A Note from Our CEO Tom Bakaly
I hope this note finds you well. As we approach Memorial Day 2021, we find ourselves in a much different place than we did a year ago, when beaches were closed, and people were still getting used to the idea of wearing masks.
Much has been accomplished in the last 15 months to help get us through this pandemic, thanks to our staff, our volunteers, our civic partners and Beach Cities residents, all of whom have remained diligent in the battle with COVID-19. There is still much happening and still much to do.
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Can I get COVID-19 after being vaccinated?
By William Kim, M.D., Chief Medical Advisor, Beach Cities Health District
Earlier this week, Los Angeles County announced that over half of residents aged 16 and above have been vaccinated against COVID-19, an important milestone and evidence that vaccines are an important tool in the fight against the virus.
In L.A. County, just 11% of residents are estimated to be “vaccine-hesitant or unsure,” another important reason for the success in battling COVID-19. This number is lower than in many parts of the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
For vaccine-hesitant people, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offers these comparisons: the risk of dying during a 200-mile car trip in California is about one in a million – but if someone told you they were taking you on an all-expenses-paid vacation to Monterey, you’d probably go. And the chances of getting food poisoning every year is 1 in 6, but we are still comfortable eating at a friend’s house or our favorite restaurant. Meanwhile, the risk of having a serious side effect from COVID-19 vaccination is about 1 in a million.
Those are pretty good odds for vaccinated people as California prepares to reopen its economy and relax most restrictions June 15.
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View the Virtual Safe in the South Bay Series: COVID-19's Mental Health Impact on Youth, Adults and Older Adults
In partnership with Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce and Beach Cities Health District
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Panelists included:
- Howard Barker, Community Liaison, Clear Recovery Center
- David Hart, Ph.D., Director of Community Health, Always Best Care South Bay/West Los Angeles
- Ioana Pal, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist, Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach
- Edna Osepans, LCSW, Clinical Social Worker, UCLA Health
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Don't Wait. Vaccinate. Everyone 12+ is eligible.
Minors age 12-17:
- Look for a site that offers the Pfizer vaccine as that is the only vaccine authorized for 12-17 year olds.
- You will be turned away if you go to a site that does not offer Pfizer.
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For a full list of sites across the county offering Pfizer vaccines, please visit http://bit.ly/PfizerSites.
Note: People under age 12 cannot get vaccinated at this time because there are no vaccines authorized for use in this age group.
How to make an appointment:
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Visit the County’s website; walk-ins are welcome at many locations including all County-run sites.
- If you don’t have internet access, can’t use a computer, or you’re over 65, you can call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment. Please know there may be an extended wait time to speak with an operator for help making an appointment due to high demand.
- For people struggling to get to a vaccination site, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health can help get you a free ride there and back. The Uber and Lyft rideshare apps are offering free roundtrip rides to some vaccination sites within their apps. However, if you are seeking assistance scheduling a ride or if you want to get your vaccination at a site not listed in the app, you can reach out to the County call center at 1-833-540-0473 and you will be connected to free transportation.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines including local vaccination opportunities in Redondo Beach, visit bchd.org/covidvaccine.
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Percent (%) of population 16+ vaccinated with at least 1 dose
As of May 21, 2021
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If you're already vaccinated, share your experience and encourage your family and friends to get vaccinated too.
The COVID-19 vaccine is the most powerful tool we have to end the pandemic.
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County to Align with State June 15 Reopening
Los Angeles County will align with the State's June 15 plans that ease many capacity limits and distancing requirements and adopt CDC's masking guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. People who are fully vaccinated will no longer need to wear masks in most situations. There are specific requirements for large capacity indoor events. The County will also follow the State on lifting current travel restrictions on June 15 to align with CDC travel recommendations. Current County reopening protocols will be amended or retired on June 15 to reflect these changes.
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Masking Requirements Remain in County Until June 15
Masks are still required for everyone at:
- Large events, public transportation, retail and business establishments
- Workplaces (under Cal/OSHA masking/distancing requirements)
Masks are still required for all unvaccinated people:
- Outdoors anytime distancing cannot be maintained
Masks are still not required for fully vaccinated people:
- Outdoors unless attending crowded events
- Indoor and outdoor visits with other fully vaccinated people and with unvaccinated people from one household without high risk people
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Center for Health & Fitness FREE Virtual Workshops & National Senior Health & Fitness Week
Friday, May 28
“No, This is *not* Normal in Menopause” – Dispelling Myths About ‘The Change’
11 – 11:55 a.m.
Thursday, June 10
Eye Conditions As We Age
10-10:55 a.m.
Tuesday, June 15
Wellness Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis
10-10:55 a.m.
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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, June 2
4 – 4:30 p.m.
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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.
Monday, June 7
10 – 11 a.m.
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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!
Tuesdays
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
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COVID-19 Testing at BCHD Campus 514 N. Prospect Ave.
Residents should get tested if they have symptoms or were exposed to someone who was positive and isolate immediately from their family and others if they have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. If you recently traveled and were in crowds while traveling, exposed to unmasked individuals in close proximity, or attended gatherings, you should get tested. Tests are free of charge and are by appointment only. The last day for COVID-19 testing at BCHD is Sunday, June 13.
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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. or visit us online at bchd.org/resources.
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Thank you to our wonderful volunteers and community partners who are helping to create a healthy beach community.
With their help, BCHD administered more than 13,800 vaccine doses to the South Bay community!
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Looking to get back into exercise? The Center for Health & Fitness is now open for:
- Indoor Workout Equipment Reservations
- Outdoor Group Exercise Classes
- Personal Training
- Small Group Training
- Massage
- Private Pilates
- Virtual Classes
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AdventurePlex is reopening for summer camp beginning June 21. At this time, summer camp is the only program AdventurePlex will be offering, with daily and weekly camps June 21 through August 20.
Please provide your feedback for the future reopening of all our programs in our reopening survey.
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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
With summer just around the corner, remember to #BeachResponsibly by following the health guidance and protect yourself from UV rays. Protect skin by staying in the shade especially during midday hours, wear sunglasses, hats and clothing that covers your arms and legs, use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher with UVA and UVB protection, and avoid indoor tanning.
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Join the Healthy Minds Initiative
BCHD, in partnership with Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, is running a study on how proper diet and lifestyle can prevent brain disease. The study has transitioned to a virtual environment in response to COVID-19. Learn more.
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Did you know?
Our Care Managers have safely returned to in-person client visits to support our community’s older adults. Virtual meetings are still available for clients who prefer them.
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Healthy Living Campus
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Healthy Living Campus on Beach Cities Health District's property at 514 N. Prospect Ave. is now available. BCHD has extended the requisite 45-day public review and comment period to 90 days, extending from March 10 through June 10, 2021.
Deadline to submit: June 10, 2021 at 5 p.m. PT.
Official public comments about the technical sufficiency of the Draft EIR impact analysis, mitigation measures, and alternatives will be accepted. Comments received by the deadline will be included/responded to in the final EIR.
Comments received after the deadline will be forwarded to BCHD's Board of Directors. These comments will not be included in the final EIR.
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How to Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report
90-Day Public Review and Comment Period: March 10 - June 10, 2021
There are a variety of ways to submit written or oral public comments.
Mail: Nick Meisinger re: Healthy Living Campus
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
9177 Sky Park Ct.
San Diego, CA 92123
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CEQA Process Overview
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires state and local agencies within California to analyze proposed construction projects and provide an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) detailing potential environmental impacts and outlining measures to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible. Below is BCHD'S tentative CEQA timeline.
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