Page 4 July 20, 2017 TORRANCE TRIBUNE TerriAnn in Torrance The 13th Annual Rock Around the Block in Downtown Torrance By TerriAnn Ferren This evening, Post Avenue in downtown Torrance will be blocked off from Cravens to Sartori from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. for the free 13th Annual Rock Around the Block extravaganza. The event includes vintage cars, the In-N-Out Burger Wagon, worldrenowned yo-yo champ Alex Hatrori, hula hoop and bubble gum blowing contests, a Jared Sidney Torrance. cakewalk, pie eating contest, games and music. The special event marks when in December 1956, the City of Torrance received the All American City Award. Back in the early days of the founding of our beloved city, and especially right after WWII and the Korean War, it was notable that even with the influx of new housing and a growing population, Torrance easily met every challenge--and that fact brought Torrance to the front of the class as an example of what a city should and could be in a modern world. “The City of Torrance received the All-American City Recognition Award for its growth without strain, because that was a time in the late ‘50s when all the vets were coming back from the war into society and they needed housing. So Torrance was booming in the late ‘50s and we did it fabulously with growth without strain and that was due to Mayor Albert Isen’s [Mayor from April 1955-April 1970] leadership,” said Debbie Hays, First Vice President of the Torrance Historical Society and Museum. On Monday, Debbie graciously opened the doors of the Torrance Historical Society Museum in downtown Torrance and explained how the City received this exceptional recognition. Growing up in Torrance, I thought being an All -American City was simply part of Torrance’s name--sort of like a title. Later, I learned that All-American City was special and an honor not every community could claim. Although Torrance received this very special title in 1956, it was January 1957 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent a telegram from the White House in Washington, D.C. to Mayor Isen that read, “Please give my congratulations to the citizens of Torrance as they receive word of their selection as an All-American City. This award recognizes their splendid response to the problems and challenges of modern municipal life. Their individual and cooperative efforts are an example to the communities of the nation.” Not long after receiving this prestigious award, Look (Volume 21, Number 24), a popular magazine of the time, wrote a feature story about our wonderful hometown. One of the things I noticed in the article was the mention of how well the City of Torrance was planned. Our Planning Department throughout the years has maintained that high standard--just look around at our town. Our city is special. Inside Look was a picture of our then-City Manager George Stevens, who graciously gave credit to the Mayor and Council at the time for the City’s stellar record and leadership ways. He said the Mayor and Council’s high standards of public service and their work in behalf of equitable tax rates, and long-range improvement programs for the community catapulted the City into the lead. Actually, I think that statement is still true. Torrance, I believe, has long taken the high road in the South Bay and stands as a model to neighboring cities under the leadership of past civil servants- -and now especially because of our current City Manager, LeRoy J. Jackson. As I looked around the museum, I was reminded of all the treasures of our city displayed inside just waiting to be discovered. When you come down to Rock Around the Block, don’t forget to check out the museum. Truly, our town has nuggets of gold tucked away in its history just waiting to be discovered. The Vintage Car Show, sponsored by the Crusin’ ‘50s Car Club, the Touring A’s, and local individual car owners, will show off their spit and polished “rolling stock” as ‘50s music, spun by DJ Ozzie, keeps the atmosphere nostalgic. Live entertainment, including The Torrelle’s, a group of Torrance City employees who sing ‘50s and ‘60s songs a cappella, will perform--and world-renowned yo-yo champ Alex Hattori will amaze the crowd with his award-winning tricks and live demonstration for all those wanting to learn the skill of yo-yoing. Right next door to the museum, the Bartlett Senior Center will host the South Bay Strummers (ukulele group) on their patio. Come prepared for retro games like the Dime Toss, or you could take a few minutes and paint your own pet rock. Make sure and enter the hula hoop and bubble gum blowing contests. And don’t forget the cakewalk (sponsored by Torrance Bakery) and the pie-eating contest. Debbie Hays assures me there are prizes! Again this year the Torrance Fire Department will be available for instructing, to anyone who wishes, hands-on CPR training to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, made popular by the film Saturday Night Fever. Yes, I now have that song in my brain too. And if you find yourself looking for that special Kodak Moment, pose next to Jared Sidney Torrance just outside the museum. This annual summertime event, located at 1345 Post Avenue, is hosted in partnership with the Torrance Historical Society, the City of Torrance, CitiCable 3, Torrance Bakery, and the Old Torrance Neighborhood Association. Our town is special and every summer we take a break from our busy lives and remember a time when life was a bit slower, pet rocks were cool, blowing bubbles was an art, and nothing tasted better than a burger in our own hometown--our All-American City of Torrance. Congratulations, Torrance! • Torrelle’s practicing for the 13th Annual Rock Around the Block. Telegram from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. All-American City of Torrance Badge. touch & take off! Plus, enjoy speeds up to 45Mbps at one all-included price, with no extra monthly fees. 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