On Tuesday 8/23 the Torrance City Council met to choose a District 2 Councilmember, to fill the seat that George Chen left vacant when he was sworn in as Mayor in July. (Ref City Charter Sec 603(b)). The term continues until the next election in March 2024. The City Clerk was prepared to give the Oath of Office at the meeting, with a blank space on the document ready to be filled with the name of the newly selected city council member.

Eight applications were received for the position. They are listed here in the order the applications are available on the City Council meeting minutes:

Charles Deemer, a self-employed bookkeeper/tax preparer of over 40 years. Mr Deemer's questionnaire responses cited being a City Commissioner for 17 years as Vice-Chair and Chairman and currently serving on the Metro South Bay Service Council.

James Hill, video editor of 12 months. Civic participation included being a volunteer at a Rabbit Rescue and vice-president and president at a Folk Music Club and Film Club, respectively.

Bridgett Lewis, Manager of Homeland Security for the City of Long Beach Harbor Department for 7 years. Civic participation includes commissioner on the City of Torrance's Civil Service Commission, Chair of the Employment Relations Committee, Academy of Global Logistic Advisory Board member, Southern California Mediation Association board member, and member/president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Past employment with the Torrance Police Department.

Robert Lippert, retired computer programmer/computer operations. The questionnaire stated they had no experience for the position. Included in the application was the admission that they had received a misdemeanor for a DUI in 1999.

John Magome withdrew the application prior to the September 23rd meeting. 

Alan Masnek, Machine Sales at IMPAK Corp for 4 years. Commissioner for the City of Torrance Water Commission since 2021. The questionnaire cited a career as an engineer in the private sector and stated no prior government experience. 

Liz (Elizabeth) Pino, Community Engagement Specialist for Wider Circle of 1 year. Civic experience includes Commissioner for the Planning Commission, previously for the Cultural Arts Commission, U.N. Women LA Board member for 2018, and member of the League of Women Voters of Torrance Area. Included in the application was a letter of recommendation from David Katrsonis and the admission that Ms. Pino were charged for a DUI in 2009, reduced to Reckless Driving at court, and along with the remedial actions including counseling the case had been dismissed and expunged.

During the Council meeting, a seventh applicant, Arthur Schaper, was disqualified by a vote of 5-1 because he had failed to disclose a prior expunged conviction as required by law (Ref CPC 1203.4). 

The voting occurred over four rounds with the Council at each vote deadlocked 3-3. 

Councilmembers Kalani, Griffiths, and Sheikh all voted together, with either their collective first or second choice as Bridget Lewis or Elizabeth Pino, who are commissioners on the Civil Service Commission and Planning and Land Use Commission in Torrance, respectively.

Chen, Kaji, and Mattucci voted as their first choice in each round for Alan Masnek, a commissioner on the Water Commission in Torrance, without stating a second choice at any point. 

The three other applicants did not receive any votes and are Robert Lippert, Charles Teemer, and James Hill.

Twenty letters from Torrance residents were published with the applications with over half supporting Liz Pino and Bridgett Lewis. 

Of the more than 15 oral comments at the council meeting, applicants Lewis and Pino received multiple public endorsements, including from constituents in District 2.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the council agreed to reconsider and then hold a special meeting on 8/31. Per city election rules, if an applicant is not voted by a majority by the council, the public will vote in a Special Election that may cost the city approximately $542,000. 

Interested Torrance residents can write their comments to the City Council members and attend the Wednesday August 31 meeting in person at 7pm in Council Chambers.