Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, November 17, 2018

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 17th, 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 railroad tracks off Torrance Blvd.
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 14th

What: OTNA's Annual Taste of Old Torrance - sample sumptuous sensations from many local within-walking-distance eateries
When: Wednesday, November 14th, New this year: Check-in 6:45 PM. Food sampling begins at 7:00 PM. Food is first come first served; not guaranteed to last until 9:00pm.
New Procedures This Year: In addition to an early check-in time, this year's attendees will be given a number when they arrive. This number is for their place in line when the tasting begins. Those first to arrive will be first to be served.
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, nor any items that are open or dented. **

The November Meeting Flyer is available.

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 include:

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

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, September 26, 7-9 PM
*** NOTE *** Meeting New Date

The OTNA September meeting will be an overview of the City of Torrance HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN. Members of the Community Development Department will be our guest speakers. The City of Torrance Historic Preservation Program was approved by the City Council in December of 2017. The City is ready to launch this program and a Historic Preservation Commission will be formed. Those interested in Historic Preservation are encouraged to consider applying for a seat on the NEW Historic Preservation Commission in the near future. You will learn more about this Commission at the meeting.

What: Meeting & Presentation
When: Wednesday, September 26th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - Refreshments, including Torrance Bakery cookies; meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
Cost: The meeting is free and open to the public
Sponsor:

Our September Sponsor is The Monarch Ballroom Dance Studio -- one of Downtown Torrance's newest additions. They offer a wide range of dance styles including: salsa, bachata, ballroom, Latin, tango, swing as well as well as Zumba, Yoga and more. Choose from private lessons to focus on your personal dance needs and move at your own pace or try out a group class and enjoy the social aspect of learning to dance with friends. They cater to all levels, ages and needs, no partner is needed to learn. Learn to dance for your wedding, another special event, to surprise someone special, exercise or just for fun!

Monarch Ballroom Dance Studio offers 10% off any purchase for all Torrance residents. Come join them for a night of dancing and learning in their beautiful ballroom in the heart of Old Torrance.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, September 15, 2018 - 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 15th, 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 2018
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.

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: There is a different rendezvous point due to participation in Beach Coastal Clean-up Day. OTNA participates in the National Beach Coastal Clean-up Day. Coastal Cleanup Day 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 the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce - Team Torrance!

No July Clean-up

There is no neighborhood clean-up scheduled for the month of July.

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

When: Thursday July 19, 2018, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Torrance Historical Society & Museum, 1345 Post Avenue
Cost: Free and open to the public - donations accepted. Nominal fee for food and beverage $9.50 for combo (Burger or cheese sandwich) with soft drink and chips)
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, $9.50 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 Wham-O, 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, world-renowned 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 Gees' tune "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/debit cards nor paypal are accepted. Exact change is appreciated and please, no large bills.

Burgers or grilled cheese, chips and a fountain drink will be available for $9.50 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 sponsored by the Sares-Regis Group, Wham-O, and hosted in partnership with the City of Torrance, Old Torrance Neighborhood Association, CitiCABLE 3, Torrance Bakery, DJ Ozzie, and Downtown Torrance Association (DTA).

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

Let's Talk Trash

OTNA will be participating in the City of Torrance Yard Open House Saturday, June 2, 2018. OTNA will have a table at this event. If you would like to volunteer please contact Janet Payne or Debbie Hayes via our Contact Us page.

"Let's Talk Trash" is the name of the OTNA booth and is a very catchy phrase to get people to stop by and learn what they can do to help with keeping the City look good by picking up trash. We display our CROWN OF TRASH, hand crafted and designed by Charlie Meyers, OTNA member and Old Torrance Resident, and donated by Dayna Berman and Michael Peterson who won it at an OTNA meeting. It is a fun conversation piece. Everyone has fun figuring what the trash items are and all the items on the crown were rounded up by OTNA volunteers picking up trash. We have our project tips sheet for anyone interested in doing an organized clean-up and have individual hand-wipes as a give-a-way.

Charlie Saulenas and Elaine Thompson are both long time OTNA members and volunteers. Elaine is a past OTNA President and is the OTNA Clean-up Coordinator since September 2014. They will help set up the booth the day of the event. Please volunteer!

Please volunteer for OTNA's Let's Talk Trash booth at the City Yard Open House!

What: CITY YARD OPEN HOUSE with the Disaster Preparedness Expo & Environmental Fair OTNA's Let's Talk Trash Booth - OTNA will have clean up project tip sheets and hand wipes as give-a-way.
Date: Saturday, June 2, 2018
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: City of Torrance, City Services Facility 20500 Madrona Avenue
Parking: FREE PARKING AND SHUTTLE SERVICE located at the City of Torrance Court House, 825 Maple Avenue Torrance, 90503

NOTE: No Public Parking at City Yard

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Carson Gramercy Project and Meet Eve Irvine the New Torrance Police Chief Wednesday, May 9th

What:Carson Gramercy Project Community Meeting 6:00 - 6:50 PM
Meet Eve Irvine, the New Torrance Police Chief 7:30 - 9:00 PM
When: Wednesday, May 9th
Seats are limited and are on a first-come basis.
Location: The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor - 1318 Cravens Ave. - Old Torrance
Cost:Free and open to the public
For more info: Debbie Hays- 310.320.6054

We will be electing new officers for 2018 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. Come celebrate with us -- all those in attendance will have the opportunity to win prizes from local artists and restaurants!

You're invited to come meet our new petite, pistol-packing Police Chief, Eve Irvine. She hit the ground running when she came to Torrance, and with her exuberant, inclusive leadership style, she is focused on maintaining the "Excellence through Teamwork" for which our Police Dept. is known. When you meet her, you'll see why she rose above the other 29 candidates up for the job.

The May Meeting Flyer is available.

View Proposed Plans - Carson Gramercy Project

Prior to the regularly scheduled meeting, OTNA is hosting a Community Meeting so neighbors can view the plans for the Carson Gramercy Project, which is the new proposal to replace the original proposal for the site that consisted of a 4770 SF market and gas station.

The new proposal is a three-story mixed-use building comprised of 7032 SF of commercial/retail and 39 units of apartments above the retail. Parking (71 spaces) will be provided at the ground floor behind the retail. The architecture utilizes elements popularized by Irving Gill with the full arches at the ground floor retail and the clean lines and punched openings of the residential levels above. The Building wraps around a landscaped courtyard which is above the parking garage. 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.

OTNA-Hosted Candidates' Forum, Wednesday, April 25th

When: Wednesday, April 25th
Meeting Time: Doors open at 6:30PM, forums begin at 7:00PM Seats are limited and are on a first-come basis.
Location: The Bartlett Center, 2nd floor - 1318 Cravens Ave. - Old Torrance
Cost: Forum is free, and open to the public
For more info: Debbie Hays- 310.320.6054

The positions of Mayor, three city council seats, City Clerk, and City Treasurer are up for re-election. The election is Tuesday, June 5th, 2018.

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 this list of additional forum locations and dates.

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

• For information regarding local elections, see https://www.torranceca.gov/government/city-clerk/election-information
• Smart Voter.Org
• TorranceVotes.Org
• League of Women Voters
• League of Women Voters, Torrance Chapter

New Proposed Home Project Presentation

OTNA is hosting an Open House so that neighbors can view what's planned for the prospective project site at 2409 Arlington Ave - corner of Arlington Ave. and Lincoln.

The meeting flyer is available.

The City of Torrance Public Works Staff Presents a Preview of Upcoming Residential and Business District Neighborhood Improvements for Downtown Old Torrance
Wednesday, March 21, 2018

OTNA has invited the City of Torrance Public Works staff to present the upcoming Downtown Torrance Active Transportation Improvement Project. This $2 million dollar federal grant-funded project will repair damaged sidewalks, install curb ramps, and enhance bicycle facilities throughout the neighborhood. Come hear details of the project, how the repair areas were determined, and how the City plans to preserve mature trees and the unique concrete name stamps found throughout the neighborhood. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers following the presentation.

What: Meeting & Presentation
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, March 21st, 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

Since the January meeting was cancelled, we will be electing new officers for 2018 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. Come celebrate with us -- all those in attendance will have the opportunity to win prizes from local artists and restaurants!

The March OTNA President's Letter is now available.

The March Meeting Flyer is available.

Meeting Recap

OTNA invited a team from the City of Torrance Pubic Works Department to come out and tell us about the upcoming Downtown Torrance Active Transportation Improvement Project. This $2 million dollar federal grant-funded project, along with the City's required $500,000 contribution, will repair damaged sidewalks, install curb ramps, angle sidewalks around trees to preserve them, add bike racks, and enhance bicycle facilities throughout our neighborhood.

There will be approximately 20,000 linear feet of sidewalk repaired (which equals 100,000 square feet) and about 4,000 linear feet of curb repaired.

The project went out to bid, yesterday. The next step is to award the construction contract, which they are tentatively hoping to do at the May 22nd City Council meeting.

The project is expected to begin in the fall of 2018, and be completed by summer of 2019. The repairs will start south of Carson St. Construction hours will be 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday.

The scope of the project is outlined in the presentation from the meeting. See also the Downtown Torrance Active Transportation Improvement web site.

If you have any questions or would like to know if you're street is included in the scope of work for this project, contact:

Justin Gatza, P.E.
Associate Engineer
Email: JGatza@TorranceCA.Gov
Phone: 310.618.3032

Shin Furukawa, P.E.
Engineering Manager
Email: SFurukawa@TorranceCA.Gov
Phone: 310.618.7073

Sponsor:

The March OTNA meeting was sponsored by Jaunts - a Contemporary Woman's Boutique nestled in the heart of Old Torrance (1223 El Prado Ave, Old Torrance 310.806.2120). Two lucky winners will each go home with a Jaunts gift certificate the night of the meeting.

No March, 2018 Neighborhood Clean-up

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, January 17th, 7-9 PM - Meeting CANCELLED / POSTPONED - New Date to be announced

What: Meeting & Presentation
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, January 17th, 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

We will be electing new officers for 2018 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. Come celebrate with us -- all those in attendance will have the opportunity to win prizes from local artists and restaurants!