Topanga's Independent Voice Since 1976 October 29, 2021 Vol. 2, No. 21 - PERMIT NO. 40 GARDENA CA - The Canyon ...
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T o p a n g a’ s I n d e p e n d e n t Vo i c e S i n c e 19 7 6
October 29, 2021 • Vol. 2, No. 21
PERMIT NO. 40
GARDENA CA
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2 October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21
Thinking Out Loud
Publisher / Editor
Flavia Potenza
Creative Director
Nira Lichten
Senior Reporter
Annemarie Donkin
Creative Consultant
Eiffel Nazaryan
Contributors
Linda Ballou
Joel Bellman
Kathie Gibboney
Paula LaBrot
Kait Leonard
Amy Weisberg
Copy Editor / Distribution
Ellie Carroll
Contact US
editor@thecanyonchronicle.com
General inquiries:
info@thecanyonchronicle.com
Advertising inquiries:
ads@thecanyonchronicle.com
P.O. Box 1101
Topanga, CA 90290
(310) 460-9786
Follow us on Instagram @thecanyonchronicle,
& Facebook and twitter @CanyonChronicle
The Canyon Chronicle is an
independent community newspaper
PHOTO BY FLAVIA POTENZA published bi-weekly by Canyon Media,
An early morning shadow whisked overhead and manifested as this egret who found an accommodating rest stop Inc.©2020. All rights reserved.
along its migration route. thecanyonchronicle.com
Finding Home
It’s been almost three months since the U.S. withdrew troops from Afghanistan amidst chaos and
criticism. It has fallen out of the 24-hour news cycle but presents occasional coverage as Taliban T o p a n g a’ s I n d e p e n d e n t Vo i c e S i n c e 19 7 6
October 29, 2021 • Vol. 2, No. 21
rulers try to figure out how they want to govern as a medieval theocracy in a country of more than 40
million people who have had had a taste of democracy during the past 20 years.
The autocratic hammer has begun, yet again, to descend on girls and women who are banned from
secondary education. Many men and women remain whose lives and those of their families are in
peril because of their connection to the U.S. and continue to seek escape from their country.
On pages 8-9, “Fleeing Afghanistan: Sahar’s Journey,” is Sahar Rezai’s first-hand account of her
family’s escape to join millions of other refugees migrating through the global diaspora. The five-year
journey led them to Switzerland, where the 19-year-old artist and poet is now free to pursue her art,
although she still “feels a sense of homelessness.” Helen Denham conducted the interview and has set
up a website (saharrezaiart.squarespace.com) to share more of Sahar’s journey, view more of her art,
and make a donation if so inclined.
At our home in Topanga, we are headlining the news this issue with the Topanga Historical
Society’s celebration of Rose Wiley’s 90th birthday (pages 4-5), as the theme for the Society’s post-
pandemic annual picnic. Senior reporter Annemarie Donkin covered the gathering of about 150
people, delighted to celebrate Topanga’s beloved matriarch and each other.
Halloween is on Sunday and some diehards in our neck of the woods are determined to decorate
and celebrate with caution. Dia de los Muertos is on Monday, November 1, when it is believed that PERMIT NO. 40
the veil between the world of the living and the dead thins, allowing spirits to return to the material
GARDENA CA
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US POSTAGE POSTAL CUSTOMER
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world. Kait Leonard lifts the veil on this cultural festival with recommendations for events such as the Illustrator Lori Precious welcomes autumn in
Hollywood Forever Cemetery. They are hosting their 20th celebration on November 2 from noon to her cover art of Topanga iconography “from the
midnight with a guiding theme of the Monarch butterfly and the Mexican state of Michoacán where mountains to the sea” that makes Topanga what
it is: coastal live oak forests, wildlife, the ocean,
they migrate in the winter. (page 6). all produce the clear atmosphere so we can look
Eric Fitzgerald returns with the Fernwood Rain Report (page 7)and Kait’s Astrology column up to the sky and track the phases of the moon.
resumes for November (page 13). Think BIG! The peace sign, although disguised, honors the
Tongva and Chumash peoples who follow in
The holidays are upon us! To those who haven’t yet, get vaxxed and be a superspreader of joy! the footsteps of their ancestors by sharing their
—Flavia Potenza culture and protecting the land.
October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21 3
News
Rose Wiley Celebrates 90 Years!
and a granddaughter, Danielle
Powell.
As is her fashion, Rose, whose
actual birthday is Oct. 22, took
PHOTOS BY ANNEMARIE DONKIN
everything in stride, saying she
didn’t feel any older at all. She did,
however, express much delight
with the party, guests, food and
entertainment. The event was also
the Historical Society’s annual
picnic, a post-pandemic reunion
for the community, who delighted
A birthday carrot cake was made
especially for Rose. in seeing each other in person and
sharing some much-needed hugs.
Joining Rose at the party were
More than 150 guests some of the coolest and most
gathered at Ed O’Neill’s hardworking Topanga volunteers
historic house on Old ever, including Gail McTune.
Canyon that was once a Bill Buerge, Merrick Davidson,
Kathleen Hernandez, Karen
stop for the pony express Moran, Dawn Moore, Geoff and
mail drop, to celebrate the Sarah Seelinger, Elaine Hanson,
community’s much-beloved Rosi Dagit, the regal Marsha Rose’s eldest daughter, Marguerite Lally and her husband Patrick Lally, take a
brief break with Rose. Marguerite created festive fall decorations and beautiful
matriarch. Maus (of course), Randi Johnson, centerpieces for the tables.
Anne-Christine von Wetter, Karen
By Annemarie Donkin Dannenbaum, and Catherine
McClenahan.
T he sun peeked out from
heavy clouds just in time for
Rose Wiley’s 90th birthday party
Terry Marks-Tarlow, Ph.D.,
attended with her husband, Buz
Tarlow, who shot video for the
on Sunday, Oct. 24. Sponsored Historic Society.
and organized by the Topanga Soon, the guests lined up for
Historical Society and its archivist, a hearty buffet of salads, spicy
Pablo Capra, it became a glorious ranch beans, roast pork, roasted
day to fête the guest of honor. chicken and cornbread with honey,
Rose was joined at the event by catered by Layne Sanden and his
her eldest daughter, Marguerite assistant, Lena Marie. A delectable
Lally, her husband, Patrick Lally carrot cake so laden with shredded
Rose Wiley: A Brief History
(Reprinted from the June 12, 2018 issue of the Messenger Mountain News)
“Rose Wiley has lived in Topanga her whole life and is our eldest
native. Her grandfather, Francisco Trujillo, boarded horses and lived
off the land while homesteading in 1886. Rose, the daughter of Dolores
and Cornelia Trujillo, was born in 1931.
Rose attended elementary school in the old schoolhouse on Topanga
Canyon Boulevard (now Froggy’s) and later went to Canoga Park high
A beautiful carrot cake and a chorus of “Happy Birthday” highlighted the event
school. At that time, the valley was mostly farmland; Santa Monica, as Rose with granddaughter Danielle Powell, enjoyed the moment. Caterer Layne
a fragment of what it was to become, was the place for supplies and Sanden cuts the cake in the background.
entertainment.
As a young adult, Rose worked in the canyon at the Hitching Post
and met Robert (“Bob”) Wiley, whom she married in 1952. In 1959,
they procured a building permit in one day and built the house where
she still lives. When reflecting upon life in Topanga at that time, Rose
says that people “knew each other and watched out for each other.”
Rose and Bob had six children and have seven grandchildren.
Their children have wonderful memories of Topanga and its rugged
beauty. The family liked to go camping and they embarked on many
adventures. Sometimes, times were tough but they always managed.
Rose was a good seamstress and made many of the children’s clothes.
She also sewed for others and claimed she was often paid less than it
was worth. Bob (who passed away at 91 in 2010) worked for many
years as an electrical/mechanical technician.
Progress moved along with time. The Valley exploded with
construction in the fifties and real estate prices followed suit. In the
sixties and seventies, Rose was busy raising their children and wasn’t
involved in the counter-culture that brought many people to Topanga.
Her children were church-going and Rose made sure to instill a strong
sense of responsibility in them.
Rose has a great memory and is thankful for her many blessings.
Her house is often the scene of large family gatherings where food and
memories are shared. These days she can be known to linger in her
lovely garden and surrounding property.
Rose is a cherished living legend in Topanga. May she continue to
enjoy her life here.”
For more information, go to Topanga Historical Society at
topangahistoricalsociety.org. Folklorico dancers, Leilani Cifuentes and Sariah Redondo, performed two dances for
Rose, (center) and host Ed O’Neill (front).
4 October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21
carrots it almost seemed healthy,
was made especially for Rose. That
and a chorus of “Happy Birthday”
highlighted the event.
Entertainment was provided
by two lovely dancers, Leilani
Cifuentes and Sariah Redondo, who
are members of the Santa Monica
Ballet Folklorico.
Henry Smith, who will be 90
in June, joined our table with his
daughter, Wendy Skolfield. He
recalled good times with Bob and
Rose Wiley in the 1950s at the
American Legion Hall in Topanga It wouldn’t be a party without Marsha Maus in attendance.
when drinks were 50 cents! Gail McTune, with her dog, Pookie, and Bill Buerge, owner
of the Mountain Mermaid. Gail arranged for the catering by
After the meal and birthday cake, Layne Sanden.
there was plenty of time for the guests,
who seemed reluctant to leave, to visit
and reflect on life in Topanga.
“Rose is someone you always
knew,” Karen Moran said. “If there
was anything you ever needed to
know about anyone or anything,
just ask Rose!”
The event was also the Historical
Society’s annual picnic, a post-
pandemic reunion for the
community, who delighted in Merrick Davidson, founder of the Topanga Messenger, and
seeing each other in person and Henry Smith shared some memories and laughs together. Randi Johnson and Anne-Christine von Wetter had some
sharing some much-needed hugs. Henry turns 90 in June. catching up to do.
Topanga Town Council’s October Meeting
By Annemarie Donkin new growth stimulated at each rain event. We a housing navigator, and get job training.
are talking with predictive services and weather There are some strict some requirements
It was a spirited gathering when Council agencies to keep the community updated during for living in the Tiny Homes communities—no
President Carrie Carrier and Vice President wind events/Red Flag days.” drugs or weapons so that “it is a safe place for
Alisa Land Hill co-hosted the Oct. 13 Zoom Topanga Access Cards— You can renew your everybody.” Pets are allowed, there are dog runs
meeting of the Topanga Town Council with cards online. First-time cardholders should call and dogs sleep with owners inside the tiny homes.
updates from the Sheriff ’s Dept., CHP, County to arrange an appointment. Call 310-455-3001, “Permanent and supportive housing is the key
Fire, and guest speaker Ken Craft from Hope of then press 0 to leave your name and phone to ending homelessness; our goals are to overcome
the Valley. number. Call Lindsay Zook for an appointment any and all barriers,” Craft said. “The streets can’t
Sheriff ’s Department Briefing. Sheriff ’s at (310) 569-8931 or purchase online at: be the waiting room. We are addressing immediate
Deputy Michael Cerveny provided an update on topangatowncouncil.org. needs. Living on the streets is just survival mode
law enforcement in the Canyon: “We are looking The Topanga Town Council is looking for and everything they need is provided for them at
at five crimes during October—including one volunteers to help on various activities. For more the Tiny Homes community.”
burglary from a locked car, one grand theft, one info, email us at: contact@topangatowncouncil. “We are not giving up on you until they get
petty theft from an unlocked vehicle, and one org; or (310) 455-3001. you permanent housing,” he said.
stolen car with a net drop of 14 crimes from this While Hope of the Valley works within
month last year.” Tiny Homes Communities the City of Los Angeles, folks experiencing
CHP Briefing. CHP Officer Wes Haver Address Homelessnes homelessness in the unincorporated areas of
updated the Council on Operation Safe Canyons: Hope of the Valley guest speaker Ken Craft, CEO Los Angeles County can contact the Hope of
“For the two months of August and September, of Hope of the Valley (and winner of Senator the Valley emergency shelter in Pacoima. It is
we issued 84 citations, 27 arrests for street racing, Henry Stern’s Nonprofit of the Year Award), open 24/7 and provides everything they need
and 11 impounded vehicles with four verbal provided an overview of his organization’s including food, shelter, clothing, psychiatric
warnings,” Officer Haver said “These were from innovative housing and safe parking solutions care and job counseling. For more information,
six deployments in the San Fernando Valley, the for the unhoused. go to hopeofthevalley.org.
Santa Monica Mountains, and South L.A.” “We stared 12 years ago in August and
Haver also referred to Assembly Bill No. provided 22 meals the first night,” he said. “Now
RESOURCES
3 that was signed into law by Gov. Newsom, we provide 1,500 meals every day.” He noted
Third District Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s
that, commencing on July 1, 2025, will inflict that they opened up three family shelters this
Office—Contact Tessa Charnofsky at
harsher penalties for speeding and street racing, year with 100 beds in Van Nuys and 80 beds in
TCharnofsky@bos.lacounty.gov; Phone (818)
up to suspending a driver’s license from 90 North Hollywood in Tiny Homes communities.
880-9416
days to six months. “There will be more severe “People can get a pathway out of homelessness
consequences of street racing, longer impounds in the Tiny Homes community,” Craft said. “They State Senator Henry Stern—Contact Jeremy
or longer jail time,” Haver said. “Assembly are each 64 square feet, with air conditioning, Wolf at Jeremy.Wolf@sen.ca.gov; Phone (818)
Member Jesse Gabriel helped author that bill.” heating, storage, and locking doors. They are a 876-3352
To report unsafe driving behaviors in game changer.” Additionally, Craft said Hope Assemblymember Richard Bloom—Contact
Topanga and the Santa Monica Mountains, of the Valley opened shelters, Tiny Homes Tim Pershing at Tim.Pershing@asm.ca.gov;
please call CHP dispatch at (323) 259-3200. and permanent housing in North Hollywood, (310) 450-0041
Fire Department Briefing. Los Angeles County Tarzana and Reseda. “We will finish this year Topanga Canyon Town Council—Formed in
Fire Chief Drew Smith provided a summary for with 16 shelters and 1,000 beds in partnership 1977 in response to needs unique to the mountain
the upcoming peak wildfire season during Red with the City of Los Angeles and have $1.2 community, residents created the TCTC to serve
Flag days. “We usually get about eight Red Flag billion for building affordable housing.” as a liaison with Topanga’s official governing body,
days between Halloween, Thanksgiving and At the Tiny Homes, Craft said people are the Los Angeles County Supervisor’s Office. For
Christmas with the Santa Ana conditions,” Chief provided with hygiene, clean clothes, mental and information: onetopanga.com/topanga-town-
Smith said. “We look for rainfall amounts, and drug treatment where they can see a case manager, council; (310) 455-3001.
October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21 5
feature
Dia de los Muertos—A day to Celebrate
the Lives of Departed Loved Ones
or adopting a tradition, according to
Greenheart International, a nonprofit
that supports cultural exchange. If
you’re painting your face like a skull
so you can go to the local bar and
get blasted, you may be on the wrong
side of the line. But if you participate
in cultural festivities with a spirit of
respect and a desire to learn, it can be
appropriate and richly rewarding.
Background
Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in
SKULLPEXELS-THIRDMAN-1918290 contemporary Mexico and by people
Face painting and decorated skulls are of Mexican heritage. Its roots date
traditions honoring the departed as are back 3,000 years to spiritual practices
favorite foods, drink, music, and dancing.
in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica,
according to information provided
By Kait Leonard on the History website.
During this special period, it’s
T hough Dia de los Muertos brings
festivals galore, it’s important
to keep in mind that this special
believed that the veil between the
world of the living and the dead
thins, allowing spirits to return to the
day is more than sugar skulls and material world. During their visit,
margaritas. The Day of the Dead is a they enjoy food, drink, music and
sacred time of honoring loved ones dancing with their loved ones. Living
who have passed away. family members often visit the graves
Because of the deep cultural roots of of departed loved ones, bringing
this occasion, it’s important to consider offerings of favorite foods. It’s also
questions of appropriation before common for family members to
making plans to party. Sometimes it’s enjoy a meal at the graveside, a kind
difficult to define the line that separates of bi-worldly family dinner. PEXELS-THIRDMAN-7614904
cultural appreciation from cultural Celebrate this cultural festival with a spirit of respect and a desire to learn.
appropriation. The difference can lie Local Events
in the intention for attending an event For those interested in honoring this beautiful cultural holiday, the events 12:00 p.m. to midnight. This year’s
below might be of interest. guiding theme is the Monarch
Main Street Canoga Park is butterfly and the Mexican state
hosting the 21st annual Dia de of Michoacán, where the winged
los Muertos Family Festival on beauties spend every winter and
November 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 where the Day of the Dead has
p.m. Spend the afternoon enjoying been celebrated the longest. Tickets
dance performances, live music, are $30, and more information is
a classic car show, arts and crafts, available at funwithkidsinla.com/
and much more. For information: event-details/dia-de-los-muertos-at-
mainstreetcanogapark.la/. hollywood-forever.
The Olvera Street Merchants While there’s still time to explore
Association Foundation is hosting and celebrate this rich, cultural
its annual Dia de los Muertos tradition, you might choose to honor
festival, which they’ve held for more your own departed loved ones in
than 35 years. Bring the family and a way that is more personal. Invite
explore community altars, outdoor friends and family to a dinner where
displays, a Novenario procession, you serve the favorite dishes of those
face painting. Teatro del Barrio will who have passed, visit graves or other
be presenting La Danza de la Muerte places of significance, or simply pour
at 6:00 p.m. on November 1 and 2. a glass of your favorite beverage and
This play dramatizes the story of Dia look through your family photo
de los Muertos. For information: album.
olveraevents.com/day-of-the-dead- Remember, the veil is thin during
olvera-street. this period, so don’t forget to put
If you’re in the mood to take in a few extra plates on the table. You
some art, Grand Park’s Downtown never know who might be floating in
Dia de los Muertos is hosting a for the evening. n
public art installation through
November 2. Attendees are welcome References
to contribute to the community altar Greenheart International,
and to explore the 20 altars made by greenheart.org/blog/greenheart-
professional artists and community international/cultural-appreciation-
organizations. The park is located vs-cultural-appropriation-why-it-
between Grand Avenue and Hill matters/
Street and the hours are 5:30 a.m. History, history.com/topics/
through 10:00 p.m. For information: halloween/day-of-the-dead
grandparkla.org/event/downtown- PBS, pbs.org/education/blog/beyond-
dia-de-los-muertos-2021/. sugar-skulls-the-history-and-culture-
Sure to be a spectacle, Hollywood of-dia-de-los-muertos
Forever Cemetery is hosting the HipLATINA, hiplatina.com/dia-de-
20th annual Dia de los Muertos los-muertos-6-things-you-should-
celebration on November 2nd from know-before-painting-your-face/
6 October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21
FERNWOOD RAIN REPORT
Historic Rain
Report and
Fernwood’s
2020-2021
Season
By Eric Fitzgerald
The water year, or rain year runs
from October 1 to September
30 every year. This last rain year
was the second driest that I have
recorded in 25 years. We received
a paltry 5.35 inches of rain this
last water year, and as you can see
from this Historic chart (Top), only
the 2006-2007 rain year was drier
with only 4.62 inches of rain.
Now for the good news: La
Niña has returned and there is a
87% chance that this will be a La
Niña wet season. That means that
in all likelihood we will receive
more than average rain this
year, good news for our parched
mountains. Our average annual
rainfall in Fernwood is now down
to 18.69 inches of the wet stuff after
factoring in last year’s drought. So
far this young rain year we have
received 15 inches of precipitation
here in Fernwood. Our average
rain for this date (October 18) is 46
inches of juice.
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October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21 7
Fleeing Afghanistan | Sa
By Helen Denham
S ahar Rezai fled the Taliban and Afghanistan in 2016
when she was just 14 years old after witnessing heinous
atrocities brought against her family and her community.
When her story was brought to my attention, I knew
immediately it needed to be shared by as many people
as possible. It is humbling to be a minute part of her
experience and to be granted insight into her harrowing
journey. It is also a gift to learn about what brings her
hope in a reality that is so starkly different from what most
of us (in our privilege) can comprehend. Sahar has many
layers to her: she is a gifted painter/artist, an advocate for
women and girls, and she also lives with cerebral palsy.
As I interviewed Sahar, I was shocked by the fact
that her community was constantly terrorized by the
Taliban despite the fact that there were nearly 100,000
American troops on the ground during the peak of the
U.S. occupation, who were supposed to protect them.
She wonders, “How did the U.S. forces not reach these
PHOTO BY SEDRIK NEMETH
terrorists? And why did they leave my people alone? The In Switzerland, Sahar’s paintings have
hope of all Afghans was in them.” been featured in gallery shows.
The Last 20 Years
Before we really dive in, here is an overview of what the last 20 years have looked like in Afghanistan
leading up to the USA’s recent departure on August 30th:
Following 9/11 in 2001, President Bush sent U.S. troops to Afghanistan to defeat the Taliban
and implement a Western-style democracy. They saw some success in the early days (hospitals and
schools and such were built), but there were many underlying issues and widespread corruption.
Seven years later, Obama initiated a massive uptick in troops on the ground, almost 100,000
soldiers were in Afghanistan at the time... but the Taliban was still putting up a fight.
In 2014, American soldiers transitioned out of major combat and began training the Afghan
army to fight the Taliban.
On August 30th, 2021, Biden ordered all American troops to leave Afghanistan. Upon their
departure, the Taliban completely and immediately took over.
“‘Afghanistan political leaders gave up and fled the country,’” Mr. Biden said, accusing the
military of laying down their arms after two decades of U.S. training. Some former Afghan
warlords mobilized private militias, while other Afghans joined volunteer militias, many of them
armed and financed by the government.
“The Taliban overtook a string of provincial capitals before moving into Kabul—a frightening
development for many who thought that they could build a life under the protection of their
American allies.” (NYTimes)
What was it like to live through this war? I interviewed Sahar over WhatsApp for a few weeks
to bring you this conversation (she currently lives in Switzerland). She is a deeply compassionate,
intelligent, multi-dimensional, and brave young woman. We cover some traumatic experiences,
so please be aware of that as you read (Trigger warning).
Helen Denham: Sahar, I would love to know about where you grew up and perhaps a memory or
two that you cherish.
Sahar: I was born in Herat…, one of the most beautiful cities in Afghanistan. The weather is very
nice there, good climate. Of course, I do have good memories, like my family would go to the parks and
the cinema and restaurants together. We had many good things when I’m ignoring the bad memories.
HD: Can you help us understand the reality of
growing up in Afghanistan?
Sahar: I was part of a Shiite minority in
Afghanistan, and as a girl who lived in
Afghanistan, I was persecuted with all of my
being. I was also born with a disability (I have
cerebral palsy… my mom told me my legs did
not seem normal since the day I was born) and
people saw me as a sinner. They would say,
“Your religion is wrong and you are an infidel.
Your parents are sinners.” I was not acceptable
in society, and I hated the humiliation. I lived in
PHOTO BY SEDRIK NEMETH
Afghanistan in fear.
One night our house was attacked and I saw
the Taliban by my side. They beat my father
in such a way that he fell unconscious on the
ground. They pulled my mother’s hair, beat her,
and raped her in front of us...the children. I see
In Switzerland, Sahar’s paintings have been featured the Taliban as wild animals that come from the
in three gallery shows. mountains… they have no compassion. They Children in Afghanistan. Sohaib-Ghyasi
8 October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21
Final Notes
ahar’s Journey
As a global community, we
must recognize our privilege,
tap into our compassion
and recognize that refugees
coming into our countries
need our support, attention,
and care. This is part of our
will not have mercy on women and girls. They will not pay attention to the disabled. I think of evolution as a species, to
the people of my country who are trapped by the Taliban and my heart goes out to them. No one open our hearts and meet one
is safe. The Taliban will stone women…no artists are allowed to thrive, no actors, no children, no another as equals. Combining
disabled people. They are killing our people and the world is just watching. cultures and different ways of
being is not necessarily easy,
HD: How did you end up getting out of Afghanistan? but it is deeply necessary
Sahar: When I was 14, we were smuggled out. We went through Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, and then to keep pushing the needle
made it to Greece. We were in the back of a car for that time, going to an unknown place for all we towards unity, always.
knew. Lots of desert and no light in the darkness. The conditions were very difficult. We made it to Furthermore, we are
Greece on an inflatable boat, then got on a truck and made it to Switzerland. We had some biscuits called to use our critical
and water, but it was so hard. Especially with a physical disability, it was unbelievably difficult. thinking skills and do our
The United States has been in Afghanistan for 20 years. How did the U.S. forces not reach own research as it relates to
these terrorists? And why did they leave the people alone? The hope of all Afghans was in them. politics and motivations for
My family eventually took refuge in Switzerland and this country did not formally accept us war. War has historically been
as refugees. My family and I are constantly suffering from this issue. We have repeatedly told about money and resources.
ourselves that we wish we had not taken refuge in Switzerland. We bring our suffering to a safe It’s important that we make it
place and we are humiliated here, as well. It is very difficult; there have been multiple suicide known that we do not support
attempts within my family. war and elect officials who
I wonder now, what will happen to me and my Christian family regarding the Taliban support peace and authentic,
government. What will happen in our unknown future? Where should we flee to? We are not forward momentum for
accepted here, but if we go somewhere else, I fear they will not accept us either. I will share the humanity.
story of my life and the unknown situation I am in now with the people of the world so that the Even though American
world knows what will happen to us Afghans. troops left Afghanistan in
August, tensions are still
HD: What sparked your family’s conversion to Christianity? high with President Biden
Sahar: When my mother was in Afghanistan, she met an American family and converted to stating at the time, “We will
Christianity. She did not tell us anything, she didn’t dare because she was so scared for our safety. hunt you down and make you
She only told her closest friend because she knew he had suffered from Islamic rule as well. But he pay,” following the deaths
betrayed her and that’s when the Taliban found and attacked my family. When we finally arrived in of 13 American soldiers at
Greece after escaping, my mother dared to tell the truth and we all went to church together for the the Kabul airport. His words
first time. It was a sense of beauty that I cannot describe. I personally felt very peaceful. We came are reminiscent of the war
to feel that Islam is a lie, and we had seen the most extreme part of Islam which was/is horrifying. Sahar won beginning in the first place 20
an award years ago; he ordered a drone
HD: What gives you hope? Is there anything that has helped you to relieve your pain? for best poet strike in retaliation that ended
Sahar: Having hope for me is not knowing what I’m waiting for and being okay with that… because and writer. in a horrible tragedy; it was
Photo taken
I think if you know what the future will look like it tends to ruin things. Even if you know you’ll have by her father,
a huge mistake. The drone
the best life, it can make you wonder, “Is that all?” When I wake up in the morning I want to try to Abdulsamad strike on August 29th, just
do new things because life is unpredictable and we’re only in this lifetime once! Just live. Rezai. days after the Kabul airport
bombing, killed a man named
HD: Tell me about your beautiful artwork. What do Ahmadi who was working for
you love about painting? a California-based nonprofit,
Sahar: Painting helps the world to hear my voice so NEI (Nutrition and Education
x not ignored. I am a voice for thousands of
that I am International), along with
women and children. I prefer to portray oppressed nine other victims, including
women and children who have been harmed. three of his own children
Painting is a way of calming my mind too. Yes, a form (five children between ages
of meditation. I hope to find people who will support two and seven and three
my art so that I can start a school in the future for between the ages of 10 and
women and children who could not go to school. I 20). Knowledge is power.
wish to defend human rights because I have always Let’s use our power to
faced injustice. demand peace.
Thank you to Sahar for her
HD: What does a day in your life look like now? vulnerability and willingness
Sahar: I feel a kind of “homelessness” without a nest. to share her story...it’s
I am someone who has come a long way on foot from difficult to find the words to
the other side of the world, but Europe doesn’t give express my gratitude. Thank
me the right to be recognized as a refugee and does you endlessly and bless you.
not give me a proper safe haven. I have insomnia, my —Helen Denham
family suffers from mental health issues—from my
little sister to my father, the head of the family. We Author’s Note: Sahar
feel we have no place on Earth. We wake up every dreams of attending Art
day in Switzerland in fear that we will be deported School and bringing
back to Afghanistan even though we’ve done our Art Therapy to other
best to work with the Swiss community. refugee women and girls
My family and I have learned the language of this in need of healing. To
country, we all went to school, my father has been donate: saharrezaiart.
working, my mother serves the church. I have also squarespace.com/. To
studied, painted, shown at a gallery three times, and connect on Instagram: @
once I won an award for best poet and writer. My sahar_curlly; Connect
brother, Ali, became a Swiss karate champion! We are with Helen on Instagram:
okay. We have done a lot with the Swiss community @helendenham_; and at
but we do still feel out of place here. Nevertheless, I am helendenham.com.
hopeful for a better life. n
October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21 9
ALL THINGS CONNECTED
Stars to the Stars
By Paula LaBrot
W illiam Shatner may have been
the oldest person to travel to
space, but he is not the first actor. On
October 5, in an historic first, a Soyuz
space capsule carrying a cosmonaut,
a Russian actor and a Russian film
director, blasted off the planet to
shoot the first feature movie made in
space.
The Challenge is the story of
a woman doctor who must go to
space to save a cosmonaut’s life. The
“set” is the real International Space
Station (ISS), 220 miles above Earth.
Cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov flew
actress Yulia Peresild and director
Klim Shipenko to the ISS in a space
capsule to film scenes for the movie.
Stiff Competition for the Part
Yulia Peresild, mother of two, was PHOTO BY NASA
already an established actress when she From left: Russian actress, Yulia Peresild, director Klim Shipenko, and cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov flying to the International
Space Station is the latest space race: The first film to be made in space. They hope to beat out Tom Cruise, who is also trying to
applied for the part in The Challenge. produce a movie in space.
Born in 1984 in a border town, Pskov,
in the northwest of Russia, she always The girl with a dream rose to become survival in the wilderness (in case had been on the ISS for six months,
dreamed of getting away from the an international star. the capsule lands off target), flying in was tasked with bringing the actress,
violence surrounding her. Peresild beat out a lot of zero gravity and other fun stuff.” director and footage back to earth,
“Shootings, fights, drunkards competition for the privilege of while Shkaplerov would be left to
and junkies. I saw it all,” she said. being the first actor in space. There The Director take his place. According to The
“Someone could easily take out a were 3000 applicants. According to Klim Shipenko has directed several Guardian, “when Russian flight
pneumatic gun and open fire inside Yekkaterina Sinelschikova, writing films including Salyut-7, the story controllers on Friday conducted a
a club. You could get them in kiosks, for Russian Beyond, “The list of how Russian cosmonauts traveled test on the Soyuz MS-18 spacecraft.
right next to the Bounty bars. We included pilots, psychologists and to the badly damaged Salyut-7 the ship’s thruster fired unexpectedly
were a border city, after all.” She scientists. She passed creative and space station which had gone radio and destabilized the ISS for 30
packed up, left and sat exams in medical exams before committing to silent back in the 1980s. The heroic minutes.” The Soyuz M-18 space
Moscow for theater college while the three-month cosmonaut training, cosmonauts made it functional craft left on schedule, however, and
sleeping in train station bathrooms. which included the centrifuge, again. Shipenko, along with Peresild, Novitsky, who had played the part of
underwent the months of accelerated the cosmonaut needing medical help
and rigorous cosmonaut training, in the story, ferried his historic crew
including learning to sleep vertically back to Earth, landing in the desert
in weightlessness. At six feet, two in Kazakhstan.
inches, Shipenko is unusually tall for
space travel. Mission(s) Accomplished
At the time of launch on October 5, The challenge of being the first to
Shipenko was ready to call “action” in make a feature film in space is not
space. He acted, not only as a director, just an artistic endeavor. As with
but, also, as cinematographer, make- everything these days, it is also
up man, and gaffer. He jokes about political. The Soviets have a long
knowing he can now make a movie list of firsts when it comes to space
by himself. travel, but it has been falling behind
the United States and China in the
Jennifer deSpain, A Few Glitches
Every good story has to have obstacles
global space race. According to the
BBC, “for Roscosmos (Russia’s space
CPA, CFP® for the protagonists to overcome, and
filming The Challenge definitely had
agency), the film must restore a
reputation tarnished by corruption
its own moments of tension. When scandals, serial blackouts and the loss
Business/Personal Tax & the crew arrived at the ISS, there was of the lucrative monopoly of manned
a glitch in the docking mechanisms of flights to the ISS.”
Financial Services the capsule. Cosmonaut Shkaplerov And then…there is Tom Cruise.
had to connect to the ISS manually. Cruise is trying to produce a movie
Tel. 818.883.4800 Due to the effects of weightlessness,
people’s faces tend to swell up in
in space in collaboration with NASA
and Space X. Roscosmos so wants to
space. Yulia Peresild is quoted, “This be first! It’s a new kind of space race.
is a sore point. We thought about As for Peresild and Shipenko, they
this a lot, we have life hacks from have found their place in history.
astronauts. On the other hand, you Peresild wishes she had more time
understand that weightlessness is on the ISS, Shipenko wants to make
weightlessness. You will see me on a movie on Mars and Roscosmos is
Earth in my usual guise, but then building up space tourism dollars,
bear with me.” scheduling trips for Japanese
Photo by Miriam Geer.
On the return trip, after 12 days in billionaires into space.
space, cosmonaut Oleg Novitskywho Vamos a ver!
CanyonOakFinancial .com TheCanyonChronicle.com
10 October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21Arts
Dangerous Game
By Joel Bellman under unimaginably frightening and households since its September 17 debut
difficult conditions. It’s the kind of film to become the channel’s most-watched
T here was a time when I thought nothing
of driving nearly 100 miles round-trip
several nights a week to catch a double-
that—for its relatively brief running time, at
least—restores your faith in humanity.
There were maybe a dozen people in the
program ever.
The Rescue will be lucky to gross $1
million on a few hundred screens before it’s
bill at one of LA’s then-flourishing revival audience. played out theatrically and is eventually lost
houses. The films ranged from Hollywood At the other end of the spectrum, we in the crowd of other cable documentaries.
Golden Age classics and edgy indies to have The Squid Game, a very different kind For quite different reasons, the film and
foreign masterpieces, obscurities and of Asian suspense thriller in which broke the TV series leave a powerful impression.
documentaries that may never have seen an and desperate players must compete in an The Rescue is aspirational, showcasing
American theatrical release at all. escalating series of monstrous children’s humanity at its very best, drawing the world
Most never, and had never played on games, and the losers die increasingly together in an altruistic and heroic mission
television, even chopped up and stuffed ghastly and brutal deaths, sometimes at to rescue endangered children. Knowing it
with late-night used car commercials, and the hands of their competitors. Staged by ends happily blunts the surprise, but not the
no home video, cable, or streaming
alternatives. Theatrically in the big
city, invariably at shabby-chic fading
movie palaces or the odd museum or
film festival screening, was the only
way to see them—lovingly curated
by passionate film programmers,
not faceless corporate functionaries
dishing up mainstream studio slop
in crackerbox suburban multiplexes.
Some prints were pretty beat-
up—invariably original, mouldering
in a studio or distributor’s vault from
some barely remembered initial
run—but it hardly mattered. It was
always a joyous experience, a voyage
of artistic discovery. And we felt
right at home with our audiences—
young, smart, receptive, respectful,
literate—laughing, crying or gasping
in all the right places.
I was gloomily thinking about
all that when I recently took myself
to my first new commercial movie
screening in almost two years. Even
though it was opening weekend, the
lobby was empty. An adjoining bar,
where pre-pandemic moviegoers
once thronged, sat closed and
dark. What had been our favorite
on-site restaurant downstairs was
permanently shuttered, its former
name legible only in the faint
silhouette where the letters of a sign
had once been.
The film, which just opened, was
The Rescue, a nail-biting account of PAPERSTREET DESIGN, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
the daring rescue in 2018 of a Thai
boys soccer team and their coach
who became trapped deep underground in a whom, and for what purpose? All part of emotional punch, for as Hitchcock knew,
limestone cave system inundated in a sudden the mystery. the suspense lies not just in what happens,
monsoon. It was made by the filmmaking It’s been getting a lot of press—not all of but in how.
team of Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and it good—as the new Netflix tentpole series The Squid Game, unspools a Hobbesian
Jimmy Chin, whose Oscar-winning “Free from South Korea. It’s a bloody mashup allegory ensnaring unlucky, imprudent,
Solo” documentary followed Alex Honnold, of everything from the 1920s short story, and irresponsible people alike in a pitiless
arguably the world’s foremost rock climber, “The Most Dangerous Game” (adapted contest for survival. Whether it’s dressed
in an unbearably tense account of his ascent, as recently as last year for the short-lived up as penetrating social critique or dressed
without ropes or safety equipment, up the Quibi streaming service), and the ‘60s TV down as a penny-dreadful splatter-fest, the
face of Yosemite’s El Capitan to its 3200-foot series The Prisoner, to more contemporary story arc may be predictable but its precise
summit. fare like Cube, and the Saw and The Hunger trajectory is not, and its potent audience
Without trying to sound corny, it was Games series—with production design that approval is already proven.
impossible not to be gripped by the drama evokes a Day-Glo nightmare somewhere The Rescue is an uplifting film that’s
of the mortal peril these children were in, between Peewee’s Playhouse and a mind- meant to be shared and savored in the
the anguish of their parents, and the selfless bending Escher maze, with a dash of Stanley company of our fellow humans, and if not
bravery of the Thai Navy SEAL force, the Kubrick’s pitiless perversity (right down to for the pandemic, maybe it would have
American military personnel, and most the relentlessly cheerful accompaniment of been. Yet watching it in a near-empty
especially the eccentric group of British Johann Strauss’ “Blue Danube” waltz.) theater—knowing that millions elsewhere
cave divers who risked their lives, purely The Squid Game reportedly cost a sit isolated at home, transfixed by a Grand
as unpaid volunteers, and first located the modest $21.4 million to produce the nine- Guignol spectacle that revels sadistically
children alive. They devised and led the episode season, but Netflix estimates it has in late-capitalism’s decadent collapse—
dangerous and complex but ultimately generated nearly $900 million in “impact somehow better suits this bleak and
successful plan to ferry everyone to safety value,” drawing in more than 140 million cheerless moment. n
October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21 11Arts
Peter Alsop’s Kids Koncert, First & Last of the Year
Save the Date! November 7,
10-11 a.m.
P eter Alsop says, “Hi! to all you formerly
house-bound Topangans and families with
children and grandparents and friends!”
After performing and producing Kids
Koncerts at the Theatricum for the last 27
years, the theater closed down in 2020 because
of COVID-19. In 2021, with immunizations
for children still unavailable, Peter “figured
we’d wait another year before bringing back
any gatherings of children. Then, my next door
neighbors, Chad and Lara Hogan, asked me to
‘please do a Peter Alsop concert!’ They said
their kids were playing my songs all day long,
threatening to ‘never stop!’ unless their parents
got Peter Alsop to do a ‘real live concert!’
“Lara talked to some other moms and dads
who loved the idea and she offered to help me
promote it if I agreed.
“I said ‘Sure!’ So, on Sunday, Nov. 7, from
10 to 11 a.m., we’re gonna do it!”
Come on out and play, sing, and laugh!
It’s the only Kids Koncert this season! At the
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N.
Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290.
Tickets: $12/person (kids one year old and
under are free!). Please purchase ahead of
time via Venmo: @peteralsop.
SAFETY NOTE: Everyone needs to wear a
mask, including anyone 12 years or older who
Support Peter’s music, podcast, and other artistic endeavors: patreon.com/peteralsop. New! “Camping
need to be masked and vaxxed so we can be
With Dads” story-album, “teaching our sons how to respect our daughters;” Peter Alsop’s “Songs To
extra safe. Chew” Podcast; facebook.com/WeLikePeterAlsop; peteralsop.com; Peter’s YouTube videos. Check out
See ya there! all my albums!
Nothing compares
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12 October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21Astrology
So Big! That’s what November is!
By Kait Leonard relationships deserve our loyalty and which level. Thinking of making it official? Go for
ones need to go. Get ready to do some social it! (And you really ought to do this now,
B ig, big, big, so get a copy of your birth
chart (available free online), and let’s get
into it.
housecleaning.
Everything depends on where earthy
Taurus and watery Scorpio fall in the natal
before Venus goes retrograde.) It’s also a
good time for paying off debt or signing a
contract on a home. You might even consider
First, we start the month with a powerful chart, as this determines which aspects of beautification projects that are meant to last.
New Moon in Scorpio. This lunar energy sits life will be most impacted. Expect to work on Considering a home renovation or a facelift?
in the same sign as ambitious, sometimes those areas for the next couple of years. For a The planets will support you.
aggressive Mars and is opposite the rebellious hint of how you might be affected, think back Also on November 5th, Mercury, the
Uranus. Expect the unexpected from other to 2012 through 2014. That was the last time messenger, moves into intense Scorpio, where
people and from world events. it will stay through the 23rd. If
We might even see more extreme you’ve been needing to have a
weather. Long buried issues will serious talk with someone, this is
come to light, and while it might the perfect time for it. Mercury is
not be pleasant to face what moving direct, so your intentions
surfaces, it will end up being for will be understood. And Scorpio
the best. will support you taking that
On a brighter note, the deep dive. Think of it this way:
personal planets—Mercury, You know you can’t avoid this
Venus, Mars—stay direct conversation forever so you
throughout November. These might as well have it while the
planets are the closest to us, so planets are on your side.
we feel their energy in our day- Finally, on November 24th,
to-day experiences. This month Mercury enters Sagittarius. This
of increasing momentum should will be a good time to journal
bring direct communication, about your big-picture goals,
clearer thinking, and positive discuss travel plans with buddies,
movement in plans and projects. even purchase tickets for that
Make the most of the clear sailing trip. You might feel like you want
while we have it because Venus to get things moving a little faster
turns retrograde in December. than you actually can because
The really big deal in Expect the unexpected in November Mercury doesn’t love being in
November, however, is the Sagittarius, but there is plenty
partial lunar eclipse on the 19th at around the eclipses occurred along this axis. that can be accomplished. Just expect a little
1:00 a.m. This is not just any lights-out, But there’s more this month. Besides the bit of frustration.
it’s the first in the series along the Taurus/ Sun moving into Sagittarius where it goes With all the forward energy, November
Scorpio axis. (Since June 2020, eclipses have every year at this time (Happy birthday, Sag!), is one of the best months we’ve seen in a
been in Gemini and Sagittarius.) During we have two other planets changing signs. while. In addition, this eclipse sows seeds
this eclipse cycle, ending in October 2023, On November 5th, loving Venus moves that will grow over the next two years. See
we have the down-to-earth bull interacting into structured and serious Capricorn, where these energies fall in your chart and
with the passionate scorpion. The mingling where it will stay for three months because set your intentions for how you would like to
of these energies will give us the muscle of its retrograde period. This combo wants transform this sector. Wherever the eclipse
and determination to make our dreams stability, formality, and commitment. This impacts your life, the changes it brings will be
come true. It will also reveal which of our is the time to take relationships to the next big… big, big, big! n
Arts
Gallery Surpasses Expectations
By Flavia Potenza The buildout of the new space was
accomplished by the artists themselves. Walls
O n October 23, the opening reception at the
Topanga Canyon Gallery and its show, “When
Pigs Fly,” was a delightful surprise to behold in its
were removed and new walls built in order to
create two gallery spaces occupying half of the
downstairs of the former Abuelita’s restaurant.
new space at 137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd. A large sliding door was added to the entry of
Fifteen artists contributed to the group art the gallery to welcome art collectors and large
exhibition to celebrate the gallery’s move and works of art.
rebranding as a salient contemporary art gallery, “Our intent is for the gallery itself to make
representing emerging and established artists in a contemporary statement, focused on new
LA County. contemporary works of art, as we move through
The show runs through November 7 and you this first year at our new location,” states Creative
shouldn’t miss it. “When Pigs Fly” is a whimsical Director Lisa Baldwin.
reimagining of the axiom that turns the concept Future shows will exhibit a comprehensive
of the impossible on its head, celebrating the body of work by two artists, each in a separate
bohemian joie de vivre that exemplifies Topanga gallery space. Every three weeks a new artist’s
Canyon. work will occupy each space, to give art lovers the
Especially intriguing and capturing the opportunity to immerse themselves in the work of
attention of visitors, is Kit Plumridge’s “Volcans a number of artists each season. n
Kit Plumridge’s “Volcans Porcus Drawing Machine,”
made of hand-stitched leather and copper with
Porcus Drawing Machine,” made of hand-stitched
intricate moving parts that were drawing...what else..? leather and copper with intricate moving parts The Gallery is open Fridays 2 – 7 p.m.; Saturday and
but a flying pig. that were drawing...what else..? but a flying pig. Sunday noon–5 p.m.
October 29 • Vol. 2 No. 21 13You can also read
