The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association (TLHOA) has advocated for the homeowners and residents of the neighborhood for nearly 90 years, undertaking numerous initiatives to ensure that the area retains its special character and small-town feel.
The organization was established in 1934 by Maurie Luxford, who was also a founding member of Lakeside Golf Club and the owner of Maurie Luxford’s Sportsman’s Shop, located on the site of present-day Trader Joe’s on Riverside and Talofa. Its purpose was to make certain that the best interests of the residents were served so that the neighborhood could be a safe, comfortable and beautiful place to live. This first iteration of the TLHOA lasted until 2006, when it became dormant.
Then, in 2009, the TLHOA was revived by residents Richard Bogy and Sean Smith, who continued its mission of serving the community. “TLHOA’s goal is to ensure the well-being and strong future of the unique character that is the community of Toluca Lake,” says Bogy, who has served as the organization’s president several times in the past.
Today, the TLHOA remains driven by its mission and continues to be the leading voice for the homeowners of Toluca Lake. The all-volunteer nonprofit organization is led by a dedicated board of directors composed of longtime Village homeowners. The organization, with support from members’ dues, focuses its efforts around building community, promoting smart development, uplifting local businesses, focusing on projects that promote livability and improve quality of life, and fortifying the financial stability of the organization so that it can serve residents into the future.
The TLHOA works alongside corporate neighbors, elected officials and sister organizations — such as the Garden Club, Chamber of Commerce, Neighborhood Council and Beautification Partners — on projects that serve the people of Toluca Lake. These include representing Toluca Lake on NBCUniversal’s Community Advisory Board; keeping the neighborhood safe with a strong Neighborhood Watch program; working with city councilmembers and stakeholders on beautification and infrastructure projects; hosting fundraisers such as the Turkey Trot; and supporting community events such as the Earth Day Celebration and Holiday Open House.
“The greatest accomplishment of the TLHOA — as Toluca Lake begins our second century — is that our association has ensured that our neighborhood remains one of the most tranquil and most unique communities not just in Los Angeles, but in America,” TLHOA president Kari Negri says. “The foundation of this community is the people who choose Toluca Lake as their home and their continued commitment to be part of charting and ensuring a bright future for our community.”