LA County wants to build a network of LGBTQ+ ‘third spaces

By Aaron Schrank, LAist

Topline:
L.A. County Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to start planning to build a network of “third spaces” for LGBTQ+ communities, including at libraries, parks and senior centers.

What’s in the motion: A motion authored by supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn instructs various county departments to identify funding for the effort, develop minimum standards for accessible and affirming LGBTQ+ third spaces and take stock of existing county-run spaces and community-based groups that could be part of the network.

County officials are prioritizing two specific groups: young people between the ages of 12 and 26 and older adults above age 60.

Why now? The L.A. County effort is aimed at combatting social isolation among LGBTQ+ Angelenos, who experience high suicide rates as young people and are more likely to live alone when older. Officials cite a national decline in LGBTQ+ gathering over the past two decades that worsened amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The LGBTQ+ community is under attack, and the places they used to turn to for refuge are disappearing,” Supervisor Solis said. The county motion comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that states can ban transgender people from participating in girls’ school sports teams.

Community support: Representatives from LGBTQ+ groups, including youth organizers, said they support the county effort and emphasized the need for third spaces:

• “Third spaces ensure that LGBTQ youth have access to places where they feel safe, seen and heard — not afraid or silenced,” said Liliana Simpson-Castaneda, a UCLA student from the San Gabriel Valley.
• “As the facilitator for a trans peer support group, I have witnessed these spaces provide a place where members felt safe to come as their authentic selves with no fear of discrimination,” Alex Bass, a policy associate for the TransLatin@ Coalition, told county supervisors.
• “For decades, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has seen firsthand how affirming spaces can change and even save lives,” said Joey Hernández, the L.A. LGBT Center’s policy director.

What’s next?: The motion does not appropriate any funds but directs county departments to find some. It also instructs the county to tap into existing community networks and venues. A report back is expected in 90 days.

Beach Cities Health District Board Votes to Authorize Agreement with Sunrise Senior Living for Healthy Living Campus Redevelopment 

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (May 28, 2026) — The Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) Board of Directors voted Wednesday evening to authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute an Agreement to Enter into a Ground Lease with Sunrise Senior Living, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of BCHD’s former South Bay Hospital site as part of its Healthy Living Campus initiative. 

The proposed agreement follows an extensive, multi-year planning and public engagement process focused on reimagining the former hospital building at 514 N. Prospect Avenue into a community-centered wellness destination that supports the entire community with healthy aging, intergenerational connection and long-term financial sustainability for the health district. 

“This project and the decision to move forward with Sunrise reflects years of community input, strategic planning and evaluation,” said BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly. “The Healthy Living Campus vision is centered on supporting the health and wellness needs of our whole community while creating a sustainable future for BCHD and expanding services for older adults.” 

The proposed development would include a fully licensed Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), offering independent living, assisted living and specialized memory care as part of a broader continuum of care for older adults. 

The project will reflect Sunrise’s resident-centered model, combining tailored care and services with an engaging lifestyle, wellness-focused programming and the high-touch hospitality that define the Sunrise experience. Care will be guided by individualized service plans developed in partnership with families and physicians and adjusted as needs evolve — an approach informed by more than four decades of experience supporting seniors, including those living with memory loss. Sunrise’s highly trained team members use evidence-informed practices to support each resident’s unique needs, foster meaningful engagement, and deliver a consistent, high-quality experience that integrates holistic wellness, service excellence and enriching daily programming. 

BCHD and Sunrise have been partners for more than 25 years in the Sunrise of Hermosa Beach Community, an 80-unit assisted living and memory care facility on Pacific Coast Highway.  

“Sunrise is honored to build on our long relationship with BCHD and our commitment to creating the preferred lifestyle for enjoying longer, healthier, happier lives,” said Philip Kroskin, Head of Real Estate, SVP Investments. “We understand how personal this campus is to many families, and we approach this next chapter with deep respect for the seniors who call it home today as well as those who will benefit from the additional senior living options and support this new community will offer area residents. Our focus is to bring Sunrise’s decades of senior living expertise to a comprehensive, service-rich community — one designed around personalized care, meaningful engagement, hospitality, and an elevated resident experience.” 

In addition to senior care services, the project would include several community-focused amenities, including: 

• An indoor and outdoor Community Commons  
• A pool accessible to BCHD’s Center for Health and Fitness members  
• A Wellness Path designed to encourage walking, movement and social connection  
• Flexible intergenerational gathering spaces inspired by Blue Zones Project principles  

The proposed agreement establishes a 99-year ground lease structure under which Sunrise would finance construction, demolition of the existing 514 Prospect building, and all associated operational costs. Ground lease revenue to BCHD would total $10 million during the initial 10 years and increase over time, with additional percentage rent provisions tied to future refinancing events. These revenues will support BCHD free programs and services for Beach Cities residents for generations to come. 

The Board’s consideration follows a competitive Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) process launched last June that attracted 12 redevelopment proposals. An Advisory Working Group composed of residents, staff and a BCHD Board member evaluated submissions based on mission alignment, financial sustainability, community benefit, feasibility and alignment with BCHD’s Healthy Living Campus goals. 

After multiple rounds of evaluation, interviews, financial analysis and site tours, the Advisory Working Group unanimously recommended Sunrise as the preferred development partner in March 2026 and reaffirmed its choice earlier this month. 

The Healthy Living Campus planning effort has included extensive public outreach since 2017, including 60+ public meetings, over 1,000 community comments, a 28-member Community Working Group and a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process. The certified, final EIR has not been challenged since being completed and certified in September 2021. 

Community feedback consistently emphasized priorities such as: 

• Lower building heights and reduced density  
• Expanded open space and walkability  
• Intergenerational programming  
• Wellness-focused amenities  
• Services that support aging in place  

BCHD officials said the proposed project is designed to align with those priorities while helping address long-term financial challenges associated with the aging former hospital building and declining lease revenue. 

Following the Board vote, Sunrise is expected to proceed with applications for a Conditional Use Permit with the City of Redondo Beach in Fall 2026. BCHD anticipates the current 514 Prospect building will be fully vacated by May 31, 2027, with tenants other than Silverado expected to be out by March 31, 2027 

At last night’s meeting. the BCHD Board also approved the early termination of its lease with Silverado, a tenant and memory care facility on the BCHD campus. This was a difficult decision as it affects residents and their families. In accordance with the terms of its existing lease, Silverado will be given one year’s notice to vacate its facility by May 29, 2027, and will not pay rent for that one-year period. During this time, BCHD is committed to supporting Silverado residents through a thoughtful, supported transition, with its Community Services team available to work with families needing assistance relocating to a new facility.

About Beach Cities Health District

Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is a healthcare special district focused on preventive health and serves the communities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. Established in 1955 as a public agency, it offers an extensive range of dynamic health and wellness programs, with innovative services and facilities to promote health and prevent diseases across the lifespan. BCHD also operates allcove Beach Cities, a youth mental health center for ages 12-25, AdventurePlex, a health and fitness facility where kids play their way to good health, and the Center for Health & Fitness, a comprehensive fitness center that is one of just two Medical Fitness Association-certified facilities in California. Visit www.bchd.org or call (310) 374-3426 for more information.

About Sunrise Senior Living

Founded in 1981, Sunrise Senior Living is credited with establishing the modern era of senior living. Each Sunrise community is dedicated to delivering a personalized approach to senior living where every aspect of the services and environment is built around the specific wants and needs of the individual seniors that call the community home. From purposefully created and thoughtful design, to engaging programming and lifestyle activities and best-in-class quality of care that evolves with the needs of each senior, Sunrise’s industry-leading innovation is built upon its mission to champion quality of life for all seniors. Celebrating 45 years, Sunrise operates more than 240 communities in the United States and Canada serving more than 20,000 residents. With more than 20,000 highly trained team members, Sunrise offers a full range of personalized services, including independent living, assisted living, care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as nursing and rehabilitative services.

Media Contact: Alex Onushco, Sunrise Senior Living, Alex.Onushco@sunriseseniorliving.com

allcove Beach Cities celebrates Groundbreaking for new, permanent home

Celebrating the groundbreaking of the permanent home of allcove Beach Cities on Saturday, May 16 are: Front row, left to right: Beach Cities Health District Board Members Michelle Bholat, M.D., Noel Chun, M.D., and Board President Jane Diehl, allcove Youth Advisory Group members Yash, Sofia, Chloe, Alina and Trevor (allcove policy is to identify young people by first name only). Back Row: Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly. (Photo courtesy of BCHD)

More than 2,000 young people have enrolled in services at the Redondo Beach center that provides a variety of health and wellness services for ages 12-25

Celebrating the groundbreaking of the permanent home of allcove Beach Cities on Saturday, May 16 are: Front row, left to right: Beach Cities Health District Board Members Michelle Bholat, M.D., Noel Chun, M.D., and Board President Jane Diehl, allcove Youth Advisory Group members Yash, Sofia, Chloe, Alina and Trevor (allcove policy is to identify young people by first name only). Back Row: Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly. (Photo courtesy of BCHD)

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (May 16, 2026) – allcove Beach Cities broke ground on a new, permanent facility for the youth center in Redondo Beach today, with young people joining elected officials and other VIPs to celebrate the future home of the innovative health facility.

Since its temporary center opened on Nov. 1, 2022, there have been more than 17,000 visits to allcove Beach Cities by young people from the South Bay, with more than 2,000 enrolling in free services ranging from mental health, physical health, substance use, peer & family support and education and employment for young people ages 12 to 25 with mild to moderate needs.

The new facility, funded in part by a $6.3 million grant from the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) through California’s Department of Health Care Services, will open in Spring 2027.

In March, with state operational dollars sunsetting in June 2026, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell and Janice Hahn to invest a total of $4.5 million – $1.5 million over three years – to sustain mental health services provided by allcove Beach Cities youth center. This action is in response to a growing youth mental health crisis and a commitment to expanding access to vital services in the County, and is keeping the doors open to serve young people.

“These upstream investments, and the young people who lead them, are worthy of the County’s full support,” Supervisor Mitchell told the crowd. “They represent one of the brightest spots in our County’s future.”

One of those young people, allcove Youth Advisor Sofia F. (allcove policy is to not give last names of participants), a senior at Mira Costa High School, opened the event by saying “our goal is to create a safe space for young people, and by young people. One that reduces stigma, increases connection and supports mental well-being and belonging.”

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi presents a Certificate of Recognition to members of the allcove Beach Cities Youth Advisory Group at the groundbreaking event for the new permanent home of allcove in Redondo Beach on May 16, 2026. (L to R: Youth Advisor Trevor H., Jane Diehl, Beach Cities Health District Board President, Muratsuchi, and Youth Advisors Chloe, Yash, Sofia and Alina. (allcove policy is to identify young people by first name only.) (Photo courtesy of Beach Cities Health District)

“As a parent, I’ve seen the rise of smartphones and social media, and articles, data and research about the impacts of excessive screen time on youth mental health,” State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (66^th District) told the crowd. “When Beach Cities Health District approached me about this allcove program, we knew the United States Surgeon General declared a national public health crisis in dealing with youth mental health. So, this program is so critically important and so critically timely.”

The goal of allcove Beach Cities is to be a safe place for youth that reduces stigma, embraces mental wellness and increases community connection.

The center is the result of a collaboration between the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission and Beach Cities Health District.

“In 2022, Beach Cities Health District had a goal to build a safe and welcoming space for the young people of the South Bay,” said Dr. Steven Adelsheim, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford and director of the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. “With more than 2,000 young people enrolled in services, allcove Beach Cities has established a high bar for future allcove centers to improve behavioral health options for young people throughout California.”

The groundbreaking was followed by “covefest,” a celebration of allcove Beach Cities that featured games and activities, music and art, in conjunction with Hermosa Beach-based Indivisible Arts.

“I am extremely proud of our team at allcove Beach Cities and what we’ve been able to accomplish, supporting the young people of our community and their overall well-being,” said Tom Bakaly, CEO of Beach Cities Health District (BCHD). “I want to thank these leaders who have provided such tremendous support for this center, including Supervisor Mitchell, Assemblymember Muratsuchi, Congressman Ted Lieu, our school and city partners across the South Bay, and so many others. I also must thank those who have made allcove Beach Cities so impactful in this community: our providers, partners, staff, and most importantly, the young people who are at the core of this center and the work we’re doing.” 

Hantavirus – May 2026 Update 

By Dr. William Kim 
Chief Medical Advisor 
Beach Cities Health District 

May 13, 2026 — Recent news about a Hantavirus outbreak with fatalities has caused concern worldwide. A cruise ship with 86 passengers and 61 crew was reported to have had a cluster of at least 8 individuals who developed an illness known as severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) from which 3 have died. The World Health Organization has determined that the illness was caused by the Andes virus (ANDV), the only hantavirus species known to be able to spread by person-to-person transmission.  

Passengers with confirmed infections are being treated in South Africa, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Other evacuated passengers have tested positive for the virus, one in the United States (perhaps a false positive) and France. 

In the United States the evacuated passengers are being monitored very carefully at two isolation facilities, one in Nebraska and the other in Atlanta. 

Contact tracing has identified contacts, and in cases deemed high risk the CDC and WHO recommend a home or facility quarantine for 42 days. 

Interpersonal transmission of ANDV is generally uncommon and when it occurs close prolonged contact is necessary.  

For this outbreak, the CDC has defined exposure as being: 

• aboard the M/V Hondius from April 6 through disembarkation. 
• being within 6 feet of a symptomatic case in an enclosed space for at least 15 minutes. 
• having direct personal contact with a symptomatic patient. 
• having direct contact with respiratory secretion or other bodily fluids from a symptomatic patient. 

For more information, please refer to the CDC: Interim Guidance for Public Health Assessment and Management of People with Potential Exposure to the Andes Virus.  (updated May 10, 2026) 

Deeper dive into the Hantaviruses: 

All medically important Hantaviruses are carried by rodents.  There are 22 pathogenic species identified throughout the world and infections are acquired via aerosols of rodent excreta, usually in a closed poorly ventilated building or during cleaning. Rare illnesses have been reported from the scratch or bite of a pet rodent. The only species noted to have human to human transmission is the Andes virus and required close personal contact. 

There are two severe febrile illnesses caused by hantaviruses; Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) and is caused by hantaviruses of the Old-World viruses, and Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS) which is caused by hantaviruses of the New World viruses.  

Most infections worldwide are of the Old-World viruses and are seen in Asia and Europe of which there are an estimated 26,000 annual human cases. Fewer than 500 New World cases are reported annually, and these occur primarily in South and North America. 

In the United States as of December 2022, 864 cases have been identified since surveillance began in 1993 following an outbreak in the Four Corners region of the United States.  This outbreak was seen in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado and involved previously healthy young adults and carried a mortality of about 80 percent.   

Thought rare, human cases of the Old-World illness (HFRS) have been identified in the United States and traced to the Seoul hantavirus which has been found in pet rodents. 

The incubation interval between exposure and symptom onset ranges from one to 7 weeks with a median of 14 to 17 days.  

Early symptoms of HCPS are generally nonspecific and include a persistent fever, chills, and muscle aches which can be severe. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain may occur. Headaches may be prominent. This prodromal phase typically lasts for two to eight days and with those who are noted to not be improving may be followed by the cardiopulmonary phase.  This deadly phase is noted to have the abrupt onset of hypotension or low blood pressure and shortness of breath, which is due to noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.  

From 1993 to 2023, seventy-nine cases of hantaviral illness have been recorded in California. Of these illnesses, 54 survived and 24 died, with one case having an unknown outcome.   

So, from the above reported 30-year period, we can see that the incidence of this illness is quite rare in California and is only caused by direct exposure to rodent excreta and saliva. 

Your Reusable Bag Can Support a Healthier Community 

At Beach Cities Health District, we believe that a healthy environment and a healthy beach community go hand-in-hand. That’s why we’re excited to participate in the Lazy Acres Market Envirotokens Program. 

How it works: When shoppers reuse grocery bags at Lazy Acres, they receive 10¢ tokens to donate to local non-profits. Twice a year, the community votes to select which organizations will benefit for the next six months. 

We need your help to win! From April 22 through June 2, you can vote online for the Beach Cities Health Foundation. Winning this spot means sustained funding for programs like allcove Beach Cities, the Center for Health & Fitness, and our LiveWell Kids nutrition program. 

The Power of Your Vote: 

• Vote Daily: You can vote once per day, per email address. 

• Double the Impact: Encourage your friends and family to vote, too! 

• Simple Action: Click the link below and select Beach Cities Health District. 

Sunrise Senior Living Signs Letter of Intent with BCHD for Redevelopment of Redondo Beach Campus

Senior Residential Facilities become focus of campus redevelopment, with new amenities, supporting community health programs in the Beach Cities

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (March 20, 2026) — Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) and Sunrise Senior Living (Sunrise) have signed a Letter of Intent to pursue a ground lease for the redevelopment of the former South Bay Hospital site at 514 North Prospect Avenue in Redondo Beach.

BCHD started to look at redeveloping the former South Bay Hospital site to address seismic safety concerns and to create a long-term, stable source of revenue to support its free and low-cost health programs and services for the community.

The proposed project includes new residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFE), offering up to 217 units of memory care, assisted living and independent living, along with a range of community focused amenities, including publicly-accessible green space, a walking loop, wellness programming, a multi-purpose community room and more. Final project details will be determined as BCHD and Sunrise work toward finalizing the ground lease.

The process for BCHD’s Letter of Intent with Sunrise began last November, when the BCHD Board granted CEO Tom Bakaly the authority to negotiate with three developers, with the goal of having a signed letter within six months.

Last year, BCHD established an Advisory Working Group, comprised of residents, staff and a BCHD Board Member, to review submissions, and they narrowed the original field of 12 submissions to the three finalists. A subsequent round of review and financial analysis by the working group was completed earlier this month, and deemed the Sunrise proposal to now be the best fit with BCHD’s mission and the project’s guiding pillars of health, livability and community, while also being seen as the most likely plan to succeed.

“The Advisory Working Group has spent many, many hours going through proposals and making sure they align with our criteria,” said Bakaly. “They have worked hard to ensure the plan addresses the seismic issues with the current building, while being prepared to meet our community’s health needs well into the future.”

BCHD’s plans for a ground lease model will keep the land publicly owned while partnering with Sunrise to bring a RCFE and other health-related services to its campus. This proven approach has successfully generated revenue for BCHD programs and services for 55 years, creating sustainable funding to support health and wellness programs and ensuring the campus continues to serve the community for years to come.

“Sunrise Senior Living is proud to have partnered with Beach Cities Health District for more than 25 years, and we’re excited to continue building on that strong foundation,” said Philip Kroskin, Head of Real Estate for Sunrise. “Together, we share a commitment to supporting healthier, more connected communities, and we look forward to expanding that impact through a thoughtfully designed environment that supports senior wellness and engagement.”

Bakaly executed the non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Sunrise on March 18. That LOI has an expiration date of May 29 of this year. The health district is preparing an addendum to the project’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that summarizes the revised project in the context of the plan that was evaluated in the EIR, which was completed and approved in 2021. Since this revised project is smaller and shorter in duration than what was evaluated in the EIR, new or more severe environmental impacts are not expected.

The Letter of Intent with Sunrise will be an informational item at the next BCHD Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m.

At its May meeting, the BCHD Board is expected to formally review the LOI and consider approving a land lease agreement with Sunrise. If the lease agreement is approved, BCHD will provide Silverado – which currently operates a memory care facility on BCHD’s campus – with one year’s notice to vacate the building. As a condition of that notice and consistent with Silverado’s current lease, there will be no lease payments paid by Silverado to BCHD for one year. This transition period is included in the lease to ensure families would have sufficient time to relocate should the lease end.

“We are proud of our partnership with Silverado over the 20 years and will continue to collaborate closely during this transition,” said Bakaly. “Residents and their families will have a year to explore their options, and our Community Services team will be available to support Silverado residents through the process and serve as a resource for families.”

BCHD Campus Redevelopment Features:

• The proposal reflects responsiveness to community feedback related to building height, density, open space and accessibility, while presenting a cohesive campus vision that connects new development with existing BCHD facilities and programs to enhance overall community benefit and accessibility.
• Sunrise has extensive experience as both a developer and operator of senior communities and is a partner with BCHD on Sunrise Hermosa Beach. Sunrise is also working on a new facility in Manhattan Beach and has an established community presence and local experience.

Daily Breeze: 152 L.A. County middle and high schools among 2026 California Distinguished Schools

By Holly Andres | handres@scng.com | Daily News

The California Department of Education has announced 152 middle and high schools in Los Angeles County as 2026 California Distinguished Schools. The schools are part of the 408 statewide middle and high schools to achieve the designation.

The middle and high schools were evaluated through information from the 2025 California School Dashboard https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/index.asp

The 2026 California Distinguished Schools recognition program aims to recognize exemplary instructional programs throughout California public schools, the largest public school system in the United States.

Congratulations to Adams Middle School in Redondo Beach for being named a California Distinguished School.

To read the article at DailyBreeze.com, click here.

The complete statewide list of middle and high schools to be designated as 2026 California Distinguished Schools: https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel12.asp

South Bay Restaurants Serving Blue Zone–Inspired Dishes

While the world’s longevity hotspots may be scattered across Greece, Japan, Italy, Costa Rica, and Loma Linda California, many of the same principles—fresh ingredients, plant-forward meals, and simple preparation—are thriving right here in the South Bay.

From vibrant smoothie bowls to Mediterranean-inspired pastas and nourishing salads, several local restaurants are embracing the kinds of wholesome dishes that mirror the eating habits found in the world’s longest-living communities.

Here are a few Peninsula and Beach Cities favorites serving Blue Zone–inspired dishes that celebrate fresh ingredients, flavor, and vitality.

Note: “Blue Zones®” and “Blue Zones Project®” are registered trademarks of Blue Zones, LLC. This article references the longevity research associated with these regions but is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization.

Celebrating Annie: Creating Connection, One Conversation at a Time 

Written by Volunteer Spotlight Writer, Kami Danaei 

Volunteering, for Annie Baghramian, is about slowing down and creating spaces for meaningful human connection. A lifelong Southern California beach city resident, Annie grew up in Long Beach and has called Redondo Beach home for the past ten years. She describes the Beach Cities as “paradise,” often reminding her children that people travel from all over the world to vacation where they get to live every day. 

Annie chose to volunteer as a Conversation Companion because she saw how often seniors can be overlooked, especially as they enter stages of life where daily tasks and social connection can become more challenging. Wanting to counter the fast pace of the world with presence and care, she sought out an opportunity that centered on listening and relationship-building. After learning about Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) through her children’s elementary school, Annie was impressed by BCHD’s commitment to ensuring seniors in the Beach Cities have access to support, including errands and companionship. 

As a Conversation Companion volunteer, Annie focuses on building genuine relationships through thoughtful conversation. She enjoys everything from lighthearted chats to deeper reflections on life and frequently incorporates reminiscence therapy techniques to help her client revisit meaningful memories that strengthen identity and well-being. One of her favorite parts of volunteering is walking and talking along the Esplanade in Redondo Beach with her client. She notes that the combination of movement, fresh air, and conversation makes it a joyful and grounding experience. 

Annie’s supervisor, Rudy Diaz, notes her natural ability to relate with others. “Annie has a unique way of connecting with people that is truly welcoming and puts a person at ease,” he shares. He adds that from their very first meeting, Annie and her client “simply hit it off as if they had known [each other] already.” 

When she’s not volunteering, Annie loves staying active with her family and friends; walking, dancing, biking, and rollerblading while enjoying access to the beach, desert, and mountains. Her advice to prospective volunteers is simple: you’ll get just as much out of the experience as you give, and even a small time commitment can make a meaningful difference.