Palisades Resident Haldis Toppel Receives 2012 Pioneer Woman Award

The following information is supplied by Councilman Bill Rosendahl's Office:

Pacific Palisades resident Haldis Toppel was among 19 women honored Friday for their exemplary leadership and community pride during a ceremony at Los Angeles City Hall on Friday morning.

Toppel was nominated by Councilmember Bill Rosendahl for Pioneer Woman in the 11th District. The award is presented to extraordinary individuals whose lifelong work has advanced the status of women and girls in the city.

Mike Bonin, chief of staff for Rosendahl introduced Toppel during a reception in the Mayor Tom Bradley Room high atop City Hall. Later Friday morning, Toppel was then introduced to the full City Council by Councilman Tom LaBonge, who filled in on behalf of Rosendahl, who recently to give a status update on his cancer treatment.

Haldis was recognized for her public service — which started as a 10 year old girl when she served as a goodwill junior ambassador in war-torn Germany to most her more recent role as vice president of the Pacific Palisades Community Council.

"We absolutely love Haldis," said Bonin. "When people describe her, they will talk to you about her warmth, her kindness, her adventurous spirit, and her inspirational good humor. We’re so proud of her."

In an email last week, Toppel said she is both elated and humbled to become part of the long list of deserving women and girls in L.A. who were honored before her.

"All of us in this room share a certain amount of spirit and most of all the good humor and fun in what we do because we love to do it," said Toppel during the ceremony. "I'm glad to be here to share it with you."

The community council honored Toppel for her service at their Aug. 9 meeting, and earlier this summer, Toppel announced to the Palisades Parks Advisory Board that her to help refurbish parts of the Palisades recreation area.

Watch this YouTube video (also attached to the post) of Toppel accepting the award, and read this blog post by Rosendahl's office for more of her biography.