October 29, 2024

It's Red Ribbon Week!

Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), the Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition, and the cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach are raising awareness about youth substance use during October, which is Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, and Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31. All three cities presented a proclamation to BCHD recognizing October as Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, encouraging public participation in activities that promote awareness, prevention, and support for those affected by substance use. 

This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme is “Life Is a Movie, Film Drug Free”™ to inspire individuals to play their part in fostering safe, healthy, and drug-free communities through dedication and commitment. Join us on social media and share information and resources on substance use prevention in the Beach Cities. 

UPDATE: Public Hearing #3 Tonight - YOU can help safeguard & preserve our Programs & Services

Your voice matters! The Redondo Beach City Council will meet Tuesday evening with an agenda item that could directly impact Beach Cities Health District. Support a 1.25 FAR and fair treatment from the city and save BCHD's programs including:

• The Center for Health & Fitness 
• Social Workers for disabled and older adults 
• allcove Beach Cities – youth wellness center 
• Blue Zones Project 
• Summer Free Fitness
• LiveWell Kids and BCHD’s numerous other free programs and services

A big THANK YOU goes out to all who have attended in-person meetings or submitted e-comments to the City Council regarding the General Plan Update and the floor area ratio issue. By our count, more than 80 e-comments have been submitted in favor of BCHD and nearly 50 friends of BCHD have attended CIty Council meetings with the General Plan Update on the agenda (Oct. 1 & 15). WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT FOR HEALTH IN OUR COMMUNITY! Let's continue to let the City know how important Beach Cities Health District is to you!

Here's how you can support BCHD at the next City Council meeting tonight Tuesday, Oct. 29:

1) Attend the City Council Meeting:

• Attend the City Council meeting in person
• Make or submit a comment OR just attend to show your support by wearing a BCHD t-shirt!
• Attend the meeting via Zoom and comment. (Zoom instructions are available on the meeting agenda)

Date: Tuesday, October 29

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: City Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach

2) Submit a Comment:

• E-comments may be submitted before and during the City Council meeting. eCOMMENT: Comments may be entered directly on the City's website at: https://redondo.granicusideas.com/meetings

Check the box "OPPOSE.”

Here is suggested text for your comment: "Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE certification of the EIR as presented. I SUPPORT a uniform 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions.” You can also tell the City Council what BCHD Programs and Services mean the most to you. 

1. Public comments can be entered before and during the meeting.
2. Select a SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEM to enter your comment; (L1 is the Item regarding BCHD and the General Plan update)
3. Public will be prompted to Sign-Up to create a free personal account (one-time) and then comments may be added to each Agenda item of interest.
4. Public comments entered into eComment (up to 2200 characters; equal to approximately 3 minutes of oral comments) will become part of the official meeting record. Comments may be read out loud during the meeting.

3) Email the Redondo Beach City Clerk and City Council:

Tell them you support keeping public institutional land uses the same for BCHD and the City with a 1.25 FAR in the General Plan update.

EMAIL: To participate by written communication, EMAILS MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE 3:00 P.M. THE DAY OF THE MEETING. Public comments may be submitted by email to cityclerk@redondo.org. In addition to emailing the City Clerk, cc: the Mayor and City Council members on your comments:

Mayor Jim Light: james.light@redondo.org

District 1: Council Member Nils Nehrenheim: nils.nehrenheim@redondo.org

District 2: Mayor Pro Tem/Council Member Todd Loewenstein: todd.loewenstein@redondo.org

District 3: Council Member Paige Kaluderovic: paige.kaluderovic@redondo.org

District 4: Council Member Zein Obagi, Jr.: Zein.Obagi@redondo.org

District 5: Council Member Scott Behrendt: scott.behrendt@redondo.org

Here is suggested text for your comment: Here is suggested text for your comment: "Regarding Agenda Item L1, I OPPOSE certification of the EIR as presented. I SUPPORT a uniform 1.25 FAR for BCHD and all public institutions.” You can also tell the City Council what BCHD Programs and Services mean the most to you. 

Learn more about Measure BC - the Beach Cities Health District Community Health & Wellness bond measure 

At their July meeting, the BCHD Board of Directors voted 5-0 to place a $30 million general obligation bond measure on the November 5 ballot. If passed, Measure BC would provide funds to: 

• Demolish the old South Bay Hospital building that was built in the late 1950s, and does not meet current seismic construction standards.  
• Replace the building with approximately two acres of open space that will be used for outdoor health and wellness programs.   
• Expand youth mental health services by completing the allcove Beach Cities youth mental health center with environmental and sustainability best practices.  
• The measure would levy approximately $3.00 per $100,000 of assessed value on residences in the Beach Cities, generating $1.7 million per year for the project. It would also require that all spending be publicly disclosed and monitored, with all funds being used locally.  

Visit bchd.org to learn more. 

Beach Cities Health District - Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)

As valued members of our Beach Cities community, your input is crucial in shaping Beach Cities Health District’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). This initiative aims to identify and reduce the impacts of natural hazards—such as flooding, wildfires, and earthquakes—that can affect our homes, businesses, and overall safety.

If you live or work in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach, you are invited to take a brief survey that will directly inform the development of our LHMP, and ensure that we build a safer, smarter community for all.

Why Your Voice Matters: As the costs of disaster management and recovery continue to rise, we must work together to find effective ways to minimize these risks. By participating in this survey, you’ll help us understand the hazards that concern you most and the strategies that could strengthen our community's resilience.

What We’re Asking: The survey will assess:

• Your awareness and concerns about natural hazards
• The impact of these hazards on our community
• Recommended mitigation projects and policies to enhance our preparedness

The survey should take less than five minutes to complete. The last day to complete the survey is May 2, 2025

If you have any questions about the survey or the planning process, please contact Dylan Yates at dylan.yates@constantassociates.com.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important effort. Together, we can break the cycle of damage and reconstruction and work toward a stronger, safer community!

Thanks for participating in Walk and Roll to School Day!



Walk and Roll to School Day is a global event that brings communities together to encourage active, eco-friendly transportation. This year, Walk and Roll to School Day was Wednesday, October 9.

BCHD and thousands of schools across America—from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico—chose to ditch the car and increase their daily step count by participating.  Students, families, school administrators, local officials and Beach Cities Health District staff laced up their sneakers or rolled on bikes and scooters to start the day with a healthy, active commute.

To learn more about Walk and Roll to School Day, visit bchd.org./walktoschool.

Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition Awarded Federal Drug-Free Communities Grant for Youth Substance Use Prevention

The Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition has been selected as a recipient of a $625,000 federal grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) under the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program. This grant program, managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), represents an opportunity to strengthen ongoing efforts in preventing youth substance use in our community.

Beginning in federal fiscal year 2024, $125,000 annually will be available to support substance use prevention programming in the Beach Cities. This new funding will support the coalition’s work until 2029. The Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition received its first DFC grant in 2019, which was also for $625,000 over five years.

Free COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines Now Available in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County residents have access to free COVID-19 vaccines designed to target strains currently circulating and causing most infections. The updated vaccine is strongly recommended this fall for residents ages 6 months and older.

Any resident who is seeking vaccination with an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and flu vaccine will be able to do so regardless of insurance or immigration status. Residents with insurance can obtain updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines through their healthcare provider or through many participating retail pharmacies.

Free vaccines are available to uninsured and underinsured adults at many healthcare centers through the California COVID-19 Bridge Access Program. While supplies last, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will also provide updated free COVID-19 and flu vaccines through its Public Health clinics, multi-service vaccination sites and mobile teams.

Moai Social Events: Plant & Potluck

Join South Bay Parkland Conservancy and BCHD in maintaining, watering and weeding at Hopkins Wilderness Park. Gloves and tools are provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own.

Afterward, we will have a vegetarian potluck where you can chat and share your favorite healthy recipes with other volunteers. We recommend bringing a dish that does not need to be refrigerated and comes in a reusable container to reduce waste. Reusable serving utensils will be provided for attendees in addition to compostable utensils and plates.

Tuesday, November 19

10 a.m. - 1p.m.

Hopkins Wilderness Park

1103 Camino Real

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

PERKS Loyalty Card Program

welcomes Rabano! 

Since 2017, Rabano has been making the healthy choice the easy choice as a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant. All their dishes are packed with fresh ingredients! From their delicious munchies, healthy greens, burgers, tacos and completely customizable bowls, you can enjoy your meal knowing that they are committed to sustainable food practices. They are happy to offer a 10% discount to all Perks Card holders. To learn more about Rabano or to place an order, visit www.rabano.co/.



About the PERKS program:

The PERKS Program encourages customers to visit Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurants and Grocery Stores where businesses opt-in to give discounts ranging from 10 - 15% to any customer who shows their PERKS Card. Not only does opting into the program drive business, but it encourages community members to find healthier dining options. 

Mindfulness Connections Wellness Workshops

Mindful Connections is the go-to place for you to gain valuable insight and practical tools to help shift your mindset and improve your quality of life. Workshops will cover topics such as taking control of stress, goals, physical health and more.  

By completing the registration form once, you are welcome to attend one or multiple sessions. We ask that all participants be age 18 and older to receive services at South Bay Adult School. Once registered, you will receive email reminders for each session. 

This 7-week series will take place every Tuesday from 12 – 1:30 p.m. through November 12 with a different topic each week:

What We Consume and Awe (Oct. 29)

Self-Care, Gratitude and Mindfulness (Nov. 5)

Zumba Fitness Class and Celebration (Nov. 12)

South Bay Adult School 

3401 Inglewood Avenue, 

Redondo Beach, CA 90278 

Room 10 and adjacent patio 

Sessions will not be available online or recorded.

Screenagers: Elementary School Edition - New dates added!

Join us for a free movie screening of “Screenagers: Elementary School Age.” The new version of the original Screenagers movie addresses issues that elementary school-aged kids, parents and educators are facing – smartwatches in class, unhooking from and monitoring video gaming, social media pressures and exposure too young. This screening and discussion are intended for parents and caregivers to learn about existing research around these topics and potential solutions to these and other challenges to address and support mental well-being in the digital age. South Bay parents and caregivers are welcome to attend any event date. Free childcare is offered by Adventure Plex staff. Find more information on the registration form. More showings will occur during the 2024-25 school year. 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 5:30 – 7 p.m. 

Robinson Elementary School 

80 Morningside Dr., Manhattan Beach 

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 5:30-7 p.m.

Lincoln Elementary School

2223 Plant Ave., Redondo Beach

Monday, February 10, 2025, 5:30-7 p.m.

Beryl Heights Elementary School

920 Beryl St., Redondo Beach

Monday, March 3, 2025, 5:30-7 p.m.

Jefferson Elementary School

600 Harkness Ln., Redondo Beach

Social Hour with BCHD Care Manager Charlotte Barnett



If you have a question regarding community resources, want to learn more about Beach Cities Health District or share and learn ways to keep busy, please join us! These meetings are for all, a place to connect and feel heard.

First & Third Tuesdays of the Month, Virtual

(November 5 & 19)

10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014 

2nd Mondays, In person 

(November 11)

2 – 3 p.m. 

Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, Sunset Room 

1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

Virtual Mindfulness Drop-In

Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques. The guided session will be led by a trained Beach Cities Health District instructor.

First Wednesday of the Month

(November 6)

4 – 4:30 p.m.

Virtual Happiness Chat 

This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes – anything that supports our happiness!  

Second Tuesday of the Month 

(November 12) 

12:30 – 1 p.m. 

Virtual Families Connected Parent Chat 

The Families Connected Parent Chat is a free monthly support group open to all South Bay parents and caregivers. Provided in partnership between BCHD, South Bay Families Connected and Thelma McMillen Center, the Parent Chat offers its participants a confidential and supportive space to share their parenting challenges and successes. Please note that the Parent Chat is not a therapeutic program, but rather a peer-to-peer support group with educational guidance from a mental health professional 

Second Tuesday of the Month 

(November 12) 

10 - 11 a.m. 

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87374623578 

Dementia Caregiver Support Groups

Caring for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming and stressful. Our support groups offer a safe space to address the challenges that come with caring for someone, find support amongst peers who share similar experiences and openly express your feelings around being a caregiver. 

REDONDO BEACH - Please join us on the third Monday of the month (November 18) at 2 p.m. in the café at 514 N. Prospect Ave, Redondo Beach, 90277. Facilitated by Beach Cities Health District’s Care Managers Joy Schmidt, LCSW and Rudy Diaz, ASW. In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. 

MANHATTAN BEACH - please join us on the second and fourth Tuesdays (November 12 & 26) at 1:30 p.m. at the Joslyn Community Center, 1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Facilitated by Beach Cities Health District's Care Manager, Charlotte Barnett, MSW. In partnership with the Alzheimer's Association and Manhattan Beach Older Adults Program. 

Hybrid Board of Directors Meeting



Residents are encouraged to attend BCHD Board Meetings either via Zoom or at 514 N. Prospect Avenue. Details about the meeting and agenda can be found online. Residents are encouraged to attend board meetings and may also contact board members directly with questions or comments.    

Wednesday, November 20

6:30 p.m.

Beach Cities Health District

514 N. Prospect Ave.

Redondo Beach, CA

Lower Level, Beach Cities Room

allcove Beach Cities

allcove is a place for young people (ages 12-25) to take a moment of pause and access a range of services that include:

• Mental health
• Physical health
• Substance use
• Peer support
• Family support
• Supported education and employment

Center for Health & Fitness

Our comprehensive fitness center in Redondo Beach is one of two fitness facilities in California certified by the Medical Fitness Association!

• Cycling, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, strength & other exercise classes
• Online exercise classes
• Classes for older adults
• Programs for chronic conditions
• Access to trainers
• Massage
• Nutrition consultation
• Access to state-of-the-art gym equipment