Palos Verdes Estates
Palos Verdes Estates, located on the western side of the Peninsula was incorporated in 1939. Approximately 13,700 residents reside in this city and enjoy remarkable views of the Pacific Ocean and Los Angeles basin. Palos Verdes Estates offers activities that range from recreation sports such as hiking and golf to shopping at the two local commercial areas. Also located within city limits are many churches and a library. The city’s layout was designed by the Olmstead brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmstead Sr., who designed New York City’s Central Park. In this layout, 849 acres were designated as permanent parkland, so many of the properties enjoy unobstructed views all around.
Rancho Palos Verdes
Like Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes is a city that offers ocean and city views. Even though the approximate population of 42,000 residents makes this city the largest on the Peninsula, Rancho Palos Verdes remains a very desirable place to live. Along with being the most populated city, its incorporation in 1973 makes it the youngest one. Within city limits are a number of shopping centers including the Golden Cove Shopping Center and the large commercial strip along Western Avenue. Rancho Palos Verdes is also home to golf courses including the Ocean Trails and Los Verdes Golf Courses. Located on the Peninsula’s southwest side, the city is home to many quiet coves and beaches protected by steep cliffs.
Rolling Hills Estates
Situated on the northern side of the Peninsula, Rolling Hills Estates is home to approximately 8,000 residents. Along with hilly terrain lined with homes, the city has more than 25 miles of scenic trails and six parks. For those who have shopping on their minds, Rolling Hills Estates is home to the mile-long Peninsula Center shopping area which includes open-air shopping plazas featuring a state-of-the-art movie theater, an ice rink, specialty restaurants, name-brand retailers, and local merchants.
Rolling Hills
Contrary to Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills is the least populated and oldest city on the Peninsula. Incepted in 1936, the city is a private gated community of approximately 2,000 residents situated on 1,889 acres in the center of the Peninsula. Major characteristics of Rolling Hills are the one story ranch style homes and equestrian based lifestyles present throughout. In addition to being a private gated community with three gated and guarded entrances, there is no commerce or industry.
Centrally located between Los Angeles and Orange Counties of Southern California, Torrance has become an important hub for commerce in the South Bay. With a population of over 130,000, Torrance has become the fourth most populated city in Los Angeles County. In addition to being home for many residents, there are many large and small companies located throughout, the city of Torrance has become headquarters for major employers such as Honda, Toyota, Epson and Kubota.
For times where leisure activities are sought, there are many shopping centers, restaurants, and other entertainment attractions. There is also a beach-front section on the southwestern part of the city known as the Hollywood Riviera. On an academic level, Torrance has six public libraries, excellent schools, and is home to El Camino Community College. The city website at www.ci.torrance.ca.us gives detailed information for visitors, current and prospective residents. Below are some useful addresses and phone numbers for the city:
City Offices 3031 Torrance Blvd. 310-540-5858
Chamber of Commerce 3400 Torrance Blvd. Suite 100 310-540-5858
Torrance Unified School District 2335 Plaza Del Amo 310-972-6500
Post Offices
Torrance Main Office 2510 Monterey St. 310-222-5902
Marcelina Station 1433 Marcelina Ave. 310-222-5902
Del Amo Station 291 Del Amo Fashion Square 310-222-5902
North Torrance Station 18080 Crenshaw Blvd. 310-222-5902
Walteria 4216 Pacific Coast Highway 310-222-5902
Libraries
Katy Geissert Civic Center Library 3301 Torrance Blvd. 310-618-5959
El Retiro Branch Library 126 Vista del Parque 310-375-0922
Henderson Branch Library 4805 Emerald 310-371-2075
North Torrance Branch Library 3604 West Artesia 310-323-7200
Southeast Branch Library 23115 South Arlington 310-530-5044
Walteria Branch Library 3815 West 242nd St 310-375-8418
Police/Fire Emergency 911
Torrance Police Department 3300 Civic Center Drive 310-328-3456
Torrance Fire Department 1701 Crenshaw Blvd. 310-781-7000
Parks and Recreation Department 310-618-2930
DMV www.dmv.ca.gov
Torrance Branch 1785 W. 220th St. 800-777-0133
San Pedro Branch 1511 N. Gaffey St. 800-777-0133
Utilities
SBC Phone Service www.sbc.com 800-310-2355
Torrance Trash Department N/A 310-781-6900
Time Warner Communication www.timewarnercable.com 888-TW-Cable
So. CA Edison www.sce.com 800-655-4555
So. CA Gas Co. www.socalgas.com 800-427-2200
Torrance Water N/A 310-618-5831