Updates on the Hillside Overlay Ordinance

Posted on February 12, 2026 by Catherine Modesitt, RHA VP

At the Planning Commission meeting on January 21st, numerous Riviera residents appealed the “Minor Hillside Exemption” issued for the construction project at 439 Via Linda Vista. Residents even presented a petition with over one hundred signatures. Their appeal was approved.

David Kartsonis, Chair of the Torrance Planning Commission, asked his fellow commissioners for consensus to ask the City Council to task the Planning Commission to update the Hillside Overlay Ordinance. The commission agreed.

At the Torrance City Council meeting held on Jan. 27th, Kartsonis made this request, addressing the need for specific language to better manage building projects in the HOO.  Michelle Ramirez, Community Development Director, shared that she and city staff were putting together a workshop on the HOO, which would be presented to the Planning Commission at their upcoming meeting in February.  The City Council suggested they wait until after the workshop has been presented to follow up with the Planning Commission’s request.

If you are interested in learning more and offering your input on the City’s efforts to update the Hillside Overlay Ordinance, consider attending the Torrance Planning Commission meeting, which will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, starting at 6:30 pm in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber at City Hall, located at 3031 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance.

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Upcoming Torrance Planning Commission Hearing

Posted on January 19, 2026 by bmerryman

It has come to the RHA’s attention that there will be a Torrance Planning Commission hearing for the appeal to the approval of a residential construction project involving a garage + second story ADU being considered for 439 Via Linda Vista.  For residents interested in learning more about this project, please consider attending the hearing, which will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the West Annex Commission Meeting Room (City Hall, 3031 Torrance Blvd.). 

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Update on El Retiro Library Staffing

Posted on January 18, 2026 by bmerryman

At the December 8, 2025, meeting of the Torrance Library Commission held at the Southeast Branch Library, City Librarian Heather Cousins shared the current status of the Open Plus program being used at the El Retiro Library. (Open Plus offers use of library collections and services beyond staffed operating hours and is available to patrons 18 years of age or older with a library account in good standing. Applications to the Open Plus program are available online here.)

The Library Administration is proposing to add four hours of Open Plus (non-staffed time) at El Retiro Library on Sundays. Staffed hours at El Retiro, as posted on the library  website , will not be changing, and currently are:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Thursday 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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Torrance City Council Votes to Add Enforcement Ordinance on Torrance Airport Noise Violations

Posted on December 14, 2025 by bmerryman

Many Riviera residents have expressed concerns about noise resulting from flights in and out of the Torrance Airport. The Torrance City Council maintains a ban on touch-and-go flights at the Torrance Airport, while restricting low approaches and taxi-backs to weekday hours (10 AM – 6 PM). On Dec. 2, the Council adopted an ordinance amending the Torrance Municipal Code as related to enforcement of the Airport Ordinance by a vote of 7-0. This vote puts in place the amendment to the Municipal Code covering touch-and-go flights and noise and curfew violations that will hold violators accountable. It is now up to City staff to implement the measure.

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Winter Riviera Reporter is Here!

Posted on December 7, 2025 by bmerryman

President’s Message

This December the Riviera Homeowners Association commemorates 80 years of representing the interests of the Hollywood Riviera community.  The first meeting, as reported in the Torrance Herald, was held on December 10, 1945, and for the past eight decades the RHA has provided guidance and a voice of support for the residents of our area. 

Next year will bring city elections in June, and all Riviera residents are encouraged to learn about the candidates and voice your choice for who will represent the 5th district on Torrance’s city council. Until then, take time to enjoy the holidays with your neighbors, friends and family, and as always, let us know if you have questions, concerns, or want to be involved in helping support our wonderful Riviera community!

Elizabeth “Libby” Spatz, RHA President

In this issue of Riviera Reporter, you’ll find:

  • A recap of our General Meeting held on Oct. 21
  • A summary of survey findings — our residents’ primary concerns, what members want to learn more about and what they’d like the RHA to focus on
  • The winter Outstanding Landscape Award was given to Denise Scarpetti at 701 Calle de Arboles
  • RHA Scholarship deadlines are approaching for college-bound high school seniors who live in the Riviera
  • Ask the RHA assures a new renter in the Riviera that they are eligible to be an RHA member

To receive the Riviera Reporter, become an RHA member! Learn more here and don’t forget to renew!

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