Journalist, activist, society editor from the past: Lucy Toberman
LUCY TOBERMAN
Lucy Toberman was a dedicated journalist and activist who made herself a fixture of both the Larchmont Chronicle and the larger community for decades. Her writing as the Chronicle’s society editor began in Oct. 1965 and continued until the day she died, just before her 85th birthday, a 29-year career with the paper. Besides her monthly column at the Chronicle, she wrote for several other Los Angeles papers, including the “Los Angeles Times,” while also teaching at and heading Los Angeles City College’s department of journalism.
In addition, Toberman was a passionate humanitarian and founded upwards of 30 charity organizations dedicated to filling community needs, including Las Floristas and auxiliaries for hospitals, halfway homes, and arts and cultural groups. A testament to her prominent role within the community can be found in the Historical Society of Southern California’s 1996 “Women in the Life of Southern California” anthology. “Toberman, a keen judge of human nature,” author Gloria Lothrop wrote, “responded to the needs of the growing community by organizing women’s groups that stage benefits ‘where people had a sense of value received.’ As a result, projects with which she has been affiliated have been distinguished by their success as well as their popularity.”
Lucy and husband Homer Toberman raised their five children in Hancock Park. One of them, daughter Lucy McBain, is currently working on a book about her mother’s life and achievements.
By Sidney Gubernick
Sidney Gubernick will be a sophomore at St. John’s College, Annapolis, Md. this fall.
Category: People
