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Community Events


Coronavirus / COVID-19 Information

This is the first world-wide pandemic we've seen in our lifetime, and we're in it together - in sickness and health. Since social distancing, self-quarantine and best health practices are in place (as they always should be), if you have to make a run to the store, why not ask a neighbor/friend/relative who may not (or should not) be able to get out so easily, if you can pick-up something for them, providing that something is still on the shelf.

Updated Event Status List

On the City of Torrance Status event list you will find a list of pertinent information regarding closures, postponements, sites to stay informed, and more:

To view an updated event status list, please visit: http://www.cityoftorranceca.com/event-status.html.

Torrance Alerts - Stay Informed & Register TODAY

Below the link to the TorranceAlerts web page, where you can register for real-time information, alerts, and updates regarding emergency preparedness, incidents, traffic impacts, important safety information, and more.

http://www.torranceca.gov/torrancealerts

When there is an emergency, you'll get the information first with TorranceAlerts - the City of Torrance's mass emergency notification system. TorranceAlerts is a free service provided by the City to help make sure you have the information you need, when you need it!

Registering for the system should be part of your personal emergency preparedness plan. Information sent through TorranceAlerts system is intended to help keep you updated should the City or region experience a significant event such as an earthquake, fire, public health emergency or similar situation.

You may register as many devices as you like to receive TorranceAlerts -- home, mobile, or business phone, email, text messages, hearing impaired receiving devices, and more. Many non-emergency community updates are provided via email only -- to ensure that you receive emergency alerts, as well as all of the community updates you select, register at least one phone number and one email address.

Individuals with disabilities who need assistance registering for TorranceAlerts may call the Office of Emergency Services at 310.618.5670 during regular business hours: Monday - Thursday and alternate Fridays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Sign up and customize your settings to choose what kind of information you want and the method by which you want to receive messages. You can also download the Everbridge Mobile Member app on your smart phone to stay updated.

REGISTER NOW for TorranceAlerts.

Alerts regarding COVID-19 will be sent daily to provide updates. See www.CityofTorranceCA.com

Learn More about the Virus

Click here to learn more about the virus, who is considered high-risk, and how you can protect yourself.

Also, since the greatest danger with COVID-19 is that we overwhelm our healthcare resources, the Torrance Fire & EMS said that if you are experiencing mild sympstoins (cough or fever), self-isolate at home rather than going to your hospital, clinic, or doctor's office. Contact your healthcare provider or 2-1-1 by phone if you have any qestions about home care or testing.



Irving Gill-Designed Bridge Celebrates 100th Birthday

In 2012 our Bridge celebrated its 100th birthday, and after a century -- it was time for a facelift. The City of Torrance was in charge of the rehabilitation, repair and beautification of the Historic Pacific Electric Railroad Bridge, listed in the National Register of Historical Places. The restoration project consisted of concrete repairs of cracks and spalls on the bridge deck, girders, columns, wingwall, soffit, wooden railing replacement, surface cleaning and vegetation grubbing, and lighting. The improvements met the Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties as well as current California and Federal building and Public Works Codes and standards.

Construction began Wednesday, February 13th, with a tentative completion date of Wednesday, May 8th, 2013. Historical Note: This graceful railroad bridge, designed in 1913 by the renowned Dominguez Land Corp.'s in-house architect, Irving Gill, allowed the trains to carry the raw materials and finished goods of Torrance's factories so that they would not block Los Angeles-bound motor traffic on Torrance Blvd. The bridge also carried the noise and vibration of the rail cars away from the city's downtown Torrance depot and made it possible for goods manufactured here to be shipped via Los Angeles and San Pedro.

The bridge is located on Torrance Blvd., west of Western Ave. In 1989, it became the second property in Torrance to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For additional information, visit this page.

Torrance Centennial Plaza at El Prado Park 1912 - 2012

Centennial Plaza includes a time capsule, benches, landscaping and personalized commemorative bricks. The Plaza is located in the original footprint of the City at the Cravens Avenue end of El Prado Park in Old Torrance.

El Prado Park was the first "parkland" in Torrance, and was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, Jr (Olmsted Brothers), one of the premier landscape architects of the 20th century who was hired by Jared Sidney Torrance to design the Modern Industrial City we call Torrance.

The plaza was dedicated on Sunday, September 16th, 2012.

South Bay's Bicycle Master Plan

The moment you've all been waiting for - it definitely is one for us. The draft of the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan (SBBMP) is now available for public review here.

Our comment period is now closed. We received many great comments from the community and will be making final revisions over the next several weeks. Please stay tuned for the final draft of the plan and join us this Fall at your city council meeting. This plan's success depends on your support in front of City Council. So please, spread the word and help ensure that the path to plan adoption in just a few short months is a success!

The master plan is available for viewing at www.southbaybicyclecoalition.org.

Restaurants in Downtown Torrance

These establishments are all within walking distance of downtown Torrance. The City has created a Downtown Torrance Restaurant Guide.

For a list of Torrance Restaurants and Breweries, visit www.TorranceCA.Gov/TakeOut.



Launch of the New Torrance Events Calendar

TORRANCE, Calif. - The City of Torrance hosts the "Torrance Events Calendar" on the Torrance citywide website. It is tool to help improve the quality of life in the City of Torrance. This comprehensive calendar will provide the community and worldwide visitors with a resource for Torrance-based meetings, events, and activities. Presently, the Calendar is populated with City-hosted events, and all Torrance-based nonprofit groups and organizations are encouraged to submit information about their events for inclusion in the Calendar. With the click of a mouse, the community can now discover everything that is happening in the City of Torrance. Everyone is invited to visit the Torrance Events Calendar, which is linked to the bottom of every page in the citywide website, under the heading Events Calendar, and also at the top of every page, listed inside the "Quick Links" drop down menu. For Torrance-based nonprofit groups that are interested in submitting their events for inclusion in the Calendar, please click here for information on how to submit an event. If you have any questions, please email the Calendar Administrator at TorranceCalendar@torrnet.com.


Ongoing Activities at Charles H. Wilson Park

The Charles H. Wilson Park is located between Jefferson St. and the Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SCROC). Parking for the park is located at 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard. See map for location.

Park Amenities

  • Handicapped Access
  • Picnic Areas (Reservable)
  • Barbecues
  • Live Steamers Railroad
  • Softball Diamonds (Reservable)
  • Splash Pad at Wilson Park
  • Basketball Courts
  • Horseshoe Courts
  • Pickleball
  • Sand Volleyball Courts
  • Outdoor Amphitheater - near pond (Reservable)
  • Universally Accessible Tree House
  • Tennis Courts
  • Paddle Tennis Courts
  • Roller Hockey Rink (Reservable)
  • Batting Cages
  • Indoor Sports Center (Reservable)
  • Children's Play Equipment
  • Fitness Course = .91 mile (walking trail around the park)
  • Restrooms
  • Torrance Farmer's Market
    Rain or Shine
    Tuesdays 8:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.
    Saturdays 8:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.
    Charles H. Wilson Park
    2200 Crenshaw Blvd.
    (between Sepulveda Blvd. and Carson St.)

  • Go to the Hollywood Bowl non-stop, round-trip on the Park & Ride Hollywood Bowl Bus Line 657.

    Park & Ride allows you to park in your neighborhood and ride directly to the Bowl. Following each performance, those same buses will speed you on your way homeward - no parking headaches, no traffic jams. Buy your tickets in advance to ensure priority boarding!

  • Wilson Park Annenberg Tree House

    This tree house is the first universally-accessible treehouse in a public space in California.

    The tree house, a 2,500 square foot wooden structure, is designed to give children and adults of all ages and physical abilities an awe-inspiring experience — and a bird’s eye view. The City of Torrance was chosen because of its community pride in its programs, schools, resources and parks; its diversity; its support for those who are physically challenged; and its public safety record. The tree house was made possible by a generous donation from the Annenberg Foundation.
    Phone: 310.781.6901
    Fax: 310.618.3077
    Hours of Operation
    Open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily

  • Dee Hardison Sports Center
    2400 Jefferson St.
    (310) 328-4964

  • Wilson Park Batting Cages, Roller Hockey Rink
    (310) 320-CAGE (2243)

  • Wilson Park Train Rides
    (310) 328-0236.

    The Southern California Live Steamers offer free train rides the first Sunday of each month, from 11:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. They also offer free train rides the the third Saturday of each month, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

    The train is located at the east end of Wilson Park off Washington Avenue.

    The rides are free, but donations are gladly accepted.

  • Facility Booking

    For rental of park buildings, ball diamonds and picnic areas call (310) 618-5982, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (alternating with a closed Friday every other week and closed on holidays).

Western Museum of Flight

Western Museum of Flight
Zamperini Field
3315 Airport Drive - Red Baron Hanger #3
Torrance, CA 90505

Telephone: 310-326-9544
FAX: 310-326-9556
Email: WMOFSCHAF@um.att.com
http://www.wmof.com

Activities at Madrona Marsh

3201 Plaza del Amo
Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
See the Madrona Marsh Preserve & Nature Center website for details.

Get involved! Join Friends of Madrona Marsh!

Torrance Art Museum and Galleries
  • Torrance Art Museum (TAM)

    "TAM" is the premiere visual art space to view contemporary art in the South Bay. It is a program of the City of Torrance Cultural Services Division of the Community Services Department.

    Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00am - 5:00pm
    Free to the public

    3320 Civic Center Drive (by Torrance Police Department)
    Torrance, CA 90503
    310-618-6388

    Torrance Art Museum


  • Destination Art of the South Bay Art Gallery and Art School

    1815 W. 213th St., #135 (just south of Torrance Bl, near the Bubble Bath Car Wash)
    Old Torrance, 90501
    (310) 742-3192

    Call for current hours
    Destination Art of the South Bay
    Info: Vickie - vsekits@vsekitsfineart.com

  • APC Fine Arts & Graphics

    Art Gallery with classes, art shows, art for sale, stationary and more. Paintings by Ron Libbrecht and other artists.

    1621 Cabrillo (just north of Carson Bl)
    Old Torrance, 90501
    (310) 328 - 0366

    Monday - Friday, 09:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Saturdays - by appointmentbr

    APC Fine Arts & Graphics

Activities at Torrance Libraries

For information and dates for scheduled activities at each Torrance library branch, see the Master Calendar of Events.

Upcoming sales of books, records, tapes, magazines and computer software/hardware. See Friends of the Torrance Library.

Walking Tours of Downtown Torrance

Walking tours noting historical sites on the fourth Sunday of every month, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Free tours start at the Torrance Historical Society Museum. Wear comfy walking shoes. No reservations necessary. The tour leaves the museum promptly at 1:30pm. It covers about eight blocks of flat land and lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Torrance Historical Society & Museum
1345 Post Ave at Cravens
(310) 328-5392

Little Free Libraries

1609 Amapola, (near Sonoma)
Old Torrance 90501

In front of Fox Drug of Torrance
Sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 14575
1327 El Prado
Old Torrance, 90501
This Little Free Library is targeted for children and young adults.

1229 Beach
Old Torrance, 90501

2353 Sonoma
Old Torrance, 90501
This Little Free Library is targeted for children

Torrance Police Department Lobby
3300 Civic Center Drive
This Little Free Library is targeted for ages 6-16. TPD Juvenile Diversion Department is the library overseer. Call 310-618-5555 for questions. In memory of Louis Zamperini by his grandson, Clay Zamperini.

In Pueblo Park --
2252 Del Amo Blvd.
between Crenshaw and Van Ness
Torrance, 90501

In Discovery Park --
22526 Ocean
between Sepulveda and Carson
Torrance, 90505

The Little Free Libraries at Torrance Police Department, Pueblo Park, and Discovery Park are operated by the City of Torrance.

A Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back books to share. This is a "take a book, return a book" where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories.
http://littlefreelibrary.org

Torrance Theatre Company

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY THEATRE VENUE
1316 Cabrillo Ave /south of Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501
Box Office: (424) 243-6882

Email: FriendsofTTC@gmail.com
Website: torrancetheatrecompany.com

TORRANCE THEATRE COMPANY MISSION:

Torrance Theatre Company is committed to providing affordable, professional-quality theatre productions and related outreach and educational services to Torrance and the South Bay Area, and to creating a positive and welcoming environment where a varied group of local theatre artists can come and hone their craft while sharing their talents with the greater community. Torrance Theatre Company believes that the community becomes stronger through the shared experience of theatre, and through a diverse season covering drama, comedy, and musicals, both classics and contemporary, the community will be inspired, educated and entertained.

Torrance Theatre Company is a program of the Cultural Service Division of the Torrance Community Services Department. Sponsored in part by Friends of Torrance Theatre Company, a recognized 501(c)3 organization.

Other Torrance Community Events & Points of Interest

  • Discover Torrance
  • Torrance Arts and Venues
  • James R. Armstrong Theatre
  • George Nakano Theatre
  • Parks and Recreation Special Event Schedule
  • Torrance Art Museum - TAM
  • Torrance Theatre Company
  • Torrance Civic Chorale
    Chorale Facebook page
  • City of Torrance Veterans Memorial
    Torrance City Hall
    Maple Avenue and Torrance Blvd.
    Torrance, CA

  • "Scaredown" and "Trunk or Treat" in Downtown Torrance


    Since 2018

    What: Trunk or Treat - 5:00 - 7:00 PM
    Volunteers to decorate the trunk of your vehicle, wear a costume and pass out candy to kids.
    Kids (along with an adult) can go Trunk or Treat (instead of Trick or Treat) to obtain candy in a safe environment.

    Vehicles will be lined up in downtown Torrance from Sartori Ave from El Prado to Post Avenues.

    Scaredown - 5:00 - 9:00 PM (see posting below)
    Downtown Torrance
    When: Usually a Saturday in early October, 5:00 - 9:00PM
    Sponsored by: Downtown Torrance Business Owners Assoc.
    Created by: Julie Randall and Katie Kaopua
    See: https://www.facebook.com/Downtowntorrance
    Additional Info or to volunteer: Julie Randall at 310.328.6107 https://torranceantiquefaire.com
    Note: For many years there is also an antique car show (but not every year - call for applicability and info).

    scare down activities


    THS Yearly Memorial for Reading of the Names on the Wall

    Each year, on Monday, Memorial Day, the Torrance Historical Society conducts a memorial service, which includes the reading of the 146 Names on the Torrance Veterans' Memorial Wall, for Torrance service personnel who gave their lives in U. S. military actions. Those Names include war losses from World War I to those in the Iraq and Afghanistan War. The service takes place at the City of Torrance Veterans' Memorial Wall at Memorial Plaza, Torrance Blvd. at Maple

    "On Memorial Day, we will be grateful for the gift of those who never came home. We will remember -- every day is Memorial Day. We will pray that we may never add another name to that cold, black wall," noted Jerry Ronan, Torrance Historical Society Board Member and WWII Veteran.

    Here is the YouTube video of the event on Monday, May 24, 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJLeV6_kSAI

    Please visit the below THS web page to view the list of the 146 names on the wall. The Torrance Historical Society continues its project to gather and preserve the too-short life story of each of the 146 Torrance military personnel who gave their lives in service to our country. As of May of 2015, they are halfway to their goal of putting a face on each name. To volunteer for this project and read more about it and to view the list of the 146 names on the wall, please view the below THS web page. http://www.torrancehistoricalsociety.org/opportunities/namesonthewall.html

  • Louis Silvie "Louie" Zamperini

    (January 26, 1917 - July 2, 2014)

    Several Torrance landmarks are named in honor of Louis Zamperini, Torrance hometown Olympian, WWII hero, motivational speaker, and subject of two books and the film Unbroken.

    Louis Zamperini at announcement of 2015 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal.JPG
    "Louis Zamperini at announcement of 2015 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal" by Floatjon - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.


    ZamperiniField.jpg
    "ZamperiniField" by Trackinfo - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.


    Zamperini Field - California.jpg
    "Zamperini Field - California" by United States Geological Survey (USGS) - USGS The National Map, via MSR Maps (formerly TerraServer-USA) http://msrmaps.com/map.aspx?t=1&s=12&lon=-118.339722&lat=33.803333&w=600&h=400. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

    YouTubes video in three parts (Luke Zamperini & Torrance Rose Float, B-24 Walk Around, and B-17 Walk Around):

  • Ted Tanouye Memorial

    Located in front of Torrance High School
    2200 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90501

    Ted Tanouye Memorial Dedication

    Ted Tanouye Medal of Honor Citation


  • John F. Kennedy Memorial Stone

    Located at the corner of Sartori and Cabrillo
    Torrance, CA 90501

    This Memorial to President John F. Kennedy was donated by Torrance residents Max and Celia Pons in 1964.

  • Seaside Heroes Park

    Location:
    22851 Anza Avenue
    Torrance, CA 90505

    Seaside Heroes Park honors Army soldiers Cpl. Joseph Anzack, Jr., 20, Cpl. Micah S. Gifford, 27, and Capt. Matthew C. Ferrara, 24,

    These three young men grew up in this area, attending Seaside Elementary Calle Mayor Middle, and South High Schools. As boys they enjoyed scouting, baseball, track and field, wrestling and football but as young men they all chose to serve our country.

    Answering this call to duty, they all became members of the United States Army. Each made the ultimate sacrifice giving their lives while at war in Iraq (Joseph and Micah) and Afghanistan (Matthew). They died within an eleven month period (December 2006 - November 2007).

    Let everyone who visits this park realize the sacrifice made by these Soldiers so that we may live in freedom, and may our "Seaside Heroes" be remembered and inspire future generations.


  • Site of the original Torrance Memorial Hospital

    The original Torrance Memorial Hospital was located at 1425 Engracia Avenue in Old Downtown Torrance. The facility was razed in 1995, and a bas relief plaque from the old hospital is now encased in the wall surrounding the home development that was built on the old site.

    Photos and a brief history are available on the Daily Breeze South Bay History blog.

  • Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce

  • Torrance Antique Faire

    When: Fourth Sunday of each month
    Time: 8:00 - 3:00p.m.
    Cost: Free. Open to the public

    Food vendors are on site. Antique appraisals from 9:00am - 2:00pm

  • City of Torrance Annual Events

  • Shakespeare in the Park

    The Torrance Cultural Services Division and Shakespeare by the Sea present the annual Shakespeare in the Park, launched in 1998.

    Where: Wilson Park Gazebo
    When: Every summer. Usually two different shows; one Friday night and the other on Saturday night. Both 8:00pm Check link above for details. Cost: FREE Event! Donations are appreciated and a hat is passed at the event.

    Bring a blanket, a picnic dinner, and enjoy FREE (donations appreciated!) Shakespeare under the stars!

  • Summertime Movies in the Park

    The Community Services Department in conjunction with local homeowner associations during the summer months provides "Movies in the Park." For more information or call (310) 618-2930 at the Community Services Department in the City of Torrance. Here is the Movies in the Park schedule.

    Picnics, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome as the parks turn into movie theaters! Each park will feature a different movie, which are free and will begin at dusk (around 8:00 p.m.). So bring your warm clothes, popcorn and cocoa and join in the summertime fun.

    Movies begin at dusk.

  • Concerts in the Park

    The City of Torrance invites the community to a series of free summer concerts at The Amphitheater at Wilson Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and delight with friends and family in the outdoor performances.

    All events are at The Amphitheater at Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501. See also Shakespeare in the Park information below.

  • Torrance Police Department - Partners in Policing Programs

    Learn about our Police Department "hands-on"! For adults and teens.

  • Torrance Rose Float Decorating - General Information

    Torrance Rose Float Association

    Call (310) 618-2930 with any questions.

    The Torrance Rose Float Association normally sets up meetings in October and in November for orientation and sign-up. You do not have to attend any orientation meeting in order to sign up to decorate the Torrance float, but it is recommended.

    Two shifts are available for decorators:
    Day Shift: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
    Night Shift: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
    Sign-up early. Decorators are seated on the bus on a first-come, first-served basis!

    The buses leave from Wilson Park. There is a nominal fee per person, per day.

    Children 13-17 years of age must have a permission slip signed by a parent to decorate the float. Call (310) 618-2930 to obtain a permission slip.

Area Activities / Points of Interest

The Warner Grand Theatre
in San Pedro

Lomita Railroad Museum
2137 250th St
Lomita, CA 90717
(310) 326-6255

Banning Heritage Museum
401 East "M" Street
Post Office Box 397
Wilmington, CA 90748
Telephone: 310-548-7777
E-mail: visit@banningmuseum.org

Drum Barracks & Civil War Museum
1052 Banning Bl.
Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 548 7509

Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum
18127 South Alameda Street
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220
(310) 603-0088

Rancho Los Cerritos
4600 Virginia Rd (north of Carson Bl, at San Antonio Dr, west of Long Beach Bl)
Long Beach, CA 90807
562 206 2040
Wednesday - Sunday, 1:00 pm - 5:00pm
Call to verify hours of operation
Closed holidays

International Printing Museum
315 Torrance Blvd.
Carson, CA 90745
(310) 515-7166 or (714) 529-1832
E-mail: printmuseum@earthlink.net

South Coast Botanic Garden
16300 Crenshaw Blvd.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 544-1948

Old Town Music Hall
140 Richmond St.
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322-2592

Films - silents and talkies, Live Wurlitzer Pipe Organ Accompaniment, Concerts

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles - Auto Collection in Gardena

View the 63 vehicle collection which includes one of a kind historic vehicles, luxury cars, historic motorcycles and service vehicles. The collection includes a Helms Bakery truck and a 1900 Winton. The newest vehicle is a 1984 Buick convertible which was used as the official Olympic torch relay car during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Guided one hour tours.
Reservations only and must be 16 years or older.
Tours are the first Friday of each month.
Call for reservations and address.
213 763 3505