June 1, 2023

The original version of this newsletter listed an incorrect address for BCHD's upcoming Board meeting. The location has been corrected below. We apologize for the multiple emails.

$6.3 Million Grant will help establish a permanent home for allcove Beach Cities Youth Center

Beach Cities Health District has been awarded a $6.3 million grant from the California Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP). The BHCIP program supports behavioral health infrastructure projects in the state and this grant will help fund new construction of a permanent home for allcove Beach Cities, the youth wellness center in Redondo Beach serving young people ages 12-25.

This grant brings the total amount of state and federal monies raised for allcove Beach Cities to $9.3 million to date.

A note from our CEO, Tom Bakaly

Here at Beach Cities Health District, it has been a busy Spring! 

May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and for 2023, we have been bringing attention to mental health and mental illness with the help of a $149,943 “Take Action for Mental Health Los Angeles County Mental Health Awareness Month Community Grant” from the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA).  

This grant has provided funding for our “Mental Health is Health” campaign (maybe you’ve seen people sporting sweatshirts with that logo?) which includes many events and activities, including Mental Health First Aid trainings, events at schools and more... 

Beach Cities officially declare May as

Mental Health Awareness Month

Last month, members of BCHD’s Youth Advisory Council and staff spoke to the Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach City Councils about the pressures young people face, the importance of having the recently opened allcove Beach cities youth drop-in center in Redondo Beach and spoke on the importance of our community-wide “Mental Health is Health" campaign.

Their efforts helped lead the three Beach Cities to issued proclamations declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month! 

We would like to thank the cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach for meeting the needs of the community and helping BCHD reduce the stigma around mental health by encouraging help-seeking behavior. 

Mental Health in the Workplace

To close out Mental Health Awareness Month, Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) hosted a Mental Health in the Workplace workshop led by Dr. Michele Nealon, President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

While discussing mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, depression and burnout, Dr. Nealon provided strategies to support a healthy workforce by reducing work-related stressors, promoting work-life balance, encouraging open communication and collaboration, and addressing discrimination and stigma surrounding mental health. Click below to watch the replay.

Thanks to our Partners in Health

We would like to send a special thanks to our Partners in Health for their support of the Mental Health is Health Campaign.



Virtual 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

(June 6 & 20)

10 – 11 a.m.

Zoom link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014 

2nd Mondays, In person 

(June 12)

2 – 3 p.m. 



Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, Sunset Room 

1601 N. Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

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

(June 7)

4 – 4:30 p.m.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid is a certification 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. It is an 8-hour training that requires two hours of pre-work and six hours of in-person instruction.

At this training, you'll learn how to assess risk factors, provide initial support and connect individuals to professional resources, when needed. The program emphasizes the importance of non-judgmental listening, empathy and validation as key components to providing effective mental health support. Participants are also taught how to identify and challenge common myths and misconceptions about mental health and how to communicate effectively with individuals who may be experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

The training is organized around a five-step action plan, known as ALGEE, which stands for:

1. Assess for risk of suicide or harm

2. Listen nonjudgmentally

3. Give reassurance and information

4. Encourage appropriate professional help

5. Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Upcoming Training

Friday, June 9 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Beach Cities Health District

514 N. Prospect Ave.

Beach Cities Room, Lower Level

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

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

(June 13)

12:30 – 1 p.m.

Adventureplex Summer Camp is now Open!

Help your child play their way to good health by signing them up for AdventurePlex Summer Camp!.

June 19 - August 25

Hybrid Board of Directors Meetings



BCHD holds public board meetings every month. Residents are encouraged to attend board meetings either via Zoom or in person at the Beach Cities Room on the lower level of 514 N. Prospect Avenue in Redondo Beach. You may also contact board members directly with questions or comments, and/or call 310-374-3426, ext. 8213.

Board Study Session and Regular Board Meeting

Wednesday, June 28

5:00 p.m. - Board Study Session

6:30 p.m. - Board Meeting

Summer Free Fitness is Back!

Join Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), in partnership with the cities of Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Mindful Yoga on the Beach

(July 10 – July 31)

Manhattan Beach on the sand

(south of the Pier)

 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

and

Zumba in the Park

(August 7 – August 28)

Julia Field at Alta Vista Park

715 Julia Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277