Torrance, California was founded in 1911 by Jared S. Torrance, (1852-1921), a real estate developer. He wanted to build a planned residential and industrial community. By 1921, petroleum was discovered which greatly increased interest in the community. Many large corporations have their headquarters here, as well as electronics, plastics, aluminum and other large businesses. The incorporation date of Torrance was 1921.

Torrance Beach, Madrona Marsh--a freshwater nature preserve--the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, the Joslyn Fine Arts Gallery, the Torrance Historical Society Museum in old Downtown Torrance, the South Bay Center of the Arts at El Camino College and Del Amo Fashion Center, the largest enclosed shopping mall in the west.

Torrance has 1.5 miles of lifeguard patrolled beach, bath house facilities and public parking.

Torrance has many recreations activities with 24 parks with 300 acres of parkland, golfing, swimming, tennis and more. Torrance Beach has facilities for everyone with playground, volleyball, surfing, swimming, bath houses, lifeguards and more. Wilson Park has 44 acres and Columbia park 52 acres.