Housing Liaison Jonah Glickman addresses homelessness in Santa Monica Mountains encampments

The Topanga Town Council meeting held on May 15, 2024, focused on critical updates regarding homelessness and community safety in the Santa Monica Mountains. Key discussions included the introduction of Jonah Glickman as the new housing and homelessness liaison, who emphasized the importance of identifying encampments for educational and evacuation purposes.

Community member Marissa Axelrod, who has extensive experience in outreach, highlighted ongoing efforts to support individuals living in encampments, particularly in Tuna Canyon. She noted the need for increased awareness about fire risks and the dangers posed by snakes in the area, sharing that outreach teams have been actively distributing educational flyers to residents.

The meeting also addressed the impact of the tourist season on local communities, with updates from Cal OES regarding ongoing assessments related to the Bridal Communities Act. Participants expressed concerns about rising insurance rates, urging residents to seek resources available on the Assemblymember Erwin's website.

Ryan Olliate previewed an upcoming workshop on home hardening, aimed at helping residents prepare their homes for potential fire threats. The meeting concluded with community announcements, including a successful Butterfly Day event that attracted around 700 attendees, showcasing the community's engagement and volunteer spirit.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts of local organizations and residents to address homelessness, enhance community safety, and prepare for the upcoming fire season. Further updates and resources will be shared as they become available.