The Topanga Peace Alliance is a secular, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting peace and justice on a local and global level. We are committed to seeking peaceful means of dispute resolution throughout the world; preserving life and defending basic human rights at home and abroad; and advocating practical, nonviolent alternatives to war.

If you join a fight for social justice you may win or lose, but just by being
part of the struggle, you win, and your life will be better for it. - Howard Zinn

First Friday Film Nights!

 

TPA Film Night Friday April 5th
Genetic Roulette: The Gamble Of Our Lives
NEW TIME! 1/2 HOUR EARLIER!
POT LUCK AT 7:15 MOVIE AT 7:30
 
 
 
Genetically modified food is gambling with every bite.
When the US government ignored repeated warnings by its own scientists and allowed untested genetically modified (GM) crops into our environment and food supply, it was a gamble of unprecedented proportions. The health of all living things and all future generations were put at risk by an infant technology. After two decades, physicians and scientists have uncovered a grave trend. The same serious health problems found in lab animals, livestock, and pets that have been fed GM foods are now on the rise in the US population. And when people and animals stop eating genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their health improves.
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This seminal documentary provides compelling evidence to help explain the deteriorating health of Americans, especially among children, and offers a recipe for protecting ourselves and our future.
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Genetic Roulette - will screen on April 5th at the Topanga Library, 122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., 90290. There will be a cheese/veggie potluck (no alcohol) at 7:15 p.m. with the film screening at 7:30 PM. A Q&A with Stacey Hall of the Institute for Responsible Technology follows the screening.
A $10 donation is requested, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. For further information, please contact Debbie Newell at Debnew_11@juno.com.

Parking is available under the library and the event is ADA compliant with elevator access and headphones for those that need a little extra volume.

TPA’S First Friday Film Night 7:45 on February 1st, 2013 FORKS OVER KNIVES

 

At the new Topanga Library
122 North Topanga Canyon Blvd. 91302
 
 
 
Which is more radical: going under the knife and having veins and arteries cut out, moved, and sewed up or changing what is on the end of your fork? The Topanga Peace Alliance’s First Friday Film for January, “Forks over Knives” explores this question with many remarkable science backed conclusions.
 
Through an examination of the careers of American physician Caldwell Esselstyn and professor of nutritional biochemistry T. Colin Campbell, the film advocates, plant-based (vegan) diet as a means of combating a number of diseases. It suggests that "most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods.”
The film also provides an overview of the 20-year China-Cornell-Oxford Project that led to Professor Campbell's findings, outlined in his book, The China-Cornell-Oxford Project.
 
About half of Americans are taking at least one prescription drug and major medical operations have become routine. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country's three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to "battle" these very conditions. Could it be there's a single solution to all of these problems? A solution so comprehensive, but so utterly straightforward, it's mind-boggling that more of us haven't taken it seriously!
 
“Forks over Knives” is written and directed by Lee Fulkerson, who has won 19 international awards and made over 170 hours of documentary programming on The History Channel, A& E Entertainment, and The Discovery Channel. His most recent film is “The Seven Signs of The Apocalypse.” The film is co-produced by Allison Boon and John Corry.
 
Forks over Knives - will screen on Feb.1st at the new Topanga Library, 122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., 90290. There will be a cheese/veggie potluck (no alcohol) at 7:45 p.m. with the film screening at 8:00. A discussion follows the screening. A $10 donation is requested, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. For further information, please contact Debbie Newell at Debnew_11@juno.com. Parking is available under the library and the event is ADA compliant with elevator access and headphones for those that need a little extra volume.
 

TPA’S First Friday Film Night

 

TPA’S First Friday Film Night 
January 4th, 2013 Save KLSD: The Film
 
Got Progressive talk radio?   Not so much.  San Diegans have become accustomed to the conservative stylings of locally owned 760 KFMB and the not so locally owned KOGO 600.  When you’re looking for news in this city, there are no other choices.  You’re stuck with sensationalist, and sometimes maniacal ramblings of Rush Limbaugh and Roger Hedgecock.  But for a brief while, San Diego did have a progressive talk radio station to call its own: 1360 KLSD.

Save KLSD: The Film will screen as the Topanga Peace Alliance First Friday Film on January 4th, 8:00 p.m., at the Topanga Canyon Library.

Save KLSD is a documentary about how corporate influence corrupts government regulation, limits the free flow of information, and adversely effects American democracy.  

Over the course of four and a half years, the producers attended media reform conferences, conducted research, and filmed interviews and presentations by leading media reform experts and commentators, including: Bill Moyers, Robert Reich, Van Jones, Phil Donahue, Ed Schultz, and Amy Goodman.  The film is narrated by Bree Walker and Jon Elliott.  It is produced by Jennifer Douglas and Jon Monday, and directed by Jon Monday.
 
After the film we will discuss grassroots efforts, including attendance at FCC hearings where Progressive stations have their licenses up for renewal and what we can do to keep other stations from ending their progressive format.  One of the narrators (and occasional TPA Film Night attendee), Bree Walker, has been invited to lead the discussion.

Save KLSD will screen on Jan. 4th at Topanga Library, 122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., 90290 there will be a cheese/veggie potluck (no alcohol) at 7:45 p.m., with the film screening at 8:00. A discussion follows the screening. A $10 donation is requested, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. For further information, contact Julie Levine at(310) 455-9389.
 

First Friday Film Nights!

 

 

 “The Last Mountain”

Friday, December 7th – 7:45 PM

At The New Topanga Library

122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga 90290


Snack Potluck at 7:45. Please bring non-alcoholic beverage, cheese, dip, fruit or crackers.

Film Starts at 8:00 PM

Requested Donation $10.00 - No one turned away for lack of funds.

In the valleys of Appalachia, a battle is being fought over a mountain. It is a battle over protecting our health and environment from the destructive power of Big Coal. A documentary about this struggle, THE LAST MOUNTAIN will screen as the Topanga Peace Alliance First Friday Film on December 7, 8:00 p.m., at the Topanga Canyon Library.

The practice of dynamiting the mountain’s top off to mine the coal within pollutes the air and water and spreads pollution to other states. Yet, regardless of evidence supporting these claims, Big Coal corporations repeat the process daily. Massive profit allows Big Coal to wield incredible financial influence over government officials in both parties, rewrite environmental protection laws and avoid lawsuits and eliminate more than 40,000 mining jobs, all while claiming to be a miner’s best friend.

A passionate and personal tale that honors the extraordinary power of ordinary Americans when they fight for what they believe in, THE LAST MOUNTAIN shines a light on America’s energy needs and how those needs are being supplied. It is a fight for our future that affects us all.

We plan to have a SKYPE discussion after the movie with Bob Kincaid of Head On Action Network and take action to support HR 5959 the ‘‘Appalachian Communities Health Emergency Act’’ (the ACHE Act).

Directions to Topanga Library/Topanga Peace Alliance Meetings and Film Nights:
From the 101 – exit Topanga Canyon Blvd. South. Turn right on Topanga Canyon Blvd. Drive about 8 miles. You will pass signs to Topanga State Park, a traffic signal at School House Road, and then start seeing businesses on the right. Turn left just before Pine Tree Circle into the underground parking area at the Topanga Library - 122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, CA 90290. If you get to Old Topanga (Inn of the Seventh Ray) on right and Post Office (Pine Tree Circle on the left) turn around and it will be on your right.

From PCH – immediately after you see the Chart House Restaurant on the left make a right turn onto Topanga Canyon Blvd (TCB). Drive about 4 miles. You will pass businesses, than you will see Pine Tree Circle on your right at the traffic light and the Post Office on your left. Right after the second entrance to Pine Tree Circle on TCB and make a right to enter the parking lot under the Topanga Library just past curve in road - 122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, 90290.

www.topangapeacealliance.org

 

First Friday Film Night May 4th

 

TOPANGA PEACE ALLIANCE IS PROUD TO SCREEN 

"THE BIG FIX" 

@ our new location the Topanga Library 

On April 22, 2010 (ironically, on Earthday), the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig sank into the Gulf of Mexico, creating the worst oil spill in history. Most people around the country thought the crisis ended when the well was capped, but that’s when the real story began. The documentary, THE BIG FIX, which exposes the root causes of the oil spill and what really happened to the Gulf states, screens as the TPA First Friday Film on May 4 at 7:45 p.m., at its new location, the Topanga Library,122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. 90290.

“We never intended to make this movie,” says Josh Tickell, the film’s director. “It was only after being dumbstruck by the level of destruction and the simultaneous lack of clear information conveyed to the public during the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill, that we picked up our cameras and attempted to document this massive man-made disaster.”

Until the oil well was capped on September 19th, 2010, 205 million gallons of crude oil and over 1.8 millions gallons of chemical dispersant spread into the sea.

Tickell felt it was impossible to tell the story of the spill without also looking at the political and financial root causes of the spill that were swept under the rug. In doing so, the film uncovers the same playbook for corporate wrongdoing and government cover-up that is being used to dismiss the dangers of the tar sands, the coal strip mines, and the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Rebecca Harrell Tickell, the film’s producer and co-director, adds, “Our motivation for risking everything to make this film comes from our deep commitment to fundamentally shift how we as a species live on Earth.”

Both filmmakers will be at the TPA screening to introduce the film and participate in a Q&A afterward. Longtime environmental activists, Josh directed and Rebecca produced the 2008 Sundance Audience Award winning documentary FUEL, which investigates the possible replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy.

In THE BIG FIX,  they uncover the vast network of corruption surrounding the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The film is a damning indictment of a system of government and corporate collusion that puts the pursuit of profit over all other human and environmental needs.

“I hope its message helps bring us back to a more balanced social conscience and more functional form of governance and justice,” says Josh Tickell.

THE BIG FIX screens at 8:00 p.m. on May 4 at the Topanga Library, 122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., 90290 There will be a cheese/veggie potluck at 7:45, with the film at 8:00 p.m. A $10 donation is requested, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. For further information, contact Julie Levine at(310) 455-9389.

 

Occupy LA Update!

 

Occupy LA Update – Topangans are in The House!

 
Topanga residents are still participating in Occupy LA at LA City Hall, and will be there for as long as it takes to build a democratic movement to combat corporate power.  Topangans are actively involved in this movement, participating in actions and serving on committees including: Action, Facilitation, Social Service, Education (aka People’s Collective University), Coordination, and in the Occupy The Hood General Assembly.  Most committees meet daily at 4 or 5:30 pm and the General Assembly meets nightly at 7:30 pm on the South Lawn by the City Hall steps. The best way for Topangans to actively particulate at Occupy LA is to participate in actions and on committees.  
 
For example, Occupy LA members (many from Topanga) filled the City Council Chambers to weight in on a City Council resolution to end corporate personhood. As result of our input the proposed resolution was strengthened and will serve as an example to other cities around the country. This resolution will be voted on December 7th.  The weekend of November 5th and 6th began with a highly successful national “Bank Transfer Day” resulting in thousands of people in L.A alone closing their bank accounts and moving their money to credit unions and community banks. There were also speakers from the ACLU, National Lawyers Guild, L.A. Times Columnist Robert Scheer and others. A general strike and action to close Los Angeles ports is also being organized with active participation from truckers and dock workers.
 
For updated information on how to get involved in Occupy LA go to www.occupylosangeles.org. or call Julie Levine on her cell phone: 310-463-3016.
 
There is always a need for donations of money, blankets, tents, sleeping bags, tarps, food, and water proof gear. We hope to see you there!
 

From the Archives:

News

Topangans Rally for Peace

From: Topanga Messenger

By Dan Mazur

Rush hour commuters who found their drive through the Canyon delayed on Friday evening, November 1, can blame it on the Bush administration's aggressive foreign policy. Beginning at 4 p.m. that afternoon, over 200 Topangans lined the shoulder of the Boulevard, waving signs and chanting in a spirited protest against a possible war with Iraq.

PHOTO BY KATIE DALSEMER

Topangans join a new Topanga Peace Alliance to demonstrate for peace in front of Pine Tree Circle on November 1.

The rally, which began on a slightly gray and cold afternoon and continued until well after dark, was followed by a forum on issues of war and peace at the Topanga Elementary School auditorium.
The line of protesters stretched from the corner of Old Topanga to Hidden Treasures. It was a real Topanga happening, albeit one sparked by global concerns. There were musical instruments, colorful costumes and hula-hoops. Whole families turned out to express their opinions to the passing motorists with signs that ranged from Vietnam-era favorites--"War is Not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things," to the Gulf War's "No Blood For Oil" and the latest anti-Bush sentiments --"We Need Regime Change--Here in the U.S."
The event was organized by the newly-formed Topanga Peace Alliance. Inspired by the large peace march in Westwood on September 26, a small group of Topangans began meeting in early October to discuss what could be done on a community level to protest the Bush administration's war intentions. The plans came together very quickly.
"A group of us got together with similar interests, being opposed to the resolution that was passed," said Topanga Peace Alliance member Connie Whalley, referring to the Senate and Congressional resolutions granting President Bush authority to use military force in Iraq.
Information was passed by word of mouth and e-mails, and flyers were printed, resulting in the well-attended rally and forum, three weeks later.

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Check out the TPA Library

Come to the New TPA Library and borrow or lend a book or DVD.
See the current PDF lists of titles here:
 

Support the Topanga Peace Alliance

Topanga Peace Alliance is a program of International Humanities Center, a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.