Torrance City Council Meeting - September 9, 2025

The Torrance City Council met on September 9, 2025, beginning with a closed session at 5:02 PM. No actions were reported from closed session. The regular meeting reconvened at 6:39 PM. The council considered items including a controversial solar panel modification, a new building code adoption, and a proposed ban on Mylar balloons, alongside numerous consent calendar items and community recognitions.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved all consent calendar items with a single motion, with the exception of Item 8K which was pulled by Councilmember Sheikh.
• Approved items included: the approval of minutes; a $500,000 purchase order for water treatment chemicals; a $2,782,005.62 purchase order for two fire pumpers; a $1,165,443.12 purchase order for police vehicles; $3,976,927 for employee insurance rates; the Paradise Park renovation conceptual design; and various other operational contracts and reports.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 10A (Mylar Balloons) Opposition: Susie Huddleson (Mayflower), Lisa Brewbaker (event professional), and Tracy Dreske (Michaels Torrance) urged the council to reconsider the ban. They argued it penalizes responsible businesses, duplicates existing state law, and that public education on safe use and disposal is a more effective approach.
• Item 10A Support: Charlie Salinas spoke in favor of the ban, stating that Mylar balloons are a persistent environmental pollutant found in trees, bushes, and waterways.
• Smoke-Free Outdoor Areas (Orals #1): Bob Hable, Haley Arrata, and Alex Politanoff (Behavioral Health Services) urged the council to adopt a smoke-free outdoor areas policy. Politanoff presented survey data showing 80% of Torrance residents reported secondhand smoke exposure in outdoor areas and 80% supported a ban on smoking in outdoor dining. She noted the American Lung Association gave Torrance a "D" grade for its outdoor air policies.
• Civilian Oversight (Orals #1): Mary Ann and Carrie spoke in support of the creation of an independent civilian oversight commission, describing it as the final unmet demand in the case of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell.
• Other Speakers (Orals #1): Charlie Salinas advocated for cooperation between drivers and cyclists. Carol Gillis promoted the Torrance Theater Company. Tom requested the council pass a resolution regarding the Epstein/Maxwell files. David Ortiz criticized the council's public comment rules and city spending.
• Item 9A (Variance): Robert Osborne, the applicant, spoke in favor of the proposed variance to convert a two-unit residence to four units at 1810 Cabrillo Avenue. No members of the public spoke in opposition.

Discussion Items

• Item 8K - Solar Panel Modification (2550 Pacific Coast Highway): Councilmember Sheikh pulled the item for discussion. The debate centered on whether an open space easement allowing solar panels conflicted with a prior Environmental Impact Report that referred to the land as "natural open space." Community Development Director Michelle Ramirez clarified the city has no jurisdiction over the permit, which is issued by the state (HCD). Councilmembers Sheikh and Gerson expressed concerns about the site hosting over 700 solar panels. Councilmember Kaji made a motion to adopt the resolution.
• Item 10A - Mylar Balloon Ordinance: Councilmember Mattucci introduced the proposed ban on helium-filled Mylar balloons. Councilmember Lewis sought clarification on enforcement. Councilmembers Kaji and Gerson expressed reluctance, citing the existing state phase-out timeline. Councilmember Mattucci argued the city should take proactive steps, noting neighboring beach cities have already enacted similar bans.
• Item 9B - Target Density Ordinance: Staff presented an ordinance to establish target residential densities citywide at 75% of the maximum to meet the city's 4,009 unit RHNA allocation. The ordinance was approved without public comment.
• Item 9C - 2025 Building Codes: Staff presented the adoption of the 2025 California Building Codes with Torrance-specific local amendments for seismic safety and fire sprinklers. The ordinance is effective January 1, 2026.
• Council Announcements (Item 5): Councilmember Mattucci proposed a three-pronged approach to homelessness, including an ordinance to allow arrest after three shelter refusals. He received concurrence to bring the item back. Mayor Chen received unanimous concurrence to bring back an item on celebrating the nation's 250th birthday in 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Item 8K (Solar Easement) Adopted: Resolution 2025-53 was adopted 5-2. Councilmembers Gerson and Sheikh dissenting.
• Item 10A (Mylar Balloon Ban) Failed: Ordinance 3958 failed 2-5. Councilmembers Mattucci and Sheikh voted in favor.
• Item 9A (Cabrillo Variance) Approved: Resolution 2025-54 was approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item 9B (Target Density) Approved: Ordinance 3955 was approved unanimously.
• Item 9C (Building Codes) Approved: Urgency Ordinance 3956 and Ordinance 3957 were approved unanimously.
• Item 10B (Budget Adjustments) Approved: The program modifications and budget adjustments for IT, Fleet Services, and the Airport Fund were approved unanimously.
• Future Agenda Items: Items on homelessness response and the nation's 250th birthday celebration were ordered to be brought back to a future council meeting.