Holiday Gift Bags Spread Seasonal Cheer!
The holidays can be a bittersweet time, especially for older adults and individuals with disabilities. While festivities bring warmth and cheer, they can also highlight feelings of loneliness and isolation. National statistics shed light on this reality: approximately 14% of adults over 65 in the U.S. spend Christmas alone, and nearly 60% of nursing home residents do not receive visitors during the season (National Center for Health Statistics).
However, the story in the Beach Cities paints a much brighter picture.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS MONTH? | |
Become a champion for youth mental health in our community!
BCHD has launched a fundraising campaign to help reinvent the future of mental health. We are on a mission to support the health and well-being of young people and find innovative solutions to the youth mental health crisis and we need your help.
Donate to allcove Beach Cities. No matter how much you give, 100% of your donation supports youth well-being. BCHD subsidizes $1,000,000 annually to operate allcove Beach Cities. Join our efforts by becoming a one-time or monthly donor to support the center’s work and the young people in our community.
We’re asking supporters of youth mental health to help us sustain the work of caring for young people by donating to allcove Beach Cities!
Together, we can disrupt the youth mental health crisis.
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allcove Beach Cities is...
“a place where my peers or I can go to find assistance and support for our mental health problems in a way that is much more accessible and easier to access than going through the full mental health system.”
- Jennalee, youth community member
Make a gift at www.bchd.org/give to support young people like Jennalee.
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BCHD Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What comes next for BCHD after Measure BC was defeated?
Following the election, our team is exploring alternatives to replace revenue and reduce expenses as the old South Bay Hospital building is decommissioned in early 2027. This building has funded community health programs like social workers for older and disabled adults, LiveWell Kids and the Center for Health & Fitness. We continue to work on the Healthy Living Campus, launching a fundraising campaign for allcove Beach Cities, and proceeding with the due diligence period for the Residential Care for the Elderly and relocation of the Center for Health & Fitness. Unfortunately, we cannot fund the open space at this time.
Q: How does BCHD plan to address the old South Bay Hospital building?
Safety is BCHD’s primary concern, and since the cost of retrofitting the former hospital building is not financially feasible, the District plans to demolish the building in 2027. In 2018, Youssef & Associates concluded that demolition of the 514 N. Prospect Avenue building is prudent due to its vulnerability and poor performance of similar buildings in past earthquakes. While not required, seismic updates are recommended. The Redondo Beach General Plan suggests such buildings be "upgraded, relocated, or phased out." Additionally, in February 2023, Los Angeles County supervisors initiated steps toward mandatory retrofitting of older concrete buildings. The building also faces escalating maintenance costs diminishing revenue used to fund programs and services.
Q: How is BCHD funded?
BCHD has a diverse funding structure, maximizing your tax contribution and allowing the District to provide residents with a wide range of community health and wellness programs. FY23-24 Incoming Funding:
- 33% ($5m) – Property Taxes
- 27% ($4.1m) – Property Leases
- 15% ($2.4m) – Grants, Interest
- 14% (2.1m) – AdventurePlex/Center for Health & Fitness user fees
- 11 % ($1.7m) – Limited Partnerships
BCHD has maintained a balanced or surplus budget for the last decade. The only exceptions were during the pandemic, and those shortfalls were later reimbursed by FEMA. We are projecting a revenue shortfall two years from now when the old South Bay Hospital building is decommissioned and will address that shortfall through alternative revenue sources and expenditure reductions.
The District’s annual audits routinely report no issues and for the last five years, BCHD has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada (GFOA).
For more frequently asked questions and answers visit https://www.bchd.org/bchdfaq.
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Join us at the next BCHD Board Meeting, Wednesday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m.
All volunteers are welcome to attend Board meetings typically held on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
Get information on upcoming meetings and leave public comments on agendas here: https://www.bchd.org/public-meetings.
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Beach Cities Health District - Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
As valued members of our Beach Cities community, your input is crucial in shaping Beach Cities Health District’s 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, you are invited 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
The survey should take less than five minutes to complete. The last day to complete the survey is May 2, 2025.
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!
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EVENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | |
It is important for Beach Cities Health District to be out in the community sharing our programs and resources with residents. Share with friends and family and volunteer together! | |
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.
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FEATURED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | |
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; assist with Help Desk Ticket tasks and projects. Must be 18+ and commit to weekly 4-hour shifts on a regular basis. Shift needed: Wednesdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
allcove Campus Greeter
Volunteers (14+) meet all guests who enter the 514 building while providing general support and customer service duties for the full BCHD campus. Responsibilities include greeting guests and tenants, providing information and referral to the public, walking visitors to/from medical appointments or allcove upon request, maintaining a clean and orderly area and tracking volunteer hours worked. Must be friendly, helpful and able to push wheelchairs and walk around the campus. Weekly 2- or 3-hour shift required for one year; scheduling available Monday – Saturday. *Expected commitment for High School students is a semester or over the summer. Morning and early afternoon shifts available.
Brain Buddy: Support Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities – High Need
Volunteers (18+) are matched with older adults and/or disabled clients 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 is 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.
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Volunteer Hours
We appreciate all the commitment of our community to help others in 2024. 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. Our volunteers have delivered the equivalent of $1,130,541 in service this year!* 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: 2,723.52
September: 2,378,67
October: 2,226.57
November: 3,066.03
Total: 29,281.05
*based on the Independent Sector's average volunteer value for California of $38.61 per hour.
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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!
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December
Melinda Turkolu 22
Patti Mahoney 14
Colleen Otash 13
Kathy Herbers 13
Howard Darvey 12
Jim Parkman 9
Julie Henderson 8
Megan Bowers 8
Ayusha Rajesh 2
Ryan Dulong 2
Jade Li 1
Lance Harris 1
Laurie Bell 1
Noah Weiner 1
Pauline Sokolskiy 1
Sarah McCanless 1
*Official years of service in BCHD system.
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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
(January 7 & 21)
10 – 11 a.m.
Zoom link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014
2nd Mondays, In person
(January 13)
2 – 3 p.m.
Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, Sunset Room
1601 N Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
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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 the Month
(January 8)
4 – 4:30 p.m.
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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 provide support to 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, January 10
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
514 N. Prospect Ave.
Redondo Beach, CA
Lower Level, Beach Cities Room
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You’re invited to the Center for Health & Fitness Open House!
This annual event is open to members and the community alike! Enjoy classes, workshops, our healthy samples booth, and a chance to win exciting raffle prizes. We look forward to welcoming you—mark your calendar and come celebrate health with us!
Saturday, January 11
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Center for Health & Fitness
514 N. Prospect Ave., 2nd Floor
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
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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.
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Monday, January 13
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Madison Elementary School
2200 MacKay Ln., Redondo Beach
Thursday, January 23
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Alta Vista Elementary School
815 Knob Hill Ave., Redondo Beach
Tuesday, February 4
5:30 - 7 p.m.
Lincoln Elementary School
2223 Plant Ave., Redondo Beach
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Monday, February 10
5:30 - 7 p.m.
Beryl Heights Elementary School
920 Beryl St., Redondo Beach
Monday, March 3
5:30 - 7 p.m.
Jefferson Elementary School
600 Harkness Ln., Redondo Beach
Monday, April 7
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Grand View Elementary School
2617 Bell Ave., Manhattan Beach
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Virtual Families Connected
Parent Chat
The Families Connected Parent Chat is a free monthly support group open to all South Bay parents and caregivers. Provided in partnership between BCHD, South Bay Families Connected and Thelma McMillen Center, the Parent Chat offers its participants a confidential and supportive space to share their parenting challenges and successes. Please note that the Parent Chat is not a therapeutic program, but rather a peer-to-peer support group with educational guidance from a mental health professional.
Second Tuesday of the Month
(January 14)
10 - 11 a.m.
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87374623578
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Virtual Happiness Chats
This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes – anything that supports our happiness!
Second Tuesday of the Month
(January 14)
12:30 – 1 p.m.
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Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Caring for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming and stressful. This support group offers a safe space to address the challenges that come with caring for someone, find support amongst peers who share similar experiences and openly express your feelings around being a caregiver.
MANHATTAN BEACH - Please join us second and fourth Tuesdays (January 14 & 28) at 1:30 p.m. at the Joslyn Community Center, 1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Facilitated by Beach Cities Health District's Care Manager, Charlotte Barnett, MSW. In partnership with the Alzheimer's Association and Manhattan Beach Older Adults Program.
REDONDO BEACH - Please join us on the third Monday of the month (January 20) at 2 p.m. in the cafe at 514 N. Prospect Ave, Redondo Beach, 90277. Facilitated by Beach Cities Health District’s Care Managers Joy Schmidt, LCSW and Rudy Diaz, ASW. In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.
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Join us for our Quarterly Blue Zones Project Social Hour!
Blue Zones Project's quarterly Social Hour is an opportunity to experience good company and practice some of Blue Zones Project’s Power 9 Principles of Longevity, including Down Shift and Positive Pack at a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant.
This month, we celebrate our newest Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant in Redondo Beach, Mychal’s Cafe! There will be an array of healthy and delicious dishes to choose from and plenty of opportunities to connect.
We hope you and your loved ones are able to join us for a great evening!
Wednesday, January 22
4 - 6 p.m.
Mychal’s Cafe
2302 Artesia Blvd,
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jackie Uy (Jackie.Uy@bchd.org).
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