Culture

Update On TOCA Foundation: A Call Out For Help

In a nearly unanimous June 22 vote, the Torrance City Council moved to continue funding the Torrance Cultural Arts Center Foundation for two more years. This, after a May 18 move by Councilmember George Chen to reduce the portion of Torrance Cultural Arts or TOCA, funding that has been used to offset staff costs and for other events such as Dancing with the SB Stars and the Studio Cabaret series.

Chen’s reasoning for the reduction of support was he wanted to see TOCA expand its fundraising effort, not taking into consideration that it has just experienced a yearlong pandemic and were unable to host its annual SouthBay Festival of the Arts fundraiser for two consecutive years.

In an all-hands-on-deck email to supporters, TOCA executive director, Chris Wolf, reported on the proposed budget cuts made by the councilman, which were made after public comment – all of which were in favor of maintain funding.

During the June 22 city council meeting Chen questioned Wolf about the funds when he saw the foundation had money in its bank account. Chen suggested that TOCA wait until that money is “gone” before asking the city council for more money. Wolf explained to RLn via telephone a week after the vote that to keep functioning, TOCA needs to ensure the money is there. He said operating at a time when funding is in doubt is not the way to operate a business.

Reporters Desk