Toluca Lake Magazine Issue Archive
Fall 2021
In our third annual history issue, we highlight how past and present overlap in Toluca Lake. Distinguished actor Swoosie Kurtz, who moved here with her family as a teenager, describes her many memories of the community and the legacy of her parents, who were history-making figures in their own right. Kurtz also shares her reminiscences from her years working on the Warner Bros. lot, whose proximity has attracted stars to the area from its earliest days. We trace the location’s 95-year history as an entertainment-industry hotspot, an employer for many nearby residents, and an internationally recognized landmark that attracts a steady stream of tourists. And that’s not the only place in the neighborhood where you can glimpse the storied past; we’re exploring a wide variety of museums and historical sites that preserve and present our local story through art, architecture and artifacts.
Swoosie Kurtz: Memories of Home
When Swoosie Kurtz and her parents moved to Toluca Lake in 1960, they had never settled in one place for more than a year or two. In Toluca Lake, they found the home they’d been dreaming of.
“The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of”
In 1928, Warner Bros. purchased the First National Pictures studio on Barham Boulevard in Burbank to dramatically increase film production — in effect telling the world, “You ain’t heard nothin’ yet!”
History Close to Home
These unique sites use rare artifacts, antiques, vintage memorabilia and more to tell multifaceted stories of the people, places and significant events that have helped shape our communities into what they are today.
Interior Design Firm
The desire “to play a part in expanding the conversation about mental health in a playful, creative, open way” drove Jennifer Flores to create Interior Design Firm: A Psychotherapy Practice.
A Local Tour Through Entertainment History
We caught a sneak peek of the new Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood to see how guests will experience a journey through the iconic local landmark’s past and present.
Living History
Toluca Lake dwellers, please join me in a toast! We’re celebrating the fourth anniversary of Toluca Lake Magazine with our annual history issue.
Valley Community Healthcare Celebrates 50 Years of Affordable Health Services
In a time when affordable and trusted health care has become more important than ever, 2020 marked a milestone for Valley Community Healthcare (VCH).
TLHOA Supply Drive Aids Pets in Need
The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association hosted a donation drive to benefit two local organizations dedicated to helping pets.
Garden Club Event Nourishes Community Roots
The Toluca Lake Garden Club held a community outreach event to promote neighborhood beautification and local education.
Featured Pet: Bogus
Bogus is a chow mix rescue pup who traveled from Ventura County this year to join our community.
Help Us Create a More Vibrant Community
Toluca Lake Beautification Partners (TLBP) is conducting a survey as part of the planning process to develop a conceptual streetscape design of Riverside Drive.