10C
Date: December 2, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Armed Forces Day Standing Committee
Aram Chaparyan, City Manager
Robert Dunn, Chief of Police
By: Jin Chun, Public Engagement Manager | [email protected] Subject: Armed Forces Day Standing Committee, City Manager, and Police – Accept and File Committee Meeting Minutes and Provide Direction on Committee’s Recommendations Regarding 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration.
Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee, City Manager, and Chief of Police that City Council:
1. Accept and file the July 1, 2025 Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee meeting minutes; and
2. Provide direction on preferred planning options for the 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration.
FUNDING
Non-wage expenditure ranges from $117,662 to $508,103. 323,890 is available in the General Fund’s fiscal year 2025-2026 operating budget for non-wage expenditures. Additional appropriation of $184,213 is needed, if option 2 is selected.
DISCUSSION
On July 1, 2025, the Armed Forces Day Parade Standing Committee met to receive an after- action report on the 2025 Armed Force Day Parade and Celebration. Staff reported that the 2025 Armed Forces Day Parade drew an estimated 7,600 spectators, with improved safety measures and positive community feedback. However, the 2025 event faced several challenges, including a decline in military participation, reduced attendance by 25-30% at the various scheduled AFD weekend events compared to past years. As a result of additional parade route security measures, the AFD costs also increased to approximately $498,433.
To address these challenges and ensure sustainability of future Armed Forces Day events, the Committee discussed several modifications to the format, duration, and venue. 1 City Council
December 2, 2025
The Armed Forces Day Committee voted to forward the following recommendations to City Council for consideration:
Explore the feasibility of downsizing to a 1-day event and eliminate or modify low attended events;
Continue to retain a parade component as part of any proposed restructured celebration; Consider alternative venues, including the Honda campus or other large-capacity sites; Evaluate the potential to incorporate high school bands to increase community participation;
Explore ticketed VIP or grandstand seating options;
Consider incorporating unique attractions such as a monster truck or motocross exhibition; and
Strengthen ROTC participation and engagement with military dignitaries.
In alignment with the Committee’s direction, staff developed four planning options for the 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration and seek Council approval of one of the options.
Those options include the following:
Option 1 - Amended Torrance Boulevard with Traditional Program Format - Estimated Grand Total $454,887
Option 1 retains the Parade along Torrance Boulevard with amendments to it and the 5K to account for a relocated military exhibit display and staging area from the Del Amo Fashion Center to the City Yard. This removes the Madrona Avenue street closures to the south of Torrance Boulevard and extends the closures of Madrona Avenue north of Torrance Boulevard to Del Amo Boulevard. This option maintains the Saturday evening banquet with the exhibit open Friday through Sunday afternoon. Eliminating the mixer ($3,123), concert ($3,368), and luncheon ($7,700) creates a savings of $14,191. For option 1, the estimated nonwage cost is projected to be $275,161, estimated wage costs is projected to be $179,726, with the estimated grand total projected to be $454,887.
Option 2 – Reimagined Community Parade to Downtown Torrance with Expanded Program - Estimated Grand Total $707,236
Option 2 reimagines the traditional parade by retaining the parade along Torrance Boulevard but reversing its direction. The parade would begin at Torrance City Hall, proceed east, and concludes in Downtown Torrance. This option also redesigns the 5K course to start beneath the new Downtown Torrance Gateway sign at Torrance Boulevard and Sartori Avenue. Participants would travel north on Sartori Avenue to Dominguez Way, loop through Van Ness Avenue, continuing onto Cabrillo Avenue, turning around before Carson Street, returning on Cabrillo Avenue, then west back onto Torrance Boulevard and finish under the new Downtown Torrance sign. This option is also considering a collaboration with American Honda, contingent on their approval to utilize their employee parking lot which could be the site of the military exhibit, alternatively it would be placed at the City Yard. This option would continue to require closure of Madrona Avenue north of Torrance Boulevard to Del Amo Boulevard, and pending Honda’s approval, would add closures at all north south intersections and driveways along Torrance Boulevard extending past Cabrillo Avenue. Staff researched the option of including a fireworks or drone show as an evening add-on. Fireworks would not be a viable option as there is not a safe launching distance in order for fireworks to be visible at El Prado Park. A drone show above El Prado Park could be an option and has been added to the cost estimate. Option 2 also includes the concept of an evening concert at El Prado Park before the drone show. For option 2, the 2 City Council
December 2, 2025
estimated nonwage cost is projected to be $508,103, estimated wage costs is projected to be $199,133, with the estimated grand total projected to be $707,236. The cost variance results from the increased street closures and protective barriers, as well as expanded programming and corresponding staffing adjustments needed to support the revised event footprint. An additional appropriation of $184,213 is needed, if option 2 is selected.
Option 3 – One-Day Community Parade on Skypark Drive - Estimated Grand Total $233,801
Option 3 streamlines operations by focusing all parade activities, 5K, staging, and public engagement within the Skypark Drive corridor, eliminating the need for major road closures along Torrance Boulevard. The route would utilize Skypark Drive between Garnier Street to the South and Madison Street and 240th Street to the north offering a contained and easily managed footprint for participants and spectators. The City Yard or adjacent facility (Parking Lot close to Madison Street and Skypark Drive) may serve as possible military exhibit and staging areas. This format provides a more cost and logistically efficient approach with reduced staffing, public safety, and traffic management requirements compared to a larger multi-day and multi-venue options.
For option 3, the estimated nonwage cost is projected to be $117,662, estimated wage costs is projected to be $116,139, with the estimated grand total projected to be $233,801. The estimated cost variance results from the adjusted reduction of street closures and protective barriers required for a scaled down event. Staff does note that although this option utilizes the ‘Turkey Trot’ route, the conditions under which the event in May would take place would be different as the bulk of Commercial Uses would be open and experience their traditional customer volumes.
Option 4 – Modified All-Inclusive Event Relocated to Torrance Airport - Estimated Grand Total $191,252
Option 4 proposes relocating the entire community celebration to the Torrance Municipal Airport, transforming the site into a centralized venue for all event components, including the parade, military exhibit, recruitment opportunities, community booths, and family activities including an aviation centered theme and STEM activities. This three-day format offers significant operational efficiencies and cost savings. By holding the event entirely on airport grounds, street barricades and major road closures are no longer required, reducing logistical complexity and cutting costs by nearly half of the overall budget. Despite the savings, the scale and impression of the event remain fully intact. Attendees would still experience a robust parade, interactive exhibits, 5K and large-scale community participation. Additionally, Torrance Transit would support the event by offering park-and-ride options from key City parks and/or facilities around all 6 Districts and the Regional Transit Center ensuring easy and convenient access for residents and visitors while minimizing on-site congestion. For option 4, the estimated nonwage cost is projected to be $65,922, estimated wage costs is projected to be $125,330, with the estimated grand total projected to be $191,252.
The City’s adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 includes a designated nonwage allocation of $323,890 for the Armed Forces Day Parade. All options, with the exception of Option 2, fall within this approved budget.
Please see Attachments 1 through 4 for full details on each option, including the event program overview and corresponding maps. Attachment 5 details a side-by-side cost breakdown for each option.
3 City Council
December 2, 2025
The City Manager and Police Chief are requesting the City Council accept and file the July 1, 2025 Armed Forces Day Committee meeting minutes, consider the available options and provide direction to staff to begin implementing the Council’s vision.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Option 1 Program Details and Map
2. Option 2 Program Details and Map
3. Option 3 Program Details and Map
4. Option 4 Program Details and Map
5. Cost Estimate Summary
6. 2025 After Action Committee Meeting Minutes
4 OPTION 1: Amended Torrance Boulevard with Traditional Program Format
Overview: Maintain existing format with new Exhibit site | Event Duration: 3 Days Estimated Cost: Nonwage: $275,161; Wage: $179,726; Grand Total: $454,887 | Cost Ranking: Second to Highest
Location:
• Parade: Torrance Boulevard
• Exhibit: Proposed at Honda Parking Lot, City Yard, Courthouse Parking Lot Schedule & Activities:
• Friday: Exhibit (Eliminate Mixer and Concert)
• Saturday: 5K, Parade, Military Exhibit, Banquet Dinner (Eliminate Lunch) • Sunday: Military Exhibit
• Hotel: 2-night stay (Friday/Saturday)
Parade Details:
• Traditional parade route along Torrance Boulevard
• Highlighting Honorary Branch: United States Marine Corp • Invite traditional military members along with community groups including veterans’ organizations, hometown heroes, ROTC, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, non-profits, school bands
Exhibit Details:
• City Yard or American Honda employee parking lot pending approval • Display of military vehicles, recruitment booths, and community organizations • Friday early morning set up, Saturday military exhibit after parade and Sunday morning.
Special Features / Additions:
• Relocate 5K route to be near any of the proposed new military exhibit sites Logistics & Requirements:
• Traditional street closures near Torrance Boulevard and access roads • Coordination with traditional City partners and departments • Approximate access points: 108
• Approximate barricades needed: 750
Community & Business Engagement:
• Recommendation to extend marketing the event beyond 50-mile radius for extended community participation Approvals / Pending Items:
• Exhibit Site at City Yard, Honda Parking Lot (pending approval) or Torrance Courthouse Parking Lot (pending approval) Staffing hours from departments impacted the most
• Torrance Police – 1,197
• Public Works – 234 Reg | 38 OT
• Transit – 153.8 OT
5 ATTACHMENT 1
PROS CONS
- Preserves Traditional Format
- Logistics & operation plans exist
- Easy Access by foot for participants
- Heavy Staffing Commitment
- Challenges with securing military participation
6 OPTION 2 - Reimagined Community Parade to Downtown Torrance with Expanded Program
Overview: A reimagined community-centered program focused on local engagement and economic activity in Downtown Torrance | Event Duration: 2 Days Estimated Cost: Nonwage: $508,102; Wage: $199,133; Grand Total: $707,236 | Cost Ranking: Highest
Location:
• Parade: Torrance Boulevard from Madrona Avenue to Sartori Avenue • 5K Potential Route: Torrance Boulevard at Sartori Avenue to Van Ness Avenue to Dominguez Street down Sartori Avenue to Cabrillo Avenue to Carson Street and turn back round on Cabrillo Avenue back to Torrance Boulevard and Sartori Avenue • Post-event Activities: Downtown Torrance & El Prado Park Schedule & Activities:
• Friday: Welcome Banquet with military guests, exhibit set up • Saturday: Parade and events at El Prado Park (concert & fireworks or drone show) • Hotel: 2-night stay (Friday/Saturday)
Parade Details:
• “America’s Armed Forces Day Parade”
• Invite traditional military members along with community groups including veterans’ organizations, hometown heroes, ROTC, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, nonprofits, school bands
Exhibit Details:
• Proposed at American Honda employee parking lot due to proximity (pending approval) • City Yard is alternative option as this would work with parade route starting near Madrona Avenue Special Features / Additions:
• Relocate 5K route to be near any of the proposed new military exhibit sites • Outdoor concert and evening drone shown at El Prado Park Logistics & Requirements:
• Street closures in Downtown Torrance
• Staffing challenges for Torrance Police Department as Saturday day events continue into evening events creating a split shift, requiring neighboring agency and public safety staffing support
• Approximate barricades needed: 1,297
Community & Business Engagement:
• Encourages visitors to shop, dine, and explore Downtown Torrance • Partnership opportunities with local businesses
Approvals / Pending Items:
• Honda parking lot exhibit location pending approval
Staffing hours from departments impacted the most
• Torrance Police – 1,357
• Public Works – 234 Reg | 39 OT
• Transit – 53.8 OT
7 ATTACHMENT 2
PROS CONS
- Strong downtown activation
- Easy access by foot
- Evening concert in the park and possible drone show added - Heaviest staffing commitment
- Major traffic impacts and complex logistics
- Highest cost estimate
8 OPTION 3 – One-Day Community Parade on Skypark Drive
Overview: A reimagined community parade | Event Duration: 1 Day Estimated Cost: Nonwage: $117,662; Wage: $116,139; Grand Total: $233,801 | Cost Ranking: Lowest
Location:
• Parade: Skypark Drive (Madison Street to Skypark Drive east to Garnier Street, approximately .75 miles) • Post-Parade Exhibits: Madison Street and Skypark Drive parking lot or on Madison Street between Skypark Drive and 240th Street with street closure for exhibit and parade start route
• Optional Components: Torrance Airport (patriotic aircraft display, Heroes Games, food trucks) Schedule & Activities:
• Saturday: 5K, Parade with route modeled after the City’s annual Turkey Trot Parade Details:
• Invite traditional military members along with community groups including veterans’ organizations, hometown heroes, ROTC, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, nonprofits, school bands
Exhibit Details:
• Aircraft and vehicle displays, recruitment booths, food trucks, entertainment, and local business participation Special Features / Additions:
• 5K route on Skypark Drive, similar footprint to the City’s annual Turkey Trot Logistics & Requirements:
• Park & Ride option provided to community by Torrance Transit • Approximate barricades needed: 468
Community & Business Engagement:
• Businesses impacted by Skypark Drive closure, and/or located near Skypark Drive are invited to showcase or booth to engage with community at exhibit site
Approvals / Pending Items:
• Parking lot at Madison Street and Skypark Drive (pending approval by 7 owners who own 544 spaces in that parking lot location, City owns 31 spaces at that location)
Staffing hours from departments impacted the most
• Torrance Police – 644 Reg
• Public Works – 200 Reg | 28 OT
• Transit – 153.8 OT
9 ATTACHMENT 3
PROS CONS
- Smallest operational footprint
- Less staffing impact across departments due to scaled down event
- Streamlined and efficient event format
- Less community access by foot
- Non-traditional parade format
- Shifts emphasis from military-focus to community-oriented event
10 OPTION 4 – Modified All-Inclusive Event Relocated to Torrance Airport
Overview: Full traditional program relocated entirely to Torrance Airport | Event Duration: 3 Days Estimated Cost: Nonwage: $65,922; Wage: $125,330; Grand Total $191,252 | Cost Ranking: Second to Lowest
Location:
• Torrance Airport for Exhibit, 5K, Parade and possibly Banquet Schedule & Activities:
• Friday: Exhibit at Torrance Airport
• Saturday: 5K, Parade, Exhibit, Banquet (At airport, back up is Hotel Banquet Site for dinner) • Sunday: Exhibit
• Hotel: 2-night stay (Friday/Saturday)
Parade Details:
• Parade held along airport runway
• Invite traditional military members along with community groups including veterans’ organizations, hometown heroes, ROTC, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, nonprofits, school bands.
Exhibit Details:
• Aircraft and vehicle displays, recruitment booths, food trucks, entertainment, and local business participation • Open all three days
Special Features / Additions:
• 5K on the inside perimeter of airport is approximately 3 miles • Controlled access with on-site parking and staging
• Inside seating & VIP Grandstands planned
Logistics & Requirements:
• Temporary airport closure (Friday–Sunday for setup, event, and breakdown) • Coordination with local businesses
• Park & Ride option provided to community by Torrance Transit • Approximate barricades needed: 0
Community & Business Engagement:
• Robinson Helicopter expressed interest in participating, allowing public to park in employee parking lot • Businesses impacted with airport closure are invited to showcase at exhibit site to engage with community including area Car Dealerships and Shopping Centers to also participate and draw in additional customers Approvals / Pending Items:
• FAA notification and temporary closure with notification to airport tenants and businesses Staffing hours from departments impacted the most
• Torrance Police – 786
• Public Works – 100 Reg | 24 OT
• Transit – 116.8 OT
11 ATTACHMENT 4
PROS CONS
- Controlled site
- Maintain traditional elements all in one location
- Reduced staffing and no barricades needed
- Least impact to public safety
- Airport shutdown
- Non-traditional format
- Limited access by foot
12 Transit Reg Hours OT Hours Cost Reg Hours OT Hours Cost Reg Hours OT Hours Cost Reg Hours OT Hours Cost Bus Operator 153.8 8,053.74$ 153.8 8,053.74$ 116.8 6,116.24$ 116.8 6,116.24$ Transit Equipment Attendant 24.0 1,059.97$ 24.0 1,059.97$ 24.0 1,059.97$ 24.0 1,059.97$ Transit Supervisor 59.5 4,208.61$ 59.5 4,208.61$ 59.5 4,208.61$ 59.5 4,208.61$ Public Works
Assistant Engineer 60.0 12.0 4,575.60$ 60.0 10.0 4,425.16$ 20.0 4.0 1,525.20$ 40.0 4.0 2,749.52$ Associate Engineer 90.0 12.0 6,921.38$ 90.0 10.0 6,753.72$ 30.0 4.0 2,307.13$ 60.0 4.0 4,278.93$ Engineering Manager 30.0 3,261.83$ 30.0 3,261.83$ 10.0 1,087.28$ 20.0 2,174.55$ Engineering Technician III 120.0 12.0 6,320.80$ 120.0 10.0 6,201.65$ 40.0 4.0 2,106.93$ 80.0 4.0 3,975.56$ Police
Administrative Assistant 65.0 2,847.57$ 65.0 2,847.57$ 65.0 2,847.57$ 65.0 2,847.57$ Police Lieutenant 35.0 6,151.79$ 43.0 7,557.91$ 32.0 5,624.49$ 27.0 4,745.67$ Police Officer 786.0 78,995.95$ 946.0 95,076.55$ 456.0 45,829.71$ 402.0 40,402.51$ Police Sergeant 194.0 25,358.81$ 226.0 29,541.71$ 120.0 15,685.86$ 120.0 15,685.86$ Police Services Officer 48.0 2,386.40$ 48.0 2,386.40$ 32.0 1,590.93$ 32.0 1,590.93$ Police Services Supervisor 49.0 3,308.09$ 49.0 3,308.09$ 48.0 3,240.58$ 25.0 1,687.80$ Public Safety Dispatcher 20.0 1,245.17$ 20.0 1,245.17$ - -$ - -$ City Manager's Office
Management Associate 32.0 2,562.82$ 32.0 2,562.82$ 32.0 2,562.82$ 32.0 2,562.82$ Supervising Content Creator 9.0 20.0 1,834.01$ 9.0 20.0 1,834.01$ 9.0 20.0 1,834.01$ 9.0 20.0 1,834.01$ Content Creator 9.3 17.5 782.54$ 9.3 17.5 782.54$ 9.3 17.5 782.54$ 9.3 17.5 782.54$ Communications Manager 27.0 3,197.06$ 27.0 3,197.06$ 27.0 3,197.06$ 27.0 3,197.06$ Production Assistant 99.0 - 2,145.66$ 99.0 - 2,145.66$ 99.0 - 2,145.66$ 99.0 - 2,145.66$ Multimedia Production Coordinator 27.0 24.0 1,779.32$ 27.0 833.21$ 27.0 - 833.21$ 27.0 833.21$ Staff Assistant (ICO) 36.0 16.0 2,376.97$ 36.0 16.0 2,376.97$ 36.0 16.0 2,376.97$ 36.0 16.0 2,376.97$ Senior Business Manager 13.0 13.0 1,778.76$ 13.0 13.0 1,778.76$ 13.0 13.0 1,778.76$ 13.0 13.0 1,778.76$ Community Services
Senior Program Specialist 8.0 2.0 296.40$ 8.0 2.0 296.40$ - - -$ - - -$ Lead Maintenance Worker 87.5 4,134.20$ 87.5 4,134.20$ 87.5 4,134.20$ 87.5 4,134.20$ General Services
Airport Worker 18.0 9.0 1,006.94$ 18.0 9.0 1,006.94$ 18.0 9.0 1,006.94$ 27.0 108.0 5,563.91$ Senior Business Manager -$ -$ -$ 27.0 2,349.84$ Facility Operations Manager 9.0 965.71$ 9.0 965.71$ 9.0 965.71$ 27.0 2,897.14$ Administrative Assistant - - -$ - - -$ - - -$ - 27.0 1,188.90$ Customer Service Rep. - - -$ - - -$ - - -$ - 27.0 870.64$ Senior Building Maintainer 19.0 1,291.11$ 19.0 1,291.11$ 19.0 1,291.11$ 19.0 1,291.11$ Facility Operations Chief 18.0 879.21$ -$ -$ -$ Wage Subtotal 179,726.43$ 199,133.48$ 116,139.50$ 125,330.49$ Attachment 5 - Armed Forces Day Wage and Nonwage Cost Summary 2025-2026 Option 1 (Full Traditional) Option 3 (Skypark Drive) Option 4 (Torrance Airport)Option 2 (Downtown Torrance) 13 ATTACHMENT 5
Nonwage Cost
Florist 1,877.00$ 1,877.00$ -$ 1,877.00$ Banquet 28,534.00$ 28,534.00$ -$ 28,534.00$ Hotel Rooms 25,722.00$ 25,722.00$ -$ 25,722.00$ Barriers 174,123.00$ 301,116.70$ 108,653.00$ -$ Printing 7,251.00$ 7,251.00$ 6,471.00$ 7,251.00$ Postage 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ 1,500.00$ Military Gifts 1,038.00$ 1,038.00$ 1,038.00$ 1,038.00$ Fuel Costs 18,000.00$ 18,000.00$ -$ -$ Contracted Sworn Officers 21,717.18$
Contracted Security Personnel 17,115.70$ 51,347.10$ -$ -$ Drone Show Estimate -$ 50,000.00$ -$ -$ Nonwage Subtotal 275,160.70$ 508,102.98$ 117,662.00$ 65,922.00$ Grand Total Cost 454,887.13$ 707,236.46$ 233,801.50$ 191,252.49$ 14 July 1, 2025
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL ARMED FORCES DAY SPECIAL STANDING COMMITTEE
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Armed Forces Day Special Standing Committee Meeting convened in a regular meeting on July 1, 2025 at 9:00 am in the LeRoy J. Jackson Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Mattucci, Committee Member Kalani, Committee Member Kaji
Absent: NONE
Present: Management Associate Carlos Huizar, Public Engagement Manager Jin Chun
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The pledge of allegiance was led by Committee Member Kalani.
3. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
Chair Mattucci welcomed those in attendance and requested that committee members introduce themselves to the public.
Staff presenting:
LT. Charles Fisher.
4. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
4A. City Manager and Police – Accept and File After Action Updates from 2025 Armed Forces Day and Parade Celebration and Provide Direction on 2026 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration Planning. Expenditure: None.
Public Engagement Manager Jin Chun introduced this item to the Committee, and turned the presentation over to Lt. Fisher using slides The 2025 Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration was an overall success with over 7,600 spectators.
The average spectators stayed at an average of 92 minutes and most spectators were families and Torrance Residents.
Main challenges of the 2025 Armed Forces Day Parade was the lack of military presence and participation despite confirmed RSVPs and lack of venue options for 2026.
Additionally, due to limited participation, funds were spent on dinners and accommodation that were not utilized.
Safety was excellent in 2025 with improved barriers and extra security detail.
Staff are concerned and seeking directions on the following items:
15 ATTACHMENT 6
July 1, 2025
o Consideration #1: 1-Day Event
Consider streamlining the 3-Day Armed Forces Day
event to a 1-Day Event
More opportunity to reduce staffing and logistical costs. o Consideration #2: Engaging with Military Dignitaries Prior to 2026
Although a success, many RSVPs were no shows,
including the Honored Color Guard.
As an effort to create contact and confirm participation Possibly an incentivized attendance
o Consideration #3: Evaluate Celebration Alternatives in Lieu of a Parade
Expenses for 2025 estimated total marginal cost at
$498,433
25% decrease in donations and sponsorships.
Staff recommend a centralized community event at
Wilson Park featuring: The Hero’s Games as an
athletic competition, Live Music/Concert, Veteran’s
Tribute Ceremonies, Fireworks/Drone Show, Honor
Wall, Spirit/Beer Walk, Food Trucks, etc.
Staff intend to address critical planning considerations early to build on prior successes
Chair Mattucci opened the floor for Public Comment.
No members wished to speak at this time.
Chair Mattucci commends the Torrance Police Department and all City Staff for their hard work on the 2025 Armed Forces Day event. He expressed concern for the lack of participation from the Military.
Committee Member Kalani thanks Lt. Fisher and expressed that the 2025 Armed Forces Day Event was a success. She expressed interest in combining the event to 1-Day event with a Dinner at night, or dinner the night before the event. She suggested a marching band competition implemented into the parade to encourage more participation amongst families. Committee Member Kalani also expressed a desire to continue the use of coins like in the 2025 Event. She also suggested utilizing Honda as a potential site for the 2026 Armed Forces Day event. Additionally, Committee Member Kalani suggested utilizing the Grandstand Seating as an incentive for Military Dignitaries to participate.
Committee Member Kaji thanks Lt. Fisher for the presentation. He expressed concern about the cost incurred of the event. Committee Member Kaji also expressed support to streamline the 3-Day event to a 1-Day event. Committee Member Kaji expressed support for the consideration of alternative venues, including the Honda location.
16 July 1, 2025
Chairman Mattucci expressed concern that Torrance residents may have lost interest in the Armed Forces Day Parade. He suggested that promotion and marketing for the event should be extended to a 50-mile radius. Chairman Mattucci suggested including a monster truck and/or a Veteran Motorcross as an element of the Armed Forces Day Event to increase participation. He also suggested conducting the Armed Forces Day Event prior to or after fleet week as to not compete with the largeness of that event.
Committee Member Kaji expresses the importance of including ROTC groups in future Armed Forces Day Events.
Chairman Mattucci asked if the Armed Forces Day Committee can get sponsorships from local companies. Public Engagement Manager Jin Chun detailed that historically groups have deterred from sponsoring Armed Forces Day, however the Chamber of Commerce has been responsible for reaching out for donations. She also clarifies that the Committee did invite several ROTC groups for the 2025 Armed Forces Day Event but suggested to reach out more groups.
Public Engagement Manager Jin Chun asks for clarification regarding the direction that the Armed Forces Dat Event Planning team should go in 2026.
Chairman Mattucci clarified that they are requesting for the events planning team present different options of a downsized the event, that will still include the presence of a parade.
Public Manager Jin Chun provides considerations for the committee in terms of safety. Such as condensing it to 1-day event and space constraints.
Chairman Mattucci expresses disinterest in removing the parade from the Armed Forces Day Celebrations. Committee Member Kalani suggested keeping the parade and moving all the following festivities on Civic Center grounds.
Committee Member Kalani also suggested removing the luncheon and consolidating it to a VIP area near the Grandstands.
Committee Member Kaji re-expressed interest for consolidating the 3-Day event to a 1-Day event. Additionally, he expressed interest in changing elements of the events and removing some that are no longer holding traction.
MOTION: Committee Member Kalani moved to concur with staff’s recommendation with the following additional recommendations from the committee: Bring back recommendations for a band competition element, possibly downsizing to a 1-day event, explore the feasibility of selling tickets, increase marketing for the event, explore a new location; such as Honda location, look into the feasibility of a monster truck/motorcross element, and extend invitations to several ROTC groups. The motion also included forwarding 17 July 1, 2025
these recommendations to the City Council. Committee Member Kaji seconded.
The motion carried by a vote of 3-0.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Mattucci asked if there were any members of the public that wished to speak under the Public Comment section. No members of the public wished to speak at this time.
6. CLOSING REMARKS
Public Engagement Manager Jin Chun thanked the Committee and LT. Fisher for his comprehensive overview of the 2025 Armed Forces Day Event. Additionally, she thanked members of the Torrance Police Department Traffic Division for all their efforts at the event. She noted that the events planning team will bring back all recommendations to the City Council.
7. ADJOURNMENT
At 10:13 am, Committee Member Kaji moved to adjourn the meeting. Committee Member Kalani second. The motion was carried by a vote of 3-0.
18