Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, November 22, 2014

Elaine Thompson, OTNA member and past OTNA President is the OTNA Clean-up Coordinator since September 2014. Clean-ups will continue to be the Saturday following the OTNA meeting.

A "tailgate party" will be at the Volunteer Center, (the rendezvous point) at 08:30am with coffee, juice and snacks prior to the clean up. At 09:00am, the group will walk down Torrance Blvd. to the clean-up area. Those that prefer to drive can drive their own vehicle to the clean-up area.

Who: OTNA members along with Rotary Club members and high school student volunteers
When: Saturday, November 22nd, rendezvous 08:30am, clean-up begins 09:00am
New Rendezvous Location: 08:30am - Volunteer Center parking lot,
1320 Cravens, at Engracia Ave. See map to the Volunteer Center.
Clean-up Area: the area under and besides the bridge and along Torrance Blvd. from Sartori to Western
RSVP: Elaine Thompson - ethompsonlaw@gmail.com or sign up online regarding "Events" on the Contact Us page.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable, closed toe shoes, gloves and sunscreen

In 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. Acting upon the Mayor's challenge, OTNA will host another Neighborhood Clean-up Day along with Rotary Club and high school volunteers.

All who live, work, and play in Torrance are invited to volunteer a couple of hours to "pay it forward" and make a difference in our community.

Taste of Old Torrance - Wednesday, November 19th

What: OTNA's Sixth Annual Taste of Old Torrance - sample sumptuous sensations from many local within-walking-distance eateries
When: Wednesday, November 19th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Food sampling begins at 7:15PM
Location: Bartlett Senior 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 worth at least $5.00 per person to support our local food bank - "Food for Kids" or make a $5.00 per person cash donation.

Please do not include items that have expired dates. Cash preferred (exact change appreciated, and please, no large bills) 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 Food For Kids.

Opportunity Tickets: available for purchase at Taste of Torrance for $1.00 each, or 6 for $5.00. Prizes include gift certificates for participating restaurants, and more!

Restaurants establishments are all within walking distance of the event and will be announced. The City has created a Downtown Torrance Restaurant Guide.

Special Bonus for current and New OTNA members only: Anyone who joins or renews their OTNA annual membership prior to, or 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 goodies from restaurants listed below:

• Torrance Bakery - www.TorranceBakery.com
• Red Car Brewery - http://www.redcarbrewery.com/
• Buffalo Fire Dept. - www.buffalofiredepartment.com
• Tortilla Cantina -www.TortillaCantina.com
• Just Luigi's - http://www.justluigis.com/
• Keegan's Pub & Grill - https://www.facebook.com/Keegans.Torrance
• Antigua Cafe, International Deli & Catering - http://www.antiguacafe.com
• La Capilla
• Fox Drugs (yes, they have treats, too) - https://foxdrugoftorrance.com/
• Eat at Rudy's
• Sprinkles 'N' Stuff - http://www.sprinklesnstuff.com
• Old Torrance Coffee & Tea - http://otcoffeetea.com/

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, September 20th, 2014

Charles Payne, our Neighborhood Clean-up Coordinator for the past eight years, has "passed the trash bag" to Elaine Thompson, OTNA member and past OTNA President.

On Saturday, September 20th, OTNA will host its "Neighborhood Clean-up" at the Beach, and YOU are invited to participate in the Coastal Clean-up at our very own Torrance Beach with Elaine Thompson being the OTNA Clean-up Coordinator.

Coastal Clean Up Day is the largest volunteer day on the planet, which is coordinated with the Ocean Conservancy, California Coastal Commission, L.A. Department of Beaches and Harbors and Heal the Bay. The City recognizes that by cleaning up Torrance Beach, the community is participating in this global effort to keep our oceans, water source, and community healthy. OTNA will be teaming with other Torrance groups including American Honda and the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce - Team Torrance!

Before we start, OTNA Members will meet in Miramar Park for coffee and morning treats! Look for the OTNA signs.

Who: The Old Torrance Neighborhood Association
What: Coastal Clean-up Day at Torrance Beach
When: Saturday, September 20th, rendezvous at 8:30am
Where: The crew will meet at 8:30 AM at Miramar Park (201 Paseo de la Playa @ Calle Miramar) -- Elaine will serve coffee and treats.
RSVP: Elaine Thompson - ethompsonlaw@gmail.com

All who live, work, and play in Torrance are invited to volunteer a couple of hours to "pay it forward" and make a difference in our community.

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 Torrance.

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, September 17th

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.
OTNA meetings are free of charge and open to the public -- so bring a friend and/or a neighbor!

There's a new Mayor in town, and his name is Pat Furey. There's also a new "Sheriff" in town - Police Chief Mark Matsuda. Councilman Pat Furey was elected on June 3rd to serve as our 8th elected Mayor, and Chief Matsuda was appointed on April 9th becoming the 9th Police Chief of the City of Torrance. Next Wednesday, September 17th, Mayor Furey and Chief Matsuda will be our guest speakers at the OTNA meeting -- giving you an opportunity to meet both leaders in person.

Mayor Furey has been in office for 60 days now, and will share his vision, plans and commitment "to keep Torrance moving in the right direction." Chief Matsuda will outline how his team works with other departments in the city and the community to maintain the overall safety of the City and its residents.

Join us for this get together, and Meet the Mayor & the Chief!

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

Our sponsor in September is Just Luigi's located at 1437 Marcelina Avenue. The owner of this establishment, Gary Zimmerman, will look familiar to you, as he and his family are also the proud owners of the WWII Store and Old Torrance Coffee & Tea -- all three are located in the heart of Old Torrance on Marcelina. Gary Zimmerman was an OTNA sponsor in January 2012 and a participant in OTNA's "The Taste of Torrance."

Just Luigi's
1437 Marcelina Ave.
(310) 320-0800

The Torrance Historical Society Rocks Around the Block in Celebration of the All-America City Award

When: Thursday, July 17, 2014 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 beverage
Info: If you have any questions or would like additional information, please visit or call the Museum at (310) 328-5392.

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

The Torrance Historical Society and our sponsors will host this 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:

• Bop to 50s music
• Munch on burgers from the IN-N-OUT burger wagon (burgers served from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, AMT TBA 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!

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, chips and a fountain drink will be available for TBA 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.

Environmental Fair - City Yard Open House - Disaster Preparedness Expo
Saturday, June 7th

When: Saturday, June 7th
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Torrance City Yard
Cost: Free & Open to the Public
Volunteer: OTNA, - "Let's Talk Trash" booth. Details below:

The Old Torrance Neighborhood Association 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. We are asking for 2 hour shifts.

NOTE: NO PUBLIC PARKING AT CITY YARD

Free Parking and Free Shuttle Service: Located at Torrance Court House, 825 Maple Ave, just north of Torrance Blvd.

Plastic bag exchange - Bring 10 "plastic shopping grocery bags" and exchange for a reusable tote for free.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! DON'T MISS OUT!

• Demonstrations and displays of City vehicles and equipment - buses, refuse trucks, high-rangers, dump trucks, fire trucks and more! Kids are welcome aboard to have their picture taken.
• Play games and win prizes and snacks!
• For car enthusiasts and those looking to reminisce about the past, come and enjoy classic, custom and modified cars and motorcycles that will also be on display on this day.

LEARN!

• What you need to do & know
• Gather information on natural landscaping techniques and water conservation
• About environmental concerns and energy conservation
• What you and your family can do to contribute
• About electric vehicles and charging stations

DISPLAYS!

• Emergency Equipment
• Disaster Supplies
• Energy efficient vehicles
• Green home improvement items-energy efficient appliances, etc.

GET THE THINGS YOU NEED!

• Local vendors
• Disaster supplies

FEATURING:

• Wyland Foundation's Clean Waste Mobile Learning Experience
• Trash For Teaching's Recycling Race and Building Activities

Plastic Bag Exchange

Upcoming Transit Projects And mulch give-away (while supplies last)!

Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov for more information.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, May 24th, 2014

When: Saturday, May 24th, 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 area is TBA.
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!

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, May 21st

Butterflies & Blooms

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.

Want to attract butterflies to your yard? Plant the right flowers, and they will come! Tracy Drake, Manager/Naturalist for the Madrona Marsh Preserve, will let you in on the secrets of how simple landscape design can increase the number and variety of butterflies in your yard.

Tracy will also share water-wise landscaping advice and tips! Literature will be available.

Additionally, we will have LOTS of information from the Torrance Water Department regarding Water Conservation Do's & Don'ts about lawn replacement (where you can receive up to a $2.00 rebate per square foot), toilet trade-in for free new low-flush toilets, and about more rebates for washing machine, dishwasher and sprinkler head replacement. This will be an environmentally packed evening!

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The May meeting is sponsored by Inspirations Floral Artistry, the South Bay area's first floral art gallery florist, located in the heart of Old Torrance. This unique shop offers fresh flowers and artistic arrangements for all occasions and celebrations. They also offer same day delivery!

1313 Sartori Ave
Torrance, 90501
(424) 558-8053

web: inspirationsfloralartistry.com
email: sales@inspirationsfloralartistry.com"
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspirationsflorart

Earth Day Event, April 19th

When: Saturday, April 19th
Time: 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Toyota Employees Parking Lot on Toyota Way (between Van Ness and Western Aves., & 190th St. / Del Amo Blvd.) -- enter Toyota Way from Van Ness Ave.
Cost: Free & Open to the Public

• Free Paper Shredding Drop-Off
  Limit of 8 boxes or bags per vehicle (secure information only-no books, 3-ring binders, large clips or magazines) Paper will be recycled by Shred-it.
• Electronics Recycling Drop-Off
  TVs, monitors, cell phones, small appliances and other electronics for safe and responsible recycling by Sims Recycling Solutions. Please do not bring batteries, fluorescent bulbs or tubes, or other hazardous items.
• Soles for Life - Shoe and Clothing Recycling Drop-Off
  Shoes in any condition, clothes in wearable condition. Funds will be used to create clean water sources for developing countries.
• Used Oil Recycling and Filter Exchange Drop-off
  Will accept clean used oil for recycling (cannot be contaminated) and used oil filters for recycling. Each filter recycled will be exchanged for a $5 coupon to purchase a new filter at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts locations. (Limit 2 coupons per participant, while supplies last).

OTNA-Hosted Candidates' Forums, April 10th & 23rd

The positions of Mayor, four city council seats, City Clerk, and City Treasurer are up for re-election. City Coucilmen Tom Brewer, Pat Furey, and Bill Sutherland are running for Mayor and there are currently 13 people that have filed applications to run for City Council, (20 applications have been picked up). The election is Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014.

Be thinking of questions you would like to ask. We'll take written questions, so come early and submit yours. If you would like to submit a question in advance (no personal information required), please go to our Contact Us page and select the topic Candidates Forum Questions.

If you can't attend this forum, several additional forums are being held prior to the election. See our Community Issues & Affairs page for a list of locations and dates.

The following links are available on the OTNA website on the Community Issues & Affairs page:

• For information regarding local elections, see the City of Torrance Elections Page.


• Smart Voter.Org


• TorranceVotes.Org


• League of Women Voters


• League of Women Voters, Torrance Chapter

2014 Easter in El Prado Park - Cancelled

OTNA's Easter in El Prado Park has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond its control. OTNA regrets any inconvenience this may cause.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, March 22nd, 2014

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!

All who live work and play in Torrance are invited to volunteer a couple of hours to "Pay it Forward" and make a difference in our community.

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, March 19th

Get the Buzz on Backyard Bees and Chickens, Too

When: Wednesday, March 19th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
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 local restaurants and a Centennial Collection DVD Set.

Torrance City Staff will be talking about proposals to allow "urban farming" in the City. The proposals would change the Municipal Code to allow keeping chickens, (no roosters) and bees in residential areas. The code changes could include a number of restrictions, including lot size, setbacks and number of chickens or hives. We want to get opinions on the possibility of making these changes and what kind of restrictions people think would be appropriate.

Here's a link to an article that appeared in the Daily Breeze regarding the bees and the birds (okay, chickens): Torrance Abuzz About Keeping Bees and Chickens in Backyards

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The March OTNA President's Letter is now available.

When: Saturday, January 18th, 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 area is TBA.
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!

What: Meeting & Presentation
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, January 15th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The January OTNA Presidents' Letter is now available.

As Mayor Frank Scotto enters the final stretch of serving eight years as Mayor, the Old Torrance Neighborhood Association has invited him to give a recap of his term. Throughout his original campaign, he echoed how he would "Take back Torrance." Learn how his vision, plans and commitment to the City played out.

Mayor Scotto will also discuss the direction he sees the City heading come June when the election will provide us with a new Mayor and four new City Council members.

We will be electing new officers for 2014 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.

Prizes: By attending the meeting, you will have the opportunity to win gift certificates to local restaurants and a copy of the Collectable Centennial DVD.