When Torrance officially incorporated as a city in 1921, approximately how many people lived here?

A. 900
B. 1,800
C. 4,500
D. 7,200

Torrance Moves Forward With a Nationally Significant WWII Memorial

Torrance has taken a major step toward building its long-planned World War II Japanese American Incarceration Monument at Columbia Park. The project is designed to display approximately 126,000 names, preserve the history of wartime incarceration, and become what the City says would be the first U.S. memorial of its kind.

Torrance School-Safety Program Grows to Nearly $14 Million

Torrance is significantly expanding its School Safety and Accessibility Program. The City Council moved forward with an additional $6.6 million in Measure M funding, bringing the overall program budget to nearly $13.8 million, while construction work at Anza and Torrance elementary schools is also moving ahead.

Torrance’s Industrial Boom Is Becoming More Than an Aerospace Story

Torrance’s industrial transformation keeps accelerating. Aerospace and defense companies remain major drivers, but robotics, satellite infrastructure, autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing are now competing for the same large industrial spaces. Recent industry reporting shows Torrance increasingly becoming one of Southern California’s most concentrated hard-tech employment centers.

✨ Quote of the Day

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”
— William James

💙 A Word from The Torrance Buzz Weekly

ICAN Brings Finding Nemo to the Armstrong Theatre

ICAN’s Theater Program is heading to the James Armstrong Theatre with Finding Nemo, a 60-minute family musical featuring a cast that has spent months rehearsing for the performance. The show takes place Thursday evening and gives local families a chance to support an inclusive Torrance arts program.

Smogtoberfest Returns for Its Big Finale Weekend

Smog City Brewing is turning its Torrance taproom into a South Bay Oktoberfest this weekend. Smogtoberfest returns Friday through Sunday with live music, food trucks, specialty beer, a costume contest, steinholding competition and one particularly Torrance-worthy attraction: Saturday afternoon wiener-dog racing.

Grab the Binoculars for a Morning at Madrona Marsh

Madrona Marsh is hosting another South Bay Bird Watch Saturday morning. Members of the Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon chapter will lead a guided walk through the preserve, designed especially for new and beginner birders. The event is free, and binoculars are available to borrow.

Treasure Hunting Takes Over Downtown Torrance

Downtown Torrance becomes a giant treasure hunt Sunday as the Antique Street Faire returns to Sartori Avenue. Shoppers can browse vintage furniture, collectibles, clothing and unusual finds, while live music, an appraisal booth and a special dance performance add to the atmosphere. Admission is free and pets are welcome.

New Challenge Ministries Helps 500 Kids Start School Ready

New Challenge Ministries says 500 children benefited from its 14th annual back-to-school effort this year. The nonprofit credits sponsors, volunteers and community partners for helping local families prepare for the school year — another example of how quietly organized community support can make a very visible difference.

FirstServe Keeps Building a Support Network for South Bay Seniors

A Torrance nonprofit is working to make aging feel a little less isolating. FirstServe Senior Services provides exercise groups, educational luncheons, grief and dementia support, and trained volunteers who accompany seniors to medical appointments. Its work centers on something simple but increasingly important: helping older adults stay connected.

A Simple Pair of Shoes Becomes Something Much Bigger

Blessings for Your Soles recently brought supporters together in Torrance for its largest annual fundraiser. The nonprofit provides socks and footwear to people experiencing homelessness, veterans, hospitalized children, seniors and at-risk youth — proving that even a basic everyday item can become a meaningful act of care.

Entradero Park Is More Than It Looks

Entradero Park looks like a neighborhood recreation spot, but there is more going on beneath the surface. The 26.5-acre park began as a stormwater collection area and still serves that purpose today, while also offering walking paths, playgrounds, sports fields, picnic space and acres of open land.

There’s a Miniature Railroad Hiding Inside Wilson Park

Most people know Wilson Park for the Farmers Market, sports fields and walking paths. But tucked into the east end is something much less expected: the Southern California Live Steamers railroad, where volunteers operate miniature trains and offer free public rides on scheduled weekends throughout much of the year.

La Paloma Park May Be Torrance’s Easiest Park to Miss

You could drive past La Paloma Park dozens of times without realizing it is there. The tiny Southwest Torrance park covers just 0.4 acres along Lomita Boulevard and offers little more than grass and a swing set — which is exactly what makes it such a quiet neighborhood discovery.

Why Was Artesia Boulevard Once Called Strawberry Street?

Imagine giving directions through Torrance using Strawberry Street, State Street and El Prado instead of Artesia, Sepulveda and Torrance Boulevard. Those names were once real. In 1932 alone, Torrance changed 25 street names as the growing city tried to bring its road system into line with surrounding Los Angeles County.

North Italia Rolls Out a Fresh Happy Hour at Del Amo

North Italia at Del Amo Fashion Center has refreshed its happy hour with new pricing, cocktails and shareable dishes. Available weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m., the lineup includes $10 spritzes, $12 cocktails, $10 wine pours, $6 beers and a $15 Spritz + Snacks combination.

A $70 Wagyu Omakase Is Hiding on Artesia Boulevard

Torrance diners looking for a special-occasion meal without entering the $200-plus omakase territory have an intriguing option. Wagyu Butcher Japanese BBQ offers a $70 Butcher’s Omakase featuring multiple premium wagyu cuts, tableside preparation and a guided yakiniku experience inside an intimate Artesia Boulevard restaurant.

Wednesday Is Half-Price Wine Night at Scardino’s

Here is a weekly deal worth remembering. Scardino’s Italian Restaurant offers 50% off regular-size bottles from its fine-wine selection every Wednesday evening from 4 to 9 p.m. Pair it with old-school Italian comfort food, or stop in earlier for the restaurant’s three-course Early Supper.

Torrance Is Already Rethinking the 2027 Armed Forces Day Celebration

Torrance is already planning the 2027 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration. At its September 15 meeting, the City Council was asked to consider format and schedule adjustments and authorize staff to continue planning, keeping the future shape of one of Torrance’s signature traditions back before City Hall.

Torrance’s Airport Is Getting a New Look

Torrance Municipal Airport could soon have a new logo. The City Council reviewed logo concepts this month, and the city is now prominently encouraging residents to participate in the selection process. The branding effort comes as Zamperini Field continues to receive renewed attention as both an aviation facility and civic landmark.

Nike’s After Dark Race Is Sending a Major Event Through Torrance

A large-scale Nike running event is scheduled to pass through Torrance on October 24. City staff brought an updated route and proposed fees for the Nike After Dark Tour LA before the Council, giving residents an early look at another major special event likely to affect streets and city services.

A Major Water Main Project Is Coming to Del Amo and Crenshaw

A less visible but important Torrance project is moving forward beneath the streets. The City Council agenda called for a $379,000 engineering contract to design water-main replacements around Del Amo Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard, with design work scheduled over the next two years.

Torrance Homes Are Selling at About List Price — but the Market Is Uneven

Torrance home prices are lower than a year ago, but buyers are still facing a competitive market. Redfin’s latest data shows a median sale price of about $1.21 million, homes taking roughly 32 days to sell, and the average sale closing just above asking price.

Torrance Is Trying to Make ADUs Easier to Build

Thinking about adding a backyard unit? Torrance now offers pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit plans designed to reduce design costs and speed up permitting. The plans are already about 80% complete for city review, although homeowners still need site-specific work and a building permit.

Torrance Building Permits Have Gone Digital

Torrance has moved building permits and plan review online. Since January, all plan reviews and permit applications must be submitted electronically, allowing homeowners and contractors to upload documents, pay fees and monitor permit status remotely instead of relying on paper submissions.

Night Drivers: Another Week of SR-91 and I-110 Connector Closures

South Bay night drivers should allow extra time this week. Caltrans is again reducing lanes on SR-91 between Gardena and Cerritos, with multiple ramps and freeway connectors — including connections to I-110 — subject to overnight closure from Monday night through Saturday morning.

Saturday Shredding and E-Waste Drop-Off Could End Early

Got old electronics or boxes of paperwork piling up? Torrance’s free e-waste recycling and paper-shredding event returns Saturday morning, but there are important limits: it is for Torrance residents only, shredding is capped at three boxes or bags per vehicle, and service ends when truck capacity is reached.

Don’t Head to City Hall Tuesday Expecting a Regular Council Meeting

Residents planning to attend Tuesday’s Torrance City Council meeting should note an unusual schedule. September 22 is listed as a closed-session-only meeting beginning at 5 p.m., not a regular Council business meeting. The next regular meeting on the City’s calendar is Tuesday, October 6.

When “Inflation Is Down” Doesn’t Feel Like It

Inflation may be slowing, but many households still feel squeezed by higher everyday costs. The reason is simple: slower inflation means prices are rising more slowly, not returning to old levels. This week’s Final Thoughts looks at the gap between economic headlines and what families actually experience.

Which everyday expense has put the most pressure on your budget lately?

🛒 Groceries

🏠 Housing

📄 Insurance

⛽ Gas & Transportation

🍽️ Dining Out

💡 Utilities

Cast your vote and see which night Torrance readers would rather choose.

You can only choose ONE. Which Torrance evening sounds better?

Option A: 🎬 Movie Night + Takeout

Option B: 🎶 Live Music + Dinner Out

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

B. 1,800

Torrance had only about 1,800 residents when voters decided whether to incorporate in 1921. The vote wasn't particularly close: incorporation passed 355–11, and Torrance formally became a city in May 1921.

Extra Buzz: One of the new city's early rules made it illegal to spit on the sidewalk. The City also hired a constable, created a volunteer fire department, and allowed AAA to install speed-limit and stop signs.