It often seems community events are happening around the clock in Toluca Lake — just take a look at this issue’s Out & About section, packed with get-togethers from the past few months. One especially exciting recent development was the installation of a new local landmark, the Village clock. Finally a reality after years of work by Toluca Lake Beautification Partners, this elegant addition to Riverside Drive will serve as a gathering spot and neighborhood icon for generations to come. Can we declare this the official start of “Toluca Standard Time”?
We’re also bringing you coverage of December’s Holiday Open House, where we had a great time as always. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our table in the Vendor Village to say hello, pick up a magazine, provide feedback and suggest story ideas. Of course, a major highlight was the tree-lighting ceremony anchored by honorary mayor Fritz Coleman. As an opportunity to extend his mayoral duties beyond the traditional role of emcee, in this issue we offered him a soapbox to address the community and suggest some ideas for even more ways to enhance our neighborly bonding. Fritz, we look forward to seeing you host the inaugural Toluca Lake Karaoke, Trivia and Pickleball Triathlon by this time next year.
Another dignitary greeting attendees at the Open House was our area’s new representative in the State Assembly, former Burbank mayor Nick Schultz. Check out our interview in this issue to find out more about him, his connection to our community and his approach to the issues we’re facing. The support and involvement of our elected officials has always helped fuel the extraordinary level of community activity that’s a hallmark of this neighborhood.
The spirit of togetherness is more important than ever in the aftermath of January’s devastating wildfires. Our hearts go out to all those touched by this tragedy, and we were proud to see our community stepping up to help however it can. When we planned this spring’s history article looking back at the March floods that ravaged L.A. 87 years ago, we couldn’t have predicted how timely a tale it would become. Although the disasters are different, we hope that previous experience of rebuilding, recovery and resilience offers some lessons for today.
As we head into spring and the bustling community calendar fills with plans for the longer days ahead, I wish you all a season of renewal, connection and joy. See you around the Village clock!
