Public Meetings - Torrance, California

The Torrance City Council convened on March 4, 2025, for closed session at 5:00 PM and regular business at 6:30 PM. The council addressed several administrative matters, including the consent calendar, a security plan for the Armed Forces Day Parade, a research update on establishing a local public health department, the purchase of tickets for Torrance Dodger Day, and the mid-year budget review. Key decisions included approving a resolution to update the City Manager's compensation, appropriating $180,000 for parade security, halting further research on a public health department, and selecting a July 2025 Dodgers game date for ticket resale. Consent Calendar - 8A: Approved City Council minutes from February 4 and February 11, 2025. - 8B: Adopted Resolution 2025-09 setting hours, wages, and working conditions for the City Manager, effective October 1,2024, repealing Resolution 2020-97. The compensation increase of 4% (to $28,430.22 per month) was noted, with a total expenditure of $16,126. - 8C: Approved a subsidy not-to-exceed $20,700 for the 2025 Irish Fair and Music Festival (50% of permit fees). - 8D: Approved a first amendment to the legal services agreement with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, increasing the not-to-exceed amount to $639,000 for the Martin Hutto case. Public Comments & Testimony - Oral Communications 1: - Charlie Salinas thanked the city for promptly resolving a safety hazard on Carson and Acacia aves. - A speaker called for a civilian oversight committee and cited police shootings; requested an end to police violence. - Andy Porchov criticized the City Manager's raise and questioned the secrecy around a new position for Sheila Possang (former Finance Director). - Another speaker supported civilian oversight and mixed-use zoning. - Oral Communications 2: No speakers. Discussion Items - 10A: Armed Forces Day Parade Security – The committee recommended three options: A) $180,000 for a comprehensive barrier plan (contracted with Meridian Rapid Defense Group), B) a modified plan using existing equipment, or C) no change. Public speakers supported the parade. Council discussion noted potential savings from reduced staffing and that any contract would require competitive procurement. The council voted to approve option A and appropriate $180,000 from the General Fund. - 10B: Public Health Department Research Update – Staff presented research on state requirements, case studies from Pasadena and Long Beach, and West Covina's pending state approval. West Covina has spent 83% of ist startup budget but still lacks state approval. Hospital representatives (Providence and Torrance Memoiral) expressed concerns about duplication, regulation, and costs. Staff offered three options: 1) wait until West Covina operates for one year, 2) continue research, or 3) halt efforts. After debate, Councilmember Kalani moved to accept and file and direct staff to halt research. The motion passed (4-2 recorded aswith Councilmembers Gerson, Lewis, and Shake voting no). e - 10C: Torrance Dodger Day 2025 – Staff proposed three Sunday games: June 22 ($39,910), July 20 ($42,001), and August 10 ($33,610) for 1,050 tickets plus a $500 on-field photo op. Councilmember Matucci opposed subsidies and suggested selling at full price. Councilmember Kalani supported subsidies and proposed a random drawing for the photo op. After discussion, the council selected July 20, bought 500 tickets (with authority to buy up to 500 more if needed), directed they be sold at full face value, and approved the on-field photo opportunity. The motion passed 4-3 (with Councilmembers Gerson, Lewis, and Shake recordedas voting no). e - 10D: Mid-Year Budget Review & Program Modifications – The Finance and Government Operations Committee presented the FY 2023-24 comprehensiv financial report and the FY 2024-25 mid-year review. The General Fund surplus was projected at $14.6 million, driven by $9.4 million in pension prefunding and $5.9 million in underspending due to vacancies (154.1 FTEs). Revenues were $1 million under budget, expenditures $4.8 million under. Measure SST (sales tax) generated $25 million, funding police/fire staff, capital projects, and homelessness reduction. Councilmember Lewis emphasized the city's strong financial position and denied rumors of defunding the police. The council unanimously accepted the reports and approved the proposed program modifications (zero net fiscal impact). Key Out comes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously. - Armed Forces Day Parking: Approved $180,000 security plan, subject to formal procurement. - Public Health Department: Research halted; council will reevaluate afterWest Covina operates for one year. - Torrance Dodger Day: Selected Juliy 20, approved purchase of 500 tickets (expandable to 1,000), on-field photo op, and full -price resale. - Mid-Year Budget: Reports accepted; program modifications approved unanimously. - Mylar Ballons Ordinance: Councilmember Matuci requested staff to bring back an ordnance banning mylar ballons; concurence granted (6-1, with mayor voting no). e Council Announce ments and Recognitionsn- Arbor Week: Tree planting event on March 8 at La Carretera Park. - International Women's Day: Proclamation by Councilmember Kalani. - Columbia Park Design Workshop: March 10, 5:00-6:30 PM. - Upcoming Birth days: Recogniton of staff and council members with birth days in March.

The Torrance City Council met on February 25, 2025, at 5:02 PM, recessed for closed session, and reconvened at 6:31 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 PM. Key actions included a 7–2 vote to terminate an employee in closed session, a decision to maintain separate state and federal legislative committees after debate, recognitions of community groups, and public comments on fireworks and traffic safety. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously with the exception of Item 8H (a request to set a closed hearing date for March 18, 2025). Councilmembers Gerson and Kaji indicated they would be unable to attend that date. The motion to concur with the date passed with Councilmember Gerson abstaining. Public Comments & Testimony - Justin Lambert and Charlie Salinas spoke about traffic congestion near a private school on Carson Street, citing drivers parking on corners and blocking turns. Salinas requested orange cones be placed to deter parking. - Carol Gillis (Torrance Rose Float Association) invited the public to a fundraising event at Coyote Cantina in Redondo Beach on February 26 to support the 2026 Rose Float. - Julie Dogerie (New Horizons Civic Affairs Committee) praised the Torrance Connect transit service, calling it efficient and affordable for seniors. - A resident criticized the city for allegedly shortening the July 4th fireworks show at Wilson Park, stating it lasted only about 10 minutes last year and urging the city to fulfill its promise of a proper public show. - Andy Porchov made brief remarks about former Mayor Patrick Furry and first responders. Discussion Items - Item 10A – Consolidation of State and Federal Legislative Advocacy Committees - Staff proposed merging the two committees into a single Legislative Advocacy Special Standing Committee to improve efficiency, with Mayor Chen as chair and Councilmembers Kaji and Matucci as members. - Councilmember Lewis and Councilmember Kalani questioned the selection process and the lack of transparency regarding additional meetings held during the Washington, D.C. trip (e.g., meetings with Pentagon, Japanese and Korean embassies) that were not communicated to the full council. - Councilmember Gerson opposed consolidation, arguing it reduces participation opportunities for working council members and diminishes the city’s advocacy bench. He noted that every council member has unique expertise and access. - Councilmember Sheikh expressed shock that the proposal originated without background history and felt excluded; he made a motion not to approve consolidation and to keep the current committees unchanged. - Councilmember Kaji and Mayor Chen supported consolidation for efficiency but acknowledged communication failures. - The motion to reject consolidation passed with Councilmembers Kaji, Matucci, and Mayor Chen voting no (3–4 in favor of maintaining separate committees, per the motion to not approve). - Item 8H – Set Closed Hearing Date was pulled from consent; the date of March 18, 2025, was confirmed despite two members being absent. - Councilmember Kaji reported on the federal legislative advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. (February 2025), including meetings with Senators Padilla and Schiff, the Pentagon (to discuss the 250th Army anniversary and Armed Forces Day parade), and the Japanese and Korean embassies. He highlighted the visit to the National Japanese American Memorial and the successful advocacy for infrastructure and a WWII incarceration monument. - Adjournment in memory of Kanji Sahara, a Japanese American activist who championed a WWII incarceration monument in Columbia Park. Key Outcomes - Closed session action: The council adopted an order to terminate an employee by a vote of 7–2. (No employee name disclosed.) - Item 10A failed: The motion to not consolidate the state and federal legislative committees passed; the committees will remain separate with existing membership. - Item 8H approved: The special closed hearing for March 18, 2025, was set. - The council recognized the Torrance Theatre Company's 25th anniversary (March 7, 2025) and the Torrance Panthers cheerleading team for winning the 2025 National Jams Cheerleading Competition. - Staff committed to better communication of itineraries for future advocacy trips following concerns raised by Councilmembers Lewis and Gerson.

No meeting agenda, minutes, or relevant transcript was provided. The supplied material consists of unrelated content (e.g., U.S. Customs operations, port logistics, jazz interviews, opera analysis, fitness classes, business profiles, and public service announcements) and does not contain any city council or board discussion, public comment, or decisions pertaining to the City of Torrance. Therefore, no summary of the meeting can be generated.

The City Council convened in closed session only on February 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 3031 Torrance Boulevard. The meeting included a flag salute by Councilmember Mattucci and an invocation by Councilmember Sheikh. No public comment was taken or open session business conducted. Closed Session Items - 4A. Conference with Labor Negotiator (Government Code § 54957.6): The Council held negotiations with 21 employee organizations/associations, including full-time salaried and hourly employees, part-time hourly employees, crossing guards, elected officials, and multiple police, fire, and municipal employee unions. - 4B. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1)): Three cases were discussed: City of Torrance v. Hi-Shear Corporation (USDC Case No. 2:17-cv-07732-DSF-JPR) and two California Regional Water Quality Control Board orders (R4-2020-0003 and R4-2021-0079). - 4C. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation (Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4)): Two cases involving initiation of litigation were considered. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were reported from closed session. The meeting adjourned to Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business to commence at 6:30 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.

The Torrance City Council met in closed session on February 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, with the public portion convening at 6:00 p.m. The meeting included a flag salute, invocation, roll call (with Councilmember Lewis absent), and a report that no action was taken in closed session. The meeting adjourned to the next scheduled meeting on February 11, 2025. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were considered. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided oral communications. Discussion Items - The council entered closed session under California Government Code § 54957.6 (labor negotiations covering 21 employee organizations) and § 54956.9(d)(1) (existing litigation – three cases) and § 54956.9(d)(4) (anticipated litigation – two cases). - Upon reconvening, the City Manager reported that no actions were taken in closed session. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were announced from closed session. - The meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. for closed session, with regular business beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Torrance City Council met on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The meeting began in closed session at 5:03 PM PT and the open session was called to order at 6:30 PM PT. The agenda included proclamations, a diverse set of public comments, several public hearings, and routine administrative matters. Key outcomes included the denial of an appeal on a hillside development, the appointment of Ian Daly as Finance Director, and the approval of local regulations for state-mandated home kitchen operations and solar energy systems. Proclamations and Recognitions - Black History Month: Mayor Chen proclaimed February 2025 as Black History Month. Dr. Sidney Morrison, former principal of West Torrance High School and author of a Frederick Douglass novel, accepted the proclamation and spoke on the importance of celebrating diversity in Torrance, noting its historically "checkered history of race relations" and current status as a highly diverse community. - Wildfire Relief Drive: Mayor Chen announced the launch of a "Stuff a Bus" donation drive running through January 31st at the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center. The drive collects specific items (diapers, toilet paper, N95 masks, gloves, etc.) to support victims of the Southern California wildfires, and he thanked first responders who provided mutual aid. - Community Recognitions: The council recognized Samuel Denke America Inc. for its 30-year partnership and donation of 10 uninterruptible power supplies to the city's IT department. The council also celebrated the 100th birthday of longtime resident Chuck Simmons. Council Committee Reports and Announcements - Friendship City Proposal (Rejected): Councilmember Kaji proposed establishing a friendship city relationship with Nikuzen Takata, Japan, hometown of Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, to build on existing relationships with other Japanese cities. Councilmember Kalani stated she opposed the motion because it was not inclusive. The motion failed to achieve council concurrence (3-0-4). - Line of Duty Death Benefit (Approved): Councilmember Matucci received unanimous concurrence (7-0) to have staff research the feasibility of creating a dedicated city fund to provide sustained financial support for families of Torrance police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. - Mayor's Conference Report: Mayor Chen reported on his attendance at the U.S. Conference of Mayors, discussing the potential impact of federal policy changes and highlighting opportunities for Torrance to serve as a "base camp" for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Public Comments and Testimony - Oral Communications (Non-Agenda Items): - Charlie Salinas: Expressed strong support for the Torrance Fire Department, urging the council to give them anything they need. - Michael Lyon: Complained about early morning aircraft noise from Torrance Airport (specifically citing a Cessna at 7:04 AM), requesting the airport delay its opening time from 7 AM to 8 AM on weekdays. - Unregistered Speaker (Deportation Policy): Asked what the city is doing to protect the undocumented Asian community from federal deportation efforts. Mayor Chen responded that the city is "just following the law." - Unregistered Speaker (Police Oversight): Called for the creation of a civilian oversight commission for the police department, citing the cases of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell, the text messaging scandal, and redlining history in Torrance. - Andy Porcha: Expressed opposition to deportations and skepticism about the economic benefits of hosting the Olympics. - Item 9A (CDBG/HOME Funds): - Andy Porcha: Criticized the city's past use of federal funds, stating the city does not provide affordable housing for low-income residents. - Item 9B (2622 Del Meade Street Appeal): - Appellant (Theo, neighbor at 2609 Bryan Avenue): Argued the proposed two-story addition is a "McMansion" that violates the hillside overlay by blocking his view of the mountains and city lights. He warned the council that he would sue if the project was approved. - Applicant (Freddie Gondor, homeowner): Presented the plans, noting the height was lowered from 27 feet to 23 feet 2 inches to accommodate concerns. He argued the project complies with all standards and is a reasonable use of his property. - Andy Porcha: Spoke in favor of the homeowner's right to improve his property. - Item 9C (Solar/EV Ordinance): - Andy Porcha: Spoke against electric vehicles, citing battery fire risks. - Item 10A (Finance Director Appointment): - Andy Porcha: Criticized the outgoing and incoming finance directors regarding a past annexation study and police funding. Mayor Chen corrected the record, stating the police department is fully funded. Discussion Items - Item 9A: Annual Action Plan (CDBG and HOME Funds): Staff held a public hearing to solicit input on the development of the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan. Staff projected funding levels similar to the current year ($1,023,000 for CDBG and $440,000 for HOME). Council deferred project recommendations. The public hearing was closed. - Item 9B: Appeal of Development (2622 Del Meade Street): The council deliberated on the appeal of a Planning Commission (PC) decision approving a two-story addition in the Hillside Overlay zone. Staff argued the project met all objective standards (FAR 0.5, lot coverage 36%, open space 58%, height 23 feet 2 inches) and would not cause significant adverse impacts due to elevated topography. Councilmembers disclosed they had visited the site. The appellant stated no compromise was acceptable. The council voted to deny the appeal and approve the development. - Item 9C: Solar and EV Charger Ordinance: Staff presented an ordinance amending the municipal code to comply with state laws (AB 1236, AB 970) for streamlined permitting of solar energy systems and electric vehicle supply equipment. The PC recommended approval 5-0-2. Council approved the ordinance. - Item 10A: Appointment of Finance Director: City Manager Aram Chaparyan announced the transition from outgoing Finance Director Sheila Poisson to Ian Daly. Poisson was praised for her stewardship during COVID-19 and reserve recovery. Ian Daly expressed his vision for customer service and budget development. Council approved his appointment unanimously, effective February 9, 2025. - Item 10B: Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHO): Staff introduced an urgency and a regular ordinance to regulate home cooking businesses, as authorized by state law and LA County regulations. LA County Health will handle permitting (37 approved countywide, 1 in Torrance). The council approved the ordinances. Key Outcomes - Item 9B Motion Passed (7-0): The City Council denied the appeal and upheld the PC approval of the development at 2622 Del Meade Street. - Item 10A Motion Passed (7-0): City Council appointed Ian Daly as the new Director of Finance. - Item 5 Proposal Failed (3-0-4): A proposal for a Friendship City with Nikuzen Takata, Japan was rejected. - Item 5 Concurrence Passed (7-0): Staff was directed to research a Line of Duty Death Benefit for families of fallen first responders. - Items 9C and 10B Passed Unanimously: Ordinances for solar/EV equipment and Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations were approved. - Consent Calendar Approved Unanimously: Including Resolution 2025-05 on easements at 22501 Hawthorne Boulevard.

The Torrance City Council held a brief regular meeting on January 21, 2025, beginning at 5:03 PM. Roll call was taken with Councilmember Matucci initially absent (joined later at 6:03 PM for closed session). The meeting included a pledge of allegiance and invocation. No public comments were made under oral communications for non-agenda items. The city manager and city attorney reported nothing from closed session. The meeting was adjourned to January 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM for closed session, with regular business commencing at 6:30 PM. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were presented or discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council. Discussion Items - No substantive discussion items were taken up during the open meeting. Key Outcomes - The council adjourned the meeting to January 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM for closed session, with regular business to follow at 6:30 PM.

The Torrance City Council met on January 14, 2025, beginning with a closed session at 5:00 PM, followed by the regular business session at 7:16 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including personnel appeals, consent calendar items, administrative matters on beautification, the Irish Fair, utility box art, commission compensation, lighting policy, annexation of El Camino Village, underground utility districts, and legislative priorities. Key decisions included upholding a police officer's termination, approving the consent calendar (except item 8H, later approved), establishing guidelines for the Beautification Awards, authorizing a beer garden for the Irish Fair with a 50% in-kind cost offset up to $20,770, selecting artworks for six utility boxes, increasing commission compensation to $20 per meeting, adopting an external lighting policy, setting a public hearing for Underground Utility District No. 21, and approving delegation trips for legislative advocacy. Consent Calendar - Items 8A through 8O were approved by a single motion, except item 8H which was pulled by Councilmember Lewis. After discussion, item 8H (amendment to airport noise monitoring system contract) was also approved unanimously. The consent calendar included resolutions for employee working conditions (police trainees, fire recruits, part-time hourly, TRREO), Fire Station 4 renovation amendment, PARS retirement plan amendment, traffic striping project award, title changes, class specifications, JAG grant application, easement amendment, TASER units purchase, and youth baseball field lease agreements. All items passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Carol Gillis (Torrance Rose Float Association) reported winning the Prentice Trophy and invited the public to a thank-you celebration on February 8, 2025. - A speaker reminded about the design contest for the 2026 Rose Parade float, ending January 30, 2025. - Invitation to the “Outside In” and “Burner” art exhibition opening at Torrance Art Museum on January 18, 2025. - Gary Palmer requested that the noise monitoring system (8H) provide pilots with easy access to total noise levels for self-monitoring, beyond the three tests per month. - Charlie Salinas urged the city to advocate for a sidewalk alongside the bike path at Torrance Beach, citing safety conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists. - Andy Porcha criticized the Rose Float Association for celebrating despite the float breaking down, and opposed renaming the city to “Torrance Beach,” stating Torrance did not originally extend to the beach. - On item 10I (Irish Fair), Andy Porcha spoke in favor of alcohol sales, joking about drunkenness generating business for police and lawyers. Charlie Salinas opposed a confined beer garden, arguing it would lead to binge drinking before roaming. - On item 10C (utility box art), two speakers expressed support for the art program. - On item 10D (commission compensation), a speaker questioned why commissioners receive W-2 forms rather than 1099s, and suggested the compensation should be increased. - On item 10E (lighting policy), Andy Porcha expressed support. - On item 10F (annexation), Andy Porcha questioned the financial benefit and warned against expanding the city given its recent low financial ranking. - On item 10H (legislative platform), a speaker suggested including public observers on delegation trips for transparency. - In Oral Communications 2, a speaker thanked the fire department, questioned the cost of the lighting policy (claimed it escalated from $12,000 to $100,000), and criticized the council for not heeding earlier warnings. Discussion Items 9A & 13E – Closed Hearing: Appeal of Police Officer Termination - The City Council conducted a closed hearing on the appeal of the Civil Service Commission's decision to terminate a police officer. The council voted 7-2 to uphold the termination. (Reported after closed session.) 8H – Third Amendment to Airport Noise Monitoring System - Councilmember Lewis requested this item be pulled to discuss resident suggestions about noise data. Staff (Michelle Maris, Community Development Director) explained that the current system offers three noise tests per month to pilots, with follow-up from environmental quality officers. She indicated that providing raw data to pilots could be handled internally without an agenda item. The council approved 8H unanimously. 10A – Torrance Beautification Awards - Staff presented guidelines for a new beautification awards program for residential properties, with nominations, judging by council district, and prizes (certificate, yard sign, $50 gift card). Councilmember Kalani requested adding commercial properties. The council unanimously approved the program with the addition of a commercial category. 10I – 2025 Irish Fair & Music Festival: Beer Garden and Fee Offsets - Staff (Fran Fulton) updated that the event dates changed to June 14-15, 2025. The council was asked to decide whether alcohol sales should be confined to a designated beer garden or allowed throughout the fenced event area (with wristbands for over-21). Most council members supported allowing alcohol consumption throughout the event area (not a separate beer garden) with wristbands and state ABC compliance, limiting purchases to two drinks at a time. The city estimated $41,000 in costs and fees. After debate, the council voted unanimously to allow alcohol sales within the fenced perimeter with wristbands, and to provide an in-kind contribution not to exceed 50% of city costs (up to $20,770). 10C – Selection of Artworks for Utility Boxes - The Cultural Arts Commission recommended 13 artworks for the first six utility boxes (one per council district). Council members each selected a preferred artwork for their district: Councilmember Gerson (page 20, Emily Koyoko Chen), Councilmember Kaji (page 17, “Untitled” by Arnell Now), Councilmember Kalani (page 11, Nelly Hanas), Councilmember Matucci (page 13, “Torrance Natives” by Vanessa Andrade), Councilmember Sheikh (page 24, “Point Vicente Lighthouse” by Holly Millstead), and Councilmember Lewis (page 94). The motion to approve the selections carried unanimously. 10D – Commission Compensation - City Clerk Rebecca Playe presented research on commission compensation, noting that many cities vary and that commissioners currently receive $10 per meeting. Fifteen commissioners have waived their stipend. Councilmember Matucci initially moved to increase to $20 per meeting across all commissions. Councilmember Lewis suggested higher compensation for quasi-judicial commissions (planning, civil service, environmental). After discussion, the original motion for a flat $20 per meeting was voted on and passed 6-2 (Kaji and Sheikh dissenting). Staff was directed to bring back an ordinance amending the municipal code. 10E – External Lighting Policy for City Facilities - Staff presented a draft policy allowing the city manager to illuminate city facilities with white lights and patriotic colors for holidays, with council retaining authority for other events, and mayor/pro tem authority for championship celebrations (72-hour response). Councilmember Lewis preferred that championship lighting be automatic without needing mayoral approval. The council adopted a motion to amend the policy to remove mayoral authority and simply “just do it” for championships. The motion carried unanimously. 10F – Annexation of El Camino Village - Staff (Ian Daly) presented a detailed fiscal analysis of potentially annexing the 1.1-square-mile unincorporated area (8,300 residents, 1,761 parcels). One-time costs estimated at $27.2 million (new fire station, police substation, vehicles), with an ongoing operating deficit of $11.5 million. The analysis assumed 50% of property tax split. Council discussion was mixed: Some supported further study citing long-term growth potential (Kaji, Matucci, Lewis); others expressed concerns about costs, police/fire staffing, school district complications, and park conditions (Kalani, Gerson, Sheikh). Mayor Chen suggested forming an ad hoc committee for visioning. A motion to create an ad hoc committee (comprising council members) to continue the discussion passed unanimously. No final annexation decision was made. 10G – Underground Utility District No. 21 - Public Works staff recommended five candidate corridors for the next underground utility district, using $3.9 million in Rule 28 credits that must be allocated by June 1, 2025. The preferred option 1 (Madrona Avenue from Civic Center Drive to Torrance Boulevard) can be fully funded by the credits. Councilmember Sheikh recused himself due to proximity. The council voted to select Option 1 (Madrona Avenue) and set a public hearing for March 25, 2025. The motion carried with Sheikh recused. 10H – 2025 Legislative Platform and Priority Projects - Staff presented the 2025 legislative platform, including seven priority projects: Civic Center Master Plan land acquisition, alternative fuel infrastructure, vehicle code amendment for parking enforcement, citizen broadband radio system (CBRS), police mobile data computers, rubberized playground surfaces ($14.6M gap), and artificial turf at Columbia Park. The council also accepted December 2024 committee meeting minutes and approved the 2025 delegation trips to Washington D.C. and Sacramento (estimated cost $20,000). The motion carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - Police Officer Termination: Upheld Civil Service Commission decision by a 7-2 vote (closed session). - Consent Calendar Approved: All items except 8H were approved; 8H was later approved separately. All votes unanimous. - Beautification Awards Program: Approved with addition of commercial property nominations. - Irish Fair Beer Garden and Fee Offset: Approved alcohol sales throughout the event (not confined beer garden) with wristbands; in-kind city services not to exceed 50% of costs (up to $20,770). - Utility Box Artwork: Selected six specific artworks for the first six boxes, one per district. Unanimous. - Commission Compensation: Increased from $10 to $20 per meeting for all commissions. Passed 6-2. - External Lighting Policy: Adopted with amendment to allow automatic championship lighting without mayoral approval. Unanimous. - El Camino Village Annexation: Council directed creation of an ad hoc committee (council members) to continue study. No final decision. - Underground Utility District No. 21: Selected Madrona Avenue corridor; public hearing set for March 25, 2025. Unanimous (councilmember Sheikh recused). - Legislative Platform and Delegation Trips: Approved 2025 platform, accepted committee minutes, and authorized delegation trips. Unanimous. - Item 10B (Airport Ordinance Enforcement) Deferred to January 28, 2025. - Council Concurrence: Granted to City Manager immediate authority to collaborate on wildfire relief efforts (7-0).

The scheduled community broadcast meeting of the Torrance public access channel began at 14:30 UTC on January 7, 2025. The programming aired as a composite of local segments covering city governance, community health, arts recognition, and economic development. Consent Calendar - A Lupus Foundation PSA stated there are 1.5 million patients in the US, with a new diagnosis every half hour. - A colon cancer detection PSA urged viewers to get tested, stating colon cancer almost always starts with a polyp. - A PEG Access Television advocacy PSA argued for the protection of public access channels, noting over 100 stations have already been lost nationwide. Public Comments & Testimony - John Slangerup, Port of Long Beach CEO, expressed that the port's work is "incredibly important" and that its impact on the economy is "not to be minimized." He stated a mandate for accelerating schedules and not overspending capital. - Marcus Rupert, President of Scorpius Space Launch, explicitly stated that "failure is not just an option, it's the ingredient to success," differentiating his company's culture from multi-billion dollar programs. - Sherry Roberts, Director of Loving One-by-One Ministries, expressed the goal of giving a "hand up" rather than a handout in Uganda, detailing her organization's school and medical facilities. - Vince and Jojo of Pacini Italian Takeout expressed full support for the Torrance community, stating they want "to keep serving the community with our great Italian food." - Dr. Balsam expressed concern over untreated hearing loss, stating it can lead to dementia and social isolation. Discussion Items - Port of Long Beach: The broadcast discussed the Middle Harbor project (over 3 million TEUs annually, part of $4.5 billion in active construction) and the Gerald Desmond Bridge replacement (first cable-stayed vehicle bridge in CA, 515-foot towers, 200-foot deck). The port's on-dock rail target of 35% was discussed. - Local Business & Innovation: Scorpius's composite linerless tanks for the Nova C lunar lander were featured, requiring over 150 tests for flight qualification. President Marcus Rupert described the 20-person company as turnkey. Pacini's 14-inch pizzas (cooked in 4.5 minutes) and 48-hour fermented dough process were detailed by owners Vince and Jojo. - Arts and Culture: The Excellence in Arts awards were discussed. The Southwest Manuscriptors (over 100 members) and the LA Southtown Show Chorus (60 members) were honored. Singer Bill Henderson was interviewed on "Jazz Notes," describing his acting and singing as storytelling. - Civic Infrastructure: A segment on tire recycling at Mitsubishi Cement Corp explained the use of 2 million tires per year as fuel in a 250-foot long kiln, with no leftover ash. - Health and Fitness: "Senior Scene" covered hearing and vision loss, with Dr. Woolston advising UV protection and regular eye checkups. A beginner resistance training workout (back, biceps, core) was broadcast by Recreation Coordinator Monica. Key Outcomes - The Port of Long Beach's investment of over $4.5 billion in capital construction and the capabilities of its super trains were detailed to the public. - Local Torrance businesses (Scorpius Space Launch, Pacini Italian Takeout) received significant promotional airtime. - Torrance Cultural Arts Commission Excellence in Arts award winners were profiled, highlighting literary, visual, and performing arts groups. - Public health information on hearing, vision, and cancer screening was distributed. - An educational program on tire recycling was aired, promoting community environmental awareness.