Mark Deitch

As spring approaches with its aura of new beginnings, I can’t help but be filled with hope. I see plenty of reason for optimism in the way our community has endured these difficult times.

After everything we’ve been through, folks are more grateful than ever for the people and places that have sustained us through so much isolation and upheaval — including the close bonds of our very special community.

Toluca Lake dwellers, please join me in a toast! We’re celebrating the fourth anniversary of Toluca Lake Magazine with our annual history issue.

As we explore how to safely re-engage with the wider world, let’s do our best to keep our local roots strong and take good care of ourselves and one another.

Although signs of hope are glimmering now, it’s clear all the challenges of 2020 didn’t magically evaporate with a flip of the calendar page.

This is a holiday season unlike any other. Yet instead of dwelling on all we’ve lost and what looks different, it’s important to focus on what we still have and what will endure.