Public Meetings - Torrance, California

The Torrance City Council convened on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 6:42 p.m. to discuss a wide range of topics, including the second public hearing on the fiscal year 2025-2027 operating budget and capital improvement plan, proclamations honoring a centenarian and recognizing Mental Health and Stroke Awareness months, and policy decisions on Pride Month, council compensation reallocation, and the renaming of the Toyota Meeting Hall. The meeting also featured public comments on airport noise, police militarization, and community safety. Consent Calendar - Approved ordinances and resolutions including ordinance 3948 amending no-stopping on Maricopa Street (unanimous). - Approved resolution 2025-26 for a lease amendment with Torrance Flight Park LLC, allowing a restaurant and personal storage, and extending the lease term by 14 years (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Michael Lyon urged the council to resist concessions on airport touch-and-go reforms, citing community opposition. - John (COTAR member) opposed concessions on airport reforms, stating the city has legal authority to regulate touch-and-go times. - Torrance Pete criticized plans to acquire militarized equipment, referencing the death of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell and urging the establishment of an independent civilian oversight commission. - Melissa Wright praised the Armed Forces Day parade barricades and expressed concern about park maintenance and the escalating cost of the Columbia Park dog park ($60,000 projected to $750,000). - Charlie Salinas thanked participants for a successful Armed Forces Day parade. - Paul Chop criticized the council for ignoring airport noise and joked about mental health and stroke prevention. - An anonymous speaker condemned the council for not recognizing Pride Month and opposed police militarization. - Jeremiah How Halcom criticized the lack of transparency in the budget process, noting the 350-page document and limited public speaking time. Discussion Items Proclamations and Recognitions - Centenarian Proclamation: Honored Mrs. Aura N. Baker Pardon, a 100-year-old Torrance resident who worked as a riveter during WWII and at Sears for 20 years. She and her family accepted the proclamation and centenarian coin. - Mental Health Awareness Month: Proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Human Resources Director Hedieh Kajavi highlighted the city's commitment to creating psychologically safe spaces. - Stroke Awareness Month: Proclaimed May 2025 as Stroke Awareness Month. Commissioner Karen Pryor and Marco Pesh from Torrance Memorial stressed the FAST acronym and prevention. Pryor shared her personal experience with her husband's stroke. - Retirement Recognition: Approved resolution 2025-25 honoring Doris Hernandez upon her retirement after 25 years of city service (unanimous). Council Announcements - Memorial Day Service: Announced for May 26 at 2 p.m. at Memorial Plaza, featuring a reading of 151 names from the Veterans Memorial Wall, including five newly discovered names. - AB 481 Public Hearing: Scheduled for June 10 at 5 p.m. at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center to discuss military equipment use by the police department. - Pride Month Resolution: Councilwoman Kalani requested concurrence to bring forward a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month. The mayor abstained and the motion lacked concurrence (3 in favor, not enough to pass). - Council Compensation Reallocation: Councilwoman Kalani proposed reallocating $33,120 of her waived compensation to the Police and Fire Departments ($16,560 each). The council voted 7-0 to bring the item forward. - Ad Hoc Naming Committee: Councilman Matucci announced a meeting on May 27 at 12 p.m. to review an application to rename Columbia Park to Ted T. Tanaway Park. Second Public Hearing on FY 2025-2027 Budget - Staff Presentation: Finance Director Ian Daly presented an overview of the budget process, highlighting 44 departmental meetings and a 28,000-view social media campaign. Key topics included park project funding, council travel budgets, and protocol changes. - Park Projects: Comparison of CIP allocations showed Discovery Park completed; De Portola, Hickory, and Picanio parks moved to earlier timelines; new funding for court resurfacing at multiple parks. - Council Travel Budgets: Proposed increases included a $50/month increase for all council members' meetings/meals (from $250 to $300, mayor to $400), an additional trip for the mayor (5 total), and a $70,000 friendship city budget (10 trips per year at $5,000 each). - Surplus Reallocation Protocol: Discussed allowing transfers without prior council approval. - Council Discussion: - Councilwoman Kalani questioned the 69.9% increase in city manager training/travel (attributed to AB 1646 reimbursement and Dale Carnegie training). - Councilwoman Lewis sought clarity on friendship city vs. economic development budgets, requesting more structure and reporting. - Councilman Kaji supported friendship city efforts, citing his recent trip to Japan and potential economic returns. - Councilman Gerson objected to all four budget changes, favoring transparency. - Councilman Sheikh emphasized the need for ROI and local business support. - Votes on Council Direction: - Motion to increase meetings/meals by $50/month passed (Gerson and Kalani voted no). - Motion to add one trip for mayor (for U.S. Conference of Mayors) passed (Gerson and Kalani voted no). - Motion to keep surplus reallocation protocol as is passed (Kaji and Mayor voted no). - Motion to have staff return with refined guidelines for friendship city spending passed unanimously. Toyota Meeting Hall Renaming - Staff Presentation: Management Assistant Ireno Nail presented options for the Toyota Meeting Hall naming rights, noting a $1.2 million original donation and an estimated $1.2 million in capital maintenance over 10 years. Options included retaining the name, seeking a donor with various contribution thresholds (e.g., $121,177/year for 10 years, or $60,000/year for 10 years), or other alternatives. - Public Comment: A resident urged retaining the name, citing Toyota's historical contributions. - Council Discussion: Councilmembers Matucci, Kalani, and Sheikh leaned toward keeping the name for now, with Sheikh suggesting approaching Toyota first for additional contributions. Kaji supported reaching out to Toyota. - Motion: To accept and file the ad hoc committee minutes, and direct staff to explore naming options with Toyota as first priority, while leaving the name unchanged for now. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: All items except 8D pulled by Kalani were approved unanimously. Item 8D (lease amendment) was approved separately. - Proclamations: Centenarian, Mental Health, and Stroke Awareness proclamations adopted. - Pride Month Resolution: Did not receive concurrence; no further action. - Council Compensation Reallocation: Directed staff to bring back an item for formal allocation to police and fire departments. - Budget Direction: Council provided specific guidance on travel budgets, meals, and friendship city spending; staff will incorporate and return on June 3 for final adoption. - Toyota Meeting Hall: Retained current name; staff to explore options with Toyota and other potential donors. - Next Steps: Third budget hearing scheduled for June 3, 2025. AB 481 public hearing on June 10. Memorial Day service on May 26.

The Torrance City Council convened on May 13, 2025, at 5:02 PM. The meeting opened with roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilmember Lewis (with Councilmember Gerson, Kaji, Kalani, Lewis, Masuchi present, Sheikh absent), and an invocation by Councilmember Matucci. There were no public comments during the oral communications period. The council then recessed to closed session to discuss anticipated and existing litigation, as authorized by California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2). After reconvening at 10:52 PM, the city manager reported no actions from the closed session. The council adjourned to Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM for closed session with regular business at 6:30 PM. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were considered. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke. Discussion Items - No discussion items were presented during the open session. Key Outcomes - The council recessed to closed session at approximately 5:05 PM and reconvened at 10:52 PM. No actions were reported from the closed session. - The meeting was adjourned to May 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM for closed session, with regular business at 6:30 PM. The motion carried with Councilmember Kodia abstaining.

The Torrance City Council met on May 6, 2025, at 5:34 PM, reconvening after closed session at 7:00 PM, and adjourned at 12:45 AM on May 7. The agenda covered a wide range of topics including proclamations, continued operation of the 3290 temporary housing village, a report on city vacancies, direction to draft an e-bike ordinance, approval of the 2026 Rose Parade float design and funding increase, administrative parking updates, the annual lighting district assessment levy, and the first public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025-27 operating budget and capital improvement plan. Consent Calendar - Approved all consent calendar items except item 8C (consulting services agreement with Vasquez and Company LLP), which was separately pulled and approved. The consent calendar also included the adoption of Ordinance 3947 (repealing a municipal code section). Proclamations & Recognitions - Fire Service Day (May 10, 2025): Proclaimed by the council; Torrance Fire Prevention Specialist Daniel Singleton accepted. - Blue Ribbon Week (May 11-17, 2025) and Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, 2025): Proclaimed; Police Chief Hart accepted. - National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23, 2025): Proclaimed; U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary representatives accepted. - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May 2025): Proclaimed; Diane Tanaway (niece of WWII Medal of Honor recipient Ted T. Tanaway) accepted. - Jewish American Heritage Month (May 2025): Proclaimed. - Older Americans Month (May 2025) and 2025 Older Americans Awards: Proclamations presented; recipients were Betty Collier, Bill Collier, Dorothy Austin, Ellen Jenkins, Russell LaFay, and Werner Willoughby. - Student and Government Day: The city hosted 22 eighth-grade students for the 19th annual program, who presented proclamations for National Teacher Day and Public Service Recognition Week. Public Comments & Testimony - Oral Communications 1 (general & non-agenda items): Residents addressed a variety of topics: traffic enforcement near a private school; the impact of import tariffs on a Torrance-based skateboard company; complaints about police conduct; support for the WWII Japanese American Memorial Wall; and criticism of the city’s spending on homelessness and microphone systems. One speaker was expelled for disruptive behavior. - Item 10A (3290 Temporary Housing): One resident accused the outreach coordinator Valerie of mishandling belongings and failing to follow through on promises. Another resident praised the city’s homeless response. A third speaker criticized the program’s cost per person. - Item 10B (Vacancy Report): One speaker criticized funding levels for police command positions and alleged underfunding. - Item 10C (E-Bike Ordinance): Several residents spoke in favor of regulation, citing safety concerns, injuries to children, and the need for education and licensing. One mentioned a local fatality. - Item 10F (Rose Float): Supporters urged continued city funding, highlighting the float’s 70-year tradition, volunteer hours, and marketing value for Torrance. One resident called the previous year’s float an embarrassment due to mechanical issues. - Item 10E (Lighting District): A resident complained about long-out lights at a South High overpass and questioned the assessment. - Budget Hearing: One speaker criticized the city’s poor facility condition, accused council of mismanagement, and questioned a last-minute $50,000 increase for the Rose Float. Another speaker expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak and praised the city despite personal hardships. Discussion Items - Item 8C (Consulting Services Extension): Councilman Kaji asked about the contract length with Vasquez and Company LLP; Finance Director Daly explained it would result in a five-year term, after which a new RFP would be issued. Approved. - Item 10A – 3290 Temporary Housing Village Operations: Staff presented an RFP process that resulted in recommending Harbor Interfaith Services for continued operation at a cost of approximately $1.78 million for FY 2025-26, supported by COGIS, PLHA, and Measure A funds. Update on outcomes: 41 individuals permanently housed, 32 via vouchers, numerous medical referrals, and street outreach responses of 1,006 (as of March 31, 2025). Councilmembers expressed support, discussed expansion, additional outreach, mental health services, and the Functional Zero initiative. Mayor questioned bunking possibilities and job creation for residents. Motioned and approved. - Item 10B – Vacancy Report (AB 2561): Human Resources Director presented annual report showing citywide vacancy rates under 20% except for Police Command (25% lieutenants, 33% captains) due to ongoing personnel matters. Staff highlighted retention efforts and recruitment strategies. Accepted and filed. - Item 10C – E-Bike Ordinance Direction: Lieutenant Fisher presented data on e-bike trends, injuries, and enforcement challenges. Council supported drafting a municipal code to define unsafe operation, regulate use in shared spaces, and partner with TUSD on education. Motion to direct staff to draft ordinance passed. - Item 10D – Maricopa Street Parking Amendment: Staff proposed formalizing the removal of no-parking restrictions on the north side of Maricopa Street (between Hawaii and Crenshaw), which had been in place since 2017. Approved. - Item 10E – Lighting District 99-1 Annual Levy: Three resolutions initiating proceedings, approving engineer’s report, and setting a June 3, 2025 public hearing for the FY 2025-26 assessment. Approved. - Item 10F – 2026 Rose Parade Float Design and Funding: Staff presented the student-originated concept “Together in Harmony” (renamed from “Together We Thrive”) and recommended awarding $175,000 (a $50,000 increase over prior $125,000) to Torrance Rose Float Association, who preferred Fiesta Productions ($235,000 quote) over AES ($150,000). Council approved the design and increased allocation to $175,000. - Budget Public Hearing (Fiscal Year 2025-27 Proposed Budget): Finance Director Daly presented a detailed overview, emphasizing a cautious outlook, structural balance, conservative revenue estimates, and strategic capital investments. Key points: property tax surpassing sales tax, a $68.9 million reserve fund (22% of budget), $59.7 million in FY 25-26 CIP, and response to fiscal audit findings. Council discussed travel budget structure, reserve fund presentation change, and capital needs. Public hearing closed; next hearings scheduled for May 20 and June 3, 2025. Key Outcomes - Item 10A – 3290 Housing: Motion carried (6-0, Councilman Colani absent) to approve the contract with Harbor Interfaith Services, accept grant awards, authorize PLHA application, approve MOU with South Bay COG, and accept the progress update. - Item 10B – Vacancy Report: Motion carried (6-0) to accept and file the report and continue recruitment/retention efforts. - Item 10C – E-Bike Ordinance: Motion carried (6-0) directing staff to draft an ordinance addressing unsafe operation, regulation in parks/trails, and enforcement, in partnership with TUSD education campaign. - Item 10D – Maricopa Street Parking: Ordinance 3948 adopted (6-0). - Item 10E – Lighting District: Resolutions 2025-22, 2025-23, and 2025-26 adopted (6-0). - Item 10F – Rose Float: Motion approved (6-0) the conceptual design and increased city funding to $175,000. - Budget Hearing: Public hearing closed; next hearings set for May 20, 2025, and June 3, 2025 (for adoption).

The Torrance City Council held a regular meeting on April 22, 2025, beginning with a closed session at 5:02 PM before reconvening in open session at 6:48 PM. The agenda included community recognitions, consent calendar items, and several administrative matters. The Council approved multiple items including a public health services contract, a pickleball court project, and advanced plans for a World War II incarceration monument. Public comments addressed community concerns such as drone activity, police oversight, and the scope of the monument. Consent Calendar - 8A – Approved City Council minutes of March 25, 2025 and April 8, 2025. - 8B – (Pulled) Resolution setting hours, wages, and working conditions for elected officials; approved separately (see discussion). - 8C – Adopted three resolutions for wage agreements with Torrance Library Employees Association (TLEA, $653,648, 17%), Torrance Municipal Employees/AFSCME Local 1117 ($7,935,049, 17.86%), and Crossing Guards ($99,039, 16%), all effective April 20, 2025 to June 30, 2028. - 8D – Approved side letter agreement adding a Waste Management Coordinator position (no expenditure). - 8E – Approved annual CalTIP membership renewal not to exceed $837,187 for May 1, 2025 – May 1, 2026. - 8F – Accepted and filed the Investment Report for February 2025. - 8G – (Pulled) Approved design-build construction of new pickleball courts at Charles H. Wilson Park (not to exceed $1,526,119); approved separately. - 8H – Accepted and filed the 2023-24 TOCA Annual Report. - 8I – Concurred with State Legislative Advocacy Committee recommendations and accepted minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Oral Communications 1 (public comments on consent/non-agenda items): - Michelle Rand thanked the Council for supporting the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, noting the Torrance community has raised over $4.4 million. - Paul Knapp announced a memorial service for his late wife. - A resident requested case-by-case exemptions for keeping chickens in multi-family zones. - A speaker praised the Hometown Hero banners and asked for respect for military service. - Carmela Blanchard reported persistent drone activity in her neighborhood and sought action. - Two speakers called for the creation of an independent civilian oversight committee regarding the death of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell. - Florina Ravundra promoted the DEA National RX Takeback event on April 26. - Gorchop criticized lenient sentencing of former Torrance police officers in a texting scandal and again demanded civilian oversight. - Public Comments on Item 10B (World War II Monument): - Kyoko Oda (Tuna Canyon Detention Station Coalition) urged inclusion of all incarcerated groups and accurate history. - Brett Smith asked for phase two inclusion of Italian and German internees. - Alvin Takamori stressed educational value and asked for community input on informational panels. - Jenny Chmori called for correct historical representation and inclusion of all named individuals. - Russell Akiama (Advisory Committee member) explained that data for non-Japanese groups is not verifiable and that the committee unanimously chose to use Dr. Duncan Williams’ vetted list. - Other speakers supported the project while expressing concerns about scope and funding. - Public Comments on Item 10C (Illegal Dumping Ordinance): - Gorchop supported the ordinance but urged easier legal disposal options. - A speaker opposed as criminalizing poverty and called for better infrastructure instead of increased fines. Discussion Items - 8B – Elected Officials Compensation: Councilmember Kalani requested separate votes on sub-items. Staff clarified the $30,858 expenditure covers a clerk pay adjustment; the $243,271 for council wages was already budgeted. The Council approved Resolution 2025-16 with Kalani voting in favor while noting opposition to part 1 (the salary increase). - 8G – Pickleball Courts at Charles H. Wilson Park: Councilmember Sheikh questioned the conservative 12-week construction timeline. Staff committed to expediting as possible. The Council approved the project and associated appropriation, including a 10% contingency. - 10A – LA County Public Health Services Contract: Staff presented the updated evergreen contract required due to changes in state law. Councilmember Gerson asked about enforcement of sidewalk vending under the contract; staff confirmed state law would override. The Council approved the contract and delegated execution to the City Manager. - 10B – World War II Camp Wall Monument: - Presentation by Crystal Covarubias (Community Services) and architect Tina Chi (Chi Salette) detailed the $9.99 million project, a $5 million funding shortfall, and design features including 370 panels of 9-foot black granite with names, 154 trees, and plaza space. - Council discussed funding, sourcing granite domestically to avoid tariffs, and potential inclusion of Italian/German internees. Staff noted that the state grant specificially requires honoring Japanese Americans and that no verifiable list exists for other groups. - Councilmember Kaji moved to approve all five staff recommendations, add a request to the State Legislative Advocacy Committee for an additional appropriation and timeline extension to December 2026, direct staff to include funding in the FY2025-26 budget, and design flexibility for future name additions. The motion carried unanimously. - 10C – Illegal Dumping Code Repeal: The ordinance repeals a redundant local code section in favor of California Penal Code Section 374.3, which carries higher fines ($250-$3,000). Councilmember Sheikh suggested increasing the number of free bulk item pickups (currently one per year) but was advised this would need separate action. The Council adopted Ordinance 3947. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (excluding 8B, 8G) approved unanimously. - 8B (Elected Officials Wages): Resolution 2025-16 adopted unanimously; Councilmember Kalani expressed partial opposition. - 8G (Pickleball Courts): Public works agreement approved; $1,526,119 expenditure authorized; CEQA exemption adopted unanimously. - 10A (Public Health Services): Updated contract with LA County approved; City Manager delegation authorized unanimously. - 10B (WWII Incarceration Monument): Schematic design approved; project included in 2025 State Legislative Advocacy Priority Projects; staff directed to seek $5 million shortfall funding and timeline extension; staff authorized to prepare construction documents; Council expressed intent to allow for future name additions. Motion carried unanimously. - 10C (Illegal Dumping Ordinance): Ordinance 3947 adopted unanimously. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned to May 6, 2025, at 5:30 PM for closed session. No reportable actions from closed sessions.

The Torrance City Council convened on April 15, 2025, at 5:02 PM in the Council Chamber. After the call to order, roll call was taken with all members present (Councilmembers Gerson, Kodji, Kalani, Lewis, Matucci, Sheikh, and Mayor Chen). The flag salute and invocation were led by Councilmembers Sheikh and Gerson respectively. The council noted that a closed session had been held prior to the open meeting. The Assistant City Manager reported that there were no reportable actions from the closed session. Following this, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting to April 22, 2025. The motion carried, and the meeting adjourned without any regular business being conducted. Closed Session The council held a closed session to discuss several items: real property negotiations for five properties (including 3481 Airport Drive, 1215-1227 El Prado Avenue, 18301 Kingsdale Avenue, 475 Crenshaw Boulevard Suite A, and 485 Crenshaw Boulevard Suite A), anticipated litigation (one case), and labor negotiations with multiple employee organizations (including Torrance City Employees Association, Torrance Fire Fighters Association, Torrance Police Officers Association, and numerous others). No reportable actions were taken. Key Outcomes - The council voted to adjourn the regular meeting to Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 PM in the same chamber. The motion was made by Councilmember Sheikh and carried.

The Torrance City Council met on April 8, 2025, beginning with a closed session at 5:00 p.m., reconvening in open session at 6:44 p.m., and adjourning at 8:26 p.m. The meeting included closed session action, routine consent calendar approvals, and a public hearing and vote by the Public Housing Agency on its five-year and annual plans. Closed Session - The City Council adopted an order upholding the termination of a police officer by a vote of 6–0 (Councilmember Colani absent). Consent Calendar - The Council unanimously approved all items on the consent calendar: approving March 18, 2025, minutes; a Memorandum of Unrecorded Grant Agreement for Discovery Park (Torrance Urban Tree Project); change order 1 for Heil brand sanitation truck repair parts (additional $110,000); a first amendment to the consulting agreement for the Torrance Regional Transit Center Soil Management Plan (additional $227,000); and a fee agreement with Hawkins Parnell & Young, LLP for civil litigation (not-to-exceed $400,000). Public Comments & Testimony - Oral Communications 1: - Ray Lawson (Western States Carpenters) expressed concern about tax fraud and wage theft on construction projects in Torrance, urging city accountability. - Sebastian Bogner (Behavioral Health Services) announced a National Drug Take Back Day partnership with Torrance PD and DEA on April 26, 2025, at Sam's Club (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). - Charlie Salina inquired about progress on a fence at the ISO property (Torrance and Crenshaw) and a sidewalk for the bike path. - Ann O'Brien (Torrance Airport Association) reported on the seventh annual STEM Day at the airport, noting 180 middle school students attended, a factory tour at Robinson Helicopter, and new wireless headsets. - Poor Chop expressed support for increased parking enforcement, stating neighbors call police on him. - Oral Communications 2: - A speaker raised concerns about federal cuts to social services (Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP) and the impact of tariffs on the economy, requesting council action. The mayor reminded the public this was not a Q&A session. - Public Housing Agency Oral Communications: - Poor Chop criticized housing conditions, alleging units lack electricity, gas, and running water. - Public Hearing on PHA Plans: - Poor Chop spoke again, expressing interest in affordable housing and difficulty qualifying on a low income. - A second speaker expressed support for affordable housing, noting that many millennials have left Torrance due to cost, and urged expanding eligibility caps for assistance programs. Discussion Items - Council Committee Meetings and Announcements: - Councilmember Sheikh proclaimed April as Youth Alcohol Awareness Month. - Councilmember Sheikh also announced National Volunteer Week (April 20–26, 2025) and thanked Torrance volunteers. - Councilmember Mattucci reminded the public that street sweeping enforcement resumed March 17, 2025, with $52 fines, and noted 95% of Torrance now has posted sweeping zones. - Councilmember Gerson invited the public to the Earth Day Nature Festival at Madrona Marsh on April 26, 2025 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). - Councilmember Lewis recognized National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 13–19, 2025) and thanked dispatchers. - City Clerk announced commission application deadline of May 8, 2025. - Councilmember Gerson announced a Community Planning and Design Committee meeting on April 14, 2025, regarding the Religious Housing Overlay (RHO) ordinance. - Councilmember Gerson also announced a District 6 community meeting on April 10, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Levy Adult Center. - Public Housing Agency (Board of Commissioners): - Staff (Michelle Ramirez, Deputy Executive Director) presented the proposed 2025 Annual PHA Plan, 2025–2029 Five-Year PHA Plan, and updates to the PHA Administrative Plan (required for compliance with HOTMA). The public hearing was held, and no board questions were asked. The board voted to close the hearing and then adopted Resolution PHA 2025-01 approving the plans and administrative plan, with Councilmember Colani absent. - Councilmember Reports: - Councilmember Sheikh reported on a Leadership Torrance trip to Sacramento. - Councilmember Gerson updated on the Torrance Sister City Association's 50th Bunkasai festival and a League of California Cities committee decision to oppose a transportation bond. - Councilmember Lewis reported no items from the public safety committee. - Mayor Chen reported on a meeting with Mayor Bass regarding major events (World Cup 2026, Super Bowl 2027, LA28 Olympics) and Torrance's preparation. Key Outcomes - Closed Session Action: Upheld termination of a police officer (6–0). - Consent Calendar: All items approved. - Public Housing Agency: Approved the 2025 Annual PHA Plan, 2025–2029 Five-Year PHA Plan, and updated Administrative Plan (Resolution PHA 2025-01) with a 6–0 vote (Colani absent). - Adjournment: The City Council adjourned to April 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session.

This summary covers the supplied raw transcription for April 1, 2025. No agenda, minutes, or meeting start/end times were available. The transcript is not a formal city council or commission meeting; it appears to be a compilation of Torrance and Port of Long Beach public-access and community programming, including repeated promotional segments and PSAs. No formal motions, votes, or public testimony can be identified from this material. Source Note - The agenda and minutes are marked unavailable. The raw transcription contains no parliamentary procedure, roll call, staff reports, council deliberations, or resolutions. - The supplied timestamp associated with the material is 2025-04-01 14:30:00+00:00; no meeting duration or agenda time range is given. Consent Calendar - None present. No routine approvals or unanimous actions are included in the transcript. Public Comments & Testimony - None present. No members of the public addressed a city council or commission. Program Segments - Pulse of the Port (Port of Long Beach): The program showed SSA Marine unloading approximately 3,000 new Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles at Toyota's Pier B terminal after a two-week voyage from Toyohashi, Japan. The segment noted about 150 ILWU workers per ship, roll-on/roll-off vessels capable of carrying more than 6,000 vehicles, Toyota's 15% share of U.S. auto sales, more than 1,500 dealerships, and about 365,000 U.S. jobs supported by Toyota. It also covered the completed Colorado Lagoon restoration phase, including removal of approximately 63,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment during a nearly eight-month dredging project, the cleanest water-quality rating at the lagoon in 50 years, nearly $2 million in direct port funding since 2007, and an additional $2 million saved through port acceptance of dredge material. - Port infrastructure and jobs: The transcript described the proposed Pier S terminal, the visit of the MSC Beatrice at Pier T, and the Middle Harbor terminal project. The MSC Beatrice was described as 1,200 feet long, with a maximum capacity of 13,800 container units, and as the largest container vessel to dock at a North American port at the time; the port's 76-foot-deep channel was called the deepest man-made channel in North America. The Middle Harbor project was described as combining two older terminals into one facility that would double capacity, support 14,000 new jobs, and cut air pollution in half. - Port community programs: The program highlighted the Let's Talk Port forum series and the Eye on Design public-art education program, which served 330 students at three schools and created six mosaic public-art pieces in the prior year. - Torrance Transit 75th-anniversary history: The segment traced bus service from the Pacific Electric Red Car era and the city's approval of its own municipal bus line in January 1940. It reported that ridership grew from about 10,000 in the first year to more than four million boardings in the past year. It also described modern CNG buses, a planned transit center at Crenshaw Boulevard and Maricopa Street, and a future Metro Green Line connection. - Curiosity Quest Goes Green - car recycling: This educational segment followed cars through Pacific Coast Recycling and the Tamco steel mill. It reported that roughly 75 to 80% of a car can be recycled, that the shredded steel is melted and rolled into rebar, and that steel from one 20-foot billet can be formed into three nearly 1,000-foot lengths. A fun-fact graphic stated that auto recycling reduces air pollution by 86% and that annual U.S. steel recycling saves enough energy to heat and light 18 million homes. - Health and wellness programming: A chair-circuit exercise segment led by Monica of LA Parks demonstrated seated cardio and resistance routines. A Senior Scene segment on sun safety featured Torrance dermatologist Dr. Philip Valentine and melanoma survivors, including an 83-year-old patient who had four melanoma surgeries and a 67-year-old surfer; recommendations included sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Local business features: Segments featured Zeba Beauty, a family-owned threading, waxing, and henna business opening its 10th studio in Torrance; the CEO reported 35 years in business, a 75% drop in business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, safety-focused appointment-only operations, and a plan to rebuild and hire. Another feature profiled Cisco, a Torrance sourcing and product-development company led by Neil Kay and his sons, highlighting products such as the Rally Flip Cap and the Chill Time ice wrap. - Arts and culture programming: A craft segment with A to Z Scrapbooking owner Vivian showed how to make a card using cardboard, dictionary paper, tissue paper, and a paper bag. A Jazz Notes interview featured guitarists Jorge Strunz and Arishir Farah, who described their 24-year collaboration, their album Desert Guitars, and their blend of flamenco, Middle Eastern, and jazz styles. An Opera Talk segment discussed Samuel Barber's Vanessa, its 1958 Metropolitan Opera premiere, and recordings of the work. Notable Positions and Advocacy - Port and Harbor Commission spokespersons expressed commitment to community projects and to improving infrastructure to attract larger ships. - An SSA Marine representative expressed gratitude for vehicle sales and said the hope is that the car-unloading business continues. - A public-service announcement by American Community Television urged viewers to contact Congress in support of the Community Access Preservation Act, saying cable and telephone industry lobbying threatened public, educational, and government access channels and that communities had already lost more than 100 stations. - Torrance Transit employees and retirees expressed pride in the agency's service to seniors, students, and hospital riders and said teamwork is central to its success. - Zeba Beauty's CEO expressed determination to rebuild the business with a safety-first model and to expand through partnerships and licensing. - Cisco founder Neil Kay advised entrepreneurs to work hard, delay gratification, and bring innovation to the market rather than duplicating existing products. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions, votes, resolutions, ordinances, contracts, appointments, or referrals are present in the transcript. - The only action requested of viewers in the supplied material was to support and advocate for the CAP Act by contacting members of Congress.

The Torrance City Council convened at 5:00 PM for Closed Session (no action reported) and reconvened in open session at 6:32 PM. The meeting covered the Consent Calendar, oral communications, commission appointments, two public hearings, and staff presentations. Key actions included approval of routine items, appointments to commissions, denial of an appeal regarding a hillside development, and establishment of an underground utility district. Consent Calendar - 8A: Approved City Council minutes of February 25, 2025 and March 5, 2025. - 8B: Accepted and filed the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and authorized submission to state agencies. - 8C: Adopted Resolution 2025-10, authorizing blanket authority to apply for Measure A grant funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District. - 8D: Accepted and filed the Investment Report for January 2025. All Consent Calendar items were approved by motion with Councilmember Kodji absent. Public Comments & Testimony Oral Communications 1 (limited to 15 minutes, 1 minute per speaker): - Charlie Salinas encouraged residents to attend city council meetings. - Carol Gillis (Torrance Theatre Company) announced the 26th season and upcoming play "The Light from Within." - Mary Ann Drummond called for an independent civilian oversight commission for police, citing the case of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell. - Audrey George criticized the council for being unresponsive to police violence and houselessness, demanding civilian oversight. - Julie Dogiri thanked officers Clark and Vogel for a crime prevention presentation. - Arohi Sharma (League of Women Voters) promoted an Earth Day workshop on April 21 at Katy Geissert Library. - A speaker invited the public to the Torrance Art Museum reception on March 29. - Martha Hegler (New Horizons South Bay) thanked officers for a senior safety workshop. - A resident asked the council to reconsider vacating city maintenance of parkways on Artesia Boulevard. - Andy Porchop accused Mayor Chen of violating his free speech rights at a prior meeting. - A final speaker expressed concerns about federal budget cuts affecting SNAP benefits, Medicare, Social Security, and environmental protections. Hearing 9A Public Comments (2 minutes per speaker): Several neighbors spoke: - Pat McOscar (313 Via Linda Vista) and his wife Carla supported the appellant, emphasizing the importance of the Hillside Overlay for privacy and views, and feared similar developments would erode the character of the neighborhood. - A neighbor across the street (675 Calle Miramar) opposed the second story, citing loss of natural light and a sliver of ocean view. - A resident named Lamb Chop urged strict enforcement of the Hillside Overlay, especially 5-foot window sill heights. - Two speakers (Arthur Rosano and another) shared personal stories of privacy loss from recent large homes in the area. - Several speakers supported the applicants, noting the house had been vacant for years, the project met all codes, and privacy concerns can be managed with blinds and landscaping. - Paul Chuck mocked privacy concerns, calling the appellant an "exhibitionist" and urged approval. - Another speaker criticized zoning practices as overly restrictive and supported the applicants. Appointments to Commissions Civil Service Commission (one vacancy): - After nominations and a roll-call vote, Mia Carzonas was appointed with 3 votes (Councilmembers Kalani, Lewis, Shake) over Nairi Berry (2 votes) and Silvana Tamura (1 vote). A revote confirmed the outcome: 3 votes for Carzonas, 1 for Berry, 1 for Chen (for Carzonas). Motion to accept appointments carried with Councilmember Kodji absent. Commission on Aging (two vacancies): - Keith Montoya received 5 votes and was immediately appointed. - After several voting rounds reducing the field, Kim Wang was appointed with 3 votes over Russell LaFay (2 votes) and Iona Bisnik (1 vote). - The new commissioners (Mia Carzonas, Keith Montoya, Kim Wang) were sworn in by the City Clerk. Discussion Items Staff Presentations - 6A – 2024 Year in Review: Lauren Allen (Communications Division) presented highlights of the fourth annual report, including financial data, the Measure SST dashboard, capital improvements, community events, public safety initiatives, and social media growth (20,000 Instagram followers). The full report is online at TorranceCA.gov/year-in-review. - 6B – Stay Connected: Lauren Allen reviewed communication channels: city website, MyTorrance app, Torrance newsletter, Torrance Alerts, and social media (X, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram). The goal is 25,000 Instagram followers in 2025. - Fire Chief Update: Chief David Dumay reported on the Cal Fire 2025 recommended fire hazard severity zone maps for local responsibility areas. Torrance must make the maps available for public review by April 23, 2025, and adopt them by ordinance by July 22, 2025. The Fire Department will launch community engagement and public hearings. 9A – Public Hearing: Appeal of Planning Commission Approval for 671 Calle Miramar - Staff Report (Lee Orton): The project proposes one- and two-story additions to an existing 1952 single-family home in the Hillside Overlay (R-1 zone). It requires a Precise Plan of Development and a setback waiver. Staff found the design compliant with height (24 ft 1 in), FAR (0.48), lot coverage, and open space requirements. The second-story balcony faces northwest (toward ocean views). The adjacent neighbor (285 Via Linda Vista) appealed, citing privacy and sunlight concerns. Staff recommended denial of the appeal. - Appellant (Cameron Roberts): Argued that the Planning Commission failed to follow proper procedures (limited public comment due to website issues) and that the second story would directly overlook his backyard, violating California privacy rights under the Constitution. He proposed moving the balcony and removing/opacifying windows. - Applicants (Adit Talib, Brenda Dikshit): Represented by attorney Christine Freeze. They stated the home had been vacant since 2009, they communicated with Mr. Roberts after the Planning Commission meeting, but his proposed changes were architecturally unviable. They emphasized compliance with all codes and noted the second story is 27 feet from the property line. - Council Deliberation: Councilmembers Sheikh and Kalani, having visited the site, noted potential privacy impacts from the balcony and windows. Councilmember Matucci favored approval but suggested compromise. After discussion, the applicants agreed to: - Extend the wall or add a solid screen along the north elevation of the balcony to block line-of-sight to the appellant’s property (materials subject to Community Development Director approval). - Plant tall hedges as additional screening. - Keep the windows as designed. - Motion: To deny the appeal, adopt Resolution 2025-11 (Precise Plan of Development, as amended with the balcony privacy condition), Resolution 2025-12 (setback waiver), and determine a Categorical Exemption from CEQA. The motion carried unanimously with Councilmember Kodji absent. 9B – Public Hearing: Establishment of Underground Utility District No. 21 - Staff Report (Shin Furukawa): The district covers Madrona Avenue from Civic Center Drive to Torrance Boulevard. The project will use the city's Rule 28 work credit balance, avoiding city funds. The Engineer's Report was approved. - No public comment in opposition. One speaker questioned costs but acknowledged aesthetic benefits. - Motion to close the public hearing and adopt Resolution 2025-13 designating UUD No. 21 carried unanimously with Councilmembers Kodji and Sheikh absent (Sheikh departed early due to Ramadan obligations). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved (Councilmember Kodji absent). - Commission Appointments: Mia Carzonas appointed to Civil Service Commission; Keith Montoya and Kim Wang appointed to Commission on Aging. All sworn in. - 671 Calle Miramar Appeal: Denied. Project approved with condition to extend balcony privacy wall/screen, subject to Community Development Director approval. Resolutions 2025-11 and 2025-12 adopted, CEQA exemption affirmed. Vote: 4-0 (Kodji absent). - Underground Utility District No. 21: Established via Resolution 2025-13. Vote: 4-0 (Kodji and Sheikh absent). - Meeting adjourned to April 8, 2025 (Closed Session at 5:00 PM, Regular Business at 6:30 PM). April 1, 2025 is a City Council Dark Night.

The Torrance City Council convened on March 18, 2025, at 5:07 PM for a regular meeting that began with a closed session. After reconvening at 9:02 PM, the only public action reported was a vote to uphold the termination of a police officer, followed by adjournment to March 25, 2025. Consent Calendar - No items were considered. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the Council during Oral Communications 1. Discussion Items - No discussion items were taken up during the open session. Key Outcomes - The City Council voted 5-0 (Councilmembers Gerson and Kodji absent) to uphold the termination of a police officer, as reported by the City Attorney following closed session. - The meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 PM.