People and Events

Torrance could smell the big time last November when it was picked as the site of the final debates of the primary season. The Torrance Visitors Bureau printed 500 brightly colored booklets telling visiting members of the media how to find the town’s most exciting spots.

The Torrance League of Women Voters raised $125,000 to stage the show at El Camino College.

First, George Bush swept away the rest of the Republican field and the GOP debate was canceled. Then the Democratic contest came down to Massachusetts Gov. Michael S. Dukakis and Jesse Jackson.

But Cable News Network abandoned its plan to telecast the confrontation to its 36 million viewers.

Then, last Thursday, Dukakis canceled because his wife had to undergo surgery.

So workers began dismantling the debate stage.

“If someone came to town tomorrow and said, ‘Do you want to hold a debate,’ ” Torrance Mayor Katy Geissert said, “I think there would be a collective groan.”