Riviera Reporter – Winter 2024

President’s Message:

In this issue, we have a short update on our sliding hillside (page 3). There’s a recap of our October meeting (page 2). Our latest Landscaping Award is on page 2. On page 4, the RHA answers a resident’s question about their neighbor burning vegetation. Our local scholarship applications are also open (below).

Link to Newsletter: Riviera Reporter Winter 2024

The upcoming holidays offer us all a chance to gather with friends and families, reflecting on our shared bonds and making new memories. Next December the Riviera Homeowners Association will celebrate the 80th anniversary of its first meeting, which was held on Monday, December 10, 1945. The gathering was covered in the Dec. 13th issue of the Torrance Herald, with William Edwards, living at 266 Via Buena Ventura, elected as president, and Lottie Peterson to serve as the group’s secretary/treasurer. 

The primary discussions of the Association involved the continuing development of the Hollywood Riviera, including architectural stylings, water management, and the formation of the Association’s bylaws. If you’re interested in learning more details about the RHA’s foundational years, minutes of meetings from 1946-1953 are available on this site by clicking here.  

We hope the holidays bring you joy in spending time with friends, families, and our Riviera community! 

Elizabeth “Libby” Spatz, RHA President

2024 RHA Scholarship Update

For decades, the RHA has offered multiple scholarships for residents who are high school seniors.

2024 RHA Scholarship Recipients

To apply for a college scholarship, South High seniors should fill out their local scholarship application by December 20th (contact College & Career Counseling Coordinator Salma Sanchez for questions). 

If a Riviera senior misses the deadline or attends a different high school, they can apply online here until February 1, 2025. Questions? Email info@hollywoodriviera.org

In Case You Missed Our Meeting

Nearly 50 people participated in the Riviera Homeowners Association general meeting on Oct. 15. We want to extend a big thanks to our speakers, and in case you missed it, here’s a summary of the great information they each provided.

Torrance Civil Service Commissioner Jean Adelsman explained Torrance ballot Measure TC, which would raise the mayor’s and councilmembers’ pay and impact term limits for councilmembers, among other things. You can learn more about Measure TC on the City Clerk’s Election webpage – both the Charter amendment and the redline version have been posted. You can also read about in it in this Los Angeles Times article.

Former Torrance City Councilmember Mike Griffiths updated us on state-level legislation that’s recently been passed with the intent to address California’s housing crisis, but that has the potential to override our local zoning and land use in ways that would be detrimental to our community. You can read Mike’s full presentation here.

Robert Thompson, Operations Manager, California Water Service provided information and updates on the water tank replacement project on Calle de Arboles. You can read Robert’s full presentation here.

The presentations and other important community resources can be found on our Community Links page. Thanks again to the speakers and to all who attended!

Hope to See You Soon!

Our guest speakers include:

  • Jean Adelsman, Torrance Civil Service Commissioner, author of Take Back Torrance newsletter – will provide an overview of the upcoming Torrance ballot Measure TC and its key issues.
    • You can also find information on Measure TC on the City Clerk’s Election webpage – both the Charter amendment and the redline version have been posted. 
  • Mike Griffiths, former Torrance City Councilmember and Founder of California Cities for Local Control (CCLC) — will be speaking on current state legislation that may override local zoning and the Hillside Overlay Ordinance (HOO).
  • Robert Thompson, Operations Manager, California Water Service (Rancho Dominguez District) – will provide information on the water tank replacement on Calle de Arboles.

The new RHA Board members will be on hand to answer questions as well. Look forward to seeing you there!

Read the Latest Riviera Reporter

Happy Fall! Read our latest edition of The Riviera Reporter, now available at this link. We highlight:

  • Cal Water’s special “Water Tank Open House” in the Riviera on Sept. 28, 11-1 PM.
  • The first in-person meeting held by your new RHA Board on Oct. 15 at 7 pm at the Riviera United Methodist Church. Come and ask your questions!
  • The winner of the August Landscaping Award.
  • Information and updates on the unhoused in our area, Los Angeles County’s Measure A as well as steps you can take in Torrance.
  • Suggestions on making your voice heard if you support or oppose any of the state bills coming from Sacramento.
  • Addressing the continuing coyote concerns of pet owners in Ask the RHA.
  • Ensuring your RHA membership is up to date.

To read the newsletter, click here.