Toluca Lake Magazine Issue Archive
Winter 2023
We’re sending you our season’s greetings through this winter issue. In addition to reporting on recent and upcoming community celebrations, we bring you our seventh annual gift guide to help you find the perfect presents for all the special people in your life, resources for holiday entertaining and plenty of ideas for your own wish list. Because this time of year is all about gratitude, giving and goodwill, we’re also spotlighting the inspirational stories of three nearby nonprofits that mobilize community support for our most vulnerable neighbors year-round. And since this is our last issue of this centennial year, we’re continuing our special focus on local history with an article on America’s favorite singing cowboy, Gene Autry, who lived and worked in this area for more than 60 years.
2023 Gift Guide
One of the things that gives the Toluca Lake area its character is our business community, abounding with stores, eateries and service providers you can’t find anywhere else.
Deep in the Heart of Toluca Lake
From his arrival in Southern California in the mid-1930s until the end of his life, Orvon Grover “Gene” Autry set down stakes in the Toluca Lake/Studio City area.
The Spirit of Giving
We shine the spotlight on three nonprofits in our area that, respectively, have found innovative and inspiring ways to aid seniors struggling with neurological disorders, fight food insecurity and rescue homeless pets.
Spectacularly Spooky
Gravestones and ghosts, bats and bones, pumpkins, spiders and creepy creatures galore invaded the houses and yards of Toluca Lake throughout the month of October.
Beloved Holiday Parade Returns
The Magical Holiday Parade is set to make its much-anticipated return on Christmas Eve, promising to once again fill the streets of Toluca Lake with cheer and holiday spirit.
The Heart of the Holidays
While every season in Toluca Lake has its own special charm, I’d tell anyone who wants to experience the true joy of the neighborhood that they need to be here for the bustling last quarter of the year.
A Happy Hundredth
The Toluca Lake Garden Club and other neighbors and friends held a “Rose Parade” on September 15 to honor the 100th birthday of beloved community member Rose Chimo.
Vineland’s Revival
Toluca Lake community leaders and other locals joined City Council President Paul Krekorian for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the Vineland Avenue median beautification project.
Garden Club Fundraiser Savors Local History
The Toluca Lake Garden Club took guests on a trip back in time at an October 1 fundraising event benefiting its ongoing community beautification projects and the Richard Duenckel Scholarship fund.
A Historic Career in Food
A Certified Culinary Professional, culinary educator, TV personality, and author of 16 books, George Geary shares his fascination with history and some of his favorite local restaurants, past and present.
Triumphing Over Hate With Love
In the early morning on June 7, Pastor Mark Stephenson received an alarming text alerting him that the large LGBTQ+ pride banner hanging outside Harmony Toluca Lake had been violently slashed.
Remembering Laura Ann Carleton
We were devastated by the senseless killing of Laura Ann Carleton after a dispute with a man who had made disparaging remarks about the LGBTQ+ pride flag she displayed outside her store.
Ask Adelita: How Do I Help My Dog Overcome a Difficult Past?
Just because a human or dog has had to endure abuse, it does not make them any less. In fact, the more you are able to help yourself and others, the more valuable you are to society.
The Wesley School
The Wesley School has become a highly desired independent school for parents across the San Fernando Valley seeking an educational experience that can mold their children into leaders.
Featured Pets: Winnie and Charlotte
Named after two of their family’s favorite children’s book characters, 4-year-old golden Lab Winnie and 6-year-old white Lab Charlotte have lived in Toluca Lake all their lives.