The intersection of Riverside Drive and Forman Avenue has been officially designated as Richard Bogy Square, memorializing the countless contributions the late lifelong resident and sixth-generation Californian made to the neighborhood and the city. In a dedication ceremony on July 10, community members paid tribute to Bogy as a devoted civic and business leader, local historian and advocate.
In his address, L.A. City Council President Paul Krekorian called the event “a special moment in the history of Toluca Lake.” He described Bogy’s special dedication to the preservation of the Campo de Cahuenga and telling the story of “why this place — Toluca Lake, Studio City, the surrounding area — was so important to the entire history of California.” He also highlighted Bogy’s leadership of the Chamber of Commerce, his influence on the development of the DARE program and his key role in establishing not only the Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council (GTLNC), but the entire Neighborhood Council system citywide.
Bogy’s brother, Vernon, thanked the attendees and said “Richard would be extremely humbled” by the honor. Chamber of Commerce board director Tim Hawkins agreed: “Richard would be so, so pleased with this event, because he was a Tolucan. He did everything he could do, no matter what came up. If it would benefit Toluca Lake, Richard would take care of it. He was very generous with his time, with his money, with his influence, with everything he had.… Everything that Richard touched — our Holiday Open House, everything — he made it work and he was there.”
Both Hawkins and Krekorian reminisced about Bogy’s connection to another bygone legend, Councilmember Tom LaBonge. “He and Richard were such incredible partners because of their passionate love for the history of this city and the institutions of this city, and for promoting this city, and they were both irreplaceable in that regard,” Krekorian said, noting how they made it their mission to preserve Burbank Peak in Griffith Park from development. “Two forces of nature coming together on a cause like that, they made sure that happened, and we are all grateful for that legacy. That’s a permanent legacy that will benefit Los Angeles forever because of Richard’s work, and it’s just one of a million examples that we could talk about with Richard.”
Krekorian acknowledged Diane McCreary for suggesting the idea of dedicating a site to Bogy, as well as the help of the GTLNC, the Chamber and Toluca Lake Beautification Partners in making it a reality. “Thank you for joining together in an important cause and making sure that, just like the peak will be permanently protected, so will Richard’s memory be permanently protected by these signs recognizing this square, Richard Bogy Square, right here in Toluca Lake.”
