Mark Deitch

Once again, the end-of-year rush of back-to-back celebrations is upon us, as time seems to accelerate from Halloween to New Year’s.

As we greeted our neighbors and friends at Toluca Lake’s National Night Out in August, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come over the past two years.

Science suggests people normally feel less hungry in hot weather, but we’d beg to differ. That’s why we’ve packed this issue full of delicious local flavors to whet your appetite for this sunny season or anytime.

After a chilly, wet winter, we’re eagerly looking forward to spring — and with it, another wonderful Earth Day celebration and Taste of Toluca.

Newcomers and longtime residents alike have told us they love learning new things about their neighborhood’s history, inhabitants, businesses and events with every issue of our magazine. We look forward to bringing you much more to love in the year ahead.

This is the time of year when special events seem to come fast and furious — especially in our neighborhood, which kicks the festive feeling into high gear at Halloween and keeps it at full throttle through New Year’s.