Torrance City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting – October 7, 2025

The Torrance City Council held an adjourned regular meeting on October 7, 2025, beginning with closed session at 5:00 PM and reconvening at 6:40 PM for open session. The meeting included adoption of proclamations, consent calendar actions, public comments, and discussion on renaming Columbia Park and a subsidy request for a World War II Camp Memorial fundraising event.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of August 19, September 9, and September 16, 2025.
• Second and final reading of Ordinance No. 3959 (administrative remedies procedure for fee challenges).
• Resolution No. 2025-60 authorizing access to state criminal history information.
• Accepted 2024-2025 Civil Service Commission Annual Report.
• Approved revised class specifications for Workers' Compensation Claims Examiner and Claims Technician.
• Declared City Council Dark Nights for January–June 2026.
• Authorized a purchase order with CDW Government for computer equipment for the Police Department (not-to-exceed $1,510,843).
• All consent items were approved by a single motion, except Item 8F was pulled for discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kevin Pereira (Torrance resident) described experiencing discrimination in local businesses and filed a civil rights complaint against a gym.
• A speaker criticized Mayor Chen for requesting a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk, calling him a racist.
• A resident expressed concern about hydrofluoric acid use at the Torrance refinery, referencing a recent incident at El Segundo, and urged regulation for safety.
• A speaker invited the public to the 22nd annual breast cancer angel luncheon on October 26, 2025, and expressed frustration over lack of communication from the City Treasurer, requesting a presentation on the treasurer's duties.
• Jeff Grundy (local reporter) sought clarification from the Torrance Police Department about a community advisement on Eastern European theft groups, asking about involvement of state/federal policies and definition of "noticeable rise."
• One speaker supported renaming Columbia Park to honor Ted T. Tanawe, calling him a hero.

Discussion Items

• Item 8F – Appropriation of 2016 COP Bond Funds: Councilmember Matucci requested clarification on the $2,500,000 appropriation, asking that funds be dedicated to park improvements. Finance Director Ian Daly confirmed staff's intent to prioritize park projects. The council approved the item with direction to use the funds for park capital improvements. The motion carried with Councilmember Kaji absent.

• Item 10A – Renaming Columbia Park: Staff presented background on Columbia Park (52 acres, named in 1968 due to a CBS radio tower) and the application to rename it to honor Ted T. Tanawe, a Torrance native and Medal of Honor recipient (the only Torrance recipient). Councilmember Kalani recommended referring the matter to the Parks and Recreation Commission for community input. A motion to proceed with renaming failed (2-3, with Councilmember Kaji absent). An alternate motion to send the matter to the Parks and Recreation Commission and use city social media for outreach passed 5-1 (Councilmember Matucci voted no, Councilmember Kaji absent).

• Item 10B – Subsidy for World War II Camp Memorial Fundraising Event: The council discussed a request to subsidize rental fees ($5,137 total) for the Toyota Meeting Hall and James Armstrong Theatre for a fundraising event on October 15, 2025, organized by a nonprofit developing the WWII Camp Wall Memorial at Columbia Park. Mayor Chen had allocated $2,000 from his prior fiscal year subsidy budget, which was not reflected in the original staff report. After discussion, Councilmember Gerson moved to apply the $2,000 to the outstanding $1,200 balance and reimburse the nonprofit $800. The motion carried with Councilmember Kaji absent. The net city subsidy was $3,137.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved all consent items except 8F, which was approved with direction to dedicate $2.5 million in bond funds to park capital improvements.
• Item 10A – Columbia Park Renaming: Referred to Parks and Recreation Commission for community input; future council vote anticipated.
• Item 10B – Subsidy Approval: Approved $2,000 from Mayor Chen’s prior fiscal year subsidy to cover the event’s outstanding balance and $800 reimbursement to the nonprofit.
• Proclamations and Recognitions: Adopted resolutions honoring Police Lieutenant Gregory Tiddle (25 years) and Administrative Assistant Denise Thurston (26 years). Proclaimed October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and September 15–October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month. Announced upcoming events: Torrance Farmers Market 40th Anniversary (October 14), 45th Annual Harry Sutter Turkey Trot (Thanksgiving), Torrance Art Museum exhibition (October 18), and 47th Annual Excellence in Arts Awards (October 18).