August 15, 2024

Gallup Reports that Good Health Saves Beach Cities Residents $182 Million Each Year

Gallup, the global research and analytics company, has released the results of a study highlighting the savings in healthcare costs enjoyed by residents of the Beach Cities due in large part to our low rates of obesity, diabetes and smoking.

"The good health exhibited by many adults in the Beach Cities area is likely in part the result of efforts of the Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), which regularly organizes events and activities meant to enhance various aspects of wellbeing for local residents," according to the Gallup report.

Thank You for Joining Us for Volunteer Day!

Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), Redondo Beach Unified School District and Hermosa Beach City School District extend our sincere thanks to the 120+ volunteers who participated in this year’s Beach Cities Volunteer Day.  

This community-wide day of service benefits the LiveWell Kids program at Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach elementary schools. We are so grateful to everyone for their efforts. Thank you for helping us create a healthy beach community. 

A special thanks to our Partners in Health for helping grow a healthier generation of kids and school gardens. 

To learn more about volunteering, go to bchd.org/volunteer. 

Redondo Beach Planning Commission continues Public Hearing for General Plan Update Tonight, Aug. 15 

Floor Area Ratio change could adversely impact BCHD's Healthy Living Campus 

In its General Plan update, the City of Redondo Beach is considering a reduction in how much can be built on public property – a change that would not allow full development of Phase 1 of the Healthy Living Campus or any development of Phase II (Community Wellness Pavilion, Aquatic Center, Center for Health & Fitness). If approved, this would significantly limit our ability to modernize the campus and would compromise BCHD's ability to provide preventive health services to the community. 

The Redondo Beach Planning Commission continues its public hearing on the General Plan update tonight, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. You can view the agenda here.  

In planning jargon, the draft Focused General Plan Update includes a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) – calculated by dividing the gross floor area of a building by the total lot size – at BCHD’s campus at 514 N. Prospect Avenue in Redondo Beach. The change would set a 0.75 FAR on BCHD’s campus while allowing a 1.25 FAR for other public or institutional land use designations. 

The FAR cap would be disparate treatment between the City and BCHD. The City is carving out an exception for their Center of Operations, but not allowing BCHD to do the same. Such a cap would be a devastating blow to BCHD's plans for the future. 

As this action would directly impact BCHD’s ability to meet the health needs of residents in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, we invite you to actively engage and participate in the public process for the City of Redondo Beach’s draft Focused General Plan Update.   

BCHD supports a 1.25 FAR for all public institutions, including BCHD’s property. 

Get Involved - You can help safeguard & preserve our Public Spaces  

Your voice matters, and we encourage you to get involved during the Redondo Beach Planning Commission public hearing tonight, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. 

Attend the Meeting: 

• Attend the meeting in-person and comment during the public hearing. The meeting will take place at Council Chambers at 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach. 
• Attend the meeting via Zoom and comment on the public hearing. (Zoom instructions are available on the meeting agenda) 

Submit a Comment: 

• Submit an e-comment prior to Thursday at 3 p.m. on item J.2. - tell the Planning Commission what BCHD Programs and Services mean the most to you. eCOMMENT: Comments may be entered directly on website Agenda page at: https://redondo.granicusideas.com/meetings 

1) Public comments can be entered before and during the meeting. 

2) Select a SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEM to enter your comment; 

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. 

Learn more about 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, the bond 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. 

Power of Purpose Workshop & Social Connections Fair 

Join BCHD this Saturday for our Blue Zones Project Power of Purpose Workshop. Purpose is your reason for getting up each morning. Discover how to align your gifts, talents and interests to create purpose in daily life in our workshop facilitated by Kathleen Terry. 



Looking to build meaningful relationships with others who share your purpose? Consider joining one of our Blue Zones Project Moai Social Groups to meet people who gather to participate in activities like purpose discussions, potluck meals and walking together around our beautiful Beach Cities.

Saturday, August 17 

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. 

Manhattan Beach Community Church 

303 S. Peck Ave. 

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

Take Our Community Health Survey

BCHD is asking residents of the Beach Cities to take its triennial Community Health Survey to better understand local health needs, which guide its health priorities, programs and service offerings.  

When you have completed the survey, you will have the option to enter an opportunity drawing for a chance to win gift cards to Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants or grocery stores! 

The last day to complete the survey is Friday, August 23. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Child Obesity Rate for RBUSD Elementary School Students Down 75% since 2007

The childhood obesity rate for elementary school students in Redondo Beach has fallen to 5.0%, the lowest rate among Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD) kindergarten, 1st, 3rd and 5th grade students in 17 years. Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) and RBUSD have partnered on school health programs including LiveWell Kids and annual Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments since 2007.

Being Outside in the Summer is Great for Your Health! 

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the great outdoors. Whether you're going for a jog on the pier, hiking through a botanical garden or simply enjoying a picnic at one of the local parks, being outside can do wonders for your health. Here’s a closer look at some of the health benefits of spending time in nature, particularly during the summer months.   

Blue Zones Project Inspired

Cooking Classes 

The Pier Room at Lazy Acres Market in Hermosa Beach is officially open for cooking classes! Sign up for one cooking class or the whole series which is inspired by the blue zones regions of the world where people live to 100. Students will have access to their own burner and cooking station while they follow along with the chefs to create wholesome and healthy meals that not only taste good, but are good for you. 

August 28, September 4 & 18 

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 

Lazy Acres Hermosa Beach 

2510 Pacific Coast Highway, The Pier Room 

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 

Cost: $65.00/class 

Moai Social Event:

Visit the Roundhouse Aquarium



Join BCHD for our upcoming Moai Social Event where we invite community members to explore their neighborhoods and get to know their neighbors. If you’re not familiar with Moais, they are social groups where people gather for a common purpose, enjoy healthy hobbies and participate in fun activities together. 

In September, we invite you to learn more about how you can support our marine neighbors and their coastal habitat by exploring the Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center! This event is open to all, please feel free to bring your family and friends. 

Saturday, September 14 

12 – 1 p.m. 

Roundhouse Aquarium  

2 Manhattan Beach Blvd 

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

Located at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier 

Do you have your Perks Card?

Blue Zones Project® is working with restaurants throughout the Beach Cities to give customers more options to make healthier choices. Some Blue Zones Project Approved™ Restaurants and retailers offer discounts to help you make the healthy choice the easy choice. Present your Perks Card at these local Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurants and retailers to receive 5 – 15% off. 

To receive your Perks card, visit one of our facilities during business hours or stop by our booth at one of our community events and pick one up to start receiving discounts today! 

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

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 Monday, August 19 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 Tuesday, August 27 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. 

Summer Free Fitness! 



We have two more weeks remaining! Join us for a series of free Zumba classes every Monday in August! Classes will be held on August 19 and 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Redondo Beach at Alta Vista Park on Julia Field, in partnership with the City of 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 Tuesday of the Month, Virtual

(August 20 & September 3)

10 – 11 a.m.

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

2nd Mondays, In person 

(September 9)

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 starts will take place every Tuesday from 12 – 1:30 p.m. Starting September 3. 

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

(September 4)

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 

(September 10) 

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 

(September 10) 

10 - 11 a.m. 

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

QPR Suicide Prevention Training 



QPR Suicide Prevention Training teaches how to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone to help. Increase your skills to engage someone in crisis to discuss their distress, provide hope, and refer to those who can formally assess and intervene. This is a free 2 hour in-person training open to the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a free Narcan (common brand name of naloxone) kit.    

Monday, September 9 

4 - 6 p.m. 

Beach Cities Health District 

514 N. Prospect Ave., 

Redondo Beach 

Lower Level – Beach Cities Room 

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.    

Tuesday, September 17

6:30 p.m.

Beach Cities Health District

514 N. Prospect Ave.

Redondo Beach, CA

Lower Level, Beach Cities Room

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

BCHD and the Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition is partnering with South Bay Families Connected, Hermosa Beach City School District, Manhattan Beach Unified School District and Redondo Beach Unified School District to host in-person events that will include a film screening of “Come Back Home,” the newest fentanyl documentary by Dominic Tierno and Christine Wood 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 parents and caregivers to hear from young people who have lived experience with substance use. Young people from local recovery programs and sober communities will share their stories 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

Wednesday,

September 18

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Hermosa Valley Middle School

1645 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach

Multipurpose Room

Monday,

September 30

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Parras Middle School

200 N. Lucia Ave., Redondo Beach

Multipurpose Room

Monday,

October 21

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Manhattan Beach Middle School

1501 N. Redondo Ave., Manhattan Beach

Multipurpose 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