September 28, 2021
BCHD Named Healthcare District of the Year by the Association of California Healthcare Districts
We’re proud to announce that BCHD has been named Healthcare District of the Year by the Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD). Thank you to our community, partners, volunteers and staff for helping us to receive this award— we couldn’t have done it without you!
 
About the Award
The District of the Year Award honors a healthcare district that implemented one or more initiatives to improve the health and well-being of their community. A panel of outside judges scores all nomination materials. There are 77 healthcare districts in ACHD.
Healthy Living Campus Update
The BCHD Board of Directors voted to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the District’s Healthy Living Campus Master Plan, verifying the document complies with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The vote was taken during the Board Meeting Wed., Sept. 8 and was 5-0 in favor of certification, coming after two and a half hours of presentations, public comments and deliberations. More than 300 public comments and responses were included in the 1,778-page Final EIR.

Next steps for the project include a review of the proposed plan and the six alternatives that were analyzed in the EIR. This process will include continued community outreach and trade-off discussions, public surveys, committee meetings and BCHD’s Strategic Planning meeting in October.

The proposed plan and alternatives are a direct reflection of community input, with design and planning documents revised twice since the public project discourse began in 2017. Public input resulted in the addition of open space, proposed structures were redesigned and shifted away from neighbors, and construction time was drastically reduced.

To learn more about the Healthy Living Campus, visit bchdcampus.org.
Virtual Strategic Planning Half Day
The Half Day meeting brings together BCHD's committees, staff, board, volunteers and members of the public to improve decision making, enhance organizational responsiveness, improve performance and strengthen the organization.
 
This strategic development session will focus on next steps for Priority-Based Budgeting as well as further trade-off discussions and exercises around balancing District services (now and in the future) with the Healthy Living Campus Project.
Friday, October 15
1 - 5 p.m.
Please RSVP by Thursday, October 7
Virtual Families Connected Parent Chat
A free parent support group led by a licensed professional from the Thelma McMillen Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment at Torrance Memorial Medical Center held in partnership with South Bay Families Connected. Open to all parents.
Tuesdays
10 – 11 a.m.
Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
Stop by BCHD's booth at the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair for a kindness activity, prizes and an opportunity to provide your feedback about the Healthy Living Campus.
October 2 - 3
Center for Health & Fitness Active Aging Week
Take action toward maintaining and improving your health by enjoying FREE virtual lectures and classes! 
October 4 - 8
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 every month.
Wednesday, October 6
 4:30 p.m.
Virtual Mental Health & Happiness Series
Learn how to boost your well-being through evidence-based practices to build resilience, feel more connected and be happier. The series focuses on the building blocks to help create a healthier and happier you. Presented by Beach Cities Health District in partnership with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University, Dominguez Hills. 
Topics include:
Reaffirm Purpose: Navigate transitions and focus on meaning
Tuesday, October 19 from 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 

Maximize Gratitude: Express appreciation and savor kindness
Tuesday, November 9 from 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 
City of Manhattan Beach Flu Vaccine Clinic
Flu vaccines are free and available for ages 6 months and up, but only standard doses are available (no high dose or nasal doses). All persons are required to wear face masks while inside the building. For those getting the vaccine, wearing short sleeve shirts or shirts with sleeves that can easily roll up are recommended. There may be some waiting outside, so please dress accordingly for the weather. For questions, call the City’s Senior Hotline at (310) 802-5010.

Wednesday, October 20
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Joslyn Community Center,
1601 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach
No appointments needed, walk-up only
Los Angeles County Begins Administering Pfizer Booster to Eligible Residents
Los Angeles County is now administering Pfizer booster third doses after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle P. Walensky endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in several population groups. The CDC also recommended a booster dose for those in high risk occupational and institutional settings.

Boosters are currently only available to residents who received the Pfizer vaccine. Residents who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines will need to wait until the FDA reviews the data about boosters and determines the need for and safety of boosters for these vaccines.

Eligible Los Angeles County eligible residents for a booster dose of Pfizer include those who received the second of the two-dose Pfizer vaccine series at least 6 months ago and are either:
  • 65 years or older
  • Residents of long-term care facilities
  • 18 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions
  • 18 to 64 years with high institutional or occupational risk, including healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers, and workers in homeless shelters or prisons

Residents can make an appointment for their booster by using the MyTurn system or by making an appointment at a pharmacy or clinic that offers Pfizer vaccinations. 

Residents will need to bring proof that they have received two previous Pfizer doses, which for most people will be in the form of the white vaccination card, or a photo of the white card, or a digital record of your two doses. At many sites, residents may be asked to sign an attestation form indicating they meet the criteria to receive the booster. If you need a ride to get your vaccination, you can reach out to the Public Health call center at 1-833-540-0473 and you will be connected to free transportation.
Indoor Large Events Required to Verify Vaccination
or Negative Test for Entry
As of September 20, the State requires that all attendees at indoor mega events show proof of full vaccination or a negative test result prior to entry. Self-attestation can no longer be used to verify an attendee's status as fully vaccinated or as proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.  

Indoor mega events are events with 1,000 or more attendees indoors and include conventions, conferences, expos, concerts, shows, nightclubs, sporting events, live entertainment and festivals.

Acceptable proof of vaccination status includes a photo identification with any one of the following:
  • CDC COVID-19 vaccination record card (white card)
  • World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine record card (yellow card)
  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 digital vaccination record
  • Other COVID-19 digital vaccination record issued by an approved company
  • Documentation of vaccination from the healthcare provider or entity that provided the COVID-19 vaccines
  • California Immunization Registry (CAIR2) vaccination record

The vaccination proof should include the person’s name, type of COVID-19 vaccine and the date of the doses administered. The person can show the vaccination card, a photo of the card as a separate document or a photo of the card stored on a phone or electronic device.

Acceptable proof of a negative test includes a photo identification with testing results that must include the person’s name, type of COVID-19 viral test performed and negative test result. The date when the COVID-19 test was taken must be within the 72 hours prior to the event. The test results can be a printed copy or on a phone, including an email or text message results from the test provider or laboratory.
Updated Health Officer Order on Vaccination Verifications
On September 17, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an updated Health Officer Order, which goes into effect on October 7.

Outdoor Mega Events:
  • Aligns with the State’s September 8, 2021, definition of Outdoor Mega Events
  • Beginning October 7, 2021, all attendees, ages 12 and over, at Outdoor Mega Events involving 10,000 or more persons must, prior to entry, show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a pre-entry negative COVID-19 (diagnostic) test result. Self-attestation is not a permitted method for verification of vaccination or test result.

Bars, breweries, wineries, distilleries, nightclubs and lounges:
  • Beginning October 7, 2021, requires bars, breweries, wineries, distilleries, nightclubs and lounges for indoor service and operations to verify the COVID-19 vaccination status of their patrons and employees.
  • Requires that all customers and employees have at least one dose of the vaccine by October 7 and full vaccination by November 4.
  • These establishments primarily serve adults and already require patrons to show proof of age; and while children do not usually enter these establishments, children under 12 are exempt from these requirements.

Restaurants and food facilities:
  • The County Health Officer strongly recommends that beginning October 7, 2021, that the operators of all restaurants and food facilities reserve and prioritize indoor seating/service for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Full vaccination verification for services in the indoor portions of restaurants is strongly recommended.

FAQ: Who is a close contact?
You are a “close contact” if you were exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 while they were infectious:
  1. You were within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
  2. You had unprotected contact with body fluids and/or secretions from someone with COVID-19. For example, you were coughed or sneezed on, you shared a drinking cup or eating utensils, you kissed or you provided care to them without wearing the right protective equipment.
Tested positive means they had a positive COVID-19 viral test (swab or saliva) test.

Protect Yourself from COVID-19 and the Flu
For more information on the flu vaccine and answers to frequently asked questions, visit bchd.org/flu.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs help with health-related information and referrals, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit us online at bchd.org/resources.