Hey, neighbor!

August always feels like it's holding two seasons at once: we're still squeezing lemons, staying at the beach until sunset, and saying yes to one more scoop of ice cream — even as backpacks find their way into shopping carts and calendars start filling up.

I love summer… and I love the school supply aisle. Fresh notebooks. Unopened crayons. Brand-new pencils. Ahh, the smell of possibility.

But so much pressure lands on that first morning. The perfect breakfast, and the perfect photo, and everyone out the door smiling and on time. 😵‍💫

So this year, I'm voting for a "last hurrah before the homework" — one more little celebration before alarm clocks, permission slips, and lunchboxes make their return. Nothing elaborate. Just whatever feels like your family's kind of magic.

Years from now, they probably won't remember what was in their lunchbox. But they just might remember the night before.

You'll find a few simple ideas in this week's Crush List.

And now, here’s your weekly wave.

In this issue:

🌊 Meet the couple who found home through Torrance Theatre Company

🌊 Our guide to planning one "last hurrah before the homework"

🌊 Frozen, TRYST and a weekend full of reasons to stay local

Meet Kyle Wilson and Jackie Siegle, the couple who found home at Torrance Theatre Company

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A year ago, Kyle Wilson and Jackie Siegle weren’t looking for a different address. They were looking for their people.

And they found them at the Torrance Theatre Company.

Living in nearby Redondo Beach, they signed up for one summer production. Then another. They volunteered backstage, made friends, and before long, Torrance stopped feeling like the city next door and started feeling like home.

So they moved in.

"Honestly, the Torrance Theatre Company was the reason that we moved to Torrance," Kyle said.

Today they live across from Wilson Park, spend Saturday mornings wandering the farmers’ market, and this summer are sharing the stage for the first time in Disney’s Frozen — Kyle as Olaf and Jackie in the ensemble.

"It's hard to make friends as an adult," Jackie said. "We stumbled upon this community that is so welcoming... It's really the highlight of my day to go to rehearsal because you're with all your friends doing something you love."

You can see that spirit everywhere. In the hand-painted sets. The handmade costumes. The volunteers who head to rehearsal after a full day of work simply because they love making theater together.

As Kyle put it, “It’s very much a labor of love.”

And if you’ve ever wondered whether there’s room for someone new, Jackie has your answer: “There is one hundred percent a place for you.”

Turns out, belonging has a funny way of finding the people who keep showing up.

Next week, meet the woman quietly helping turn Torrance into one of Southern California's pickleball capitals.

Know someone quietly making Torrance better? Hit reply and tell us more.

SPONSORED ❄️ Let it go... to the theater. If you've been waiting for an excuse to see a show at the James Armstrong Theatre, this is a pretty magical one. The Torrance Theatre Company opens Disney's Frozen on Aug. 8, bringing the beloved story of Elsa, Anna and Olaf to the stage with Broadway-style sets, costumes and all the songs you'll be singing on the drive home. The production runs for eight performances through Aug. 22, making it a fun family outing or date night this August. Performance dates Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at 2 p.m. Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. 📍James Armstrong Theatre (3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance) 🚗 Free parking 🎟️ Tickets are on sale now. Click below or call the box office at (310) 781-7171 to reserve your seats before opening weekend. Reserve Your Seats

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This weekend, the contemporary art world comes to Torrance.

​TRYST — the world's largest international art fair dedicated entirely to artist-run spaces — returns with artists, collectives and independent galleries from around the globe filling Del Amo Crossing with painting, sculpture, photography, installations and more.

Alongside it is NOMAD, a celebration of Southern California artists and one of the best chances all year to discover work made close to home.

Earlier this summer, Max Presneill told us Torrance has quietly become an unexpected destination for contemporary art.

This weekend is your chance to see why.

Del Amo Crossing | Aug. 7-9 | Free

Friday, August 7

Torrance Marriott – International Asian American Business Expo at 8 a.m. Entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders gather for two days of networking, exhibitor booths and conversations about growing businesses.

Del Amo Fashion Center – Fire Department Ladder Training at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Ever wondered what those towering fire truck ladders can actually do? Torrance firefighters will be running aerial ladder training in the parking structure by Dave & Buster's. It's not an official show, but it's a rare chance to watch the department train up close.

Alta Loma Park – Mom Walk Co. Walk & Picnic at 10 a.m. Meet a few local moms over an easy 30-minute walk followed by a picnic. Bring a blanket, something to sip, and let the kids run around while the grown-ups get acquainted.

Madrona Marsh Preserve – Friday Fun at 10 a.m. Nature crafts, storytime and a guided walk through the Preserve make this one of Torrance's sweetest outings for preschoolers.

Walteria Library – Succulent Swap at 4:30 p.m. Extra succulents? Trade them for new ones, pick up care tips, and leave with another plant for the windowsill.

Mom Said Yes – Landen Tusi at 8:30 p.m. Country, rock and a little reggae all make the setlist when South Bay musician Landen Tusi takes the stage. Grab a slice, order a drink and settle in for live music to kick off the weekend.

Saturday, August 8

Seaside Heroes Park – Park Beautification at 8 a.m. Help care for one of Torrance's most meaningful parks with light maintenance and California native planting. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and student service hours are available.

Nearby: Hermosa Beach – Grom-O-Rama at 9 a.m. One of the South Bay Boardriders Club's favorite traditions returns. Kids ages 5–13 compete in beach games, paddling, swimming and sand challenges before pizza, awards and the crowning of the day's King and Queen of the Beach.

Lago Seco Park – Park Yoga at 9:30 a.m. Start your Saturday under the trees with an hour of donation-based yoga. Just bring a mat (or towel), some water and enjoy a slower start to the weekend.

Nearby: South Coast Botanic Garden – Nature Waves: Sound Bath at 10 a.m. Trade any morning rush for 90 minutes of stillness beneath the trees, with singing bowls, gongs and chimes. Then linger over a complimentary matcha and a stroll through the garden.

Walteria Library – BARK Reading to Dogs at 11 a.m. Some reading buddies have four legs. Here young readers can practice aloud with gentle therapy dogs in a relaxed, judgment-free setting.

North Torrance Library – What's the Buzz? Bees! at 11 a.m. Take a peek inside an observational hive and meet live bees with help from the Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association.

The Enclave – South Bay Summer Social at 11 a.m. You’ll probably wander in for 15 minutes and leave two hours later. Browse 60+ local makers, sip coffee, catch live music, visit the mobile bookstore, and maybe even leave with a mini tattoo or permanent jewelry.

Walteria Library – Crafting Connections: Chinese Art Through the Five Elements at 2 p.m. Explore Chinese art through earth, water, fire, wood and metal in this hands-on workshop. Missed the first session? No problem—each one stands on its own.

Wilson Park – Pakistan Independence Day Festival at 5 p.m. Food, music, cultural performances and community come together as the Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce celebrates Independence Day. Admission and parking are free.

James Armstrong Theatre – Disney's Frozen Opening Night at 7 p.m. The curtain rises on Torrance Theatre Company's newest production, bringing Elsa, Anna, Olaf and all the familiar songs to the stage with a local cast.

Madrona Marsh – Night Hike at 7:30 p.m. The Marsh feels like a different world after dark. Listen for owls, insects and other nighttime wildlife on this guided evening walk.

Sunday, August 9

The Depot Restaurant – Triple B: Bourbon, BBQ & Blues at 11 a.m. Sunday plans, solved. Live blues, all-you-can-eat barbecue, bourbon and even bounce houses for the kids.

James Armstrong Theatre – Disney's Frozen Matinee at 2 p.m. Prefer your Broadway with an afternoon curtain? Spend a couple of hours in Arendelle with Torrance Theatre Company's local summer production.

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Weather Forecast? Augtober, anyone?

⛅ Fri 68°/79° Partly Cloudy

⛅ Sat 69°/79° Partly Cloudy

⛅ Sun 70°/80° Partly Cloudy

🍽️ Must Try La Fiesta Móvil | Fresh Salsa, Guacamole | We'd happily plan a farmers' market trip around this alone. Grab a bag of chips and call it lunch. ​The Find →

🎶 On Repeat "Saturday Sun" by Vance Joy | For squeezing every last drop out of summer. ​Hit Play →​

🏡 Eye Catching 23501 Ladeene Ave. | We see the potential here, and the treehouse. ​Let's Go →

Instead of putting all the pressure on the first morning of school, celebrate the night before. Here are a few little ideas we're collecting now before August gets away from us.

🍕 Let them choose dinner.

Pancakes? Sushi? In-N-Out? Whatever they pick, say yes. Add ice cream sundaes for dessert (with letter sprinkles?) — not because summer is ending, but because homework doesn't start until tomorrow.

🚌 Add delightfully unnecessary decorations.

Target already has the cutest back-to-school party supplies on shelves, and we're leaning all the way in on the unnecessary joy of it all. A school bus balloon, colored pencil party hats, a banner across the dining room... just enough to convince everyone this evening deserves celebrating.

✏️ A bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils.

Skip the flowers. Gather a handful of freshly sharpened pencils (you know the line). It might just become your favorite August centerpiece.

💤 Fresh pajamas for fresh starts.

Somehow brand-new on-theme pajamas make the night before school feel just a little more exciting — and may even help everyone settle in a little earlier.

📖 One last summer story.

Before spelling words take over, read one more summer bedtime story together. We love The Kissing Hand, The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!, Miss Maple's Seeds, The Wonderful Things You Will Be — or simply read your family's favorite book one more time.

📸 Don't forget the night before snap.

Everyone takes photos on the first day of school. We're planning to remember the night before just as much: the spaghetti dinner, the new pajamas, the backpacks waiting by the door. One big family hug.

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

🏛️ Your name could be on the City Council agenda

For one District 4 resident, getting involved in local government could be as simple as filling out an application. Instead of running in an election, eligible residents can apply to fill the vacant City Council seat left open when Sharon Kalani became mayor. Applicants must be at least 18, live in District 4 and be registered to vote there. Applications are due Aug. 13, and the appointed councilmember will serve through March 2028.

🎓 Adult school isn’t just for diplomas anymore​
Think adult school is only for GEDs? Not anymore. Fall enrollment opens Aug. 5 with everything from career training and free ESL classes to hobby courses and community enrichment. Whether you’re hoping to learn a new skill, change careers or finally try something just for fun, there’s probably a class for that.

📚 Friendly reminder before those library prizes disappear

If your kids (or you) suddenly remember they haven’t finished the summer reading challenge… there’s still time. Torrance Library’s Plant a Seed, Read! challenge wraps up Aug. 15. Read 16 hours, complete 16 library activities (or mix and match) and earn a certificate and a special prize. One more excuse to squeeze in a great summer book.

🎐 A summer festival with a Torrance connection

One of Southern California's biggest Japanese summer festivals has a hometown mission. The fifth annual Natsu Matsuri returns to Tanaka Farms on Aug. 29, with proceeds benefiting Torrance's planned WWII Camp Wall at Columbia Park. Expect Japanese food, cultural performances, arts and crafts, games, a sake and beer garden, and a traditional float parade. Come for the festival. Leave knowing you helped tell an important local story.

🏈 Friday night lights are almost back

If you’re looking for one local player to keep an eye on this season, start with Gibson Turner. The Torrance High senior quarterback led the tartars to last year’s Pioneer League championship and was recently named one of the Daily Breeze's Top 10 quarterbacks to watch in the South Bay.