Our block party is rapidly approaching … Saturday August 29 at 4 pm.  This year’s theme is “World Cup Celebration” and we will be celebrating our countries of origin and ethnic backgrounds.  So, wear a jersey and bring an appetizer or dessert representing your country of origin / ethnic background.

Here are some highlights for this year’s block party:

1. Food

Due to overwhelming demand following last year’s block party, we will again be hosting Ciao Bella Pizzeria (on-site wood fired pizza).  Select from 8 different pizzas and pay with your credit card at the event.  Couldn’t be easier!  And, as mentioned above, bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

2. Entertainment

There will be a jumper (with alternating periods for under and over age 12 children) and games.  And, new for this year, guest DJ slots!  Sign-up your tween/teen when you register and have them create a 30 minute playlist on their mobile phone.  Decorations and adult beverages (to be consumed only on private property) round out the block party atmosphere.

3. Registration

Let us know how many of you will be coming, select the pizzas you plan to order (just for caterer planning purposes, non-committal), sign-up for appetizers, desserts, and volunteer slots (including guest DJ), etc.

4. Donation

We recommend a donation of $15 per family to cover permit, liability insurance, jumper, and other miscellaneous costs.  Donation can be made during registration via Venmo.  Other payment methods are noted during registration.

From the Newton Street Community Group:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you all for your incredible support and participation! Yesterday’s Traffic Commission meeting had a great turnout — many neighbors attended and spoke about our shared concerns regarding the Triangle Intersection and speeding on Newton Street.

Key Takeaways:

• The City’s proposals to move the stop sign, add a yield sign on 242nd, and paint new lines were not approved.
• Instead, the City will study traffic speeds on Newton Street to better understand how fast and how many cars are using the route.
• They discussed adding a bike lane, but said the lack of space limits that option. We encouraged them to keep exploring ways to make routes to school safer.
• The City agreed to look into trimming overgrown trees at the pocket park to improve visibility on Newton Street of Walnut Street, and a sign to announce Walnut St. “Road Ahead”
• Regarding speed bumps, the City engineers declined the idea, stating that they are not fire truck–friendly. We will continue to investigate speed cushions as a more viable option.
• The roundabout option was rejected because the clearance needed is 110–120 feet from the property line, though we plan to investigate this further.
• The police department will collect more data on traffic and speed since no current data was available. We have also asked the engineers to share the data collected in September for our records and for their review.

Next Steps:
We’ll follow up on:

• Results of the new traffic and speed studies
• Review of signage on Vista Montaña and Hawthorne to reduce cut-through traffic

• Input from the Fire Department on speed cushions vs. speed bumps
• Exploring the idea of making both lanes on Newton Street full-use bike lanes
• Tree trimming at the pocket park and a sign to announce Walnut St. to Newton drivers

Although not all proposals were approved, the City is now focusing on gathering real data and prioritizing safety — an important step forward thanks to our community’s strong participation and unified voice.

Here’s an update regarding the upcoming Triangle meeting on Monday, October 6th at 7:00 PM at the City of Torrance West Annex Commission Meeting Room.

The City of Torrance has just posted the agenda packet online. You can view it here: https://www.torranceca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/98435

Please see page 8 and onward in the packet for details about what the City is proposing to do at the intersection.  We encourage you to review the packet and share your comments. Your input matters!  

Feel free to share this information with your neighbors or anyone who may be interested in this issue. The Newton Street/Bluff Street email list continues to grow every day, thanks to your help in spreading the word.  

If you want to join the Bluff Street Email list, just go to the mailing list page : https://bblists.com/mailman/listinfo/bluffstreet_bblists.com and add yourself (subject to approval) or send an email to to be added. Be sure to share your Bluff Street Address.

If you ever want to be dropped from the list you can go there too.

October 18th, 2025 3 PM – 7 PM

This year’s theme is “Festa Italiana”

• A Disc Jockey (DJ) taking requests and Keeping the party moving
• Games
• A jumper for the kids
• Potluck for appetizers and desserts
• Italian themed decorations
• A Dodger NLCS game “watch party”

For food this year you can bring your own or purchase a wood-fired pizza from Ciao Bella Mobile Pizzeria

• Each pizza approx. 11 inch / 4 slices
  • Estimate 1 pizza per adult and 1 pizza per 2 children
• Each person / family pays directly at block party (bring your credit card!)
• Pizza Options
  • MARGHERITA $15
    • (tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil) 
  • PEPPERONI $16
    • (tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, pepperoni and basil) 
  • HONEY BADGER $18
    • (tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, basil, soppressata, Calabrian chili and honey)
  • MEAT LOVER $19
    • (tomato, mozzarella, parmesan, basil, ham, sausage, pepperoni) 
  • VEGGIE LOVER $18
    • (tomato, Parmesan, basil, mozzarella, mushroom, arugula)
  • LA TARTUFATA  $19
    • (Truffle sauce, pecorino, mozzarella, wild mushroom, arugula)

Please Please Please…

• Register for the block party by Friday October 3
  http://bluffstreet.bblists.com/register
  • Indicate type and quantity of pizzas you intend to
    purchase (for caterer planning)
• Recommend a donation of $15 per family to cover block
  party expenses (permit, insurance, jumper, etc.)
  • Can make donation when registering