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.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: , | Comments Off on Update on El Retiro Library Staffing

Staffing at El Retiro Library Being Discussed at Commission Meeting Nov. 10

Posted on November 7, 2025 by bmerryman

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the next City of Torrance Library Commission Meeting that will be held to voice opinions, experiences and any concerns of “Open Plus” (also called “Extended Access”) at El Retiro Library.
When: Monday, Nov, 10 at 6:00PM          
Where: El Retiro Library, 126 Vista Del Parque, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Even though El Retiro Library has a Redondo Beach mailing address, it is a City of Torrance Library.)   

Library Administration and The City of Torrance are proposing to increase the hours of Open Plus at El Retiro Library while decreasing the hours with staff present. The latest proposal is to have staff present at the library only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for 8 hours per day. Otherwise the library would operate under Open Plus. That is where those over 18 years old who have a Torrance Library card can fill out a form, have a tour, and then can access El Retiro Library when no staff is present to obtain library materials for self check-out or to use the library facility during certain hours. Unlike other City of Torrance Libraries, El Retiro Library would have more library access hours without staff.

Please come to the Library Commission meeting Nov. 10 to voice your opinions, experience or/and concerns regarding “Open Plus” at El Retiro Library.

You will be allowed 1-2 minutes to speak. They require 10 copies of any handouts if you bring anything to pass out to the Commission.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: , | Comments Off on Staffing at El Retiro Library Being Discussed at Commission Meeting Nov. 10

Update from Torrance City Traffic Commission Meeting

Posted on October 12, 2025 by bmerryman

The 3-way stop at Newton Street, 242nd Street, and Walnut Street has been problematic, and it was a topic of discussion at the recent Torrance City Traffic Commission meeting. Many neighbors attended and spoke about concerns regarding the Triangle Intersection and speeding on Newton Street.

Next steps that the Commission agreed upon include:

  • The City will study traffic speeds on Newton Street to better understand how fast and how many cars are using the route.
  • The City agreed to look into trimming overgrown trees at the pocket park to improve visibility on Newton Street and Walnut Street, and a sign to announce Walnut St. “Road Ahead”
  • The police department will collect more data on traffic and speed since no current data was available.

Bottom Line: The City is now focusing on gathering real data and prioritizing safety — an important step forward. Special thanks to the Newton Street Community Group for its engagement, support and continued follow up to ensure safer streets for everyone.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: , , | Comments Off on Update from Torrance City Traffic Commission Meeting

Traffic Hearing For Newton St. Intersection

Posted on September 30, 2025 by RMC

Subscribe to continue reading

Subscribe to get access to the rest of this post and other subscriber-only content.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Comments Off on Traffic Hearing For Newton St. Intersection

6/17 Torrance City Council Meeting: Discussion on Airport & Hillside Overlay Ordinances

Posted on June 15, 2025 by bmerryman

We posted previously about the opportunity to share your views on updating the Hillside Overlay at the next Torrance City Council meeting. The Council will also discuss adopting an ordinance to amend the Torrance City Code to once again allow Touch and Go, full stop-taxi back, and low approaches at the Torrance Airport (item 10B).  Last year these operations were prohibited by the Council because of the residents’ protests against increasing airport noise.  If you would like to share your opinion on this issue, consider attending the upcoming City Council meeting, emailing City Council Members or offering comments if you can’t attend.

When: Tuesday, June 17 at 6:30PM

Location: LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber, 3031 Torrance Blvd.

Email Information: CityCouncil@TorranceCA.gov

Offer Comments: Note that comments submitted before 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, will be published for public review prior to the meeting. Comments received after 5:30 p.m., but prior to the adjournment of the meeting will be added to the record. You can submit your comments here: https://torranceca.primegov.com/public/portal?fromiframe=true (Use the comment bubble on the right)

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , | Comments Off on 6/17 Torrance City Council Meeting: Discussion on Airport & Hillside Overlay Ordinances

Next Page »

  • Support RHA – Become a Member!

    We rely on Member dues to fund our programs and activities.  To learn more about RHA Membership, click here.  Thank you for your patronage!
    _____________________

    Calling High School Seniors who live in the Riviera: check out RHA’s College Scholarship Program.  Due dates and application info found here!

    _____________________

    Have questions about a community-related topic?  Let us know by clicking on the link below!  Ask the RHA!

  • Enter your email address to subscribe to the RHA blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 485 other subscribers
  • Follow us on Instagram