TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 24, 2008 - On September 23, 2008, the City of Torrance officially launched the new Torrance Events Calendar on the Torrance citywide website.  The Torrance Events Calendar is a new service and tool to help improve the quality of life in the City of Torrance.  This comprehensive calendar will provide the community and worldwide visitors with a resource for Torrance-based meetings, events, and activities.  Presently, the Calendar is populated with City-hosted events, and all Torrance-based nonprofit groups and organizations are encouraged to submit information about their events for inclusion in the Calendar.  With the click of a mouse, the community can now discover everything that is happening in the City of Torrance.  Everyone is invited to visit the Torrance Events Calendar at www.torrnet.com/events, which is linked to the bottom of every page in the citywide website, under the heading Events Calendar, and also at the top of every page, listed inside the "Quick Links" drop down menu.  For Torrance-based nonprofit groups that are interested in submitting their events for inclusion in the Calendar, please click here for information on how to submit an event.  If you have any questions, please email the Calendar Administrator at TorranceCalendar@torrnet.com.

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 2, 2008 - With sadness and joyous memories, the City of Torrance announces the passing of former Councilwoman Gene Drevno on Monday, September 1, 2008 after battling cancer. Gene Drevno passed away surrounded by her nine children, grandchildren and close friends. She was 78 years old. read more (PDF)>>

TORRANCE, Calif. - The City of Torrance is pleased to announce the appointment of William Racowschi as its new fire chief. Since starting his career at the Torrance Fire Department in 1980, William Racowschi has risen through the ranks. He was promoted to fire engineer in 1986, and fire captain in 1992, wherein he also served as training coordinator. In 1999, Racowschi rose to battalion chief, a position he has held until his appointment as Torrance's new fire chief effective Sunday, August 17, 2008. read more (PDF)>>

TORRANCE, Calif. -  The City of Torrance invites the community to join them in honoring the contributions of outgoing City Council members Gene Drevno, Paul M. Nowatka, and Hope Witkowsky at a reception on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at the Toyota Meeting Hall in the Torrance Cultural Arts Center (3330 Civic Center Drive). read more (PDF) >>

TORRANCE, Calif., July 8, 2008 - After a three year hiatus, the City of Torrance has brought back the Carpenter Wagon Program to the youth of Torrance.

On Saturday, June 28, 2008, the brand new Carpenter Wagon arrived at El Retiro Park and had a successful turn out of 55 kids in attendance.  The Carpenter Wagon program was re-established as a partnership with the Torrance Home Depot, which provided materials to enable children to create a variety of wood craft projects. The Home Depot staff also assisted participants with their wood projects.

Children ages 6-14 years of age made tool boxes, bird houses, CD cases and much more, as they learned how to properly hammer nails, sand and paint.

Carpenter Wagon Program will continue offering classes throughout July and August. Classes are limited to 20 children per class, and are offered on a first come, first served basis.  Registration is taken at the park site 10 minutes prior to the start of each class with a limit of one class per person.  Classes are free for all participants.

Classes will be offered on Saturdays at 12:00 - 12:50 p.m.; 1:00 - 1:50 p.m.; and 2:00 - 2:50 p.m.  All locations will be in the City of Torrance.  The dates and locations are as follows:

                June 28, 2008            El Retiro Park             126 Vista del Parque
                July 12, 2008             McMaster Park           3624 Artesia Blvd
                July 19, 2008             La Romeria Park         19501 Inglewood Avenue
                July 26, 2008             Walteria Park              3855 242nd Street
                August 9, 2008          Sur La Brea Park       23610 Cabrillo Avenue
                August 16, 2008        Paradise Park            5006 Lee Street

For more information, please contact John Jones at (310) 618-2937 or via email at JJones@torrnet.com.

TORRANCE, Calif., June 12, 2008 - In September 2006, the Governor of California signed into law Senate Bill No.1613 amending the California Vehicle Code section 23123.  As we approach the effective date, the City has received numerous inquiries about the new law.  We've observed that many of the inquiries are as a result of misleading media coverage and biased product marketing practices.

The following information and references are derived from the amended vehicle code language:

Q:  When does the new wireless telephone law take effect?

A:   The new law takes effect July 1, 2008

Q:   What does the new law cover?

A:   The law prohibits all drivers from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, unless that telephone is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking operation.

Q:   Must I use a Bluetooth earpiece to be complaint?

A:   No.  Wireless telephone manufacturers offer a variety of wired and wireless earpieces that are fully complaint.  Selection is a matter of personal choice.  Only one earpiece can be worn while driving.

Q:   Can I use my phone's speaker-phone function while driving?

A:   Yes.  If equipped, the speaker phone feature included with your phone or vehicle is also complaint.

Q:  Can I use my telephone in an emergency if I don't have a hands-free device?

A:   Yes.  The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.

Q:   Are the passengers in my vehicle affected by this law?

A:   No.  The law only applies to the person driving the motor vehicle.

Q:   Does the law apply to out-of-state drivers?

A:   Yes, irregardless of whether their home state has a similar law or not.

Q:   Can I use my phone's push-to-talk feature while driving?

A:   No.  However, the law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck.

Important:  In a separate action, a different law was passed prohibiting all drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone with/or without a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).  Click here for additional information.

TORRANCE, Calif., May 13, 2008 - The City of Torrance Animal Control Program, in cooperation with Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital, is hosting two vaccination clinics for dogs and cats in the City Torrance.  The clinics will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4th and Wednesday June 18, 2008, at the Torrance Police Department Animal Control facility.  The facility is located at 2200 Jefferson Street, in the northeast corner of Wilson Park, next to the tennis courts.  Click here for information.

TORRANCE, Calif., May 12, 2008 - The Torrance Police Department will be joining Police Departments throughout California and aggressively looking for drivers and passengers who don't buckle up during the 2008 "Click it or Ticket" seatbelt enforcement campaign, taking place May 12, 2008 through June 1, 2008. Click here for more information.

TORRANCE, Calif., April 7, 2008 - The Torrance City Council will make history on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. when its members sign the "Commitment to Integrity" during its regularly-scheduled City Council Meeting at the Council Chamber, 3031 Torrance Boulevard. read more (PDF) >>

TORRANCE, Calif., May 15, 2008 - On Thursday, May 15, 2008, Mayor Frank Scotto presented his 2008 State of the City Address at the Torrance Marriott.  Mayor Scotto's recorded 2008 State of the City Address will begin cablecasting on Torrance CitiCABLE Channel 3, May 28th through June 24th at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.; and June 25th through July 23rd at 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.  read more (PDF)>>

Watch Mayor Scotto's 2008 State of the City below and click HERE to view a copy of the transcript.

TORRANCE, Calif., March 5, 2008 - Torrance City Council regularly-scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 will be held at the West High School Library (20401 Victor Street). The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. read more (PDF)>>

TORRANCE, Calif., February 21, 2008 - The City of Torrance announces new topic for its 2008 Students & Government Day, a program launched last year to encourage youth participation in community affairs.  Selected students will participate in Students & Government Day, which will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. read more (PDF)>>

TORRANCE, Calif., January 31, 2008 - Torrance businesses still have time; the City of Torrance Office of Economic Development is extending the deadline for the newly established Torrance Advantage Awards (TAA) 2007. This will be the Awards competition inauguration with the intention of making it an annual event. The new deadline is Friday, February 15, 2008, 5:00 p.m. Applications are now available at www.torrnet.com/TAA.htm. read more (PDF)>>

TORRANCE, Calif. - With pleasure, the City of Torrance announces the appointment of John R. Jones as the new community services director effective Monday, January 28, 2008. read more (PDF)>>

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec.17, 2007 - The City of Torrance will honor fallen soldier Army Captain Matthew Ferrara of Torrance, during a ceremony on Thursday, December 27, 2007 where his name will be inscribed on the City's Veterans Memorial Wall located at the corner of Torrance Boulevard and Maple Avenue. The public is invited; the program will start at 10:00 a.m. read more (PDF)>>

TORRANCE, Calif., - The entire Torrance community is deeply saddened by the loss of Torrance soldier, Army Private First Class (Pfc.) Joseph Anzack Jr., whose death in Iraq was confirmed yesterday by the United States Army.  In his memory, Torrance City flags will be flown at half-staff until the morning of Tuesday, May 29, 2007. City flags will also fly at half-staff on the day of his funeral; the date of the funeral has nto yet been set. read more >>

TORRANCE, Calif.- Torrance City Manager LeRoy J. Jackson sadly announces the sudden death of previous Torrance City Manager, Edward J. Ferraro.  Ed peacefully died in his sleep on Monday, April 2, 2007.  He was 79 years old.  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. at the Toyota Meeting Hall located in the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3300 Civic Center Drive. A reception will follow immediately. read more (PDF) >>

TORRANCE, CAlif., - The City of Torrance announces the launch of a new program, Students & Government Day, which will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2007.  The City of Torrance encourages all eighth graders to apply for participation; deadline for application is Friday, March 23, 2007. read more (PDF)>>

The City of Torrance invites everyone to a free concert of the United States Air Force Academy Band's Rampart Winds Woodwind Quintet on Monday, March 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and ticket holders must be seated by 6:45 p.m. Doors open for non-ticket holders at 6:45 p.m. read more (PDF) >>

The City of Torrance is pleased to announce the appointment of John J. Neu as its new police chief.  Since starting his career in 1985 at the Torrance Police Department, John J. Neu has risen through the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain to becoming the 8th police chief of the City of Torrance.  He will receive his new badge at tonight's City Council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. in City Hall (3031 Torrance Blvd.).  read more (PDF) >>

Torrance, Calif., - Having won the 2006 Babe Ruth League World Series Champions, the Torrance All-Star team will be honored by the Torrance City Council on September 12, 2006 during a regularly-scheduled City Council meeting that begins at 7:00 p.m. Council meetings are held at City Hall, 3031 Torrance Boulevard. The public is invited to celebrate this unique and joyous occasion.  read more (PDF) >>

TORRANCE, Calif. - Torrance City Council announced today that a dedication ceremony is scheduled on Saturday, August 26, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. to mark the official re-opening of Lago Seco Park located at 3920 235th Street.  read more (PDF) >>

TORRANCE, Calif.- Torrance CitiCABLE Channel 3 will broadcast LIVE the 300th Army Band Concert at the James Armstrong Theatre on May 19, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.  The concert is part of the festivities for the 47th Annual City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration.  Anyone interested can watch the concert from the comforts of their own homes by tuning in to CitiCABLE Channel 3 with the Time Warner cable system.  read more (PDF) >>