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World Cup fever, jungle plants + the library glow up
Published 5 days ago • 13 min read
Your Weekly Wave of Local Delights | Issue 012 If The Tide made your week feel a little more connected, forward it to one Torrance friend today. Was this email forwarded to you? You can subscribe here.
Hey, neighbor!
We may not all be die-hard soccer fans.
Some of us still need a replay to understand an offside call. Others of us are mostly here for the snacks.
And yes, the U.S. run may be over, but there’s something about the World Cup that’s impossible not to love.
For a few weeks, the whole world picks a side and cheers like everything depends on it. Tiny countries become everyone’s favorite underdog. Strangers become friends. Fans travel across the world and somehow end up sharing meals, swapping jerseys, and singing together in the streets.
It’s a pretty good reminder: sometimes the best part isn’t the scoreboard. It’s the feeling of being part of something.
In this issue:
🌊 World Cup watch parties, outdoor movies + the kind of summer moments that are better together
🌊 Meet the librarian helping reimagine what a library can be (hint: it’s way more than books)
🌊 Vintage finds, jungle plants, beach races, and tiny traditions worth starting before summer slips by
People you'd want to wave to.
Meet Cynthia Aguado, Torrance’s new City Librarian
If you haven’t been to the library lately, Cynthia Aguado has a message for you: You might be surprised by what’s waiting there.
Just weeks into her new role as City Librarian, Cynthia is helping lead one of the most significant moments in the Torrance Public Library’s recent history: a community-wide effort to reimagine what the library can be.
After 19 years with the library system — from youth services librarian to assistant city librarian to the top job — she’s spent nearly two decades watching how libraries bring people together.
And these days, she believes they’re about much more than books.
“Libraries have really morphed into community centers,” she said. “I really want everyone to know they have access and that they belong.”
That sense of belonging is what keeps Cynthia excited about the future.
As part of the library’s ongoing needs assessment, she’s been listening to residents across Torrance — students, business owners, families, retirees, and everyone in between. One thing she’s heard repeatedly? Many people still don’t realize how much the library offers.
From concerts and cooking programs to LinkedIn Learning, e-books, audiobooks, park passes, and summer reading challenges, the library has quietly become one of the city’s most versatile community resources.
But Cynthia’s favorite library story isn’t about a program.
It’s about a man who came in with a new iPad from his children and didn’t know how to use it. After helping him download books and learn how to FaceTime, she watched his face light up.
“He was so happy,” she said. “He said, ‘Can I hug you?’”
For Cynthia, that moment captures the heart of the library.
Not just access to information.
Access to connection.
And in a city as diverse and community-minded as Torrance, she believes there’s something for everyone inside those six library branches — whether you’re looking for your next book, your next skill, or simply a place where you belong.
Next week, meet Christine Ma-Kellams, the Torrance author whose nationally recognized debut novel begins with a chance encounter at H Mart — and proves even our everyday places have stories worth telling.
Consider this your sign to bring back the magic of childhood summer reading charts. Torrance Public Library’s Plant a Seed, Read! challenge is open through Aug. 15 for all ages. Read 16 hours, complete library activities, and earn a prize — because summer reading isn’t just for kids.
After thousands of fans helped turn Downtown Torrance into a World Cup hub in June, the city is bringing back the celebration for round two — this time at El Prado Park.
Bring a lawn chair, grab a spot on the grass, and watch the matches on a giant LED screen alongside neighbors and fans from across the South Bay. The day will also include youth soccer activities with the LA Galaxy, family fun, and plenty of reasons to explore the shops and restaurants around Downtown Torrance.
It’s casual, community-focused, and exactly the kind of summer afternoon that reminds you why watching together is always more fun.
Friday, July 10
Madrona Marsh Preserve – Friday Fun at 10 a.m. A little nature adventure for the youngest explorers. Kids ages 3–6 and their grownups can enjoy story time, hands-on crafts, science activities, and a guided walk through one of Torrance’s most special outdoor spaces.
El Retiro Library – Paper Airplane Mania at 11 a.m. Ready for takeoff. Kids can design, fold, and test different kinds of paper airplanes and gliders to see which creations soar the farthest. A simple, hands-on summer activity perfect for young engineers, makers, and curious kids.
Smog City – Spain vs. Belgium World Cup Quarterfinal Watch Party at Noon. Long lunch plans? Found them. The World Cup quarterfinals continue as Spain takes on Belgium, and Smog City is opening the taproom for all the big-match energy. Whether you're cheering for a favorite, watching as a neutral, or just here for the crowd reactions and summer soccer vibes, grab a seat, order a beer, and enjoy the beautiful game with your neighbors.
Nearby: Redondo Beach Marina – Cruzin’ the Lagoon at 3 p.m. Classic cars meet coastal views at this laid-back Friday tradition by the marina. Stroll past vintage rides, custom builds, muscle cars, and more while chatting with fellow car lovers and soaking up an easy summer afternoon by the water.
Hermosa Brewing Company Torrance – Comedy Underground at 8 p.m. Your Friday night laugh plans are covered. California Comedy Underground brings a lineup of stand-up comics seen on Netflix, Hulu, HBO, The Improv, Laugh Factory, and more right here to Torrance. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy a neighborhood comedy club experience without leaving the South Bay.
Saturday, July 11
Torrance Beach – South Bay Dozen Ocean Race at 8 a.m. A true South Bay test of endurance returns to Torrance Beach. The 20th annual South Bay Dozen brings together elite athletes, junior competitors, and ocean lovers for 12 surf racing events — from paddleboards and swims to dory races and relays — all supporting the Jimmy Miller Foundation’s Ocean Therapy programs. Come cheer from the sand and watch some of the best watermen and waterwomen in action.
Wilson Park – Torrance Certified Farmers’ Market at 8 a.m. Fresh flowers, peak-season fruit, breakfast burritos, and that neighbor you somehow only run into at the market. With dozens of California farms plus local food vendors, the Torrance Farmers’ Market is part grocery run, part Saturday morning tradition. Bring a bag, grab a snack, and don’t skip the summer produce stands.
Madrona Marsh Preserve – Habitat Restoration + Nature Walk starting at 9 a.m. Spend a morning exploring and caring for one of Torrance’s most unique natural spaces. Volunteer during Habitat Restoration to remove invasive plants and support the preserve’s ecosystem, then stick around for a docent-led walk to learn about the plants, birds, and wildlife that call Madrona Marsh home.
Katy Geissert Civic Center Library – Summer Floral Arrangement at 10 a.m. Bring a little summer color inside. Learn how to pick the freshest flowers, keep blooms looking their best, and create your own beautiful floral arrangement during this hands-on demonstration. A perfect Saturday morning for garden lovers and anyone who loves a fresh bouquet.
Nearby: 503 S Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach – Come Together Market at 10 a.m. Vintage finds, handmade goods, local eats, and a few four-legged friends looking for homes. Come Together Market brings local makers, artisans, food vendors, and rescue dog adoptions together for a feel-good summer pop-up by the beach.
Rainforest Flora – Jungle Plant Pop-Up at 11 a.m. Step inside a tropical escape right here in Torrance. The Jungle Plant Pop-Up brings 40+ plant, art, food, and lifestyle vendors to Rainforest Flora for a day of rare plants, handmade ceramics, workshops, koi ponds, turtles, and greenhouse wandering. Whether you're a serious collector or just trying to keep your first houseplant alive, this one is a little slice of jungle magic in the South Bay.
Downtown Torrance – Kick It in Downtown Watch Party from 12–8 p.m. The summer of soccer keeps rolling through Torrance. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to El Prado Park and catch the World Cup quarterfinals on the big screen alongside neighbors and fans from across the South Bay. Expect youth soccer activities, downtown energy, and plenty of reasons to grab a bite or explore local shops between matches.
Southeast Library – Dwight Trible Trio at 2 p.m. Spend the afternoon with the soulful sounds of jazz vocalist Dwight Trible and his trio as part of the Torrance Public Library’s Southeast Sessions. Known for blending jazz, improvisation, and spiritual influences, Trible brings a one-of-a-kind performance to this free community concert.
El Retiro Library – Awaya-Kai Koto Musical Performance at 2 p.m. Experience the sounds and traditions of Japan with an afternoon of live koto music from The Yoko Awaya Koto Music Conservatory. This free library performance offers a chance to enjoy the beauty, history, and artistry of one of Japan’s most beloved instruments.
El Prado Park – LA Galaxy Youth Soccer Clinic at 4:30 p.m. Young players can train like the pros during this special clinic led by LA Galaxy Youth coaches as part of Kick It in Downtown Torrance. Kids will build skills, run drills, and join the World Cup excitement taking over downtown — stick around before or after for the watch party, activities, and all the soccer energy.
Madrona Marsh Preserve – Night Hike on the Preserve at 7:30 p.m. See the Madrona Marsh in a whole new light — after dark. Join a guided evening walk through the preserve and experience the sights and sounds of nocturnal wildlife as insects, birds, and other creatures begin their nighttime routines.
Hickory Park – Family Movie Night: Hoppers at 7:45 p.m. Pack the blankets, grab the snacks, and settle in for a summer movie night under the stars. Torrance Summer Nights brings Hoppers to Hickory Park for a free outdoor screening the whole family can enjoy — basically the neighborhood backyard movie night of our dreams.
Mom Said Yes – Cobra Cowboy Live Country Line Dancing at 8:30 p.m. Your favorite ’80s hits are getting a country makeover. Cobra Cowboy turns classics from artists like Madonna and Prince into a boot-stomping mix of country, bluegrass, and Americana — complete with live music, line dancing, and plenty of singalong energy. Grab your boots (or just your friends) and get ready for a South Bay hoedown.
Sunday, July 12
Nearby: Manhattan Beach Grand Prix – Kids' Bike Races at 10:30 a.m. Big race day energy for the smallest cyclists. As part of the 63rd annual Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, kids ages 2–14 can take their turn on the course with their own bike races (tricycles and training wheels welcome). Young racers get a number, t-shirt, goodie bag, and a medal at the finish line — plus the chance to cheer on elite cyclists, explore the Kids Zone, and experience one of the South Bay’s longest-running summer traditions.
Nearby: Hesse Park – Shakespeare by the Sea: Macbeth at 7 p.m. Pack a blanket, bring a picnic, and enjoy a little Shakespeare with an ocean breeze. Shakespeare by the Sea brings its free summer tour to Rancho Palos Verdes with Macbeth, the timeless story of ambition, power, and consequence. Arrive early to grab a spot on the grass—and maybe bring a sweater for that coastal evening chill.
All Weekend
Torrance Art Museum – CHAMPION: Sports in Contemporary Art. Art meets athletics in this timely exhibition celebrating the power of sports to connect, inspire, and shape culture. In honor of the 2026 World Cup, CHAMPION explores everything from teamwork and competition to fandom, identity, and what it really means to be the “best.” On view through July 18.
Torrance Historical Society Museum – History of Soccer Collection. As World Cup fever sweeps through Southern California, this timely exhibit celebrates Torrance's unique place in soccer history as the birthplace of AYSO. Explore rare memorabilia from a private collection spanning the global game, then discover how one local city helped shape youth soccer for generations. Open Fridays and Saturdays through August 1.
Nearby: South Bay Greek Festival. A little taste of Greece comes to the South Bay. The 62nd annual South Bay Greek Festival returns with a weekend full of authentic Greek food, live music, traditional folk dancing, shopping, and family fun at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach. Come hungry, stay for the dancing, and enjoy one of the area’s favorite summer traditions.
Del Amo Fashion Center – FIFA Official Merchandise Pop-Up is open daily through July 31, stocked with official team jerseys, scarves, hats, collectibles, and World Cup gear. Whether you're cheering for Team USA or another favorite nation, it's the easiest place in Torrance to gear up for the tournament.
Del Amo Fashion Center – Official Studio Ghibli Store. Donguri Republic—the official Studio Ghibli merchandise shop—is opening its first-ever U.S. location at Del Amo, featuring more than 400 officially licensed items from My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and more. Even if you're just browsing, the whimsical displays and giant Totoro bus stop make it worth the visit. Open daily through December 31.
🎥 Someone finally said it. Torrance might just be L.A.’s most underrated beach city. This video celebrates the history, diversity, coastline, and everyday gems that make our corner of the South Bay so easy to love.
🎲 The most Torrance family game night possible. Torranceopoly turns our hometown into the board—with local landmarks, familiar favorites, and plenty of “wait, I know that place” moments. Find it at the California Welcome Center inside Del Amo Fashion Center.
📖 South Bay romance readers, rejoice. The region's first romance-only bookstore Ember & Ink has officially opened in Hermosa Beach. Your summer reading stack just got a little more dangerous.
☀️ Beach bag refresh alert. This Big Summer Beauty Sale is stocked with summer essentials: SPF, hair rescue products, body care, and all the little things that make you feel slightly more put together after a day in the sun.
🚶♀️Your summer walk just got a little more social. The Mom Walk Collective has arrived in Torrance, bringing moms together for fresh air, conversation, and the simple magic of realizing someone nearby is in the exact same season of life.
🌊 Beach days don't have to end at sunset. Keep the ocean magic going with our favorite picture books about sandcastles, sea creatures, lighthouses, and waves—perfect for bedtime after a long day at Torrance Beach.
Starting July 14, Torrance residents will have a new way to participate in City Council meetings: from home. The city is adding Zoom access for all open meetings, allowing residents to watch and provide public comment remotely without making the trip to City Hall.
🏅 Want to volunteer at the 2028 Olympics? LA28 is looking for 60,000 volunteers to help with the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and applications open July 14. Roles will range from greeting spectators and assisting athletes to specialized positions requiring language, medical, or technical skills. If you've ever dreamed of being part of the Olympics without actually having to run a marathon, this might be your moment.
⚽ The soccer summer continues
After a summer filled with World Cup energy, Torrance soccer fans have another date to circle. Torrance Galaxy Night returns Aug. 1, with discounted resident tickets to see the LA Galaxy take on FC Dallas — plus a chance for 20 ticket holders to score a post-game autograph experience.
🏊 El Camino College unveils three new campus buildings El Camino College just celebrated the opening of three major new facilities: a new Aquatics Center, Physical Education Building, and Administration Building. The projects expand spaces for student-athletes, campus services, and community engagement — another investment in one of Torrance's most important educational institutions.
🚨 Torrance drivers, expect extra speed patrols this month
The Torrance Police Department is joining a national speed prevention campaign this July, with additional officers watching for speeding and unsafe driving throughout the city. Consider this your friendly reminder to leave a few minutes early, slow down through neighborhoods, and make sure everyone gets where they’re going safely.
🚗 Last call for classic cars Registration closes July 10 (that's tomorrow!) for Rock Around the Block's vintage car show on July 16 in Downtown Torrance. Participation is free, but you'll need to register to reserve a spot (Call Omar Orozco at 424-489-3697). If you've been looking for an excuse to dust off your classic ride, this might be it.
This week's delight
As part of our Summer of Small Delights, this week, create a moment you'll want to repeat before summer ends.
Nothing complicated. Nothing Pinterest-worthy. Just something small that makes an ordinary day feel a little more special.
Maybe it's: Friday night pizza at a local spot. An evening walk after dinner. Trying a new ice cream flavor. Reading outside for 20 minutes. Catching a movie in the park...
The best traditions usually aren't planned — they're the little things we do once and decide: we should do this more often.
📍 Report Back: Hit reply and tell us what tiny tradition you're starting.
🎁 Win This Week: A summer surprise from one of our favorite Torrance spots. Earn entries by: 1. Replying with your adventure. 2. Forwarding this email to a friend and cc'ing hey@torrancetide.com. 3.Sharing your discovery on Instagram and tagging @torrancetide.
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. The Tide is growing neighbor by neighbor — and every share genuinely helps. 🫶
➡️ 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. Make this space yours.
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"If you're in Torrance, this is a MUST-read." ☀️🌊🐚😎
Feel more connected to your community every week—the fun way. ✨
* FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER!* Spotlighting hidden gems, community happenings, weekend escapes, neighbors you should know and more. Delivered fresh every Thursday at 7 a.m. 🗞️ Subscribe free! ⬇️
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