October 9, 2024

Save the Date - Save Your Public Health Services - Redondo Beach City Council meets Tuesday, Oct. 15

Keep Public Institutional Use Levels the Same for the Health District and City - at a 1.25 Floor Area Ratio

A recent change to the proposed City of Redondo Beach General Plan could significantly reduce BCHD’s programs and services. The Planning Commission has proposed a dramatic reduction in the Floor Area Ratio for select public property, targeting BCHD.  

The programs you use, know and love are under attack, including: 

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

Initially, a 0.75 FAR was considered for BCHD’s campus by the Planning Commission, but it was recently reduced – without being studied – even further to 0.50, while select City of Redondo Beach properties, which have the same land use designation, are allowed a 1.25 FAR. BCHD supports a uniform 1.25 FAR for all public/institutional uses. 

The General Plan update will be an agenda item at the next meeting of the Redondo Beach City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 415 Diamond Street in Redondo Beach.

How YOU can Support BCHD:



1) Attend the City Council Meetings:

• Attend the City Council meetings 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 will be available on the meeting agenda)

Dates: Tuesdays, October 15 and 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 until 3 p.m. on the day of the City Council meeting (Tuesday at 3 p.m.) Tell the City Council what BCHD Programs and Services mean the most to you. Once the agenda is posted (72 hours prior to the meeting) provide eCOMMENT. Comments may be entered directly on the City's website at: https://redondo.granicusideas.com/meetings

3) E-mail the Redondo Beach City Council and City Clerk:

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

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

City Clerk Eleanor Manzano: eleanor.manzano@redondo.org or CityClerk@redondo.org

BCHD's School District Health Report 

Beach Cities Health District partners with elementary, middle and high schools in the Beach Cities to offer programs to increase physical activity, improve nutrition and promote social-emotional well-being. This summary report includes programmatic outcomes and measurable results. The reports also include best practices that local schools have implemented to address the health and well-being of students, families and staff. 

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 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. 

Protect Yourself and Your Community: Get Your Flu Shot Today 

As we approach the peak of flu season (December to February), it's crucial to prioritize your health and the well-being of those around you. The flu vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent influenza, and it's recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.  



To ensure you're protected when flu activity is highest, aim to get vaccinated by the end of October. The same prevention tips to protect yourself from the flu can also protect you from other respiratory illnesses like the common cold, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). By getting vaccinated, you're not only safeguarding your own health but also protecting those who can't receive the vaccine.  Don't wait – schedule your flu shot today. Get more information at https://www.bchd.org/flu 

Join us for our Doggie Social!

In collaboration with Friends of the Redondo Beach Dog Park, BCHD invites you to our Doggie Social at the Redondo Beach Dog Park! Not only is going to the dog park good for your dogs, but it’s good for you too!

Social connection promotes our mental health and happiness and protects us against depression. Don’t miss out on the opportunity for your puppy pal to meet their best friend, you might find yours there too!

Saturday, October 12, 12-2 p.m.

Redondo Beach Dog Park

190 Flagler Lane, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

What I Wish My Parents Knew: Dangers of Youth Substance Use and Fentanyl

This in-person event for parents, caregivers and concerned residents will include a film screening of “Come Back Home,” that delves into the lives of young people who survived the loss of their loved ones to fentanyl, followed by a panel discussion. This event is intended for adults to hear from young people who have lived experience with substance use and what they wish their parents knew. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a candid discussion with the panel to learn more about what they can do to better support the mental health of young people in their life.

Naloxone (the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication) will be available for participants. BCHD’s supply of naloxone is provided by the California Health Care Services’ Naloxone Distribution Project.

Monday, October 21

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Manhattan Beach Middle School

1501 N. Redondo Ave., Manhattan Beach

Multipurpose Room

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 (October 21) at 2 p.m. in the cafe 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 (October 22 & November 12) 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. 

Screenagers: Elementary School Edition 

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 offered by Adventure Plex staff. Find more information on the registration form. More showings will occur during the 2024-25 school year. 

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 5:30 – 7 p.m. 

Washington Elementary School 

1100 Lilienthal Ln., Redondo Beach 



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

Robinson Elementary School 

80 Morningside Dr., Manhattan Beach 

Red Ribbon Week 2024 is October 23-31

The Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition will work to raise awareness about the prevention of youth substance use during Substance Abuse Prevention Month in October and Red Ribbon Week®, Oct. 23-31. 

Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, smoking, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States. It began as a tribute to fallen DEA special agent Enrique Camerena in 1985. To learn more, visit www.bchd.org/redribbon.

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

(October 15)

10 – 11 a.m.

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

2nd Mondays, In person 

(October 14)

2 – 3 p.m. 

Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, Sunset Room 

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

Mindful 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 this 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 8-week series will occur every Tuesday from 12 – 1:30 p.m. through November 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. 

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 

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, October 23

6:30 p.m.

Beach Cities Health District

514 N. Prospect Ave.

Redondo Beach, CA

Lower Level, Beach Cities Room

Mental Health First Aid Training 



BCHD will host Mental Health First Aid trainings from the National Council for Mental Health. Similar to how CPR training teaches individuals how to respond to medical emergencies, Mental Health First Aid teaches how to support people experiencing mental health challenges.   

At this training, you'll learn how to assess risk factors, provide initial support and connect individuals to professional resources, when needed.   

Friday, October 25

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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