Hey, neighbor,
Mother’s Day makes me think about the small, steady ways we’re shaped.
How someone teaches you to notice joy. To stay curious. To celebrate the little things. To be kind. The quiet lessons that become part of who you are long before you even realize it.
So this week’s issue is a small nod to the wisdom passed down, the women who shape us, and the ways we carry that forward here in Torrance.
P.S. Hit reply — I’d love to hear: what’s the best advice your mom (or another wise woman in your life) ever gave you?
Here’s what’s worth noticing this week →
In this issue:
🌊 Fire trucks, surf contests + the kind of Mother’s Day weekend that actually feels fun
🌊 The lineup: stunt dogs, dragon martial arts, beach mornings, and a few very good reasons to leave the house
🌊 The teacher helping Torrance teens learn the kind of math that matters long after graduation
🎉 Last chance for those bonus entries to our launch party giveaway! Win a $50 gift card to one of our favorite spots (have a go-to? Hit reply and let us know!).
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! Meet Rosita Oey, North High teacher
Eight years ago at North High School, teacher Rosita Oey asked her Alegra 2 class a simple question: A handbag is $120 and 30% off. What’s the sale price?
About half the class couldn’t answer it.
That moment stuck with her.
Rosita realized many students weren’t confident applying percentages to real life — discounts, taxes, paychecks, student loans. “Before they go out into the real world,” she said, “it’s really important for them to at least be comfortable working with percentages.”
So she created a new course: Financial Algebra.
What started with just two class periods at North High now fills four — and the course has since expanded across all Torrance high schools.
The math is practical, immediate, and deeply real-world. Students learn how to read a paycheck, calculate income tax, compare college costs, build budgets, and even invest mock money in the stock market.
That last lesson tends to humble them quickly.
After managing a fictional $20,000 portfolio, many students come to the same conclusion: earning a paycheck is easier than day trading.
One student told Rosita, “We learn math that is actually useful.”
And that’s the point.
By the end of the year, Rosita sees more than stronger math skills — she sees confidence. “One of the main goals of this class is to increase your confidence working with money and finances,” she said.
In Torrance, teachers like Rosita aren’t just preparing students to pass tests.
They’re preparing them for adulthood.
→ Next Week: Meet Andy Hill and Renee Safier — the South Bay musicians behind Hard Rain and the longtime organizers of the beloved annual Dylanfest.
Know someone we should feature? A place hidden in plain sight? Help share the magic of Torrance. Submit an idea here.
SPONSORED
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💐 Shop Mother’s Day bouquets like this floral embrace.
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One of the best behind-the-scenes days in Torrance. All six fire stations open their doors to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday, giving you a chance to meet the firefighters, tour the stations, and get up close to the trucks and equipment you usually only see in action.
Expect live demonstrations, hands-on moments for kids, and a real look at how the department operates day-to-day. It’s equal parts educational and fun — and a great way to connect with the people who keep the city safe.
Friday, May 8
Southeast Library – Teen Zone: Games & Puzzles at 4:30 p.m. An after-school hang with a brainy twist—think puzzles, games, and low-key competition with friends. A fun way to unwind while putting your strategy skills to the test.
James R. Armstrong Theatre – Because You’re Mine: The Music of June Carter & Johnny Cash at 8 p.m. A toe-tapping tribute to one of music’s most iconic love stories. Expect all the classics, rich harmonies, and that unmistakable Johnny-and-June energy brought to life on stage.
Saturday, May 9
El Porto Beach – South Bay Surf Series Contest at 7 a.m. A classic South Bay beach day — with a competitive edge. The South Bay Boardriders Surf Series brings together surfers of all ages (from first-timers to legends) for a full day of waves, community, and coastal energy.
West High School – Craft Fair & Swap Meet: Mother’s Day Sale at 7 a.m. An early morning browse through handmade goods and vintage finds, all set up in the school parking lot—perfect for picking up a unique Mother’s Day gift while supporting local vendors.
Seaside Heroes Park – Park Conservation Project at 8 a.m. A meaningful way to spend your morning: join neighbors in caring for Seaside Heroes Park with light maintenance and native planting.
AutoZone – Used Oil Filter Exchange at 9 a.m. Bring in a used oil filter and swap it for a new one (up to 2 per household). Includes a free recycling kit and oil drop-off.
United States Postal Service – Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Leave non-perishable food by your mailbox and your letter carrier will handle the rest.
Torrance Fire Department – Fire Service Day at 10 a.m. Meet firefighters, explore trucks, and catch live demos across all six stations.
Korean Friendship Bell – Children’s Day Celebration and Dragon Martial Arts Demo at 10 a.m. Kites, culture, and a live martial arts demo overlooking the ocean.
El Retiro Library – BARK Reading to Dogs at 11 a.m. Bring your kids to read aloud to gentle therapy dogs in a supportive, confidence-boosting setting.
Downtown Torrance – Relay For Life: “Curechella” at 11 a.m. A music festival-style fundraiser with vendors, a Puppy Parade, and a moving evening luminaria ceremony.
James R. Armstrong Theatre – Stunt Dog Experience at 2 and 6 p.m. A high-energy show of flips, tricks, and rescue pup talent — fun for all ages.
Sunday, May 10
DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance - South Bay – Mother’s Day Brunch at 10:30 a.m. Celebrate Mom with a relaxed, coastal-inspired brunch at Jana Mediterranean Coastal. Expect thoughtful touches like complimentary mimosas and flowers, plus an easy, polished setting for a special Sunday together.
Common Space Brewery – Mother’s Day Polaroids + Pressed Flowers Workshop at 2 p.m. A creative, memory-making afternoon with Rooted Harmony — think keepsake Polaroids and pressed floral art.
All Weekend
Torrance Historical Society Museum – Soccer Exhibit (AYSO + World Cup Collection). A timely exhibit celebrating Torrance as the birthplace of AYSO Soccer, featuring a private collection of global memorabilia. A love letter to the game just as World Cup buzz starts building.
Torrance Art Museum – Spring Exhibit (Ralph Steadman: And Another Thing). A sweeping, 60-year retrospective featuring over 140 works from the legendary illustrator. Ends May 9.
Weather Forecast? A picture-perfect Mother’s Day weekend ahead — mild temps, plenty of sunshine, and beautiful weather for celebrating mom.
⛅️ Fri 71°/59° AM Clouds, PM Sun
🌤️ Sat 71°/59° Mostly Sunny
🌤️ Sun 73°/58° Mostly Sunny
🍽️
Must Try
Kin Sushi House | Atlantic Roll | Sink into salmon and spicy tuna.
The review →
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🎶
On Repeat
“Slide” – Calvin Harris ft. Frank Ocean & Migos | Made for that in-between moment when the day turns golden.
Hit play →
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🏡
Eye Catching
4618 Sharynne Ln. | South Torrance stunner with a walk across the street to Seaside.
Let's go →
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☀️ Hit play on nostalgic summer vibes: Sun’s out, windows down — this is your soundtrack for beach days, backyard hangs, and golden hour drives.
📚 If your ideal summer read includes emotional tension, second chances, coastal settings, and the best friends-to-something-more trope done right, add this new release to your beach bag immediately. We’re halfway through and respectfully unavailable for anything else.
🛣️ Route 66 turns 100 (and Torrance is along for the ride): A new “66 things to do in Torrance” roundup is celebrating the city’s beaches, car culture, and local gems in honor of the Mother Road’s centennial.
🍌 Will absolutely be trying this gluten-free banana bread soon. If your overripe bananas have been judging you from the counter, this is your sign.
💅 Fancy hand soap may actually be one of life’s greatest little luxuries. Especially this one.
🍿 Did you catch opening weekend? We still need to make it to the theater, but this review has us officially intrigued: “Like the first movie, the second is a sleek diversion with brittle and sharp laughs, truckloads of couture threads and lashings of light drama.”
💗 Mother’s Day weekend reminder: some of the best plans are simple—coffee, pastries, a long walk, and maybe revisiting Miranda Priestly’s world in full couture glory. Favorite child (partner?) status pending.
| What’s your ideal Torrance summer day? |
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Last Week's Results
How long have you been in Torrance? Nearly two-thirds of you said 10+ years. Those are deep roots.
🎖️ Armed Forces Day returns May 15–17
Torrance’s 64th annual Armed Forces Day celebration is back—honoring the United States Marine Corps and marking 250 years of American history. It’s the largest parade of its kind in the country, with a full weekend lineup including a parade, 5K, expanded exhibits at the City Yard, and a new shuttle from the Transit Center. Even with limited military participation this year due to global deployments, the city is moving forward with a meaningful, community-wide tribute.
Kick things off with a free patriotic concert by the US Air Force Band of the Golden West on May 15 at James R. Armstrong Theatre, then lace up for the Armed Forces Day 5K on May 16—a hometown favorite that brings the community out in full force.
📚 Help shape your local library
The Torrance Public Library is gathering community input for its upcoming needs assessment—and you’re invited to weigh in. Take the survey or join a focus group (starting May 11 at 1 p.m. at Henderson Library) to share what you want from your library in the years ahead.
⚾ Skip the traffic to Dodger Stadium
A new pilot transit service is offering $4 round-trip rides from the Mary K. Giordano Regional Transit Center straight to Dodger Stadium for select Sunday home games. It’s an easy, stress-free way to catch the Dodgers—no parking headaches required.
🛰️ Torrance startup lands $105M Navy contract
Torrance-based defense startup Castelion has secured a $105 million United States Navy contract to advance its Blackbeard hypersonic weapon— putting a local company in a significant national security role through 2028. It’s a quiet but major signal that Torrance’s aerospace and defense footprint is growing, with potential for sustained high-tech jobs right here at home.
🧬 Torrance biotech gets national recognition
The Lundquist Institute has been named one of the nation’s leading biomedical research institutions, ranking #24 in the U.S. and #6 in California. It’s another signal that Torrance’s life sciences sector is quietly growing into a major force in innovation and high-quality jobs.
💡 Young innovators take the stage
Students from across the Torrance Unified School District recently showcased their ideas at the Innovation Festival at El Camino College. Catch the recap to see the next generation of thinkers and builders in action.
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A little something to sweeten your scroll. 👀
Last chance to win $50 to a Torrance favorite!
Subscribe to enter, then stack your chances with a share + follow. You in? →
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➡️ Celebrate, roast or cheer on your friends and family here! Pick on your buddy for his team losing another MLB game. Shower praise on your mother-in-law on her birthday. Share an inside joke with your BFF. Hit reply and I'll tell you how to make this space yours.
💌 P.P.S. You’re officially one of the first readers of The Torrance Tide. If you know someone else who loves Torrance, send them this link — we’re building this community together. 🫶