Torrance Begins a New Chapter With Newly Elected Leadership |
Sharon Kalani becomes the city’s third woman mayor as a new council and city treasurer take office. |
The Torrance Buzz Weekly
Jul 20, 2026
Torrance officially welcomed a new group of elected leaders during an installation ceremony held at the July 14 City Council meeting.
Sharon Kalani took the oath of office as mayor, becoming only the third woman to serve in that position in Torrance history. Kalani previously spent six years representing residents on the City Council.
She was joined by newly elected District 1 Councilmember David Kartsonis, District 5 Councilmember Betty Lieu and returning District 3 Councilmember Asam Sheikh.
Kartsonis works in his family’s Torrance-based business and previously chaired the Torrance Planning Commission. Lieu most recently served on the Torrance Unified School District Board of Education. Sheikh begins his second council term while continuing his professional work as a senior financial analyst.
City Clerk Rebecca Poirier was sworn in for another term, while former District 5 Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci became Torrance’s new city treasurer.
The ceremony also recognized outgoing Mayor George Chen, Councilmembers Jon Kaji and Aurelio Mattucci, and Treasurer Tim Goodrich for their years of public service.
The standing-room-only gathering marked more than a ceremonial transition. The new leadership team will now help shape city priorities, budgets, services and major policy decisions during the coming term.
|