The city of Torrance, California was founded in 1912 by real estate investor and developer Jared Sidney Torrance. He bought a portion of an old Spanish land grant and redeveloped the area into a planned community. He later hired architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to draw the town's streets and layout. The city was named after him, and incorporated in May 1921. At first, the city was bounded by Western Avenue, Del Amo Boulevard, and Carson Street.
Before WWII, the city was an ideal location for non-U.S. citizens to buy property. This meant that the area attracted a large Japanese population. Toyota, for example, was the first Japanese company to establish operations in Torrance. The city grew rapidly during this time, and the company relocated to a campus here in 1982. In 2014, Toyota moved operations to Plano, Texas.
The city has a well-developed Public Library system and 46 Park and Recreation facilities. The city has a Council/Manager form of government. The City Council is elected and adopts policy and legislation. The City Manager oversees day-to-day operations. The Torrance City Council is composed of seven members, the City Clerk, and the City Treasurer are full-time positions. However, some departments are closed for special events.
There are many reasons to choose Torrance for your home. The Pacific Ocean and the pristine beaches are both great places to spend time. It is a safe place to raise a family. Torrance has many attractions and a very diverse population. The city is also home to the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).