Have you ever lived on the same street long enough to watch it cycle through its own seasons?
To watch the new people move in and the Topanga long-timers meet and greet?
To see the young couple have babies, and the old couple pass on?
To watch the babies grow up to babysit the new young ones?
This month, I am celebrating my 20th anniversary of living in my beautiful Topanga, with the best Topanga neighbors on the best Topanga street. 
I got a chance to think about the changing nature of neighborhoods while relaxing with my most awesome neighbors at our first ever, streetwide yard sale. It was a mild and sunny spring Saturday, perfect for browsing through others' past treasures.
Parking my camp chair behind our table of treasures old stuff, I leaned back and lost myself in the reggae playing from my neighbors' driveway. Reggae is perfect for a yard sale. It makes people relax, unwind, and think "Hey, that's not such a bad price for a chipped ceramic puppy" and "I could play in the waves on that boogie board - the dog only chewed off one corner."
Of course, I had to stroll around to find out if my neighbors had any good stuff I just had to have. I learned that my next door neighbors used to weave and had an interesting wooden loom up for sale. My ballroom dance teacher neighbor at the top of the street had some great sparkly accessories. I could picture her wearing them as she waltzed around the room, the light playing between the mirror ball and her earrings. My other neighbor had some cute clothes, but she's way shorter than I am, darn it. No treasure haul for me! (Thank goodness!)
After the reggae morning, my garage was host to our neighbor's Topanga surf band for the afternoon. It's really easy to wind up the event and bag the leftovers for charity when you are dancing to "Wipeout." It was good to think that each neighbor was also donating up to 50% of the profits to two great Topanga causes. T-CEP - Topanga's nationally recognized emergency preparedness organization, and the new Topanga Native Garden to go in at our Topanga Community House.
Our neighbors are the best - we like each other! We still do those phone calls asking to borrow a cup of this or a tool to fix that. We get together at least a couple of times a year to barbeque and just chat. We are also great cooks and the tables at these events are loaded with all kinds of yummy things. We couldn't have this event without a post sale barbeque. Over dessert, I got to tell them the great news that the home on the corner of our street had closed escrow and we could look forward to some new faces on our street. Time to meet and greet!
Real Estate Bonus: I also got to tell them that the house closed at full list price. Full. A cheer went up for our property values! We might be a warm & fuzzy street, but hey, you've got to love that news for our Topanga real estate market!
Throughout this really relaxing and beautiful spring day, I was thinking about how fortunate my family is to be surrounded by caring neighbors. We look out for each other. We know that they are there for our family, and they know we would drop everything to help one of theirs. A few of the faces may change, but the nature of our neighborhood has remained good. Really good.
You know, I might be just a little bit partial. There are a lot of great neighbors all over Topanga Canyon, and a lot of good streets. I can help you find your Topanga Treasure Home.
Copyright 2008 Elaine Hanson
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Your Guide to Topanga -- REALTOR® e-PRO, I specialize in the unique properties of Topanga, CA. Real Estate here is a challenge - each property comes with its own history & setting. I can help.
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It is wonderful to know your neighbors.. even in a bigger town. Great to see you blogging again. I miss you
Honey, you are my Topanga Treasure! Great post, reminds me of my neighborhood!
Why didn't you tell me ahead of time that there would be food after the sale? Treasures, good food and great neighbors - who could ask for more of a community! Besides one that sells homes at full price, of course :)
Localism feature. Enough said. Well, not quite. See what happens when you put those thoughts on cyber-paper? There will be no holding back from this point forward. You got me?
Now, about this garage sale. Topanga is a bit off the beaten path for the weekend circuit for us, but if you guys like to get down with a Jamaican vibe for these soirees ... see ya at the next one ;)
Elaine, Isn't it great when you love your neighborhood. As our birds have left the nest our house is really bigger than what we need but we just really love our neighbors and our neighborhood so we are staying. We are having one of those neighborhood barbeques Memorial weekend.
Yes! I live in the same neighborhood, but there is no Elaine on my block, so it's just not as cool :(
Mwa! I really really miss you!!!
Elaine, I think it's wonderful that you know your neighbors--let alone spend time with them. It was like that here many years ago but everyone has left :( Your garage sales even sounds as if you had a good time! Not a bad way to spend the day...
ELAINE - It's great to read about Topanga, and your fun day with your neighbors. Any video footage of your "Wipeout" dance?
Judy - We're a little town on the end of big! When you are in Topanga, the city is "over there," but reachable. Thanks for missing me! That means a lot.
Antoinette - Good to hear such nice words from you! I think we both need to visit more often! Hope all is well with your neighborhood, too.
Twin - There is ALWAYS food at our events -- everything from vegan coconut rice with lentils to meat hot off the bbq. Plenty of room for you and your family - will you do that NOLA shrimp thing?
I love neighborhood garage sales. They are so relaxing and full of fun for every member of the family. Now my friend how much did you make selling your old stuff? LOL
Jessica - Thanks for letting me know about the feature! That's cool! You know, the original Disneyland is right down here...
Hi Paul :)- The journey from the mind to the cyber paper always seems to be so long (and convoluted, sometimes). Like any journey, I think it will get shorter the more I take that route. You would really like our next HUGE Topanga event - Topanga Days. Someone should write a post about it ;)
Marchel- Birds have a way of finding themselves back at the nest, sometimes! I'm glad you are happy where you are. Have fun at your bbq.
Elaine, I feel like I know Topanga everytime we talk, chat, email or you post about it! Like you, I have such great neighbors that I can't imagine ever moving. I doubt I could ever be so fortunate as I am here at home.
EXCELLENT POST! Congrats on the feature and to your neighbors for giving back with the proceeds fromt he garage sale. That is all too cool!
Jennifer - I hope everything is well. I've been thinking about you. Thanks for the nice words -- they were really good to hear!
Carole - You need some party people to move in! It was a really nice day. Our street has a lot of fun.
Adam - Hey you! I had some video, but I sold it in the sale ;)
I have to admit...I haven't reached out to my neighbors. Sure I'm involved in the community at large, but some new folks moved in on cul-de-sac and I haven't met them yet. (Booo!)
Good for you...and blessed is Topanga to have a quality neighbor like you.
Mana - We didn't have that much stuff ourselves. I just opened up the giveaway bags that were sitting around. My husband had some building materials that sold well. We end up with some stuff off of his jobs and people love it.
Amanda - It was fun to know the money was going to charity -- nicer than just giving away bags of old stuff.
Joey - Bake some cookies and get over there! It will be fun and they'll love you!
Andrew - Thank you, already! I think those book things were traded for some homemade ice cream and a brownie.
Elaine, I was so happy for you reading this post about Topanga, the length of your residence there, and the close knit community you have developed with your neighbors. That to me, is a big part of a great lifestyle, being around tremendous people that all care about one another. Hey, and full price on a property. Woo Hoo !!!
Elaine - Topanga is magical. Lucky you! I'm looking forward to my visit weekend after next.
Gary - It is what is important for a good lifestyle. Full price is great news!
Tom - Topanga Days? For sure!!!! Will I see you there?
Hi Elaine,
Congrats on the feature on localism. Enjoyed your post a lot, will definitely be back for more.
Patrick - I'm glad you enjoyed it and you are definitely most welcome to come back. Thanks again for the nice Mother's Day wish you posted yesterday.
It's great knowing your neighbors ! Great post Elaine !
Melissa - It gives us a true feeling of home. Thanks for stopping by my "neighborhood."
You can't put a price on a good neighborhood can you? Location is so important. You are very fortunate to live in a great place for so long.
Wendy - I am blessed. There is nothing like walking up my street, having that peaceful feeling of knowing each person in each home and caring deeply about each one of them.
umm...I don't bake cookies. But my wife does. We do love having company, but life has been hectic recently.
Should life ever be too hectic to have dinner with your neighbors? I feel guilty even writing it. Lame excuses all.
Joey - My husband makes killer brownies. I burn them. Hectic and guilty are words I definitely understand.
Anyone would be lucky to be your neighbor, Elaine. You are one of the truly good guys of the world. GBU!!
Elaine, we're having a neighborhood yard sale this weekend. Last time we did this, I bought a lot more than I sold. Nothing like other people's fleas!
Elizabeth - It is so good to have you back! GBU, too!
Patricia - Control, control, control............... unless it's a really, really good score!
Sounds like a great neighborhood to live in. We live miles from town now and sometimes miss having neighbors closer, but wouldn't trade our little piece of nature for anything now.
Trey - I'm lucky to be surrounded by nice neighbors and nature. I bet your place is wonderful.
Elaine: I sold my Topanga house when I got a divorce in 2005. I've always maintained that I mourned the loss of that house more than I ever mourned the loss of my marriage. If there's any way I can ever get back there I'll do it in a heartbeat!
Melody -- Oh, man! I can imagine how you feel! I wonder if I know which home was yours? If there is any way you can get back up here, call me and we will find you a great home.
Elaine, sounds like an awesome friendly neighborhood. How cool that everyone get along so well.
Elaine - I got really excited, thinking this was a new post from one of the finest writers here, then I realized that re-congrats were in order. So, re-congrats!
Hi Elaine, I started reading this post when I realized that it sounded very familiar. Well congratulations again my friend.
Look at you back on the dashboard! Hi E!
I grew up in Canoga Park, use to love to drive into the canyon and what do you know - there's a beach at the other end!
Wow! That's great to have this wonderful localism refeatured! (is that like reblogging?)
Well deserved retroactive feature, Elaine. Think the fellas would be interested in my recent piece of local Topanga flavor?
It's great to know your neighbors. Sometimes we live next to each other and never exchange a kind words, only hi and bye...
It's great to know your neighbors. Sometimes we live next to each other and never exchange a kind words, only hi and bye...
Elaine, congrats on the re-post feature. Sounds like a nice place to live, altho, I love where I live.
Jason - Re-thanks!
Mana - Hi girl! Hey, school is back in session -- what say we actually make lunch happen!
Keith- I don't think I could ever go live like that after having this experience. I guess I'll have to stay in Topanga!
I remember this one! This is a great post! CONGRATULATIONS on being 'MULLIGANED'!! Is that an actual word? LOL GBU!
Thanks for the reminder that I need to be doing more in my own neighborhood.
Amanda - Look at you stopping by for a visit -- how neighborly! Hi A!
Dena - It's a great escape route from the valley heat. Have you had a chance to come back lately?
Sally - It's fun that Rich is doing this, isn't it?
A great getting to know your neighbors story. Very good event and a great way to do some subtle marketing and help a good cause at the same time. I am sure everyone had a great time.
Re-you're welcome?
Elaine, I haven't been back in years and years. And no, I don't miss the heat, I miss the beach!
I live on 20 acres just so I don't have to know my neighbors LOL
Hi Paul :) -- I think every AR member should be reading the incredible tale you are weaving, part of which is placed in Topanga. I am really enjoying it! Can't wait for the next chapter to hit your blog!
Bryan - It's sad, isn't it? I hope you live in a friendly place.
Christine - I've heard it is beautiful in your area.
Great post, Elaine! One of the greatest things about working in this industry is when you get into a new community, watch it grow, and get to know everyone around you! Brought back some great memories of communities I've worked with in the past! Thanks!
Paul
We have fond memories of Topanga! It always reminded me of Berkeley and the 60's...going back in time to my hippie days:). We'd even see an occasional VW van. You live in a very special place!
Elaine - your blog caused me to look up where Topanga is in California. Sounds like a wonderful place to live. All garage sales should be like yours!
Elaine,what a great article and how lucky you are to have found your Topanga. It sounds as though you are willing and able to help others find their Topanga streets, as well. Such a nice way to live when you move into a neighborhood. Neighbors helping neighbors and everyone knowing one another. It's the best!
E, while I certainly appreciate the sentiment, I must object to any deflection from this terrific post. Even in jest, I shouldn't have referenced mine. Don't want to distract your readers from this excellent effort. Carry on.
Elizabeth - I got Mulliganed! Sounds like a perfectly good word to me! It's great to see people come back to see if I've got something new (I will) and good to meet new people through this retro-feature thing.
Anonymous - Thanks!
Joan - It was fun! We did raise enough to donate to two of our community organizations.
Jason - Re-re-thanks for re-re-visiting
Dena - It's still here! Come on by!
Chris - LOL! I get ya'! You could live on the next ridgetop -- I'll sell you the 80+ acre parcel with fixer....
I thought the 80+ acre plus fixer was mine...
Congrats on the mulligan feature, my Twin!!
Topanaga, ca looks to be a nice place. We'll recommend Topanga for yard sales!
Sounds like a wonderful place, but I can't figure out where it is exactly.
Paul O. - Those are really good memories to have --lucky guy!
Diane - We SO have to talk! The VWs are still around.
Sharon - We are kind of hidden away, but that is changing. It's so convenient to be so close to city but seem so far.
Gena - I wish more people had such a great neighbor situation. It gives me such a sense of peace.
Paul - You may object, but I don't think I'll agree. Nope. Carry on. :)
Lisa - Twin, you'll have to live much closer than that property. Easier for me to show up when I smell BBQ shrimp.
I live in a very nice and pretty town with great views and close neighbors. I am amazed that they don't talk to one another hardly ever. They are not unfriendly. Just not friendly either.
Elaine, I so enjoy reading your posts. They are few but beautiful. This was a wonderful story and I can just see your afternoon with your great neighbors and the music playing. Yard sales are so fun anyway....on both sides....Glad you got the feature....it was well deserved it!
Our yard sales in Wichita tend to cease right around the first snow :-) You folks enjoy year-round good weather and yard sales.
Homes in Wichita KS for Sale | Wichita Real Estate for Sale | Wichita Homes for Sale | Andover Homes for Sale | Homes in Andover KS for Sale
Castellum -- It's a great place to live and find good stuff!
Jean - We are in a coastal canyon between Santa Monica and Malibu. The canyon's north end opens to the San Fernando Valley. The south end is the beautiful, blue Pacific. We have enjoyed being an L.A. hidden pleasure, but our secret is getting out!
ARDELL- We even wave at people we don't know -- it's a Topanga thing that always blows away the buyers I'm taking around.
Jeanean - I think you would have had a really good time here. I could see us chatting away, listening to the music.
Lane Team - We are lucky in that department. I've never shovelled snow - but it has snowed here! It's very rare and doesn't stay, but it gives us something to talk about.
Elaine, we're planning our annual block-wide yard sale for some time in October. And these things are pretty dangerous! I often buy more of my neighbors stuff than I sell of my own stuff! But this year will be different!
Pat - Of course, this year will be different. It will. Unless there's some REALLY good junk treasures...
How fun was that day? Too cool. I get to see my neighbors at neighborhood parties at least three times a year and they rock. Most of them are only here part time so when they come back to town it's like the "great catch up". :)
Shannon - That sounds like fun! Rockin' neighbors are good!
Hi Elaine: Every place I have ever lived I have known my neighbors. When I lived in Minnesota, I saw my neighbors only during the summer months. But in California, we get to enjoy each other's company year round.
What a great description of the comradery in Topanga Canyon! You deserved that feature!!!
It is great knowing your neighbors. I actually used to live in Pacific Palisades (not too far from Topanga) and I knew all my neighbors too. I actually am still in contact with most of them. Yay for awesome neighbors.
Elizabeth - I can't even imagine a Minnesota winter, but I'm sure I would be hiding away somewhere warm!
Jennifer - I really like Pacific Palisades. Pali High is Topanga's home high school. The people are very friendly and they have a great little parade and farmer's market.
Elaine - congrats on the Localism Featured post! It's great to get to know more about Topanga CA from a true expert! I used to live down in Beverly Hills briefly with some family, but always loved to explore the outskirts of the city and Topanga was definitely a great discovery. What a beautiful place to live.
Jessica - I hope you get to come back and visit. I got to see Eureka for the frst time about a year ago and that area is beautiful.