Small Business Week November 26th - December 3rd, 2016

See info on this Downtown Torrance event.

Taste of Old Torrance - Wednesday, November 16th

What: OTNA's Eighth Annual Taste of Old Torrance - sample sumptuous sensations from many local within-walking-distance eateries
When: Wednesday, November 16th, 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Food sampling begins at 7:00PM. Food is first come first served; not guaranteed to last till 9:00pm.
Location: Bartlett Senior Center - 1318 Cravens, (2nd floor). There is an elevator inside the Bartlett Center in addition to outside and inside stairs.
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 (preferred and exact change is appreciated) or check donation. Credit and debit cards and Paypal not accepted.

Please do not include items that have expired dates.

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!

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.

Participating restaurants:

• Torrance Bakery1341 El Prado
• Red Car Brewery & Restaurant
• The Depot
• Restoration Kitchen & Wine
• Tortilla Cantina
• Cafe Roma
• Kech Cafe
• La Capilla
• Fox Drugs (yes, they have treats too)
• Eat at Rudy's
• Old Torrance Coffee & Tea
• Angara Indian Restaurant

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, September 24, 2016

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, September 24th, rendezvous 08:30am, clean-up begins 09:00am
Rendezvous Location: Volunteer Center parking lot, 1320 Cravens, at Engracia Ave. See map to the Volunteer Center.
Clean-up Area:will focus on the tracks beneath the Pacific Electric Railway El Prado Bridge (Irving Gill, Architect, 1913) on Torrance Blvd. - from Western Avenue to Cabrillo, and the surrounding area.
RSVP: Elaine Thompson - ethompsonlaw@gmail.com or sign up online regarding "Events" on the Contact Us page.
If you need "Volunteer Hours": Email Debbie S Hays: debbie.simpson@acssoftware.com
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 high school volunteers and "Team Torrance" for Coastal Clean-up.

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, September 21st
Tower Market Presentation 6-7 PM
OTNA Meeting and Presentation by Torrance Refining Company 7-9 PM

Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, September 21st, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Note earlier time)

Tower Market Presentation - 6:00 - 7:00PM (note earlier 6:00 PM time)

OTNA is hosting a community meeting prior to our regularly scheduled OTNA meeting, so neighbors can view the proposed plans for the potential Tower Market project on Gramercy and Carson (proposed site: Flavio's Beauty School and two houses - between Gramercy & Andreo). Tower Market is a mini grocery store and fuel station. There will be a presentation by the developers and a Q&A session -- neighbors are encouraged to attend.

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The September OTNA President's Letter is now available.

: 7:00 - 7:30 PM - Socializing and Torrance Bakery Cookies

7:30 - 9:00 PM - Torrance Refining Company (formerly Torrance Refinery)

OTNA has invited the new owners of the Torrance Refinery, the Torrance Refining Company. Their management team looks forward to having a meaningful dialogue and getting to know us. They will provide a history of the company, an overview of the refinery and their community outreach plans.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, September 17, 2015 - NOTE: Change in Plans and Rendezvous Point

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.

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!

Who: OTNA members along with Rotary Club members and high school student volunteers
When: Saturday, September 17th, rendezvous 08:30am, clean-up begins 09:00am
Before we start, OTNA members will meet in Miramar Park for coffee and morning treats. Look for the OTNA signs. Day for clean-up participants includes a free lunch at the Beach Clean-up supplied by Team Torrance.
One Time Change - New Rendezvous Location: Miramar Park - 201 Paseo de la Playa @ Calle Miramar.
Clean-up Area: Torrance Beach
See PDF for more information.
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
What to Bring: Bring 10 plastic bags to receive a Torrance Shopping Tote, bring your own bucket, gloves and reusable water bottle and help cut down on waste!

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 high school volunteers and "Team Torrance" for Coastal Clean-up.

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.

Note: No July, 2016 Neighborhood Clean-up is scheduled.

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

When: Thursday, July 21, 2016 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 - by DJ Ozzie
• Munch on burgers from the IN-N-OUT burger wagon (burgers served from 5:00 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!
• View vintage cars on display along Post Avenue, courtesy of Cruisin' 50s Car Club, Touring A's and local car owners
• Alex Hattori, 3-time US National Champion and currently 2nd Place World yo-yo champ, will also be on stage amazing the crowd with his award winning tricks and will do a live demo for those who want to learn the skill of yo-yo-ing
• Guests will also have the opportunity to learn hands-on CPR from the Torrance Fire Dept. to the Bee Gee's tune of "Stayin' Alive."

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) and dance to the Liz Holmes Retro Swing Band. 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 sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. and hosted in partnership with the City of Torrance, Old Torrance Neighborhood Association, CitiCABLE 3, and Torrance Bakery. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call the Museum at (310) 328-5392 or visit www.TorranceHistoricalSociety.org.

No May nor July Neighborhood Clean-ups

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, May 18th, 7-9 PM
Get the Dirt on Water-Wise Gardens

Torrance residents are thirsty for information on how to create a water-wise garden. In response, the Old Torrance Neighborhood Assoc. (OTNA) has invited Russell Akiyama of Sunflower Farms to roll-up his sleeves, and educate the community about which plants prefer to sip water, rather than guzzle it. Akiyama will also provide a sneak peek into the seed packet, as to which plants are in the running for "Best Curb Appeal."

Sunflower Farms is a family-owned business specializing in landscape design and services with over 40 years of implementation experience. Their retail Garden Center is based in Gardena.

Sunflower Farms 17609 S Western Ave - 1/2 block south of Artesia Bl. Torrance, CA 90501 (310) 527 8371 Click here for location information.

What: Meeting & Presentation - Russell Akiyama of Sunflower Farms
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, May 18th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation

Sponsor: The May OTNA meeting is sponsored by Torrance Community Credit Union (TCCU), a full service financial institution offering savings products, a vast array of loan products, business accounts and a full suite of online services.
TCCU was established in 1958, and is located in the original 1936 Torrance City Hall which was built with WPA funds. This building was the previous Time Warner Cable building. TCCU is located at 1511 Cravens Ave., Old Torrance. https://www.torranceccu.org/

Easter On El Prado at Torrance Bakery, Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016

Join OTNA Easter morning at Torrance Bakery with "The Bunsters" (Mr. and Mrs. Bun) and receive a free Easter cookie. Mr. and Mrs. Bun will pose for selfies and rock to Bunny Tunes. Hop on down and join the fun.

What: Have a Kodak Moment with Mr. and Mrs. Bun, aka "The Bunsters". Must bring own camera for picture. Selfies encouraged. Receive a free Easter Cookie.
Location: Torrance Bakery, 1341 El Prado, between Cravens and Sartori.
When: Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Volunteers Needed for this event: Call Janet Payne if interested at 310.328.7549. Bunny ears provided.

See the flyer for this event.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, March 26, 2016

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, March 26th, 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: TBA
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.

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, March 23rd, 7-9 PM

On June 7th, we will elect three Torrance City Councilmembers. With this General Municipal Election hot on our heels, OTNA's next meeting will be a Candidates' Forum, so you can be an informed voter. By attending this Candidates' Forum, you will gain insight into those running for office, plus you can meet the candidates in person and ask questions.

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The March OTNA Presidents' Letter is now available.

What: Presentation - Candidate Forum
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, March 23rd, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Additional Info / Questions: 310.320.6054 or online via our Contact Us Page The Forum is free and open to the public -- bring a friend!

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, January 23, 2016

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, January 23rd, rendezvous 08:30am, clean-up begins 09:00am
New Rendezvous Location: Volunteer Center parking lot, 1320 Cravens, at Engracia Ave. See map to the Volunteer Center .
Clean-up Area: Pacific Electric Railway El Prado Bridge (Irving Gill, Architect, 1913) on Torrance Blvd. - from Western Avenue to Cabrillo, and the surrounding area.
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
Note: those in attendance will receive a 100% Eco Friendly City of Torrance insulated lunch bag!

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 high school volunteers and "Team Torrance" for Coastal Clean-up.

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, January 20th, 7-9 PM

What: Meeting & Presentation - Meet the new Torrance Fire Chief, Chief Martin Serna, plus OTNA 2016 elections
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, January 20th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - Refreshments from Torrance Bakery and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Cost: Free and open to the public

Friday, January 15, 2016, a new Torrance Fire Chief was announced to follow in the footsteps of retired Chief Willie Racowschi (who you saw waving to the world from the Torrance's Rose Parade Float on New Year's Day) -- Martin Serna!

Wednesday, January 20th, you'll have an opportunity to meet Chief Serna up-close-and-personal at OTNA's meeting. He will share his vision for defining the future of the Torrance Fire Department. Chief Serna joins a long legacy of leaders -

• Chief Harry S. McManus - 1st elected Chief – volunteer 1912 - 1918
• Chief Ben F. Hannebrink - elected volunteer 1918, appointed Chief 1931, resigned 1933
• Chief Allen B. (Ollie) Stevenson - appointed 1933, resigned 1938
• Department was consolidated with the Police Dept. in 1938 - Chief John H. Stroh ran combined department for one year - consolidation dissolved in 1939
• Appointment of independent Fire Chief - Jan 1, 1939 - John McMaster - retired 1950
• Chief Jake J. Benner - 1950 - 1966
• Chief Robert Lucas - 1967 - 1973
• Chief Billy C. Slonecker - 1973 - 1980
• Chief Richard F. DeYoung - 1980 - 1986
• Chief R. Scott Adams - 1987 - 1998
• Chief Richard V. Bongard - 1998 - 2008
• Chief William Racowschi - 2008 - 2015
• Chief Martin Serna - 2016

We will be electing new officers for 2016 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.

Founded in 1981, OTNA is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year! Come celebrate with us -- all those in attendance will have the opportunity to win prizes from local artists and restaurants!