FEMA Approves BCHD’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

Federal approval ensures eligibility for project grants under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs

REDONDO BEACH, California (July 16, 2025) – A Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) created by Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) with extensive feedback from the public has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). The approval ensures BCHD’s eligibility for project grants under FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs until June 26, 2030, at which time BCHD will have to submit an updated plan for another five-year period.

FEMA’s action clears the way for BCHD to apply for critical grants through a variety of federal programs, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), HMGP Post-Fire, and Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (STORM RLF).

“This approval demonstrates BCHD’s on-going commitment to hazard mitigation and keeping the public safe,” said BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly, “The District takes seriously its responsibility to identify mitigation goals and actions to reduce and eliminate long-term risk to BCHD property and community members throughout the Beach Cities from the impacts of future hazards and disasters.”

Bakaly said BCHD’s commitment to hazard mitigation is a big part of why the BCHD Board voted to vacate the building at 514 S. Prospect Avenue by 2027.

The 283-page LHMP was borne out of a nearly nine-month effort that began in October, 2024 and included not only professional risk analysis, but an extensive public survey asking local residents about their concerns regarding hazards in the Beach Cities, their personal experiences with these hazards, and thoughts about what mitigation projects BCHD should focus on to make the community more resilient.

Ultimately, the plan aims to identify and reduce the impacts of natural hazards – everything from flooding and wildfires to earthquakes and droughts – that can affect our homes, businesses, and overall safety. It will serve as a guide for decision makers as they commit BCHD resources to minimize the effects of natural hazards. The plan is intended to integrate with existing planning mechanisms such as building and zoning regulations, long-range planning mechanisms, and environmental planning.

“The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is an important component of keeping our community safe, and provides a perfect opportunity to remind the public to have their own emergency plan that includes preparation of an emergency kit, plans for an evacuation and how they will communicate with friends and family during an emergency,” Bakaly said. “The recent wildfires are a stark reminder that being prepared saves lives.”

BCHD Board Issues Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) for Former South Bay Hospital Redevelopment

Effort Seeks to Find New, Innovative Uses for the Site on the BCHD Campus

As Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) continues advancing its Healthy Living Campus vision, the BCHD Board of Directors has announced that it will release a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) for potential partners to redevelop the former South Bay Hospital Site. At its June 25 meeting, the Board held a public study session regarding the upcoming RFEOI – the first step in soliciting new ideas from potential partners about how to redevelop the site and what kinds of health services could be offered where the former hospital building now stands. That building is slated to be vacated in 2027.

The District’s overarching goal is to find a partner and a plan that aligns with BCHD’s mission and vision to meet the community’s ongoing health and wellness needs. Any redevelopment plan must also create sustainable revenue to support BCHD services, address the seismic safety of the aging former hospital building, and take into account community feedback.

“Over the years, we’ve gathered valuable input from our community, and that feedback will help shape the District’s evaluation of the RFEOI responses,” said BHCD CEO Tom Bakaly. “The document includes guidelines addressing building height, density, and placement to ensure that any future development aligns with community and neighborhood expectations. Our aim is to balance community concerns with innovative possibilities that enhance local access to health-related services.”

Bakaly added that the public feedback the District has received since 2017 includes:

Potential future uses could include Residential Care for the Elderly (RCFE), affordable senior housing, or medical office and wellness services – all options that align with the scope of services BCHD is authorized to provide under California Healthcare District law.

The complete RFEOI document can be found starting June 30 at  www.bchd.org/rfq

“Through this RFEOI process, we hope to spark fresh, forward-thinking proposals that meet local health needs and complement the character of our community,” Bakaly said. “There will be many opportunities for public engagement during the process, and we look forward to working together to address the former Hospital building and shape the future of the Healthy Living Campus and the overall well-being of the Beach Cities.”

The RFEOI will be issued June 30, with responses due by August 7. During the selection process, a BCHD committee will evaluate the submissions, including community engagement opportunities for public input. The committee will then deliver their recommendation(s) to the Board for approval and to determine next steps.

About Beach Cities Health District

Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), named the 2021 “Healthcare District of the Year” by the Association of California Healthcare Districts, is focused on preventive health and serves the communities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, California. 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.