Why yes, 8,760 fresh hours may have landed on our doorstep just two weeks ago—but honestly, we’re still shaking tinsel out of the welcome mat.

Maybe you're back in the office. Maybe you're eyeing your gym shoes. Maybe you're still finding glitter in places that shouldn't sparkle.

Whatever your January looks like, this is the clean-slate season. And while it could be about bold goals and vision boards, we know: You're probably just trying to remember what day it is.

If you're anything like us, you’re also…
🍽️ Still wondering what’s actually edible in your fridge
📦 Debating whether to finally store the holiday bins or just wait until next year
🧺 Facing a laundry pile that’s gone from molehill to mountain

You’re not alone. And you’re doing great.

This issue’s here to help you reset gently—one brunch spot, one neighbor story, one city update at a time.

Let’s make this year one that feels like yours. 💫

In this issue:

🌊 Meet the mayor who power-walks between ribbon cuttings
🌊 Valentine's plans that won't book themselves
🌊 The $12.75 brunch plate we can't stop recommending

🎉 Happy birthday, Nina R.!

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Meet Mayor George Chen, Off the Clock

If you’ve ever spotted Mayor George Chen sneaking in a workout at 24 Hour Fitness—yep, that was him. Staying active isn’t optional for Torrance’s mayor. Whether he’s cutting ribbons, attending city events or helping his 89-year-old mom run errands, he makes time to move.

His path to City Hall? Not exactly textbook. Born in Taiwan, Chen immigrated to the U.S. as a child, graduated from Carson High, earned an engineering degree at UCLA, and spent over three decades working on airborne radar systems at Hughes Aircraft. Retirement didn’t slow him down—it simply pointed him toward public service.

What stands out most? How deeply rooted he is in this community. He raised his family here. He lives minutes from his mom. And he shows up—especially when it means supporting small businesses or shaking hands at a grand opening.

His advice, whether you’re a lifelong resident or a daydreaming student?
Dream big. Stay grounded. Don’t let setbacks write your story. Keep showing up—like practice before game day.

Or, as he might say on his way back to the gym: See you around, Torrance.

Thanks to the City of Torrance for this interview!

Know someone we should feature? A place hidden in plain sight? Help excavate the magic of Torrance. Share an idea here.​

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SPONSORED Don’t Let Feb. 14th Sneak Up On You… Valentine’s Starts at Scardino’s Red-checkered tablecloths. Toasted garlic bread. A cozy booth for two. If you're looking to lock in a warm, no-fail Valentine’s date, Scardino’s Italian Restaurant is the move. This family-owned Torrance favorite serves authentic southern Italian dishes—think housemade pastas, fresh seafood and recipes passed down through generations. 💘 Pro tip: Their heated, dog-friendly patio books up fast. 🍷 Even bigger pro tip: Pair the Linguine Pescatore with a bold red and you’ve got romance covered. 🍝 Call early to reserve your table or pre-order a Family Dinner for a cozy night in. 📍 4803 Torrance Blvd. 📞 (310) 542-2222 View menu + reserve →

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​Suggest an Event​

​Feature an Event​

FEATURED EVENT 🍸 New Year Martini Party, The Depot Restaurant – Saturday, 6–10 p.m. Buffet dinner, live music and dancing into 2026. Dress sharp, martini encouraged. $75

ALL WEEKEND

🦖 Dinosaurs Around the World, South Coast Botanic Garden​
Thirteen animatronic dinos across 87 acres. Pangea Express train tours run hourly, Fri–Sun. $10–$30.

👛 Winter Sidewalk Sale, Downtown Manhattan Beach – Jan 16–19
Over 60 boutiques clearing racks—prime time for a cold-weather wardrobe win.

🎷 Amanda Castro Band, Nakano Theatre – Jan 16 & 17, 7-9 p.m.
A jazzy journey through the decades from one of SoCal’s standout vocalists.

FRIDAY

🧪 Toddler Scientists, El Retiro Library – 10:30 a.m.
Fizz, bubble, pop. Hands-on science fun for toddlers and caregivers.

SATURDAY

🥕 Torrance Certified Farmers Market, Wilson Park – 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Fresh produce, handmade goods and breakfast worth setting an alarm for.

🚂 Miniature Train Rides, Wilson Park – 12-3 p.m.
One-third scale trains through the trees. Donations welcome, joy guaranteed.

🐾 The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, Norris Theatre – 2 p.m.
Rescue dogs. Backflips. Dock dives. Dance routines. Yes—it’s as fun as it sounds.

SUNDAY

🛍️ Torrance Antique Street Faire, Downtown Torrance – 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Vintage finds, local vendors and peak browsing energy. Come early for the good stuff.

🌴 Hawaiian Island Fair, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center – 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Island gifts, art, plate lunches and shave ice. Free entry, big aloha vibes.

👣 MLK Jr. Parade & Celebration, Long Beach – Parade 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Floats, marching bands and a community celebration at MLK Jr. Park.

Weather Forecast? Mostly sunny all weekend—high 76°, low 52°. A little taste of summer in January. ☀️

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🍽️ Must Try Eat at Rudy’s | Huevos Divorciados | $12.75 Two eggs, two sauces, zero regrets. This brunch plate balances spicy + savory, and locals swear by the house potatoes. ​Find it →​

🎶 On Repeat "Feel It Still" by Portugal. The Man | Vibes made for a mellow drive up PCH. ​Hit play →​

🏡 Eye Catching South Torrance —Newly renovated, hillside views and potential to expand. ​Let's go →

🧰 Know how to fix a fence? Allen G. is looking for someone handy. Email 📧 allen.fixit@tidecommunity.com

🏃🏼‍♀️ Looking for a running buddy? Maya B. wants to train for the Redondo 10K. She’s a 10-min miler, no pressure. Text 📲 310-444-4444.

🌳 Affordable Tree Care | Family-Owned Since 1975 | The only thing getting cut this Valentine’s? Your overgrown branches. This father-son crew has been climbing trees longer than most of us have been alive. (Seriously—Jose Limon is 79 and still a legend in the canopy.) Call Luis for the kind of no-nonsense tree care that’s been passed down like a family recipe and free estimates, always: 📞 877-310-8733

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Which weekend vibe are you most into right now? Farmers market + coffee stroll Cozy brunch with friends Big night out Homebody mode: engaged

Results next week!

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🚈 Big Metro Vote Coming ​
The LA Metro Board is set to vote Jan. 22 on the final route for the C-Line (Green Line) extension to Torrance. Two options are on the table: using the existing right-of-way or building a fully elevated line down the center of Hawthorne Blvd.

🎉 Torrance Declares 2026 the U.S. Semiquincentennial​
At its Jan. 13 meeting, the City Council issued a proclamation naming 2026 the 250th anniversary of the United States—aka the semiquincentennial. Watch for celebrations throughout the year.

🎖️ Hometown Heroes Banner Applications Due Jan. 22​
Know someone who served? The City is now accepting applications for the 2026 Hometown Heroes Military Recognition Program. Banners honor active duty, veterans and deceased service members with ties to Torrance. Sponsor a banner for $325 by Jan. 22 here.

🎾 Wilson Park Tennis Courts Closed Jan. 19–20​
Temporary closure alert: Courts at Wilson Park will be closed Jan. 19–20 while new LED lights are installed.

📄 Permit Portal Now Live​
No more paper plans: The new Torrance online permitting system is now up and running for Building, Engineering and Fire Prevention. Submit, pay and track projects digitally here.

Take care, Torrance.

— Christin

We all saw it, Lawsons. We respected the loyalty. And we hope you're doing okay after Sunday. Because let’s be real—the Patriots didn’t just win over the Chargers. They embarrassed them. No hard feelings. We’re all just here for the snacks and the chaos. — Steve S. 🍗🏈✌🏼

🎉 P.P.S. Want your birthday in the newsletter too? Share this newsletter with 3 friends and you’ll be added to our VIP list!