Torrance, CA

Located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, Torrance, California, is home to a variety of top-notch colleges and universities. These institutions offer unique educational experiences, innovative programs, and rich histories that set them apart from the rest. In this article, we'll explore the best colleges near Torrance, providing information on their addresses, distinctive qualities, and noteworthy backgrounds.

Address: 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506

Distance: Located within Torrance

El Camino College, established in 1947, is a public community college that provides a wide range of academic and vocational programs. With a focus on student success and access to education, the college offers comprehensive support services and resources to help students achieve their goals. Its diverse course offerings and strong commitment to the local community make it an exceptional choice for students of all ages and backgrounds.

Address: 1000 E. Victoria St, Carson, CA 90747

Distance: Approximately 8 miles east of Torrance

California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), founded in 1960, is a public university that offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. With a commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility, CSUDH provides students with valuable hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for research and community engagement. Its multicultural campus and diverse student body create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.

Address: 1 LMU Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Distance: Approximately 12 miles north of Torrance

Loyola Marymount University (LMU), established in 1911, is a private Jesuit and Marymount university that offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With a strong focus on academic rigor and social justice, LMU fosters a close-knit community that encourages students to grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally. Its stunning campus and distinguished faculty make it a premier institution in Southern California.

Address: 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Distance: Approximately 19 miles north of Torrance

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), founded in 1919, is a public research university that offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. As one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, UCLA is renowned for its cutting-edge research, diverse academic offerings, and commitment to innovation. With its beautiful campus and outstanding resources, UCLA provides students with unparalleled opportunities for success.

The colleges near Torrance, California, offer exceptional educational experiences that cater to a wide range of interests and academic goals. From the accessible programs at El Camino College to the world-renowned offerings at UCLA, these institutions provide the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth. As you embark on your educational journey, consider the exceptional colleges near Torrance, California, as the key to unlocking your future success.

Situated in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, Torrance, California, is a coastal paradise that offers residents a delightful blend of picturesque landscapes, diverse culinary experiences, and engaging family activities. In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of living in Torrance and showcase the unique features that make it a desirable destination for families and individuals alike. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the treasures that await in this charming city.

Torrance Beach

Torrance Beach is a serene and uncrowded beach that offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its pristine sands and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, it's the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a leisurely walk along the shoreline.

Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve is a unique wetland habitat that serves as a refuge for various species of native plants and animals. With its diverse ecosystem and tranquil atmosphere, this preserve offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.

Wilson Park

Wilson Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails. This park also hosts the Torrance Certified Farmers' Market, where visitors can find fresh, locally-sourced produce and artisan goods.

King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant

King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant is a local favorite that offers a taste of the Aloha spirit with its scrumptious Hawaiian-inspired dishes and famous sweet bread. From mouthwatering kalua pork to delectable macadamia nut pancakes, this restaurant provides a unique dining experience.

Kagura

Experience the flavors of Japan at Kagura, a popular restaurant specializing in traditional Japanese cuisine. With its extensive menu featuring sushi, ramen, and tempura, Kagura is a must-visit for those craving an authentic taste of Japanese fare.

Local Kitchen

Local Kitchen is a cozy eatery that serves up delicious, farm-to-table meals in a warm and inviting atmosphere. With its menu of seasonal dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, this restaurant is a haven for food lovers who appreciate fresh, sustainable cuisine.

Torrance Cultural Arts Center

The Torrance Cultural Arts Center is a vibrant hub that offers a variety of performances, exhibitions, and events throughout the year. From live music and theater productions to art classes and workshops, there's something for everyone at this engaging venue.

Western Museum of Flight

The Western Museum of Flight is an educational facility that showcases the history and evolution of aviation. With its impressive collection of aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits, the museum offers an engaging experience for both children and adults.

Torrance Art Museum

The Torrance Art Museum is a contemporary art museum that features thought-provoking exhibitions and interactive programs. This family-friendly museum encourages creativity and fosters connections within the community.

Torrance, California, is a city that offers a diverse range of activities, attractions, and dining options for residents and visitors alike. From the soothing sands of Torrance Beach to the mouthwatering dishes at King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant, there are countless reasons to call Torrance home. So, come and experience the warmth and charm of this coastal haven, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

TORRANCE, Calif. - The iconic Alpine Market in Torrance - which has been selling German groceries and goods to the Southern California community since 1968 - has shut its doors for good.

In a message posted to social media, Alpine Village thanked its longtime customers for their support.

"The Alpine Market has closed permanently. Thank you for your patronage over the many years," the market wrote on its Facebook page.

People who had visited the market were quick to share their memories of the historic establishment.

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"I spoke with the owner before they closed. She said many people were showing up when they heard about the closing, yet hadn't been there in years! Support your local/small businesses while they're open people!!!" one person said.

"This was the most nostalgic place for my family. My Opa and Oma brought their family from Germany to Long Beach. This was like home to them. My family would spend many Oktoberfests there. Make 2 hour trips from the High Desert to get Weisswurst and Leberkasse for Christmas Eve every year. I am truly heartbroken but I am so grateful for all the amazing memories built at Alpine Village. Gone but never forgotten.The end of an era. As a Belgian immigrant, the Market allowed me to enjoy many of the foods I missed and could not find here. Bavarian Weisswurst was an acceptable replacement to Boudin Blanc, and their Country Pate was absolutely legendary. The bakery was 100% the real deal, with rolls the likes of which were impossible to find anywhere else, and pastries like I knew them (their Napoleons were amazing). We would gather there twice a year and post up at one of the tables outside, spending a couple of hours eating picnic style, going in and out of the Market for supplies, it was always a great time. Thank you for many years of gastronomic delight. You will be sorely missed," another person shared.

"So sad. I remember going to Alpine Village since I was a kid, we'd have a meal, visit the shops. Later as an adult I visit the restaurant and bar, buy some meats from the market and of course the best Oktoberfest. Many fantastic memories here," another commented.

According to its website, the Alpine Village Shops will remain open.

Lunasia Dim Sum House Torrance

Some of the most acclaimed dim sum in Los Angeles is now available in the South Bay. Lunasia Dim Sum House — which appeared on The Times’ 101 Best Restaurants list in 2021 — opened an outpost in Torrance this month for handmade dumplings, Cantonese entrées and specialties such as truffle-topped siu-mai in Rolling Hills Plaza. It marks the fourth L.A.-area location for the all-day dim-sum chain and, unlike the outposts in Alhambra, Pasadena and Cerritos, features both indoor dining and a large patio for alfresco service. Currently the menu is more pared-down than at its Alhambra originator but still offers barbecued meats; congee; steamed, baked and fried dim sum; noodles; soups; desserts; and more. Lunasia Torrance is now open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A grand-opening ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 22.

2575 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Torrance, (323) 372-0828, lunasiadimsum.com

Junkyard Dog

A new vegan restaurant and sports bar from the owner of Real Food Daily is now open in Silver Lake. Junkyard Dog, housed in the space formerly home to Sunset Sushi and Ma’am Sir, offers plant-based breakfasts, bar bites, entrées and a late-night menu, all served daily. Options include an Impossible burger topped with truffled mushrooms; omelets and scrambles in either tofu or egg-substitute varieties; biscuits and meatless-sausage gravy with greens; pizza bagels; pizzas; pastas; boozy milkshakes; and a full bar. Multiple TVs hanging above both the bar and a wall of booth seating display football, baseball and other sports. Junkyard Dog is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and again from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

4330 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 522-3784, junkyarddogla.com

Shaq’s Big Chicken Valencia

Shaquille O’Neal launched his fried chicken chain in California with a Glendale outpost in early 2020, and this week, the NBA all-star and Olympic medalist expanded the national chain with a Valencia location. Big Chicken is open in the River Oaks Shopping Center, serving O’Neal-approved fried chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken, tenders, sliders and chicken-topped salads, plus loaded fries, mac ’n’ cheese, shakes, cookies and ice cream sandwiches inspired by some of the NBA Hall of Famer’s favorite childhood dishes. Big Chicken Valencia is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

24341 Magic Mountain Parkway, Unit #5, Valencia, (661) 481-0003, bigchicken.com

Steep After Dark

To foster community during the pandemic, modern Chinatown teahouse Steep LA hosted a limited-run evening-only, outdoor pop-up in 2020 called Steep After Dark, using its tea blends to infuse spirits and offering a more upscale selection of bites than the cafe sells during the day. Owners Samuel Wang and Lydia Lin recently reprised Steep After Dark, now running as a permanent program Thursday to Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. with tea-based customizable cocktails in “build-a-classic” format, or house concoctions that use ingredients such as oolong-tinged rum, sesame oil, Sichuan peppercorn syrup and pu-erh-infused tequila. Dishes include truffle-braised pork rice, ikura-topped tofu in an oolong dashi, edamame marinated in Chinese yellow wine and more.

970 N. Broadway, Ste. 112, Los Angeles, (213) 394-5045, steepla.com

TORRANCE, Calif. — Six days a week, Estela Navarez heads to the Alpine Village Swap Meet near Torrance, setting out a variety of candies and snacks for customers.

“I really love what I do. I really love it,” she said.

What You Need To Know

This work has sustained her for the past 17 years. Navarez said selling at this swap meet has helped her pay for her house and raise three children, and that all the vendors are like family.

They even helped her get through a tough time when she faced a heartbreaking tragedy.

“My two sons passed away, and this is like my family. It’s not like work, get money from here,” she said. “We are all family. We all know each other for so many years."

So when the vendors were given an abrupt notice two days after Christmas that the swap meet would close permanently in mid-January, she was shocked and devastated.

“If there were to tell us six months before, three months before, it would be better,” she said. “Not like throwing us like we mean nothing to them. We are human beings, we are hard workers.”

The written notice states the swap meet will shut down from Jan. 16 through Jan. 31 and may not reopen again in February, giving no explanation for the closure.

But on Sunday, Jan. 15, Navarez got another notice that the swap meet would stay open for one more week and that “additional information will be provided prior to Jan. 22, 2023.”

Navarez said there are at least 200 vendors here and many have been selling goods for decades. Long-time vendors like Marisela Mora, who sells honey and health supplements.

“It’s very terrible when we received that news, in the new year, it’s very terrible,” she said.

Walter Carpenter has shopped here for five years and said he’s disappointed about the last-minute closure.

“It sucks. Look at all these people here, so you can tell they literally have to go somewhere else,” he said. “It’s not like two people are here and they have to go replace themselves. There’s about 200 people in here selling.”

Navarez said it’s not that easy to just sell somewhere else because vendors typically apply to swap meets and many are not open six days a week. She believes this property may have been sold.

The Alpine Village Swap Meet management did not respond to Spectrum News' request for comment.

But Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, whose district includes this swap meet, said she takes vendors’ concerns seriously and told Spectrum News, “Many of these small and family-owned businesses have been operating at this historic landmark for over 30 years and have been given less than two weeks to find a new place to keep their doors open. Although this is a private sale outside of the county’s purview, my office is currently working to see what can be done to provide more time and support to our constituents that are impacted.”

Navarez along with other vendors have already held two protests against the potential closure. She said she will keep pushing for answers and fighting to keep the swap meet open.

“I do this with my heart. That’s why it’s so sad for somebody to just tell me they are closing,” she said.