Torrance City Council Meeting - October 6, 2026

The Torrance City Council met on October 6, 2026, beginning with a closed session at 5:00 PM, followed by the regular public meeting at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting lasted into the early morning hours of October 7. Key actions included appointments to city commissions, decisions on the Seaside Ranchos Holiday Lights Display and Cottage Food Ordinance, approval of a controversial mixed-use senior housing project on Hawthorne Boulevard, and adoption of the FY 2025-26 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).

Consent Calendar

• Approved the City Council minutes of August 25, 2026 and September 1, 2026 (Item 8A).
• Ratified prior council action and approved an amendment to grant of easement for water facilities at 20500 Madrona Avenue (Item 8E).
• Adopted a CEQA categorical exemption and approved a Consent to Alterations Agreement with Riviera Little League for a restroom facility at 23701 Ocean Avenue (Item 8F).
• Items 8B (Statement of Investment Policy), 8C (Investment Report for June 2026), and 8D (Bank of America Treasury Services) were pulled for separate discussion and subsequently approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• LuAnn Roswere spoke against a proposed massive industrial warehouse near the Torrance Refinery, citing toxic soil, methane concerns, traffic, and proximity to the refinery.
• Joan Davidson echoed opposition to the warehouse and requested that Item 10C (Walteria project) be moved up on the agenda (request denied).
• Sebastian Bogner announced a DEA Rx Takeback Day event on October 24, 2026.
• Peter Brown criticized city staff for sidelining the Airport Commission and called for transparency and accountability.
• Joe Buck urged the council to adopt temporary protective legislation for the Hillside Overlay District.
• Clara Gerlock and Mia Mick (South High students) proposed installing pet waste bag dispensers at 10 largest parks, costing about $3,360, and received council encouragement to follow up.
• Alex Lee (Key Club) advocated for the Start Strong Zambia initiative and suggested incorporating Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF into the community.
• Tom/Ted supported the Airport Commission and complained about the sound system.
• Matt Harley thanked Councilmember Shaikh for his work at the Cal Cities conference on the Murietta Resolution supporting local control.
• David Wilson (remote) urged increased patrols and technology to combat catalytic converter thefts (10 per day reported).
• Tony Iseta (Seaside resident) supported the Cottage Food Ordinance changes but noted inconsistent enforcement.
• Vanessa Isada (Seaside resident) urged fair enforcement procedures and opposed an automatic three-citation ban without hearing.
• Craig Robson (attorney for residents) questioned the CEQA exemption for the Cottage Food Ordinance and raised safety concerns.
• Dave Brent (adjacent resident) opposed the Walteria project, citing traffic, parking, garage access, noise, and safety issues.
• Andrew Riley recommended denial of the Walteria project and proposed six safety conditions if approved.
• Annie Lee (neighbor) expressed concerns about tree damage, safety, and environmental impacts.
• Kevin Nicano (adjacent resident) argued that removing the guardrail for the project creates a direct path into his home.
• Judy Brunetti (Riviera HOA) opposed the Walteria project due to toxic dust, steep terrain, and traffic hazards.
• Tom/Ted called the developer greedy and urged the council to prioritize public safety.
• Mike Shuricht (lifelong resident) urged the council to stand by its original denial, noting no change in safety.
• Livy Spatz urged reconsideration, citing the state HCD inquiry and safety risks.
• Greg Schwartz (applicant representative) defended the project, noting it meets zoning and has been vetted over many hearings.
• Additional remote speakers emphasized the need to change state laws and supported local control.

Discussion Items

• Commission Appointments (Item 6D): The council appointed Melissa Wright to the Civil Service Commission (term to 2029), Jean Higginbotham to the Historic Preservation Commission (to 2030), John Clifford to the Commission on Aging (to 2030), and Cindy Scotto to the Parks and Recreation Commission (to 2030), all by roll call votes.
• Holiday Lights Display & Cottage Food Ordinance (Item 10B): Staff presented three traffic management options (A: no dedicated staffing, B: status quo, C: status quo with graduated ingress control). The council unanimously selected Option C. For the Cottage Food Ordinance, after public testimony, the council adopted the committee's recommendations with amendments: maintain the 8 PM closing time in December, allow front-yard sales, collection of donations, multiple customers on-site (subject to conditions), require customer trash receptacles, and include penalties for violations. The CEQA exemption was also adopted. The council directed staff to explore the feasibility of one-way streets in future years.
• Mixed-Use Senior Housing Appeal (Item 10C): After extensive debate and public comment, staff recommended denial of the appeal and approval of a 20-unit senior apartment and commercial project on Hawthorne Boulevard. The council heard that the Housing Accountability Act prevented denial without objective safety evidence. Despite strong opposition, the council voted 5-2 (Councilmembers Carzonis recused, Liu and Shaikh dissenting) to approve the resolutions, rejecting the appeal. The project will still need to meet building and safety codes during plan check.
• CAPER Hearing (Item 9A): The council conducted a public hearing on the FY 2025-26 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, which was submitted to HUD. No public comments were received. The council closed the hearing and voted to receive and file the report.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: Melissa Wright (Civil Service), Jean Higginbotham (Historic Preservation), John Clifford (Commission on Aging), Cindy Scotto (Parks and Recreation) — all approved on a single motion.
• Toy Drive: The council unanimously concurred to direct staff to waive facility rental fees for the Holiday Toy Drive and consider accommodating costs in future budgets.
• Free Park Rentals: Councilmember Lewis's proposal to allow up to four hours of free annual park rental for registered neighborhood associations was unanimously concurred.
• Coyote Management: The contract with the trapping company expired; a standby contract will be maintained. The city will enhance reporting via MyTorrance app, add signage, and enforce existing county laws against feeding wildlife. State SB 1135 was noted as supporting coexistence.
• Holiday Lights Traffic: Status quo with graduated ingress control selected (unanimous). Staff to study one-way street feasibility for future years.
• Cottage Food Ordinance: Amended as described above, with CEQA exemption and summary approved.
• Walteria Project: Appeal denied; project approved (5-2). The developer agreed to three additional conditions including guardrail replacement and off-site improvements.
• CAPER: Received and filed.