Dedicated to representing the interests of local residents, fostering community spirit and making the neighborhood a welcoming and vibrant place to live, the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association (TLHOA) is a local powerhouse — from organizing public events like its signature Turkey Trot to advocating on quality-of-life issues such as zoning, planning, development, safety and security. As TLHOA president Don St. Clair reaches the end of his term and board member Brooke Karzen prepares to take the reins on April 1, both leaders share their insights on the volunteer-driven nonprofit’s recent accomplishments and vision for the future.
St. Clair and his wife, Janet, moved to Toluca Lake from Chicago in 1998 and became TLHOA members to take part in their new community. Today, he loves running into someone he knows whenever he walks down the street, as well as seeing how their three children remain strongly rooted in the neighborhood despite attending college far away. St. Clair joined the TLHOA board in 2021, became vice president the following year and then was asked to consider serving as president. “I realized that it was an opportunity to contribute to the neighborhood that I had grown to love over so many years,” he recalls. “I’m a bit old-school and I still think that people can make a difference when they get involved.”
Reflecting on his time as president, St. Clair says, “I’m proud to have brought structure and process to the board. I suspect that my board colleagues think I’m a bit of a taskmaster in our monthly meetings, but I believe in taking care of board business so that we can enjoy our social time together.” During his tenure, the TLHOA brought on new board members, formed a close partnership with the Neighborhood Watch, introduced successful events like the rebooted National Night Out and last fall’s Story Slam, and continued to grow the Turkey Trot. “It’s important to note, though, that none of those things are my accomplishments,” he adds. “They are the accomplishments of a group of committed people who have energy and ideas. I have been graced by the benefits of their hard work.”
St. Clair believes leadership success begins with listening and activating others. “Organizing so that people could engage in the things that interested them and find ways to contribute helped us build the most engaged board we’ve had in years,” he explains. “I also think it’s important to lead your way by being authentic, keeping a sense of humor and having fun even while doing serious business.” He has no doubt his successor will be able to build on this momentum, noting that Karzen “is very connected with Toluca Lake and has been vital in TLHOA’s focus on safety in our neighborhood. She’s going to be a great president who brings her own strengths to benefit TLHOA.”
Having lived in the community and worked at the nearby studios for 35 years, Karzen treasures Toluca Lake’s architecture, natural beauty, Hollywood history and convenient location, but above all its small-town feel — “watching our daughter and her friends walk these streets, knowing neighbors and baristas by name.” While she originally joined TLHOA 12 years ago for the community discounts offered to members, she soon recognized the invaluable support it provides after the organization helped guide her family through a troubling safety issue on their street. She joined the board two years ago and has enjoyed getting to know fellow members more deeply. “We all have different skills and backgrounds, and we lean into those strengths,” she says. “Someone with a PR background helps with communications, a realtor enlightens us on neighborhood development, a marketing exec helps with advertising, a room parent is an expert at planning community events. There are lots of opportunities to take the lead or offer support — whatever role fits you best. It’s a true collaboration.”
As part of such an effective team, “I saw the impact we can have — from our town hall with the DA after the surge in burglaries, to endorsing private security provider Iron Delta, to partnering with Neighborhood Watch. There’s been real progress thanks to neighbors linking arms.” Although Karzen hadn’t been planning to take on the role of president, realizing the effect she could have in the community made her decide to step up. “I’ve learned a lot from watching how Don leads,” she shares. “He supports progress and productivity, listens and offers a platform to make a difference. I have big shoes to fill.”
Discussing TLHOA’s core challenges and goals, both the outgoing and incoming presidents emphasize membership growth, which starts with clearly communicating the group’s value to residents. “Our organization is not the traditional HOA. We have no formal authority,” St. Clair explains. “But we do have the ability to build community and influence decisions about the community…. We have open lines of communication with elected officials at both the state and local levels and can represent the neighborhood on relevant public policy issues.” He aims to focus on building membership during his final year as a board member, and Karzen adds that the association is developing a more consistent and engaging social media presence “so people know who we are, what we do and have a reason to join.”
Karzen highlights continuing to strengthen local partnerships as another major goal. “Getting local officials to respond and engage is an ongoing challenge — we’re not alone in Los Angeles facing this. Our sidewalks are in desperate need of repair, and the overpasses at Forman and Ledge have become overgrown safety hazards. We’ll keep pushing for action and continue working with law enforcement to ensure they’re addressing crime and keeping our community informed.”
Collaboration and connection form the cornerstone of both leaders’ vision for TLHOA. “I hope TLHOA is a place that helps our little village in the big city feel supported and heard,” Karzen says. “It’s about being that bridge — between neighbors, between groups and between our residents and the people who make decisions that affect us.” St. Clair says he hopes more people will get involved, because “community organizations matter. The work that volunteers do to foster community, collaborate for greater quality of life and embrace responsible progress matters.”
St. Clair concludes by thanking the TLHOA and the community for their support during his presidency. “I’ve met so many neighbors who I would not have met without this opportunity, and I’ve learned things about Toluca Lake that I would never have known without this opportunity. I am grateful.”
Karzen’s message to the community is both a tribute and a call to action: “Toluca Lake has a small-town feel that’s rare in Los Angeles — it’s welcoming to all and genuinely communal. What really defines us are the families who’ve lived here for generations and the newcomers who immediately feel at home. They all care deeply about this neighborhood. If you’re looking for connection, get involved. There’s a place for everyone here.”
For more information about TLHOA, visit @tolucalake_hoa on Instagram or go to tolucalakehoa.org.