Taste of Torrance

The new President's Letter for November is now available.

Safety - A Top Priority in Our Neighborhood

7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Location: The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor - 1318 Cravens Ave. - Old Torrance

The President's Newsletter for September is now available.

Our sponsor in September is Century 21 Amber Realty. Guido Jenniges of Century 21 Amber Realty has been serving the South Bay Real Estate market since 1990, and has been a top producer for one of the top offices in the South Bay since then. With over 19 years experience in the buying and selling process, Guido can help you buy and sell real estate, answer questions regarding financing and refinancing, as well as tax re-assessment and loan modification with unmatched quality of service. Guido can be contacted at:

Century 21 Amber Realty
Guido Jenniges - Real Estate Broker - Century 21 Hall of Fame
23705 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite #100, Torrance, CA 90505
Email: gjenniges@aol.com
Phone: 310.874.6872
Fax: 310.534.0325

When: Saturday, September 19th, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, our 13th Neighborhood Clean-up Day!
Where: Meet at 8:30 AM at the home of OTNA Past Co-President, Charles Payne
1318 Engracia, Torrance
RSVP: Charles Payne, (310) 328-7549 or sign up online regarding Events on the Contact Us page.
Clean-up Area: TBA

Light refreshments will be provided.

Orange vests and trash bags will be provided - the City will pick up the bags after the clean-up is completed. A special treat will be given to all who participate!

Wear comfy old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen!

On June 7th, 2007 OTNA was recognized by the Environmental Quality Control Commission with a Green Pride in Torrance Award for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in 2006.

On February 27th, 2009 OTNA was recognized for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in the fall of 2006 -- with a "Community Partnership Award" at the 2nd annual Celebration of Community luncheon hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Torrance and the Lomita-Torrance Airport Rotary Club. At this luncheon, the Mayor recognizes community organizations, non-profits and service groups for their dedication to the community at large.

On March 31st, 2009, the OTNA was selected to receive the County of Los Angeles Green Leadership Award. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recognized our Clean-ups at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, April 21st. Charles Payne and Todd Hays, past Co-Presidents, accepted the award on behalf of the Old Torrance Neighborhood Association.

When: Thursday, July 16, 2009, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM IN-N-OUT Burger wagon available.
Burger wagon will close earlier if food is sold out.
Where: Torrance Historical Society & Museum, 1345 Post Ave at Cravens.

See the Rock Around the Blocker Flyer for details.

This is a free event - donations accepted. Nominal fee for food and beverages.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please visit www.torrancehistoricalsociety.org or call the Museum at (310) 328-5392.

The Torrance Historical Society and Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance are hosting the fifth annual 1950s-style family summer event in celebration of Torrance's All-America City Award -- one of America's original and most prestigious community recognition awards. The City received this award for "Growth without strain" back in 1956 when Albert Isen was Mayor of Torrance. This free event is open to the public and will be held in front of the Museum (1345 Post Avenue). Post Avenue will be blocked off from Cravens to Sartori, so guests can ...

• View vintage cars on display along Post Avenue, courtesy of Cruisin' 50s Car Club, and local car owners.
• Bop to 50s music.
• Dine on burgers from the IN-N-OUT burger wagon (burgers served from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, nominal fee for food & beverages). Slurp milk shakes made with vintage machines by real "soda jerks." Nominal fee for shakes. Proceeds benefit the Torrance Historical Society & Museum.
• Check out high school yearbooks --- the Torrance Historical Society has the biggest collection.
• Enter the hula hoop, bubble gum blowing, and pie eating contests.

The Bartlett Center will also be hosting an Open House this same night -- you can dine on their patio and listen to The South Bay Strummers (ukulele group)! The Torrance Woman's Club will also have their 1950s Club scrapbook available for viewing. Also, the Torrelles -- a group of City employees who sing 50s and 60s songs in a cappella, will entertain guests.

This event is hosted in cooperation with the City of Torrance, the Torrance Historical Society, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Torrance CitiCABLE 3, Costco, Torrance Bakery and the Old Torrance Neighborhood Association.

So ... put on your pedal pushers, poodle skirts or Pendleton's, and cruise on down to the Torrance Historical Society & Museum (1345 Post Avenue).

NOTE: This Clean-up is scheduled for May 30th because of the Memorial Day holiday. Neighborhood Clean-ups are normally the first Saturday after the OTNA meeting. Please check our website for any changes.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Orange vests and trash bags will be provided - the City will pick up the bags after the clean-up is completed. A special treat will be given to all who participate!

Wear comfy old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen!

On June 7th, 2007 OTNA was recognized by the Environmental Quality Control Commission with a Green Pride in Torrance Award for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in 2006.

On February 27th, 2009 OTNA was recognized for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in the fall of 2006 -- with a "Community Partnership Award" at the 2nd annual Celebration of Community luncheon hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Torrance and the Lomita-Torrance Airport Rotary Club. At this luncheon, the Mayor recognizes community organizations, non-profits and service groups for their dedication to the community at large.

Once again, acting upon the Mayor's challenge, OTNA will host another Neighborhood Clean-up Day!

City of Torrance Green Action Team

How can you go green? At our next OTNA meeting, you'll learn from the City of Torrance Green Action Team Panel how to . . .

• increase your recycling
• reduce your water usage (water rationing is likely this summer)
• prevent fines from stormwater pollution, and more!

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Location: The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor - 1318 Cravens Ave. - Old Torrance

Our sponsor in May is Fox Drug of Torrance, "Your Friendly Neighborhood Pharmacy." Ahmed Atallah, RPh, PhD, and Samia Zaki, RPh, registered pharmacists (and husband and wife) have owned and operated the store for 21 years. They embrace the old-fashioned way of doing business, giving personalized service to each and every customer. We love browsing their gifts and greeting cards - there are alway unique items to be found! Stop by their store at 1327 El Prado and introduce yourself. Samia and Ahmed are eager to meet all of their neighbors.
Get Directions

The new OTNA Presidents Letter is now available.

Landscaping with California Native Plants

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Location: The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor - 1318 Cravens Ave. - Old Torrance

Dr. Connie Vadheim, Professor of Biology at CSU Dominguez Hills, will share how native plants can beautify California Classic homes and gardens in the area. Dr Vadheim also teaches classes at the Madrona Marsh.

Our sponsor this month is Bank of America, at 1255 Sartori Avenue - our neighborhood bank! Bank of America generously provides OTNA with a free checking account. In addition, Bank of America is offering a truly terrific "Refer a Friend" deal for OTNA members. If you open a new personal checking account and tell them that you're a member of the Old Torrance Neighborhood Association, Bank of America will deposit $25 into your new account - and they will deposit another $25 into OTNA's account, too. This really is an awesome deal! (What are you waiting for?) Call 310-953-0320 to make an appointment with Jeremy Quiroz or just stop by!

The March OTNA President's Letter is now available.

On March 31st, 2009, the OTNA was selected to receive the County of Los Angeles Green Leadership Award. The Board of Supervisors will recognize our Clean-ups at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, April 21st. Charles Payne and Todd Hays, past Co-Presidents, will accept the award on behalf of the Old Torrance Neighborhood Association.

You are invited to Easter In El Prado Park! The Old Torrance Neighborhood Association was founded in 1981. And . . . since its inception, OTNA has sponsored Easter in El Prado Park -- 2009 marks our 28th consecutive year in doing so! It has become a tradition in our neighborhood. In fact, people that used to come to this event as a child are now bringing their children.

On Easter Sunday, April 12th, at 10AM, Mr. & Mrs. Bun will arrive at El Prado Park in the bright blue "Bunny Mobile." Both will greet the 100+ kids, pose for Kodak(tm) moments, and then . . . Mr. Bun will lead the children in the Bunny Hop. After that, the Easter "egg" (candy) hunt begins - the kids LOVE it! (The parents love it too, 'cause they're outta there by 10:30 AM.)

Bags will be handed out to each child prior to Mr. & Mrs. Bunny's arrival. If your child (niece, nephew, grandson and/or granddaughter) would prefer to bring their Easter basket to collect the candy, they are more then welcome to do so.

We have three areas ribboned-off in the park, so the younger kids are separate from the older kids (this event is for children 11 years of age, or younger). Two areas have one golden egg hidden amongst the candy. Whoever finds the golden egg, takes it straight to Mr. Bun, and exchanges it for an Easter basket brimming with trinkets and treats!

There is a special section called "Peggy's Patch" that is for children ages 3, and under. This area is dedicated to OTNA's past President, Peggy Basile, who received her "angel wings" on Easter Sunday, three years ago.

Here are the details:

Our Sponsor for Easter in El Prado Park

The 28th Easter in El Prado Park on Easter Sunday, April 12th is sponsored by ExxonMobil - they made a gracious donation to fund this special event for our neighborhood kids.

When: Saturday, March 21st, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, our 11th Neighborhood Clean-up Day!
Where: Meet at 8:30 AM at the home of OTNA Past Co-President, Charles Payne
1318 Engracia, Torrance
Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP: Charles Payne, (310) 328-7549 or sign up online regarding Events on the Contact Us page.
Clean-up Area: The Southern Pacific Railroad tracks on Torrance Blvd. from Western to Cabrillo.

Orange vests and trash bags will be provided - the City will pick up the bags after the clean-up is completed. A special treat will be given to all who participate!

Wear comfy old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen!

On June 7th, 2007 OTNA was recognized by the Environmental Quality Control Commission with a Green Pride in Torrance Award for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in 2006.

On February 27th, 2009 OTNA was recognized for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in the fall of 2006 -- with a "Community Partnership Award" at the 2nd annual Celebration of Community luncheon hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Torrance and the Lomita-Torrance Airport Rotary Club. At this luncheon, the Mayor recognizes community organizations, non-profits and service groups for their dedication to the community at large.

Once again, acting upon the Mayor's challenge, OTNA will host another Neighborhood Clean-up Day!

On March 16th, 2009, OTNA's Neighborhood Clean-up activity was selected as one of the finalists for the County of Los Angeles Green Leadership awards. Finalists are announced on Earth Day, April 21st, 2009. See the Los Angeles County Green Leadership Award Program document for more info.

Traffic in Torrance is About to Get Better!

Our speaker will be Ted Semaan, Torrance Transportation Planning Manager. Mr. Semaan will be discussing the new $2.5 million Intelligent Transportation System for controlling traffic signals in Torrance.

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Location: The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor - 1318 Cravens Ave. - Old Torrance

The January OTNA meeting is sponsored by the Red Car Brewery & Restaurant. Established in 2000, Torrance's Red Car Brewery & Restaurant provides a casual, fun, upscale, family dining experience in Old Downtown Torrance. Menu options include wood fired pizzas, salads and sandwiches to main entree items of pasta, fish, hamburgers and more. Weekly specials add further variety as do happy hour and kid's menus. The Brewery produces English style ales on-site with beer names harking back to the bygone days of the Pacific Electric Railway Red Cars. Wine is also available. Live entertainment from classic cover bands to acoustic jazz can be enjoyed on Friday and Saturday nights. So, for your next night out.....'Ride the Red Car'.

Be sure to mark Friday, January 23rd on your calendar, as you won't want to miss the Mockers, the South Bay's favorite Beatles tribute band -- 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

The new OTNA Presidents Letter is now available.

Election of Officers

We will also elect new officers for 2009 during the business portion of the meeting. If you want to serve or have a nomination, please contact Trish - 320-1241, Debbie - 320-6054, or Janet - 328-7549 who are members of the nominating committee. You can submit suggestions or nominations on our website via the Contact Us page at www.oldtorranceneighbors.org.

When: January 24th, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM.
Where: Meet at 8:30 AM at the home of OTNA Co-President, Charles Payne
1318 Engracia, Torrance
RSVP: (310) 328-7549 or sign up online regarding Events on the Contact Us page.
Clean-up Area: We will focus on the tracks beneath the Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge on Torrance Blvd. Orange vests and trash bags will be provided - the City will pick up the bags after the clean-up is completed. A special treat will be given to all who participate!

Wear comfy old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen!

On June 7th, 2007 OTNA was recognized by the Environmental Quality Control Commission with a Green Pride in Torrance Award for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in 2006.

Once again, acting upon the Mayor's challenge, OTNA will host another Neighborhood Clean-up Day!