Torrance City Council Meeting – June 23, 2026

The Torrance City Council met on June 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. following a closed session that began at 5:00 p.m. The council approved a consent calendar (with two items pulled for discussion), adopted the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan, updated council rules of order to allow remote participation, and authorized a new community event – Torrance Galaxy Night. Several public comments addressed fire department billing issues and concerns about a proposed private right-of-entry through Altoloma Park.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of May 19, 2026.
• Second readings adopted for:
  • Ordinance No. 3967 (hydrogen pipeline franchise for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.)
  • Ordinance No. 3968 (gas, oil, petroleum, water pipeline franchise for Torrance Basin Pipeline Company, LLC)
  • Ordinance No. 3969 (first amendment to development agreement with Gable House Development LLC at 22501 Hawthorne Boulevard)
• Approved multiple routine items, including: SRO unit lease agreements and Measure A funding (not-to-exceed $69,372); facility branding agreement with LA Kings for roller rink at Wilson Park; property insurance renewal (not-to-exceed $1,029,004.16); $600,000 loan repayment from Park and Recreation Facilities Fund to General Fund; $5,667,471 amendment for Records Management System (CAD/RMS); discontinuation of special asset forfeiture funds and appropriation of $795,541.55; third amendment to lease for senior baseball field at Entradero Park; fifth amendment to tri-party recycled water agreement at Torrance Refinery; fifth amendment for Machado Lake stormwater monitoring ($49,734); reappointment of Catherine Holdbrook-Smith to South Bay Workforce Investment Board; resolution for executive/management employee compensation; revised class specification for Assistant City Attorney; second amendment for crossing guard services ($410,112).
• Item 8N (senior housing development at 22501 Hawthorne Boulevard) was withdrawn by staff.
• Items pulled for discussion: 8L and 8P (see below).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charlie Salinas (Vietnam Veterans of America) requested donations to the Vietnam Veterans Household Goods Program and asked for a venue to host a Christmas party for 35 veterans and spouses.
• Susan Schneider (Torrance resident and health insurance program worker) raised concerns about the Torrance Fire Department’s billing vendor, Whitman, alleging that the company earns more by inadequate billing and that the city profits more from private pay than insurance reimbursement. She also mentioned being audited for operating a business without a license, which she disputed.
• Two speakers (names not given) spoke in opposition to a proposed right-of-entry agreement through Altoloma Park for a private commercial solar project. They argued the agreement may authorize long-term private access through public parkland, that the public has not been given meaningful information or opportunity to comment, and that parks staff and commissioners were unaware of the proposal. They urged the council not to approve the right-of-entry. (Note: This item was not listed on the published agenda but was referenced as having been discussed in closed session.)
• Tegan Gwynn (Girl Scout Troop 310G) introduced herself, noting she attended for a merit badge requirement.

Discussion Items

• 8L – Recycled Water Agreement Amendment: Councilmember Shake requested explanation. Water Operations Manager Andy Darlac stated the five-month extension is needed to allow the Torrance Refining Company and West Basin Municipal Water District to resolve equipment and water quality issues; the city is not involved in those negotiations. The item was approved unanimously.
• 8P – Executive/Management Employee Compensation: Councilmember Lewis asked whether transit employee salaries are compared to comparable transit agencies based on level of service. Human Resources Director Heidi Aki confirmed that practice. The resolution (No. 2026-62) was approved.
• 9A – 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan: Staff presented the plan, which shows that approximately 60% of Torrance’s water is currently imported, with a goal to reduce reliance to 35% by increasing local groundwater and desalter capacity. The plan projects sufficient supply through 2050 under normal and drought conditions. Councilmember Shake asked about growth projections (the plan assumes an additional 10,000 residents by 2050) and recycled water usage. Staff clarified the city does not own the recycled water lines and that residential recycled water is not available. The public hearing was closed, and resolutions 2026-63 and 2026-64 were adopted.
• 10A – City Council Rules of Order Update: City Attorney Patrick Sullivan explained the update is required by SB 707 to allow remote participation (two-way telephonic or audiovisual) and includes a technology disruption policy. Resolution 2026-65 was adopted.
• 10B – Torrance Galaxy Night: Brent Abelson, Management Aide, proposed purchasing 300 tickets (with option for 200 more) for the August 1, 2026 LA Galaxy game, reselling them at cost ($34.65 each) to community members. The event would include random draws for autograph and bench-warmer experiences. Council supported the idea and discussed potential use of Torrance Transit for transportation. The item was approved (not-to-exceed $17,325).

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved (except withdrawn item 8N) with Councilmember Gerson recused and Councilmember Kaji absent.
• Items 8L and 8P approved individually.
• 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan adopted (Resolutions 2026-63, 2026-64).
• Amended City Council Rules of Order adopted (Resolution 2026-65), permitting remote participation.
• Torrance Galaxy Night approved with up to 500 tickets at cost; staff directed to explore transit options.
• Councilmember Matucci delivered extended remarks urging development of a catastrophic disaster plan beyond the current emergency preparedness plan, noting concerns about fuel for water pumps, public education, and long-term resilience. He did not request a vote.
• Councilmember Shake expressed condolences on the passing of Councilmember Kaji’s mother-in-law and thanked law enforcement and fire departments for their work during the FIFA World Cup.
• Meeting adjourned to July 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (closed session) / 6:30 p.m. (regular business). June 30 and July 7 are dark nights.