Toluca Lake Magazine Issue Archive
July/August 2018
We’re celebrating the dog days of summer with a special edition of Pets of Toluca, profiling 13 pups that bring joy to our community and show us how to enjoy each day in the neighborhood. Following the example of our four-legged friends, the other stories in this issue explore the great outdoors in style — assembling effortlessly awesome picnics from local sources, relaxing on idyllic restaurant patios, touring drought-tolerant gardens, and working up a sweat with nearby ways to get fit in the fresh air.
Dog Days of Summer: Lovable Local Canines
“We would not be the same family without them!” says longtime Toluca Lake resident Carolyn Goldstein of dogs Jeter, Boomer and Sophie, and she isn't alone in that sentiment; dozens of local readers have sent us sweet tales about their bond with their canine companions.
Packing the Perfect Picnic
The growing popularity of artisan prepared foods is a boon for picnic-goers, making the task of filling your basket a breeze. Here's a spread of local gourmet grab-and-go options for your next outing.
Water-Wise Gardens
Four local homeowners have retired their browning lawns for something prettier and more drought-tolerant. Take a look at their yards for inspiration on what you can do — with as much or as little effort as you’d like.
Workouts in the Great Outdoors
Whether it’s hiking a trail, riding a horse or cooling down at the pool, there are plenty of local ways to get moving while soaking up some sun, enjoying the beauty of nature and having fun along the way.
Dining al Fresco
Summer nights are best spent lingering over a meal on a cozy patio under the stars. Read on for a wealth of ways to get your fill of the great outdoors while eating out in Toluca Lake and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Welcome to HumphreyTown
With more than 1,500 followers on Instagram, Humphrey may be Toluca Lake’s leading canine influencer. His outgoing personality, expressive face and striking appearance make him a natural at social media.
The Tidik-Friedman Wealth Management Group
For Michael Tidik, opening the UBS Financial Services Inc. Tidik-Friedman Wealth Management Group office on Riverside Drive was a homecoming. For Jason Friedman, it was about finding a new sense of community.
Whole Foods Arrives in Burbank
The brand-new Whole Foods Market on Olive Avenue in Burbank features all the fresh, natural and organic products that customers have come to expect, plus some exciting special features and a distinctly local spin.
Happy Tails
Based on the amount of reader feedback we’ve received, our Pets of Toluca section is one of the most popular features of this magazine. Locals love sending us stories and pictures of their fuzzy companions enjoying life in the neighborhood, and we love receiving them.
Hope Estate Sold
A two-year-long local saga was resolved in June, when Toluca Lake realtor Craig Strong sold the Bob and Dolores Hope Estate to businessman Ron Burkle.
Golfing for a Great Cause
A host of Hollywood stars teed off at Lakeside Golf Club for the 11th annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic benefiting the George Lopez Foundation.
Pancake Breakfast Serves Up Community Spirit
Community members gathered for a morning of food, fun and fellowship at Toluca Lake’s 14th annual Old-Fashioned Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station #86.
Gardening Tips to Defy the Dry
In “Water-Wise Gardens,” four Toluca Lake homeowners — Amber Denker, Nan Christian, Susanne and Ken Hayes — gave us a tour of their drought-tolerant yards. Here, they share further insights gained from their gardening experience.
Rescuing Gidget
When terrier mix Gidget was first rescued, she was afraid of everything and everyone. With encouragement, training and patience, her owners helped her transform into a loving and playful pet.
Featured Pet: Henry
8-year-old German shepherd Henry is a dog-about-town who often joins his family for breakfast or lunch at Patys and Sweetsalt, happy hour at Forman’s, and walks throughout Toluca Lake.
Featured Pets: Guapo and Kuki
As alike as they look, these two affectionate and mischievous pups have very different backstories. Kuki was born in South Korea, and Guapo lived in a junkyard in Tijuana for years.
Featured Pet: Lulu
8-year-old pit bull Lulu was rescued from the Burbank Animal Shelter. She loves napping on a nicely made bed, lying on the grass in the sun, cuddling with her family and getting attention at Trader Joe’s.
Featured Pets: Lulu and Max
Schnoodle Lulu and Yorkie Max are both rescues and have grown up in Toluca Lake. They’re the mascots and therapy pets at Shosha Yoga, a neighborhood studio.
Featured Pet: Norman
The third time was the charm for Norman. This ultimate mutt mix with a terrier face and an 80-pound German shepherd body found his forever home after living with two previous families.
Featured Pet: Little Bear
Found under a bridge in Bakersfield, Little Bear is delighted to now call Toluca Lake home. He is known as “Mr. Riverside” due to his congenial nature and daily strolls along the boulevard.