Toluca Lake Magazine

11/23/2025

The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association’s 13th annual Toluca Lake Turkey Trot & Fall Festival is coming up this Sunday, November 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4444 Riverside Drive! Lace up your running shoes and bring your friends and family for an all-ages celebration of fun, fitness and neighborhood cheer benefiting the TLHOA, Fire Station 86 and East Valley PALS. Don’t miss out — register today at tinyurl.com/tlturkeytrot2025. We look forward to seeing you there!

11/20/2025

It’s rare to experience anything like a white Christmas in Toluca Lake, but hearing past neighborhood resident Bing Crosby croon about dreaming of a holiday “just like the ones I used to know” reminds us of all of our community’s beloved seasonal traditions, which add up to decades of treasured memories. In introduction to our new issue, publisher Mark Deitch reflects on our local celebrations and the spirit they represent. Read it at https://tolucalake.com/2025/11/may-your-days-be-merry-and-bright/.

11/20/2025

Here’s your first look at our new winter issue! This time of year, we’re focusing on the many gifts our community has to give: the traditions we enjoy with our neighbors, the presents we choose for our loved ones and the ways we help those in need. Inside you’ll find coverage of local events, our annual gift guide, profiles of three of the dedicated nonprofits making a difference in the lives of area residents, and two cozy winter beverage recipes to help you kick back and enjoy the season.

11/15/2025

Founded in 1920, the upscale Hollywood Country Club — located, despite its name, in Studio City — remained in operation for only 18 years and is long forgotten today, but its lush facilities and grounds drew attention to the area and turned it into coveted real estate. The Mission Revival clubhouse shown here was formerly a mansion belonging to William F. Holt, the developer known as “the Father of the Imperial Valley.” (Photo courtesy of Security Pacific National Bank Collection/Los Angeles Public Library.) Step into this bygone era at https://tolucalake.com/2025/08/building-the-dream-of-upscale-valley-living/!

11/10/2025

👻 What a night to remember at Toluca Lake’s 2nd Annual Community Howl! 🎃 Our neighborhood was buzzing with creative costumes, wagging tails, and plenty of Halloween cheer — plus amazing participation from our local Toluca Lake businesses who helped make the evening extra special. 🐾 From spooky pups to decked-out families, everyone brought their A-game and community spirit. Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun — swipe through to relive the howl-iday magic! ✨

11/02/2025

The Toluca Lake Turkey Trot is back! Get ready for a morning full of fun, fitness and hometown cheer at the 13th Annual Toluca Lake Turkey Trot & Fall Festival — happening Sunday, November 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4444 Riverside Drive!
All ages are welcome — bring your friends, family and festive spirit! Register today at tinyurl.com/tlturkeytrot2025. We’ll see you there! 🦃🏃‍♀️🏃

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween! The incredible displays lighting up Toluca Lake once again prove why our neighborhood is one of the best places to trick-or-treat and celebrate the spooky season. A huge thanks to everyone who participated in the ninth annual Halloween House-Decorating Contest, sponsored by Tina Smith Homes!
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On Forman Avenue, first-time entrants Lori Lethin and Charles and Finnegan Haid claimed the Rookie of the Year award for their original display, “Haunted Hospice.” On Biloxi Avenue, Mike Gaytan, Priscilla Torres, Ainhoa Gaytan and Mayra Sánchez took home the Master of Cuteness award for their bright, family-friendly spectacle, while Chris, Theresa, Valerie and Trenton Ofstad of Ledge Avenue won the Most Spine-Tingling prize for their “Courtside Killers” display.
After winning last year’s Best Craftsmanship award, Gregg Birkhimer and Evan Mitchell continued their reign of creativity with this year’s Most Imaginative Theme award. Rounding out the winners, Greg Weaver and Giana, and Haig and Jack Youredjian of Navajo Avenue captured the Most Masterful Ex*****on award with a display that could rival a movie set.
🎃🕷🕸🍭👹👻🏮🍬👺
For a guide to all of this year’s participants, visit https://www.tinasmithhomes.com/halloween.

10/30/2025

Calling all pet lovers! It’s time for one of Toluca Lake’s favorite fall traditions — the second annual Community Howl! Dress up your furry friend and join us at the Logix Federal Credit Union parking lot for a festive evening on October 30 at 5 p.m. This can’t-miss event includes prizes, pet-friendly vendors and businesses, and much more. We’ll see you there!

10/30/2025

Calling all pet lovers! It’s time for one of Toluca Lake’s favorite fall traditions — the second annual Community Howl! Dress up your furry friend and join us at the Logix Federal Credit Union parking lot for a festive evening on October 30 at 5 p.m. This can’t-miss event includes prizes, pet-friendly vendors and businesses, and much more. We’ll see you there!

2nd Annual Community Howl 🐾🎃 at Logix Federal Credit Union Parking Lot on Thu Oct 30 2025, 5:00pm PDT: Get ready for a tail-wagging good...

10/30/2025

Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce members and community partners came together to celebrate the grand opening of SKY Properties, Inc.’s new Toluca Lake office with an evening full of connection and celebration. Guests enjoyed light bites, drinks and great networking as Sky Properties was officially welcomed to the neighborhood. It was a wonderful night of community spirit and support!
Images by Daniel Deitch and Ross Benson (Courtesy of TL Chamber)

10/23/2025

A huge Dodgers fan, this sweet little 5-year-old chihuahua–terrier mix is named after his favorite player, Steve Garvey. The canine Garvey suffered a herniated disc in October 2023 and lost the use of his hind legs, but that hasn’t slowed him down. Read more about him at https://tolucalake.com/2025/08/featured-pet-garvey/.

10/23/2025

National Night Out celebrations returned to Toluca Lake for the first time in five years when residents and organizations gathered for a safety fair hosted by the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association , Neighborhood Watch and LAPD’s North Hollywood Division in August. Learn more about the purpose of the event and look back at the festivities at https://tolucalake.com/2025/08/night-out-for-a-safer-neighborhood/.