notes from the diaspora

Topanga Beach before a fire destroyed the old Bath House (second house from the right
with surfboards in front)  - photo courtesy of Jeff Ort

Since I first published surfwriter.net I've received hundreds of emails about Topanga Beach. Some of them are from people who know the beach now and enjoyed learning something of its history. Others are from people who used to live there, and some of those have been willing to share their reminiscences here.

To kick it off, I'm pleased to welcome the memoirs of Gearheart "Gear-y" Anthony Steffen III. Gear lived on the beach for thirteen years from 1966 right to the bitter end in 1979 and these first two episodes will be followed by further installments. 

Topanga Beach Stories

Spanning the 'private beach' glory days from 1966; to the, State of Cali-enforced, unwise demise of 1979. 

- by Gearheart "Gear-y" Anthony Steffen III