Our First Post-Fire Beach Cleanup at Topanaga with Community, Culture, and Care
This past weekend, Surfrider LA held our very first Beach Cleanup (BCU) in a fire-impacted zone, Topanga State Beach, one of the most affected areas during the January wildfires. The event marked more than just a cleanup; it was a powerful day of restoration, community, and reconnection.
Photo by Jelly Kahler (RCDSMM)
We began the morning with a moving land acknowledgment and blessing ceremony offered by Denis Garcia, Council Member of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. His words grounded us in the deep cultural significance of the land and waters we were gathering to protect, reminding everyone that healing after disaster must be rooted in Indigenous wisdom and respect. We are so honored and grateful for his presence and guidance.
Photos by Surfrider LA and RCDSMM team
From there, over 50 volunteers joined our team to remove both wildfire debris and marine pollution from the beach. The event was co-led by our partners at the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM), with incredible field support from Rosi Dagit, Jelly Kahler, and their crew. Their expertise, local knowledge, and community spirit made all the difference.
With additional behind-the-scenes support from Beaches and Harbors, volunteers were able to access the parking lot and safely remove larger burned materials and debris. We collected over 271 pounds of trash, and that’s not even including the large fire remnants that were too heavy to weigh. The area, once scattered with signs of destruction, now looks and feels like a place in healing.
This event was made possible through the support of a fire recovery grant, and it couldn’t have come at a more meaningful time. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more intense along our coast. As we face the realities of climate change, it’s critical that we address not only the environmental damage but also the cultural, emotional, and community-level impacts.
Topanga’s recovery is just beginning, and we’re proud to stand alongside local tribes, conservationists, and volunteers in that effort. Saturday’s cleanup wasn’t just about removing waste; it was about coming together to care for the land, honor those who have protected it long before us, and build a more resilient and inclusive environmental movement.
To everyone who came out, thank you.
Let’s keep showing up for our coast and each other.