The Topanga Motel, which is closed, could be restored or considered for historic status.
Photo: Marissa Pianko
California State Parks and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains are seeking public input and suggestions to help plan the restoration of the Topanga Lagoon area. A virtual meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 27. Registration is required: Click here.
Circling the News ran a story in March 2020 (https://www.circlingthenews.com/phase-i-begins-f…toration-project/)about the 1,659-acre project at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Road. The land is owned by State Parks.
Back then, community members and representatives from over a dozen agencies had gathered on February 29 in Santa Monica to begin planning for the site, which currently includes the Malibu Feed Bin, the Reel Inn, Rosenthal Wines and the abandoned Topanga Ranch Motel.
From that meeting, four project alternatives were developed based on previous public and agency input and will be discussed this coming Saturday. Participants will have an opportunity to help refine ideas for visitor services and recreational elements that include:
- Restore Topanga Lagoon without impacting the surf break.
- Provide a natural gateway into Topanga State Park with minimal built structures.
- Provide overnight accommodations (including evaluating opportunities for restoring Topanga Ranch Motel) and appropriate concessions.
- Develop interpretive and educational elements for visitors.
The Phase 1 Topanga Lagoon Restoration Planning effort is funded by Proposition 12 and will be administered by the California Coastal Commission and the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to share ideas and provide suggestions.