Torrance City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting Summary - January 13, 2026

The Torrance City Council met on January 13, 2026, for an Adjourned Regular Meeting. The Closed Session convened at 5:00 PM, with Regular Business commencing at 6:30 PM. The meeting included retirements, proclamations, public hearings, and administrative matters. Several councilmembers provided announcements and sought concurrence on future projects.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved a series of routine items (Minute Orders 8A, 8C-8H, 8J, 8K, 8M, 8N) by a single vote, with Items 8B (Bicycle Ordinance) and 8L (Tri-Party Recycled Water Agreement) removed for separate discussion or deferral. Item 8L was deferred to the January 27, 2026 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charlie Salinas praised the council for maintaining composure during disruptive meetings in prior years.
• Liam Walsh (South Bay Bicycle Coalition) opposed the proposed bicycle ordinance (8B), arguing that banning Class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks without safe alternatives would reduce cycling safety. He requested modifications and encouraged investment in protected bike lanes.
• Zaid Abraham expressed support for the hybrid route alternative for the Metro C Line extension and urged public attendance at upcoming Metro meetings.
• A resident thanked Councilmember Gerson for his proposal to honor Ted T. Tanaway and for structuring the process to encourage community input.
• A resident urged the council to take stronger action regarding ICE and immigrant safety in the community.
• David Carzonis (North Torrance resident) praised the Torrance Passport program concept and encouraged collaboration with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation.
• Arahi Sharma (downtown Torrance) expressed excitement for the upcoming election but urged the council to consider moving future city elections to November to increase voter turnout.

Discussion Items

Agency Announcements & Concurrence

• Tribute to Former Mayor Dan Walker: Mayor Chen led a detailed tribute to former Mayor Dan Walker, noting his decades of service and key contributions including Discovery Park, the George Nakano Theater, and the universally accessible treehouse in Wilson Park. A memorial service will be held on January 29, 2026.
• Homeless Count: Mayor Chen encouraged volunteer participation in the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count in Torrance on January 22, 2026.
• Armed Forces Day: Councilmember Mattucci reported that the 64th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade is scheduled for May 15-17, 2026.
• Legislative Committee Meetings: State and Federal Legislative Advocacy Committee meetings were rescheduled to February 2, 2026.
• Councilmember Kaji requested and received council concurrence to direct staff to pursue a federal earmark, matching the state's $5 million appropriation, for the World War II Japanese American Monument Project.
• Councilmember Gerson requested and received council concurrence to instruct the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider two options for honoring Ted T. Tanaway: Option 1 (rename Columbia Park) and a new Option 2 involving the creation of "Ted T. Tanaway Memorial Park" at El Prado, street renaming ("Go For Broke Way," "Ted T. Tanaway Memorial Drive"), and a new memorial for the 442nd RCT.

Community Matters (Item 6)

• The Council unanimously adopted five resolutions honoring retiring city employees: Lt. Cody Charley (24 yrs), Officer Dusty Garver (26 yrs), Officer Henry Flores (24 yrs), Milo Stanko (43 yrs), and Leilani Corona (20 yrs).
• The Council adopted a proclamation declaring 2026 as "America's 250th (Semiquincentennial) Anniversary," presented to members of the Torrance Historical Society.

Bicycle Ordinance (Item 8B)

• Councilmember Kalani pulled this item from the Consent Calendar for discussion regarding signage and enforcement in parks. Staff confirmed plans for a public education campaign and signage. The ordinance, a second reading regulating bicycle use (including e-bikes), was adopted unanimously.

Torrance Del Amo Project (Item 9A)

• This public hearing regarding the 272-unit condominium project and a CEQA exemption was continued to the February 24, 2026 meeting on a motion by the Mayor, which passed unanimously.

Torrance Passport Program (Item 10A)

• Jin Chen (Public Engagement Manager) presented the "Torrance Passport" program, a citywide culinary and cultural exploration event running from March 26 to April 26, 2026. It leverages existing events and requires no direct cost to restaurants. Participants will self-attest visits to earn entries into a drawing. Discussion included potential future digital integration.
• The Council unanimously accepted and filed the report and provided direction to staff to implement the program.

Community Facilities District (Item 10B)

• Sheila Pasan (Finance) presented a resolution to establish CFD No. 2026-01 for the Vista Homes development (449 units at 3610 Torrance Blvd), expected to generate approximately $114,736 in annual revenue for ongoing municipal services.
• Councilmember Matucci voted no, stating concern that the special tax adds to housing affordability burdens on tenants.
• The resolution of intention (2026-10) was adopted (6-1). The public hearing and formation vote is set for February 24, 2026.

General Municipal Election (Item 10C)

• Crystal Camarota (City Clerk) requested the adoption of three resolutions to call the June 2, 2026 general municipal election for Mayor, Council Districts 1, 3, and 5, City Clerk, and City Treasurer. The estimated cost is $754,019.19.
• The three resolutions (2026-06, 2026-07, 2026-08) were adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Litigation Directive: The council authorized the filing of a notice of appeal in the California Civil Rights Department v. City of Torrance case during Closed Session.
• Directives Issued: Staff will pursue a federal earmark for the Japanese American Monument. Staff will present two options for the Ted T. Tanaway memorial to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Deferrals and Continuances: Item 8L (Recycled Water Agreement) was deferred to January 27. Item 9A (Torrance Del Amo Project) was continued to February 24.
• Adoptions: Bicycle Ordinance (8B) adopted unanimously. Retirements honored. America 250 proclamation adopted. Torrance Passport program approved. CFD Resolution of Intention adopted (6-1). 2026 General Municipal Election called unanimously.