Unless you are one of the fortunate few to live on the border of the lake or lucky enough to view it from the banks of Lakeside Golf Club, you would never know the lake in Toluca Lake really exists.

Toluca Lake, contained within the cities of Los Angeles and Burbank was established almost a decade ago by Hollywood investors and developers.

Two scenic and peaceful lakes, one on the Los Angeles side and the other on the Burbank side, are surrounded by Lakeside Golf Club and beautiful estates. Owned by the homes which border it, the Toluca Lake Property Owners Association, a non-profit corporation, assists with maintaining and keeping the lake clean.

Originally, the springs from the outcropping of the Valley’s water table supplied the lake with water. At present, wells from the lake’s edges supply water and the entire bottom of the lake is surfaced with concrete to stop the water from seeping.

The lake covers approximately 6 acres and varies in depth from 18 inches to 10 feet. Supplied with fish and used as a recreation site for boating and swimming, the lake is a hidden oasis which really does exist!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Shelley Rizzotti

Offering unforgettable flowers & gifts.

John Glebocki

By: Tim McLaughlin

Located at 14325 Ventura Blvd. at the corner of Tyrone and next to the Handywash car wash, A TOUCH OF ROMANCE offers the freshest flowers for all occasions and at great prices.

John Glebocki, the owner, has been at the location for over 20 years and he takes great pride in his arrangements and the quality of his flowers.  Stop in and let John assist you with his vast array of flowers, gifts and garden delights.

Drop by at: 14325 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks

818-907-7013

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tim Mclaughlin

From NoHo to Encino, you can find it on sidewalks, street signs and walls.

By Linda Cardoso

Spray Paint Expressionism, and no area is immune. It’s annoying, it’s disappointing, it is disrespectful and even when it’s clever, it’s still vandalism. The one thing most experts agree on is the importance of swift removal.

The City of L.A. has just set up an easy to use website for citizens to report and request removal of graffiti in their neighborhoods. Go to http://anti-graffiti.lacity.org and follow the instructions. Within 48 to 72 hours the graffiti removal should be complete.

Whether you are in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Tujunga Village, Valley Village, or my two favorite locales, No-Mor-Cold-Tofu (that’s North of Moorpark, Coldwater to Fulton) and Sherman Village, the City of L.A. will act quickly to keep our Valley neighborhoods beautiful.

The Graffiti Removal website was developed by the Los Angeles Board of Public Works, Office of Community Beautification. Check out their website at http://lacity.org/bpw/ocb and learn about other City of L.A. beautification efforts including neighborhood Grants and Grant Workshops held at library branches throughout the city.

Let’s keep it pretty out there people – this is L.A. and the World has certain expectations. We are the citizens of the Dream Factory and we share responsibility for keeping safe the image of Los Angeles known throughout the world. Do your part, be a conscientious neighbor and a good citizen keeping our city beautiful. Do not litter, pick-up after your dog, and report graffiti. The World is counting on us.

Please forward this information to your neighbors and friends and ask them to Bookmark the website addresses and Keep L.A. Beautiful.

Linda Cardoso

Linda Cardoso, Estate Agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in representing single family and condominiums residences in the $500,000 - $3,000,000 price range throughout Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz and Burbank.

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By:  Tim Mclaughlin

If you’ve sat in rush hour traffic on Ventura Blvd  it’s hard to believe that there was a time when you could go there to shop for an in ground swimming pool.  This photo from the late 1940′s shows a swimming pool store located on the Blvd. in Sherman Oaks that offered a variety of different sizes and styles.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tim Mclaughlin

A car show with a cause.

By: Shelley Rizzotti

On Sunday, October 4th, 2009 from 9am – 3pm, the Toluca Lake Chamber of Commerce, The Great Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council and The Toluca Lake Homeowner’s Association are presenting the 2nd annual Toluca Lake Charity Car Show.  The street will be blocked off on Riverside Drive between Forman Avenue & Clybourn Street.

This should be loads of fun and will support a good cause.  Proceeds to benefit the Los Angeles Police Department/East Valley Pals Program.

More information can be found at www.tolucacarshow.com

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Shelley Rizzotti

By: Shelley Rizzotti

Vine ripened tomatoes, humus, fresh cut flowers, fried pita bread (addicting to even the most sophisticated palate), honey, nuts, herbs and much more are offered at Burbank’s weekly farmer’s market.

The famer’s market is held in the parking lot behind City Hall (Third Street and Orange Grove) every Saturday from 8am-12:30pm.  There is tons of free parking, but be sure to get there early for the best selection of food and produce!

For more information visit:farmers-market.php

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Shelley Rizzotti

By: Shelley Rizzotti

Henry’s Farmers Market is opening in the old Vons location at 1011 N.  San Fernando Boulevard.  Henry’s was established by Henry Boney in 1943 and prides itself on offering natural, locally grown organic produce as well as a plethora of diverse foods.  Many people say it is a cross between Trader Joes and Whole Foods.  Janet Little, Henry’s spokesperson, describes shopping at Henry’s as “reminiscent of produce stands and corner butcher shops of the 1950s.”  The grand opening ceremonies are on September 30th, 2009 at 8:45am.  If you can prove your first name is Henry, you will get a free deli sandwich that day.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Shelley Rizzotti

$250 City Giveaway for Rainwater Conservation.

By Gary Krieger

The City of Los Angeles has a pilot program to conserve rainwater for residents and local businesses. The purpose of the program is to prevent water runoff and the contamination the runoff water carries with it to the drainage system. By recycling the rainwater for use in your gardens, it reduces the amount of runoff entering the storm drains and eventually the ocean.

The City is providing installation and equipment, the value of which is estimated to be $250 per household. If you’d like to sign up, or for more information, go to http://www.larainwaterharvesting.org/ or call 562-597-0205.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Gary Krieger

Gary Krieger, Estate Agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty in Sherman Oaks, is a seasoned business executive and author who devotes his full time to the business of real estate.

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The size of this market is small, but ample to find fresh and healthy delicacies.

By Shelley Rizzotti

While many farmer’s markets are only open on Saturdays, Toluca Lake Farmer’s Market  offers shopping for fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables, flowers, art, crafts, and more on Sunday’s year round (unless bad weather or some holidays).

Its located on a cul-de-sac street adjacent to Wells Fargo-between Sancola and Forman. (You can park behind the Wells Fargo. )  The nearest address is 4500 N. Sancola Avenue, Toluca Lake, CA 91602.  Hours are 9:30am to 2:30pm.

The Toluca Lake Farmer’s Market has their own website which is updated to reflect days when it will not be open as well as contains a list of regular vendors.  www.TolucaLakeFarmersMarket.com

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Shelley Rizzotti

As a little girl, Cinderella was one of my favorite stories.

By Shelley Rizzotti

I was always fascinated by the glass slipper…like was that really the smartest type of material to make a pair of shoes out of…?

Well, next to my fascination of the glass slipper as a child, I have begun reflecting on the fairy godmother as an adult, especially after having met the beautiful porcelain skinned woman in whose image Disney’s Fairy Godmother was envisioned.  Kendall O’Connor, a layout artist for Disney in the mid 1950′s,  envisioned that the Fairy Godmother, one so smart, witty, wise and magical, must somehow look like his lovely wife Mary Alice.  So, he imagined what Mary Alice would look like when she got older (as she was still young at the time)…and there you have it!

The adult reflecting is of how when Cinderella is running late returning to the coach, the fairy godmother is not only there to help her get away before the spell wears off, but also to gently admonishing her for cutting it so close.  Lesson learned from Fairy Godmother: procrastination causes stress.

Recently, I had the honor of meeting Mary Alice O’Connor.  Prior to this time, the only thing I knew about the name is that it is the name on the Burbank’s new Family Center on the corner of Buena Vista and Verdugo.   Well, little did I know what a powerhouse she continues to be even at 93!  Mary Alice is known by Burbank leadership and citizenry as a woman who has been involved in volunteer work her entire life, always striving to make everything she touches better and encouraging others to get involved even when times are tough.  She emanates this even as she is confined to a bed in her home.  She still loves visitors and has a piece of advice for all.  Like the Fairy Godmother, Mary Alice gently urges people to show up on time and put their best foot forward…even if it is in a glass slipper:).

Lesson learned from Mary Alice: get involved in the betterment of society!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Shelley Rizzotti