Hey, neighbor!
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Stars, stripes, and summertime vibes have officially arrived — cheers to the Memorial Day long weekend. 🇺🇸
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Here’s hoping your weekend feels like the unofficial kickoff to summer: beach bags by the door, popsicles in the freezer, the smell of someone grilling by 3 p.m., and firecracker-red nail polish officially back in season. You know the vibe.
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And in the middle of all the sunshine and celebration, we’re also pausing to honor and remember the service members who gave their lives protecting the freedoms we get to enjoy in moments like these.
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Wishing you a meaningful, restful weekend filled with good people, warm sunshine, and a little extra gratitude.
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In this issue:

🌊 A lobster truck, vintage treasure hunting + the local Memorial Day weekend lineup

🌊 The neighbor who quietly transformed an overgrown park into one of Torrance’s most meaningful community spaces

🌊 Hidden city history, beach-read energy, and the tiny joys officially signaling summer has arrived

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Meet Jenna Christensen, Seaside Heroes Park Volunteer Organizer

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On the second Saturday of every month, you’ll find Jenna Christensen at the corner of Anza and Lomita — gloves on, tools out, ready to work.
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In 2014, while walking her grand-dogs past Seaside Heroes Park, she was stunned by how overgrown it had become. “Someone has to do something,” she thought. So she made a sign, set up a folding table and showed up at 8 a.m., unsure if anyone else would.
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Five people came that first day.
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Twelve years later, more than 600 volunteers have logged over 5,600 hours caring for the 1.2-acre park — a once-fenced parcel transformed into a neighborhood gathering place. Named in 2010 to honor three fallen South Torrance soldiers who grew up nearby and attended South High School, the park includes a veterans memorial wall funded by local residents.
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For Jenna, tending the park is both practical and personal. “I don’t meditate,” she said. “I get in my garden.” Recently, she’s partnered with South Bay Parkland Conservancy to plant native California species that attract pollinators and support habitat for the endangered Palos Verdes blue butterfly.
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By day, Jenna is a longtime South Bay realtor. But on second Saturdays, she’s simply a neighbor inviting others to care for a space that honors local heroes.
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Want to join her? Volunteer days are every second Saturday from 8-11 a.m. Just show up — and bring your gloves. Looking to buy or sell a house? Connect with Jenna here.​
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Know someone quietly making Torrance better? Submit an idea here. Those are our favorite stories to tell.

Worth slowing down for this weekend At the corner of Torrance Boulevard and Maple Avenue stands the Torrance Veterans Memorial Wall — engraved with the names of more than 150 Torrance residents who gave their lives in service to the country. You’ve probably driven past it before. But this weekend especially, it’s worth pulling over. Walking slowly. Reading a few names. Remembering that behind every parade, barbecue, and long weekend is someone who never made it home. Built in 2003, the memorial has become a lasting place of gratitude in the middle of everyday Torrance life — a reminder that service and sacrifice aren’t abstract things here. They belonged to neighbors. Families. People from these very streets. The wall bears a quote from General George Patton: “Let me not mourn for those who have died fighting, but rather let me be glad that such heroes have lived.” 📍 Veterans Memorial Wall Torrance Blvd. + Maple Ave. Learn more

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​Suggest an event. | Partner with us.​

One of the best ways to see Torrance differently? Walk it.
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The Torrance Historical Society’s free docent-led walking tour turns Downtown into a living storybook — full of hidden history, strange local trivia, and the kinds of details you’d never notice driving by. Over the course of eight blocks, you’ll learn why Torrance doesn’t have a cemetery, where Buffy the Vampire Slayer filmed scenes, why the city’s architect got fired, and the explosion that helped put Torrance on the map.

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It’s part history lesson, part neighborhood deep dive, and honestly, the kind of thing that makes you feel a little more connected to the place you live. Comfortable shoes recommended. Curiosity too.

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The tour leaves the Torrance Historical Museum (1345 Post Avenue) on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

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Friday, May 22

James R. Armstrong Theatre – Lipstick, Shoes & Fancy Moves 2026 at 8 p.m. A high-energy night of storytelling through dance, featuring everything from Indigenous drumming and contemporary ballet to wheelchair dance, tango-inspired movement, and street dance. Basically, a world tour of movement styles without leaving Torrance.

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View Music Bar & Lounge – Here and Now: A Tribute to Luther Vandross at 8 p.m. A smooth Friday night built around timeless R&B classics and serious vocal talent. Full grown-up date-night energy.

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Mom Said Yes Pizza & Bar – Lady Zep (Led Zeppelin Tribute) at 8:30 p.m. Big riffs, soaring vocals, pizza, cocktails, and retro arcade games. A pretty solid Torrance Friday night.

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Saturday, May 23

Torrance Certified Farmers' Market – Saturday Farmers’ Market at 8 a.m. Stock up on peak-season produce, grab breakfast from local vendors, and wander the rows with an iced coffee in hand. Equal parts errand and social event.

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Madrona Marsh Nature Center – Madrona Marsh Science Expo at 10 a.m. Local students present research on the ecological health of the marsh and Torrance open spaces — from water quality to seed germination. Come curious.

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Common Space Brewery – Angel City FC Home Opener Watch Party at 5:45 p.m. Catch the Angel City FC home opener on the big screen with fellow supporters, good beer, and full South Bay sports-bar energy.

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View Music Bar & Lounge – Horns in Play with Tom Browne & Jeanette Harris at 7:30 p.m. Smooth jazz, funk, and soulful live horns in an intimate lounge setting. Perfect for a grown-up Saturday night soundtrack.

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Sunday, May 24

Downtown Torrance – Torrance Antique Street Faire at 8 a.m. More than 200 vendors take over downtown with vintage furniture, retro clothing, vinyl, jewelry, and the kind of treasures you’ll still be thinking about a week later. DJ Derrick, antique appraisals, patio lunches, and peak wandering energy.

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Vuori Del Amo – ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori x West Coast Sweat at 9 a.m. Start your Sunday with light yoga, good energy, and a little post-class shopping. Bring a mat.

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Torrance Historical Society – Free Walking Tour of Historic Old Torrance at 10:30 a.m. A guided stroll through Downtown packed with hidden history, local legends, and fun facts you’ll definitely bring up later.

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Torrance Animal Shelter – Low Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic at 10 a.m. A monthly clinic helping keep local pets healthy without the high cost.

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Ralphs – Cousins Maine Lobster Pop-Up at 11 a.m. Buttery lobster rolls, lobster tacos, tots, and East Coast summer energy parked next to Ralphs. Get there early.

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Torrance Cultural Arts Center – Dylanfest at 12 p.m. An all-day outdoor celebration of Bob Dylan’s legendary catalog with Andy Hill, Renee Safier, Hard Rain, and dozens of musicians. Lawn-chair vibes and sing-alongs included.

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Monday, May 25

Memorial Plaza – Names on the Wall Memorial at 2 p.m. A moving Memorial Day tradition honoring Torrance service members who gave their lives in war. The ceremony includes the reading of all 152 names engraved on the memorial wall, plus live bagpipes and Taps.

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All Weekend

Hermosa Beach – Fiesta Hermosa. Ocean air, live music, artisan booths, and enough food options to turn lunch into an all-day affair. A South Bay classic for more than 50 years.

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San Pedro Harbor – LA Fleet Week. Massive ships, waterfront concerts, military flyovers, food trucks, and one very packed San Pedro harbor. Memorial Day weekend energy at full volume.

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Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach – MOTUNIVERSE. A full-on Masters of the Universe takeover with cosplay, panels, collectibles, vendors, and nostalgia-fueled fan energy.

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Torrance Historical Society Museum – Soccer Exhibit (AYSO + World Cup Collection) through August 1. A timely exhibit celebrating Torrance as the birthplace of AYSO Soccer, featuring global memorabilia and local soccer history.

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Weather Forecast? Just Torrance showing off again.

☀️ Fri 69°/59° Mostly Sunny
🌤️ Sat 67°/59° AM Clouds/PM Sun
☀️ Sun 67°/58° Mostly Sunny
⛅ Mon 66°/58° Partly Cloudy

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🍽️ Must Try TNT Aloha Cafe | Spam Musubi | Slice of savory grilled Spam layered over seasoned rice with a touch of ume and furikake, drizzled with teriyaki sauce, and wrapped in crisp nori. Iconic Hawaiian snack. ​The Menu →

🎶 On Repeat “Boys of Summer” – Don Henley — equal parts nostalgia and warm night air. Find it on our summer throwbacks playlist. ​Hit play →​

🏡 Eye Catching 2513 Apple Ave Unit G — upgraded end unit townhome in the heart of Old Torrance. ​Let's Go →

🌭 This summer sale is basically a love letter to backyard season: patio lights, grills, fans, outdoor furniture, and the sudden urge to redo your entire patio before Monday.
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☀️ Hit play on nostalgic summer vibes: Windows down, volume up — your soundtrack for beach days, backyard hangs or grocery runs, and the official start of summer energy.
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⛱️ If your ideal long weekend includes a beach chair and a “just one more chapter” situation, our running list of ultimate beach reads is ready for you.
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🍉 From smoky burgers and grilled kebabs to Frozen Negronis and fruit-filled desserts, these summery treats are ideal fare for a festive long weekend.
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🕶️ Annual reminder to buy sunscreen before the beach day instead of from the beach snack shack. This is the one currently living in our beach bag rotation.
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🏕️ The sales are in full swing, which means now is the time for coolers, beach chairs, pickleball sets, camping gear, and all the other things summer somehow requires.
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🎆 Memorial Day weekend rule: if someone invites you somewhere outside, say yes.
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Found something delightfully Torrance this week? Hit reply and send it our way!

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Help Build The Tide Summer Guide

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We’re creating a community-curated Summer in Torrance Guide — and we want your local favorites!

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➡️ This week, help us finish this sentence: A Torrance summer isn’t complete without…

Just hit reply to answer, and we may feature your answer in the guide!
(Include your Instagram handle if you’d like us to tag you.)
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Last Week's Results

Turns out, Armed Forces Day weekend is a real Torrance tradition—more than half of you said you go every year.

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🗳️ Early voting starts May 23
​Torrance will host three Vote Centers for the upcoming election, with early voting available May 23 through June 1 at the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center, Wateria Park, and Herma Tillim Senior Center. Residents can also drop off Vote by Mail ballots at the Civic Center ballot box — or at any Vote Center or official drop box across Los Angeles County.

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🎨 Another Dodgers mural just landed in Torrance
​A colorful new Dodgers mural featuring Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki has popped up at 1406 W Carson Street — this one with a full cast of Sanrio characters joining the lineup.

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🛍️ Nordstrom Rack is coming to Rolling Hills Plaza
​The former Bed Bath & Beyond space on Pacific Coast Highway is getting a new tenant: Nordstrom Rack. The retailer is expected to open at Rolling Hills Plaza in 2027 — one of only two new California locations currently planned — and another sign that Torrance’s retail scene keeps evolving.

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🥎 Torrance High heads into playoffs ranked No. 2
​Torrance High School softball is heading into the CIF-SS playoffs ranked No. 2 in the latest Daily Breeze Top 10 rankings after clinching the Bay League title. The Tartars closed out the regular season with back-to-back shutouts and now head into Division 2 playoff action with momentum.

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📡 Torrance receives $1 million for public safety upgrades
​The City of Torrance recently announced more than $1 million in federal funding to expand the city’s public safety communications network. The investment will help install new wireless infrastructure across Torrance — strengthening emergency response, investigations, and coordination for first responders citywide.

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🚕 Torrance has a discounted senior taxi program
​Quietly helpful city service alert: Torrance offers a subsidized taxi program for residents 65+ and disabled residents through the Torrance Community Transit Program. Depending on income eligibility, rides can cost as little as $1 — and service is available 24/7 through participating local taxi providers.

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

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