a difference that makes a difference.
Prior to the Palisades Fire which began on January 7th, an old friend (recently relocated to Atlanta) asked me if I would ever leave California.
I took him down Topanga Canyon for my typical Friday routine.
Turned out to be an idyllic California afternoon: warm, but not too warm and a decent swell with not much wind. Then over to Rosenthal for some wine and music.
After sharing my regular Friday routine he said—I can see why you can never leave this place – It’s your “peace” of California…
Over-the-years I have met so many fascinating people at Rosenthal that my faith in humanity was slowly being restored. I doubt I could make the comfortable acquaintance of so many in any other venue. People from all walks of life shared their dreams, hopes and talents. I had always hoped to meet Chelsea Handler there—but no such luck!
I haven’t even mentioned the angelic service staff who always made sure to infuse me with my Life’s Blood!! Mark treated me like royalty: as did Kiwi Phile, both Gregs, Chris, the A-Dog, Claudia and Gaby. The late Riley was a source of motivation in the early years and Amy (sp.?), was pure prairie league!
I feel like I’ve lost a vital organ (not my kidneys, pancreas, bladder or liver, I hope).
What is going to replace the tasting room?
Not an Olympic Village (I hope). (See: Rain of Fire)
I will no longer have that Cheers experience – where everyone knew my name. It’s gone.
But I will have memories of my place in the sun and more than a few photographs. I guess the challenge (and its attendant adventure) will be to find that new place in the sun–where the warm California breeze will coddle me like a child waiting to be born…
…and I will while away the new warm times remembering the only constant is change.