August 2024

Thank You for Attending our

Volunteer Recognition Brunch! 

The Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) Board of Directors and staff hosted our annual Volunteer Recognition Brunch on July 27, at the Sonesta Hotel, honoring the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers over the past year. 

Embracing a “beach” theme, attendees donned sun hats, Hawaiian shirts and other coastal-inspired attire. The event space was adorned with blue and white tablecloths, reminiscent of ocean waves, complemented by vibrant beach signs and seashells, some of which guests were invited to take home as mementos. A beach-themed photo booth added an extra touch of fun, offering guests a memorable keepsake from the day. 

Attendees mingled with familiar faces and made new connections while enjoying the celebration. The event featured a presentation of the 2024 Core Value Award Winners (details below), a delicious spread of breakfast delights and a prize drawing sponsored by our generous local partners. 

A heartfelt thank you to all who attended! Be sure to view, like, comment and share photos from the Volunteer Recognition Brunch by clicking the links below.

To access photos, use code: 7366

2024 Core Value Award Winners 

BCHD is fortunate to have  volunteers who go above and beyond their roles to help us excel in creating a healthy beach community. Each year, BCHD honors and recognizes these individuals who truly embody our core values of Accountability, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence. Please join us in honoring this year’s recipients. 

Ana Horga

Conversation Companion | Award: Integrity

Ana is a true inspiration to all those that know her! Though she works two jobs, she continues to give back to her community through volunteering. Her impact is remarkable and will be remembered for lifetimes to come.

Toshi Takehara

Garden Angel | Award: Excellence

Toshi’s excellence shines through his diligence as he volunteers 12 shifts a month—six times the asked amount. BCHD’s gardens would not glow the same way without his attention to detail and commitment to his craft. 

Julie C. Henderson

Errand Volunteer | Award: Compassion

Julie takes pride in being a true problem-solver and represents BCHD’s ideology of forward thinking. Over the years, Julie has held a variety of volunteer positions working with BCHD. She is always looking for ways to strengthen the relationships within her community and in the District.

Margaret Maxwell

Front Desk Volunteer, Campus Greeter, Errand Volunteer, Volunteer Advisory Council

Award: Accountability

Margaret is a campus greeter, front desk volunteer, errand volunteer and member of the Volunteer Advisory Council. She takes pride in her ability to further our mission, representing our core values and initiatives, like the Higher Learning Commission. Through her four volunteer positions and her generous commitment, Margaret connects individuals in our community to BCHD. 

Mona Cho

Youth Advisory Council

Award: Youth Core Values Award

Mona has dedicated two years to the Youth Advisory Council and is a leader in the movement for mental health advocacy. Her determination, courage and hard-working spirit carried her all the way to the White House! She was recognized by First Lady, Jill Biden, for her push on online safety. Mona represents the potential of young people within the community as she continues to advocate for her peers.

Volunteer Day 2024 was a huge Success!



The annual Beach Cities Volunteer Day, which took place on August 7, was a tremendous success in bolstering the LiveWell KidsProgram at Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach elementary schools. With the enthusiastic participation of more than 120 volunteers including 14 organizations, school gardens are now prepared for the new academic year. Volunteer support from this event will allow students to learn where food comes from through farm-to-table lessons and develop a sense of pride by participating in growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables. 

Gallup released a report last week, based on their annual Well-Being Index survey, that calculates the financial savings for Beach Cities residents thanks to our healthy lifestyle. We would like to thank all of our volunteers who helped to make the Beach Cities a healthy beach community! From moai leads to the power 9 committee; the walking school bus participants to the restaurant and grocery store ambassadors; the livability committee to the event ambassadors, and the entire volunteer corps – WE THANK YOU!  

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. 

Learn more about Measure BC, 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 Measure BC is 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/healthmeasure to learn more.  

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.

Join the Purpose Discussion Moai

In areas around the world where people are living to 100, a common thread that connects these individuals is that they wake up everyday with purpose. Explore your purpose, values, passions and strengths through a guided reflection during weekly sessions with our purpose conveners. 

We encourage you to join 10 weekly sessions to explore your purpose and connect with new, like-minded friends!

Wednesdays, September 4th – November 6th

Group 1 (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)

Group 2 (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM)

To reserve your spot for either group, please e-mail Jackie.Uy@bchd.org. Due to limited space, we kindly ask that you confirm your participation in advance.

Beach Cities Health District will be out in the community sharing our programs and resources with residents at a number of events. Please click on the button below for more information and to be added to our distribution list for upcoming events.

A Word From Our Community Partner – South Bay Parkland Conservancy 

If you are interested in volunteering directly with the Conservancy, please check out our opportunities here: South Bay Parkland Conservancy Calendar

Additionally, the Conservancy hosts guided Nature Walks in Wilderness Park every month. The sign-up is here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ba5a829a7facf8-wilderness15#/

Please note that BCHD is not involved with these programs and will not be participating onsite. Should you have any questions please contact the SBPC directly at info@southbayparks.org. 

Join us at the next Hybrid BCHD Board Meeting 

All volunteers are welcome to attend Board meetings. The next Board meeting is Tuesday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Beach Cities Health District, Beach Cities Room - Lower Level, 514 N. Prospect Ave. Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

Get information on upcoming meetings and leave public comments on agendas here: https://www.bchd.org/public-meetings. 

Interested in volunteering (getting back to it or taking the next step to volunteer) with BCHD? See below for what’s currently available and please stay tuned to our newsletters and website as new opportunities arise! If you are or have been a BCHD volunteer or if you have questions, you’re invited to email us at Volunteers@bchd.org.

Administrative Office Front Desk Volunteer 

Our Admin and Community Services departments are looking for volunteer help including telephone coverage; front desk screening of staff and visitors; periodic disinfection of shared spaces; mail and package distribution; badge making; supplies inventory; assembling marketing packets; assisting with Help Desk Ticket tasks and projects. Must be 18+ and commit to weekly 4-hour shift on a regular basis. Shift needed: Wednesdays, 9:00am – 1:00pm. 

Brain Buddy: Support Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities 

Volunteers (18+) are matched with older adults and/or adults with memory loss and conduct weekly in-home visits to lead structured activities such as art, music, or games, providing socialization and engagement. Weekly 1-1.5 hour shift commitment. 

Conversation Companion: Support Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities 

Volunteers (18+) are matched with older adults and/or adults with disabilities to visit and engage in socialization activities such as life review, watching movies at home or in the theater, playing card or board games, taking walks, going for lunch, etc. Weekly 1-1.5 hour commitment. 

Errand Volunteer: Support Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities  

Errand Volunteers (18+) are matched with one of our Care Management clients and do weekly shopping for basic needs like groceries and prescriptions. Weekly 1-1.5 hour shift commitment for at least 3 months required.   

LiveWell Kids Garden Angel

Volunteers (18+) maintain school gardens in Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach by weeding, watering, planting and doing other projects on a rotating basis to support programming that promotes healthy eating through hands-on nutrition lessons. This is a physically active role that involves bending, kneeling, light lifting, gardening activities and working outside. Minimum one-year commitment and at least two shifts per month on Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Volunteer Hours



We appreciate all the commitment of our community to help others in 2023. We are grateful for the 26,520.87 reported hours of BCHD volunteer service in 2023. This number includes groceries shopped for, prescriptions picked up, calls made, visits to our older adult clients, Center for Health & Fitness front desk check-ins, committees met, administrative support, intern projects, gardens kept, allcove support and more. Thank you all! We know BCHD volunteers will continue doing remarkable things in 2024.  

January: 2,816.13 

February: 2,231.82 

March: 2,407.08 

April: 1,857.23 

May: 2,168.75 

June: 1,699.50 

July: 3,008.50

Total: 16,521.63

Volunteer Anniversaries



Thank you to these fabulous volunteers for their years of service! We’re so fortunate to have volunteers who are so committed to making this a healthy beach community! Congrats on your anniversary!  

August

George Schmeltzer 21 

Linda Donato 21 

Mary Drummer 19 

Amy Quan 9 

Marie Puterbaugh 7 

Teresa Haddad 5 

Randy Steinberg 2 

Elyse Gura 1 

Kyle Smith 1 

Sarah Jones 1 

*Official years of service in BCHD system.

Summer Free Fitness! 



Join us for our final segment of the Beach Cities Summer Free Fitness series! The last Zumba class is Monday, August 26 at 6:30 p.m. and will be led by Monica Victorino on Julia Field at Alta Vista park in Redondo Beach.

Remember to bring your water and towel. On-site registration is available at check-in. Pre-registration closes at 12 p.m. but walk-ups are welcome. 

Blue Zones Project Inspired

Cooking Classes

The Pier Room at Lazy Acres Market 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: Dishes from Ikaria, Greece

September 4: Dishes from Nicoya, Costa Rica

September 18: Dishes from Sardinia, Italy

Cost: $65.00/class

Lazy Acres Hermosa Beach

2510 Pacific Coast Highway, The Pier Room

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

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 

(September 3 & 17) 

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

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.

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 

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.

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 

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. 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.

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