Toluca Lake Magazine

As she celebrates a lucky number seven years at her “one-in-a-million” job as an entertainment anchor/reporter for Good Day L.A. and living in her dream community of Toluca Lake, Amanda Salas is reflecting on how far she’s come in her personal and professional journey. “Waking up every single day in L.A., which has such a high and proud Hispanic population, and being one of the only Latina entertainment reporters in the city means a lot to me, and I will always use my voice to help with representation,” she says. Read about her career highs, public battle with cancer and love for life in the neighborhood at https://bit.ly/TLM-Amanda-Salas.

Amanda Salas Is Surviving and Thriving in Toluca Lake - Toluca Lake Magazine Amanda Salas is much more than a journalist. She’s one of the biggest cheerleaders for Toluca Lake, as well as an actor, car enthusiast, Critics Choice Association film critic, Television Academy member, pun champion, and cancer survivor and advocate.

“Toluca Lake does not need a sales pitch,” real estate agent Lori King of Ramsey-Shilling Associates says. “When I drive my clients down Riverside Drive, they fall in love with the Village. I share my experiences with the wonderful restaurants and eateries, shops and community. I always enjoy educating my clients about the history of Toluca Lake’s past and what is to come in the future.” Find out about King’s career achievements, her insights on the housing market, and her guidance for buyers and sellers in our 2024 Real Estate Resource Guide at https://bit.ly/loriking-tlm2024.

On Sunday, Toluca Lake’s youngest residents enjoyed an exciting morning filled with games and activities at the family-friendly Kids’ Summer Fun event, sponsored by the Toluca Lake Homeowners Association, SRM Real Estate Group, Red Maple Cafe and Logix - Toluca Lake Branch. Attendees of all ages were treated to an array of breakfast items and snacks, participated in coloring and face painting, and jammed out to a live musical performance by The BeatBuds. We were happy to see this community event have an amazing turnout!

Toluca Lake residents kicked off the start of summer with a lively block party hosted by the Artinian Realty Group on Riverside Drive on Saturday. The community enjoyed live music, snacked on delicious food, cooled down with ice cream and refreshing cocktails, participated in fun-filled activities and much more. Local businesses also offered special deals and discounts, and prizes were raffled off throughout the event. It was wonderful to see everyone come together to celebrate the summertime!

Lankershim Boulevard is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation! Spearheaded by planning team MIG and facilitated by Toluca Lake Beautification Partners, a community-led process is poised to reimagine Lankershim’s streetscape, breathing new life into the area between Riverside Drive and Cahuenga Boulevard. Go to https://bit.ly/TLBP-Sum2024 to get the details on the plan, its features and how you can get involved in this exciting revitalization initiative.

In our summer issue, we’re taking a trip back in time to the local nightclub scene of the ’60s and ’70s, when Burbank-based chanteuse Bobbi Boyle serenaded audiences at the Money Tree, the Smoke House and other Valley haunts. Read Chris Lukather’s fascinating story about her fabulous life and performing career at https://bit.ly/bobbyboyle.

“I let people know that Toluca Lake is the only place in L.A. County that still has a small-town feel to it. You’re always bumping into people you know here,” realtor, longtime resident and community leader Strong says. “Once people move here, they tell me how much they love their new neighbors and incredible community.” Learn more about Strong, his latest listings, the market trends he’s seeing, and his advice for buyers and sellers in our 2024 Real Estate Resource Guide at https://bit.ly/craigstrong-tlm2024.

When Sarah and Stephen Whitney both suddenly found themselves working from home due to the pandemic, their previously vague thoughts of someday expanding their classic single-story cottage on Clybourn Avenue became an urgent need. In “A Historic Home’s New Chapter,” they shared with us how they undertook a thoughtful renovation to transform their living space while blending contemporary and vintage elements to pay homage to their house’s historic Disney connection. Check out the story at https://bit.ly/TLM-Historic-Homes-New-Chapter.

The Southern California real estate market continues to be competitive and often challenging, particularly in our highly prized neighborhood, which draws people in with its lovely homes, scenic streets and small-town feel. That’s why, in our summer issue, we’re bringing you our fourth annual real estate resource guide, where six local pros detail the services they provide and offer their expertise to help seasoned and aspiring buyers, sellers and renters navigate the market. Check it out at https://bit.ly/TLM-real-estate-2024.

Here’s a first look at our summer issue, featuring Good Day L.A. host/anchor Amanda Salas! The veteran entertainment journalist has proudly called Toluca Lake her home for the past seven years and is one of the neighborhood’s biggest cheerleaders. In our cover story, the self-described “Latina on the Scene-a” gives us the scoop on her career highlights, her public battle with cancer, her knack for puns and the place where she’s found healing, romance and community. Check your mailbox for our latest issue!

One of the many advantages of our neighborhood is being close to some of the best hiking in the city! Griffith Park, for example, is full of trails that immerse hikers in the wilderness while also offering sweeping views of the urban landscape. The path through Ferndell Nature Museum, a rich assortment of flora and fauna living in a tree-shaded oasis, connects to the West and East Observatory trails leading to Griffith Observatory for an approximately 2.5-mile loop that feels both peaceful and energizing. Read more about this and some of our other favorite local hikes at https://bit.ly/TLM-Take-To-The-Trails.

A massive complex just south of the Los Angeles River, Republic Studios (shown here in the early 1940s, photo courtesy of Bison Archives) stretched from Radford Avenue down to Colfax Avenue in Studio City, one of the area’s largest pieces of property at the time. For almost 25 years, it established major stars and film genres, influencing the evolution of the motion picture business with creative innovation and risk-taking, despite miniscule budgets. Read our story at https://bit.ly/republicpictures to learn how Republic’s filmmakers ensured the San Fernando Valley’s importance to the entertainment business for decades to come, both as a creative center and a welcoming home base.

Today we honor the memory of the members of the U.S. armed forces throughout history who gave their lives in service to our nation. As we enjoy this holiday with friends and family, let us remember their sacrifice and treasure the freedoms they helped to preserve.

Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks truly lives up to its name by offering stunning views of a scenic waterfall that plunges into a 40-foot pool along the Arroyo Conejo. Along the way to the waterfall, hikers will see lush greenery, cactuses, oak trees and even a modern-style teepee with cement benches inside. To read more about Paradise Falls and other great local hiking destinations, check out “Go With the Flow” at bit.ly/TLM-go-with-the-flow.

“It’s just a perfect combination of great people and the right location with a storybook feel.” That’s how entertainer, songwriter, music publisher and advocate Dean Kay describes his love for Toluca Lake, his home for over 55 years. While it’s clear his road to success was paved with talent, timing and plenty of hard work, Kay shares that it never would have been possible if not for a certain lucky break — thanks, coincidentally, to one of Toluca Lake’s most famous past residents, Frank Sinatra. To read more about Kay’s incredible career and the impact Toluca Lake has had on his life, visit https://tolucalake.com/2021/03/thats-life-in-toluca-lake/.
Photo taken by Daniel Deitch. Story written by Jenna Anderson.

Looking for the perfect Sunday outing? Look no further than the Studio City Farmers Market! A one-stop destination for locally grown produce, artisan foods and crafts and more, the farmers market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday. Also, don’t forget to check out the market’s beautiful selection of flowers that will brighten up any space!

Toluca Lake’s 16th annual Old-Fashioned Pancake Breakfast is happening NOW! Enjoy delicious pancakes, eggs and sausage, as well as fresh fruit and refreshing beverages TODAY until 1PM. Attendees also have the chance to tour Fire Station 86, enjoy live music, take part in a silent auction and much more. We can’t wait to see you at the fire station (4305 Vineland Ave.)! For more information, visit tinyurl.com/bvbuu3tj.

Perched atop Burbank Peak is the Wisdom Tree, an iconic sight and powerful symbol for people across L.A. For those looking to soak in the great weather and see some great views of the Valley, head to the trailhead of this inspiring L.A. landmark by parking on Lake Hollywood Drive and making your way down Wonder View Drive. To read more about great hikes that are close to home, visit https://tolucalake.com/2020/03/take-to-the-trails/

“My goal is to help the residents and professionals of Toluca Lake live happier and healthier lives,” says Laura Mann, owner of Wildflower Acupuncture . Her practice on Riverside Drive, which opened last year, combines traditional acupuncture with cutting-edge medical approaches to help those with conditions such as neuropathy, long COVID, infertility, chronic pain and more. Learn more about Mann and what fuels her passion for her work in our latest Local Business Spotlight at TolucaLake.com, or follow the link in our profile.

Republic Pictures helped establish John Wayne as a Western lead early in his career, and he remained loyal to the small, Studio City-based B-movie powerhouse even after becoming a star in John Ford’s 1939 United Artists film Stagecoach. Wayne lured Ford to Republic to enhance its prestige by producing a few “A” pictures, including 1952’s The Quiet Man starring Wayne and Maureen O’Hara (shown here), which earned two Oscars and the studio’s only Best Picture nomination. Learn more about the history of Republic, its iconic films and actors, and its impact on the industry and the surrounding communities in our article at https://bit.ly/republicpictures!

Built in 1941 in the shape of a barrel to attract passing motorists, Idle Hour has been a beloved North Hollywood fixture for several decades. After becoming an L.A. historic-cultural monument in 2010, restorers, using black-and-white photos, returned Idle Hour to its former glory and reopened it in 2015. Located on Vineland Avenue, Idle Hour regularly hosts trivia nights on Tuesdays, bingo on Wednesdays and delicious Sunday brunch — featuring $16 bottomless mimosas and live music. Can’t wait to see you there!

John Wayne, pictured here with his “Pals of the Saddle” co-stars Max Terhune and Ray “Crash” Corrigan, was one of Republic Pictures’ iconic cowboy stars. During his early tenure, the rugged tough guy appeared in action-packed Westerns and high-energy, youth-oriented productions. John Ford’s “Stagecoach” made Wayne a star in 1939, but he remained loyal to Republic for establishing him as a Western lead. Learn more about Wayne and the cadre of cowboys who helped bring success to Republic, the studio’s history and more in our article at https://bit.ly/republicpictures.

One of the most popular hikes for locals and tourists alike is the journey to the Hollywood sign. One way to reach this famous landmark is by first hiking to the Wisdom Tree on Burbank Peak and then heading east to the Aileen Getty Ridge Trail, which leads to the back of the sign. This moderate/hard hike is steep and will provide a good workout along with some amazing views of L.A. and Burbank. Learn about this trek and nine other local adventures at https://bit.ly/TLM-Take-To-The-Trails.

Canadian-born fashion designer Dalia MacPhee and her dog, Lilly, model her designs for matching human and pet rainwear in a vintage horse print, along with an umbrella she created that has a built-in LED flashlight. These chic pieces showcase how she’s taking fashion to new heights with her boundless innovation and creativity. Learn more about MacPhee’s journey into the fashion world, what drives her designs and how living in Toluca Lake inspires her at https://bit.ly/daliamacpheeTLM.

With the weather (hopefully) warming and the rains receding, now is a great time to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the spring greenery! One place to lose yourself in the seasonal lushness is Ferndell Nature Museum (shown here), home to native and exotic plants and animals and plenty of otherworldly beauty. (Be sure to drop by the Trails Café at the top of the trail for coffee and homemade pie!) Learn about this hike and nine other local adventures at https://bit.ly/TLM-Take-To-The-Trails.

The Toluca Lake Homeowners Association held their annual meeting on March 27 at Bodega Malbec, where new and longtime members alike gathered to reflect on the organization’s recent accomplishments and look ahead to goals for the coming year. While enjoying delicious appetizers and wine, the group welcomed incoming board members and thanked outgoing ones for their service, heard updates from TLHOA and its community partners (including the Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council, the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, the Toluca Lake Neighborhood Watch and Council District 2), and discussed neighborhood issues.

Assemblymember Laura Friedman is one of the biggest climate champions in the State Legislature, focusing much of her work on the intersection of transportation, sustainability and climate change. She hopes to replace Representative Adam Schiff in Congress and bring her fresh perspectives and fearless leadership on those issues and more to Washington, D.C. “I think we need environmental warriors to be in Congress, and that’s what I am,” she says. Learn more about Friedman, her legislative priorities and what she loves about the 44th District at https://bit.ly/laurafriedman.

Gene Autry poses with co-star Carol Hughes and longtime sidekick Smiley Burnette for 1938’s “Gold Mine in the Sky,” a film he made with Republic Pictures in Studio City, a little studio with a big heart that established major stars and film genres and influenced the evolution of the motion picture business for almost 25 years. Learn more about the history of Republic, its iconic films and actors, and more in our article at https://bit.ly/republicpictures.

Canadian-born fashion designer Dalia MacPhee and her dog, Lilly, model her designs for matching human and pet rainwear in a vintage horse print, along with an umbrella she created that has a built-in LED flashlight. These chic pieces showcase how she’s taking fashion to new heights with her boundless innovation and creativity. Learn more about MacPhee’s journey into the fashion world, what drives her designs and how living in Toluca Lake inspires her at https://bit.ly/daliamacpheeTLM.