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Past OTNA Events

Events in 2011

Taste of Old Torrance - Wednesday, November 16th

What: OTNA's Third Annual Taste of Old Torrance - sample sumptuous sensations from many local within-walking-distance eateries
When: Wednesday, November 16th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Food sampling begins at 7:15PM

Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
Open: To all who live, work, and play in Torrance
Cost / Bring: Please bring a non-perishable food item or canned food to support our local food bank -- "Food for Kids" or make a $3.00 per person cash donation. Please do not include items that have expired dates. Cash preferred and personal checks accepted, no credit cards.

About Food for Kids: The Volunteer Center's new "Food For Kids" program was created to provide food to Title One elementary schoolchildren for the weekends. Title One schoolchildren are given meals at school only during the school week. For the Food For Kids program, backpacks are filled with nonperishable food items that the children take home on Fridays. This provides food for the family for the weekend. Then they return the empty backpacks on Mondays to be refilled. Food donations are provided by private and corporate sectors of the community. The goal is to expand the program to help many more families. For more information, call The Center or email volopps@volctr-sobay.org.

Opportunity Tickets: available for purchase at Taste of Torrance. Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00.

Special Bonus for current and New OTNA members only: Anyone who joins or renews their OTNA 2012 membership at the Taste of Old Torrance will receive three Opportunity Tickets in addition to all the usual perks of OTNA membership. Annual memberships are $10.00 per household. Memberships are renewable in January.

Participating restaurants include:

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


Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, November 19th, 2011

When: Saturday, November 19th, 9:00 AM - 11:00AM
Location: Rendezvous at 1318 Engracia Ave., 8:30AM
RSVP: Charles Payne - 310-328-7549, or sign up online regarding Events on the Contact Us page.
Clean-up Area: Clean-up will focus in "the Old Torrance downtown area."
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen

Water and a special treat will be provided to all who participate.

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!


OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, September 21st, 7-9 PM

See our Meeting Flyer for details!

The Old Torrance Neighborhood Assocation has invited the Olsen Company, one of California's leading developers of for-sale, in-town housing, to discuss a preliminary plan for a residential community located in the original footprint of Torrance along the old railroad grade adjacent to Dominguez Street. The community is invited to attend, share thoughts and provide feedback.

Prior to the meeting, a local doctor will discuss the importance of flu vaccines for everyone.

7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Location: The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor - 1318 Cravens Ave. - Old Torrance
Info: Online regarding "more information" on the Contact Us page or call (310) 320-6054.

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

With the goal of keeping the community healthy, the September OTNA meeting is sponsored by Every Body's Pilates.

Every Body's Pilates is a local Pilates exercise studio on Cravens Avenue. They said, "Your neighborhood Pilates studio for 6 years, now offering yoga, zumba and Booty Barre group exercise classes . . . FUNctional fitness for every body!"

Every Body's Pilates
1530 Cravens Ave.
Torrance, CA 90501
310.533.1778

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, September 24th, 2011

When: Saturday, September 24th, 9:00 AM - 11:00AM
Location: Rendezvous at 1318 Engracia Ave., 8:30AM
RSVP: Charles Payne - 310-328-7549, or sign up online regarding Events on the Contact Us page.
Clean-up Area: Clean-up will focus on the tracks beneath the Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge (Irving Gill, Architect, 1913) on Torrance Blvd. - Western Avenue to Cabrillo, and the surrounding area.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen

Water and a special treat will be provided to all who participate.

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!

Rock Around the Block - Thursday, July 21st

When: Thursday, July 21st, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Torrance Historical Society & Museum, 1345 Post Avenue
Cost: Free & open to the public - minimal fee for food and beverage
Info: If you have any questions or would like additional information, please visit ww.torrancehistoricalsociety.org or call the Museum at (310) 328-5392.

Note: OTNA teams with the Torrance Historical Society to celebrate our 50's All-America City Award -- party starts at the Museum - 1345 Post Avenue.

This is a fund raiser for the Torrance Historical Society & Museum.

The flyer for this event is here.

On Thursday, July 21st, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM the Torrance Historical Society is hosting the 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 the 1956 when Albert Isen was Mayor of Torrance.

This free event, sponsored by Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, 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, local car owners Bop to 50s music

Munch on burgers from the IN-N-OUT burger wagon (burgers served from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, nominal fee for food & beverages)

See special exhibits featuring the original congratulatory telegram from President Eisenhower, along with the All-America City button & logo

Slurp milk shakes made with vintage machines by real "soda jerks"

Check-out high school yearbooks -- the Torrance Historical Society has the largest collection

Enter the hula hoop, bubble gum blowin', cake walk and pie eating contests - there are prizes!

The Bartlett Senior (over 50) 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 FREE 1950s-style family event is hosted in partnership with the City of Torrance, CitiCABLE 3, Costco, Torrance Bakery, Old Torrance Neighborhood Assoc., and is sponsored by Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance.

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

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, June 4th, 2011

When: Saturday, June 4th, 9:00 AM - 11:00AM
Location: Rendezvous at 1318 Engracia Ave., 8:30AM
RSVP: Charles Payne - 310-328-7549, or sign up online regarding Events on the Contact Us page.
Clean-up Area: We will focus on "Old Torrance", (the downtown area) for clean-up.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen

Water and a special treat will be provided to all who participate.

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!

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, May 18th, 7-9 PM

See our Meeting Flyer for details!

Spring is here and this month's OTNA meeting is all about Gardening!

Master Gardener, Kathleen Sonnert, from Armstrong Garden Center, will share tips on how to grow the perfect tomato, discuss the fuss about organic gardening and share the advantages of gardening the old-fashioned way. Kathleen is a Certified California Nursery Professional as well as a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor.

7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Location: The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor - 1318 Cravens Ave. - Old Torrance
Info: Online regarding "more information" on the Contact Us page or call (310) 320-6054.

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

Our sponsor in May is Amore Vino.

Amore Vino
1441 Marcelina Ave.
Torrance, 90501
310-986-3314
info@amore-vino.com

Amore Vino is a new "boutique wine store" that will soon open on Marcelina Avenue, near the Post Office. The owners, Rudy & Nicole, promise to "take the South Bay to a whole new level of wine appreciation." Register for their grand opening at: www.Amore-Vino.com.

Easter in El Prado Park - Sunday, April 24th

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 -- 2011 marks our 30th 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 24th, 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, April 16, 2006.

Here are the details:

What: Easter in El Prado Park
When: Easter Sunday, April 24th
Location: El Prado Park (corner of El Prado & Arlington)
Time: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Cost: Free!
Ages: This event is for children 11 years of age and younger, only

Easter in El Prado Park is sponsored by ExxonMobil -- they made a gracious donation to fund this special event for our neighborhood kids.

Special thanks to DJ Ozzie for providing the sound system and spinning the Easter-themed tunes and announcing during the event. Contact DJ Ozzie for Professional Disc Jockey & Entertainment DJ Services. (310) 809-0490.

City of Torrance
In partnership with Congresswoman Jane Harman
Environmental Fair Saturday, March 26th

When: Saturday, March 26th
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Madrona Marsh - 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance
Cost: Free & Open to the Public
Note: OTNA will have a "Let's Talk Trash" booth. Our booth will highlight OTNA's ongoing, Pay it Forward" efforts to keep Downtown Torrance clean.

If you wish to volunteer to assist at our booth sign up online regarding Events on the Contact Us page.

Here is the City's flyer for this event.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, March 19th, 2011 - Our 21st Clean-up Day

When: Saturday, March 19th, 9:00 AM - 11:00AM
Location: Rendezvous at 1318 Engracia Ave., 8:30AM
RSVP: Charles Payne - 310-328-7549, or sign up online regarding Events on the Contact Us page.
Clean-up Area: Clean-up will focus on the tracks beneath the Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge (Irving Gill, Architect, 1913) on Torrance Blvd. - Western Avenue to Cabrillo, and the surrounding area.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen

Water and a special treat will be provided to all who participate.

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!

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, March 16th, 7-9 PM

See our Meeting Flyer for details!

Come meet Torrance Fire Chief William Racowschi and learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Torrance Fire Department, but were afraid to ask! Fire safety is one of the City's top priorities, which is why our Department is only one of 12 in California to have a Class One ranking by the Insurance Services Office. You're not going to want to miss this hot presentation.

7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Location: The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor - 1318 Cravens Ave. - Old Torrance
Info: Online regarding "more information" on the Contact Us page or call (310) 320-6054.

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

Our sponsor in March is 1321 Downtown Taproom Bistro.

1321 Downtown Taproom Bisto
1321 Sartori
Torrance, 90501

Expected to launch toward the end of March comes 1321 Downtown Taproom Bistro, a new gastropub slated to serve about 50 craft beers including large format, special editions, and 16 rotating on tap. Chef Greg Paul, formerly of The Oaks Gourmet, is working on his American menu composed of both small plates and entrees such as flatbreads, house-ground burgers, and house-made hot links. Each evening the bar will offer a different theme like beer and bacon or mac and cheese night. Check out their facebook page, and their preview website.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, January 29, 2011 - Our 20th Clean-up Day

When: Saturday, January 29th, 9:00 AM - 11:00AM
Location: Rendezvous at 1318 Engracia Ave., 8:30AM
RSVP: Charles Payne - 310-328-7549, or sign up online regarding Events on the Contact Us page.
Clean-up Area: We will target "Old Torrance", (the downtown area) for clean-up. The focus will be on sprucing up the city-owned parking lots for the new year.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen

Water and a special treat will be provided to all who participate.

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!

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, January 19th, 7-9 PM

See our Meeting Flyer for details!

The Old Torrance Neighborhood Association (OTNA), will host a presentation entitled "Let's Talk Transportation." A three-speaker panel will discuss various transportation options and plans available in Torrance. Each group will give a 20-minute overview on their topic, and a Question and Answer session will follow.

All those in attendance will have the opportunity to win prizes donated by local artists, restaurants and stores.

7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Location: The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor - 1318 Cravens Ave. - Old Torrance
Info: Online regarding "more information" on the Contact Us page or call (310) 320-6054.

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

Founded in 1981, OTNA is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! Come celebrate with us -- all those in attendance will have the opportunity to win prizes donated by local artists and restaurants including -- Buffalo Fire Dept., Daniela's Italian Deli, Red Car Brewery & Restaurant, Torrance Bakery and Tortilla Cantina!

Election of Officers for 2011

We will be electing new officers for 2011 during the business portion of the meeting. If you want to serve or have a nomination, please submit suggestions or nominations on our website via the Contact Us page, or to any of the email addresses of the nomination committee. Janet Payne, Janice Plank and Pam Sheerin are the members of the nominating committee.

Topics and guest panelist include:

The Del Amo Extension Project Craig Bilezerian, P.E., Engineering Manager, Public Works Beth Overstreet, P.E., Engineering Manager, Public Works Lauren Sablan, P.E., Associate Engineer, Public Works

The proposed project would complete the missing segment of Del Amo Blvd. between Crenshaw Blvd. and Maple Avenue and it would widen the existing segment of Del Amo Blvd. between Maple Avenue and Prairie Avenue. When constructed, Del Amo Blvd. will be a four-lane divided roadway within the project limits and provide an additional east-west route throughout the City. Construction also includes a new bridge over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks, drainage improvements and relocation of existing utilities.

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Jill Crump - Planning Associate, City of Torrance

The regional Bicycle Master Plan will seek to improve policy and infrastructure across seven cities in the South Bay: El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Torrance. The South Bay Bicycle Master Plan seeks to reduce the prevalence of obesity and improve community health through the increased bicycle ridership of the area's residents.

Torrance Transit Jim Mills, Transit Administration Manager

Last year, Torrance Transit celebrated 70 years of service to the community by "going green" with 10, 40-foot gasoline-electric hybrid buses, which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the South Bay area. Torrance Transit also offers Senior Taxi and Dial-a-Taxi, and provides the EZ Transit Pass -- the only regional transit pass good on 12 different bus systems in Los Angeles County.



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