In 1993, two fifth graders and one sixth grader broke into the Topanga Elementary School and destroyed some property there.
The concern of parents for positive focus and recreation led to a parent survey and a proposal for what was soon to become the Topanga Youth Services (TYS).

At this time, Susan Nissman, who had begun the grant writing process, turned the project over to Sunny Lannutti, who then, along with Kathleen Hernandez, Gayle Cline, and Julie Sugarman, brought in some parents and teens to help develop the program.

There were some doubts and challenges in getting the Women's Club (now the Community Club) to agree to allow space at the Community House for Open Recreation nights. There were also difficulties in finalizing the grant because of a misperception that
the Topanga community was not in any financial need. However, it was finally proved that Topanga teens needed a community venue, and after meeting and speaking with all the powers that be, Topanga Youth Services was born. The first Open Rec night counted hundreds of kids in attendance.

Some notable moments during the many events and activities are the plays that were produced. Paula Lebrot directed "Topanga Jones Classic Park" in the summer of 1993, and then Paulette Messenheimer became the new director in 1994, under the name of Topanga Youth Services. Her productions were, "Aesopes Fables", "Alice in Wonderland", "Sleeping Beauty-ish" (which was adapted by two members), and "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". Noel Rhodes was also an important music director and led the famous "Mothrocity shows", showcasing rock bands and comedy skits. Karen Cooke became the new director in summer of 2004
and has directed the productions "Hair", "Napoleon Dynamite", "The Producers" and other original shows. Billy Portman guest
directed the acclaimed, "Tommy" last year.