Topanga Dispute Sign of a New Age : Development: A proposed building site may hold Native American graves. But few have rallied to preservationists’ cause, evidence that the rustic community may be changing.

A clash between the past and future is being played out in Topanga Canyon as a small group of preservationists battles a developer over a proposed retail center that might disturb Native American grave sites.

The preservationists are irked that more neighbors in the prototypal Earth-friendly community have not rallied to their cause. Yet the fact that most people in town are silent on the issue may speak volumes about the way life has changed here.

“Topanga is supposed to be different,” said Lynn Gamble, an archeologist. “We are supposed to respect these kinds of things.”

In dispute is whether sacred Native American remains are still buried in the two-acre plot at 100 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd.

The preservationist group, christened Friends of Topanga, says they are. The developer, Steve Carlson, disagrees. Both base their arguments on interpretations of the 1993 archeological study written by a consulting firm hired by Carlson.

The two sides agree that years ago the area was a burial ground. They disagree, however, about whether any graves remain. Carlson maintains that over the years, development in the Topanga area destroyed any remnants.

Carlson said that even if he’s wrong, he’s required to have an archeologist present during excavation. He said he will halt the bulldozers immediately should sacred objects be uncovered.

The 10-year Topanga resident has obtained tentative permits to construct two buildings on the site, which he hopes will attract a restaurant, offices and perhaps a bank. He said the center’s Old West design will blend in with the community’s rustic charm.

Florence Nishida, spokeswoman for Friends of Topanga, said the dispute over the burial ground is only part of the problem. She said Carlson’s project would ruin the community’s peaceful way of life by generating too much noise and traffic.

A few activists have suggested that the group try to raise more than $1 million to buy Carlson out, though most of their compatriots believe that goal is out of reach. With Carlson hoping to break ground by spring, Friends of Topanga has instead launched a letter and leaflet campaign aimed at persuading neighbors to urge the developer to change his mind.

The effort has generated little enthusiasm so far. Many residents seem resigned that development is inevitable. Others support Carlson outright--contending that the area needs a better retail complex.

“In a community that is growing the way Topanga is, some type of development is inevitable--and I don’t see anything wrong with that,” said Marty Brastow, a real estate broker and 18-year Topanga resident.

Privately, some supporters of the project worry that Carlson could sell his land to another developer who might erect something worse, such as a fast-food restaurant.

The issue underscores a clash between some longtime residents and many newcomers to the canyon. The latter are accused of trying to remake Topanga in their own image.

One new arrival, for instance, is reported to have built a home next to a neighbor’s shack, then sued to have his neighbor’s shabby domicile torn down. Other newcomers are said to have built large homes on ridgelines, obscuring brilliant pink and orange sunsets.

Charlie Cooke of Acton, a member of Southern California’s Chumash tribe, said he joined the fight not in the name of abstract ideals, but for the right of his ancestors to rest in peace.

“When a site is lost,” he said, “it’s lost forever.”