Trivia Question❓

Before Del Amo Fashion Center became one of Torrance’s best-known landmarks, what occupied much of the surrounding area?

A. Oil fields
B. Strawberry farms
C. Aircraft factories
D. Horse ranches

Northwood Space Is Quintupled Its Torrance Footprint

Northwood Space is making a major bet on Torrance. The satellite communications company is expanding from roughly 25,000 square feet to 135,000 square feet of manufacturing space, with production expected to shift into the new facility in October. The company also plans to add approximately 400 jobs over the next three years.

UPDATE: Torrance Nuclear Startup Lands U.S. Army Deployment

Last week, we introduced Torrance-based Antares Nuclear and its push to build compact nuclear reactors. Now the story has taken a major step forward. The U.S. Army has selected Antares to own, construct and operate a microreactor at Fort Bragg, while new fuel and federal agreements strengthen its path toward deployment.

Torrance’s Castelion Wins Nearly $90 Million More for Hypersonic Weapons

Just days after announcing a $1 billion financing round, Torrance-based Castelion has received another major vote of confidence. The U.S. Navy awarded the defense-tech company an order worth nearly $90 million to advance engineering, manufacturing and logistics for its Blackbeard hypersonic weapon as the system moves toward early operational capability.

Quote of the Day

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
— Vincent van Gogh

Tom Petty’s Biggest Hits Take Over Wilson Park Saturday

Break out the lawn chairs and get ready to sing along. Petty Theft, a longtime Torrance Summer Nights favorite, returns to Wilson Park Saturday with a free outdoor tribute to Tom Petty. The band takes the stage at 5 p.m., bringing classics from one of rock music’s most recognizable catalogs to Torrance.

Absolution Is Throwing an All-Day End-of-Summer Party

Summer is getting one more proper send-off in Torrance. Absolution Brewing Company is throwing an all-day End of Summer Party Saturday, with Irie Taco serving food, DJ Dieguez providing the music and guests testing their strength in a stein-holding contest. Doors open at noon, and admission to the celebration is free.

Steel Drums Bring Island Sounds to the Library Thursday

The Torrance Public Library is turning up the volume Thursday afternoon with a Steel Drum Concert. The special performance is scheduled for 4 p.m. September 3, giving families and music lovers a chance to trade the usual quiet-library atmosphere for the bright, rhythmic sounds of steel percussion during a free local outing.

Torrance Improv Returns Sunday — And You Help Write the Show

Nothing is scripted Sunday night in Old Torrance. Torrance Theatre Company’s HOT TIP improv show returns September 6, with performers creating scenes and comedy on the spot using ideas from the audience. The two-hour performance begins at 7 p.m. at 1316 Cabrillo Avenue, with tickets priced at $20.

Community’s Child Receives $10,000 Torrance Refinery Donation

Torrance Refinery employees have selected Community’s Child for a $10,000 anniversary donation. The Lomita-based nonprofit serves South Bay families, children and seniors facing poverty, hunger and homelessness through food assistance, infant supplies, senior programs, health fairs and other support — making the gift another locally driven investment in vulnerable neighbors.

Torrance YMCA Is Looking for Volunteers to Help Feed Seniors

The Torrance-South Bay YMCA is looking for volunteers to help with its Senior Nutrition and Socialization Program, which provides weekday meals to older adults. Volunteers can assist with food preparation, serving, cleanup and office support, helping make lunchtime about more than a meal by adding connection and companionship for local seniors.

Torrance Volunteers Quietly Help Seniors Find the Services They Need

Behind a Torrance phone line is a group of trained volunteers helping older adults and caregivers navigate problems that can otherwise feel overwhelming. Focal Point on Aging connects callers with local resources for transportation, housing, Meals on Wheels, healthcare, companion care, Medicare and legal services — all through a free weekday referral program.

Pueblo Park Is Hiding Community-Made Art in Plain Sight

At just half an acre, Pueblo Park is easy to drive past without giving it much thought. Look closer and you’ll find something special: hand-painted ceramic tiles created by local residents and permanently incorporated into the park. The colorful artwork turns this tiny Torrance neighborhood space into an unexpected community-made outdoor gallery.

McMaster Park Has a Firetruck Waiting for Kids to Discover

McMaster Park may not have the name recognition of Wilson Park, but families in North Torrance have a fun reason to explore it. Along with its playground and sports facilities, City photos highlight “Freddy the Firetruck,” a distinctive piece of play equipment, while the park also sits beside North Torrance Library and a senior center.

Victor Park Has a Mini Outdoor Workout Course

Victor Park hides a simple feature that can turn a neighborhood walk into a quick workout. The 6.6-acre West Torrance park includes a .18-mile fitness path with exercise stations, plus sand volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, a playground and a large open lawn — all tucked beside Henderson Library on Emerald Street.

How Did Madrona Marsh Survive?

Madrona Marsh looks almost impossible today: roughly 43 acres of seasonal wetland surrounded by homes, offices and busy Torrance streets. Its survival was anything but accidental. The preserve exists because residents spent years fighting development proposals, gathering thousands of signatures and ultimately forcing a compromise that protected one of Los Angeles County’s last vernal freshwater marshes.

Origami Brings Handrolls and Japanese Skewers to Del Amo

A new Japanese dining option is now open at Del Amo Fashion Center. Origami Handroll x Kushiyaki Bar combines made-to-order handrolls with kushiyaki skewers, crispy rice, tempura and drinks in a modern setting near Nordstrom. The menu ranges from classic spicy tuna to premium uni, wagyu and grilled specialties.

Phin Coffee Is Serving Matcha in a Real Coconut

Torrance has a coffee shop where the drinks may get photographed before they get sipped. Phin Coffee specializes in Vietnamese phin coffee, ceremonial matcha and inventive creations including Coconut Matcha Cloud served in a young coconut, Mango Sticky Rice Matcha and tiramisu-inspired lattes at its Carson Street

Woori Zip Is Serving Korean Comfort Food Inside Hannam Chain

One of Torrance’s newer Korean food stops is hiding inside Hannam Chain. WOORI ZIP Mom’s Cooking focuses on homestyle comfort food including gamjatang, yukgaejang, galbi tang, bibimbap and noodles, served fast from the market’s Del Amo food court. It is an especially tempting stop before — or after — grocery shopping.

Torrance Has a New District 4 Councilmember

Torrance’s District 4 has a new representative. The City Council voted 6-0 to appoint Linda Barnett to the vacant seat previously held by Sharon Kalani, who became mayor in July. Barnett was sworn in immediately and will serve until the results of Torrance’s March 2028 municipal election are certified.

You Can Now Call Into Torrance City Council Meetings

Torrance residents no longer have to attend City Hall in person to speak during a Council meeting. The City has restored remote public participation by phone or video under California Senate Bill 707, allowing residents to listen, raise their hand and give public comment from home during designated portions of City Council meetings.

Torrance Is Looking for Residents to Help Shape City Decisions

Want a more direct role in how Torrance operates? The City is accepting applications for vacancies on the Civil Service, Historic Preservation, and Parks and Recreation commissions. Applications are due September 17 at 5 p.m., giving qualified Torrance residents a chance to help advise the City Council on decisions affecting the community.

Costco Wants to Build a 425-Space Parking Lot on Lomita Boulevard

Costco is seeking approval for a major parking expansion in Torrance. The company wants to develop a 425-space parking lot on roughly 4.9 acres at 2640 Lomita Boulevard. The Planning Commission is scheduled to review the proposal Wednesday, September 2, along with a new environmental addendum and modification request.

Two Riviera Home Additions Head to City Council on Appeal

Two residential projects in Torrance’s Hillside Overlay are headed back before the City Council Tuesday. Appeals challenge Planning Commission approvals involving home additions at 459 Via El Chico and 317 Calle Mayor, putting familiar Riviera concerns — including views, light, privacy and neighborhood impacts — back at the center of Torrance’s development debate.

UPDATE: Southeast Library Will Stay Closed Through Saturday

Southeast Library users should revise their plans. Although an earlier City schedule indicated the Arlington Avenue branch would reopen August 31, the Torrance Public Library’s current calendar now shows the library closed through Saturday, September 5 for building repairs. Book drops remain available, and materials may be returned at any Torrance library.

City Hall Will Be Closed Four Straight Days

Planning a trip to Torrance City Hall? Do it before Friday. City Hall will be closed Friday, September 4 under its regular 9/80 schedule, followed by the weekend and the Labor Day closure Monday, September 7. That creates four consecutive days without normal City Hall counter service for residents needing in-person assistance.

Labor Day Will Push Back Torrance Trash Pickup

Don’t roll the bins out on autopilot next week. Because Labor Day falls Monday, September 7, Torrance residential trash, recycling and organics collection will shift one day later for the remainder of the week. Monday pickup moves to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday, Wednesday to Thursday and Thursday service moves to Friday.