Old Torrance Neighborhood Association

Community Issues and Forums

Report Graffiti!

To report sightings of graffiti on properties in the City of Torrance, please call the Graffiti Hotline listed below and leave a detailed message. Messages are retrieved hourly during normal working hours. Please speak clearly and slowly, and include the address and cross street where the graffiti is located in addition to the type of structure where the graffiti is posted.

Graffiti Removal Hotline: (310) 781 - 7149

Help Torrance Go Green

See our Torrance Green Initiatives page for details.

Disaster Preparedness

Emergency Services, in coordination, conjunction and collaboration with all City departments will maximize the City's potential to prevent against, prepare for, respond to and recover from both natural and man-made emergencies and disasters. For more information see the City Disaster Preparedness web pages.

Hotline: 310.618.2320

Neighborhood Watch

"Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. It improves relations between police and the communities they serve as well as help reduce burglaries and robberies while forging bonds among area residents."

Neighborhood Watch Bulletins

For more information or to join please call (310) 618-6392 or see above link.

Additional information available from the National Crime Prevention Council: http://www.ncpc.org/publications/brochures/neighborhood-watch.

Home Security Inspections

The Community Services Department offers a free on-site custom security inspection of your home or apartment at your convenience. You will be given information and training on the most effective locks, alarm systems and lighting specific to your home and your area. You will receive a written evaluation of the improvements you can make to increase security without making your home a fortress. The inspection takes approximately 30 minutes of your time, but will pay huge dividends in the physical security and in your peace of mind. Additionally, certain improvements may reduce your homeowner's insurance premium. This service is provided free of charge to Torrance residents. To schedule your Home Security Inspection call (310) 618-6391, sign up online at above link or e-mail your request to: Communityaffairs@torrnet.com

Vacation Security Checks

http://www.torrnet.com/TPD/14699.htm
To advise the Torrance Police Department that you are on vacation and to have them do checks while you're away, please either fill out the form on their website with the link above or contact Community Affairs, (310) 618-6391/6392 or e-mail at Communityaffairs@torrnet.com.

Please be advised that the Police Department and the City do not assume any liability for loss or damage to property during specified dates. Homeowner understands there is no guarantee that vacation checks will be done daily.

Downtown Torrance Bulletins

Torrance General Plan Update

The Torrance General Plan is currently undergoing a major revision. Now is your chance to influence the direction our City will take in the future! The meetings are free and open to the public. Invite a neighbor!

Note: Workshop times and topics are subject to change. You can find up-to-date Workshop information on the City's General Plan Web Site.

Oversize Vehicle Ordinance

The City of Torrance has an oversized vehicle ordinance that went into effect at the beginning of 2007. See the link for details on securing permits. For more more information see the City's web page on this topic.

Green Building / Remodeling Guidlines

The City of Torrance has published green building & remodeling guidelines (PDF) to aid in building and remodeling in a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient manner.

Architectural Design Guidelines Are Now Available

The Architectural Design Guidelines are now available for purchase. For just $5, you can have your very own copy.

On July, 26, 2005, the City Council "made history" by unanimously voting to recognize the original boundaries of Torrance as "Old Torrance - Founded 1912." The signage is now up. As the City nears its 100th anniversary, this type of recognition is all the more important.

At that same time, the City Council also directed the Torrance Historical Society to team together with the Community Development Dept. to create a set of voluntary Architectural Design Guidelines that could be referenced for those property owners who live in Old Torrance and are interested in the restoration, renovation and/or preservation of their homes.

The predominant architectural styles of the early to mid 20th century that can be found in Old Torrance are represented in these Guidelines. In fact, all the photos used in this booklet were taken of homes within the Old Torrance neighborhood.

The booklet is easy-to-read, has many examples emphasizing the primary components and architectural features of a "historic" home, has a quick-reference glossary of architectural terms, and . . . it lists a wealth of resources that are available through the Torrance Public Library and/or the Community Development Dept.

The goal of the Architectural Design Guidelines is to help homeowners in Old Torrance who want to update their home, yet maintain the same charm and architectural characteristics that make this neighborhood work!

The Architectural Design Guidelines are one resource that will aid in fostering the growth of this community's preservation efforts.

The Architectural Design Guidelines will be available through . . .

Torrance Historical Society & Museum
1345 Post Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 328-5392

Old Torrance Neighborhood Association
(310) 320-6054

Community Development Department
3031 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 618-5990

As mentioned, the cost is just $5 per booklet. You can pay via cash, or a check (made payable to "City of Torrance").