Torrance history:

Torrance is a city located in the South Bay (southwestern) region of Los Angeles County, California, United States. Torrance's 1.5 miles of beach coastline is less well-known than those of its immediate neighbors to the North, Redondo Beach, or to the South, Palos Verdes Estates. As of the 2009 California Population Estimate, the city's population was 149,111; the eighth largest city in Los Angeles County and the 35th largest in the state of California. Incorporated in 1921, Torrance enjoys a moderate year-round climate with warm temperatures, sea breezes, low humidity and an average rainfall of 12.55 inches per year. This residential city has 90,000 street trees.

As can be seen on the map above, Torrance is a coastal community in Los Angeles County, sharing the climate and geographical features common to the Los Angeles area. Its boundaries include Redondo Beach Boulevard and the cities of Lawndale and Gardena to the north. Torrance also borders Western Avenue and the Harbor Gateway, a neighborhood of Los Angeles to the east, and the cities of Lomita, Rolling Hills Estates and Palos Verdes Estates form the southern border, while the Pacific Ocean and the city of Redondo Beach are to the west.

Torrance Beach lies between Redondo Beach and Malaga Cove. The region shared by Torrance and Redondo Beaches are often called "Rat Beach" (short for "Right After Torrance" Beach or "Redondo and Torrance Beach").

One of the country's few urban wetlands can be found in Torrance. Madrona Marsh is a nature preserve on undeveloped land once set aside for oil production.

Torrance is located at 33°50′5″N 118°20′29″W / 33.83472°N 118.34139°W / 33.83472; -118.34139 (33.834815, -118.341330).

Residents of an unincorporated area to the east of Harbor Gateway abutting the city of Carson are allowed to use "Torrance" in their addresses by the USPS.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 53.2 km² (20.5 mi²), all land.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_California