City of Torrance City Council Meeting Summary - January 28, 2025

The Torrance City Council met on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The meeting began in closed session at 5:03 PM PT and the open session was called to order at 6:30 PM PT. The agenda included proclamations, a diverse set of public comments, several public hearings, and routine administrative matters. Key outcomes included the denial of an appeal on a hillside development, the appointment of Ian Daly as Finance Director, and the approval of local regulations for state-mandated home kitchen operations and solar energy systems.

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Black History Month: Mayor Chen proclaimed February 2025 as Black History Month. Dr. Sidney Morrison, former principal of West Torrance High School and author of a Frederick Douglass novel, accepted the proclamation and spoke on the importance of celebrating diversity in Torrance, noting its historically "checkered history of race relations" and current status as a highly diverse community.
• Wildfire Relief Drive: Mayor Chen announced the launch of a "Stuff a Bus" donation drive running through January 31st at the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center. The drive collects specific items (diapers, toilet paper, N95 masks, gloves, etc.) to support victims of the Southern California wildfires, and he thanked first responders who provided mutual aid.
• Community Recognitions: The council recognized Samuel Denke America Inc. for its 30-year partnership and donation of 10 uninterruptible power supplies to the city's IT department. The council also celebrated the 100th birthday of longtime resident Chuck Simmons.

Council Committee Reports and Announcements

• Friendship City Proposal (Rejected): Councilmember Kaji proposed establishing a friendship city relationship with Nikuzen Takata, Japan, hometown of Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, to build on existing relationships with other Japanese cities. Councilmember Kalani stated she opposed the motion because it was not inclusive. The motion failed to achieve council concurrence (3-0-4).
• Line of Duty Death Benefit (Approved): Councilmember Matucci received unanimous concurrence (7-0) to have staff research the feasibility of creating a dedicated city fund to provide sustained financial support for families of Torrance police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
• Mayor's Conference Report: Mayor Chen reported on his attendance at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, discussing the potential impact of federal policy changes and highlighting opportunities for Torrance to serve as a "base camp" for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

Public Comments and Testimony

• Oral Communications (Non-Agenda Items):
  • Charlie Salinas: Expressed strong support for the Torrance Fire Department, urging the council to give them anything they need.
  • Michael Lyon: Complained about early morning aircraft noise from Torrance Airport (specifically citing a Cessna at 7:04 AM), requesting the airport delay its opening time from 7 AM to 8 AM on weekdays.
  • Unregistered Speaker (Deportation Policy): Asked what the city is doing to protect the undocumented Asian community from federal deportation efforts. Mayor Chen responded that the city is "just following the law."
  • Unregistered Speaker (Police Oversight): Called for the creation of a civilian oversight commission for the police department, citing the cases of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell, the text messaging scandal, and redlining history in Torrance.
  • Andy Porcha: Expressed opposition to deportations and skepticism about the economic benefits of hosting the Olympics.
• Item 9A (CDBG/HOME Funds):
  • Andy Porcha: Criticized the city's past use of federal funds, stating the city does not provide affordable housing for low-income residents.
• Item 9B (2622 Del Meade Street Appeal):
  • Appellant (Theo, neighbor at 2609 Bryan Avenue): Argued the proposed two-story addition is a "McMansion" that violates the hillside overlay by blocking his view of the mountains and city lights. He warned the council that he would sue if the project was approved.
  • Applicant (Freddie Gondor, homeowner): Presented the plans, noting the height was lowered from 27 feet to 23 feet 2 inches to accommodate concerns. He argued the project complies with all standards and is a reasonable use of his property.
  • Andy Porcha: Spoke in favor of the homeowner's right to improve his property.
• Item 9C (Solar/EV Ordinance):
  • Andy Porcha: Spoke against electric vehicles, citing battery fire risks.
• Item 10A (Finance Director Appointment):
  • Andy Porcha: Criticized the outgoing and incoming finance directors regarding a past annexation study and police funding. Mayor Chen corrected the record, stating the police department is fully funded.

Discussion Items

• Item 9A: Annual Action Plan (CDBG and HOME Funds): Staff held a public hearing to solicit input on the development of the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan. Staff projected funding levels similar to the current year ($1,023,000 for CDBG and $440,000 for HOME). Council deferred project recommendations. The public hearing was closed.
• Item 9B: Appeal of Development (2622 Del Meade Street): The council deliberated on the appeal of a Planning Commission (PC) decision approving a two-story addition in the Hillside Overlay zone. Staff argued the project met all objective standards (FAR 0.5, lot coverage 36%, open space 58%, height 23 feet 2 inches) and would not cause significant adverse impacts due to elevated topography. Councilmembers disclosed they had visited the site. The appellant stated no compromise was acceptable. The council voted to deny the appeal and approve the development.
• Item 9C: Solar and EV Charger Ordinance: Staff presented an ordinance amending the municipal code to comply with state laws (AB 1236, AB 970) for streamlined permitting of solar energy systems and electric vehicle supply equipment. The PC recommended approval 5-0-2. Council approved the ordinance.
• Item 10A: Appointment of Finance Director: City Manager Aram Chaparyan announced the transition from outgoing Finance Director Sheila Poisson to Ian Daly. Poisson was praised for her stewardship during COVID-19 and reserve recovery. Ian Daly expressed his vision for customer service and budget development. Council approved his appointment unanimously, effective February 9, 2025.
• Item 10B: Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHO): Staff introduced an urgency and a regular ordinance to regulate home cooking businesses, as authorized by state law and LA County regulations. LA County Health will handle permitting (37 approved countywide, 1 in Torrance). The council approved the ordinances.

Key Outcomes

• Item 9B Motion Passed (7-0): The City Council denied the appeal and upheld the PC approval of the development at 2622 Del Meade Street.
• Item 10A Motion Passed (7-0): City Council appointed Ian Daly as the new Director of Finance.
• Item 5 Proposal Failed (3-0-4): A proposal for a Friendship City with Nikuzen Takata, Japan was rejected.
• Item 5 Concurrence Passed (7-0): Staff was directed to research a Line of Duty Death Benefit for families of fallen first responders.
• Items 9C and 10B Passed Unanimously: Ordinances for solar/EV equipment and Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations were approved.
• Consent Calendar Approved Unanimously: Including Resolution 2025-05 on easements at 22501 Hawthorne Boulevard.