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"An Interview with Jim Fitzpatrick," 1/2
Jim Fitzpatrick holds his surfboard in a photo from "An Interview with Jim Fitzpatrick" by Bill Cleary.
"An Interview with Jim Fitzpatrick," 2/2
Jim Fitzpatrick surfs a fast wave in a photo from "An Interview with Jim Fitzpatrick" by Bill Cleary.
"Attention: Reel Inn customers, please be aware of snakes"
A sign at the Reel Inn seafood restaurant (18661 PCH) says, "Attention: Reel Inn customers. It's the summer season, so please be aware of the wildlife that may be attracted to the outdoor patio. Be particularly aware of any snakes. We appreciate your…
"Beer Can Larry" Wright wears a Rainer Ale costume
"Beer Can Larry" Wright, in drag, wears a wig and a Rainer Ale costume. He was known for always carrying a beer and calling everyone "Balls," including women. He walks by Victoria Andersen and an unknown man (maybe Miki Dora) at Topanga Beach.
"Boots Malone" film set at Topanga Post Office
A scene from "Boots Malone" was filmed at the Topanga Post Office and General Store in Pine Tree Circle.
"Boots Malone" is a 1952 American film noir drama film directed by William Dieterle. It stars William Holden as a down-on-his-luck sports…
"Boots Malone" is a 1952 American film noir drama film directed by William Dieterle. It stars William Holden as a down-on-his-luck sports…
"Commons" by Jim and Sue Sullivan
"Commons" by ceramicists Jim and Sue Sullivan is an intricate mosaic table.
"If you don't live here, don't surf here"
Graffiti on W. Topanga Beach Rd. says, "If you don't live here, don't surf here."
"Keep Topanga Beach, Topanga Beach. Stop 'Restoration'!"
Surfer Michael Bihari protests by wearing a T-shirt with a skull and crossbones that says, "Keep Topanga Beach, Topanga Beach. Stop the Topanga Lagoon 'Restoration' Project now! www.savetopanganow.com"
"Mannix" films an episode in The Rodeo Grounds
Actor Christopher Connelly stands by calla lilies and looks into the window of the house at 3767 Rodeo Grounds while filming "Mannix," a detective TV series on CBS, Season 6, Episode 9: "One Step to Midnight," which aired on November 12, 1972.
"Mission: Impossible" films in The Rodeo Grounds, 1/2
Actors Peter Lupus and Peter Graves stand by the back door of the house at 3767 Rodeo Grounds while filming "Mission: Impossible," an espionage TV series on CBS, Season 7, Episode 18: "The Fighter," which aired on February 9, 1973.
"Mission: Impossible" films in The Rodeo Grounds, 2/2
Actor Peter Graves talks to a boy with a dog in The Rodeo Grounds while filming "Mission: Impossible," an espionage TV series on CBS, Season 7, Episode 18: "The Fighter," which aired on February 9, 1973.
"Mose" Cheney inaugurates the first electrical pole
Columbus Callan "Mose" Cheney turns symbolic shovel of dirt while children sing, commemorating the installation of the first electrical pole at junction of Old Topanga and Topanga Roads in 1928, which finally brought electricity to the Canyon.
"Muscle Beach Party" film behind the scenes, 1/2
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A behind-the-scenes photo shows a Rolls Royce driving down Topanga Beach Rd., past a trailer, surfboards, and…
A behind-the-scenes photo shows a Rolls Royce driving down Topanga Beach Rd., past a trailer, surfboards, and…
"Muscle Beach Party" film behind the scenes, 2/2
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A behind-the-scenes photo shows the surfboards that the Topanga Bombers allegedly stole from the set.
A behind-the-scenes photo shows the surfboards that the Topanga Bombers allegedly stole from the set.
"Muscle Beach Party" film poster
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
The film's poster says, "When 10,000 Biceps go around 5,000 Bikinis... you KNOW what's gonna happen!"
The film's poster says, "When 10,000 Biceps go around 5,000 Bikinis... you KNOW what's gonna happen!"
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 1/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows the surfers driving on Pacific Coast Highway.
A film still shows the surfers driving on Pacific Coast Highway.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 10/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows Dick Dale & the Deltones playing surf-music guitar.
A film still shows Dick Dale & the Deltones playing surf-music guitar.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 11/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows Woody Woodward's beach house and the surfboards that the Topanga Bombers allegedly stole from…
A film still shows Woody Woodward's beach house and the surfboards that the Topanga Bombers allegedly stole from…
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 12/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows actors Peter Lupus (in purple) and Don Rickles (in blue).
A film still shows actors Peter Lupus (in purple) and Don Rickles (in blue).
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 13/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows an aerial view of the Topanga Lagoon.
A film still shows an aerial view of the Topanga Lagoon.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 14/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows actor Peter Lupus. Behind him is the bluff.
A film still shows actor Peter Lupus. Behind him is the bluff.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 15/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows them dancing at Woody Woodward's house.
A film still shows them dancing at Woody Woodward's house.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 2/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows Frankie and Annette turning onto W. Topanga Beach Rd.
A film still shows Frankie and Annette turning onto W. Topanga Beach Rd.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 3/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows the surfers parking on W. Topanga Beach Rd. Miki Dora is sitting on a headlight, dressed in…
A film still shows the surfers parking on W. Topanga Beach Rd. Miki Dora is sitting on a headlight, dressed in…
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 4/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows Miki Dora, in black, about to jump over the railing of Woody Woodward's beach house.
A film still shows Miki Dora, in black, about to jump over the railing of Woody Woodward's beach house.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 5/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
A film still shows a surfboard, a volleyball net, and beach houses.
A film still shows a surfboard, a volleyball net, and beach houses.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 6/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 7/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 8/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
"Muscle Beach Party" film still, 9/15
In "Muscle Beach Party" (1964), surfers Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello discover that bodybuilders have taken over Topanga Beach.
"Rodeo Grounds Forever" sign protests the evictions
A rubber snake coils around a sign that says, "Rodeo Grounds Forever," at the entrance to that neighborhood, The "Forever" part was added later to protest the evictions by State Parks.
"Save Topanga Point. Stop Lagoon 'Restoration.'"
A logo for the group Save Topanga Now shows a skull and crossbones where Highway 27 and Highway 1 meet (the intersection of Topanga Canyon Blvd. and PCH at Topanga Beach). It protests, "Save Topanga Point. Stop Lagoon 'Restoration.'"
"Save Topanga" protest sign
A protester trying to save Summit Valley from the Canyon Oaks development.
"Surfing Guide to Southern California," 1963
David H. Stern and Bill Cleary wrote the "Surfing Guide to Southern California" (The Fitzpatrick Company, 1963) at Topanga Beach.
"Thank you" sign for firefighters, 1993
"Thank you" signs for firefighters were hung after the 1993 Old Topanga Fire.
"Thank you" signs for the 1993 Firefighters
In the aftermath of the 1993 Old Topanga Fire, "thank you" signs popped up all over Topanga Canyon.
"The Boss" Ellen Mills
Ellen Mills knew so much about Topanga that Post Office Postmaster Oscar Reynoso nicknamed her "The Boss."
"The Last Drop of Water" shoots at Topanga Beach, 1/3
D. W. Griffith directed the Western "The Last Drop of Water" (working title: "Crossing the American Prairies in the Early Fifties" partly in Lower Topanga. He spoke through a megaphone from the saddle of a cream-colored horse. He included 200 cowboys…
"The Last Drop of Water" shoots at Topanga Beach, 2/3
D. W. Griffith directed the Western "The Last Drop of Water" (working title: "Crossing the American Prairies in the Early Fifties" partly in Lower Topanga. He spoke through a megaphone from the saddle of a cream-colored horse. He included 200 cowboys…
"The Last Drop of Water" shoots at Topanga Beach, 3/3
D. W. Griffith directed the Western "The Last Drop of Water" (working title: "Crossing the American Prairies in the Early Fifties" partly in Lower Topanga. He spoke through a megaphone from the saddle of a cream-colored horse. He included 200 cowboys…
"The Special World of George Wood and Katie," 1962
"The Special World of George Wood and Katie"
SIDE ONE: (Songs of Fun and Frolic)
1. The Boat Builder
2. Johnny Brown
3. Church Bells
4. The Unlikely Lovers
5. My Love Is Like Furniture
6. Ballad of the Smog
7 The Small White Satellite
8…
SIDE ONE: (Songs of Fun and Frolic)
1. The Boat Builder
2. Johnny Brown
3. Church Bells
4. The Unlikely Lovers
5. My Love Is Like Furniture
6. Ballad of the Smog
7 The Small White Satellite
8…
"Topanga Beach," International Surfing Magazine, 1971, 1/7
Larry Bertleman surfs a tubing wave in Hawaii on the cover of the December/January issue of "International Surfing Magazine." The headlines read...
Hawaii's Town Surf Is Soooo Fine
Topanga Is a State of Mind
What Everyone Should Know About Wet…
Hawaii's Town Surf Is Soooo Fine
Topanga Is a State of Mind
What Everyone Should Know About Wet…
"Topanga Beach," International Surfing Magazine, 1971, 2/7
The Contents page of the December/January issue of "International Surfing Magazine" shows Katherine Ottesen's Topanga Beach house on fire inside a tubing wave.
"Topanga Beach," International Surfing Magazine, 1971, 3/7
Jim Fitzpatrick's "Topanga Beach" article shows artwork by Jim Evans depicting Myth, Fable, Fact, Dog, Cat People, Waves, Seaweed, Weed (marijuana), and You.
"Topanga Beach," International Surfing Magazine, 1971, 4/7
Jim Fitzpatrick's "Topanga Beach" article shows surfers J. Riddle, Woody Woodward, and George Trafton riding waves.
"Topanga Beach," International Surfing Magazine, 1971, 5/7
Jim Fitzpatrick's "Topanga Beach" article shows surfer George Trafton riding a wave, and "The Daylight Savings Naked Romp of 1969," presumably on the nude beach.
"Topanga Beach," International Surfing Magazine, 1971, 6/7
Jim Fitzpatrick's "Topanga Beach" article shows a montage.
1. A beautifully shaped wave breaks.
2. Beach houses belonging to Doug Meredith, Geary Steffen, and Bob Schiller are just below the intersection.
3. Katherine Ottesen's beach house is on…
1. A beautifully shaped wave breaks.
2. Beach houses belonging to Doug Meredith, Geary Steffen, and Bob Schiller are just below the intersection.
3. Katherine Ottesen's beach house is on…
"Topanga Beach," International Surfing Magazine, 1971, 7/7
Jim Fitzpatrick's "Topanga Beach" article shows surfers Davey Hilton and Scott Heywood riding waves. At left is artwork by Jim Evans depicting Fable, Cat, People, and Weed (marijuana).
"Topanga New Times" cover features Carolyn Day surfing
The "Topanga New Times" cover story, "Life Is Swell," about local surfers, features Carolyn Day surfing a wave at Topanga Beach.
"Woody the King: The Father of Modern Skateboarding," 1/2
Woody Woodward gives an interview at Topanga Beach in a series of photo from the article "Woody the King: A Candid Conversation with the Father of Modern Skateboarding" by Bill Cleary.
"Woody the King: The Father of Modern Skateboarding," 2/2
Michael Saenz and Woody Woodward ride Makaha skateboards on Woody's paddle-tennis court at Topanga Beach in a photo from the article "Woody the King: A Candid Conversation with the Father of Modern Skateboarding" by Bill Cleary.
Evening Outlook Race trophies won by Topanga Yacht Club
Fifteen sailors finished the first Evening Outlook Trophy Race, on Sunday, September 2, 1934. Seven were members of the Topanga Yacht Club (names in bold below). The winner was presented a bronze trophy by "beach beauty" Marilyn Connon. Others…
Topanga Journal, September 30, 1954 issue
Headline: "Malibu Citizens Committee Asks 10 Questions on Water District Annexation."
1980 Flood Topples House
House in the 700 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard is toppled from its foundation by the February 1980 flood.
6 cartoons lambasting the Water Committee
6 cartoons lambasting the foibles of the Water Committee, in the Topanga Businessmen's Association pamphlet.
A "Slow" sign hangs on a tree in The Rodeo Grounds
A cottonwood tree grows on the dirt road at the entrance to The Rodeo Grounds. It has a slow sign.
A 1930 map marks Lower Topanga as a future park
A 1930 map ("Diagram of Beach Frontage") marks Lower Topanga as the site of a future park, and the Santa Monica / Venice coastline as a future harbor.
A 1947 Chevrolet car is covered up by arundo
A dusty 1947 Chevrolet car is covered up by arundo in The Snake Pit.
A 90-day eviction letter is posted on Larry Payne's house
Elroy "Larry" Payne (Camouflage Construction) receives a 90-day notice to vacate from Richard Stewart (Pacific Relocation Consultants), a mediator for State Parks. The eviction letter is dated June 19, 2002, and stapled to Larry's house at 3907…
A band plays on the deck of a Topanga Beach house, 1/2
A band plays on the deck at a Topanga Beach house party. Jeff Ort plays drums. Randall Zacuto plays harmonica. Michael DeTemple plays guitar. A girl in the foreground looks away.
A band plays on the deck of a Topanga Beach house, 2/2
A band plays on the deck at a Topanga Beach house party. Jeff Ort plays drums. Randall Zacuto plays harmonica. Michael DeTemple plays guitar.
A band plays on the roof at a Topanga Beach party, 1/3
A man sings and plays guitar with a band on the roof of Skip Smith's Topanga Beach house during a party. A California State Flag hangs from the roof.
A band plays on the roof at a Topanga Beach party, 2/3
A man sings and plays guitar with a band on the roof of Skip Smith's Topanga Beach house during a party. A California State Flag hangs from the roof.
A band plays on the roof at a Topanga Beach party, 3/3
A man plays guitar and sings with a woman on the roof of Skip Smith's Topanga Beach house during a party.
A barricade blocks the entrance to The Rodeo Grounds
A traffic barricade blocks the entrance to The Rodeo Grounds, across Topanga Creek, after the eviction of the Lower Topanga community by State Parks.
A beach house wrecked by a storm and big waves
Just west of the Topanga Beach Lagoon, a house is wrecked by a storm and big waves.
A bicycle leans against a guest house in The Rodeo Grounds
A double-decker bicycle leans against Lucas Capra's room at 3712 Rodeo Grounds.
A big wave catches surfers on the inside at Topanga Beach
A big wave catches surfers on the inside at Topanga Beach. According to the photographer, "Pro surfer Shaun Tomson showed up and was streaking across walls."
A biker gives the middle finger at Topanga Beach party
A biker in a bandana gives the middle finger at Topanga Beach house party.
A blanket hangs from The Yellow House at Topanga Beach
A blanket hangs from the balcony of The Yellow House at Topanga Beach. The fence is an old surfboard nailed to driftwood posts.
A blue, beach access mat leads to a surfer at Topanga Beach
A blue, beach access mat for disabled people leads past trees to an umbrella and a surfer riding a wave at Topanga Beach. Catalina Island is in the background.
A bougainvillea grows on Leslie May's house in The Snake Pit
A red bougainvillea grows on Leslie May's house at 3914 Topanga Lane (The Snake Pit). Flowerpots line the dirt road.
A bougainvillea grows on the house at 3712 Rodeo Grounds
A red bougainvillea grows on the Capra family house at 3712 Rodeo Grounds. Lucas Capra's room is at left.
A boulder fell on Topanga Canyon Blvd., 2005, 1/4
A 300-ton boulder fell on Topanga Canyon Blvd. in a mudslide on January 9, 2005, about 1.5 miles from the beach. Photos of this "rock star" appeared in the news around the world.
A boulder fell on Topanga Canyon Blvd., 2005, 2/4
A 300-ton rock boulder fell in a mudslide on Topanga Canyon Blvd. on January 9, 2025, about 1.5 miles from the beach. It knocked down a telephone pole. Photos of this "rock star" appeared in the news around the world.
A boulder fell on Topanga Canyon Blvd., 2005, 3/4
CHP Sgt. Walter Field stands next to a 300-ton rock boulder that fell onto Topanga Canyon Blvd. on January 9, 2005 during a mudslide, about 1.5 miles from the beach. Photos of this "rock star" appeared in the news around the world.
A boulder fell on Topanga Canyon Blvd., 2005, 4/4
Gary Dannenbaum stands next to a 300-ton rock boulder that fell onto Topanga Canyon Blvd. on January 9, 2005 during a mudslide, about 1.5 miles from the beach. Photos of this "rock star" appeared in the news around the world.
A boy and a man walk six dogs while watching surfers
A boy and a man walk six dogs at Topanga Beach. Skip Smith rides a wave.
A boy in trunks stands by the old Topanga Beach bathhouse
A boy in trunks stands by the beach house that was formerly a bathhouse at 18658 Topanga Beach Rd.
A boy looks through a window at The Snake Pit
A boy looks through a window at The Snake Pit. He is standing in the patio of the Reel Inn at 18661 PCH.
A boy rides a horse by Shriner's Wayside Stand
A boy rides a horse by Shriner's Wayside Stand. He is being watched by Lucie Loggins, who bought the restaurant and renamed it Step Inn Cafe.
A bridge crosses the Topanga Lagoon
A bridge crosses the Topanga Lagoon, near Cooper's Camp and De Long Cafe. Plans were afoot to replace the bridge, which happened in 1933. This photo comes from a 1930 report submitted to the Citizens' Committee on Parks, Playgrounds, and Beaches, by…
A Buddha sits by Jean-Louis Bartoli's door in Rodeo Grounds
A Buddha statue sits by the door of the Jean-Louis Bartoli's room at 3712 Rodeo Grounds.
A Buddha statue stands in front of Oasis Imports
A Buddha statue and outdoor furniture for sale stand along PCH, in front of Oasis Imports at 3931 Topanga Canyon Blvd. A sign in the background says, "Topanga Beach 700 feet."
A bulkhead protects Eddie Wingard's house from big waves
A bulkhead protects Eddie Wingard's house from big waves at Topanga Beach.
A bulkhead protects Topanga Beach houses
A bulkhead protects Topanga Beach houses belonging to...
1.
The Saenz family. The father Eddie Sr. kept adding bedrooms on top for his eight children.
2.
Bob Ernst, a policeman, lived upstairs. Alden Doseberg ("Dozy"), a volleyball player,…
1.
The Saenz family. The father Eddie Sr. kept adding bedrooms on top for his eight children.
2.
Bob Ernst, a policeman, lived upstairs. Alden Doseberg ("Dozy"), a volleyball player,…
A bulldozer clears the muddy road on Topanga Lane
People and dogs walk by cars stuck in mud after a flood on Topanga Lane. A bulldozer clears the road.
A bulldozer demolishes a house at Brookside
A bulldozer demolishes a house at Brookside during the eviction of Lower Topanga by State Parks. A worker sprays water from a hose.
A bulldozer demolishes a Topanga Beach house
A bulldozer demolishes a Topanga Beach house during the eviction of the beach by State Parks.
A bulldozer demolishes Something's Fishy sushi restaurant
A bulldozer demolishes Something's Fishy sushi restaurant at 18753 PCH during the eviction of Lower Topanga by State Parks.
A bulldozer demolishes the Dittrich family house, 1/2
A State Parks employee monitors as a bulldozer demolishes the Dittrich family's house at 3707 Rodeo Grounds during the eviction of Lower Topanga.
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