Beach Cities Health District Ranked #2 in Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in 2025 

Honor marks 14th year BCHD has made the list 

REDONDO BEACH (November 3, 2025) – Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) has been ranked No. 2 among healthcare providers and insurers in Modern Healthcare’s 2025 Best Places to Work award program, and also ranked second in its “Family-friendliest places to work in healthcare” list. The complete list of this year’s rankings is available at https://www.modernhealthcare.com/bestplaceslist (subscription).  

This is the 14th year BCHD has made the list, and 13th in a row. The #2 ranking is their highest to date.  

“We are proud to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace centered on enhancing the health of Beach Cities residents,” said Tom Bakaly, CEO of BCHD. “Having a collaborative, engaged team has been key to our success, and at the same time, our employees can develop professionally and take steps to improve their mental health and physical health while helping community members do the same.”  

Modern Healthcare partnered with the Best Companies Group on its assessment process, which includes an extensive employee survey. While this program has evolved over the years, its mission remains the same: recognizing workplaces that empower employees to provide patients and customers the best possible care, products and services.  

Healthcare leaders have proven that creating nurturing, supportive workplaces for their most valuable asset, their employees, is vital. BCHD has achieved that by permitting employees to telecommute two days per week, even while many are community-facing and service-oriented. Most BCHD meetings offer a virtual option, providing further flexibility for staff, with wellness programs offered that prioritize mental, physical and social-emotional health. 

“We don’t want to lose our people, so we try to really work with staff when life happens,” said Megan Vixie, BCHD’s Chief Engagement Officer. “I tell my team, ‘Work will be here tomorrow, take care of what you need to take care of, and we will figure out a plan to support you.’”  

“Being recognized as a 2025 Best Place to Work in Healthcare is a powerful testament to how these organizations value their people,” said Dan Peres, President of Modern Healthcare. “In a time of constant change and challenge, this year’s winners have shown a deep commitment to creating environments where employees feel supported, heard, and inspired to do their best work. That kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident — it’s intentional, and it’s worth celebrating.” 

Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in 2025 

muun chi is now Blue Zones Project Approved!

Health food store muun chi in Redondo Beach is the newest Blue Zones Project Approved™ business in the Beach Cities, providing its customers with a range of healthy, gut-friendly options including fermented foods, kefir and kvass.

muun chi, at 1951 Artesia Blvd. in Redondo Beach, joins Beach Cities Health District’s list of more than 100 Blue Zones Project businesses.

muun chi Founder Manette McDermott also crafts products containing prebiotics and probiotics with no refined sugars. muun chi’s focus on fermented foods stems from their belief that health begins in the gut. According to Health Journalist and Registered Nurse Elisabeth Almekinder, fermented foods have “have more good bacteria to improve your belly.”

Harvard Health explains the difference between the two, “Probiotics are live microorganisms that maintain or improve the balance of good to bad bacteria in your digestive system” while prebiotics “act as nutrition for gut bacteria, helping them to flourish.” Her delicious and nutritious creations are backed by McDermott’s background as a Health and Wellness Coach certified through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.

The CEO of muun chi, Bill McCalpin, shares Manette’s passion for not only holistic health, but sustainability as well. They have both gotten creative about incorporating byproducts that we would normally throw away like fruit peels or pulp and how to package their products sustainably. Once forgotten peels are fermented and used to spice up dishes like stir-fries or baked into a sweet treat. Products are stored for freshness in reusable glass jars, bottles and containers that must be returned to the store. This ingenious model not only reduces food waste and single-use plastics but has customers returning to restock their shelves. McCalpin claims that “their customers returned over 16,000 used muun chi containers last year and are on pace this year to reach 24,000 in 2025.”

For anyone thinking about taking steps to better their health, Bill McCalpin encourages people to eat “at least one fermented food per day.”

As part of their pledge to enhance the food environment, you can find out more about the health benefits of their many products outlined below:

When you stop by a grocery store, you will notice a counter separating you from the register. Bill shared that they asked the designer to get rid of their traditional notions of a typical grocery store or food retailer.

“We didn’t want anything separating us from helping the customer.”

Tailoring the experience to the customer has made all the difference. We are grateful to muun chi for their passion for the Blue Zones Project and their commitment to a healthy beach community.

Blue Zones Project Approved™ Grocery Stores encourage shoppers to stock their pantries with healthy essentials inspired by what people are eating around the world to live to 100.

Sources:

Beach Cities Health District Advisory Working Group Recommends Finalists for Redevelopment of Former South Bay Hospital Site

Finalists to be Discussed by BCHD Board at an October 22 Study Session; Public Invited to Review Proposals at BCHD’s Strategic Development Half-Day Meeting October 31

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (October 17, 2025) – After years of listening to the community, and months of meetings with consultants and potential partners to explore innovative visions for the redevelopment of the former South Bay Hospital site, a Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) Advisory Working Group, composed of local residents, staff and BCHD Board members, is recommending three finalists to the full Board for further consideration. 

The three finalist teams – MarVentures/Continental Development, NexCore and Sunrise Senior Living – will be presented to the Board at its Study Session Wednesday, October 22 at 5:30 p.m. The Board will review the proposals, then rank the three finalists at its next meeting on November 19.

“This collaborative process has resulted in three highly qualified, very exciting options for dealing with the aging former hospital building,” said BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly. “Our goal is clear: to develop a plan that honors BCHD’s mission, ensures long-term sustainability, and reflects the ideas and values shared by our community — all while creating sustainable revenue to support BCHD services and address the seismic safety of the building, which is slated to be vacated in 2027.”

All three proposals include Residential Care for the Elderly (RCFE), with two also incorporating a medical office building. Each proposal offers a mix of residential living for older adults and community benefits that will be carefully considered. The proposals will be reviewed and discussed during the Board’s Study Session on October 22.

The Health District is conducting an analysis to ensure that each proposal aligns with the site’s previously certified Environmental Impact Report (EIR), follows Blue Zones Project principles, and falls within the range of services that BCHD is authorized to provide under California Healthcare District law.

In addition to the design and amenities presented by each finalist, the BCHD Board will also consider the financial revenue that each will generate – a critical component of the project, since that revenue will be used to fund ongoing BCHD programming and replace funding the District currently receives from tenants in the 514 Building, which will be eliminated when that building is no longer in use.

Following the Study Session, the BCHD Board will review the proposals, with plans calling for a discussion and ranking of the proposals at its November 19 meeting.

The public is invited to review the various proposals for the site at Wednesday’s Study Session, and as part of BCHD’s Strategic Planning Half Day meeting on Friday, October 31 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at AdventurePlex, 1701 Marine Avenue in Manhattan Beach. Participants will hear what BCHD has learned from the community, review the innovative visions for the site, and get an early look at how the District plans to move forward in creating a healthier, more resilient future for all.

“Our campus plans are progressing nicely, with the Center for Health & Fitness preparing to move into the 510 building, along with a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provider,” said Bakaly. “For young people, we continue to work on the permanent location for the allcove Beach Cities youth wellness center; and the Diamond Street bike path, which we opened in 2023, is getting a lot of use by students traveling to and from Redondo Union High School.”

Beach Cities Health District Celebrates Active Aging Week October 6-10, 2025

Free Workshops and Lectures to Help Adults Stay Healthy and Engaged

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (September 29, 2025) – Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is proud to announce Active Aging Week 2025, scheduled for October 6 – 10. The event will feature a series of free workshops and lectures designed to help older adults, caregivers, and community members take action toward maintaining and improving health.

Active Aging Week encourages older adults to stay active physically, mentally, and socially – key components of healthy aging. By offering no-cost, high-quality programming, BCHD aims to increase access to wellness resources and help residents build habits that support long-term health.

Throughout the week, BCHD will host a wide array of events offering opportunities in physical movement, mindfulness, social connection, and wellness education, including everything from yoga and strength training to lectures and workshops on ways to keep your mind and body healthy and strong as you age. All events will take place at the Center for Health & Fitness, located at 514 N. Prospect Avenue, 2nd Floor, in Redondo Beach.

“Active Aging Week is a chance for our community to celebrate the many ways we can stay vibrant as we age,” said BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly “We’re excited to offer programming that supports physical wellness, mental clarity, and connection – all fundamental to quality of life at any age. Whether you are already working toward active aging or interested in getting started, these events offer supportive environments to learn, move, and connect, so please come join us.”

Residents of the Beach Cities and surrounding South Bay communities are invited to attend, but advance registration is requiredfor all events.

Beach Cities Health District Gives Community a Look at Plans for New Center for Health & Fitness Facility

Fitness Center Preparing to relocate to 510 N. Prospect Ave. in 2027

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2025) – Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is inviting residents to a Community Design Preview Open House of its new Center for Health & Fitness (CHF) facility on Tuesday, Sept. 30 to showcase plans and get community input on the design.

The Community Design Preview Open House will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Beach Cities Room, located on the lower level of 514 N. Prospect Ave. in Redondo Beach. The event will allow the public to view plans, ask questions, and share feedback with BCHD staff and architects from Struere.

The existing CHF, currently located on the 2nd floor of the 514 Prospect Avenue building – the former South Bay Hospital building – will move into the redesigned 510 Prospect space in 2027, coinciding with the vacation of the 514 Building.

“We are excited to keep CHF on our campus,” said BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly. “This new space will build on what makes CHF such a vital resource for the community, as a fitness center and a social hub.”

One of just two medical fitness facilities in California certified by the Medical Fitness Association (MFA), CHF offers cardio and strength training, group exercise, yoga, massage, nutrition programs, and Pilates. The fitness center also accepts insurance-based membership through plans like Silver Sneakers, Silver & Fit and others.

The relocation of CHF is another step in BCHD’s Healthy Living Campus master plan, which looks to replace the seismically challenged former hospital building. Following a Request for Expressions of Interest process this summer, the BCHD Board of Directors will review submissions from developers to re-imagine the old South Bay Hospital building and adjacent parking lots during a study session next month. A committee, comprised of community members, BCHD staff and Board Members, has been reviewing submissions and will present its findings to the Board on October 22.

A Note from our CEO – August 2025

When I was growing up, “back to school” always meant September. These days, thanks to the AP testing calendar in high schools, many school districts have moved up their first day of classes to mid-August. That’s what has happened in the Beach Cities, as the Hermosa Beach City, Manhattan Beach Unified and Redondo Beach Unified School Districts all welcomed students on August 20.

That date marks the start of a busy month for our team at Beach Cities Health District, as members of our Well-Being Services department will attend many “Back-to-School Night” events in the public schools, promoting the numerous programs we offer for students, including LiveWell Kids, Drug Free Communities education, and the services available for young people at allcove Beach Cities.

Our team members will also explain how our Well-Being Services team has been restructured to better serve children and adults, with allcove Beach Cities providing services and events for those 12-25. When combined with our Community Services team, which serves older adults and adults with disabilities, this restructuring delivers programming across the lifespans of Beach Cities residents that is committed to empowering our community through wellness and care.

Previously, BCHD services for students were grouped for those in K-12, with the Blue Zones Project (now our Well-Being Services department) handling programs for adults.

Starting this year, our work targeting the BCHD health priorities of Mental Health & Substance Use and Physical Health will be streamlined for young people ages 12 to 25 through the emotional, physical and social support services at allcove Beach Cities. Existing partnerships and engagement with Beach Cities middle schools and high schools will now be directed to allcove Beach Cities, the innovative wellness center designed with, by and for youth.

Our revamped Well-Being Services department will serve as bookends to allcove Beach Cities by focusing attention on children ages 0 to 11, along with providing supplemental support to the most influential adults in their lives – parents, caregivers, and education professionals.

Parental nurturing during the crucial developmental period of 0-5 years is critical because it lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong well-being, health and success. Early experiences can profoundly affect brain architecture, learning, behavior, and physical and mental health.

Furthermore, “the work of parenting is essential not only for the health of children but also for the health of society,” wrote US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in a 2024 advisory. “We know that the well-being of parents and caregivers is directly linked to the well-being of their children.” Therefore, high levels of reported parental stress, elevated rates of K-12 teacher burnout and the current loneliness epidemic amongst adults are significant public health concerns that motivate BCHD to take on this balanced approach with preventive health.

In addition to helping our youngest residents thrive, a similar investment of time and effort must go towards the wellness of those who are raising them.

I encourage you to visit our website at bchd.org to learn more about the impactful programs and services we offer for Beach Cities residents of all ages.

In health,

Tom

BCHD Honored for Budget Presentation for Sixth Straight Year

Government Finance Officers Assoc. salutes BCHD for 2024-2025 budget document

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (July 30, 2025) – The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the current fiscal period (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025).

This is the sixth consecutive year GFOA has awarded BCHD its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget document.

“This award represents a significant achievement by Beach Cities Health District,” said Michele Mark Levine, Director, Technical Services for GFOA. “The GFOA encourages state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and prepare comprehensive annual financial and budget reports demonstrating transparency and full disclosure.”

“Our Finance team is extremely thorough in providing this information for our community, and their work represents our commitment to transparency,” said Tom Bakaly, CEO for BCHD. “That we have received this award six years in a row demonstrates a high level of professionalism and validates their many hours of work on behalf of BCHD and the Beach Cities communities we serve.”

In August, for the fifth straight year, GFOA presented a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to BCHD for its annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

In addition, BCHD was recently recognized by the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers with its Operating Budget Excellence Award for the 2024-2025 fiscal year

BCHD’s budgetary practices are available to the public online, and the budget is reviewed by the District’s resident advisory Finance Committee and discussed at public Board meetings. An annual report with an overview is also mailed to Beach Cities households each year.

Media Contact: Dan Smith, dan.smith@bchd.org  or 310-374-3426, ext. 8165

BCHD Seeks Volunteers for Annual Beach Cities Volunteer Day Supporting School Gardens, Student Wellness, and Education

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (July 30, 2025) — Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) will host its annual Beach Cities Volunteer Day on Thursday, August 14, 2025, and invites local residents, businesses and organizations to participate in a Day of Service to help prepare elementary school gardens across Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach for the upcoming school year. 

Volunteer Day supports BCHD’s LiveWell Kids program, which delivers nutrition education, farm-to-table lessons, and mindfulness practices to more than 5,000 students annually in partnership with local school districts and hundreds of parent volunteers.  

The Volunteer Day event begins at 8:30 a.m. with check-in and instructions at Alta Vista Park in Redondo Beach, followed by volunteer service at assigned school garden sites from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 

“This is more than just a day of volunteering, it’s a way for our entire community to help create a healthier future for our kids,” said BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly. “The support we receive for LiveWell Kids and events like Volunteer Day is inspiring and essential to the program’s long-term success. Volunteer Day offers an opportunity to give back to the community and make a lasting local impact.” 

The LiveWell Kids program was established in 2007 in response to high childhood obesity rates in the Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD). Since its inception, there has been a dramatic decline in student obesity in the RBUSD—from 20 percent to just 5 percent, a 75% decrease. This compares favorably to the national student obesity rate, which in 2022 was 20.2 percent, according to the National Survey of Children’s Health for 2021-22. 

Garden beds are maintained year-round by BCHD’s “Garden Angel” volunteers and serve as living classrooms for teaching students about healthy eating, physical activity, and mindfulness.

How to Get Involved: 

 Click Here to Register to volunteer 

Event Details: 

What:                    Beach Cities Volunteer Day 

Date:                     Thursday, August 14, 2025 

When:                   Check-in: 8:30 a.m.  

Service Time:     9:30–11:30 a.m. at school sites  

Where:                 Alta Vista Park, Field 3, 715 Julia Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

For more information, visit www.bchd.org/volunteer/volunteer-day or contact Alejandra Sierra, Volunteer Engagement Supervisor, at (310) 374-3426 ext. 8160. 

Media Contact: Dan Smith, dan.smith@bchd.org  or 310-374-3426, ext. 8165

LiveWell e-Magazine – Summer 2025 edition!

The Summer 2025 edition of Beach Cities Health District’s (BCHD) LiveWell e-magazine is packed with information about the people, programs and events that are part of our healthy beach community.

Cover Story: allcove’s John Hooper – Paying it Forward 

At just 27, John Hooper is more than a mentor—he’s living proof that change is possible. From elite athlete to struggling with addiction, John’s path to healing led him to allcove Beach Cities, where he started as a Youth Advisor and now supports young people looking for a space to breathe, grow, and recover. 

Read about John’s inspiring journey in this issue. 

Click here to read the Summer 2025 LiveWell e-magazine

Learn about BCHD’s ‘Mental Health & Happiness’ Campaign 

Loneliness is now recognized as a major public health concern, affecting 60% of adults nationwide. Our new campaign shines a light on this crisis—while offering practical tools to build connection and boost mental well-being. Let’s create a culture that prioritizes connection, resilience, and joy. 

Also in this issue: