Notice - meeting is one week early due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

What: OTNA's Fifth Annual Taste of Old Torrance - sample sumptuous sensations from many local within-walking-distance eateries
When: Wednesday, November 20th, 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. Also see http://volcenter.org/food-for-kids.

Opportunity Tickets: available for purchase at Taste of Torrance. More info to be announced close to the event.

Special Bonus for current and New OTNA members only: Anyone who joins or renews their OTNA annual 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.

Sample goodie samples from:

• Torrance Bakery 1341 El Prado
• Red Car Brewery & Restaurant 1226 Sartori Ave.
• Buffalo Fire Department (BFD) 1281 Cabrillo Ave.
• Tortilla Cantina 1225 El Prado Ave.
• La Capilla 1332 Sartori Ave.
• Just Luigi's 1437 Marcelina
• Antigua Cafe, International Deli & Catering1231 Cabrillo Ave.
• Keegan's Pub & Grill
• Fox Drugs (yes, they have treats too) 1327 El Prado Ave.
• Buffy's 1321 El Prado Ave.
• Eat at Rudy's 1340 Post Ave.
• Sprinkles 'N' Stuff1272 Sartori Ave.
• Old Torrance Coffee & Tea 1413 Marcelina Ave.

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The November OTNA Presidents' Letter is now available.

When: Saturday, September 21st, 9:00 AM - 11:00AM, or when finished
Location: 1318 Engracia Ave. 8:30AM. Torrance Bakery sweets and coffee provided.
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 area of the bridge and tracks along Torrance Blvd. from Van Ness/Cabrillo to Western.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen

Water will be provided to all those 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!

Learn how to save a life in less than 5 minutes.

OTNA has invited the Torrance Fire Dept. to personally teach us how to do Hands-only CPR.

When someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest their only chance of survival or recovery depends on early intervention through defibrillation or CPR. Their chances of survival decrease by over 10% for every minute without intervention.

CPR is obviously an effective treatment. However, studies have shown that people are often reluctant to administer CPR for a variety of reasons. They are afraid of performing CPR incorrectly, they cannot remember the sequence or numbers (is it 30 compressions and 2 breaths? Or is it 15 to 2?) and they do not want to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on a stranger.

Hands-only CPR has proven to be as effective as conventional mouth-to-mouth CPR and can double or even triple a victim's chance of survival. However, statistics show that only one-third of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest receive this lifesaving treatment.

Hands-only CPR is designed to eliminate the "fear factors" of performing CPR and can be taught in as little as five minutes. Two simple steps are easily remembered and have resulted in multiple confirmed "saves".

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.
Prizes: By attending the meeting, you will have the opportunity to win gift certificates to Sprinkles 'N' Stuff

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The September OTNA Presidents' Letter is now available.

The September OTNA meeting is sponsored by Sprinkles 'N' Stuff - decorating supplies - located in the heart of Old Torrance at 1272 Sartori Ave. (424-558-8042)

The Torrance Historical Society Rocks Around the Block in Celebration of the All-America City Award (held the third Thursday in July) 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.

When: Thursday, July 18, 2013 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Location: Torrance Historical Society & Museum, 1345 Post Avenue
Cost: Free and open to the public - donations accepted. Nominal fee for food and beverages (see below).
Info: If you have any questions or would like additional information, please visit www.torrancehistoricalsociety.org or call the Museum at (310) 328-5392.

The flyer for this event is available.

The Torrance Historical Society and our sponsors will host this 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 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, Touring A's, and local car owners.
• Munch on burgers from the IN-N-OUT burger wagon (burgers served from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, nominal fee for food & beverages; see below)
• See special exhibits featuring the original congratulatory telegram from President Eisenhower, along with the All-America City button & logo.
• 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 fee is $7.50 for cheeseburger/burger, chips and soda or for grilled cheese sandwich, chips and soda.

Tickets for the IN-N-OUT burger wagon can be purchased at the "burger desk" on the Museum lawn during the event. Cash or personal check, made payable to the Torrance Historical Society will be accepted. Sorry no credit cards are accepted. Exact change is appreciated. Burgers and cheese sandwiches will be available until 7:30 p.m. or until sold out. Please arrive early due limited availability.

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 and Old Torrance Neighborhood Association.

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

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.

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The May OTNA Presidents' Letter is now available.

What: Easter in El Prado Park
When: Easter Sunday, March 31st
Location: El Prado Park (corner of El Prado & Arlington)
Time: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM (make sure you are on time!)
Cost: Donations accepted
Ages: This event is for children 11 years of age and younger, only
Sponsor: TBA

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. 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, 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.

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

DJ Ozzie will provide the sound system, spin Easter-themed tunes and announce during the event. Contact DJ Ozzie for Professional Disc Jockey & Entertainment DJ Services at (310) 809-0490. See letter from City of Torrance regarding DJ Ozzie's many years of experience providing music and announcing services at public events in the City of Torrance.

When: Saturday, March 30th, 9:00 AM - 11:00AM
Location: 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 El Prado Park in preparation for "Easter in El Prado Park" the following morning.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen

Water and a special treat will be provided to all those 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!

A representative from Simon Properties will discuss the Del Amo Mall expansion project.

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 March OTNA Presidents' Letter is now available.

The March sponsor is poppy beauty bar.

Poppy beauty bar was created in 2012 with the intention to provide an exceptional beauty experience in a fun atmosphere. owners Brandy Sherrill & Rachel Klemann formed a partnership built upon integrity and respect. Naturally, these born & raised California gals chose the state flower as the perfect name for representing their brand. With a strong core & unique beauty, Rachel & Brandy will contribute their years of industry experience to the success of poppy beauty bar now open in downtown Torrance. Please come in for your nail, skin, waxing and beauty treatment needs.

poppy beauty bar
1616 Cravens at Marcelina
Torrance, 90501
310-328-7677

See a photo of the volunteers that participated in this clean-up.

The January OTNA meeting was sponsored by the law firm of Wasserman & Wasserman, LLP -- established in 1978. This firm offers a wide range of legal services, including: Probate, Wills & Trusts, Business Transactions, Corporate Formation, Litigation and Real Estate. Wasserman & Wasserman, LLP is located in the neighborhood between Torrance Blvd. and El Dorado. This is the second time Wasserman & Wasserman, LLP has been an OTNA sponsor.

Wasserman & Wasserman, LLP
Attorneys at Law
1230 Crenshaw Boulevard, Suite 103
Torrance, California 90501
Telephone (310) 212.0735
Facsimile (310) 212.5024
gavin@wassermanlaw.com

See a photo of the volunteers that participated in this clean-up.

When: Saturday, January 19th, 9:00 AM - 11:00AM
Location: 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. -- from Western Avenue to Cabrillo, and the surrounding area. Since the Bridge is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and is the gateway to the City, and highly visible to our visitors, it is important that this area always looks nice!
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable shoes, gloves and sunscreen

Water and a special treat will be provided to all those 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!

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.

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The January OTNA Presidents' Letter is now available.

We will be electing new officers for 2013 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 call (310) 320-6054.

Representatives who will be present that night include members from the Torrance Unified School District, City of Torrance, Chattel, Inc. | Historic Preservation Consultants, and Westberg + White. Inc. Architects and Planners. The public is invited to attend and participate in the Question and Answer Session.

Torrance High School, which opened its doors on September 11, 1917, was the first property in Torrance to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, U.S. Department of the Interior (1983). Originally, a city hall was planned for the knoll upon which this Beaux-Arts structure sits.

The Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge was the second property in Torrance to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior - July 13, 1989. The Bridge will celebrate it's Centennial, this year.

Light refreshments (Torrance Bakery cookies) will be served. Meeting guests will have the opportunity to win gift certificates to local restaurants.

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