March 4 was a memorable day for the neighborhood, as over 100 residents and local leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated the official unveiling of the Toluca Lake Village clock.
Since being installed on January 24, the clock — with its elegant gold accents, intricate scrollwork and resonant hourly chimes — has captured the hearts of the community.
“Many people have snapped photos and lingered in the inviting seating areas, transforming this 16-foot landmark into an instant icon,” Toluca Lake Beautification Partners (TLBP) chair Ryan Altoon says. “It’s remarkable how a clock can spark such pride.”
Amid the ribbon-cutting festivities, a special moment came when Altoon and City Council president emeritus Paul Krekorian “lifted the veil on this long-awaited treasure — an act that crystallized years of dedication,” Altoon shares. “It wasn’t just an unveiling; it was a tribute to everyone who made it possible.”
“I am so grateful to all the good folks at the Toluca Lake Beautification Partners for their leadership in improving the neighborhoods of our community,” Krekorian says. “The beautiful clock on Riverside Drive adds so much charm and aesthetic appeal to the area. Just as important, it will be a distinctive landmark for generations to come — an iconic symbol of Toluca Lake. In my former role as councilmember, the completion of this project was one of my top priorities for Toluca Lake, so I am thrilled to see it completed for all to enjoy.”
Joining Krekorian and Altoon at the ceremony was Peter Generales, a TLBP board member and former president of the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce who first envisioned the project in 2017.
“I never dreamt that so many wonderful individuals from our community and representatives from all four of our community groups — the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, Beautification Partners, Garden Club and Homeowners Association — would all be present,” Generales says. “One of our past Chamber presidents even came down from Ventura County to attend. It was like a grand reunion! The event was very joyous and everyone had a smile on their face. This I will never forget.”
Joy Forbes, vice president for global real estate planning and development at NBCUniversal Comcast, also shared her support for the milestone. “NBCUniversal was honored to join the Toluca Lake Beautification Partners once again to celebrate this latest accomplishment,” she says. “The Toluca Lake neighborhood is extremely lucky to have dedicated volunteers who give so much of their time to transform public spaces for a more vibrant community. We congratulate TLBP and can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Steve Hampar, TLBP Platinum Founder and representative of the Steve and Sandi and Armen and Gloria Hampar Family Foundation, emphasized TLBP’s dedication to community beautification and the value of supporting such initiatives. Craig Strong, a Gold Founder, highlighted the organization’s purpose and his family’s commitment to Toluca Lake. As members of the TLBP Clock Founders Circle, their contributions were crucial to completing the project.
The ribbon-cutting was a heartfelt testament to what it means to be a Tolucan. “Residents mingled with business owners, civic leaders and members of our local community organizations — the Chamber of Commerce, Homeowners Association, Garden Club and Neighborhood Council — and their shared pride was palpable beneath the clock’s glowing dials,” Altoon says. “This is our community at its best — united in purpose and spirit. The gathering celebrated not just a new landmark but an enduring symbol of Toluca Lake’s identity and history, forged through the tireless efforts of volunteers, donors and partners.”