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COMMUNITY NEWS AROUND ALHAMBRA
07/2022
Alhambra Chamber Asks… Each month, Around Alhambra asks people in our community to answer a question about life in Alhambra. This month, we posed this question to community members from across the city:
“What’s the best way to stay active in Alhambra?” Their answers ranged, but their answers are great examples of things that make Alhambra unique.
The best way to get out in Alhambra is to keep updated with what the city posts online. There’s so many activities for kids and families. Keep up to date and aware with what’s going on.” Amy Chang, resident
Alhambra has many unique places to visit, eat, and shop on-foot. We have Nucleus Gallery on Main Street, the weekly farmers market, and our many parks.” Councilmember Katherine Lee
In Their Own Words When you first meet Dahveed Kolodny-Nagy, you’re likely to hear him express his gratitude to the Alhambra community for supporting his passion project and business, Toyzilla Card Fusion on Main Street. Dahveed describes Toyzilla as a “collector’s paradise.” Behind the doors, collectors can find everything from trading cards, unique plush toys, action figures, playing cards, and an abundance of Funko Pops. The shop has an array of vintage toys, DC and Marvel Universe figurines, and some very special Gozilla action figures. There’s even a few one-ofkind toys with packaging designed by the store’s owner. The store was founded in 2017 by Dahveed Kolodny-Nagy and his wife Lisa Mao. “I have been working in toy stores for over 25 years,” Dahveed shared. “I used my childhood bedroom to start selling toys. Then, when my wife and I decided to open a toy store of our own, we couldn’t think of a better location than Lisa’s adopted hometown of Alham-
bra.” Unfortunately, Lisa passed away last year, but Dahveed finds her spirit still lives on in their toy store. Dahveed feels the most unique item in the store has to be their Toyzilla certified-signed Funko Pops, which have been signed by their namesakes during live events. These unique items can be purchased during the Toyzilla Swap Meet that’s held the last Saturday of the Month. You can also find them in store, Tuesday through Sunday. Dahveed welcomes collectors, toy lovers, and browsers to visit his store and find new and old treasures at Toyzilla Card Fusion on 43 E Main Street. If you have a story you would like us to consider for our “In Their Own Words” series, please submit it (with a photo if you like) to aa@alhambrachamber.org. We reserve the sole right to approve it for publication, as well as edit it and make revisions. Publication does not reflect endorsement.
Toyzila Card Fusion owner, Dahveed Kolodny-Nagy, shows off some of the shops collectible Funko Pops!
I think the best way to stay active in Alhambra is going to the many parks or gyms in the city. Exercise and other ways to stay active are accessible here.” Jacob Macias, resident
Walking, like Noemi does almost every day! The sidewalks and crosswalks here are good and safe enough for Noemi to use at almost 80-years-old.” Catalina Toscano and Noemi Pla, residents Do you have an answer to this month’s question? Post your answer by the end of the Month on our Facebook (@AlhambraChamberofCommerce) or Instagram (@alhambrachamber) page with the hashtag #AlhambraChamberAsks, and you could be selected to win a Chamber Prize Pack!
Toyzilla isn’t just for toys! Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and other trading cards can be found within the shop.
