Torrance

Torrance was planned as a model industrial city by Pasadena financier and philanthropist Jared S. Torrance in 1911. It was incorporated in 1922. Still, for many years much of Torrance was agricultural, with many farmers of Japanese background working the land. In the early days one could purchase chickens, turkeys, strawberries, mushrooms, celery, flowers and much more from growers in the area. It was this heritage, perhaps, that resulted in the Torrance City Council choosing the delphinium as the city flower in 1964, for the brilliant blue flowers were grown in Torrance and exported across the country.  Later the farms shared the landscape with oil wells.  The city is the fourth largest in Los Angeles County and is a major financial, industrial and commercial center. One of the few remaining fresh water habitats in the south bay is Madrona March, located just next to Del Amo Mall. The city also has its own beach, Torrance Beach, our personal favorite for body surfing. The 2000 population was 137,946.

City Website: www.torrnet.com

Chamber Website: www.torrancechamber.com

More information about Madrona Marsh: www.FriendsofMadronaMarsh.com