February 14, 2025
Awhile back, when Kiwi Phil still worked at Rosenthal, I learned that the wine tasting room was on a coveted piece of real estate — and that developers were interested in transforming the rustic Malibu beachfront area (Topanga Canyon and PCH) into a chic Newport/Laguna/San Clemente/Dana Point-type waterfront–that would draw many more “spending” tourists than it already does.
You might also have noticed that the Los Angeles Rams purchased much of the area surrounding Topanga Canyon Blvd in Woodland Hills. From there — the ocean is a mere 25- minute drive down Ol’ 27 and runs through Topanga Village – which is the last reflection of an old-style California town in Southern California. Residents are understandably fiercely opposed to development. Recall, Neil Young lived in Topanga for a bit and some of the current residents were probably there back-in-the-day.
Hence the revolutionary spirit and opposition to capitalist-driven refacing.
Work on the new Topanga beachfront was supposed to begin in 2026 (according to a Malibu newspaper) and it seemed like the Oasis, the Reel Inn, Rosenthal, Wylie’s Bait Shop, Cholada and American Apparel (which has since had 2 incarnations) were destined to be razed in-a-year-or-so anyway.
The closest beachfront homes also had to go – as real estate-earning potential has been dormant for years.
Now I’m not suggesting that developers deliberately helped the Palisades fire along — only time will tell if the Olympic Village of 2028 will be built on the rubble — but the ferocious fire certainly seems to have cleared the way for development of the intersection of Topanga Canyon and PCH, where – among other things – a new mall and bridge were slated to be built.
A little historical research of the area reveals that this wouldn’t be the first instance of urban terrorism. Many years ago, a natural arch was dynamited so that Topanga Canyon Road might be widened to facilitate a holiday camping area.
I believe it was the Chumash Indians who named this region of the world “Topanga” — which in English translates to: where the hills meet the sea.
The Topanga Lagoon is also a very sensitive bit of geography as it is where the Topanga Creek empties into the Pacific. There is a rare trout (the steelhead) that makes its home here — and environmentalists were worried that ash from the fire would kill off this particular trout. Thankfully “they” saved many of them.
But if the area surrounding the lagoon is built upon (some federal twit already wanted to start dumping fire debris here) – that could be the end of these rare fish.
Speaking of fish – the Reel Inn has already stated that they will rebuild. We will have to wait and see if they can operate without immigrants! Cholada too!!
My readers know that Rosenthal’s wine tasting room has been my post surfing (really knee boarding) pit stop for many years now (thirteen I think). While Rosenthal can easily re-locate along the PCH (and they have said they will) – I won’t be able to walk across PCH to Topanga State Park for my surf. This is a terrible state of affairs.
And then I think of the thousands of people who have lost everything and realize that I am VERY lucky. Altadena residents — my heart goes out to you as well – I just don’t know enough about you to write about you – suffice to say you are an inspiration to all Californians and beyond. Altadena might even be rebuilt more quickly than Malibu – what with the many developers who see a big tourist pot to stick their hands into.
I hope both locales can be like the Phoenix and rise from the ashes…