Toluca Lake moves to a lively beat, as this issue’s event-filled Out & About section shows. The Village clock ribbon-cutting, Neighborhood Council and Homeowners Association meetings, Chamber of Commerce mixers, the Boys & Girls Club annual gala and a piping-hot annual Pancake Breakfast all brought neighbors together throughout the recent months. In a chorus of support for two community stalwarts, locals rallied around the family of Scott Morris during a medical crisis and gathered to bid farewell as Paulanna Cuccinello closes Pergolina’s iconic Riverside Drive storefront after 35 years in business. Through all life’s ups and downs, this tempo of togetherness defines our neighborhood’s signature style.
The spirited pace will no doubt continue as the weather heats up and our thoughts increasingly turn to fun and entertainment. Music is instrumental in establishing impeccable vibes for a seasonal evening out, whether it’s accompanying dinner on an enchanting patio under the stars or cocktails in the cool darkness of an intimate club. We’re fortunate to have a medley of restaurants hosting live music in and around Toluca Lake, from old-school supper clubs to eclectic cultural fusions to laid-back local favorites. Check out our guide to some of the most noteworthy spots, then enjoy curating the perfect soundtrack to your summer. And don’t miss Mary Mallory’s look back at North Hollywood’s legendary bygone music hotspot, the Palomino — the “Grand Ole Opry West” that was the epicenter for California’s own brand of Western swing, home to an array of big names and wild stories.
Toluca Lake’s vibrancy continues to make it a highly desirable locale to live and work, and no one knows that better than our real estate agents. In a competitive and ever-changing landscape for buyers, sellers and renters, expert knowledge of the area and the market are vital. In this issue, two top local pros explain the services they provide and their insights on current trends.
We also spoke with someone working hard to ensure our neighborhood and our city remain places where people can make a home, build a business and thrive. Adrin Nazarian has been a familiar face in the area for years, as a resident, a political aide and then our district’s representative in the State Assembly. Now continuing his public service as our city councilmember, he shares his thoughts on his new role and what he aims to accomplish for his constituents.
As always, thank you for your enthusiastic readership. Please continue supporting our amazing advertisers — their generosity makes it possible to publish Toluca Lake Magazine and helps our community thrive. I wish you a wonderful summer full of music, good health and plenty of neighborly harmony.
