Hey, neighbor!
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We're somehow halfway through the year, and summer isn't wasting any time.

This weekend brings all kinds of reasons to get out and enjoy our corner of the South Bay. Whether you're celebrating Dad, meeting friends for a concert, or hunting for your next vintage treasure, there's no shortage of ways to make the most of the weekend.

So call Dad. Grab the peaches. Stay out a little later than usual. Summer won't mind.

See you out there.

In this issue:

🌊 The dad-friendly weekend guide: trains, soccer, hot pot, and vintage finds

🌊 Meet the Torrance dad who turned the school commute into the best part of the week

🌊 Summer concerts, World Cup fever, and a new 10-week challenge to make this summer more memorable

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Meet Kyle Richardson, creator of the North Torrance Bike Bus

On Friday mornings in North Torrance, something a little different has been rolling through the neighborhood.

Not a carpool line. Not a rush of last-minute drop-offs.

A group of kids on bikes.

It started with Kyle Richardson and his two kids.

For years, Kyle had been biking them to daycare, then to school — first on a cargo bike, then alongside them as they grew. One day, he noticed something that stuck with him: the school bike rack was empty.

But just days earlier, dozens of kids had shown up to a school bike event.

“The interest was there,” he realized. “There just wasn’t a way to get there.”

So he created one.

The North Torrance Bike Bus works like a real bus — a set route, pickup points, a consistent schedule. Every Friday morning, Kyle and a handful of parents guided a growing group of students safely to school, riding together through neighborhood streets.

What began as three riders grew by school year’s end to around 30 kids and parents each week.

But the numbers aren’t the point. It’s the energy.

“Just joy, smiles, laughter,” Kyle said. The kids ride alongside friends, talking the whole way. Parents meet neighbors they hadn’t known before. And what used to be a tense, traffic-filled drop-off becomes something lighter — even fun.

It’s also practical. Fewer cars. More movement. A little more independence before the school day begins.

“Start small and dream big,” Kyle said.

Because sometimes changing a routine doesn’t take a system overhaul. Just one person willing to try something different — and a few kids ready to ride.

Connect with the North Torrance Bike Bus here.​

Know someone quietly making Torrance better? Submit an idea here. Those are our favorite stories to tell.

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SPONSORED 🎡 The Riviera Village Summer Festival 2026 is next week! 🗓️ June 26–28 Over 300 exhibitors & FREE admission! 🎶 Live Entertainment All Day 🎡 Carnival Rides & Games 🛍️ Arts & Crafts Vendors 🍴 International Food Court 🍷 Beer & Wine Garden ​ Visit @victoriagiarealtor at Booth #127 Friday 3-6 p.m. & Sunday 1-4 p.m. and spin to win!* 🎟️ Various gift cards + a chance to win 2 VIP LA Chargers tickets 🏈 Festival Hours: June 26: 12 – 9 p.m. June 27: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. June 28: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 🚌 Free shuttle from South High, Torrance ​More info →​

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​Suggest an event. | Feature your event.​

One of Torrance's most charming hidden gems is back in motion. The volunteer-run Southern California Live Steamers offers miniature train rides through Wilson Park on its monthly public run days, delighting kids, grandparents, and train enthusiasts alike. Hop aboard a one-third-scale locomotive for a scenic ride through the trees and enjoy a little dose of old-fashioned fun.

Founded in the 1940s and once associated with railroad enthusiasts, including Walt Disney himself, the organization has been preserving railroad history — and creating family memories — for generations. Rides are free (donations encouraged), making this one of the best low-cost family outings in town.

Pro tip: Pack a picnic and make a morning of it at Wilson Park.

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Friday, June 19

It's Juneteenth — a federal holiday commemorating the day news of freedom finally reached enslaved people in Texas in 1865.

Katy Geissert Civic Center Library – Billy Bonkers Magic Show at 10:30 a.m. Billy Bonkers brings laughs, surprises, and plenty of audience participation in a family-friendly magic show designed to keep young readers engaged all summer long.

Around Torrance – USA vs. Australia World Cup Watch Parties at 12 p.m.

Tune in as the U.S. Men's National Team takes on Australia. Expect packed patios, jerseys everywhere, and watch parties popping up across local breweries, restaurants, and sports bars as fans gather to cheer on Team USA.

Victor E. Benstead Plunge – Swim-In Movie Night at 7 p.m. Float in the pool or relax poolside while The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants takes over the big screen.

Saturday, June 20

Madrona Marsh Preserve – Habitat Restoration at 9 a.m. Help care for one of Torrance's most unique natural spaces by removing invasive plants, pulling weeds, and planting native species. A rewarding morning for nature lovers of all ages.

Western Museum of Flight – Celebrity Lecture at 11 a.m. Aircraft designer Doug Shane shares stories from the cutting edge of aerospace innovation, including work with Scaled Composites, Virgin Galactic, and Anduril Industries. A fascinating stop for aviation fans and future engineers.

Wilson Park – Southern California Live Steamers from 12–3 p.m. Tiny trains, big nostalgia. Hop aboard miniature locomotives and enjoy one of Torrance's most beloved hidden gems.

Lindberg Nutrition – Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. A free community wellness event featuring fitness challenges, health-focused vendors, giveaways, samples, and complimentary services.

Wilson Park Amphitheatre – Torrance Summer Nights: Locked Out of Heaven at 5 p.m. Bruno Mars fans, this one's for you. From Uptown Funk to 24K Magic, this high-energy tribute delivers all the swagger, choreography, and singalong hits of a real Bruno Mars concert. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and your best dance moves.

EPICENTER Arts + Entertainment – Summertopia at 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the official start of summer with a family-friendly evening of entertainment, activities, and indoor fun.

Mom Said Yes Pizza – Probable Cause at 8:30 p.m. Classic rock covers, pizza, cocktails, and a retro arcade. Not a bad Saturday night lineup.

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Sunday, June 21

Father's Day in Torrance! 👔 Local restaurants are rolling out special menus and deals for Dad, from patio BBQs and beer specials to handmade pasta and seafood favorites. If you're still planning Father's Day, now's the time to make a reservation.

Downtown Torrance – Torrance Antique Street Faire at 8 a.m. More than 200 vendors fill Old Torrance with vintage furniture, collectibles, records, clothing, and unexpected treasures. One of the South Bay's best treasure hunts.

The Enclave – SoCal Etsy Guild Market at 12 p.m. Shop local artisans, makers, crafters, and food vendors while supporting small businesses from across the region.

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All Weekend

Torrance Art Museum – CHAMPION: Sports in Contemporary Art. In celebration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this new exhibition explores soccer and sports culture through the lens of contemporary art. A timely blend of creativity, competition, and global connection.

Torrance Theatre Company – The First Gentleman. A fish-out-of-water musical comedy set inside the White House, where an ordinary family suddenly finds itself navigating extraordinary circumstances.

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The Torrance Cultural Arts Center — TouhouFest 2026. Torrance welcomes fans from across the country for a three-day celebration of the Touhou Project universe, featuring gaming, music, art, cosplay, and community.

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Weather Forecast? The afternoons are earning their keep.

⛅ Fri 60°/69° AM Clouds/PM Sun
⛅ Sat 61°/69° AM Clouds/PM Sun
⛅ Sun 61°/71° AM Clouds/PM Sun

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🍽️ Must Try Mumu Hot Pot | The Classic Combo | Order for two, try the Yuzu Shio or Tom Yum broth, and don't skip the sauce bar. Summer date night, solved. ​The Menu →

🎶 On Repeat "Summer Girls" by LFO — The musical equivalent of flip-flops, sunscreen, and absolutely no responsibilities until September. If only. ​Hit play →​

🏡 Eye Catching 2313 Andreo Ave — rebuilt Old Torrance 2-bedroom craftsman with a private studio ADU. ​Let's Go →

🏖️ Father's Day at the Shore
​A classic South Bay move: pack a cooler, grab a few beach chairs, and head to Torrance Beach. With 1.5 miles of sand and a little more breathing room than its neighbors, it's one of the easiest ways to give Dad exactly what he wants: a few uninterrupted hours near the ocean.

🎁 ICYMI: We rounded up Father's Day gift ideas inspired by Torrance dads—from beach dads and bird-watchers to backyard kings and lifelong Dodgers fans.

🥕 The Farmers Market is getting even easier. Beginning June 30, you'll be able to subscribe to a weekly box of seasonal produce curated by a local chef and picked up at the Bartlett Senior Center. Think CSA, but make it Torrance.

📚 Your summer reading excuse has arrived. The Torrance Public Library's Summer Reading Program is underway — and yes, adults can play too. Read books, complete challenges, earn prizes, and finally make a dent in that stack on your nightstand.

🎬 Summer parenting hack unlocked. Regal, Cinemark, and AMC are all bringing back discounted kids movie days this summer, with tickets starting at just $1. File this one away for the inevitable "I'm bored" afternoon.

🍉 Watermelon with Tajín season has arrived. No notes.

☀️ Hit play on nostalgic summer vibes. Windows down, volume up. Your soundtrack for beach days, backyard hangs, sunset drives, and the first real stretch of summer.

📚 Beach read season is officially here. If your ideal summer afternoon includes a lounge chair and a "just one more chapter" situation, our running list of ultimate beach reads is ready when you are.

Found something delightfully Torrance this week? Hit reply and send it our way!

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What's Dad's ideal Father's Day? Beach day Ball game Backyard BBQ Nature walk Coffee and a good book

Last Week's Results

School's out. What's your first summer move? More than half of you chose "head to the beach." No surprise there. ☀️🌊

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⚽ USA Opens the World Cup with a Win​
The World Cup hype in Torrance is very real right now. The U.S. Men's National Team opened the tournament with a dominant 4–1 victory over Paraguay, setting viewership records and fueling excitement across Southern California. Next up: USA vs. Australia on June 19 at 12 p.m. Keegan's, Absolution, and the Torrance-South Bay YMCA are all hosting watch parties.

🛒 Official FIFA Store Opens at Del Amo​
Need a last-minute Father's Day gift? The official FIFA World Cup 2026 pop-up store is now open at Del Amo Fashion Center, stocked with jerseys, scarves, hats, mascot merch, and tournament collectibles. The store is expected to remain open through July 31.

🎶 Summer Nights Hits Its Stride​
Torrance's free summer concert series is officially in full swing. Coming up: Kontrapunktus brings reimagined baroque music to Torino Plaza on June 25, followed by Classic Journey at Wilson Park on June 27 and the Satin Dollz at the City's Fourth of July Celebration on July 4. Lawn chairs encouraged.

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💧 Torrance Breaks Ground on Major Water Project​
Torrance just broke ground on an expansion of the Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter, a project that will eventually double the amount of local drinking water the facility can produce. Once completed in 2029, the facility is expected to purify up to 2.3 billion gallons annually—helping the South Bay rely less on imported water and more on a resource sitting right beneath our feet.

🚲 A New South Bay Trail Is Moving Forward​
The City Council recently approved the next phase of planning for a proposed multi-use trail project that would improve walking and biking connections throughout Torrance and the South Bay. The project is still in the planning stages, but it's one to watch for cyclists, walkers, and anyone who enjoys exploring the area on two feet.

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Coming Saturday: The Tide Summer Club ☀️

What if this summer felt a little more memorable?

Not because you took a big trip. Not because you packed your calendar.

But because you noticed more of the good things already happening around you.

Starting June 20, we're kicking off a Summer of Small Delights.

For 10 weeks, every Saturday morning, we'll send one simple piece of local homework—a small invitation to explore Torrance, support local businesses, meet new people, and make the most of the season.

Nothing expensive. Nothing overwhelming. Just one small delight at a time.

Even better? We'll be giving away prizes from some of our favorite local spots all summer long.

No need to sign up. If you're reading The Tide, you're already in the club. Stay tuned for the first drop this Saturday. 🌊

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Pass The Tide Along 🌊

If this issue made you feel a little more connected to Torrance, forward it to someone who’d love it, too.

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The Tide is growing neighbor by neighbor — and every share genuinely helps. 🫶