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Volume 16 | Issue 2

January 8 - January 14, 2026

Stay in the loop with the Torrance eNewsletter, your go-to source for all the amazing events and opportunities in our community! Published every Thursday at 4 p.m. Sign up or browse archived issues online. Have a question, suggestion, or comment? Email us at eNewsletter@TorranceCA.Gov.

Bona fide Torrance-based, non-profit groups may submit events to be included in the Torrance citywide calendar, pending approval. Events must occur within Torrance city limits to be considered. Find out more, and Share Your Event

TORRANCE SPOTLIGHT

Black and White Photo of the Downtown Torrance Arch

Image courtesy of @photosbyladyk

Black and white image of the Downtown Torrance Sign.

Want to be featured? Use #TorranceCA on social media or share your photos with us directly for a chance to be featured in our Torrance Spotlight. 

IMPORTANT VOTE ON METRO C/K - LINE EXTENSION TO TORRANCE

Map of Proposed Metro C Line

The LA Metro Planning and Programming Committee is scheduled to vote on the Metro C/K - Line Extension to Torrance. Here’s what you need to know:


What's Happening?

The LA Metro Planning and Programming Committee is scheduled to vote between two route options:

  • Using the existing train right-of-way (Locally Preferred Alternative)
  • Fully elevated train down the middle of Hawthorne Blvd.

This Committee will then recommend the option to the full Metro Board, which is scheduled for Thursday, January 22 at 10 a.m.


Metro Planning and Programming Committee Vote: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

  • Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Location: Metro Board Room, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (3rd Floor)
  • Watch online or listen by phone: Dial (888) 978-8818 and use Access Code: 5647249 for English or 7292892 for Español.
  • View meeting details and agenda.


Metro Board Vote: Thursday, January 22, 2026

  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Location: LA Metro HQ, Union Station, Downtown Los Angeles

FREE Transportation Available

Torrance Transit is offering FREE bus service from the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center (465 Crenshaw Blvd.) to the January 22nd Board Meeting. Please arrive by 7:15 a.m. We will depart at 7:30 a.m. and return at 3 p.m.

WHAT'S NEW

Share your thoughts

Torrance Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee Meeting

We invite the public to attend the January 12th Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee Meeting at 1 p.m. in the LeRoy J. Jackson City Council Chamber to share thoughts and discuss the Proposed Planning Updates for the 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS:

2026 HOMETOWN HEROES MILITARY RECOGNITION PROGRAM

The Hometown Heroes Military Banner Recognition Program recognizes our community's men and women in uniform who are currently serving in the Armed Forces, veterans who have served in the past, or veterans of the past who are now deceased.


The Hometown Heroes application is now available online or by email at Veterans@TorranceCA.Gov. The application deadline is January 22, 2026. The cost to sponsor a banner for the 2026 program is $325.


Incomplete applications or applications received after the submission date will not make the printing and installation deadline and should be resubmitted during the subsequent year's application period.


The following will be required to process an application:


  • Proof of Torrance residency OR proof of graduation from a Torrance high school
  • Proof of service
  • High-resolution photo of service person
Skip the Trip. Apply for Permits Online.

New Online Permit Portal is now Live!

We're excited to share that our new online permitting system is now available for Building and Safety, Engineering, and Fire Prevention. Paper plans and physical submittals are no longer being accepted. This new process is designed to make the permitting process easier, faster, and more accessible for you. With this platform, you can:


  • Submit applications and upload plans electronically
  • Pay fees online
  • Check your project status anytime
  • Handle permitting tasks from anywhere
  • Receive your permits digitally
    

This update will streamline the entire process, reduce the need for in-person visits, and help keep your projects moving on schedule.

Our Environmental and Planning divisions will also transition to electronic submittals at a later date.

Headshot of Jason Hurd, an Equipment Attendant with Torrance Transit.

We Are Torrance: Meet Jason

Meet Jason Hurd, an Equipment Attendant with Torrance Transit. Jason always hoped to work for the City of Torrance, wanting to get his foot in the door and explore the many opportunities available. In his role, he supports daily operations and enjoys the moments he gets to operate a bus, taking in the beautiful views of the city he serves.


Ready to build your future with us? Explore opportunities at TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs.

How to Properly Dispose of Your Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree Recycling

Recycle your unflocked Christmas tree for free now through January 15, 2026! Trees 6 feet or smaller can go directly in your green waste container anytime, or place larger trees curbside (at least 4 feet from containers) by 7 a.m. on your collection day. Remove all ornaments, tinsel, and stands before recycling—trees are transformed into mulch and landfill cover. Flocked trees cannot be recycled and must be cut in half and placed in your black refuse container.

2026 Free E-Waste Recycling and Paper Shredding Dates

Stop by one of our upcoming events and get rid of your e-waste and paper shredding in a safe and responsible way.


  • March 28
  • June 27
  • September 26
  • December 5
We Are Torrance Sign

We Are Torrance... And We Are Hiring!

Want to join Team Torrance? Check out some of our openings:



AS SEEN ON CITICABLE

In case you missed it...

Rose Parade 2026

Torrance’s Rose Parade Tradition Continues

Torrance shines at the 2026 Rose Parade. 

New Year's Resolutions 2026

New Year's Resolutions at Torrance Certified Farmers' Market

Happy New Year! Do you have any resolutions? Here are what some of our community members shared at the Torrance Certified Farmers' Market recently.

COYOTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Image of an adult coyote walking

To report coyote activity, please call the 24-hour Coyote Hotline at (310) 618-3898 or use the Coyote Management Portal to submit a report online. If you see a coyote attacking a person, immediately call 911. For questions regarding the Coyote Management program, email POrenstein@TorranceCA.Gov.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne of The Manhattan Transfer posing for photo.

January 10

Broad Appeal

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music with Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne of The Manhattan Transfer as they bring their powerhouse vocals to the James Armstrong Theatre.

January 10 - February 21

Torrance Art Museum's Winter 2026 Exhibitions

Join us Saturday, January 10, from 6 - 9 p.m. for the opening of the Torrance Art Museum’s Winter 2026 exhibitions.


In the Main Gallery, Defending Ethical Integrity: The New Degenerate Art presents bold, fearless works that challenge censorship, authoritarian narratives, and threats to creative autonomy. In Gallery Two, Nine Visions X Nine Artists showcases projects by artists supported by the MRH Fund for Artists, which provides direct financial support to Southern California artists nominated by regional arts organizations.

Lunar New Year Greetings with cartoon characters

January 11

2026 Torrance Lunar New Year Festival

The South Bay Chinese American Association of California USA invites the community to join us on Sunday, January 11, for a full day of cultural celebration at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center.


The 2026 Torrance Lunar New Year Festival will take place from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and will feature:

  • Live cultural performances
  • Dragon & lion dances, drum performances, and interactive experience zones
  • Calligraphy performances and hands-on learning
  • Traditional sugar art and figurine crafting
  • Dumpling-making workshops
  • Tea ceremony demonstrations
  • Traditional arts and crafts learning
  • Photo booth and traditional costume try-on
  • Interactive cosplay experiences in the garden
  • Food and retail vendors
  • Free giveaways
  • Dedicated kids’ games and activities


In addition, the ticketed 22nd Chinese American Lunar New Year Show will be held inside the Armstrong Theatre from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., continuing our tradition of a high-quality cultural stage production. Check out the festival map for the upcoming event!

January 13

City Council Meeting

Join us in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber at 6:30 p.m. for the Torrance City Council Meeting. You can also watch the meeting streamed live on our Facebook page and YouTube Channel.


All City Council Agendas, minutes, and meeting recordings will only be accessible through the City's new legislative management system, OneMeeting at 

TorranceCA.Gov/CouncilMeetings.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems Sector Historian Tony Chong with his models

January 17

Western Museum of Flight Celebrity Lecture

Join fellow aerospace enthusiasts to listen to Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems Sector Historian Tony Chong for some stories about the legendary aircraft factory in El Segundo. This event is free for Museum members and $15 for non-members.

2026 Torrance Homeless Count

January 22

Torrance Homeless Count

The Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count is the annual census that counts our neighbors experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Through the count, we’re better able to direct and advocate for vital services to support the needs of our unhoused neighbors. The 2026 Torrance Homeless Count is coming up, taking place January 22, 2026 at the Ken Miller Recreation Center from 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.


To join us, please visit www.count.lahsa.org  and select Torrance as your deployment site. No prior experience is necessary. For more information, please email JuliaSmith@TorranceCA.Gov or VHoang@TorranceCA.Gov

Now - February 2

Torrance Adult School Winter 2026 Registration **


January 9

City Hall Closed


January 9

Tech Hour


January 9

Teen Zone: Games & Puzzles


January 10

STEM Lab @ the Library: Capsule Reentry Challenge


January 10

Bilingual Storytime with Blanca Santiago


January 10

Discover Your Passion


January 12

Creative Writing Workshop: Kickstart Your Story


January 12

Library Commission- Henderson Library


January 12

Repurpose Items for a Quick Home Makeover

** denotes a City of Torrance Event

OTHER RESOURCES

Torrance Tiny Home Village housing for the homeless with a blue overlay and the text 'HOMELESS RESPONSE DASHBOARD' in white bold letters at the top. This image is a hyperlink to the Homeless Response Dashboard.
Cars stuck in traffic with a transparent blue overlay and the text 'traffic impacts' in white bold letters. This is a hyperlink button to the Traffic Impact site for the city of Torrance.
Torrance first responders with a blue overlay and 'TRENDING IN TORRANCE' in white bold letters. The image is a hyperlink to the 'Trending in Torrance' website.
Downtown Torrance at night with a blue overlay and the text '#WHYTORRANCE' in white bold letters at the top. This image is a hyperlink to the 'Why Torrance' website.
Measure SST dashboard with a blue overlay and the text 'MEASURE SST DASHBOARD' in white bold letters at the top. This graphic serves as a hyperlink to the Measure SST Dashboard website.
City of Torrance logo in blue color
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