Hey, neighbor!
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The backpacks are empty. The yearbooks are signed. We snapped that obligatory “last day of school” photo on the front porch this morning.

Summer has officially arrived. (If you pull off something like this later, please let me know.)

And right on cue, the FIFA World Cup kicks off today — bringing the world’s biggest sporting event to Southern California just as beach days, camp schedules, and late sunsets begin.

Whether you're planning sandy mornings, soccer watch parties, or neighborhood adventures, thankfully, Torrance does summer well.

In this issue:

🌊 Meet a Torrance kid who made it all the way to the World Cup — and came home to coach the next generation

🌊 Where to watch, celebrate and soak up World Cup fever around town

🌊 Father's Day gift ideas inspired by the dads of Torrance

🎉 Yesterday, seniors from all four Torrance high schools walked across the graduation stage. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓

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Meet Paul Krumpe, World Cup player, Olympian, and Torrance coach

Long before soccer became one of America’s biggest sports — before packed MLS stadiums, before the World Cup arrived in Los Angeles — Paul Krumpe was just a 7-year-old kid playing AYSO at Jefferson Middle School.

“I wasn’t very good the first couple years,” he said. “But eventually I got better and just really loved the game.”

That love carried him from West High School to UCLA, where he captained a national championship team, and eventually to the 1988 Olympics and the 1990 FIFA World Cup with the U.S. Men’s National Team.

But Krumpe’s biggest legacy may be right here in Torrance.

More than 30 years ago, after a career in coaching and education, he launched the Paul Krumpe Soccer Academy. Since then, generations of South Bay kids have spent their summers racing across Torrance fields, competing on “World Cup Fridays,” and learning lessons that go well beyond soccer.

“We try to talk about being a good sport,” Paul said. “It’s not about winning and losing. It’s about getting better and improving.”

Today, some of those former campers are parents bringing their own children back to PKSA. Paul's sons, Tyler and Cameron, now help run the academy too.

Thirty-two years in, PKSA has become more than a summer camp — it’s become a South Bay tradition.

And this year feels especially meaningful.

As the FIFA World Cup unfolds across North America, with matches just up the freeway at SoFi Stadium, campers will gather during lunch to watch games together on the cafeteria projector.

“It’s a really cool year to be at soccer camp during the World Cup,” he said.

For Paul, soccer was never just about soccer.

It’s confidence. Community. Learning how to show up for other people.

And for thousands of Torrance kids, PKSA has become part of summer itself.

Connect with the Paul Krumpe Soccer Academy here.​

Next week, meet Kyle Richardson, creator of the North Torrance Bike Bus.

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

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WORLD CUP WATCH

Torrance is surprisingly close to the action as the World Cup kicks off today — and it’s difficult to overstate how big this event is. Over the next 39 days, 104 matches will be played across North America, with an estimated 5 billion people expected to tune in worldwide (for context, the Super Bowl typically draws around 200 million viewers). A few things worth knowing:

⚽ This is the biggest World Cup ever

The tournament expands from 32 teams to 48 teams this year, making it the largest World Cup in history. More countries, more matches, more drama.

🛍️ Official FIFA Store opens at Del Amo

The official FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise store opens June 12 at Del Amo Fashion Center. Jerseys, scarves, collectibles, mascot merch, and all the gear you'll suddenly convince yourself you need.

🌎 Teams to watch

Argentina enters as the defending champion, while Spain, France, England, Germany, and Brazil are among the favorites. And yes—this could be the final World Cup appearance for Lionel Messi.

🚌 Getting to SoFi just got easier

Going to a game? Skip the parking drama. Metro is running World Cup shuttle service from El Camino College, with Torrance Transit connections and fares starting at just $1.75 each way.

⚽ Kick off the summer of soccer

This Saturday in Downtown Torrance giant match screenings, youth clinics, family activities, and World Cup watch parties will turn Old Torrance into a soccer hub for the day. Then on July 11, the City of Torrance and LA Galaxy will host a free World Cup Watch Party and Youth Clinic at El Prado Park with food trucks, family activities, soccer clinics, and match viewing.

🏛️ AYSO history on display

The Torrance Historical Society's World Cup exhibit runs through August, featuring memorabilia from past tournaments—including a signed Pelé jersey—and celebrating Torrance's place as the birthplace of AYSO.

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SPONSORED 🎡 A South Bay Summer Tradition Returns Looking for an easy family outing this weekend? The PV Street Fair & Music Festival is back with live music, carnival rides, local vendors, food, a petting zoo, and plenty to keep kids (and adults) entertained. While you're there, stop by Booth E-5 and say hello to Victoria Gia from Century 21 Coastal Properties. Visit between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Aloha Bungalow, and pick up a free coloring sheet for the kids from Victoria. 🎶 Live Music 🎡 Carnival Rides 🛍️ Local Vendors 🐑 Petting Zoo 🍷 Wine & Beer Garden Admission is free. 📅 June 13–14 | 10 a.m.–10 p.m. 📍 501 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates 📞 Connect with Victoria Gia Realtor at 424-228-0684 or @victoriagiarealtor​

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​Suggest an event. | Feature your event.​

This Saturday, Downtown Torrance transforms into a community soccer hub with giant match screenings, youth clinics, family activities, and fans gathering from across the South Bay.

The day begins with a free youth clinic hosted by Torrance High School, followed by watch parties for Qatar vs. Switzerland and Brazil vs. Morocco.

Expect jerseys, flags, food, and plenty of reminders that Torrance's soccer roots run deep — from AYSO's birthplace to the World Cup arriving in Southern California.

Bring your friends. Wear your colors. And help kick off Torrance’s summer of soccer.

See more about Kick It! in Downtown Torrance.

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Friday, June 12

Bartlett Senior Center – Craft Workshop at 9 a.m. A creative morning of crafting, conversation, and community. Whether you're a longtime maker or just looking to try something new, it's a welcoming way to spend a few hours.

Madrona Marsh Nature Center – Friday Fun at 10 a.m. One of Torrance's sweetest preschool programs. Kids ages 3–6 and their grownups can enjoy story time, nature crafts, science activities, and a guided walk through the preserve while learning about the natural world.

Del Amo Fashion Center – Soccer Community Celebration at 2 p.m. The World Cup countdown continues with soccer-themed games, crafts, photo ops, giveaways, and family activities in the Outdoor Village. Expect complimentary bites from local restaurants, soccer gear, and plenty of community spirit.

West High School Performing Arts Center – The Sleeping Beauty at 6 p.m. Fusion Studios Ballet Company brings the classic fairytale to life with beautiful costumes, elegant choreography, and plenty of storybook magic for all ages.

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Saturday, June 13

Madrona Marsh – Night Hike on the Preserve at 12 a.m. Experience the Madrona Marsh at night! Walk through the Preserve and experience the sights and sounds of animals and insects as they begin their nightly activities.

Torrance Certified Farmers' Market – Saturday Farmers' Market at 8 a.m. Fresh flowers. Breakfast burritos. A neighbor you haven't seen in six months. It’s one of the city's best weekly rituals, whether you're stocking up for the week or wandering with a coffee in hand.

Seaside Heroes Park – Beautification Project at 8 a.m. Join neighbors in caring for one of Torrance's most meaningful public spaces through native planting and light maintenance.

Pine Wind Garden – Community Coffee Tasting at 8 a.m. Coffee lovers, this one's for you. Sample brews from local roasters, enjoy a traditional tea tasting, and spend a relaxed morning discovering new favorites while supporting Caring House's work in the community.

Torrance High School – Youth Soccer Clinic at 10 a.m. Young players can sharpen their skills, meet coaches, and join the growing World Cup excitement around town.

Downtown Torrance – Kick It! at 10 a.m. Downtown turns into a World Cup hub with youth soccer activities, fan experiences, and giant watch parties for Qatar vs. Switzerland (12 p.m.) and Brazil vs. Morocco (3 p.m.).

George Nakano Theatre – Plant a Magic Seed Magic Show at 10:30 a.m. Part magic show, part imagination workshop, and entirely kid-approved. California Joe combines comedy, audience participation, and plenty of surprises in a family-friendly performance about how small ideas can grow into something big.

Katy Geissert Civic Center Library – Blooming Newspaper Pots at 2 p.m. Turn old newspapers into seed pots, plant edible microgreens, and take home a little gardening project of your own. A creative, hands-on activity that's equal parts craft time and science lesson.

West High School Performing Arts Center – The Sleeping Beauty at 6 p.m. Miss Friday's performance? The magical ballet returns Saturday evening for a second showing.

Wilson Park Amphitheatre – Family Movie Night: Goat at 7:45 p.m.
Pack a blanket, grab some snacks, and settle in under the stars. Torrance Summer Nights continues with a free outdoor movie night that feels a little like the neighborhood gathering summer was made for.

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Sunday, June 14

Torrance Zen Meditation Center – The Unshakable Mind Workshop at 3 p.m. Feeling a little overwhelmed by the pace of modern life? This Sunday workshop explores grounding practices through Zen meditation and mindfulness, with a focus on staying steady amid uncertainty and constant change. A thoughtful way to slow down, take a breath, and end a busy weekend with a little more clarity and calm.

James R. Armstrong Theatre – Los Cancioneros Master Chorale: Celebrating Hope at 5 p.m. An inspiring evening of choral music featuring Rosephanye Powell's powerful Cry of Jeremiah alongside selections from Duke Ellington's groundbreaking Sacred Concert. Expect soaring harmonies, big emotions, and one of the South Bay's premier choral ensembles at full strength.

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All Weekend

Torrance High School – A Buffy Celebration. For one weekend, Torrance High transforms back into Sunnydale High. Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer are coming from around the world for this immersive celebration at the actual filming location of the iconic series. Expect cast and fan panels, cosplay, trivia, photo ops, concerts, food trucks, autographs, and plenty of opportunities to relive your favorite Buffy and Angel moments.

PV Street Fair & Music Festival – One of the South Bay's biggest summer traditions returns with live music, carnival rides, local vendors, food, a petting zoo, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Whether you're browsing artisan booths, grabbing a bite to eat, or letting the kids burn off some energy, it's the kind of event that's easy to turn into an afternoon.

Torrance Theatre Company – The First Gentleman. A new musical comedy set in the White House, where an ordinary family suddenly finds itself navigating extraordinary circumstances. Think classic fish-out-of-water humor, catchy songs, and a fresh take on life behind the most famous front door in America.

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? What June gloom?

☀️ Fri 78°/64° Mostly Sunny
☀️ Sat 73°/64° Mostly Sunny
⛅ Sun 73°/64° Partly Cloudy

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The Tide’s Father's Day Gift Guide

Every dad has his thing.

Beach walks. Ball fields. Backyard projects. Birds.

This Father's Day, skip the generic gift card and lean into what he already loves. Here are a few pairings inspired by the dads we know around Torrance.

🌊 For the Beach Dad
​For the dad whose ideal Saturday involves coffee, a beach walk, and absolutely nowhere he needs to be. Think great sunglasses, reliable boardshorts, and sunscreen that smells like summer. If he knows which Torrance Beach parking lot fills up first, this one's for him.

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​⚾ For the Sports Dad​
You can spot him from across the complex: scorebook in hand, coffee before 8 a.m., somehow carrying half the team's snacks. A cooler backpack keeps drinks cold through doubleheaders, while a rocking sideline chair might be the closest thing youth sports parents have to luxury. If summer means tournaments, sidelines, and all-day cheering, this pairing is a guaranteed win.

📚 For the Old Soul Dad​
Some dads want gadgets. Some dads want a quiet morning. Pair Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea with a bag of Offset's Bolivia roast—a bright, fruit-forward coffee that feels made for slow summer mornings. Add a patio chair and a little peace and quiet, and you've officially nailed Father's Day.

🍻 For the South Bay Dad

For the dad whose uniform is shorts, a faded ball cap, and Vans that have seen better days. A fresh pair of Old Skools keeps the local legend looking sharp, while an afternoon at Monkish, Smog City, Project Barley, Scholb, or his neighborhood favorite gives him something even better: time to relax. Bonus points if you let him tell the same story he's told a hundred times before.

🔥 For the Backyard King

Every neighborhood has one: the dad who somehow turns an ordinary Tuesday night into a gathering. A tabletop fire pit brings the campfire vibes without taking over the patio, while a caramel-loaded s'mores kit guarantees you'll immediately become everyone's favorite child. Add string lights, lawn chairs, and a summer playlist, and Dad's happy place is complete.

👽 For the Out-of-This-World Dad

For the dad who points out full moons, never misses a Spielberg opening weekend, and is at least 12% convinced aliens are real. Frame a favorite family photo and pair it with tickets to Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg's new summer blockbuster about what happens when humanity discovers we're not alone. Because whether the truth is out there or not, his favorite people are already right here on Earth.

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​🦆 For the Nature-Loving Dad​
For the guy who notices hawks overhead, points out egrets on family walks, and somehow hears birds before anyone else does. Pair David Sibley's birding journal and flashcards with a slow morning at Madrona Marsh. Some dads don't need a packed itinerary—just a good walking path, a pair of binoculars, and the chance to spot something unexpected.

🍕 For the Local Legend

For the dad who bleeds Dodger blue. Start with an iconic team-themed Hawaiian shirt covered in ballparks, palm trees, and enough team spirit to spot from across the parking lot. Then skip the stadium traffic and head to Mom Said Yes, where you can grab dinner, order a cold one, and watch the game surrounded by fellow fans.

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

What's the best part of graduation season? For most of you, it's not the ceremonies or the parties—it's summer officially arriving. The tassels are great. The extra daylight is better. ☀️

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🎭 TOCA's summer season is underway
​Summer at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center kicks off with Don Quixote by the San Pedro City Ballet on June 14–15, followed by TOCApalooza on June 22. Expect a full day of live performances, local artists, food vendors, and plenty of reasons to linger around the arts center.

🛝 Alta Loma Park is getting a playground refresh
​A new playground could be coming to Alta Loma Park later this year. The city is moving forward with plans to replace the existing play area, with construction expected to continue through October.

🛣️ Expect overnight roadwork this summer
​If your evening commute has felt a little slower lately, there's a reason. Major projects on both the I-405 and Pacific Coast Highway are bringing overnight lane and ramp closures throughout the South Bay as crews work on paving, accessibility upgrades, bike lanes, and roadway improvements.

🌴 Torrance earns another national nod
​A recent ranking from Secret Los Angeles named Torrance one of America's best places to retire, citing the city's coastal location, healthcare access, parks, and strong sense of community. Not bad for a place many of us already weren't planning to leave.

🗳️ The mayor's race is still too close to call
​More than a week after Election Day, Torrance's mayoral race remains razor-thin. Councilmember Sharon Kalani currently holds a narrow lead over Mayor George Chen as ballot counting continues, while David Kartsonis, Asam Sheikh, and Betty Lieu appear headed for victory in the City Council races for Districts 1, 3, and 5.

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Coming Soon: The Tide Summer Club ☀️

It's a Summer of Small Delights—small weekly invitations to explore Torrance, support local businesses, meet new people, and make a few more memories along the way. Plus, we'll also be giving away surprises from some of our favorite local spots all summer long. More details next week (or get early access here).

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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. 🫶