October 14, 2021
*Photo taken pre-COVID-19 of BCHD's Strategic Planning Committee
Join Us For Our 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.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. Most flu activity occurs between October and May, peaking between December and February in the United States. The flu vaccine protects against the flu after two weeks, so it is best to get vaccinated early in fall, by the end of October.

City of Manhattan Beach Flu Vaccine Clinic
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Joslyn Community Center, 1601 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
No appointments needed, walk-up only

Flu vaccines are free and for ages 6 months and up. Standard dose only (no high dose or nasal dose available). Masks are required while inside the building. Wearing a short sleeve shirt or a shirt with sleeves that can roll up is recommended. There may be some waiting outside. Please dress accordingly for the weather.
Healthy Living Campus Update

The BCHD Board will review the proposed project and alternatives that were analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in order to consider selecting a project at their Wednesday, October 27 meeting.

Virtual Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, October 27, 6:30 p.m.
Meeting information will be posted to

The BCHD Board of Directors voted to certify that the Final EIR for the District’s Healthy Living Campus Master Plan complies with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The vote was taken during the Board Meeting on 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.

The proposed project and alternatives are a direct reflection of community discourse beginning in 2017, with design and planning documents revised in response to public input. 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.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
For more information, visit www.bchd.org/cancer. 
You may be able to reduce your risk for breast cancer by taking care of your health. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women get a mammogram every two years if you are 50-74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer. If you are 40-49 years old, talk with your doctor about when and how often you should get a mammogram.
Stay Safe this Halloween
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has put out guidance for individuals and families to stay safe this Halloween.
Take a look at the Blue Zones Project® updated Healthy Eating Guide.
Center for Health & Fitness
  • Indoor Gym Floor Exercise Equipment Reservations
  • Indoor/Outdoor Group Exercise Classes
  • Virtual Classes
  • Yoga & Pilates
  • Massage
  • Personal Training
  • Small Group Training
  • 65+ Programs
AdventurePlex
  • Drop-in Play
  • Seasonal Camps
  • Weekend Camps
  • ToddlerTown
  • 5-level play structure
  • Birthday Parties
  • Special Events
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.
Now on Tuesdays
10 – 11 a.m.
Virtual Families Connected Speaker Series: Supporting Our Children During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Dr. David J. Schonfeld will provide practical advice to parents and caregivers on how to help our children cope with persistent adjustment difficulties and grief associated with the pandemic. The virtual Families Connected Speaker Series is presented in partnership with BCHD, South Bay Families ConnectedHermosa Beach City School DistrictManhattan Beach Unified School District and Redondo Beach Unified School District 
Tuesday, October 19
6:30 - 8 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. 
Social Hour with BCHD Care Manager, Charlotte Barnett
With many senior centers closed and many older adults unable to socialize, we want to provide a space for people to talk, ask questions and share their experience during COVID-19. Join us if you want to learn more about community resources or BCHD, or if you just want to connect! Open to all.
October 19 (virtual) & October 21 (in-person)
11 a.m.  12 p.m.
Joslyn Community Center, Sunset Room
1601 N. Valley Dr.
Manhattan Beach
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, November 3
 4:30 p.m.
Who is eligible for a booster vaccine?
  • 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.
  • Los Angeles County residents who are eligible 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:
  • 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

Booster Vaccine Clinics:
Monday, Oct. 18: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Anderson Park Senior Center, 3007 Vail Ave, Redondo Beach
Register at myturn.ca.gov: “BCHD Pfizer Booster Vaccine Clinic for Older Adults 10/18”

Tuesday, Oct. 19: 3 – 6 p.m.
South Bay Adult School at 3401 Inglewood Ave, Redondo Beach
Register at myturn.ca.gov: “BCHD Pfizer Booster Vaccine Clinic for School Staff 10/19”

Wednesday, Oct. 20: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Joslyn Community Center, 1601 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach 
Register at myturn.ca.gov: “BCHD Pfizer Booster Vaccine Clinic for Older Adults 10/20” 

What to bring:
  • Bring proof that you 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.

For questions, call BCHD’s Assistance, Information and Referral Line, 310-374-3426 and press option 1, Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit bchd.org/covidvaccine.
Updated Health Officer Order on Vaccination Verifications Now in Effect
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an updated Health Officer Order, requiring:

Outdoor Mega Events:
  • Aligns with the State’s September 8, 2021, definition of Outdoor Mega Events
  • 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:
  • 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 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: Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for Pregnant Women?
Mounting data shows that COVID-19 infection increases the risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications. Studies have also affirmed the vaccines’ safety in all stages of pregnancy. In light of these findings and the increase in cases across the country, the CDC strengthened its recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination for all women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also encourages pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding to get vaccinated. Get the facts here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Chart
For more information on COVID-19, visit bchd.org/coronavirus
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, and press option 1, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit us online at bchd.org/resources.