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Equity Starts with Everyone
Written by Sue Murray, Volunteer Spotlight Writer
Matthew (Matt) Tsao, a senior member of the boys’ volleyball team at Bishop Montgomery High School, dreams of an equitable society, where all people live through the transformative power of nutrition and health.
This dream led him to create a non-profit organization, ALIGN, which focuses on health equity projects intended to help the less fortunate. Partnering with related organizations like LA Works, Matt and his ALIGN teammates focus on projects like assembling disaster kits for the unhoused or migrants living near the border.
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Safeguard & Preserve Our Public Spaces
Dear Beach Cities Resident,
In its General Plan update, the City of Redondo Beach is considering a reduction in how much can be built on public property – a change that would not allow full development of Phase 1 of the Healthy Living Campus or any development of Phase II (Community Wellness Pavilion, Aquatic Center, Center for Health & Fitness). If approved, this would significantly limit our ability to modernize our campus and compromise BCHD's ability to provide preventive health services to the community.
In planning jargon, the draft Focused General Plan Update includes a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) – calculated by dividing the gross floor area of a building by the total lot size – at BCHD’s campus at 514 N. Prospect Avenue in Redondo Beach. The change would set a 0.75 FAR on BCHD’s campus while allowing a 1.25 FAR for other public or institutional land use designations. This would be a devastating blow to BCHD's plans for the future.
As this action would directly impact BCHD’s ability to meet the health needs of residents in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, we invite you to actively engage and participate in the public process for the City of Redondo Beach’s draft Focused General Plan Update.
GET INVOLVED
Your voice matters, and we encourage you to get involved:
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Comment on the draft General Plan: https://redondo.konveio.com/focused-general-plan-update#page=35 (The FAR change affecting BCHD can be found in the Land Use Element section, page 2-11 (p. 35 of the full document) under "Public/ Institutional/Open Space.") Click anywhere in the document to add a comment. The City is accepting comments through March 31, 2024.
Building a Healthier Future
To learn more about the Healthy Living Campus, please visit our website at www.bchdcampus.org.
The BCHD Team
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What’s Happening This Month:
Department Spotlight: Community Services
This month, BCHD will highlight some of the great work and programming taking place in its Community Services department. You can learn more about this program by watching Emily Brosius, Director of Community Services, present at the February Board of Directors meeting, or view the presentation slides.
BCHD Care Management Program
BCHD’s Care Management program provides confidential in-home visits from a professional Care Manager, who creates personalized care plans to support independent living at home while staying connected to the community. Care Management is available for older adults (ages 60+) and adults with disabilities (ages 18 - 59) living in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. To learn more, call (310) 374-3426, press option 1 or go to www.bchd.org.
BCHD Assistance, Information & Referral
Need help? Are you or a loved one looking for support from your community or struggling to find the right health resources? Call Beach Cities Health District’s Assistance, Information & Referral Line: at (310) 374-3426, press option 1 or go to www.bchd.org/resources.
Recruiting for Older Adult Program Volunteers
BCHD is currently recruiting for Errand Volunteers (running errands for or with clients) and Conversation Companions (friendly socialization visits or calls) to support our care management clients. BCHD will soon relaunch our Brain Buddies program (working with clients with cognitive impairment and/or dementia). Learn more at www.bchd.org/volunteer.
Upcoming Events:
Social Hour with Care Manager Charlotte Barnett
1st and 3rd Mondays (Virtual)
10 – 11 a.m.
Zoom link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014
2nd Mondays (In person)
2 – 3 p.m.
Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, Sunset Room
1601 N Valley Dr. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Cognitive Health Lecture: The Vital 6 for Better Brain Health
Wednesday, March 20
9 - 10 a.m.
Center for Health & Fitness, Clubhouse
514 N. Prospect Ave. second floor
Redondo Beach, CA, 90277
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.
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Other BCHD News:
Moai Open House Week March 17-22
Fostering deeper social connections can support our health and wellness. During our Moai Open House Week, BCHD invites the community to try out a new activity and meet new people by participating in our Moai social groups that meet regularly for walks, potlucks and conversations.
Pre-registration is required (register here). If you have questions, please contact Jackie Uy (Jackie.Uy@bchd.org). Moai Ambassadors will confirm your attendance and send you event details. For more information about moais, visit bchd.org/moai.
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Event Volunteer Opportunities
Beach Cities Health District needs to be out in the community sharing our programs and resources with our residents. Please click on the button below for more information and to be added to our distribution list for upcoming events.
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A Word From Our Community Partner – South Bay Parkland Conservancy
If you are interested in volunteering directly with the Conservancy, please check out our opportunities here: https://www.southbayparks.org/volunteer-opportunities (Only Wilderness Park and Hermosa Greenbelt are active right now)
Additionally, the Conservancy hosts guided Nature Walks in Wilderness Park every month. The sign-up is here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ba5a829a7facf8-wilderness15#/
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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Join us at the next Hybrid BCHD Board Meeting
All volunteers are welcome to attend Board meetings held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The next Board meeting is Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. Beach Cities Health District, Beach Cities Room - Lower Level, 514 N. Prospect Ave. Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
Get information on upcoming meetings and leave public comments on agendas here: https://www.bchd.org/public-meetings.
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Volunteer Opinion Survey
Thank you to all who participated in the Volunteer Opinion Survey. We value your feedback and will use it to ensure our volunteer programs continue to meet the needs of the BCHD community.
We will highlight the results of the survey in the April edition of the Volunteer Newsletter.
Congratulations to the winners of the opportunity drawing! If you haven’t yet, please pick up your prize at our administrative offices located at 1200 Del Amo St., Redondo Beach, CA.
Isabel Ayson
Rose Doherty
Elyse Gura
Patti Mahoney
Kinsey Runquist
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QPR Suicide Prevention Training
QPR Suicide Prevention Training helps individuals recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade, and Refer someone to help. Increase your skills to engage someone in crisis to discuss their distress, provide hope, and refer to those who can formally assess and intervene. This is a free 2-hour in-person training open to the community.
Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a free Narcan (common brand name of naloxone) kit.
Date: April 8, 2024
Time: 4 - 6 p.m.
Location: 514 N. Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach, Lower Level – Beach Cities Room
Register Here
teen Mental Health First Aid Training
teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) teaches teens in grades 10 -12, or ages 15 -18, how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers. The course teaches how young people can have open conversations with their peers about mental health and substance use challenges, teaches the common signs and symptoms teens should look out for, and how to seek the help of a responsible and trusted adult. It is a 4.5-hour training that takes place over 3 in-person trainings of 90 minutes each. You must complete all 3 sessions to get certified.
Date: Wednesdays, April 10, 17 and 24
Time: 5 - 6:30 p.m..
Location: 1200 Del Amo St., Redondo Beach,
No Cost: Register Here
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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. | |
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allcove Youth Advisory Group (YAG) – High Need
We are looking to select a group of young leaders (16 - 25) who represent the diversity of the Beach Cities and surrounding communities across race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, lived experience, ability and socio-economic status. The Youth Advisory Group ensures that youth voices are at the forefront of the allcove Beach Cities Center experience. As part of the Youth Advisory Group, you will help allcove Beach Cities gain a better understanding of young peoples’ needs and opinions to provide them with relevant and effective services. The expected commitment is for 1 year, 6 hours per month.
allcove Campus Greeter
Volunteers (14+) greet all guests who enter the 514 Prospect Avenue building while also providing general support and customer service duties for the full BCHD campus. Duties include greeting guests and tenants, providing information and referrals to the public, walking visitors to/from medical appointments or allcove Beach Cities 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 shifts required for one year; scheduling available Monday – Saturday.
*Expected commitment for High School students is a semester or over the summer.
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
Are you outgoing and friendly and want to make a difference in your community? Come volunteer at the front desk of our Center for Health and Fitness. Volunteers check in and greet members as they arrive at the gym and provide additional assistance to front desk staff. Must be 18+ and commit to 2 hours a week. Shifts available: Thursday, 8 - 10 a.m. and 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 – High Need
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 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! We know BCHD volunteers will continue doing remarkable things in 2024.
January 2,712.38
February 2,069.07
Total: 4,781.45
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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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March
Cheryl Tarango 19
Fred Manna 18
Donna Lombardi 10
Kathleen Terry 7
Max Kelber 5
Amy Abramson 3
Joanne Sturges 3
Lawrence Moreau 3
Linda Buck 3
Christine Ng 2
Karen Roseman 2
Kim Wong 2
Ana McLachlan 1
Donna Spurrell 1
Linda Buck 1
Marlene Mattis 1
Sheri Ward 1
Teresa Ferguson 1
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*Official years of service in BCHD system. | |
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Dementia Caregiver Support Groups
Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and in search of more support? Join BCHD social workers for an 8-week caregiver support group in Redondo Beach to connect with others, share your experience and receive support.
Men's Caregiver Support Group
(for male caregivers facilitated by Rudy Diaz, MSW)
Wednesdays, 12 - 1:30 p.m., beginning February 7, 2024
1200 Del Amo St., Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
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Join us for a Free Screening of "Screenagers: Under the Influence:
Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) and South Bay Families Connected are partnering with Redondo Beach Unified School District to host a community showing of the documentary, “Screenagers: Under the Influence,” a film that delves into how the tech revolution has reshaped adolescence and its effects on substance use. Watch the trailer here.
Students and families are invited to attend an informative and entertaining film experience that focuses on practical solutions for keeping teens safe in a changing world. The film debunks myths and depicts strategies parents and schools can use to encourage healthy decision-making, support teen mental health, set limits and create healthy home environments. The film also includes many ways young people are using their wisdom and strength to help each other and themselves through this complicated terrain around substance use.
Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a free Narcan (common brand name of naloxone) kit. Naloxone is a life-saving opioid reversal medication when administered immediately after a potential opioid overdose. BCHD’s supply of naloxone is provided by the California Department of Health Care Services’ Naloxone Distribution Project.
Wednesday, March 27
Parras Middle School, Multipurpose Room
200 N. Lucia Ave., Redondo Beach
6 – 7:30 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m.
South Bay students and families are welcome to attend.
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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
(April 3)
4 – 4:30 p.m.
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Keep the Esplanade Beautiful
Beach Clean-Up
In collaboration with Keep the Esplanade Beautiful, we invite you to join us in helping preserve our beautiful South Bay Coast while connecting with your friendly neighborhood community.
Saturday, April 6
9 - 11 a.m.
Sacks on the Beach in Riviera Village
1611 S. Catalina Ave. #120
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
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Virtual Families Connected
Parent Chat
Second Tuesday of the Month
(April 9)
10 - 11 a.m.
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87374623578
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.
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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
(April 9)
12:30 – 1 p.m.
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What I Wish My Parents Knew: Dangers of Youth Substance Use and Fentanyl
Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) and the Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition is partnering with South Bay Families Connected and Hermosa Beach City School District to host an in-person event that will include a film screening of “Dead on Arrival,” a fentanyl documentary by Dominic Tierno and Christine Wood, followed by a panel discussion. This event is intended for parents and caregivers to hear from local young people who have lived experience with substance use. Panelists:
- Sebastian Martin, Executive Director of Operations at New Life House
- Brooke Juhasz, Program Director at Clarity Sober Living
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Thursday, April 11
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Manhattan Beach Middle School
Multipurpose Room
1501 N. Redondo Ave.,
Manhattan Beach
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Tuesday, April 16
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Adams Middle School
Multipurpose Room
2600 Ripley Ave.,
Redondo Beach
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Naloxone (the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication) will be available for participants. BCHD’s supply of naloxone is provided by the California Health Care Services’ Naloxone Distribution Project. | |
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Hermosa Beach Senior Coffee Hour
Join us at the Hermosa Five-0 Senior Activity Center for a cup of coffee and to learn more about the services Beach Cities Health District provides to older adult residents. This event is open to the public. Stop by anytime and join the discussion!
Thursday, April 18
9 - 10 a.m.
Hermosa Five-0
710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach
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Plant and Potluck
Wilderness Park Workdays prepare Wilderness Park for the planting season this fall! Join South Bay Parkland Conservancy and BCHD in maintaining, watering and weeding at the park. Gloves and tools are provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own.
Tuesday, April 30
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hopkins Wilderness Park
1102 Camino Real
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
We recommend you bring:
· Closed-toe shoes (boots preferred)
· Clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or wet
· Water and snacks
· Sunscreen
Afterward, we will host a vegetarian potluck where you can chat and share your favorite healthy recipes with other volunteers. We recommend bringing a dish that does not need to be refrigerated and comes in a reusable container to reduce waste. Reusable serving utensils will be provided for attendees in addition to compostable utensils and plates. Space is limited.
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