When Torrance High School first opened in 1917, what made it unusual?

A. It was originally an all-boys school
B. It operated as both a high school and an elementary school
C. It was built as a military training academy
D. It was originally located outside Torrance

Maersk Takes Over PUMA’s Massive Torrance Distribution Center

A major logistics shift is underway in Torrance. Maersk has taken over management of PUMA’s highly automated local distribution center as part of a three-site U.S. network spanning 2.3 million square feet. The move puts one of Torrance’s largest warehouse operations under a global shipping and logistics giant in the city.

Torrance Company Plans an Oceanfront Cultural Destination in Japan

Torrance-based OFA Group is looking far beyond Southern California with a sweeping development vision in Japan. The company has outlined a phased oceanfront project in Choshi City combining classical music, education, wellness, hospitality and senior living, with some programming potentially beginning in 2028 if planning and approvals move forward there.

Torrance’s New Mayor Delivers Her First State of the City Address

Torrance Mayor Sharon Kalani delivered her first State of the City address Friday, September 25, before a sold-out Chamber of Commerce audience. The City billed the speech as a look at upcoming priorities, major projects and Torrance’s future direction, making it one of the new administration’s most closely watched public appearances so far.

✨ Quote of the Day

“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller

Torrance Farmers’ Market Turns Into a Pie Showdown

The Torrance Farmers’ Market is getting sweeter Tuesday, September 29, with its 4th Annual Pie Contest. Bakers can enter homemade pies beginning at 9 a.m., judging starts at 10, and a crowd-pleasing pie-eating contest follows at 11. It all happens alongside the regular market at Wilson Park.

Torrance Pumpkin Patch Opens for the Fall Season

Fall officially arrives in Torrance on Friday, October 2, when Mr. Jack O’ Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch opens for the season. The Prairie Avenue attraction returns through November 1 with pumpkins in all shapes and colors, seasonal photo opportunities and family activities designed to turn pumpkin shopping into a full autumn outing.

Scaredown Takes Over Downtown Torrance Saturday

Downtown Torrance is getting an early dose of Halloween Saturday, October 3, when Scaredown returns to Old Torrance. The free community celebration runs from 4 to 9 p.m. with trunk-or-treating, games, live entertainment, a marketplace and plenty of costumes, turning the historic district into one big Halloween gathering.

Oktoberfest Comes to Absolution Brewery

Absolution Brewery is bringing Oktoberfest flavor to Torrance Saturday, October 3. The free all-day celebration starts at noon with bratwurst, currywurst and schnitzel, plus a stein-holding contest for anyone ready to test their arm strength. Limited custom glasses will also be available, and the event is open to all ages.

Pet Lovers Get the Spotlight at Armstrong Theatre

Animal lovers may want tissues and a sense of humor Saturday, October 3. “Unleashed: True Stories About the Animals We Love” comes to the Armstrong Theatre with writers, comedians, actors and storytellers sharing real-life tales about pets, rescues and unforgettable animal companions. Tickets range from $25 to $35 for the one-performance event.

West High Students Give Younger Kids a Helping Hand

West High School students are turning academic achievement into community service. Members of the school’s California Scholarship Federation recently volunteered at Victor Elementary, helping tutor younger students while teachers met with parents. It was a small service project, but one that showed how Torrance students are finding practical ways to help one another.

Young Professionals Are Helping Shape Care at Torrance Memorial

A group of young physicians and professionals is quietly helping improve patient care at Torrance Memorial. The hospital foundation’s YPPA has funded everything from pediatric equipment and NICU improvements to emergency backpacks and family spaces. The volunteer-led organization recently held its annual Casino Night while continuing to channel professional networking into community support.

Torrance Memorial Staff Collect 3,000 Pounds of Food for Local Families

Torrance Memorial employees recently collected 3,000 pounds of food for families served by New Challenge Ministries’ Fresh Rescue Food Bank. The hospital says its staff-led food drives have now gathered nearly 17,000 pounds since 2022, helping hundreds of South Bay families while extending the idea of community care well beyond the hospital walls.

A Japanese Garden Hiding in the Civic Center

Tucked inside the Torrance Cultural Arts Center is one of the city’s most peaceful surprises. Pine Wind Japanese Garden features koi, waterfalls, stone pathways and traditional landscaping designed by award-winning landscape architect Takeo Uesugi. It is easy to walk past without realizing this quiet garden is sitting right beside Torrance’s busiest civic buildings.

One of Torrance’s Most Impressive Art Collections Is Hidden Inside an Office Building

One of Torrance’s most unusual museums is hiding inside Sunrider International’s headquarters. The Chen Art Gallery displays the private collection of Dr. Tei Fu Chen, with Chinese art gathered over decades. The gallery is free to visit, but tours are by appointment, making it one of the city’s least obvious cultural destinations.

There’s an Aviation Museum Sitting Right on Zamperini Field

Aviation history is sitting almost unnoticed beside Torrance Airport. The Western Museum of Flight houses historic aircraft, prototypes, engines, drones and aviation artifacts tied to Southern California’s aerospace legacy. The small museum is open Friday through Monday, and children under 12 are admitted free, making it an easy family outing most locals overlook.

Why Is So Much of Torrance Called “Del Amo”?

Torrance residents see the name “Del Amo” everywhere — on the mall, streets, offices and businesses — but few know where it came from. The name traces back to Dr. Gregorio del Amo and his wife, Susana Dominguez del Amo, whose family holdings were rooted in the historic Rancho San Pedro.

Onki Is Putting Torrance on L.A.’s Korean Food Radar

Torrance’s newest Korean dining destination is getting serious attention. Onki, the first U.S. restaurant from Korean celebrity chef Won-Il Lee, has earned praise for dishes like gamjatang, Wagyu galbi and pork jowl. Eater recently included the Torrance restaurant in its weekend dining guide, putting another local spot on the broader L.A. food map.

Ichimi Ann Keeps Fresh Soba Simple — and That’s the Point

No flashy dining room, no giant menu and no complicated concept. Ichimi Ann in Old Torrance continues to win fans with freshly made soba and udon, and the L.A. Times recently highlighted it as one of the city’s essential stops. The noodles are made daily using buckwheat and flour shipped from Japan.

Kansha Creamery Proves Ice Cream Doesn’t Have to Be Over-the-Top

Sweet tooth? Kansha Creamery may be your next stop. The sibling-owned Torrance ice cream shop has earned fresh attention from The Infatuation for flavors like black sesame, honeycomb and seasonal fruit. Instead of piling on toppings, Kansha keeps things simple and balanced, letting carefully chosen ingredients do most of the work.

Prime Rib, Red Booths and Karaoke: The San Franciscan Still Does It Its Way

Some restaurants chase trends. The San Franciscan has spent more than 60 years doing the opposite. The Torrance steakhouse still serves slow-roasted prime rib, steaks and lobster in a room filled with red booths and retro charm. Add Tuesday and Saturday karaoke plus Friday live music, and dinner becomes part time capsule, part neighborhood party.

Torrance May Loosen Holiday Rules for Cottage Food Businesses

Torrance is considering temporary December changes to its cottage food ordinance that could give home-based food businesses more flexibility during the holidays. Proposed rules would allow certain outdoor activities and multiple customers on residential property, while adding requirements for trash, access and neighborhood impacts. The item is tentatively scheduled for October 6.

City Council Will Hold a Public Hearing on Federal Housing and Community Funds

Torrance residents will have a chance to review how the City used federal housing and community-development funds when the City Council holds a public hearing October 6. The discussion centers on the City’s annual CAPER report, which tracks spending and results from programs funded through federal CDBG and HOME grant dollars.

No City Council Meeting Tuesday — Next Regular Meeting Is October 6

Residents planning to attend City Hall Tuesday should note that September 29 is a scheduled City Council “dark night,” meaning no Council meeting will take place. The next regular meeting is Tuesday, October 6, with closed session beginning at 5 p.m. and regular public business scheduled to begin at 6:30.

Could the Roadium Become Housing Someday?

A new South Bay housing study has identified the Roadium Open Air Market property in Torrance as one of several commercial sites that could potentially support future housing. The study does not propose an approved project, but it shows how cities are evaluating underused commercial land as they search for places to accommodate new homes.

Torrance Home Prices Are Telling Very Different Stories by Neighborhood

Torrance’s housing market looks very different depending on the neighborhood. Recent Redfin data shows North Torrance home prices up 6.9% year over year, while West Torrance is down 1.9% and Olde Torrance is nearly flat. The numbers are a reminder that one citywide median can hide substantial differences from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Westoria’s Public Environmental Review Has Closed

A major Torrance housing proposal has reached another milestone. The public review period for the Westoria Residential Project closed September 21. The plan would replace three office buildings near Torrance Boulevard and Western Avenue with 335 homes, including 98 townhomes and 237 apartments, while requiring multiple land-use approvals before construction can begin.

Don’t Panic If You Hear Sirens Friday Afternoon

Torrance residents may hear emergency sirens Friday afternoon, but there is no emergency. The City will conduct an audible test of its TorranceNOW outdoor warning system October 2 at 3 p.m. Expect a wailing siren, a voice announcement saying “This is only a test,” and chimes from locations across the city.

Torrance Transit Schedules Change Sunday

Torrance Transit riders should check their schedules before heading out Sunday, October 4. New timetables take effect on multiple routes, including Lines 1, 2, 4X, 6, 8 and Rapid 3. Departure times are changing, so regular riders should verify their usual trip rather than assuming last week’s schedule still applies.

SR-91 and I-110 Drivers Face Another Week of Overnight Closures

South Bay night drivers should budget extra time again this week. Caltrans is closing lanes, ramps and freeway connectors along SR-91 between Gardena and Cerritos through Saturday morning. Several I-110 connections are also affected, including eastbound and westbound SR-91 connectors, with some closures lasting into early morning hours.

When Did Everything Become a Subscription?

Subscriptions once meant magazines and cable TV. Now they can cover streaming, software, meal kits, fitness apps, cloud storage and even features already built into a car. As more companies turn purchases into recurring payments, Americans are starting to ask a simple question: are subscriptions still convenient, or have they become another form of clutter?

This distinctive concrete landmark has been part of the Torrance landscape for more than a century.

👇 Make Your Guess

Vote before scrolling away — no Googling!

A. Torrance High School

B. Pacific Electric Railway–El Prado Bridge

C. Torrance Historical Society Museum

D. Torrance Civic Center

💡 Answer To This Week's Trivia Question:

B. It operated as both a high school and an elementary school

Torrance High School opened in 1917 under the Los Angeles School District and initially served the growing community as a combination high school and elementary school.