Toluca Lake Magazine Issue Archive
Winter 2024
It’s no coincidence that Toluca Lake’s beloved seasonal events are focused not just on fun, but also on giving back — building community, supporting our local businesses and donating to charities that serve our neighbors in need. This issue celebrates that spirit by highlighting a few of the many inspiring nonprofits making a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable community members. We also pay tribute to the 85th anniversary of the Chamber of Commerce and bring you our annual gift guide showcasing the many options close to home for all your holiday shopping, decorating, dining and entertainment needs.
2024 Gift Guide
From thoughtful gifts to festive essentials, everything is right here in the neighborhood, allowing you to shop close to home while supporting local businesses and wowing your loved ones.
Giving From the Heart
The three nonprofits highlighted here are among the inspiring local organizations that work year-round to care for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Chamber Memories
In honor of the 85th anniversary of the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, a few longtime members shared their reflections and favorite memories with us.
Marking a Milestone
Riverside Drive between Camarillo and Hollywood Way will be adorned with colorful banners sponsored by local businesses and residents in celebration of the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce’s 85th birthday this year.
Halloween Events Bring Chills and Thrills
Now in its eighth year, the Toluca Lake Halloween House-Decorating Contest sponsored by Tina Smith Homes brought neighbors together for some frightful fun with themes as inventive as they were spine-chilling.
Gifts of Gratitude
It’s that time of year again, when our neighborhood’s gift for creativity and connection surges to its highest levels with a series of seasonal celebrations.
Magical Holiday Parade Continues a Cherished Tradition
For more than 40 years, the Magical Holiday Parade has filled the streets of Toluca Lake with music, lights and seasonal spirit as it makes its way through the neighborhood on Christmas Eve.
TLHOA Highlights Community Efforts at Fall Member Meeting
The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association held its fall semiannual meeting on October 1, bringing together its membership to mingle, learn about recent successes and goals, and hear updates on community initiatives.
Community Spirit Shines in Monthly Cleanup Event
On the last Saturday of each month, Toluca Lake residents and business owners join forces in a community cleanup organized by the Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Extends a Warm Welcome
The Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce welcomed full-service pet photography studio Shuttermutt Photo to the neighborhood with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and networking mixer on October 10.
A Writable Life With Kathy Sparrow
Award-winning author and publishing consultant Kathy Sparrow is Toluca Lake’s resident literary midwife, guiding both skilled and fledgling writers through the laborious undertaking of bringing their stories to life.
Featured Pet: Sofie
Sofie has quickly settled into Toluca Lake since being adopted through local rescue Pawsitive Beginnings at the age of 3 months.
Featured Pet: Bongo
Bongo is an 8-year-old border terrier mix who was rescued from San Bernardino and adopted from Wylder’s in Studio City.
Featured Pet: Barker Posie
Barker Posie is a 7-year-old border collie, Australian kelpie and pit bull mix — in other words, a handful.
Featured Pet: Bisou
This charming and adventurous Toluca Lake resident adores strolling to the neighborhood’s array of restaurants.
Featured Pet: Charlie
This 5-year-old Siberian husky is beautiful inside and out. A “foster fail,” Charlie was adopted two weeks before the COVID pandemic hit.