There’s nothing else quite like it in the country!

Topanga citizens and Los Angeles County
employees did a rare thing -- they sat down together
    (for over two years) to co-create a relevant
and cutting-edge emergency guide
that folks would actually read. The book was funded by
the County and mailed to every home in Topanga.
Mermaid owner, Bill Buerge, was volunteer designer
of the guide using photos of neighbors, humor
and colorful graphics to break through  
the wall of fear, denial and procrastination folks have
around the topic of disaster preparedness.
The book will be used as a model
   for similar publications in other areas of L A County.
Check it out at: www.topangasurvival.org

Topanga 'Citizens of the Years' Meet at The Mermaid
A group portrait is taken on August 7th,  2004. for the second edition of 'The Topanga Story', now being updated and expanded. Edited by Michele Johnson and published  by The Topanga Historical Society.

The Mermaid Tavern Revisited
Attendees go back in time three decades to relive the bohemian elegance of The Mermaid Tavern, the legendary Topanga concert hall that exuded quintessential classical music, fine wine and unmitigated
conviviality. Tax deductible donations go to save Linda Hendrich's 'Children's Corner', the venerated Topanga preschool for future generations of Topanga children.  August 15, 2004.

''Topanga Tomorrow'
Day-long workshop at The Mermaid to brain-storm how to preserve the canyon in the face of constant change and population pressures. Led by local biologist, Rosi Dagit, under auspices of the Topanga Watershed Committee of
the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains. September 30th, 2000.

Poet David Whyte for The Mountain AIDS Foundation.
'Through the Eye of the Needle: Life, Work and the Poetic Imagination' With spell-binding stage presence and transformational poetry, Whyte moves listeners to rapture and tears.

Bonnie Wallace Memorial
Hundreds turn out to celebrate the life of this deeply loved Topangan who taught at the local elementary school for 25 years.

Theatricum Botanicum Land Acquisition
Meetings are held at The Mermaid by board members where it is voted to acquire acreage along Topanga Blvd. to add to existing theater property.
Land is purchased with grants from foundations and donations from Bill Buerge and others.

'The Mara Fund'
A three-year campaign organized by The Mermaid to sustain neighbor, Mara Marken, when she had cancer and was no longer able to work through monthly pledges from friends, neighbors, and family. One production company filming at The Mermaid gives $5,000.

T-CEP Fundraiser at The Mermaid
Gala dinner and silent auction for Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness. December, 1999.

'Colin Spect-tacular!'
Fund raiser for young Topanga burn victim, Colin Spect. Colin was saved from certain death when rescued from his burning vehicle by actor Mark Harmon. March 24th,1995.

Da Camera Society presents Chee-Yun at The Mermaid
Performance by young Korean musician recognized in the music world as one of the most gifted violinists of the time. As part of the popular 'Chamber Music in Historic Sites Series' from the Da Camera Society of Mt. St.Mary's College. April 1st, 2000.

Memorials at The Mermaid
Friends and family come together to process their loss and celebrate the lifetimes of loved ones.

YMCA Staff Retreat
Led by Topangan, Dr. Larry Shaw, head of the Hollywood Wilshire YMCA's cutting-edge counseling center. Spring of 2003.

Neighborhood Decade Birthdays at The Mermaid
Many Mermaid neighbors celebrate ten-year anniversaries of the day of their birth.

'A Night at The Oasis'
The Topanga Chamber of Commerce and Topanga's Melanie Kareem Middle Eastern Dance School mesmerize guests with an ancient Mesopotamian extravaganza. November 18th, 2000.

Tango Nights
Topangans Joanna Gunst and Paul Grymkowski teach the locals how to get down...south of the border-style.

University of Santa Monica Benefit with David Whyte
Held in the spring of 2002 to benefit a unique west side graduate school that specializes in Spiritual Psychology. USM is under the inspired direction of Topanga residents Ron and Mary Hulnick.

'Joe's Night'
In recognition of neighbor Jordan Levine's 17 years in the hood. April 27th, 2003.

'The Mara Marken Benefit'
Friends and neighbors gather to support this special Canyon lady with swimming, live music, food and a silent auction. September 28th, 1996.

Full Moon Soiree, Theatricum Botanicum Fundraiser
A nocturnal salon designed to indulge the senses featuring succulent fare, rare libations and spell-binding theatrics staged in the phase of the full moon. Topanga-based 'Mass Ensemble' plays a  100-foot
long stringed instrument  erected on the property.  Master juggler Robin Spehar,  sword-fighters, stilt-walkers and  live  creatures of the night  from Topanga's Wildworks  mesmerize the crowd. Master of ceremonies, Beau Bridges, presides over the spectacle. The event grosses over $30,000. for the theatre. April 3, 2004.

'Expedition Inspiration...Take-a-Hike for Breast Cancer Research' 
An intimate evening of torch songs and cabaret benefiting cancer research centers at USC and UCLA. October 20th, 1996.

Annual Cheney Canyon Holiday Pancake Breakfast
Neighborhood Christmas gathering is held at The Mermaid, December 19th, 1999.

Pacific Palisades Historical Society
Buffet Luncheon and Annual Installation of Officers at The Mermaid held in the Spring of 2003.

County of Los Angeles Commendation
To Bill Buerge, "...for his exceptional leadership in the community and his extraordinary commitment to the well-being of its citizens...". January 27th, 2001, Zev Yaroslavski, Supervisor,Third District, Los Angeles County

'Salon on The Spiritually Creative Life'
Sunday morning presentation by Bill Buerge at The Mermaid for the Institute of Philosophy and the Arts on August 11, 2002. Gail McDonald-Tune is the presenter at another salon in July of 2003.

'Get Wild About Wildlife' Fundraiser'
Benefit for 'The Nature of Wildworks', a Topanga wild animal care and educational center on June 9th, 2002.

Fran Pavely Fundraiser
Topangans turn out big time to support a local environmentalist and school teacher in her candidacy for 41st Assembly District. Limited edition Mermaid Tile is produced for the event designed by Bill Buerge and made by Topanga ceramicist, Bob Harris. Footnote: Fran wins!

'A Midwinter's Night's Feast'
Gala benefit for The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum with Nan Martin and John Randolph and hosted by David Sheehan. January 24th, 1998.

Donation of Arson Watch Emergency Radio
To Friends of the Arson Watch and Disaster Services and the Community Arson Watch in August of 1999.

'Topanga Citizen of the Year'
Mermaid owner, Bill Buerge, is chosen by the Topanga Chamber of Commerce as their honoree for 2000.

Topanga Alumni Association stage 'Rashomon' at The Mermaid 
Directed by Patricia Tackett for the benefit of Topanga Elementary School and Topanga Youth Service, November 23, 1996.

Theatricum Botanicum's 2005 Spring Gala
at the Mountain Mermaid
On Saturday, the fifteenth of April, the stars
came out to benefit Topanga's beloved 
oak-studded theatrical institution. 

Declaration as California State Point of Historical Interest
The Mermaid is nominated by the Los Angeles County Supervisors for registration and confirmed by the State Historical Resources Commission on August 6th,1993.

Topanga Community House Panel Presentation
Bill Buerge and others speak at a Topanga Historical Society evening program in the Spring of 1989.

Annual Topanga Elementary School Teacher's Retreat
Principal Liam Joyce and teachers meet at The Mermaid to get away, share ideas and shape the future of this nationally acclaimed educational institution. Summer, 2003.

Annual Benefit for The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
Special guests Ed Asner and Wendie Malick host a superb sit-down supper and 'Summer 2000 Season Preview' on February 26, 2000.

Donation of Scholarships for Youth Drama Camp
Allowing disadvantaged students to participate in the acclaimed summer program at Theatricum Botanicum

Topanga Youth Services
Donation of kitchen equipment for their clubhouse.

'Neighbors Helping Neighbors'
Topanga residents meet at The Mermaid to hear Pat McNeil of the Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness explain how to organize the neighborhood in case of a disaster. Neighbors break up into groups by
street and strategize.

'Mara Marken Memorial'
It was the request of Dr. Marken that upon her passing, to have a celebration of her life at The Mermaid.

Topanga Historical Society 1992 Annual Picnic
Topangans congregate at The Mermaid while it is still undergoing renovations for a tour and a talk by owner, Bill Buerge.

'State of California Senate Certificate of Recognition'
From Senator Sheila Kuehl, 23rd District, on January 27, 2001. "Presented to Bill Buerge in honor of his indefatigable work on behalf of public safety, disaster relief and cultural life in Topanga Canyon...".

Donation to Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness 
To purchase equipment for the T-CEP emergency center.

Topanga Historical Society Potluck & Program
'An Evening at The Mermaid'. Guests tour The Mermaid and Bill Buerge speaks and shows pictures on history and progress with the restoration. July 21st, 1999.

Mermaid Used for Wet-Weather Rehearsals
Should the actors be rained out at Topanga's Theatricum Botanicum during winter rehearsals, they have an open invitation to use the Mermaid's Great Room.

Mermaid Garden Tours
Instructor Jim Jaeger brings his horticulture classes from Santa Monica City College for a look at the grounds.

Neighborhood Children's Birthday Party
Local little one, Makata Bullock-Floyd, celebrates with friends and family.

Fundraiser for The Animal Guardian Society
'Joy & Jazz in the Garden'- a benefit for animals in trouble. May 6, 2001.

The Lark Quartet
The Mermaid, with its own rich musical history, welcomes an ensemble of "dynamic, accomplished, and imaginative musicians" (Boston Globe). A presentation of the Da Camera Society.

'Neighborhood Gathering'
Old and new neighbors are invited over to celebrate the bright new generation of Topangans setting up household in the hood. Guests receive survival kits as 'mer-mentos' of the evening. Catered by local Mexican restaurant, 'Abuelita's'. November 9th, 2003.