The City of Torrance officially welcomed its newly elected leadership during a standing-room only City Council meeting on the evening of July 14, where an installation ceremony marked the transition of the city’s elected leadership and the beginning of a new chapter for Torrance.
Sharon Kalani
Sharon Kalani was sworn in as mayor, becoming only the third woman to serve in the position in the city’s history. She previously served six years on the City Council.
She was joined by newly elected District 1 Councilmember David Kartsonis, who works in his family’s Torrance-based business and previously served as chair of the Torrance Planning Commission.
District 5 Councilmember Betty Lieu most recently served on the Torrance Unified School District Board of Education.
District 3 Councilmember Asam Sheikh, who was sworn in for his second term, currently serves as a senior financial analyst for American Honda Motor Co.
City Clerk Rebecca Poirier was sworn in for another term, continuing in the office she has held since first being elected in 2014.
Former District 5 Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci, who served two terms on the City Council, took the oath of office as the city’s new treasurer.
The evening also marked a heartfelt farewell and appreciation to outgoing Mayor George K. Chen, Councilmembers Jon Kaji and Mattucci, and City Treasurer Tim Goodrich, whose years of dedicated public service have helped shape the City of Torrance.
The Council Chambers reached standing-room only capacity as attendees filled the room. The audience included former city officials, representatives from local organizations, community partners, and residents from across Torrance, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and the city’s long tradition of honoring public service.
The installation ceremony featured congratulatory messages and recognitions from local, regional, state, and federal leaders honoring both the incoming and outgoing elected officials, including a video message from Rep. Maxine Waters, certificates of recognition from the offices of Rep. Ted Lieu and State Sen. Ben Allen, and remarks from field representatives on behalf of Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn also attended the ceremony to personally congratulate the officials beginning and concluding their service.
The meeting additionally marked the city’s implementation of Senate Bill 707, restoring remote public participation by phone or video during City Council meetings.
City Manager Aram Chaparyan said, “On behalf of the city organization, we congratulate our newly sworn-in officials and thank Mayor George Chen, Councilmember Jon Kaji, Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci, and City Treasurer Tim Goodrich for their dedication and countless contributions to our community. We look forward to working with our newly elected leadership as we continue serving the residents of Torrance.”
With Kalani’s transition to the Mayor’s Office, the District 4 City Council seat is now vacant. The council will consider at a future meeting whether to fill the vacancy by appointment or special election.
A replay of the installation ceremony is available on the City of Torrance’s YouTube channel. Biographies and additional information about the city’s elected officials are available at TorranceCA.Gov.