Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Torrance City Council held an adjourned regular meeting on May 19, 2026. The council convened in Closed Session at 5:00 PM (reported as 5:03 PM) and reconvened in open session at 6:51 PM. The meeting was substantially reordered from the published agenda to accommodate a large public turnout for a workshop on the Hillside Overlay Zone. The meeting did not conclude until 1:09 AM on May 20.
Staff presented an overview of the overlay, explaining that recent state housing legislation (SB9, ADU Laws, Housing Crisis Act, Housing Accountability Act) had preempted many local protections. Staff stated that qualifying residential projects must now be reviewed under objective standards, complicating the city's ability to protect view, light, air, and privacy. Planning Manager Oscar Martinez noted an approximately 50-50 split between state-exempt ADUs (under 800 sq ft) and those complying with local ordinances. Residents overwhelmingly criticized the current state of affairs, arguing the city could legally implement stronger objective standards. Councilmember Sharon Kalani made a motion which carried unanimously to: (1) accept and file the staff report, (2) create an online portal for community ideas, (3) schedule a community workshop, (4) explore hiring a legal housing expert, and (5) support the "Our Neighborhood Voices" 2028 ballot initiative for local control.
The council considered an appeal from residents and legal counsel opposing a Planning Commission-approved project for 20 senior apartments and 1,608 square feet of commercial space on Hawthorne Boulevard. The appellants (Dave Brent, consultant Alan Rig, and attorney Jeff Lewis) detailed 14 objective safety reasons to deny the project, including a hazardous steep driveway, removal of a guardrail without safety analysis, and inadequate sewer capacity. The project proponent (Dan Whitney of BSB Design) stated the project was compliant and technical issues would be resolved during plan check. City Engineering staff stated the project was technically feasible but would face rigorous review. The council expressed significant concerns about the driveway's entry point on a high-speed downhill curve of Hawthorne Boulevard and the removal of the guardrail. The council voted unanimously to uphold the appeal and deny the project, citing unresolved life and safety issues.
Staff reported back on items from the first hearing, including the city clerk's training budget and a proposed digital sign location in South Torrance near Zamperini Way. Staff estimated sign costs around $200,000 with caveats regarding Caltrans right-of-way. Council requested staff continue exploring alternate locations. The public hearing was closed and continued to June 9, 2026.
The council conducted a public hearing on the FY 2026-27 Action Plan for HUD funds. The city will receive $960,936 in CDBG funds and $414,227 in HOME funds. Staff recommended $758,748 for sidewalk accessibility improvements, $10,000 to Family Promise for homeless services, and $15,000 to the Housing Rights Center for fair housing services. The motion to approve and authorize submission was carried unanimously.
Representatives from Nike and race organizers presented a plan for a 13.1-mile women's half marathon on October 24, 2026. The course would enter Torrance along Paseo de la Playa for 1.7 miles. A full street closure from 4:35 PM to 7:50 PM was proposed, impacting 250 residential units. Nike proposed mitigation including golf cart shuttles for residents and a resident impact plan. Councilmembers were enthusiastic but stressed safety and community impact. The council discussed a potential community impact fee, comparing Hermosa Beach's $100,000 combined fee structure. The council voted unanimously to conceptually approve the event and delegate authority to the City Manager to finalize specific terms, including the amount of a community impact fee, via the special event permit process.
Good evening. I will call the city council meeting to order. It's five oh three PM. City Clerk, maybe a roll call, please. Yes, Your Honor. Councilmember Gerson. Present. Councilmember Kaji. Present. Councilmember Kalani. Present. Councilmember Lewis. Present. Council Member Mituche. Here. Councilmember Shake. Present. Mayor Chen. Present. The council will now recess to close session to confer with the city manager and city attorney on agenda matters listed under thirteen A conference with legal counsel. Existing litigation. Conference with labor negotiator. A closed session on these matters is authorized by California Government Code. Sections five four nine five six point ninety one. Good evening. I will reconvene the city council meeting. It's six fifty-one PM. I want to welcome everyone joining us in the council chamber as well as those watching us remotely. We have been in close session. Moving on to item two, flag salute and invocation. If there is anyone here in the audience who is on active duty or a military veteran, please stand or raise your hand so that we may recognize you. We ask for guidance as we make decisions that impact the lives of our residents, businesses, families, and future generations. Help us to listen respectfully, lead thoughtfully, and remember that public service is ultimately about people, not politics. Grant us the patience during disagreement, clarity during difficult decisions, and unity in our shared commitment to the city of Torrance. We also want to extend gratitude to our city staff, public safety personnel, volunteers, and all of those who work every day to strengthen our community. May this meeting be productive, respectful, and focused onto the greater good in your name. Amen. I wouldn't right now. All right. Thank you. Moving on to item three, announcements of a drawn, deferred andor supplemental items. Thank you, Honor, Armage Party and City Manager.