by Megan Barnes, The Beach Reporter

Less than six months since winning a new term on the governing board of the Beach Cities Health District, Lenore Bloss is stepping down due to health issues, the agency said Thursday.

Bloss, who was first appointed in September 2015 to replace the late cardiologist Robert Grossman, announced her resignation during this week’s board meeting, saying she won’t be able to fulfill her duties because of emerging health issues.

She has also resigned from the Redondo Beach Harbor Commission, said Assistant City Manager Mike Witzansky.

Now, the directors of the 60-year-old preventive health agency — which serves Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach — will consider whether to appoint a successor or hold a special election at their next meeting May 24.

They opted for an application process last time there was a vacancy, after the sudden passing of Grossman, who succumbed to injuries from a freak accident outside his Hermosa Beach home. Bloss, a retired aerospace communications manager, was one of six hopefuls.

“Lenore has been an exemplary board member and a valuable contributor to the health and well-being of the beach cities,” Beach Cities Health District CEO Tom Bakaly said in a statement. “Her passion and love for the BCHD mission, and commitment to serving the community she loves, will be deeply missed by all of us. She and her family are in our thoughts and we thank her for her service.”

Bloss, who volunteered with the agency and sat on several committees before joining the board, successfully ran with a slate of incumbents in the November 2016 election with Vanessa Poster and Jane Diehl. She was serving as board treasurer until she resigned.

She previously served on the Redondo Beach Planning Commission and, in 2008, was named Redondo Beach Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.

Bloss’ resignation is the latest change in leadership at the agency since former CEO Susan Burden retired in 2016 after 12 years. Bakaly, the former city manager of Hermosa Beach, took over at the helm of the organization in November.

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