How to ditch stress during the holidays, donate to allcove Beach Cities this season, BCHD updates, FAQs and more!

December 12, 2024

Become a champion for youth mental health in our community!

Beach Cities Health District (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.

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.

Give Today!

How to Ditch Stress During the Holiday Season

Eat. Sleep. Participate in some type of holiday festivity. Repeat.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to gather with friends, family and loved ones. However, it’s also common to feel stressed and overwhelmed about the hustle and bustle that this season brings.

There are many reasons why stress may rise during this time — the seasonal demands of planning, entertaining, preparing meals, shopping and even cleaning — the list goes on and on!

RB City Council OKs floor area ratio (FAR) addendum for General Plan update

Last week, the Redondo Beach City Council voted 3-2 to approve an addendum to the Environmental Impact Report for its General Plan update, allowing a 1.25 FAR for BCHD’s property on N. Prospect Avenue. This decision, supported by the City’s staff report, indicates no new or significant environmental impacts. With this adoption, the City has the option to approve a 1.25 FAR cap for BCHD and other City properties in their Land Use Element in 2025. The FAR is critical for BCHD as the campus helps fund your community health programs and services.

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.

Join us at Adventureplex this Winter!

Looking for an adventure-filled way to keep the kids entertained this holiday season? Registration is now open for our Winter Day Camps, Parent’s Night Out and birthday celebrations! Give them a holiday to remember, and enjoy some free time for holiday shopping, cooking, or whatever you choose!

Learn More

Free COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines Now Available in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County residents have access to free COVID-19 vaccines designed to target strains currently circulating and causing most infections. The updated vaccine is strongly recommended this fall for residents ages 6 months and older.

Any resident who is seeking vaccination with an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and flu vaccine will be able to do so regardless of insurance or immigration status. Residents with insurance can obtain updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines through their healthcare provider or through many participating retail pharmacies.

Free vaccines are available to uninsured and underinsured adults at many healthcare centers through the California COVID-19 Bridge Access Program. While supplies last, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will also provide updated free COVID-19 and flu vaccines through its Public Health clinics, multi-service vaccination sites and mobile teams.

Resources during the Holiday Closure

BCHD’s Administrative offices will be closed December 25 – January 1. While BCHD’s administrative offices are closed, callers looking for health-related resources and information for adults and families in the South Bay can call

(310) 374-3426 to leave non-urgent messages on our Assistance, Information & Referral line. Voice messages will be checked during the closure and calls will be returned within 1-2 business days.

Click for more resources

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).

RSVP Here

Dementia Caregiver Support Groups

Caring for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming and stressful. Our support groups offer 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.

REDONDO BEACH - Please join us on the third Monday of the month (December 16) 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.

MANHATTAN BEACH - please join us Tuesdays (December 17 &

January 14) 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.

Learn More

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 Tuesdays of the Month, Virtual

(December 17 & January 7)

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

Learn More

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.

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

Learn More

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

Learn More

Screenagers: Elementary School Edition - New dates added!

Join us for a free movie screening of “Screenagers: Elementary School Age.” 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 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 is offered by AdventurePlex staff. Find more information on the registration form. More showings will occur during the 2024-25 school year.

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

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

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

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!

Second Tuesday of the Month

(January 14)

12:30 – 1 p.m.

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.

Want to learn more? Join a Meeting: The next committee meeting is Thursday, January 16, 9 – 11 a.m. Click here to join the meeting.

We need your opinion: The survey should take less than five minutes to complete. The last day to complete the survey is May 2, 2025.

Take the Survey

Hybrid Board of Directors Meeting

Residents are encouraged to attend BCHD Board Meetings either via Zoom or at 514 N. Prospect Avenue on the fourth Wednesday of the month (except Aug. and Dec.). Details about the meeting and agenda can be found online. Residents are encouraged to attend board meetings and may also contact board members directly with questions or comments.

Wednesday, January 22

6:30 p.m.

Beach Cities Health District

514 N. Prospect Ave.

Redondo Beach, CA

Lower Level, Beach Cities Room

Learn More