Two Remarkable Students Make a Difference

The summer break can often be a time for students to relax and enjoy their free time. This year Redondo Union High School students Ella Chung and Penny Iglesias decided to use their summer to make a positive impact on their community. 

Both Ella and Penny volunteered at AdventurePlex, a children’s play facility operated by the Beach Cities Health District (BCHD). Their decision to volunteer was motivated by a desire to help others and to gain valuable experience. 

Despite their busy schedules, Ella and Penny found time for their volunteer work. They assisted with a variety of tasks, including arts and crafts activities, supervision, and cleanup. Their positive attitudes and enthusiasm made a significant impact on the young campers. 

Take our Survey about BCHD's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

As valued members of our Beach Cities community, your input is crucial in shaping our Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). This initiative aims to identify and reduce the impacts of natural hazards—such as flooding, wildfires, and earthquakes—that can affect our homes, businesses, and overall safety.

If you live or work in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach, I invite you to take a brief survey that will directly inform the development of our LHMP, and ensure that we build a safer, smarter community for all.

Why Your Voice Matters: As the costs of disaster management and recovery continue to rise, we must work together to find effective ways to minimize these risks. By participating in this survey, you’ll help us understand the hazards that concern you most and the strategies that could strengthen our community's resilience.

What We’re Asking: The survey will assess:

• Your awareness and concerns about natural hazards
• The impact of these hazards on our community
• Recommended mitigation projects and policies to enhance our preparedness

Take the Survey: Link to Survey

The survey should take less than five minutes to complete.

If you have any questions about the survey or the planning process, please contact Dylan Yates at dylan.yates@constantassociates.com.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important effort. Together, we can break the cycle of damage and reconstruction and work toward a stronger, safer community!

Save Your Public Health Services

Keep Public Institutional Use Levels the Same for the Health District and City - Support a 1.25 FAR

A recent change to the proposed City of Redondo Beach General Plan could significantly reduce BCHD’s programs and services. The Planning Commission has proposed a dramatic reduction in the Floor Area Ratio for select public property, targeting BCHD.  

The programs you use, know and love are under attack, including: 

• The Center for Health & Fitness 
• Social Workers for disabled and older adults 
• allcove Beach Cities – youth wellness center 
• Blue Zones Project 
• LiveWell Kids and BCHD’s numerous other free programs and services 

Initially, a 0.75 FAR was considered for BCHD’s campus by the Planning Commission, but it was recently reduced – without being studied – even further to 0.50, while select City of Redondo Beach properties, which have the same land use designation, are allowed a 1.25 FAR.  

Get Involved: YOU can help safeguard & preserve our Programs & Services

Your voice matters! Support a 1.25 FAR and fair treatment from the city and save BCHD's programs:

1) Attend the City Council Meetings:

• Attend the City Council meetings in person
• Make or submit a comment OR just attend to show your support by wearing a BCHD t-shirt!
• Attend the meeting via Zoom and comment. (Zoom instructions are available on the meeting agenda)

Dates: Tuesdays, October 1, October 15 and October 29

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: City Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach

2) Submit a Comment:

• E-comments may be submitted until 3 p.m. on the day of the City Council meeting (Tuesday at 3 p.m.) Tell the City Council what BCHD Programs and Services mean the most to you. eCOMMENT: Comments may be entered directly on the City's website (when the agenda is posted) 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.

Click here for City Council Meeting Information

3) Email the Redondo Beach City Council:

Tell them you support keeping public institutional land uses the same for BCHD and the City with a 1.25 FAR in the General Plan update.

Mayor Jim Light: james.light@redondo.org

District 1: Council Member Nils Nehrenheim: nils.nehrenheim@redondo.org

District 2: Mayor Pro Tem/Council Member Todd Loewenstein:  todd.loewenstein@redondo.org

District 3: Council Member Paige Kaluderovic: paige.kaluderovic@redondo.org

District 4: Council Member Zein Obagi, Jr.: Zein.Obagi@redondo.org

District 5: Council Member Scott Behrendt: scott.behrendt@redondo.org

Join us for a Community Forum!

Beach Cities Health District, the City of Hermosa Beach and the Hermosa Beach City School District are hosting a community discussion to provide information about the three (3) Hermosa Beach ballot initiatives.

Monday, October 7

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Hermosa Beach City Council Chambers

1315 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

It is important for Beach Cities Health District to be out in the community sharing our programs and resources to our residents. Share with friends and family and volunteer together! 

Join Team BCHD for the 2024 Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk!

Let's walk together! Beach Cities Health District is sponsoring a walk team in the Friendship Walk. We have a limited number of walking spots that include receiving an event t-shirt and swag bag.

Sign Up by Tuesday, October 15 by clicking this link:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c86a77ecce0e40508ce9e5cbabb95c77

Reach out to Tiana (tiana.rideout-rosales@bchd.org) for more information or assistance. To learn more about the 2024 SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, please visit the FAQ page here.

A Word From Our Community Partner – South Bay Parkland Conservancy 



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

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. 

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, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

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. 

Center for Health & Fitness Front Desk Volunteer 

Volunteers (18+) will check in and greet members as they arrive at the gym as well as provide additional assistance to front desk staff. Weekly commitment is 2 hours a week. Shifts needed: Tuesday, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Sunday, 9 – 11 a.m. 

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!

January: 2,945.13 

February: 2,418.82 

March: 2,551.08 

April: 2,028.23 

May: 2,299.75 

June: 2,285.00 

July: 3,207.50 

August: 2,556.60 



Total: 20,292.12 

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!  

September

Dennette Dee Dee Klute Evans,14 

Karen Brandhorst,12 

Steve Wakisaka,12 

Lindley Montoya,11 

Terri Burschinger, 8 

Barbara Skas, 7 

Ellen Gilman, 7 

Jo Labor, 7 

Diane Yu, 5 

John McCarthy, 5 

Alan Janson, 4 

Jackie Jedynak, 4 

Paula Dobin, 4 

Eva Aleman, 3 

Lauren Matoska, 3 

Laurie Phan, 2 

Jeffrey Gaul, 1 

Nancy Henningsen, 1

*Official years of service in BCHD system.

Screenagers: Elementary School Edition 

Join us for a free movie screening of “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition.” The new version of the original Screenagers movie addresses issues that elementary school-aged kids, parents and educators are facing – smartwatches in class, unhooking from and monitoring video gaming, social media pressures and exposure too young. This screening and discussion are intended for parents and caregivers to learn about existing research around these topics and potential solutions to these and other challenges in order to address and support mental well-being in the digital age. South Bay parents and caregivers are welcome to attend any event date. Free childcare offered by Adventure Plex staff (for children able to use the restroom independently). Find more information on the registration form. More showings will be offered throughout the 2024-25 school year. 

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 5:30 – 7 p.m. 

Pacific Elementary School 

1200 Pacific Ave., Manhattan Beach 

Monday, October 7, 2024, 5:30 – 7 p.m. 

Tulita Elementary School 

1520 S. Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach 

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 5:30 – 7 p.m. 

Washington Elementary School 

1100 Lilienthal Ln., Redondo Beach 



Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 5:30 – 7 p.m. 

Robinson Elementary School 

80 Morningside Dr., Manhattan 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 

(October 1 & 15) 

10 – 11 a.m. 

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

2nd Mondays, In person  

(October 14) 

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

(October 2)

4 – 4:30 p.m.

Mindfulness 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 7-week series starts will take place every Tuesday from 12 – 1:30 p.m. through November 12 with a different topic each week:

Goals and Physical Health (Oct. 1)

Social Connection and Play (Oct. 8)

Taking Control of Stress (Oct. 15)

Introduction to Mental Health First Aid (Oct. 22)

What We Consume and Awe (Oct. 29)

Self-Care, Gratitude and Mindfulness (Nov. 5)

Zumba Fitness Class and Celebration (Nov. 12)

South Bay Adult School 

3401 Inglewood Avenue, 

Redondo Beach, CA 90278 

Room 10 and adjacent patio 

Sessions will not be available online or recorded. 

allcove open house  

Saturday, October 5 at 10 a.m. –1 p.m. 

Experience the heart of our community at the Open House for allcove Beach Cities! Whether you're a prospective client, a parent or just curious about what we do, this is your chance to tour our facility and see everything we have to offer. Come meet our team and take a guided tour! All are welcome! 

Save the Date for Walk and Roll to School Day



Walk and Roll to School Day is an international event that involves communities walking and rolling to school. On October 9, the Beach Cities school districts (Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach), Beach Cities Health District staff, students and their families, school administrators, volunteers and local officials will lace up our sneakers and start the day walking or rolling to school.   

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.

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

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.    

Wednesday, October 23 

6:30 p.m. 

Beach Cities Health District 

514 N. Prospect Ave. 

Redondo Beach, CA 

Lower Level, Beach Cities Room