On April 21st, the RHA held its first general meeting of 2026 and Board elections via Zoom.
Board Election Results:
Hillside Overlay Ordinance (HOO) Update
A major focus of the meeting was the Hillside Overlay Ordinance. Kathryn Dunican, a Riviera homeowner from the “Protect Our Homes” community group, spoke about the following:
- Rewriting the current HOO to protect views/property values with objective language
- The state laws which create ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) loopholes versus local authority over objective standards
- Multiple two-story ADUs blocking neighbors’ views currently under construction
- Challenging the city’s claims that their “hands are tied” regarding enforcing HOO provisions—other cities successfully enforce the HOO
Residents concerned about the HOO are encouraged to attend the City Council meeting on May 19th at 6 PM, where Michelle Ramirez is planning to present the same info as the February 18th planning commission meeting.
Can’t attend? Email City Council members in advance.
Fire Safety & Development Awareness
Joan Davidson, of California Cities for Local Control, discussed the upcoming screening of Small is Beautiful (6:30 PM, May 15th, Hess Park, Rancho Palos Verdes). This documentary follows a rural community battling a massive luxury development that threatens a critical wildlife habitat and puts residents’ lives at risk in a fire-prone landscape. Now that areas of the Hollywood Riviera are included in the recently updated CalFire Hazard Severity Zone map, the film is especially relevant. Local control advocate and candidate for City Treasurer Mike Griffiths will also be speaking.
Local Issues & Community Updates
Jean Adelsman, author of “Take Back Torrance” newsletter and former managing editor of The Daily Breeze, suggested residents educate themselves on where candidates in the upcoming elections (June 2) stand on these issues:
- District 5 candidates on the HOO
- Robinson Helicopter using south runway at Torrance Airport
- Leaded gas still being used at the Torrance Airport
- $27 million dollar annexation of El Camino Village/College/Alondra Park that could cost Torrance $11 million annually
- Friendship Cities programs—$350K spent, with zero return, per city staff report
RHA Updates & Improvements
RHA President Elizabeth Spatz discussed the RHA’s continued outreach efforts under our new Vice President of Communications, Gina Magee. Not only does The Riviera Reporter have a new look, but the RHA has a Facebook page. Our April 6th Candidate Forum drew over 150 attendees and was featured in The Daily Breeze. as well.
We’re still looking for someone to join our Executive Board as Secretary and a volunteer with experience in website design. For more information, email us at info@hollywoodriviera.org.
Filed under: General Meeting, Hillside Overlay Ordinance, RHA Board Elections, The Riviera Reporter, Torrance Airport, Torrance City Council, Torrance Elections | Tagged: community, General Meeting, Hillside Overlay, local elections, Riviera Homeowners Association, Torrance Airport | Comments Off on April General Meeting Recap
Riviera Homeowners Association 