01/16/2025
We are reaching out to share our experience during the fires that have deeply affected our beloved Topanga community.
On Tuesday, as history making strong winds swept through the canyon knew we needed to act quickly. We rushed to pack up and move our shoppe. Just as we were preparing to leave, our old landlord pulled up and urged us, “Get out now! The fire is coming—it just burned down the feed bin!”
We left just in time as flames crept closer up the mountain. Being mobile was a blessing this allowed us to reach safety in Ojai. We spent two nights at the Hummingbird Inn and want to acknowledge the kindness and compassion we experienced from the staff. It was profound and we highly recommend this beautiful haven when you visit.
With our daughter, cat and dogs safe by our side, we prayed for calm winds and safety for our neighbors and the firefighters. When the winds finally eased, we cautiously returned home, grateful but on edge. Brave community members were already rescuing animals and protecting homes. We gathered supplies for donation, hoping to make even a small difference.
But just as we thought the worst was behind us, a massive plume of smoke appeared alarmingly close to our home. Ash rained down, and our entire neighborhood was engulfed in smoke. The fire was just two hills away.
We evacuated again, returning to the Hummingbird Inn, where we turned on the news and watched, overwhelmed, as firefighters battled to save our neighborhood—our home—live on television. The emotions were indescribable: immense relief that our home was spared, but heartbreak for the friends and neighbors who lost everything.
Our hearts ache for our community, for those displaced, for the animals that lost their homes, and for the devastation that so many are enduring. 💔❤️🩹 While we are home for now. We are without power and holding our breath as these Santa Ana winds persist.
Topanga remains at risk. The future of our shoppe in the canyon is uncertain, but we’ll keep you updated as soon as we can.
Please keep our community in your thoughts. We’re not out of the woods yet.
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