Topanga Plaza Is Open, Thank You

After reading the article “Promenade Mall Beats Its Rival to the Punch” on Jan. 25, I wonder if you really understand what quake recovery in the Valley is all about. Is it really about one business getting a jump-start on its competitor? I don’t think so. Rather, I believe it’s about all businesses and residents working together to restore this community and help it regain the vitality and synergy that gives all of us the opportunity to prosper. It’s also about businesses proceeding cautiously and responsibly to ascertain that their structures are safe for customers and employees before they reopen their doors.

You erroneously reported that the Promenade came out of the earthquake in much better shape than Topanga Plaza, and that Topanga Plaza was likely to remain closed for several weeks. The facts are that Topanga Plaza, which is now open, suffered only superficial damage to the main mall area and, thanks to seismic upgrading work that was done during our renovation in 1992, our skylights came through the quake without so much as a crack.

As Topanga Plaza is more than twice the size of the Promenade, it is logical to expect cleanup and reopening preparations to take longer. We at Topanga Plaza are pleased that the Promenade was able to reopen their center relatively quickly after the quake. For us it is a sign that our community is emerging from the devastation. We expect that for the same reason, our friends at the Promenade will be equally pleased to see our center reopen. For the past 21 years there has been room in the Warner Center community for two shopping centers and this community will most likely continue to support both Topanga Plaza and the Promenade.

ANNETTE BETHERS

Bethers is assistant center manager/marketing director for Topanga Plaza , Canoga Park