Torrance City Council Regular Meeting - July 8, 2025

The Torrance City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, convening in closed session at 5:03 PM, reconvening in open session at 6:48 PM, and adjourning at approximately 1:08 AM. The agenda included the appointment of commissioners and committee members, an 18-item consent calendar, three public hearings, and a series of administrative matters, including a new Religious and Higher Education Institution Housing Overlay Zone, a $29.48 million solid waste disposal contract, and a revised cottage food ordinance tied to the Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights display. Councilmember Sheikh left during the early evening break; all subsequent votes were conducted with six members present. No actions were reported out of the first closed session; after the final closed session, the council reported upholding the termination of a police officer.

Commission Appointments (Item 6A)

The council filled vacancies on multiple commissions and the SST Oversight Committee by public nomination and roll-call vote. All applicants were verified registered voters who completed required training. Newly appointed members were administered the oath of office.

• Planning Commission: Dominic Borgiali and David Cartsonis, appointed unanimously.
• Civil Service Commission: Mary Ann Hamada and Hannah Sasaki, reappointed.
• Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Commission: Dr. Nairi Berry, Dr. Lori Love, and Camilla Safarian (Love and Safarian to 2029 terms; Berry to 2027).
• Airport Commission: Dylan Wakayama and Francisco Leonardo Olmos (2029 terms) and Eugene Kirch (2026 term).
• Commission on Aging: Joan Jones and Linda Kramer (2029 terms) and Barbara Ono (2027 term).
• Cultural Arts Commission: Ed Candiotti and Michelle Pulkari.
• Library Commission: Julie Dogiri and Dennis Pietrowski (2029); Joy Sun (2026); Andrea Riley (2026, defeating Diana Waters in a tiebreaker vote).
• Parks and Recreation Commission: Robert Hable and Linda Melling (2029 terms); Rosie Mayfield (2028 term).
• Social Services Commission: Teresa Fury and Kenneth Johnson (2029 terms); Jocelyn De La Rosa (shorter term, chosen by roll-call vote).
• SST Oversight Committee: Barbara Ono, unanimous.
• Traffic Commission: Michael Gibson (2029 term).
• Final commission vacancy (commission not named in the transcript): Russell LaFay and Alan Masnik (Masnik defeated Russell Vacaria in a tiebreaker vote).

Note: The city clerk first announced that applicant Michelle Pulkari was unable to attend, but she was subsequently nominated and appointed; the transcript does not resolve this discrepancy.

Proclamations and Community Announcements

• Proclamation: July 2025 declared Parks and Recreation Month in Torrance, marking the 40th anniversary of National Parks and Recreation Month with the theme 'Build Together, Play Together.' The proclamation was presented to Parks and Recreation Commissioner Linda Mell.
• Tryst and Nomad Art Fair: Cultural Services Manager Monica Hart announced the free international art fair at Del Amo Crossing (21535 Hawthorne Boulevard) on July 11 (4-6 PM opening) and July 12-13 (12-6 PM), featuring 66 galleries and approximately 350 artists (Tryst) plus approximately 180 Los Angeles-based artists (Nomad).
• Councilmember Mattucci reminded residents that home occupation permits are required for businesses operated from residential properties and reported on the Armed Forces Day post-event review. He obtained council concurrence to request that the city clerk research combining city commissions where practical.
• Social Services Commission member Melissa Wright promoted the annual back-to-school supply drive (running through July 24) supporting Torrance Unified School District students experiencing homelessness or in foster care.
• Councilmember Kalani announced the Torrance Historical Society's 18th annual 'Rock Around the Block' 1950s-style event on July 17, 5-8 PM, at 1345 Post Avenue.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the consent calendar in one motion, adopting Resolutions 2025-40 through 2025-44. Notable items included:

• 8B: Resolution 2025-40 - accepted $100,000 from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) REAP 2.0 program for a Housing Corridor Utility Infrastructure Assessment.
• 8C: Awarded the demolition of Building 8 at Charles H. Wilson Park to American Integrated Resources (Orange, CA) - $428,599.50 plus a 10% contingency of $42,859.95 (total $471,459.45), with a CEQA categorical exemption under Section 15301.
• 8F: Approved side letter agreements with the Torrance Fire Fighters Association, Torrance Library Employees Association, Torrance Police Officers Association, and Torrance Police Commanders Association (strike team policy, salary grid correction, promotional exams).
• 8G: Resolutions 2025-41 through 2025-44 - set hours, wages, and working conditions for Executive/Management, Fire Safety Management, TPOA, and TPCA at a total cost of $3,422,646, including 5.44% ($2,740,453) for TPOA and 4.5% ($682,193) for TPCA.
• 8H/8I: Approved a revised Chief of Police class specification and open examination, and a new Police Commander class specification.
• 8J: Approved a Police FY 2025-26 program modification of $420,984.
• 8L: Extended the federal advocacy agreement with Van Scoyoc Associates by $115,200 (new not-to-exceed total $277,200) through June 30, 2027.
• 8M: Extended the Torrance Community Transit Program (Senior Taxi and Disabled Dial-A-Taxi) agreement with Administrative Services Cooperative by $717,570 (new not-to-exceed total $2,952,570) through July 31, 2026.
• 8N: Approved a Measure R 20% bus operations MOU with Metro for July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2035.
• 8O: Set a closed hearing for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, on a Civil Service Commission suspension appeal.
• 8P: Granted a one-time hours exemption for the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce event at Charles H. Wilson Park (August 1-3).
• 8Q: Extended GSI Environmental's soil management agreement by $147,000 (new not-to-exceed total $458,700).
• 8R: Approved the ninth amendment to Rutan & Tucker's fee agreement - $6,300,000 (new not-to-exceed total $15,773,371.70) for the 2020 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board order/Hi-Shear litigation.

Public Hearings

9A - Annual Action Plan FY 2025-26 (HUD/CDBG/HOME): Staff reported HUD allocations of $947,578 in CDBG funds and $418,701.85 in HOME funds. The plan allocates $15,000 to the Housing Right Center for fair housing, $758,062 to sidewalk improvements (neighborhood bounded by 230th Place, Arlington, Sepulveda, and Crenshaw), reprograms $122,706 in unused prior-year CDBG funds, and reserves $314,026 in HOME funds for a future affordable housing project. No comments were received during the 30-day public review period. Public testimony at the hearing included criticism that the city has not built housing despite receiving funds ("How many houses did you build? Zero?") and a comment that the housing investment appears 'insubstantial.' The mayor responded that seniors have benefited from HOME improvements and sidewalk repairs. Motion to concur with staff recommendations carried (Sheikh absent).

9B - Religious and Higher Education Institution Housing Overlay Zone (Ordinance 3951): Staff (Kevin Joe) presented a draft ordinance implementing state housing law that prohibits replacement of more than 50% of religious-use parking displaced by housing development, allows local governments to adopt objective development standards, requires units be affordable to low-income households, and prohibits requiring more than one parking space per unit. The ordinance applies to properties owned by religious and higher education institutions on or before January 1, 2024, with development standards for two subgroups (under two acres; two acres or larger). No housing developments are currently proposed on any such sites. Public testimony: Anthony Todd questioned why religious institutions are targeted when other vacant or abandoned land exists; Pastor Barry Griffin of Jubilee Fellowship (18015 Prairie Avenue) asked for a definition of 'overlay zone' and confirmation that participation is voluntary; another speaker asked which standards are state-mandated versus locally chosen. Councilmember Mattucci delivered lengthy criticism of state preemption of local control, said he was voting yes because the city has 'a gun to our head,' and warned the law would erode religious institutions and single-family neighborhoods. The ordinance passed 4-1 (Councilmember Lewis voting no; Sheikh absent), with CEQA exemption determinations under Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5).

9C - Delinquent Solid Waste, Sewer, and Water Fees (Resolutions 2025-45, 2025-46, 2025-47): Finance Director Ian Daly explained that delinquent utility accounts over 60 days old are placed on the county tax roll for collection with property taxes - a program begun in 2011 and expanded in 2013 and 2022. Since FY 2022, the city has recovered approximately $688,490, or 97%, of overdue balances with this program. Property owners were notified by letter; notice was published in the Daily Breeze on June 28, and payments are due by September 5. County assessor fees total approximately $416. Public testimony: one speaker supported the collections ("if you poop, you have to pay"); another called the assessment 'an extra tax on Torrance citizens for basic human needs.' Council directed staff to research whether addresses can be removed from the published delinquent list while retaining parcel numbers and amounts. The resolutions carried (Sheikh absent).

Administrative Discussion Items

10A - Community Resource and Response Center: Pathway Torrance: The council approved accepting and appropriating $1,000,000 in Community Project Funding (from Senator Alex Padilla via HUD) in addition to $5,500,000 previously awarded in state budget funds (from Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi) to restore the former county health building at 2300 Carson Street. The County of Los Angeles will lease the building with a term ending December 1, 2051; Venice Family Clinic will operate community health services on the first floor, and the city will relocate the public housing authority and homeless outreach team to the second floor. The city pays no rent but $2,500 per month for facility maintenance (increasing annually by CPI) plus janitorial, internet, and utilities for its submetered floor, and will retain $60,000 of the CPF funds for administration. CEQA Categorical Exemption 15301(a) was adopted. Public testimony included one speaker who supported accepting the $6.5 million and another concerned about potential cost overruns and city liability. Motion carried (Sheikh absent).

10B - Solid Waste Disposal Services Contract: The council approved a five-year contract with Allied Waste Transfer Services of California, LLC (Wilmington, CA) for up to $29,480,000, beginning November 1, 2025, with annual CPI adjustment capped at 5%. Staff cited the 2024 closure of the Southeast Resource Recovery Facility in Long Beach and the January 2025 closure of Chiquita Canyon landfill (which handled over 2.1 million tons of waste in 2023 - a third of the county's total) as factors driving rates above current levels but below market. Funds were appropriated: $180,000 from the General Fund, $540,000 from the Sanitation Fund, and $70,000 from the Water Fund. No immediate impact on residential rates is anticipated. One speaker criticized outsourcing of city services and jobs; another supported the contract and suggested the city consider its own transfer station. The motion carried.

10C - Regulation of Tarps, Canopies, and Pop-up Structures: Staff (Michelle Ramirez) reported that no 'blue tarp' ordinances were found in other cities, though many cities limit tarp/canopy use to 30-90 days. A draft ordinance proposed limiting residential outdoor social-event structures to 12 hours in any 30-day period. Councilmembers Lewis and Mattucci objected to the 12-hour/30-day restriction, citing summertime shade and dining canopies, and requested staff return with revised language - including a 90-day allowance with a break period, provisions for car covers, and a focus on long-term tarps on roofs and dilapidated structures. The motion directing staff to revise the draft carried (Gerson no; Sheikh absent). Public testimony included opposition to what one speaker called 'homeowners association oversight' of private property.

10D - Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights and Cottage Food Ordinance (Ordinance 3952): Staff (Jamie Lay) reported that the resident-organized Seaside Ranchos holiday lights display (approximately 5,000 residents in 16 tracts) requires city public safety support estimated at approximately $190,306 for the 2025 holiday season. Residents decided not to move forward with forming a 501(c)(3) foundation to offset costs. Staff recommended the city not sponsor or sanction the event, consistent with practices in Rancho Cucamonga, Woodland Hills, Altadena, and San Diego. Public testimony: Seaside Neighborhood Association (SNA) president Sabrina Terzian clarified that the SNA (representing 1,600 homes) is not an HOA, is not financially tied to the lights, and does not penalize non-decorating homeowners; James Cassell, a 20-year resident, said the state's 2018 street-vending decriminalization 'turned our neighborhood into a chaotic disaster,' that the cottage food pilot was successful but not renewed, and that a resident 501(c)(3) proposal 'was met with a tone of disdain and negativity'; Jackie Cassell and Melissa Wright urged the city to continue police presence and code enforcement to keep unpermitted vendors out and not penalize residents for the event. The council approved a not-to-exceed $191,000 appropriation for associated public safety/staffing costs and affirmed the event is not city-sanctioned (Gerson and Kaji voting no; Sheikh absent). On cottage food, staff explained that existing ordinance limits direct sales to 9 AM-5 PM from inside the home, but giving food away or requesting donations is unregulated - a loophole exploited during the holiday display. Adoption of Ordinance 3952 as written (retaining 9 AM-5 PM hours) failed 3-3 (Gerson, Kalani, and Mattucci no; Sheikh absent). A second motion to adopt Ordinance 3952 as amended - permitting cottage food sales during December only, until 8 PM, on the property owner's premises and not within the public right-of-way - passed (Kalani no; Sheikh absent). Staff noted hot chocolate is not an allowable cottage food item because it is considered perishable and potentially hazardous.

10E - Council Budget Reallocation to Police and Fire: The council approved reallocating $33,120 from the FY 2025-26 City Council operating budget - $16,560 each to the Police and Fire Department budgets - fulfilling Councilmember Kalani's earlier request to defer a portion of her salary. Motion carried (Kalani abstained; Sheikh absent).

10F - Donation of Police Service Dog Max (Resolution 2025-48): The council approved donating K9 Max to the Redondo Beach Police Department along with a donation and release of liability agreement. Acting Chief Bob Dunn explained the dog had been in boarding since its handler left the department, and that skills diminish the longer a dog is not deployed. Motion carried unanimously (Sheikh absent).

10G - South Bay Beer & Wine Festival Financial Offsets: The council approved up to $15,838 in financial offsets for the September 27, 2025 festival (12-4 PM) at the Western Museum of Flight, covering city fees and reimbursable costs. The event budget is approximately $50,538 plus a $7,580.70 contingency. Two police officers will be assigned (one is the minimum required for events with alcohol at the airport). Museum Director Cindy Maka stated that Moog is not contributing financially but will bring a booth, and Robinson Helicopter will provide parking and a display; sponsorships (up to $7,500 in potential revenue noted in the staff report) had not yet been solicited pending council approval. Motion carried (Sheikh absent).

Public Comments and Testimony

Oral Communications #1 and #2 included the following comments:

• Raymond Ward and Laura MacRiely raised concerns about the rollout of street-sweeping parking ticket enforcement in Hollywood Riviera, calling it 'poorly executed at a high cost to the public' and requesting a future discussion.
• Charlie Salinas paid tribute to Steve Mandel, a Vietnam War veteran (served 1967-68 as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner), longtime Torrance Police Department employee, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 53 newsletter editor who passed away the previous week.
• Julie Dodgery (New Horizons Civic Affairs Co-Chair) thanked transit staff for a comprehensive workshop on services for seniors.
• Several residents of the Cote de Jour/Cote d'Azur condominiums (Paseo de la Playa, bordering Palos Verdes Estates) requested that the Torrance fire marshal assess a dense grove of highly flammable eucalyptus trees on the Palos Verdes Estates side of their properties; they cited an April 2010 fire that Fire Station 4 reportedly said would have become a flaming inferno if crews had arrived 20 minutes later, and in which a neighbor died.
• George Spinoza, a fire mechanic, alleged workplace harassment and retaliation by fleet supervisors, saying four witnesses had come forward, and asked the council for help.
• A resident thanked the city for a safe July 4th fireworks show, calling it one of the safest in Los Angeles County.
• A recurring disruptive speaker ('Goober') repeatedly insulted council members and was warned about decorum; the mayor stated that clapping or other disruption could lead to expulsion after a warning.
• Another speaker thanked Councilmembers Kalani and Lewis for attending a first annual Pride event, noted the city has 'yet to acknowledge pride,' and flagged outdated city website information, including 2020 council decorum rules.
• In Oral Communications #2, Councilmember Kalani promoted the Historical Society's 'Rock Around the Block' event, and Councilmember Lewis thanked staff for a successful 4th of July event and acknowledged her son's birthday.

Key Outcomes

• All commission and committee vacancies filled by appointment (see list above); appointees took the oath of office.
• Consent calendar approved in one motion, including Resolutions 2025-40 through 2025-44.
• 9A: FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan approved for submission to HUD (carried; Sheikh absent).
• 9B: Ordinance 3951 adopted - Religious and Higher Education Institution Housing Overlay Zone (4-1; Lewis no, Sheikh absent).
• 9C: Resolutions 2025-45, 2025-46, and 2025-47 adopted authorizing delinquent fee collection through the county tax roll (carried; Sheikh absent). Staff to research removing addresses from the public delinquent list.
• 10A: Pathway Torrance funding, grant documents, subrecipient agreement, and lease terms approved (carried; Sheikh absent).
• 10B: Allied Waste five-year solid waste disposal contract approved at up to $29,480,000 (carried).
• 10C: Staff directed to revise the draft tarp/canopy/pop-up ordinance with a 90-day allowance, car cover provisions, and focus on long-term structural tarps (carried; Gerson no, Sheikh absent).
• 10D: Up to $191,000 appropriated for holiday lights public safety/staffing costs; event affirmed as not city-sanctioned (Gerson and Kaji no; Sheikh absent). Ordinance 3952 adopted as amended - cottage food sales allowed in December only, until 8 PM (Kalani no; Sheikh absent). An earlier motion to adopt the ordinance as written (9 AM-5 PM) failed 3-3.
• 10E: $33,120 reallocated from council budget to Police ($16,560) and Fire ($16,560) (carried; Kalani abstained, Sheikh absent).
• 10F: Resolution 2025-48 approved - Police Service Dog Max donated to Redondo Beach (unanimous; Sheikh absent).
• 10G: Up to $15,838 approved for South Bay Beer & Wine Festival fee offsets (carried; Sheikh absent).
• Item 10H (310 Baseball Torrance Friendship Games support) was withdrawn and will be brought back on a future agenda.
• Closed session report: The council adopted an order upholding the termination of a police officer following a June 10, 2025 hearing, by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmember Lewis abstaining and Councilmember Sheikh absent.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:08 AM to Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 3:00 PM for closed session; Tuesday, July 15, 2025, is a City Council dark night.