Torrance City Council Adjourned Regular Meeting – February 10, 2026

The Torrance City Council convened for an adjourned regular meeting on February 10, 2026. The meeting began in closed session at 5:01 PM to address real property negotiations, anticipated and existing litigation, and labor negotiations. The open session was gaveled in at 6:34 PM, with the city manager reporting no actions from the closed session. The agenda featured community recognitions, a consent calendar, and substantive administrative items including a landmark public art mural, the 2026 legislative platform, and ceremonial policy updates.

Community Matters & Proclamations

• Centenarians (Items 6A, 6B): The council presented proclamations and centenarian coins to Julia C. Blake (born Dec. 5, 1925, Lima, Peru, Torrance resident since 1969) and William "Bill" Ihde (born Feb. 9, 1926, WWII Veteran, Torrance resident since 1941).
• Black History Month (Item 6C): Councilmember Sheikh led a reading of the proclamation. Brenda Treat from El Camino College Veteran Services accepted, speaking on the legacy of daily kindness and service.
• Torrance High School Girls Flag Football (Item 6D): The team was recognized for their third consecutive undefeated Pioneer League championship season. Head Coach Kyle Irvine announced his retirement, endorsing assistant Chris Watkins.

Council Committee Meetings and Announcements

• International Relations: Mayor Chen announced staff will pursue a friendship city relationship in Spain (Cartagena, Huelva, or Tarragona) with council concurrence (7-0).
• Rent Relief: Councilmember Matucci announced the L.A. County Emergency Rent Relief Program reopened (up to $15,000 per unit, applications due March 11, 2026).
• Election: City Clerk announced the General Municipal Election (June 2, 2026) for Mayor, Districts 1, 3, 5, City Clerk, and City Treasurer.

Public Comments & Testimony (Oral Communications #1)

• Joseph Odin Krantz (Environmental Expert): Expert on the Torrance Del Amo project (2325 Crenshaw) involved in related litigation. Stated he sent a revocation notice (Feb. 4, 2026) withdrawing authorization for parties to rely on his reports, data, or professional opinions in the settlement. Warned the council against material reliance on his withdrawn work.
• Bryant Tellez (Skylark Torrance HOA President): Representing approximately 30 households threatened by the trust sale of the park property, which he described as a blueprint for displacement for senior and disabled residents. Called on the city to enforce mobile home park closure ordinances, require a full closure impact report, and mandate good faith negotiations.
• Charlie Salinas: Proposed a "Torrance Boulevard Ciclovia" closing the street to cars from the Torrance Arches to the Redondo Beach Pier.
• Unnamed Speaker: Asked if the city was aware of reports regarding ICE using the Sears building. The city manager stated the city was not aware of any such reports.

Consent Calendar

Items 8A through 8D (City Council minutes, Investment Report, $650,000 change order for AMI water registers, and Batting Cage Concession Amendment) were approved unanimously without discussion.

Discussion Items

10A – Public Art Mural at DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance South Bay The council unanimously adopted a resolution approving a public art mural application from CTC Group for the 21333 Hawthorne Boulevard property. The mural will be painted by Robert Vargas, an American artist of Mexican descent renowned for large-scale works (honored with Robert Vargas Day in LA County). Cultural Services Manager Monica Hart presented the recommendation from the Cultural Arts Commission. Councilmembers praised the project. Artist Vargas shared his vision of a series of murals celebrating Torrance's sports heritage, veterans, and the upcoming Olympics. The mural features baseball imagery. The DoubleTree hotel is responsible for maintenance. The unveiling is scheduled for March 25, 2026. Carried unanimously.

10B – 2026 Legislative Platform and Advocacy Trips Staff Assistant Irene O'Neill presented the 2026 platform and priority projects. The new advocacy "pitch deck" was unveiled. Key 2025 achievements include $1M for public safety digital infrastructure and $850k for community wellness (ADA park upgrades). Staff is seeking $3M each for El Nilo Park and Columbia Park improvements, $700k for 911 center modernization, and $600k for a Medcat armored rescue vehicle. State priorities include amending vehicle codes for pavement impact fees and automated enforcement, tort reform ($25M in settlement costs over 5 years), addressing fire severity zone expansion, and CalPERS reform. A lengthy council discussion ensued regarding automated enforcement. Councilmember Sheikh supported exploring red light cameras. Councilmember Matucci strongly supported street sweeping technology. Councilmember Kalani suggested sending the entire package (red light, speed, street sweeping) to the Traffic Commission for study, which was accepted. Council directed staff to initiate a coalition for CalPERS reform. Vote: Approved the platform, minutes, and trips; send automated enforcement study to Traffic Commission; pursue CalPERS reform. Councilmember Gerson voted no due to concerns about advocacy trip mandates. Carried (Gerson no).

10C – City Certificates and Proclamations Policy Public Engagement Manager Jin Chun presented the proposal to require full city council signatures on certificates and proclamations. The council voted to approve the policy update. Councilmember Matucci abstained, stating a preference for a cleaner single-signature format. Councilmember Gerson voted no. Carried (Matucci abstained, Gerson no).

10D – Memorial Rental Subsidy Policy for Torrance Cultural Arts Center Samata Maldonado presented a policy allowing a rental subsidy (waiving up to 6 hours of fees) for memorial services for elected officials, city commissioners, and department heads. Councilmember Lewis successfully amended the policy to include active city employees. Carried unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony (Oral Communications #2)

• Resident: Expressed strong support for the council's discussion on automated enforcement, specifically red light cameras. Cited Sepulveda/Arlington and Cabrillo/Carson as dangerous intersections, urging a pilot program.
• Resident: Delivered an emotional reprimand directed at Councilmembers Sheikh, Kalani, Kaji, and Mayor Chen related to a prior vote disqualifying them from a council seat application. They praised Councilmembers Gerson and Lewis by name and an individual referred to in the transcript as "Aurelio" (possibly pertaining to Councilmember Matucci) for their actions in that matter.

Adjournment

Mayor Chen announced the dedication of baseball fields at Wilson Park on February 17. The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 PM to February 24, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Mural by artist Robert Vargas at DoubleTree Hilton approved. Unveiling March 25, 2026 (10A).
• 2026 Legislative platform, priority projects, and advocacy trips approved. Automated enforcement items forwarded to Traffic Commission (10B).
• Full city council signature requirement adopted for proclamations and certificates (10C).
• Memorial rental subsidy policy adopted for eligible former officials, commissioners, department heads, and active city employees (10D).
• Council concurred to pursue a friendship city relationship in Spain (Item 5).