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.).
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:
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: El Retiro Library, news | Comments Off on Staffing at El Retiro Library Being Discussed at Commission Meeting Nov. 10
The City of Torrance invites us to join the Torrance in Action community meeting in District #5 (that’s our district) with Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci.
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Place: El Retiro Library (126 Vista Del Parque)
Agenda topics include:
Homeless Outreach
Economic Development
Community Development – Project Updates
Community Services – Project Updates
Public Works – Project Updates
Torrance Police and Fire Departments – Safety Updates
Bring your questions and any additional topics you’d like to see addressed!
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.
We rely on Member dues to fund our programs and activities. To learn more about RHA Membership, click here. Thank you for your patronage!
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Calling High School Seniors who live in the Riviera: check out RHA’s College Scholarship Program. Due dates and application info found here!
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Have questions about a community-related topic? Let us know by clicking on the link below! Ask the RHA!
Riviera Homeowners Association 