Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, November 18, 2017

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 18th, 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: TBA
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.

Taste of Old Torrance - Wednesday, November 15th

What: OTNA's Annual Taste of Old Torrance - sample sumptuous sensations from many local within-walking-distance eateries
When: Wednesday, November 15th, Check-in 7:00 PM. Food sampling begins at 7:00 PM. Food is first come first served; not guaranteed to last until 9:00pm.
Location: Bartlett Senior Center - 1318 Cravens, (2nd floor). The Bartlett Senior Center is just behind the Torrance Historical Society Museum. There is an elevator inside the Bartlett Center just beyond the front desk. There are also outside and inside stairs. Open: To all who live, work, and play in Torrance
Cost / Bring:

Adult admission per adult is $5.00 AND one (or more) nonperishable food item, (such as a canned good). Children, 12 years and younger are $3.00 per child AND one (or more) nonperishable food item. All items and admission collected will support our local food bank - "Food for Kids." Cash is preferred and exact change is appreciated. Personal checks also accepted (for exact amount only). Credit, debit cards and Paypal are not accepted. Please, no large bills.

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 Bakery
• Red Car Brewery
• The Depot
• Chado Tea Room
• Tortilla Cantina
• Madre!
• Fox Drug Of Torrance (yes, they have treats, too)
• Eat at Rudy's
• Keche Cafe
• La Capilla
• Old Torrance Coffee & Tea
• Angara Indian Restaurant

The November OTNA President's Letter is now available.

The November Meeting Flyer is available.

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, October 11th, 7-9 PM - NEW DATE

What: Meeting & Presentation by The Torrance Fire Department Discussing Earthquake Preparedness
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, October 11th (postponed from September 20th meeting)
7:00 PM - Refreshments from Torrance Bakery and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation

YOU can go home from this meeting as one of the lucky winners (yes, there will be multiple winners) -- we've got FAB prizes!

Are you prepared if we were to experience an Earthquake?

Do you have an evacuation plan for you and your family? Have you an earthquake emergency kit assembled?

Let the Torrance Fire Department CERT team give you a refresher and tell you what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

October is the month of the Great ShakeOut. Be a participant!

Millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:19 a.m. on October 19* during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills!

October Meeting Flyer.

* For those of you who were unable to attend the Planning Commission Meeting regarding the Tower Market Project (on Gramercy and Carson) and/or have not yet heard a recap of the meeting, see the Daily Breeze article written about it the next day.

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, September 20th, 7-9 PM - Postponed / Cancelled

What: Meeting & Presentation To Be Announced
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday,September 20th POSTPONED / date TBA
Due to Torrance Planning Commission Hearing Re: Tower Project on Carson Bl.
7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, September 16, 2017 - 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 16th, 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. One Time Change - New Rendezvous Location: Miramar Park - 201 Paseo de la Playa @ Calle Miramar.
Clean-up Area: Torrance Beach
Heal The Bay Website: coastal cleanup day 2017
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 your own bucket, gloves and reusable water bottle (to help cut down on waste!)

Note: Students can earn Community Service Credit for this event. Volunteers under 18 must have a parent's signature. You can download a waiver here.

OTNA Community Meeting - Wednesday, July 26

What:OTNA is hosting a Community Meeting so neighbors can view what is planned for a prospective project site: 2409 Arlington Ave. - corner of Arlington Ave. and Lincoln (currently a credit union).
Location: The Band Shell - Torrance Park, 2001 Santa Fe Ave (between Arlington and Cabrillo, north of Sepulveda)
When: Wednesday, July 26th, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Meet Scott Anastasi of Anastasi Development Company LLC, as he shares details on the 20, 2-story homes proposed for this site - 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2-car private garage, homes ranging in size from 978 - 1015 square feet – starting in the high $400,000's. The potential building is to start late Fall 2017.

The program will last approximately 1 hour, and includes a Q&A session - neighbors are encouraged to attend. Treats will be served. This meeting is free and open to the public.

Please see the informational Meeting Flyer for details.

No July Neighborhood Clean-up

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

When: Thursday, July 20, 2017 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

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 TBA 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.

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, May 17th, 7-9 PM

In recognition of Fire Service Recognition Day, (the second Saturday in May - this year on Saturday, May 13th), Martin Serna, the Torrance Fire Chief and his team will be our guest speakers. They will give us a live demonstration of how to put out a fire with a fire extinguisher and also give us hands on experience. In recognition of Fire Service Recognition Day, (the second Saturday in May - this year on Saturday, May 13th), Martin Serna, the Torrance Fire Chief and his team will be our guest speakers. They will give us a live demonstration of how to put out a fire with a fire extinguisher and also give us hands on experience.

What: Meeting & Fire Prevention Program by Torrance Fire Department
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday,May 17th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation

May Meeting Flyer.

Sponsor

Today, Chado's three locations in the greater Los Angeles area serve as role models in America's tea renaissance. Owner/Partners Reena Shan and Tekeste ("Tek") Mehreteab's dedication to sharing their love of tea and refinement has influenced and inspired thousands, and made them major contributors to tea's growth in the U.S. Chado supports tea education of every sort at every level through projects such as the Los Angeles International Tea Festival and Alson's Tea for Siblings of the Disabled, which Reena started in memory of her own disabled brother, Alson.

OTNA May 2017 Neighborhood Clean-up
Note - New May Date & Time due to Armed Forces Day Parade
Wednesday, May 17th, 6:00 - 7:00 pm - prior to the May OTNA meeting

OTNA's regular Saturday May clean-up date is the same day as the Armed Forces Parade this year. The new clean-up date for this May will be Wednesday, May 17th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. We will clean up El Prado Park between Cravens and Arlington on El Prado. This will be the staging area for the parade site.

Please volunteer to clean-up El Prado Park, (the staging area for the Saturday parade). Small sandwiches or other snack will be provided to clean-up participants after the clean-up. After the clean up, please walk over to the Bartlett Center, 2nd floor to attend OTNA's regular scheduled meeting.

Attendance at the OTNA meeting is not mandatory after the clean-up but makes for a nice evening and it is a great program with the Torrance Fire Department. Torrance Bakery Cookies are provided at the meeting.

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

Who: OTNA members along with Rotary Club members and high school student volunteers
When: Wednesday, May 17th, 6:00 - 7:00 PM, (prior to the OTNA May meeting at The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor)
Rendezvous Location: Centennial Park (with the red bricks) in El Prado Park on El Prado at Cravens
Clean-up Area: El Prado Park, (between Cravens and Arlington) on El Prado
Snacks Provided: Small sandwiches or other snacks will be provided to clean-up participants after the clean-up.
RSVP: Elaine Thompson - ethompsonlaw@gmail.com or sign up online regarding "Events" on the Contact Us page.
Volunteer Hours: 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

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. 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.

Easter on El Prado With a Selfie at Torrance Bakery

OTNA is continuing the 36-year neighborhood tradition of celebrating Easter on El Prado, so hop on down to the Torrance Bakery Easter morning for a selfie with Mr. & Mrs. Bun! You, your friends and family are all invited to capture this Kodak moment with the bunsters, and receive a FREE Torrance Bakery Easter cookie, too!

This will be an eggcellent event, so we hope to see you there!

See the Flyer for details. This month's President's Letter is available.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, March 18, 2017

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 18th, 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: TBA
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.

Taking a Bite out of Crime
Meet the Torrance Police K-9 Team
Wednesday, March 15th

The men and women on the Torrance Police Dept. (TPD) are not the only ones who keep Torrance rated the 10th safest city in America. Our TPD K-9s are top dog when it comes to locating and apprehending felony suspects and evidence. The K-9s have a special ability to locate suspects without unnecessarily exposing the officers to danger. The K-9 Program is a unique and essential part of our law enforcement effort.

Come meet the TPD team who takes a bite out of crime, and keeps our City pawsitively safe!

See the Meeting Flyer for details. This month's President's Letter is available.

What: Meeting & Presentation
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, March 15th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - Torrance Bakery Cookies and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Sponsor:The Yoga Harbor

The Yoga Harbor
1616 Gramercy Ave.
424.337.0414

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, January 21, 2017

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 21 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: The focus is 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.

Wednesday, January 18th, 7-9 PM
How to get Organized and Ways to Cut the Clutter with Hope Witkowsky

The New Year is a time for new beginnings, and top on everyone's New Year's Resolution List is to get organized! Next Wednesday, OTNA will kick-off of the New Year with advice on how to get organized, and ways to cut the clutter. Hope Witkowsky, former City Councilwoman and producer/writer/host of Senior Scene, will share tips and tricks on how to organize your home, your office, your life!

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

We will be electing new officers for 2017 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 page or call (310) 320-6054.

Sponsor:

The January OTNA meeting is sponsored by Red Car Brewery & Restaurant, the trendsetter of the craft brewery sensation, nestled in the heart of Historic Old Torrance.

Red Car Brewery & Restaurant
1266 Sartori Ave
Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 782 - 0222
http://redcarbrewery.com